Silvia A. Gugelmin

Ecologia humana e antropometria nutricional de adultos Xavánte, Mato Grosso, Brasil

This study compares anthropometric and ecological profiles of two Xavante indigenous communities in Mato Grosso, Central Brazil. The research describes time allocation patterns and involves an anthropometric survey (including body mass, stature, and BMI) in adults over 20 years of age. Data from Etenitepa (also known as Pimentel Barbosa) were collected in 1994. Field work at Sao Jose was conducted in 1998 and 1999. Compared with the Sao Jose group, Xavante in Etenitepa do more subsistence activities like farming, fishing, hunting, and gathering. The Sao Jose Xavante do more paid work and generally engage in less physical activity. Average stature in the two communities is similar, but there are major differences in mean body mass and BMI. The Sao Jose group has average BMI values well over those of the Etenitepa group in practically all age brackets. Obesity prevalence rates were high in both men (24.6%) and women (41.3%) in Sao Jose, while in Etenitepa the rates were only 2.5% and 4.8%, respectively. The authors conclude that the different nutritional profiles in the two communities result from specific patterns of social, political, and economic interactions with Brazilian society.

Crescimento físico e perfil nutricional da população indígena Xavánte de Sangradouro-Volta Grande, Mato Grosso, Brasil

This study describes the physical growth and employs anthropometry to assess the nutritional status of a Xavante indigenous community in central Brazil. Weight, stature, arm circumference, and triceps skinfold were measured in 549 individuals 0 to 90 years of age. Compared to the NCHS reference population, the children presented low height and weight for age, although maintaining body proportionality. Based on WHO criteria, 31.7% of children less than five years presented stunting, while 69.9% of adults presented some degree of overweight. Body composition measures in both genders were situated between the 25th and 50th percentiles of the NCHS reference population until adolescence, when they surpassed the medians. However the mean arm muscle area was consistently above the 50th percentile. The authors call attention to the complexity of the Xavante epidemiological and nutritional profile, arguing that the studys findings have significant implications for the healthcare system serving this population, in addition to highlighting relevant ecological and socioeconomic issues, particularly in relation to food sustainability and nutritional transition.

Atividade física e gestação: saúde da gestante não atleta e crescimento fetal

The benefits of physical activity on the life cycle are recognized but there is no consensus of physical activity when related to pregnancy. This article reviews aspects and effects of the practice of physical activities during pregnancy on non-athletic pregnant women and on the fetus. Medline and Pubmed were referred to in the period of 1992-2002. Among the benefits, the articles highlights: prevention and reduction of backaches, pains on hands and feet and cardiovascular stress, strengthening of pelvic muscles, reduction of premature deliveries and C-sections, more flexibility and tolerance to pain, ponderal gain control and increase of the self-esteem in pregnant women. As for the fetus there was improvement of weight and nutritional conditions. There were no recommendations of nutritional needs for non-athletic pregnant women. There was no consensus related to nutritional needs and the type of physical activities for pregnant women. Physical exercises in the water were considered more adequate. There are various counter-indications for exercises during pregnancy. The conclusion is that regular and moderate physical and controlled activities in the beginning of pregnancy are beneficial to mothers and fetuses.

Uso do Índice de Massa Corporal na avaliação do estado nutricional de adultos indígenas Xavánte, Terra Indígena Sangradouro-Volta Grande, Mato Grosso, Brasil

This study evaluates the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and anthropometric measurements in Xavante adults on the Sangradouro-Volta Grande Indian Reservation, Mato Grosso State, Central Brazil. The objective was to analyze the use of BMI as an indicator of nutritional status in this specific population. Fieldwork was conducted in January-February 1999. Data include body mass, height, arm, hip, and waist circumference, and triceps skinfold of 128 adults over 20 years of age. The results indicate high correlations (r > 0.80) between BMI and body mass and waist and mid upper arm circumference for both sexes. For women, fat arm area and total arm area were also highly correlated with BMI, while for men hip circumference and total arm area showed a high correlation with BMI. The results suggest that high BMI values are related to excess fat among the Xavante. It is important to monitor changes in the nutritional status of indigenous peoples in Brazil, since there is evidence that such populations are undergoing rapid processes of nutritional transition.

Crescimento físico de crianças indígenas xavantes de 5 a 10 anos de idade em Mato Grosso

Objective: To investigate the physical growth of Xavante children aged 5 - 10 years and living at the Sangradouro and sao Marcos reservations, state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in February 1997 in two native Brazilian Indian schools. Our sample included 233 children. The following data were collected: birth date, sex, weight, height, arm-muscle circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness. Data on height and weight were compared to National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) growth charts following the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Results: Our results show that 9% of our population sample had height-for-age Z scores <-2. For boys, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in height-for-age and weight-for-age Z scores were observed between the two communities. Similar differences were not observed for girls. Xavante children are, in average, shorter in height than North-American children. However, for some age groups, the average values of height overlap with those of the Brazilian children investigated by the National Research on Health and Nutrition (PNSN). Conclusions: The physical growth profile of Xavante children presented important differences when compared to that of a number of other South American native Indian populations. Based on the information collected, we argue that North-American curves can be used to evaluate the nutritional status of Xavante children.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the physical growth of Xavante children aged 5-10 years and living at the Sangradouro and são Marcos reservations, state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in February 1997 in two native Brazilian Indian schools. Our sample included 233 children. The following data were collected: birth date, sex, weight, height, arm-muscle circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness. Data on height and weight were compared to National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) growth charts following the recommendation of the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Our results show that 9% of our population sample had height-for-age Z scores <-2. For boys, statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in height-for-age and weight-for-age Z scores were observed between the two communities. Similar differences were not observed for girls. Xavante children are, in average, shorter in height than North-American children. However, for some age groups, the average values of height overlap with those of the Brazilian children investigated by the National Research on Health and Nutrition (PNSN). CONCLUSIONS: The physical growth profile of Xavante children presented important differences when compared to that of a number of other South American native Indian populations. Based on the information collected, we argue that North-American curves can be used to evaluate the nutritional status of Xavante children.

Physical growth of five to ten year old Xavante indian children in Mato Grosso

Objective: To investigate the physical growth of Xavante children aged 5 - 10 years and living at the Sangradouro and sao Marcos reservations, state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in February 1997 in two native Brazilian Indian schools. Our sample included 233 children. The following data were collected: birth date, sex, weight, height, arm-muscle circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness. Data on height and weight were compared to National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) growth charts following the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Results: Our results show that 9% of our population sample had height-for-age Z scores <-2. For boys, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in height-for-age and weight-for-age Z scores were observed between the two communities. Similar differences were not observed for girls. Xavante children are, in average, shorter in height than North-American children. However, for some age groups, the average values of height overlap with those of the Brazilian children investigated by the National Research on Health and Nutrition (PNSN). Conclusions: The physical growth profile of Xavante children presented important differences when compared to that of a number of other South American native Indian populations. Based on the information collected, we argue that North-American curves can be used to evaluate the nutritional status of Xavante children.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the physical growth of Xavante children aged 5-10 years and living at the Sangradouro and são Marcos reservations, state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in February 1997 in two native Brazilian Indian schools. Our sample included 233 children. The following data were collected: birth date, sex, weight, height, arm-muscle circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness. Data on height and weight were compared to National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) growth charts following the recommendation of the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Our results show that 9% of our population sample had height-for-age Z scores <-2. For boys, statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in height-for-age and weight-for-age Z scores were observed between the two communities. Similar differences were not observed for girls. Xavante children are, in average, shorter in height than North-American children. However, for some age groups, the average values of height overlap with those of the Brazilian children investigated by the National Research on Health and Nutrition (PNSN). CONCLUSIONS: The physical growth profile of Xavante children presented important differences when compared to that of a number of other South American native Indian populations. Based on the information collected, we argue that North-American curves can be used to evaluate the nutritional status of Xavante children.

Physical growth of 5 to 10 year-old Xavante children in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Objective: To investigate the physical growth of Xavante children aged 5 - 10 years and living at the Sangradouro and sao Marcos reservations, state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in February 1997 in two native Brazilian Indian schools. Our sample included 233 children. The following data were collected: birth date, sex, weight, height, arm-muscle circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness. Data on height and weight were compared to National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) growth charts following the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Results: Our results show that 9% of our population sample had height-for-age Z scores <-2. For boys, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in height-for-age and weight-for-age Z scores were observed between the two communities. Similar differences were not observed for girls. Xavante children are, in average, shorter in height than North-American children. However, for some age groups, the average values of height overlap with those of the Brazilian children investigated by the National Research on Health and Nutrition (PNSN). Conclusions: The physical growth profile of Xavante children presented important differences when compared to that of a number of other South American native Indian populations. Based on the information collected, we argue that North-American curves can be used to evaluate the nutritional status of Xavante children.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the physical growth of Xavante children aged 5-10 years and living at the Sangradouro and são Marcos reservations, state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in February 1997 in two native Brazilian Indian schools. Our sample included 233 children. The following data were collected: birth date, sex, weight, height, arm-muscle circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness. Data on height and weight were compared to National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) growth charts following the recommendation of the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Our results show that 9% of our population sample had height-for-age Z scores <-2. For boys, statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in height-for-age and weight-for-age Z scores were observed between the two communities. Similar differences were not observed for girls. Xavante children are, in average, shorter in height than North-American children. However, for some age groups, the average values of height overlap with those of the Brazilian children investigated by the National Research on Health and Nutrition (PNSN). CONCLUSIONS: The physical growth profile of Xavante children presented important differences when compared to that of a number of other South American native Indian populations. Based on the information collected, we argue that North-American curves can be used to evaluate the nutritional status of Xavante children.