Food intake of young people, 15 to 25, in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, according to anthropometric profile and health vulnerability index

Background:  This study aimed to evaluate the food patterns according to risk areas of the city and anthropometric profile. Methods: We used data from the household survey carried by Brazilian National Cancer Institute (2003). BMI (body mass index) and the food intake (FI) of young people (15-24yo), in Belo Horizonte (BH) City, was analyzed. Risk areas were defined according to Health Vulnerability Index (IHV), elaborated by the City Health Department. Sperman correlation of FI with IHV was verified in each group of young people categorized by with and without weight excess (WE). Results: Out of 630 adolescents, 52.7% were men, with mean of 19.7+2.8yo. The prevalence rate of WE was 12.4% (CI95%=9.4-15.4). FI was significantly correlated (p<0.05) with IVH. In areas of higher IHV risk the consumption was lower in: cheese or cream cheese (-0.26), milk (-0.14), sausage (-0.24), canned food (-0.18), meat (-0.16), vegetable (-0.15), fruit or fruit juice (-0.13) and cakes (-0.11). The consumption of beans was positively correlated with the risk (0.29). Amongst the individuals with WE, an increase of the magnitude of correlations with the consumption was verified for cheese or cream cheese (-0.36), milk (-0.28) and meat (-0.28). The consumption of butter, in this group, also presented significant correlation (.0.33), while cakes, vegetables, fruit or fruit juice, food canned was not correlated. In the individuals without WE, the consumption of fruit (-0.17), vegetables (-0.21) presented correlation with the IHV. Conclusions: This study suggests that FI could be directly influenced by individual characteristics in people with WE while in the others without WE, the area of risk could possibly have greater impact.