Changes in the nutritional status of adolescents in Bahia between 2019 and 2024: an ecological study

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the records and temporal trends of nutritional indicators among adolescents registered in Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System in Bahia State, from 2019 to 2024. Method: This ecological time-series study utilized public data from adolescents aged 10 to 19 years attended in Primary Health Care. BMI-for-age and height-for-age were assessed according to WHO criteria. Temporal trends were analyzed using Prais-Winsten linear regression and annual percentage change calculations in Stata®. Results: A total of 2,812,897 height-for-age and 2,812,928 BMI-for-age records were analyzed, with a notable predominance of female adolescents (80.44%). A decrease in records was observed in 2020, likely a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in stunting and stability in adequate height, particularly among girls. Conversely, there was a concerning increase in the prevalence of thinness, obesity, and severe obesity. Overall nutritional inadequacy rose from 29.69% to 33.30%, with overweight being the most prevalent condition. Conclusions: This study highlights a dual burden of malnutrition among adolescents in Bahia: while growth deficits have decreased, indicative of improved socioeconomic and health conditions, there has been a worrying rise in both undernutrition (thinness) and overnutrition (obesity and severe obesity). The findings underscore the critical need to strengthen nutritional surveillance, leverage territorial data, and implement equitable and sustainable public policies to promote healthy eating habits, prevent nutritional disorders, and guarantee the human right to adequate food.