Avaliação do perfil nutricional de adolescentes com risco para transtornos alimentares
Evaluation of the nutritional profile of adolescents with risk for eating disorders
Keywords:
adolescent, eating disorders, nutrition status.Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the risk of anorexia and bulimia in a group of adolescents, characterizing the nutritional profile of
those at risk for these disorders. Methods: The sample consisted of fifty adolescent boys and girls between 13 and 18 years
old. The cross-sectional study was conducted through questionnaires (Eating Attitudes Test - EAT26 and the Bulimic Investi
gatory Test of Edinburgh - BITE) in order to characterize eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia), checking anthropometric
measurements and 24-hour dietary recall. Results: 20% of these teenagers presented evidence of eating disorders, with a
BMI higher than recommended for their age. In terms of their ingestion of calories, proteins and micronutrients, the group
at risk for bulimia was more prominent due to low intake of these nutrients. It was noted that all the teenagers had low
calcium consumption, which is a nutrient rated as important for their growth and development. Conclusion: Regardless
of the presence or absence of risk for eating disorders, educational activities must be introduced in order to prevent the ap
pearance of this type of eating disorder, while also enhancing the quality of life among adolescents
