Evaluation of the Food Consumption of footballers Members of the Nutfut project of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora

Abstract

Introduction: This is a longitudinal intervention study. Objective: to evaluate the nutritional status and nutritional status of adolescents between the ages of 15 and 17, members of the Nutfut project at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, and to carry out food and nutritional education activities. Materials and methods: Two questionnaires of food frequency, one before and another after Food and Nutrition Education interventions, in a three-month interval. Weight and height were also measured for further calculation of muscle mass index. Results: The results showed that the majority of athletes had a BMI of eutrophy (87.9%) and a low prevalence of overweight (12.1%). There is a high consumption of unhealthy foods and a low consumption of healthy foods. Discussion: The prevalence of overweight was lower than other studies with adolescents of the same age group. However, it should be emphasized that the present study was carried out with football practitioners, justifying a lower prevalence of overweight. Adolescents have unhealthy habits, and the diet is usually rich in sugars and sodium, with a small share of fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: It is concluded that the eating habits of the adolescents studied are a high consumption of unhealthy foods, despite the nutritional status of the adolescents, if they find a low incidence of overweight. Although no change in food consumption has been observed, Food and Nutrition Education Activities should be encouraged as they are relevant to new eating habits.