“Physical activity and dietary habits of the Andean population of the Northwest of Argentine” María Natalia Bassett, Dora Romaguera Bosch, Norma Sammán

MARÍA NATALIA BASSETT; DORA ROMAGUERA BOSCH; NORMA SAMMÁN

Roma

Conferencia; 8th International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods; 2012

FAO

Globalisation and urbanization may also affect food supply and influence dietary patterns and lifestyle behaviours, as in many Latin-American countries. It can be speculated that a rapid decline in energy expenditure related to shifts towards much less physically demanding occupations and sedentary leisure activities might account for part of the increase in the prevalence of obesity. Physical activity, along with a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in fat and sodium, reduces the risk of overweight, obesity and other chronic diseases. Objective: To analyse the energy intake, diets habits and physical activity pattern of a representative sample of the population of the Andean region of the Northwest of Argentine. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional nutritional survey that included one 24h recall, a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric measurements was conducted among a representative sample of 688 adult participants (32% male and 68% female). Pregnant and lactating women were excluded. The dietary energy intake (EI) was estimated by means of the 24h dietary recall method. The adequacy of EI was assessed on the basis of the WHO/FAO/UNU recommendations (1985, 2002). Physical activity was recorded using a 24h activity recall list. Overweight and obesity were assessed according to body mass index (BMI). Dietary habits were described according to the mean nutrient and food intake. Results: The mean adequacy of EI found was low: 64% for men and 75% for women and the mean ± SD total energy intake of men and women was 1789 ±779 and 1543 ± 649 kcal/day respectively. The mean physical activity level (PAL) was low and EI total, which was below the total energy expenditure (TEE). The average ratio between basal metabolic rate (BMR) and IE was less than 1.06, which is not compatible with the long-term maintenance of good health. In this population, the mean BMI indicates a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, with no significant differences between the sexes. Dietary patterns revealed high consumption of farinaceous foods and refined sugars, and low consumption of fiber, pulses and dairy products. Conclusions: Despite the low average EI, the population under study showed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, and a high risk of cardiovascular disease according to the central adiposity values. These findings could be explained by the introduction of new high-energy foods and a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, it is increasingly important for public health programs to focus on healthy eating habits and physical activity that will lead to optimal health.