THE PHYSICAL INACTIVITY AS A RISK FACTOR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS STUDENTS IN FORTALEZA, CEARÁ, BRAZIL

Abstract

The practice of physical activity, combined with healthy eating habits, is considered effective in preventing chronic non-communicable diseases, especially, overweight and obesity, so much so that the World Health Organization recommends exercising frequently since adolescence, as a way to avoid undesirable nutritional conditions. In this sense, the present research sought to assess the implications of physical inactivity and inappropriate eating practices on the nutritional profile of adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years old, enrolled in a full-time high school in the city of Fortaleza/CE, Brazil. For this purpose, the survey of anthropometric data of this public was carried out, as well as the application of a validated questionnaire, containing questions about their eating patterns and physical activity practices. It was observed, therefore, that most students, regardless of nutritional status, perform physical activity, however, most of those who were overweight and obese were unable to inform the frequency and time devoted to them. It was also found that overweight, obese, and severely obese students performed physical exercises in a daily time lower than recommended by the World Health Organization. As for inappropriate eating practices, these stood out in all groups, but less frequently among the obese. It was concluded that the performance of physical activity with frequency and time is extremely important and should be guided by health authorities, so that, combined with healthy eating habits, undesirable nutritional conditions.