Cardiovascular health of Brazilian adolescents within the framework of Life's Essential 8: Findings from the ERICA study.

BACKGROUND: The Life's Essential 8 (LE8) is an official cardiovascular health (CVH) assessment tool, however, its use remains limited within the adolescent population. We aim to describe the prevalence of CVH in Brazilian adolescents using the LE8 framework and to analyze its distribution considering sociodemographic factors. METHODS: The sample comprised 36,956 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, who participated in the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents, a nationwide, cross-sectional, school-based study. CVH was assessed by the LE8 score (0-100 points), comprising eight metrics categorized into two domains: health behaviors (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and sleep) and health factors (body mass index, non-HDL cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure). Sociodemographic factors were sex, age, type of school, skin color, and region of residence. The results were expressed as means with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). RESULTS: The overall average score was 75.8 points (95 % CI: 75.3-76.3), classified as moderate CVH. The general score was higher among males (76.8; 95 % CI: 76.6-77.7) and younger adolescents (12-14 years old) (78.5; 95 % CI: 77.7-79.4). The health factors had a higher mean than behavioral factors (87.6, 95 % CI: 87.3-87.9 vs. 64.0, 95 % CI: 63.3-64.7). The best score was blood glucose (94.7; 95 % CI: 94.2-95.2), while the diet score was the lowest (48.5; 95 % CI: 46.3-50.6). CONCLUSION: The CVH of Brazilian adolescents is classified as moderate and varied according to sociodemographic characteristics. Intervention actions should prioritize behavioral factors to improve the LE8 score and consequently prevent cardiovascular events in adulthood.

Association of BMI and WC for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes among Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) may be associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using data from the Brazilian Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) including adolescents aged 12-17 years. The relationship between adiposity and T2DM was investigated using ordinal logistic regression models. To study the association between adiposity categories and the occurrence of insulin resistance, linear regression models were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of T2DM for the same BMI category did not increase with the presence of high WC. Regarding insulin resistance, for the same BMI categories, having a high WC resulted in a higher prevalence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The only groups significantly associated with prediabetes and T2DM were those with obesity by BMI with elevated WC (POR 1.68, 95 % CI 1.45; 1.94) and obesity with normal WC (POR 1.58, 95 % CI 1.01; 2.46). Similar findings were observed concerning insulin resistance, where the increased WC had its greatest effect when associated with obesity by BMI (ß Coefficient 2.20, 95 % CI 1.89; 2.50). CONCLUSION: The combination of BMI and WC is better for assessing adolescents at risk of developing T2DM.

Prevalence of the Double Burden of Malnutrition among Adolescents: Associations with Lifestyle Behaviors and Clusters of Social Determinants.

The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is a condition in which malnutrition coexists with overweight, reflecting a new layer of malnutrition. Our objectives were to assess prevalence; test associations between DBM and 24-hour movement behaviors; and investigate whether DBM is associated with clusters of social determinants. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study included 1152 adolescents (12 to 17 years old) from four Brazilian cities. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was used to estimate overweight, and the adopted cutoff points took into account the curves established for age and sex: Z-score > 1 and ≤2 (overweight) and Z-score > 2 (obesity). The serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was stratified into three levels: vitamin D deficiency ≤ 20 ng/mL; vitamin D insufficiency = 21-29 ng/mL; optimal vitamin D ≥ 30 ng/mL. We used multilevel Poisson regression models to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) and to analyze the association between DBM and covariates. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered. Cluster analyses were performed by applying a combination of hierarchical and non-hierarchical methods. Results: A population prevalence of DBM of 7.3% (95% CI: 5.9-8.9) was revealed. A percentage of 19.2% (95% CI: 17.0-21.6) of adolescents were overweight, and 8.3% (95% CI: 6.8-10.1) were obese. A total of 41.5% (95% CI: 38.7-44.4) had vitamin D deficiency, and 25.8% (95% CI: 23.4-28.4) had vitamin D insufficiency. However, 24-hour movement behaviors were not associated with DBM. Adolescents living in the southern region of the country, from public schools whose mothers have higher education, have a 1.94 [PR = 2.94 (95% CI: 1.20-7.23)] times greater chance of developing DBM. These results highlight the importance of specific factors to improve the nutritional health of adolescents, considering the specific social determinants identified in this study.

Sit less and move more! A cross-sectional study of the associations between physical activity and sedentary behaviors with inhibitory control in Brazilian adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the independent and joint associations between sedentary behaviors (SB) and physical activity (PA) with inhibitory control (IC) in adults. METHODS: A total of 111 participants (median age = 30 years; 60% women), completed the Stroop Color-Words test to assess IC. They also wore accelerometers for seven days to measure SB, light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and daily steps. We previously set cutoff points for SB and PA measurements and tested them to determine their association with IC. All analyses were adjusted for potential confounding factors including age, gender, post-secondary education, income, body mass index, and accelerometer wear time. RESULTS: Low SB, high MVPA, and high daily steps were independently associated with a better IC compared to their respective counterparts. Adults with low levels of SB and light PA demonstrated better IC performance (ß = -227.67, 95%CI = -434.14 to -21.20) compared to those with high SB and low light PA. Conversely, individuals with high SB and high light PA exhibited worse performance (ß = 126.80, 95%CI = 2.11 to 251.50) than those in the high SB and low light PA group. Furthermore, the joint association of low SB with high MVPA (ß = -491.12, 95%CI = -689.23 to -293.01) or low SB with high daily steps (ß = -254.29, 95%CI = -416.41 to -92.16) demonstrated better IC performance compared to those with high SB and low MVPA or low daily steps. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight independent and joint associations between low SB, high MVPA, and high daily steps with enhanced IC in adults.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and cardiometabolic risk factors in Brazilian adolescents: results from ERICA.

INTRODUCTION: The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has increased over the past few decades. However, few studies have investigated the association between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents from developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: This study included students aged 12-17 years who participated in the ERICA. Food consumption was assessed using a 24-h food recall, and the foods were classified based on their degree of processing, utilizing the NOVA classification. Participants' blood samples were collected after an overnight fast and exams were performed (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, fasting glucose, insulin, and HbA1c). Overweight/obesity and blood pressure were also investigated. Associations were evaluated using Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The analysis included a total of 36,952 adolescents. The energy consumption from UPF was 30.7% (95%CI: 29.7-31.6) per day. Adolescents with high UPF consumption, defined as the top tertile (≥38.7% per day), were observed to have higher intake of sodium, saturated and trans-fat, while having lower intake of proteins, fibers, polyunsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals. After adjusting for potential confounders, it was observed that higher UPF consumption was directly associated with high LDL-c (PR = 1.012; 95%CI: 1.005-1.029) and inversely with low HDL-c (PR = 0.972; 95%CI: 0.952-0.993). No associations were found between UPF consumption and other cardiometabolic risk factors. CONCLUSION: Brazilian adolescents have presented a high consumption of UPF, which is associated to poor diet quality and can contribute to elevated LDL-c levels.

Association between dairy products consumption and the prevalences of combined prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Brazilian adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

The association between dairy products consumption in adults and the likelihood of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been described, but more information on the adolescent population is needed. This nationally representative, cross-sectional school-based study aimed to describe the consumption of dairy products and their subtypes and to evaluate their association with prediabetes and T2DM in adolescents. The Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) includes adolescents aged 12-17 years. Dairy products consumption was evaluated by 24-h food recall. Associations with fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin resistance, as measured by homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), were evaluated by multivariate linear regression. Poisson regression was also used to assess the association between dairy products consumption and the combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic, nutritional, behavioural and anthropometrics. The final sample analysed consisted of 35 614 adolescents. Total intake of dairy products was inversely associated with fasting blood glucose levels after adjusting for all covariates (ß = -0·452, 95 % CI -0·899, -0·005). The associations were stronger for overweight and obese adolescents. Findings were similar for full-fat dairy products and yogurt. Higher consumption of low-fat dairy products and cheese were associated with a 46 % (prevalence ratio, PR 1·46, 95 % CI 1·18, 1·80) and 33 % (PR 1·33, 95 % CI 1·14, 1·57) higher combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM, respectively. The total consumption of dairy products and full-fat dairy products was associated with a lower combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM, while the consumption of cheese and low-fat dairy products was associated with higher combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM in Brazilian adolescents.

Association Between Sleep Time and Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Biomarkers Is Mediated by Abdominal Obesity Among Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Movement behaviors and abdominal obesity are associated with higher inflammatory biomarkers. However, the role of waist circumference as a mediating factor is still unknown. Thus, our aims were to (1) test the associations between 24-hour movement behavior variables (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep), abdominal obesity, and pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers; and (2) investigate whether abdominal obesity had a mediating effect between the investigated associations. METHODS: This multicenter cross-sectional study included 3591 adolescents (aged 12-17 y) from 4 Brazilian cities. Waist circumference (in centimeters; at half the distance between the iliac crest and at the lower costal margin), 24-hour movement behaviors (validated questionnaire), high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and adiponectin (serum plasma) were evaluated. We used multiple mediation regression models (95% confidence interval) to determine if waist circumference mediated the association between 24-hour movement behaviors and pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS: The results revealed that screen time and moderate to vigorous physical activity were not associated with pro- or anti-inflammatory biomarkers. However, sleep duration (in hours per day) was negatively associated with pro- (C-reactive protein, ß = -0.08; 95% confidence interval, -0.38 to -0.02) and anti- (adiponectin, ß = -0.31; 95% confidence interval, -2.13 to -0.12) inflammatory biomarkers. Our results also showed that waist circumference mediated the association between sleep duration and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (2.7%), and adiponectin (2.8%). CONCLUSION: Sleep duration was inversely associated with pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers, and these relations were mediated by abdominal obesity. Therefore, adolescents having healthy sleep can have implications for reducing waist circumference and inflammatory indicators.

Association between socioeconomic and nutritional factors and height of Brazilian adolescents: results from the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents.

This study aims to describe the mean height of adolescents from the five regions of Brazil and to evaluate socioeconomic and nutritional factors associated with normal growth. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Brazilian urban and rural areas with students aged 12 to 17 years (n = 71,553). Anthropometry, socioeconomic variables, physical activity, and diet were evaluated. Height-for-age z-scores were calculated and multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the association of exposure variables with height (outcome) by sex and age (12-13, 14-15, and 16-17 years). We observed a lower mean height in adolescents from the North Region and in individuals with low socioeconomic status. At 17 years of age, the closest to the final height in this sample, mean heights for girls and boys were 160.9 ± 0.1cm and 173.7 ± 0.3cm, respectively. In multiple linear regression analysis, physical activity (girls ß = 0.119, 95%CI: 0.035; 0.202; boys ß = 0.092, 95%CI: 0.012; 0.172) and high level of maternal education (girls ß = 0.103, 95%CI: 0.001; 0.204; boys ß = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.245; 0.534) were positively associated with height-for-age z-score in 16- to 17-year-old boys and girls. Other factors positively associated with height-for-age z-score in older students include higher protein consumption (ß = 0.022, 95%CI: 0.010; 0.035) and obesity (ß = 0.217, 95%CI: 0.084; 0.350) for boys, and low weight (ß = 0.205, 95%CI: 0.028, 0.382) for girls. We observed differences in the mean height among adolescents from the five Brazilian regions. Normal growth, especially among older adolescents, was associated with high maternal education, practice of physical activity, protein consumption, and body mass index (BMI) categories.

Prevalence and correlates of meeting physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration guidelines among Brazilian adolescents: findings from ERICA.

The prevalence of meeting movement guidelines is low in developed countries; however, there is a lack of data among medium-income countries, including Brazil. We evaluated the prevalence and correlates of meeting physical activity, screen time, and sleep guidelines in Brazilian adolescents. Employing a cross-sectional design, Brazilian adolescents (aged 12-17 years) were surveyed about their physical activity levels, sleep, and screen time. Data were collected at schools through a self-administered questionnaire using a personal digital assistant for entering the data. Poisson regression models were used to examine the associations between correlates (sex, age, socioeconomic status, region, skin colour, and shift of school) and meeting movement guidelines. A total of 58 535 adolescents were included. Although only 8.7% of the adolescents met all three movement guidelines, the prevalence of those who met physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration guidelines was 46.4%, 42.5%, and 40%, respectively. Moreover, male sex, age 14-15 years, black or brown skin colour, afternoon shift of school, and living in the Northern and Northeastern regions were associated with a higher prevalence of meeting all movement guidelines. The prevalence of adolescents who met all three movement guidelines was low among Brazilian adolescents. Adolescents living in less developed regions showed greater adherence to movement guidelines, suggesting a possible impact of the urbanization process on these behaviours. Novelty: The prevalence of Brazilian adolescents who met all three movement behaviour guidelines was around 9%. Among all adolescents, 40% met only one movement guideline.

Associations between biological and behavioral factors in early life and food consumption in Brazilian adolescents: Results from the ERICA study.

The aim of the present study was to determine associations between biological and behavioral factors in early life and food consumption in Brazilian adolescents. The sample was composed of 36,956 adolescents (12-17 years of age) who participated in the "Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents". Sociodemographic, biological, and behavioral variables were collected using questionnaires self-administered by the adolescents. Early-life factors were assessed using a questionnaire administered to the parents/guardians of the adolescents. Dependent variables related to food consumption (total energy intake and percentages of macronutrient intake [carbohydrates, lipids and proteins]) were measured using the 24-hour recall method and compared to dietary reference intakes. Data analysis was performed with the aid of STATA 14.0, using multiple linear regression analysis with respective ß coefficients. The level of significance was set at 5% (p ≤ 0.05). Adolescents born with low weight had lower energy intake (-94.8 kcal, 95%CI: -177.2; -12.3, p = 0.024) and 1.25% higher carbohydrate intake (95%CI: 0.15; 2.34, p = 0.025) compared to those born with adequate weight. Those who received exclusive breast breastfeeding for three to six months ingested 1.32% more lipids than those who received exclusive breast breastfeeding for less than three months (95%CI: 0.37; 2.26, p = 0.006). In conclusion, low birth weight was associated with lower energy intake and a higher percentage of carbohydrate intake, whereas breastfeeding three to six months was associated with a higher percentage of lipid intake.

Association between dietary inflammatory index and cardiometabolic risk factors among Brazilian adolescents: results from a national cross-sectional study.

Dietary factors play a role in modulating chronic inflammation and in the development of CVD. We aimed to investigate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and cardiometabolic risk factors among adolescents. A total of 31 684 Brazilian adolescents (aged 12-17 years) from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. The energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) score was calculated based on data for twenty-five available nutrients. The anthropometric profile, blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and glycated Hb were measured. Poisson regression models were used to examine the associations between sex-specific quartiles of the E-DII and cardiometabolic risk factors. In the energy-adjusted models, when comparing a high pro-inflammatory diet (quartile 4) with an anti-inflammatory diet (quartile 1), there was a positive association with high HOMA-IR among boys (prevalence ratios (PR)Q4 = 1·37, 95 % CI: 1·04, 1·79); and with high fasting glucose (PRQ4 = 1·96, 95 % CI: 1·02, 3·78), high TAG (PRQ4 = 1·92, 95 % CI: 1·06, 3·46), low HDL-cholesterol (PRQ4 = 1·16, 95 % CI: 1·02, 1·32) and high LDL-cholesterol (PRQ4 = 1·93, 95 % CI: 1·12, 3·33) among girls. Additionally, a moderately pro-inflammatory diet was positively associated with high HOMA-IR (PRQ2 = 1·14, 95 % CI: 1·02, 1·29) among girls and high total cholesterol (PRQ3 = 1·56, 95 % CI: 1·20, 2·01) among boys. In conclusion, this study provides new evidence on the association between inflammatory diets with cardiometabolic risk factors among adolescents.

Association between socioeconomic and nutritional factors and height of Brazilian adolescents: results from the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents / Associação entre fatores socioeconômicos e nutricionais e altura de adolescentes brasileiros: resultados do Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes / Asociación entre los factores socioeconómicos y nutricionales y la estatura de los adolescentes brasileños: resultados del Estudio de Riesgo Cardiovascular en Adolescentes

This study aims to describe the mean height of adolescents from the five regions of Brazil and to evaluate socioeconomic and nutritional factors associated with normal growth. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Brazilian urban and rural areas with students aged 12 to 17 years (n = 71,553). Anthropometry, socioeconomic variables, physical activity, and diet were evaluated. Height-for-age z-scores were calculated and multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the association of exposure variables with height (outcome) by sex and age (12-13, 14-15, and 16-17 years). We observed a lower mean height in adolescents from the North Region and in individuals with low socioeconomic status. At 17 years of age, the closest to the final height in this sample, mean heights for girls and boys were 160.9 ± 0.1cm and 173.7 ± 0.3cm, respectively. In multiple linear regression analysis, physical activity (girls β = 0.119, 95%CI: 0.035; 0.202; boys β = 0.092, 95%CI: 0.012; 0.172) and high level of maternal education (girls β = 0.103, 95%CI: 0.001; 0.204; boys β = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.245; 0.534) were positively associated with height-for-age z-score in 16- to 17-year-old boys and girls. Other factors positively associated with height-for-age z-score in older students include higher protein consumption (β = 0.022, 95%CI: 0.010; 0.035) and obesity (β = 0.217, 95%CI: 0.084; 0.350) for boys, and low weight (β = 0.205, 95%CI: 0.028, 0.382) for girls. We observed differences in the mean height among adolescents from the five Brazilian regions. Normal growth, especially among older adolescents, was associated with high maternal education, practice of physical activity, protein consumption, and body mass index (BMI) categories.

Buscou-se descrever a altura média dos adolescentes das cinco regiões do Brasil e avaliar os fatores socioeconômicos e nutricionais que estejam associados ao seu crescimento normal. Este é um estudo transversal realizado em ambientes urbanos e rurais no Brasil com estudantes de 12 a 17 anos (n = 71.553). Avaliamos antropometria, variáveis socioeconômicas, atividade física e dieta. Calculou-se os escores-z por idade e investigou-se a associação das variáveis de exposição com altura (desfecho) por sexo e idade (12-13, 14-15 e 16-17 anos) através de múltiplos modelos de regressão linear. Observou-se menor altura média em adolescentes da região Norte e em baixos níveis socioeconômicos. Aos 17 anos, o mais próximo da altura final nesta amostra, as alturas médias para meninas e meninos foram de 160,9 ± 0,1cm e 173,7 ± 0,3cm, respectivamente. Na análise de regressão linear múltipla, atividade física (meninas β = 0,119, IC95%: 0,035; 0,202; meninos β = 0,092, IC95%: 0,012; 0,172) e Ensino Médio materno (meninas β = 0,103, IC95%: 0,201; 0,204; meninos β = 0,39, IC95%: 0,245; 0,534) estiveram positivamente associados ao escore-z de altura por idade em meninos e meninas de 16-17 anos. Maior consumo de proteína (β = 0,022, IC95%: 0,010; 0,035) e obesidade (β = 0,217, IC95%: 0,084; 0,350) estiveram positivamente associados ao escore-z de altura para a idade meninos mais velhos, enquanto a variável associada às meninas foi baixo peso (β = 0,205, IC95%: 0,028; 0,382). Observou-se diferenças na altura média de adolescentes das cinco regiões brasileiras. O crescimento normal, especialmente entre adolescentes mais velhos, esteve associado à escolaridade materna, à prática de atividade física, ao consumo de proteínas e às categorias de índice de massa corporal (IMC).

Los objetivos fueron describir la estatura media de los adolescentes de las cinco regiones de Brasil y evaluar los factores socioeconómicos y nutricionales asociados al crecimiento normal. Estudio transversal realizado en entornos urbanos y rurales de Brasil con estudiantes de 12 a 17 años (n = 71.553). Se evaluaron la antropometría, las variables socioeconómicas, la actividad física y la dieta. Se calculó la puntuación Z de la altura para la edad y se utilizaron modelos de regresión lineal múltiple para investigar la asociación de las variables de exposición con la altura (resultado) por sexo y edad (12-13, 14-15 y 16-17 años). Se observó una estatura media más baja en los adolescentes de la región norte y en los de nivel socioeconómico bajo. A los 17 años, la edad más cercana a la estatura final en esta muestra, las estaturas medias de las chicas y los chicos eran de 160,9 ± 0,1cm y 173,7 ± 0,3cm, respectivamente. En el análisis de regresión lineal múltiple, la actividad física (chicas β = 0,119, IC95%: 0,035; 0,202; chicos β = 0,092, IC95%: 0,012; 0,172) y la madre con educación secundaria (chicas β = 0,103, IC95%: 0,001; 0,204; chicos β = 0,39, IC95%: 0,245; 0,534) se asociaron positivamente con la puntuación z de la altura para la edad en chicos y chicas de 16-17 años. En el caso de los chicos, el mayor consumo de proteínas (β = 0,022, IC95%: 0,010; 0,035) y la obesidad (β = 0,217, IC95%: 0,084; 0,350), mientras que, en el caso de las chicas, el bajo peso (β = 0,205, IC95%: 0,028; 0,382) también se asociaron positivamente con la puntuación z de la altura para la edad en los estudiantes mayores. Se observaron diferencias en la estatura media entre los adolescentes de las cinco regiones brasileñas. El crecimiento normal, especialmente entre los adolescentes de mayor edad, se asoció con la alta escolaridad de la madre, la práctica de actividad física, el consumo de proteínas y las categorías de índice de masa corporal (IMC).

Association between diet quality index and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents: Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA).

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the association between diet quality, assessed by the Diet Quality Index for Adolescents adapted for Brazilians (DQIA-BR), and cardiometabolic markers in adolescents. METHODS: The DQIA-BR and cardiometabolic markers were assessed in 36 956 Brazilian adolescents (12-17 y old) enrolled in the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), a national school-based cross-sectional multicenter study in Brazil. For analyses, the sample was stratified by sex and nutritional status. Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate the association between DQIA-BR and cardiometabolic markers (total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, triglycerides, fasting glucose and HOMA-IR). Adjusted models were constructed with two input levels of covariates. The first model was adjusted for sex, age, and socioeconomic status; in the second model, total energy intake, physical activity, and sedentary behavior were included. RESULTS: A higher DQIA-BR score was associated with a better cardiometabolic profile in girls with normal weight; however, no association was observed in those with overweight/obesity. In boys with overweight/obesity, a better quality of diet was associated with lower concentrations of total cholesterol (ß = -0.338, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.611 to -0.066) and LDL-c (ß = -0.227, 95% CI: -0.448 to -0.005), but only LDL-c remained significant in those with normal weight (ß = -0.115, 95% CI: -0.224 to 0.005). CONCLUSION: The effects of diet quality on cardiometabolic risk factors differ according to sex and the presence of overweight/obesity. Overall, DQIA-BR is a suitable tool to evaluate the association between diet quality and cardiometabolic markers in normal-weight adolescents, but not for adolescents, especially girls, with overweight/obesity.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Brazilian adolescents over time: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the burden of excess weight in Brazilian adolescents. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. SETTING: We searched the literature in four databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, SciELO and LILACS). Studies were included if they had cross-sectional or cohort design and enrolled Brazilian adolescents. Studies based on self-reported measures were excluded. Random effect models were used to calculate prevalence estimates and their 95 % CI. PARTICIPANTS: Brazilian adolescents (10 to 19 years old). RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-one studies were included. Trend analyses showed a significant increase in the prevalence of excess weight in the last decades: 8·2 % (95 % CI 7·7, 8·7) until year 2000, 18·9 (95 % CI 14·7, 23·2) from 2000 to 2009, and 25·1 % (95 % CI 23·4, 26·8) in 2010 and after. A similar temporal pattern was observed in the prevalence of overweight and obesity separately. In sensitivity analyses, lower prevalence of excess weight was found in older adolescents and those defined using International Obesity Task Force cut-off points. The Southeast and South regions had the highest prevalence of excess weight, overweight and obesity. No significant difference in prevalence by sex was found, except for studies before the year 2000. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Brazilian adolescents is high and continues to rise. Public policies on an individual level and targeting modifications in the obesogenic environment are necessary.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BODY WEIGHT PERCEPTION AND QUALITY OF DIET IN BRAZILIAN ADOLESCENTS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between body weight perception and quality of diet among Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: The sample was composed of 71,740 adolescents aged from 12 to 17 years-old enrolled in the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes - ERICA), carried out during 2013-2014. Body weight perception was self-reported. Food consumption was assessed by food record and quality of diet index for Brazilian adolescents (DQIA-BR) was calculated, considering the balance, diversity, and diet composition. The quality of diet was compared according to weight perception for the entire sample and after stratification by nutritional status. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between body weight perception and quality of diet. RESULTS: Among the studied adolescents, 14.7 and 30.3% reported to be underweight or overweight in relation to their desired weight, respectively. Those who perceived themselves as overweight had lower quality of diet (DQIA-BR=16.0 vs. 17.4 points; p<0.001). After stratification by BMI, adolescents with normal weight (DQIA-BR=15.3 points) or overweight (DQIA-BR=16.1 points), but who perceived themselves as overweight showed lower quality of diet when compared to their peers. In adjusted analysis, overweight perception (ß= -0.51; 95%CI -0.77; -0.24) was associated to lower quality of diet. However, this association was no longer significant after stratification by BMI status. CONCLUSIONS: Body weight perception can influence the consumption of healthy foods and the quality of diet, especially for those who consider themselves overweight. However, this association is influenced by nutritional status.

Severity of obesity is associated with worse cardiometabolic risk profile in adolescents: Findings from a Brazilian national study (ERICA).

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of obesity and severe obesity among adolescents has increased dramatically in developing countries. However, the distribution of cardiometabolic risk factors through the severity of obesity continuum is relatively unknown among youth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of weight categories with cardiometabolic risk factors among Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: ERICA (The Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents) was a multicenter, school-based, cross-sectional study composed of Brazilian adolescents (12-17 y of age). Severity of obesity was classified according to the International Obesity Task Force reference values for body mass index (BMI) and several cardiometabolic risk factors were measured after clinical and biochemical exams and categorized using standard definitions of abnormal values. RESULTS: Among the 37 892 adolescents enrolled, 8708 had excess weight, being classified with overweight (17.2%), obesity (5.6%), and severe obesity (1.3%). Increasing severity of obesity was associated with a worse cardiometabolic profile in the overall sample. Multivariable models that controlled for age, sex, skin color, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and total energy intake, showed that individuals in higher categories of severity of obesity tended to have higher prevalence ratios of most cardiometabolic risk factors compared with the other weight groups, except for high fasting blood glucose among boys. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive degrees of excess weight are positively associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in youth from a middle-income country, indicating the importance in classifying the severity of weight excess among adolescents and considering this to plan prevention programs against early development of obesity-related diseases.

Prevalence and factors associated with hypovitaminosis D in adolescents from a sunny country: Findings from the ERICA survey.

Vitamin D plays a role in bone and metabolic health in life long, however hypovitaminosis D is common in different settings. The aim of this study was to describe vitamin D status among adolescents from a large sunny country and analyze associated factors. This was a multicenter, cross-sectional, school-based study. A total of 1152 adolescents age 12-17 from four Brazilian cities, Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, Brasília, and Porto Alegre, were included. Anthropometric variables, diet, type of school, race and season of data collection were evaluated. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured and categorized into three levels: ≤ 20 ng/mL, 21-29 ng/mL and ≥ 30 ng/mL. Ordered logistic regression models were used to explore the factors associated with hypovitaminosis D. The prevalence of vitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL, between 21 and 29 ng/mL and above 30 ng/mL was 21 % (95 %CI: 19 %-24 %), 42 % (95 %CI: 39 %-46 %) and 37 % (95 %CI: 33 %-40 %), respectively. In the final adjusted model, hypovitaminosis D was positively associated with gender, center (latitudes), data collected in winter or spring, non-whites, and private school students. A higher proportional odds ratio (POR) for hypovitaminosis D was found among obese boys (POR = 2.2, 95 %CI: 1.1-4.5), but not girls. Adequate dietary intake of vitamin D was a protective factor (POR = 0.4, 95 %CI: 0.2-0.6) against hypovitaminosis D. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of Brazilian adolescents at risk of hypovitaminosis D, independent of region. Due to their potential benefits, lifestyle changes should be stimulated, including healthier food choices and spending more time outdoors (with sun protection).

Self-perceived body image, dissatisfaction with body weight and nutritional status of Brazilian adolescents: a nationwide study / Auto-imagem corporal, insatisfação com o peso corporal e estado nutricional deadolescentes brasileiros: um estudo nacional

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the agreement and risk factors for underestimation and overestimation between nutritional status and self-perceived body image and to assess the prevalence and associated factors for dissatisfaction with body weight among Brazilian adolescents. Methods Students aged 12-17 years participating in the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents ("ERICA"), a multicenter, cross-sectional, school-based country-wide study, were included (n = 71,740). Variables assessed as covariates were sex, age, skin color, socioeconomic status, and common mental disorders (screened by the General Health Questionnaire, GHQ-12). Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the association between covariates and combinations between self-perceived body image and body mass index (agreement, underestimation and overestimation). The associations between dissatisfaction with body weight and exposure variables were investigated using multivariable Poisson regression models. Results Approximately 66% students rightly matched their body mass index with self-perceived weight (kappa coefficient was 0.38 for boys and 0.35 for girls). Agreement was higher among younger students and adolescents from low income households. Male sex, older age, and GHQ-12 score ≥3 were associated with weight overestimation. Prevalence of dissatisfaction with body weight was 45.0% (95% CI: 44.0-46.0), and higher among girls, older adolescents, those with underweight or overweight/obesity, as well as those who were physically inactive and with GHQ-12 ≥3. Conclusions Most of the sample rightly self-perceived their body image according to body mass index. Students with body image misperception and those dissatisfied with their weight were more likely to present a positive screening for common mental disorders.

Resumo Objetivos A finalidade deste estudo foi avaliar a concordância e os fatores de risco para subestimação e superestimação entre o estado nutricional e a autoimagem corporal e para avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados à insatisfação com o peso corporal entre adolescentes brasileiros. Métodos Foram incluídos estudantes entre 12 e 17 anos que participavam do Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes ("ERICA"), um estudo multicêntrico, transversal, nacional e de base escolar (n = 71.740). As variáveis analisadas como covariáveis foram sexo, idade, cor da pele, situação socioeconômica e transtornos mentais comuns (triados pelo Questionário de Saúde Geral, QSG-12). A regressão logística multinomial foi usada para explorar a associação entre as covariáveis e as combinações entre a autoimagem corporal e o índice de massa corporal (concordância, subestimação e superestimação). As associações entre a insatisfação com o peso corporal e as variáveis de exposição foram investigadas com os modelos multivariáveis de regressão de Poisson. Resultados Aproximadamente 66% dos estudantes associaram corretamente seu índice de massa corporal com o peso autopercebido (o coeficiente kappa foi 0,38 para meninos e 0,35 para meninas). A concordância foi maior entre jovens e adolescentes de baixa renda. Sexo masculino, adolescentes mais velhos e um escore QSG 12 ≥ 3 foram associados à superestimação do peso. A prevalência de insatisfação com o peso corporal foi 45,0% (IC de 95%: 44,0-46,0), maior entre meninas, adolescentes mais velhos, aqueles abaixo do peso ou com sobrepeso/obesidade, fisicamente inativos e com QSG-12 ≥ 3. Conclusões A maior parte da amostra associou corretamente sua imagem corporal de acordo com o índice de massa corporal. Estudantes com distorção da autoimagem corporal e aqueles insatisfeitos com seu peso foram mais propensos a apresentar rastreamento positivo para transtornos mentais comuns.

Self-perceived body image, dissatisfaction with body weight and nutritional status of Brazilian adolescents: a nationwide study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the agreement and risk factors for underestimation and overestimation between nutritional status and self-perceived body image and to assess the prevalence and associated factors for dissatisfaction with body weight among Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: Students aged 12-17 years participating in the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents ("ERICA"), a multicenter, cross-sectional, school-based country-wide study, were included (n=71,740). Variables assessed as covariates were sex, age, skin color, socioeconomic status, and common mental disorders (screened by the General Health Questionnaire, GHQ-12). Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the association between covariates and combinations between self-perceived body image and body mass index (agreement, underestimation and overestimation). The associations between dissatisfaction with body weight and exposure variables were investigated using multivariable Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Approximately 66% students rightly matched their body mass index with self-perceived weight (kappa coefficient was 0.38 for boys and 0.35 for girls). Agreement was higher among younger students and adolescents from low income households. Male sex, older age, and GHQ-12 score ≥3 were associated with weight overestimation. Prevalence of dissatisfaction with body weight was 45.0% (95% CI: 44.0-46.0), and higher among girls, older adolescents, those with underweight or overweight/obesity, as well as those who were physically inactive and with GHQ-12 ≥3. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the sample rightly self-perceived their body image according to body mass index. Students with body image misperception and those dissatisfied with their weight were more likely to present a positive screening for common mental disorders.