Healthy eating through the eyes of adolescents: A qualitative analysis of messages from the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the interpretation by adolescents of messages contained in the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population. Methods Qualitative study of adolescents distributed across “conversation circles”. Each group received messages about healthy eating from the Dietary Guidelines and was instructed to develop materials containing their own interpretation thereof, using appealing wording and format. Content analysis was then used to evaluate these materials. Results Presentation of the produced materials revealed a focus on placing the participants at the center of the process and highlighting the dynamic and innovative nature of each strategy. Corpus analysis identified three clusters of meaning: (I) Food classification and selection model: The participants showed comprehension of the different formulations of foods and their impacts on health, but using other terms. A reductionist understanding of the composition of a healthy diet was observed; (II) Environment and eating practices: the environment was characterized as conducive or not to healthy eating, and open-air markets were recognized as spaces for healthy choices. Creating recipes was judged a wise choice to be shared; and (III) Diet-related individual and collective wellness: consequences of unhealthy food intake were linked to physical and emotional well-being. Concerns were raised about the use of natural resources and the impact of pesticides on individuals and the environment. Conclusion To facilitate understanding of the Dietary Guidelines, the wording of its messages must be adapted, and the discussion about healthy eating and proper diet must be broadened to ascribe greater value to the act of cooking in this population.

How Do Consumers Understand Food Processing? A Study on the Brazilian Population

“…In this case, both pasteurized milk, ultra-pasteurized milk (long-life/UHT), and dehydrated milk (powder) are classified in the same group—either as in natura or as minimally processed food [ 7 , 48 ]. The study by Chagas, Botelho, and Toral [ 49 ] showed that participants classified cooked carrot and broccoli-based food as “semi-industrialized” food because they had undergone “minimal processing”. Likewise, these respondents attributed ultra-processed food definitions as industrialized and mega-industrialized food.…”

“…According to the food classification mentioned above, the authors obtained similar results regarding the number of correct answers [ 7 ]. The study of Chagas, Botelho, and Toral [ 49 ] qualitatively evaluate adolescents’ understanding of FGBP messages (n = 141). At the same time, research by Figueiredo [ 9 ] aimed to identify the knowledge of professionals (n = 25) in the health area and whether these professionals applied the FGBP in their work.…”

Efeitos do serious game Nutrigame - seu guia alimentar no conhecimento alimentar de adolescentes: um estudo piloto qualitativo de avaliação formativa

“…Deste modo, o objetivo da classificação NOVA é justamente definir de modo específico os diferentes tipos de processamento de alimentos de acordo com a extensão e propósito [3]. Diversos trabalhos vêm demonstrando que tanto adolescentes como adultos ainda apresentam dificuldade em classificar os alimentos de acordo com o processamento [4][5][6]21]. Atribuise esta dificuldade ao fato que para identificar a qual categoria pertence um alimento é preciso considerar além do seu nome e descrição curta, a sua lista de ingredientes e associá-los aos conceitos da classificação NOVA [24].…”

“…Embora nas respostas anteriores os adolescentes apresentaram certo conhecimento a respeito do saudável e não saudável associado, respectivamente, aos alimentos in natura e ultraprocessados, ainda parecem não ter certeza de que, de fato, alguns alimentos não devem ser consumidos. O estudo de Chagas, et al [6] demonstrou também que adolescentes adotaram uma prática mutuamente excludente entre os alimentos que devem ou não devem ser consumidos.…”

“…As recomendações atuais, baseadas na extensão e propósito do processamento em detrimento do perfil de calorias e nutrientes, adota a regra de ouro: prefira os alimentos in natura e minimamente processados e preparações culinárias a base destes alimentos e evite os alimentos ultraprocessados [2]. No entanto, evidências apontam conhecimento insuficiente dos adolescentes sobre o sistema NOVA [4][5][6]. Adicionalmente, crianças e adolescentes com obesidade apresentam cinco vezes mais chance de continuarem com obesidade na vida adulta quando comparados a crianças e adolescentes eutróficos [7].…”