Nutritional evaluation and life style of educators of a daycare center of the city of São Paulo

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.2011354454458

Abstract

Alimentary education is a decisive component for health promotion, and its effect can be potentiated when carried through
during infancy, because this is the stage when alimentary habits are formed and consolidated. For the results of alimentary education to
be adequate, involved educators need to be aware of their role as facilitators of this process. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional
status and general health of t educators of a day-care center of the city of São Paulo. A descriptive transversal study with educators of
a day-care center of the city of São Paulo was carried through. Data collection was carried through by trainees of nutrition previously
trained. Social-demographic information by means of alimentary habits anamneses in order to evaluate their alimentary habits, as well
as anthropometric data: stature (m), weight (kg) and waist circumference - WC (cm). 31 female non smoking educators had participated
on the research, with an average age of 33 years (± 6.18 dp), most of them (71%) did not consume alcoholic beverages and did not
practice any type of physical activity (83.4%). As regards nutritional status, 51.6% presented overweight or some degree of obesity and
45.2% had risk for metabolic diseases according to WC. The results had indicated that the majority of educators presented overweight/
obesity, something that proves the necessity of implementation of nutritional education initiatives.