Analysis of the body mass index of northeastern quilombola populations from 2019 to 2023

Abstract

The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive study of the ecological type, aiming to analyze the dietary pattern of quilombola populations in the northeastern region based on the analysis of the Body Mass Index (BMI) of this community. The research was conducted using the databases BVS and the descriptors used were: "Quilombolas" and "Diet". Articles from the last five years were selected. Results: The study demonstrated the relationship between high BMI values of northeastern matriarchs and food insecurity of the entire family. It was also observed that most quilombola women were overweight, while men were eutrophic. Furthermore, the lack of information about a balanced diet was also a contributing factor to the risk of overweight and obesity. Conclusion: A possible predominant factor for the reality of food insecurity is the social vulnerability present in the northeastern quilombola population. Thus, it is important to invest in public policies for Food and Nutritional Security that allow, in addition to greater knowledge about adequate nutrition, the increased availability of healthy foods for the most vulnerable, such as the quilombola population of northeastern Brazil.