TRANSVERSAL ANALYSIS OF JUNK FOOD DIET FOR A GROUP OF MEDICAL STUDENTS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the nutritional behavior of medical students regarding junk food intake in relation with the metabolic syndrome (MS). Material and Method: 235 medical students completed a food frequency questionnaire; MS risk factors were recorded. Junk food was grouped in 5 categories, according to the predominant nutrient in its composition. Statistical data were processed by SPSS program. Results: 97% of subjects did not fully comply with the WHO recommendations of healthy nutrition. No statistically significant correlations were found between the nutritional intake of nutrients or junk food categories and waist circumference or HDLc, except the glycemic index in women (r=–0.230, p=0.003). A correlation between the intakes of different categories of junk food was found. Conclusions: Most subjects consume in excess nutrients considered risk factors and very few have an optimum intake of nutritional protection factors against MS. The “western diet” pattern prevalent in this population is an argument for educational interventions.