PERFIL NUTRICIONAL E AS PRÁTICAS ALIMENTARES DE TRABALHADORES DE UMA COOPERATIVA DE RECICLAGEM DE RESÍDUOS

Nutritional profile and eating practices of workers at a waste recycling cooperative Introduction: The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased exponentially over the last few years in Brazil and worldwide. This fact is closely related to food, constituted by the growing consumption of ultra-processed products. Individuals with worse socioeconomic conditions are restricted to less healthy and varied food patterns, with lower quality, but more accessible in monetary terms. Objective: to evaluate the nutritional profile and eating practices of recyclers. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study, with workers, of both sexes, members of a waste recycling cooperative in the city of Passo Fundo, RS. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were assessed using the Brazilian Association of Research Companies (ABEP) questionnaire, dietary practices were assessed using the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population questionnaire, and nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Results: There was a high prevalence of inadequate nutritional status, especially overweight (n=32; 59.3%) and inappropriate or risky eating practices (n=41; 78.9%). Most respondents belong to the lowest economic classes (n=49; 92.5%) and have low education (n=42; 77.8%). Conclusion: The results found corroborate concerns about the nutritional profile of the Brazilian population, overweight and poor diet. Knowing the nutritional profile and associated factors of recyclers is essential in adopting strategies that promote better quality food, better health conditions and quality of life for vulnerable populations.