Anthropometric indicators in traditional peoples and communities in Brazil: analysis of individual records from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, 2019

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prevalence of underweight and obesity indicators among individuals registered as traditional peoples and communities in the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, across Brazil, in 2019. Methods: This was a descriptive study using individual secondary data from participants receiving care in the Primary Health Care within the Brazilian National Health System. Results: In the study population (N = 13,944), there was a higher prevalence of short stature among male children and adolescents (14.2%), when compared to their female counterparts (11.8%); in the adult female population, there was a higher prevalence of obesity (23.0%), when compared to the male population (11.3%); the prevalence of low height-for-age in riverine communities (18.5%) and obesity in the adult faxinalense population (75.1%) stood out. Conclusion: Anthropometric disparities between different communities require tailored responses, emphasizing targeted primary health care and programs to ensure food and nutrition security.