The nutritional surveillance team of the Centro de Saúde Escola Germano Sinval Faria (CSEGSF) collects anthropometric (body mass and stature) as well as socioeconomic and morbidity data of low-income adults (age > 20 years) from seven slums in Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro. This report presents data on 1352 people (1111 women and 241 men) seen between August and December 1989. Nutritional status (NS) was determined according to the value of body mass index (BMI = Kg.(m²)-1): underweight (UW; EMI < 20), normal (20 < BMI < 25), overweight (OW; 25 < BM < 30) and obesity (BMI > 30). The frequency (%) of NS was: UW = 9.5 e 17.5; normal = 37.2 and 46.9; OW = 31.3 e 29.0; obesity = 22.0 e 6.6 for women and men, respectively. These data indicate that among these low-income women at least 50% are OW. The authors speculate that this high frequency of OW may be associated not only with dietary intake (quality and quantity) but also with the number of pregnancies and maybe an adaptation to low energy intake during infancy. As far as the service is concerned, a nomogram to calculate BMI was introduced in the routine to be used by the professionals of the PA1SA (Adult Health Program).
Health Service; Nutritional Surveillance; Obesity; Health of Adults
