Evolution of the nutritional status of patients at a nutrition school clinic in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are currently the leading cause of death and disability in the world. In view of this, nutritional monitoring and changes in lifestyle habits are essential for its prevention and management.  The objective of this research was to characterize the evolution of the nutritional status of patients treated at a Nutrition School Clinic in Southern Brazil. This is a retrospective analytical study, with data from the medical records of adult patients treated at the Nutrition School Clinic of the University of Passo Fundo/Rio Grande do Sul, between 2014 and 2016. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, behavioral and clinical characteristics were investigated and the outcome of the study was the variation in weight, waist circumference and Body Mass Index (BMI) between the first and last nutritional consultation. Of the 130 patients, 79.1% were female, with a mean age of 40.09±11.86 years. The presence of NCDs was reported by 36.2% of the respondents. There was significant variation in body weight reduction and BMI during the follow-up period (p = 0.011 and 0.012, respectively).  Thus, the results demonstrate the importance of nutritional guidance and the insertion of the nutritionist in the outpatient environment to improve the nutritional status of the population, reducing and preventing the occurrence and consequences of chronic diseases.