Aspectos antropométricos e alimentares de indivíduos com Síndrome de Down

Abstract

Introduction: Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition that is manifested by the presence of an additional chromosome in pair 21. Individuals with this syndrome 6 exhibit unique genetic diversity and have particularities in body composition and growth patterns that compromise their nutritional status. In this way, nutritional monitoring becomes essential to reduce health problems. Objective: Evaluate anthropometric and dietary aspects of individuals with DS. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out with students from the Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) in the city of Santa Cruz-RN. For data collection, a socioeconomic questionnaire and another with characteristics of food intake and physical activity of the research participants were applied. In addition, weight and height measurements were collected to obtain BMI, as well as waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage (%BF). Results: The evaluated sample consisted of 6 individuals with DS, of both sexes. A significant part of the sample does not practice physical activities and presents episodes of compulsion and/or evidence of food selectivity. Most participants were overweight (n=4, 67%) and with %BF above average (n=5, 83%). Regarding WC, men had an average of 108 cm and women 89.5 cm. Conclusions: The studied population did not practice regular physical activity, as well as showing evidence of compulsion and/or food selectivity. There was also a prevalence of overweight/obesity along with high WC and %BF values among the participants. Therefore, nutritional monitoring becomes essential to promote interventions aimed at preventing and/or treating nutritional disorders, minimizing health-related problems.