Temporal Trends in Markers of Nutritional Status and Food Consumption in Riverside Communities in Brazil

This study analyzed the temporal trends in nutritional status markers (2008 to 2023) and food consumption markers (2015 to 2023) in riverside communities in Brazil using data from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN). This is a time series study, based on secondary data available on the SISVAN online platform, concerning the period from 2008 to 2023 for anthropometry and from 2015 to 2023 for food consumption, using the Brazilian riverside population as the analysed community. The Prais-Winsten regression model was used for the analysis, with p-value < 0.05 considered significant. An increase in anthropometry records was registered, as well as reductions in low height for age in children and adolescents, thinness in children aged 5 to 9 years, and being underweight in adults and the elderly. There was an increase in being overweight among adolescents and the elderly, and obesity among adults and the elderly. The consumption of beans, greens and vegetables increased among adults, and with greens and vegetables among the elderly. There was an increase in the consumption of hamburgers and sausages among children aged 5 to 9 years. The evidence from this study demonstrated that SISVAN is an important tool for monitoring the health of the population. Despite the decrease in malnutrition indicators, there was an increase in obesity in some age groups. Factors such as climate change, deforestation, and weak public policies have impacted the traditional dietary practices of riverside dwellers.