Abstract

LAVA, María Del Pilar et al. Perception of users with excess of weight upon the factors that intervene in the implementation of the dietary guidelines suggested in the Nutritional Counseling of the Healthy Stations Program in the City of Buenos Aires. Diaeta [online]. 2018, vol.36, n.164, pp.08-19. ISSN 1852-7337.

Introduction: currently overweight and obesity represent an epidemic worldwide and are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and some types of cancer. Since 2012, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA), the Nutritional Counseling Service (NC) has been offered in public spaces with free and open access. This study explores, from the perspective of frequent users with excess of weight, which are the daily factors that intervene in the implementation of dietary guidelines suggested in the NC. Materials and method: exploratory qualitative study and transversal design. Between June and December 2017, in-depth interviews were conducted with frequent users of the Healthy Stations Program. Results: almost all of the interviewees stated they had incorporated or were in the process of incorporating at least one food guideline since attending the NC. Among the facilitating aspects for the incorporation of these recommendations they pointed out: the periodicity of the visit to the NC, easy access to the NC, the relationship with the nutritionist, the accompaniment of family and friends, physical activity, the tools provided in CN and the use of internet. Among the obstacles they highlighted taste preferences that do not often match the recommendations, the intake of unhealthy foods in spaces of collective commensality, the food environment, lack of time, characteristics of the workday and changes in emotional states. Conclusions: the CN service was perceived by the respondents as a facilitating factor that contributed to incorporating healthier eating habits following the implementation of received guidelines.

Keywords : Perception; Overweight; Nutritional counseling; Dietary guidelines.