[Trends in the nutritional status of the Spanish population: results from the Catalan nutrition monitoring system (1992-2003)].
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in the nutricional habits and nutricional status of the Catalan population over 10 years interval of the two Catalan Nutricional Surveys conducted in 1992-93 and 2002-03.


METHODS
2641 individuals in 1992-93 and 2060 individuals in 2002-03 aged 10 to 75 years participated in the surveys. Two 24 hour recall, a food frequency questionnaire, and a general questionnaire with information on physical activity, knowledge and opinions on nutrition and supplements use were administered. Weight (Kg), height (cm) and waist circumference (WC) (cm) were measured. A subsample of the population underwent a biochemical evaluation. Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, tryglicerides and beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol and retinol were measured.


RESULTS
A decrease in the consumption of fruit, vegetables, potatoes, meat and fish and an increase in the consumption of dairy products and fast food (in young individuals) were reported. An increase in the mean value of Body Mass Index (BMI) was observed among males, and an increase in WC mean value was observed in males and females. BMI value decreased in females (except among the younger ones). The prevalence of obesity increased among males (from 9.9% to 16.6%), but not in females. Both total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol decreased. A decrease was observed in the percentage of population with sedentary habits during leisure time.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for an effective nutrition policy promoting healthy nutrition in accordance with the ongoing dietary guidelines.
Serra Majem
Luis
L
Centro de Investigación en Nutrición Comunitaria, Parc Científic de la Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, España. lserra@dcc.ulpgc.es
Ribas Barba
Lourdes
L
Salvador Castell
Gemma
G
Roman Viñas
Blanca
B
Castell Abat
Conxa
C
Cabezas Peña
Carmen
C
Pastor Ferrer
Mari Cruz
MC
Raidó Quintana
Blanca
B
Ngo de la Cruz
Joy
J
García Alvarez
Alicia
A
Serra Farró
Jaume
J
Salleras Sanmartí
Luis
L
Taradach Antoni
Plasencia
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires