Food habits, quality of life and nutritional status of children and ballet teenagers

Ballet demands from the practitioner effort and delicacy in performing the movements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the eating habits, quality of life and nutritional status of ballet children and adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study with all 35 children and adolescents from 3 to 17 years old from a social project (Serra-ES). A questionnaire was used to identify sociodemographic situations, clinical history, eating habits and quality of life. Nutritional status was analyzed by anthropometry (weight, height, waist circumference, triceps, and subscapular skin folds). Participants were individuals who had the informed consent signed by the responsible and the project was sent to the ethics committee of the Catholic University Center of Vitoria (CAAE No.: 95651318.3.0000.5068). Data were described in absolute and relative frequency. The results showed that the children, regarding the P / I and E / I index 95.8% (n = 23) were adequate for their age. Adolescents 72.7% (n = 8) had normal weight (BMI / I), whereas in relation to E / I 100% (n = 11) were age appropriate. It was found an adequate consumption of the groups: legumes, milk, and its derivatives, while the other food groups were inadequate and high consumption of goodies. In quality of life 97% (n = 31) had good quality of life. The dancers were eutrophic however it is necessary an improvement in eating habits that can impact the performance of this sport. Quality of life was classified as good and this may be related to the practice of this physical activity.