Cardiovascular risk factors and food consumption of cadets from the Brazilian Air Force Academy.

This article aims to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and food intake inadequacies in cadets from the Brazilian Air Force Academy and the association with sex and year of graduation. Cross-sectional study with 166 adult cadets from the Air Force Academy, placed in Pirassununga - SP, from June to December 2013. Anthropometric measures, biochemical and clinical parameters, physical activity level, smoking habit and food intake were evaluated. Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used. Overweight prevalence (BMI > 25.0 kg/m2) was 29.7% in men and 16.7% in women. Hypertension was observed in 15.2% of men. Hypercholesterolemia was detected in 50.7% of the cadets; 24.3% presented high levels of low-density lipoprotein and 11.2%, low levels of high-density lipoprotein. There was association between the time spent in the Academy and low levels of high-density lipoprotein. High intake of saturated fat (87.2%) and cholesterol (42.7%) were observed. Inadequate intake of fibers was verified in 92.7% of the sample. There was considerable prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among the cadets, especially hypercholesterolemia and inadequate food intake.