Dietary Patterns and Health Trends Among Students in Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Dietary habits significantly influence students' health status, with overweight and obesity posing serious global challenges linked to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Our cross-sectional study assessed overweight and obesity prevalence among students in Guarda, Portugal, analysing the nutritional and lifestyle habits of 2,083 students aged 6 to 58 years. The sample included 1,762 school children and 321 higher education adults, grouped into age intervals: 6–12, 12–19, 20–39, and 40–58 years. BMI analysis revealed obesity rates of 9.1% in children and 9.7% in adults, with younger children, particularly males, showing higher rates compared to older children. Increased physical activity and reduced sedentary time were correlated with a lower BMI. These findings underscore the critical need for public health interventions in schools to promote healthy diets and active lifestyles, aiming to reduce obesity rates and associated health risks.