Frequência de adesão aos "10 Passos para uma Alimentação Saudável" em escolares adolescentes Frequency of adherence to the "10 Steps to Healthy Eating" among school-aged adolescents

The scope of this study was to evaluate the frequency of adherence to "10 Steps to Heal- thy Eating" of the Ministry of Health in adoles- cents from high schools in Pelotas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A school-based cross- sectional study was conducted, including 1233 adolescents (13-19 years of age). The frequency of each step was evaluated through a questionnaire on food frequency and other issues included in the "10 Steps." The average number of steps achie- ved was 1.8. It is noteworthy that none of the subjects achieved entirely all the recommended steps. The highest frequency of compliance was found in step 4, referring to the consumption of the rice and beans. Lower frequencies of adhe- rence were found for step 7, related to consumpti- on of soft drinks, processed juices, sweets and sna- cks, and also step 3 on the consumption of fruit/ vegetables/greens. Adherence to the "10 steps to Healthy Eating" by adolescents was very low. Con- sidering the importance of healthy eating in ado- lescence, greater investment in public policies in the area of food and nutrition is strongly recom- mended.