O gênero e a orientação sexual influenciam a dieta da população brasileira: evidências da pesquisa nacional de saúde 2019

Abstract

Healthy and sustainable diets are those that promote health and well-being while minimizing environmental impact. These diets typically involve a balanced intake of nutrient-dense foods while reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods, red meat, and animal products with a high environmental footprint. When it comes to sexual and gender minorities, such as lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, access to these diets may be impacted by factors such as discrimination, food insecurity, and economic inequalities. In this context, research seeks to address a gap in understanding the influence of gender and sexual orientation issues on the dietary patterns of the Brazilian population, specifically exploring their relationships with the consumption of meat, vegetables, ultra-processed foods, and alcohol. This study was conducted using data from the 2019 National Health Survey, employing descriptive and inferential analyses to meet the research objectives. Descriptive analysis was performed using means and their respective 95% confidence intervals, while Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) with Poisson distribution were used to infer the influence of explanatory and control variables on food consumption. The results reveal higher average incomes and education levels among the LGB population compared to their heterosexual counterparts, as well as lower consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods, and higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and alcoholic beverages. These findings may be associated with stressors related to violence and social stigma at different levels, depending on gender and sexual orientation. They highlight the need for an inclusive and equitable approach to achieving healthy and sustainable diets for this population, considering their specific realities and challenges.