Researchers studied 160 adults living in riverside communities in Brazil to understand their eating habits and health. They found that people in these communities are eating too much oil and sugar while not getting enough fiber and important vitamins. Even though many people are overweight, they’re actually missing key nutrients their bodies need. The study shows that as traditional local foods disappear, people are eating more processed foods instead. The researchers say communities need help creating better eating habits that fit their culture and use more local foods.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What people in riverside communities eat and how it affects their weight and overall health
  • Who participated: 160 adults (about 61% women, average age 41) from 120 families living in 12 riverside communities in two Brazilian states
  • Key finding: Nearly 6 out of 10 people were overweight or obese, and almost everyone wasn’t getting enough fiber, vitamins A, C, D, iron, and zinc—even though they were eating too much oil and sugar
  • What it means for you: If you live in a similar community, eating more whole foods and less processed foods could help you feel better and maintain a healthier weight. However, this study only looked at one moment in time, so talk to a healthcare provider about what’s best for your situation

The Research Details

Researchers visited 12 riverside communities in April 2019 and asked 160 adults about everything they ate over the previous day. They also used a food frequency questionnaire to understand eating patterns over time and measured people’s height and weight. This type of study is called a ‘snapshot’ study because it captures information at one specific point in time rather than following people over months or years.

The researchers used special software to compare what people were eating to official nutrition guidelines. They looked at how much oil, sugar, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals people were consuming. They also checked if there were differences between people of different weights.

This approach helps researchers understand real-world eating patterns in specific communities. By measuring actual food intake and body measurements at the same time, they could see connections between what people eat and their weight. This type of study is useful for identifying problems that need fixing, even though it can’t prove that one thing causes another.

The study included a decent-sized group of people (160) from multiple communities, which makes the findings more reliable. The researchers used multiple ways to measure eating habits (24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaires), which strengthens their results. However, because this was a snapshot study, we can’t know if these patterns stay the same over time or what caused them. The study also only looked at one moment in April 2019, so eating patterns may have changed since then.

What the Results Show

The study found that nearly 60% of adults in these communities were overweight or obese. People were eating way too much oil—about 1.7 liters per person each month, which is 30% more than recommended. Sugar consumption was also very high at 2.78 kilograms per person monthly, about 33% above what’s suggested.

At the same time, people weren’t eating enough fiber. The average person got only 10.9 grams of fiber daily, when they should be getting much more. This is a major problem because fiber helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full.

The researchers also found that most people weren’t getting enough important vitamins and minerals. Specifically, people lacked vitamins A, C, and D, plus iron and zinc. These nutrients are essential for strong bones, good eyesight, fighting infections, and many other body functions.

Interestingly, the amount of calories and main nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats) people ate didn’t differ much between those who were overweight and those who weren’t. This suggests the problem isn’t just about eating too much food overall, but about eating the wrong types of food. The study also showed that ultra-processed foods (like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and instant meals) were becoming more common, while traditional local foods were being eaten less often.

This finding fits with what researchers have seen in other developing communities around the world. Many places are experiencing what’s called a ‘double burden’—where people have too much weight but not enough nutrition. This happens when traditional diets based on local foods are replaced by cheap, processed foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients. The pattern of vitamin and mineral deficiencies matches what’s been found in other Brazilian communities.

This study only looked at people at one point in time, so we can’t know if these eating patterns caused the weight problems or if something else did. The study also only included people from 12 specific communities, so the results might not apply to all riverside communities. Additionally, people sometimes forget or misreport what they ate when asked about it, which could affect the accuracy of the food intake data. The study was done in 2019, so eating habits may have changed since then.

The Bottom Line

People in these communities should try to eat more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and fish from local sources. They should use less cooking oil and reduce sugary foods and drinks. Adding more fiber-rich foods like beans, whole grains, and vegetables would help. If possible, working with local health providers to get more vitamins and minerals—either through food or supplements—could help address deficiencies. These changes work best when they respect local food traditions and what’s actually available in the community. Confidence level: Moderate—this is based on one study at one point in time.

This research is most relevant to people living in riverside communities in Brazil and similar areas. Healthcare workers and community leaders in these regions should pay attention because it shows a real health problem. Government and nonprofit organizations working on food security and health should use this information to plan programs. People living in other developing communities with similar food access issues may also find this relevant. However, if you live in an urban area with plenty of food choices, your situation is likely quite different.

Changes in eating habits usually take several weeks to a few months to show real health benefits. You might feel better and have more energy within 2-4 weeks of eating more whole foods. Weight changes typically take 2-3 months to become noticeable. However, improving vitamin and mineral levels can take longer—sometimes 3-6 months or more depending on which nutrients you’re lacking.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily oil and sugar intake in milliliters and grams. Set a goal to reduce oil to under 55 milliliters per day and sugar to under 90 grams per day. Log fiber intake aiming for at least 25 grams daily.
  • Use the app to log meals and get alerts when oil or sugar intake gets too high. Create a shopping list feature that prioritizes local, whole foods available in your community. Set reminders to drink water instead of sugary drinks.
  • Weekly check-ins on oil and sugar consumption trends. Monthly tracking of energy levels and how clothes fit. Quarterly weight and measurement tracking if possible. Track variety of foods eaten to ensure dietary diversity and better micronutrient intake.

This study describes nutrition patterns in specific Brazilian riverside communities and should not be considered medical advice for individuals. The findings are based on a single point-in-time observation and cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships. If you have concerns about your weight, nutrition, or health, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your individual situation. Anyone considering significant dietary changes, especially those with existing health conditions or taking medications, should speak with their doctor or a registered dietitian first.