OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Healthy Eating Index among adolescents living in the Butantã district of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional population-based study using a sample of 437 adolescents of both genders, aged between 12 and 19 years. Probabilistic cluster samples were obtained from the study area in two stages (census tracts and homes). Dietary intake was measured by the 24-hour recall method and dietary quality was assessed by means of the Healthy Eating Index, adapted to local realities. RESULTS: Among the adolescents assessed, 4% presented a healthy diet, 68% a diet that needed some improvement and 28% an inadequate diet. The scoring for the Healthy Eating Index components of grains, vegetables, pulses and food variety were high among men. Greater schooling levels for heads of families presented an association with greater consumption of grains, vegetables, milk and dairy products, and greater food variety. There was an inverse relationship for pulses and sodium. CONCLUSION: The majority of the adolescents studied did not follow the recognized dietary recommendations, which may compromise these individuals' future health.
feeding behavior; food consuption; healthy eating index; food intake; adolescents nutrition
