Perfil epidemiológico e padrão alimentar em pacientes com esteatose hepática metabólica em Gurupi-TO

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is among the leading causes of chronic liver disease worldwide and is closely linked to the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Given its high prevalence and the central role of primary care in disease management, this study aimed to describe the clinical-epidemiological profile and dietary patterns according to the degree of food processing among patients treated in Gurupi, TO, Brazil. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 23 individuals diagnosed by ultrasonography. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical variables were collected. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire and categorized according to the NOVA classification. A high prevalence of overweight and obesity (91.3%) was observed, with predominance of women and individuals aged 40–59 years. Metabolic comorbidities were frequent, and daily consumption of ultra-processed foods (87.0%) and sugar-sweetened beverages (95.7%) was notably high. Although part of the sample reported regular intake of minimally processed foods, the combined high consumption of culinary ingredients and ultra-processed products suggests a dietary pattern potentially unfavorable to disease progression. These findings reinforce the need for interdisciplinary strategies in primary care focused on promoting healthy eating, weight management, and continuous monitoring of cardiometabolic risk factors.