Nutritional risk and dietary patterns in an overweight Angolan population in a context of nutritional transition

Angola is undergoing an accelerated nutrition transition marked by the abandonment of traditional dietary patterns, the loss of cultural food practices, and persistent food insecurity, alongside an increase in diet-related noncommunicable diseases. This study described and compared dietary patterns in an Angolan population across three educational levels and analyzed their implications within the context of the nutrition transition in Sub-Saharan Africa. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,400 participants from Kuito, Bié Province, and Aldeia Nissi, ranging from primary school to university level. Validated questionnaires were administered to assess food-group consumption, dietary diversity, intake of ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, physical activity, and nutritional knowledge. The results revealed a high dependence on maize and other cereal-derived carbohydrates. Fruit and vegetable consumption decreased from 67.5% in primary school to 40.4% in secondary school and 22% at university level. In contrast, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods increased, particularly among university students. A high frequency of gastritis and a decline in physical activity were also observed. These findings demonstrate a progressive deterioration in dietary habits and support the development of nutrition programs and national public health policies in Angola.