Abstract

Childhood obesity is a growing and alarming problem, especially in Brazil, where 18.6% of children under the age of five are at risk of being overweight, with the Southern region standing out. Factors such as inadequate diet, characterized by excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, and sedentary behavior, driven by screen use, have contributed to the rise in this condition. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue, leading to increased physical inactivity and higher calorie consumption, resulting in an increase in childhood obesity rates. Data from the Ministry of Health indicate that 14.96% of children aged 5 to 10 are overweight, and 8.22% are obese. The impact of obesity goes beyond aesthetics, with serious health consequences, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other metabolic issues that can persist into adulthood. Although Brazilian public policies, such as the Health in School Program and regulations for school cafeteria food, are in place, the effectiveness of these measures still faces challenges, mainly due to resistance from the private sector and lack of enforcement. Additionally, socioeconomic factors, such as greater access to processed foods in middle- and upper-class families, worsen the situation. Nutritional education, both at school and at home, is essential to reversing this trend, promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity for future generations.

Keywords

obesity, children, feeding, covid, physical activity, health