Atendimento ambulatorial individualizado versus programa de educação em grupo: qual oferece mais mudança de hábitos alimentares e de atividade física em crianças obesas?

Abstract

Objective: To compare two strategies for childhood obesity management: ambulatory assistance (individual) and educational program (in group).Method: Children and adolescents from 7 to 13 years of age were selected at random. They were divided into two groups: individually assisted or assisted in groups. An educational program about childhood obesity was created, with monthly meetings that consisted of lectures with parents participation and group work. Simultaneously, children and teenagers of the other group received individual ambulatory assistance. The program took place for six months. Body complexion, eating habits and physical activities were assessed before and after interventions.Results: The sample comprised 38 children and adolescents whose mean age was 9.9 years old. The program was more effective in increasing physical activity (p=0.003), specially walking (p = 0.003), as well as in reducing total cholesterol (p = 0.038). Reduction of body mass index, obesity index and caloric intake was similar in both groups. As for food habits, ambulatory assistance increased the intake of fruits (p = 0.033) and vegetables (p = 0.002) and reduced the amount of French fries and crisps (p = 0.041), while children participating in the program reduced the intake of soft drinks (p = 0.022), sandwiches, pizza and fast food (p = 0.006).Conclusions: Both strategies for handling childhood obesity were favorable to changes in food and physical activity habits. Group assistance was as effective as the individual assistance, consolidating as an alternative for the obesity treatment.

Recording daily routines with guidance on healthy lifestyle to improve health parameters in children and their families

“…In agreement with the present study, Mello, Luft and Meyer 26 , who aimed to compare two strategies of managing childhood obesity verified that the group that only visited the ambulatory once a month (height and weight measurement, received information about how to control their diet, and were encouraged to perform physical activity) was less effective in overcoming sedentary behavior compared to the group who underwent an educational program (classes, homework, lessons about healthy habits, planning goals, and free activities). The education and awareness of children, parents, and teachers about healthy lifestyle can be powerful tools for health promotion and disease prevention in childhood.…”

Evaluating the effect of nutritional education on the prevalence of overweight/obesity and on foods eaten at primary schools

“…Um estudo com obesos de 7 a 13 anos desenvolvido no Rio Grande do Sul comparou um programa de educação nutricional com o atendimento ambulatorial para manejo da obesidade e observou que o programa apresentou resultados semelhantes ao ambulatório em relação à redução dos índi-ces de composição corporal e consumo calórico, mostrando a importância desse tipo de intervenção nutricional, principalmente se realizado com o envolvimento e participação ativa dos pais 25 .…”

Evolução de parâmetros antropométricos de mulheres em atendimento ambulatorial em grupo

“…Acredita-se que a educação alimentar e nutricional em grupo pode se apresentar como uma importante estratégia para mudança de hábitos, em virtude da interação entre os participantes motivando a atingir um mesmo objetivo, principalmente quando a intervenção se dá semanalmente ou com maior frequência, evitando o abandono das práticas sugeridas (COSTA et al, 2008;MELLO;LUFT;MEYER, 2004). Dessa forma, uma intervenção nutricional, combinando atividades em grupo e orientação nutricional individualizada, pode se mostrar como importante estratégia para evolução positiva do estado nutricional.…”