Estado nutricional avaliado por medidas antropométricas em pré-escolares atendidos pelo Programa de Saúde da Família de Ribeirão Preto - SP

Abstract

Design of the study: survey cross sectional Objectives: To assess the nutritional status of preschool children using anthropometric measurements. Methods: Anthropometric data for weight, height, skinfolds and circumferences and anthropometric data of the birth and breastfeeding from a representative sample of preschool children aged between 2 and 5 years, of both sexes, belonging to families enrolled in Family Health Program linked to the Health Care Center/University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine were collected. Results: The data obtained showed 11% of children in surveillance for low BMI for age, 16,8% in surveillance for high BMI for age and 9% overweight, and BMI data above appropriate to age more prevalent in boys (p=0,03). All circumference measurements differed between the groups with low, adequate or high BMI for age and were higher in children with high BMI for age (p <0,01). Measures of skinfold thickness and percentage of body fat also had higher values for the group of children considered at high BMI for age, but did not differ between children in groups with low BMI or appropriate for age. The data for the period of birth and breastfeeding the mother's age at birth of the child does not vary between groups, as well as periods of exclusive breastfeeding and total. However, birth length tends to be higher in the overweight (p = 0,22) and birth weight varied significantly (p = 0,04) between groups was lower in the group of children with low BMI age. Conclusions:The study allowed us to observe more children with high BMI for age or overweight than children with low BMI for age, in addition, all anthropometric measures and body fat percentages were higher in children with higher BMI for age. These data agree with the national prevalence of childhood obesity and contribute to the mapping of the nutritional transition underway in the country.

Prevalence of stunting and overweight/obesity among Brazilian children according to different epidemiological scenarios: systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Four articles 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 involving sample sizes ranging from 155 23 to 443 25 children were included. Stunting was evaluated in only two studies and showed prevalence rates of 6.3% 25 and 9.7%.…”