Efetividade de abordagens nutricionais e dietéticas no controle da obesidade infantil

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a growing global public health issue characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat, which compromises the physical and psychological health of children. This multifactorial phenomenon is influenced by inadequate eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, genetic factors, and socioeconomic conditions. Various nutritional strategies have been implemented to address this condition, including restrictive diets, balanced diets, and behavioral and educational interventions. In this context, this article reviews the existing literature to evaluate the effectiveness of these different approaches in managing childhood obesity, aiming to compare nutritional interventions in terms of weight reduction, impact on anthropometric measures, and adherence and acceptability of the programs. Restrictive diets show initial effectiveness in weight reduction due to caloric limitation; however, they face sustainability and adherence challenges in the long term. In contrast, balanced diets, which promote a rich and varied diet, prove more viable for maintaining weight and overall health, improving indices such as BMI and waist circumference. Behavioral and educational approaches, focusing on modifying eating habits and promoting physical activity, are important for long-term success, especially when parents and caregivers are involved in the process. The results of this review suggest that multidisciplinary interventions, combining balanced diets with behavioral and educational techniques, are the most effective, promoting weight loss and improving the overall well-being of children.