Consumo alimentar e estado nutricional de crianças em uma escola privada de Palmas, Tocantins

Abstract

The identification of the food consumption profile as well as the nutritional status in schoolchildren becomes very important, because it is during this phase of life that healthy eating habits are formed, which contribute to a healthy life until adulthood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the eating habits frequency and the anthropometric profile of children from 5 to 10 years of age, from a private school in Palmas, Tocantins. A total of 184 children, both boys and girls, who underwent an anthropometric evaluation and answered a food consumption form were evaluated. Of the students evaluated, most were eutrophic, 37% presented nutritional risk and 4.3%, severe obesity. Dietary intake was similar between both sexes and for all classes of nutritional status. The results highlighted the need forfood and nutrition education for these children, including family and school settings.