Abstract
Introduction: Excess weight in children is a complex and multifactorial condition, resulting from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. For the treatment and prevention of obesity in childhood, an effective intervention must involve the main relationships and contexts in which the individual is inserted, such as the family and school environment. In Brazil, the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) is an important tool for the prevention of childhood obesity in the country, since the program aims to provide healthy school meals and food and nutrition education to students of all ages enrolled in public schools. Objective: This study aimed to identify the excess weight prevalence and analyze the food consumption of preschool-age students enrolled in schools registered in the National School Feeding Program in Sertãozinho-SP. Methods: This is a descriptive observational cross-sectional study. After the guardians' authorization by signing the Informed and Voluntary Consent Form (TCLE), preschool children were subjected to measurements of weight (kg), height (m), triceps skinfold (mm), and abdominal circumference (cm). A validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to collect data on food consumption. Results: 153 students were included in the sample, 81 (52.94%) were boys and 72 (47.06%) were girls. In total, 109 (71.24%) children were between 4 and 5 years old. According to the Body Mass Index (BMI) classification for age, 1 (0.65%) child presented the situation of severely thin, 10 (6.54%) students were classified as thin, 89 (58.17%) were eutrophic, 12 (7.84%) at risk of overweight, 22 (14.38%) with overweight, 12 (7.84%) with obesity and 7 (4.58%) with severe obesity. A significant association was found between the variables BMI for age and tricipital skinfold (p<0,0010), and the same association was observed for Abdominal Circumference measurements (p<0,001). Regarding food consumption, it was found that for vegetables, frequency of consumption equal to or less than 1 to 3 times a month was the most mentioned by the majority of the guardians. Among the sugar, sweets, and snacks groups, more than 50% of respondents reported consuming powdered chocolate (63%) and sugar (53%) at a frequency greater than or equal to 2 to 4 times a week. Conclusion: A high prevalence of overweight was found, approximately 35%. Severe thinness and thinness conditions were observed in 7% of children. Furthermore, a low frequency of vegetable consumption and a high intake of ultraprocessed foods were observed.