Evaluation of processed and ultra-processed consumption, physical activity practice and nutritional state of children care in a university clinic of Vitória-ES

Abstract

The high consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods associated with physical inactivity is identified as factors harmful to health because it is associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases. Objective: To evaluate the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods, physical activity, and nutritional status of children attended a university clinic. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 45 children aged two to 10 years, in Vitória-ES. Anthropometric and sociodemographic variables were collected. Excess weight was classified according to the BMI for children over five years old (> Z score + 1) and weight by age for children under five years old (> Z score + 2). Food consumption was collected through the food register with foods classified as minimally processed, processed, and ultra-processed. Results: The frequency of overweight was 73.3%, physical inactivity 53.4% ​​, and the presence of chronic diseases in 71.1% of children. The average daily consumption was 1563.69 kcal, 40.8% derived from G1, 26.1% from G2, and 33.1% from G3. G1's foods stood out for the high availability of nutrients such as protein (p=0.001), fiber (p=0.001), iron (p=0.001), zinc (p=0.001) and phosphorus (p=0.003). A significant relationship was observed between physical activity and higher consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods. Conclusion: Emphasis is placed on the importance of actions to encourage the practice of physical activity and knowledge of foods aimed at families and, especially, at children since it is in childhood that eating habits are formed that will have an impact on eating behavior in life adult.