NUTRITION IN THE FIRST 1,000 DAYS OF LIFE AS A DETERMINANT FACTOR IN THE PREVENTION OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Abstract

Nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life is a crucial component of child growth and development, potentially influencing metabolic and dietary conditions linked to obesity risk later in life. This study aimed to analyze the influence of nutritional practices during the first 1,000 days on the prevention of childhood obesity and their repercussions in adolescence. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach and a descriptive-exploratory nature, conducted by searching the LILACS, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases and the Virtual Health Library (BVS), covering publications from 2015 to 2025. The results demonstrated that adequate maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, healthy complementary feeding, and reduced early exposure to ultra-processed foods are associated with favorable conditions for children's nutritional health. The roles of metabolic programming and gut microbiota in understanding the mechanisms associated with obesity development were also highlighted. It is concluded that the first 1,000 days represent a significant window of opportunity for preventive nutritional interventions. Nutritional monitoring, combined with food and nutrition education and public health initiatives, can contribute to the formation of healthy habits and the reduction of factors associated with obesity in childhood and adolescence.