THE INFLUENCE OF DIETARY HABITS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN OBESE ADOLESCENTS AGED 12 TO 15 YEARS

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze how eating habits contribute to the risk of developing type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) in obese adolescents aged 12 to 15 years. The methodology consisted of an integrative literature review, with a qualitative approach and descriptive and exploratory nature, carried out through a survey of scientific publications in the SciELO, PubMed and LILACS databases, in addition to official documents from the Brazilian Ministry of Health and IBGE, published between 2015 and 2025. The main results show that inadequate eating habits, marked by high consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, the omission of main meals and the low intake of in natura foods, constitute a determining factor for the development of insulin resistance and obesity in this age group, since obese adolescents are up to four times more likely to develop the disease. It is concluded that understanding this relationship is essential to support health prevention and promotion strategies aimed at adolescents, highlighting the role of the nutritionist in this process.