PREVENTION OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to analyze how Primary Health Care (PHC) can contribute to the prevention of childhood obesity by promoting educational actions and interventions involving families, schools, and the community. The specific goals include identifying the main risk factors associated with childhood obesity, understanding the role of PHC professionals in the nutritional monitoring of children, investigating intervention strategies already used in health units, and evaluating the effectiveness of educational practices aimed at parents. The justification for this study lies in the need to strengthen preventive actions within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), recognizing PHC as a privileged space for health promotion. The research was conducted through a bibliographic search in online sources, specifically in the databases Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and the Virtual Health Library (VHL), using the following Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): obesity; children; primary health care; public policies. The analysis of the studies allowed for the full achievement of the research objective, highlighting effective strategies and challenges in preventing childhood obesity in children aged zero to five. It became clear that integrated, sensitive, and culturally adapted actions, with strong family involvement and support from trained professionals, are fundamental to promoting healthy habits from early childhood. Despite progress, there are still obstacles such as limited time, resources, and institutional support. Therefore, future research should explore intersectoral approaches and consider regional and socioeconomic specificities.