Excess weight in preschool children: The role of food intake

Abstract

Objective The study aimed to compare the food intake of overweight/obese and normal weight preschoolers and to verify whether excess weight is associated with low birth weight, catch-up growth, early weaning, and physical activity/inactivity. Methods This case-control study was conducted in family healthcare units of the city of Olinda, Pernambuco, from May to August 2014. Results A total of 253 children were studied, 84 with 'excess weight' and 164 with 'normal weight'. In the 'overweight/ obese' and 'normal weight' groups, 77% and 43% of the children, respectively, had high calorie intake. The 'overweight/obese' group had lower fruit intake, higher maternal education level, higher family income, higher maternal excess weight, and presence of catch-up growth and inactivity. Conclusion The results suggest that food intake has an important role, but that other variables contribute to excess weight in children. Recognition of the problem's many causes should guide the public policies directed at this age group to prevent this nutritional disorder.