Obesidade infantil e correlação com atitudes alimentares, imagem corporal, depressão e qualidade de vida

Abstract

This work aims to study the Food Attitudes, Body Image, Depression and Quality of Life of children diagnosed with overweight or obesity who are being treated at a health institution in the city of Manaus. It is understood that these constructs are of great relevance for the healthy functioning of the individual and that changes in these aspects may constitute indicators of physiological and psychological problems with an impact on the well-being, perception of identity and lifestyle of children. The study took place in a single session with a population of 63 children aged 8 to 12 years of both sexes, using the instruments to assess the variables listed: Children's Attitudes Test Brazilian version, Brazilian Silhouettes Scale for Children, Questionnaire of Child Depression, Quality of Life Assessment Scale and a Socioeconomic Questionnaire. The correlation analyzes between variables were performed using non-parametric analytical statistics, using the Spearman test for association between variables and the Mann-Whitney test for comparison between two groups, all considering p<0,05. The main findings were the prevalence of obesity in boys, boys want a broader body image than girls, there was good accuracy of body image by children in relation to their body mass index, children with higher education had lesser indicator of development of eating disorder, children with an eating disorder indicator want thinner silhouettes and are more dissatisfied with their body image, children with depressive symptoms have less satisfactory quality of life and children who perform physical activity have better quality of life. The results will contribute to a better understanding of the studied phenomenon and will assist professionals in the field in the treatment of children with this underlying disease.