Qualidade de vida e níveis de atividades física em escolares para a prevenção da obesidade infantil: uma revisão integrativa.

Abstract

Childhood obesity is characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat in children and adolescents. These have a low quality of life index, mainly in general health and psychological well-being. However, educational interventions based on physical activity can improve the quality of life of overweight and obese children and adolescents and influence BMI (Body Mass Index) scores. Therefore, the objective of this review is to analyze the influence of physical activity at school in combating childhood obesity and on the quality of life of overweight and obese children and adolescents. The search was carried out in the following databases: Virtual Health Library (VHL), Pubmed, and Scielo. We included articles published between the years 2014 and 2024. 839 articles were selected and 6 of these met the eligibility criteria. The chosen studies present a total number of 7,255 participants of both sexes, with ages ranging from 4 to 17 years. 4 studies showed improvements in BMI indexes and self-reported quality of life perception. However, 2 studies did not present significant results in both BMI scores and quality of life aspects. Therefore, school-based interventions have an important role in promoting children's health and preventing childhood obesity. However, it is necessary to control the quality, duration, and intensity of physical activity. On the other hand, for better results, it is necessary for the intervention to be multicomponent and longitudinal to promote physical activity habits throughout children's lives.