Overweight incident in Brazilian preschoolers during the period of COVID-19 restrictions

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the nutritional status of preschoolers of SESC (Social Service of Commerce) during the period ofCOVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Restrictions such as school closures can have an impact on the availability and quality of food consumed by children. The nutritional status of preschool children is essential for their healthy growth and development. Methodology: Historical cohort based on secondary data from the pre-pandemic period and during the pandemic. The sample was by permission and contour with data from 799 pre-schoolers. The nutritional diagnosis was based on Z height for age and Z BMI for age. Results: In the comparison between the pre-pandemic and during the pandemic periods, a worsening of the nutritional status was observed, with a significant increase in overweight and obesity (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings corroborate similar publications in othercountries, which showed the worsening of the nutritional status of children during the pandemic.