Children's food and obesity in the pre-school phase: meanings assigned by parents

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the perception of parents of overweight or obese children, in relation to the quality of their children's food, in the preschool phase. Method: Descriptive and qualitative study, carried out through semi-structured interviews, with parents of overweight or obese children enrolled in a Municipal Center for Early Childhood Education (CEMEI) and registered in the Family Health Strategies (ESF's) in the municipality of Divinópolis -MG. Results: Regarding the characterization of the parents, all were female. The age group alternated between 22 to 45 years. From the data analysis, the categories listed were: Inadequate food; Technology and sedentary lifestyle; The underestimation of overweight; Prevention and treatment of childhood obesity in the FHS. Conclusion: There was a need for better preparation by health professionals in relation to the correct nutrition of children and also an involvement between these professionals, parents and the school.