Habit of eating while watching television, consumption of ultra-processed foods, and nutritional status of children aged 5 to 9 years: data from the food and nutrition surveillance system (2024)

Abstract

Introduction: Assessing the dietary and nutritional status of Brazilian children aged 5 to 9 years is essential. Objective: To analyze data from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN, 2024) to identify food consumption, sedentary behavior, and nutritional status. Thus, the guiding question of the study was: How are the markers of food consumption, the habit of eating meals while watching television, and the nutritional status of children aged 5 to 9 years monitored by SISVAN distributed? Materials and methods: This was an observational, descriptive, and ecological study, with analysis of secondary data from SISVAN for 2024, covering children from the five regions of the country. Results: The consumption of ultra-processed foods reached 84% of children, with emphasis on the Midwest (87%) and Southeast (86%). Rio de Janeiro had the highest state index (92%), followed by Amapá (91%), even though it belongs to the North region, which recorded the lowest regional index (79%). The habit of eating while watching television was reported by 60% of children, being more prevalent in the Southeast (66%) and Rio de Janeiro (72%). The prevalence of overweight was 30%, with higher rates in the Southeast (32.4%) and South (31.8%). Conclusion: High consumption of ultra-processed foods and the habit of eating while watching television are risk factors for children's health. However, intersectoral strategies involving families, schools, and public managers are essential to promote healthy eating habits and prevent obesity.