Pediatric approach to overweight and obesity of preschool children

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: childhood obesity is a serious public health problem. Prevalence in Argentina in
children under 5 years of age for being overweight is 10% and obesity is 3.6%. It is recommended to
calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) for all children over 2 years of age during the pediatric control.
Acquisition from an early age of healthy eating habits and lifestyles are insufficiently considered aspects
in pediatric training.

OBJECTIVE: know how pediatricians approach overweight and obesity in preschool children.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analytical, observational, cross-sectional study. Population is a specialist
in pediatrics who provides outpatient care for children from 2 to 5 years old and works at the Hospital de
Niños de la Santísima Trinidad and / or at the Reina Fabiola University Clinic in Córdoba. All professionals
answered a questionnaire to participate.
RESULTS: The results were analyzed based on 155 responses. Regarding the calculation of BMI, 51%
calculate it in all children from 2 to 5 years old, inclusive. 76% of those surveyed answered that they cite
body mass index control. 42% said that parents were upset at some point when they raised their children's
problem. 17% reported having completed a course on obesity and overweight.
CONCLUSIONS: More than half of those surveyed reported calculating the BMI in all patients from 2 to
5 years of age. There is an association between having taken a course on overweight and obesity and feeling
capable of addressing the issue. More than half of the participants refer to an appointment for a re-evaluation
of the BMI. The barriers they recognize are that parents or patients are not receptive to advice on healthy
eating and physical activity, socioeconomic factors, and a lack of local / community resources to address
these issues.