Influência do ambiente familiar na prevalência da obesidade infanto-juvenil : uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Childhood obesity has become an increasingly common reality in the daily lives of Brazilian families. Far beyond a clinical condition, it is a complex phenomenon influenced by a range of factors, from genetics to habits developed within the family environment. An integrative literature review was conducted, including articles from the SciELO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Virtual Health Library databases, published in the last five years in Portuguese and English. The descriptors "child", "family", "childhood obesity", and "eating behavior" were used, combined with Boolean operators. The selected studies met thematic and methodological relevance criteria and were organized into thematic charts according to the research objectives. As a bibliographic study, ethical approval was not required, and all principles of scientific integrity were respected. Studies indicate that children with a family history of obesity, those exposed to environments with limited access to healthy foods, or living in disorganized households with fragile emotional bonds, are at greater risk of developing obesity early in life. In addition, dietary choices made within the home, such as the early introduction of ultra-processed foods and the absence of structured meal routines, may contribute to the development of dysregulated eating behaviors. The analysis of selected studies revealed that childhood obesity is a multifactorial phenomenon influenced by biological, behavioral, emotional, and contextual factors, including inadequate eating habits, obesogenic environments, family history of obesity, household disorganization, and lack of emotional bonds. Regarding treatment, family-centered interventions, with active participation of caregivers and respect for the family's sociocultural context, proved more effective in reducing children's BMI and promoting healthy lifestyle habits. It is concluded that strategies for preventing and addressing childhood obesity should prioritize intersectoral and educational actions, focusing on the family as a central agent in health promotion.