The role of health and nutritional education strategies in preventing childhood obesity in Brazil: An integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood obesity is one of the main public health challenges, influenced by the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and changes in the lifestyle of Brazilian children. Recent evidence indicates that food and nutrition education (FNE) actions, combined with the involvement of families, schools, and health services, can contribute to preventing overweight during childhood. Objective: To analyze how health and nutritional education strategies can contribute to the prevention of childhood obesity in children aged 2 to under 10 years in Brazil. Methodology: This is an integrative review, qualitative and descriptive in nature, conducted between 2021 and 2025 in the SciELO, PubMed, and Virtual Health Library databases. Descriptors in Portuguese and English were used, such as “childhood obesity,” “nutrition education,” “health strategies,” and “ultra-processed foods.” Primary articles available in full and investigating interventions or perceptions related to preventive practices in preschool and school-aged children were included. Results and discussion: The studies included in this review showed that intersectoral strategies involving schools, families, and Primary Health Care (PHC) are essential to promote healthy habits and reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity. Educational interventions based on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines demonstrated a positive impact on eating habits, while qualitative studies highlighted the importance of the family environment and household routines. School programs integrating nutrition education, physical activity, and sociocultural values showed greater effectiveness. In Primary Health Care, recognition of the importance of prevention was evident, although structural and institutional support limitations were reported. Conclusion: The prevention of childhood obesity requires continuous, culturally and socially contextualized actions that connect schools, families, and health services. Structured educational programs, combined with strengthened Primary Health Care and family engagement, have greater potential to consolidate healthy habits and reduce the risk of overweight in childhood. The need for long-term studies and integrated interventions that consider emotional, cultural, and environmental factors related to children's eating behaviors is emphasized.