Obesidade na adolescência: como o ensino de biologia investigativo pode contribuir na conscientização e prevenção.

Abstract

Currently, contemporary eating habits influenced by technological advances in the food industry and agriculture have begun to change eating patterns, characterized by an excess of high-energy-density foods, rich in fat and simple refined sugar, and a decrease in the consumption of complex carbohydrates (an important source of dietary fiber), which may be responsible for the increase in overweight and obesity rates in children and adolescents. The recently released 2024 World Obesity Atlas points to an exponential growth in the incidence of global obesity, which can lead to chronic, cardiovascular (atherosclerosis, hypertension) and metabolic (type II diabetes mellitus) diseases. Schools are a privileged locus for identifying and deconstructing lifestyle habits that hinder the exercise of healthy food and nutrition education (EAN). In this school context, it is expected that teaching Biology can stimulate adolescents' awareness of obesity prevention, so that they can make assertive choices for healthy eating. This work was developed with 1st-year high school students from a state school in Minas Gerais. The methodology used was descriptive qualitative research, developed through participant observation, during the application of a didactic sequence, formed by moments and stages, dialogic, interactive, argumentative classes with an investigative profile regarding nutrients and their functions in the body, fats considered beneficial or harmful to health, obesity, the relationship between the nervous system and eating behavior, the influence of social media, among others. In addition, with the support of a nutrition professional, a discussion group was held with the students about weight gain and its consequences. During the experiences, the students exercised their protagonism, exchanged ideas, developed hypotheses, collected evidence, held discussions and drew conclusions, with autonomy, critical thinking and teamwork. Biology teaching was used to raise awareness of healthy food choices, benefiting the physical, mental and emotional health of adolescents, contributing to an improvement in nutritional education in the school environment, and consequently in the lives of students.