Obesidade infantil: contribuições do enfermeiro na prevenção da doença

Abstract

This study aims to describe the forms of contribution of nurses in order to mitigate and prevent childhood obesity. This bibliographical research, search for articles in the period from 2004 to 2013, in portuguese, with the descriptors: nursing care; pediatric obesity; overweight; nutritional assessment. 10 articles were selected for analysis. In their different approaches to care, the nurse plays key role in the life of the child,acting in the prevention, detection and treatment of obesity. In assisting the nurse to the child, it is important to undertake surveillance actions of growth and development, nutritional guidance, work with parents, referral to the psychosocial and pedagogical attention, as well as winning the trust and collaboration of the family in order to mitigate and prevent childhood obesity. The knowledge of nursing professionals, aswell as the construction of link between healthcare professionals and families, is important strategie for the construction of the assistance. Studies indicate the influence of the family on the lifestyle of children; health education as nursing care and the role of the nurse in the prevention of childhood obesity. Ongoing research is needed to assess the assistance and monitor the actions developed in attendanceand studies in order to slow down the rates of childhood obesity.