Behavioral habits of schoolchildren and their relationship with obesity: An integrative review of the literature

Childhood obesity is characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat that is harmful to quality of life, with a weight/height index greater than the median of the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards. Its multifactorial complexity involves socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, genetic and biopsychosocial issues. The increase in consumption of ultra-processed foods, combined with a sedentary lifestyle resulting from the increasing use of screens by children and adolescents, contributes significantly to this scenario. The massive advertising of low-nutrient and high-calorie foods also plays an important role in this reality, fueling what is considered a childhood obesity pandemic. Attention to children's health becomes crucial, as the habits acquired at this stage can directly impact the health of future generations. Health promotion in this context must be carried out collectively, addressing topics such as lifestyle, nutrition and citizenship, aiming to develop skills and confidence in the self-management of young people's lives.