Body Image Perception in Schoolchildren: Relationship with Nutritional Status and Food Consumption

Abstract

The objective was compare self-perception of body image (BI) with food consumption and other variables in school-age children. Method: This is a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 77 children aged 6 to 10 years from a municipal school in Francisco Beltrão, Paraná. Variables of food consumption, anthropometric data and BI were analyzed using the children's silhouette scale. Results: It was observed that there was a difference between self-perception of BI and values ​​and classification of body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05). Most schoolchildren have breakfast (80.5%), lunch (100%) and dinner (97.4%), with less adherence to the morning snack (51.9%). In addition, 51.9% eat meals in front of screens, especially those who underestimate their body image (64.3%). However, the perception of BF did not significantly influence meal patterns (p>0.05); most children regularly consume beans (87.5%), fresh fruits (80.6%), and vegetables (81.0%). On the other hand, foods such as hamburgers and sausages (37.7%), sweetened beverages (61.0%), instant noodles, snacks and cookies (28.6%), and sweets (57.6%) were less consumed. The perception of BF did not show a significant relationship with these eating patterns. Conclusion: self-perception of BF is related to nutritional status, but not to food consumption patterns, indicating that eating habits in childhood are more influenced by the family and school environment than by self-image.