Changes in Eating Behavior Among Children with Overweight or Obesity: Results of a Nutritional Intervention

This study aimed to explore perceived changes in the eating behavior of children with overweight and obesity following a nutritional intervention, considering the perspectives of children and their families participating in a specialized health promotion program.

This qualitative study included five children aged 7 to 12 years and four family members enrolled in the ProSaúde Kids Program in southern Brazil. The study comprised three stages: initial semi-structured interviews; nine interactive nutritional workshops conducted from July to November 2024 with active family participation; and final interviews after the intervention. Recordings were transcribed and analyzed in ATLAS.TI^® using the collective subject discourse approach, guided by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory.

The intervention was associated with reported changes in perceptions and eating practices. Families described greater involvement of children in food decisions, perceived reductions in consumption of ultra-processed foods, and reported reorganization of eating routines. Children expressed increased critical awareness of food-related media content and greater appreciation of body diversity. Improvements in the quality of homemade school snacks suggested meaningful family engagement, even in the absence of direct school involvement.

The workshops were described as encouraging reflection and supporting changes in attitudes and practices. Overall, the findings indicate potential positive shifts in eating behavior, greater awareness of food choices, and enhanced family participation in the behavior-change process.