Nutritional status and physical activity of school-aged children with distinct health habits

Abstract

Obesity and sedentarism impact health and quality of life. School is a crucial environment for promoting healthy habits. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze studies on nutritional status and physical activity of school-aged children and adolescents with different lifestyles. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, and results we presented according to PICO approach. Databases consulted were "ERIC", "Web of Science", "PubMed", "Scopus", and "Scielo". The search resulted in 14 studies. Boys and girls from Adventist (SDA) schools were lighter than those from public schools. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among them was lower in relation to the general population. The quality of the diet was better in SDA students when compared non-Adventists. Students from SDA schools were less involved in harmful habits to health. Differences in lifestyle among SDA and students from other public and private schools seem to favorably affect their nutritional status. There is no difference in the practice of physical activities, but SDA students spent less hours in sedentary activities. In conclusion, results may assist the planning of interventions aiming at the role of schools in the empowerment of children in promoting their personal health.

Keywords: Adolescents; Child; Lifestyle; Nutritional status.