Abstract

CONCILIO, M. Celeste. Epidemiological and nutritional transition in a shanty town in Buenos Aires (Villa 20): Approaches and perspectives on the nutritional status of children in the last decade. Diaeta [online]. 2014, vol.32, n.146, pp.20-26. ISSN 1852-7337.

Introduction: Child malnutrition is an issue that resurfaced in the debate during the crisis experienced in Argentina in 2001, but globally highlights the epidemic nature of obesity in children. Objectives: Describe the nutritional transition process in the last 10 years of the child population that assists community or school canteens and identify representations built around the child nutritional status and its changes. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative research that included anthropometric analysis of historical records (2001-2011). It included interviews conducted to coordinators of community kitchens, schools and institutions that provide some food to these children. Surveys were performed with the users of the food service. Results: The low weight shows a constant low prevalence lower than 1% on average throughout the period. There is a favorable recovery of stunting and overweight and obesity increased reaching 45.8%. There is little perception of obesity problem in parents and referents. Care takers have a great difficulty in assuming the role of guide in teaching eating habits in children, which impacts the way of doing and thinking with a detriment of family commensality. Conclusion: Achieve greater visibility of the magnitude and consequences of overweight and obesity is key to work in the health sector. Any action that seeks to change this situation must be preceded by a strong awareness raising of the problem.

Keywords : Obesity; Schoolchildren; Metabolic Syndrome.

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