Consumption of ultraprocessed foods by elementary school students associated with insufficient physical activity during the covid-19 pandemic

Objective: This study sought to analyze the consumption of ultra-processed foods and associated factors in elementary school II students. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out. Data collection was performed using Google Forms. The variables analyzed in the study were: food consumption, sociodemographic and anthropometric profile, level of physical activity, sedentary behavior, perception of body image, screen time, sleep patterns and self-perception of health status. Pearson's chi-square test was performed to assess associations between variables. Results: A total of 287 adolescents participated in the study, with a mean age of 12.97 years SD +/- 1.30, of which 60.3% (n=173) were female and 39.7% (n=114) were male. It was identified that most students (63.4%;n=182) excessively consumed ultra-processed foods during the period of social isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A significant association was observed among students who practice physical activity less than 180 minutes per week (p=0.022). Conclusion: It is concluded that the social isolation imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the eating behavior of students, with a high prevalence of consumption of ultra-processed foods being recorded, this condition being associated with physical inactivity.

Life habits of school children during the covid- 19 pandemic: repercussions on body weight

This study sought to identify the repercussions of the pandemic on the body weight of adolescents during social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated life habits. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional and quantitative study, carried out with adolescents enrolled in elementary school II in public schools in the north of Minas Gerais. Data collection was performed in virtual format through Google Forms. Questions were collected about changes in body weight, sociodemographic profile, anthropometric data, self-perception of body image, physical activity, screen time, consumption of ultra-processed foods, sleep quality and self-perception of health status. Pearson's chi-square test was used for analysis. Results: A total of 287 adolescents participated in the study, with a mean age of 12.97 years SD & PLUSMN;1.30, 60.3% (n=173) were female and 39.7% (n=114) were male. When evaluating the impact of the pandemic on the body weight of adolescents through self-report, it was observed that 63.8% (n=183) increased, 27.5% (n=79) maintained, and 08.7% (n=25) decreased body weight during the period of social isolation. Significant associations were observed between age group, nutritional status, body image, practice, and changes in physical activity. Conclusion: It is concluded that the habits and life behaviors adopted by adolescents during social isolation had a negative impact on the adolescents' body weight. The practice of PA is insufficient and dissatisfaction with body image associated with weight gain. In addition, social isolation caused an increase in body weight in eutrophic adolescents.