1434 Obesity and Overweight in a Lowincome School Population of SãO Paulo, Brazil

Objective: To examine in a sample of students from a region of low socioeconomic status, the obesity and overweight. Method: cross-sectional study of 1761 schoolchildren between 6 and 10 years from three schools in Parelheiros. Were assessed by z scores of weight for height, according to World Health Organization The variables studied were: gender, age, grade and school year. We used the chi-square to relate the obesity and overweight with the variables. Results: Of 1761 children studied 7,6% were obese and overwheigt according to z score P/E. The analysis of z score P/E revealed that 60,0% were male and 40,0% female. The mean age was 8.9 years. The risk of overweight was higher among boys: 41,2% for the index P/E. There was no statistically significant difference between the schools, gender and school year and school period. Among obesity and overweight, the school year and school period (P < 0.0001) were observed statistical significance. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are a growing problem in the low income population by its food, customs and lack of information. From the analysis in the region, one can consider that the nutritional assessment of school - the anthropometric technique in particular - is an extremely important tool for understanding the dynamics of child nutrition and development.