Fatores psicológicos associados à obesidade infantil e a atuação preventiva da enfermagem na atenção básica: uma revisão de escopo

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Recognized as a global public health issue. The childhood obesity affects children’s physical, emotional, and psychological development while overburdening healthcare systems. This study highlights the emotional factors associated with the condition and the role of nursing in prevention and management. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the psychological triggers related to childhood obesity and evaluate nursing’s preventive role, focusing on emotional and nutritional aspects within primary care. METHODOLOGY: This is an scoping review conducted in databases such as Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Google Scholar, Virtual Health Library (BVS), Electronic Health Collection Journal (REAS), Brazilian Journal of Obesity, Nutrition and Slimming (RBONE), and Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). The descriptors <Childhood Obesity,= <Emotional Factors,= <Preventive Nursing,= and <Primary Care= were used. Articles published between 2019 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, available in full and free of charge, were included. Duplicates, incomplete articles, editorials, dissertations, and out-ofscope studies were excluded. RESULTS: Factors such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and dysfunctional family dynamics are associated with childhood obesity. Nursing plays a crucial role in early risk identification and promoting healthy habits through educational strategies and emotional support. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Childhood obesity transcends physical issues, requiring public policies that prioritize emotional health, professional training, and interdisciplinary approaches to positively impact public health and family wellbeing.