Brazil: Healthy nutrition through play
Changing food behaviour to reduce child obesity and its consequences on health
Malnutrition and obesity are important public health issues in Brazil. A survey conducted in 2009 revealed that one in three Brazilian children aged 5 to 9 years old was identified as being overweight. The situation had worsened over the previous 20 years, in particular in urban areas and in the Southeast region of the country. Being overweight or obese can have a serious impact on health.
A programme based on the recommendations of the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population and the Commission’s Report on Ending Childhood Obesity was developed with the Instituto Givaudan for an elementary school in Jaguaré (São Paulo). Its objectives are to teach healthy nutrition habits to schoolchildren, teachers and parents, with the aim of reducing obesity and related diseases.
The “eat better while having fun” approach uses efficient scientific methods in the change of food behaviour and aims at building good experiences with food, so having a positive and lasting impact on their health and well-being. The programme was initiated by Givaudan Jaguaré employees and will be accompanied by a qualified nutritionist.
“Good food habits early in life can influence the health and nutrition of these children for the rest of their lives.”
Rosani Molina Carvalho, School Principal