Food supply and nutritional status of preschool and basic education schoolchildren in the commune of Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Santiago, Chile

Abstract

Introduction: dietary habits acquired during childhood mark a very important milestone in the prevention or development of chronic non-communicable diseases. The food education that preschool and school-age students receive are determining factors in the development of healthy lifestyles. However, the growing supply of unhealthy foods that are available to school students puts this condition at risk and contributes to the development of school overweight and obesity. The objective of the study is to determine if there is an association between the nutritional status of students and the supply of unhealthy foods near schools. 
Method: descriptive cross-sectional study developed during the year 2023. A georeferencing of the sales premises of different types of food was carried out in the surroundings of 4 schools in the commune of Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Santiago, Chile. The educational establishments are part of a private initiative that seeks to promote healthy living and eating habits. The nutritional status of pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade students was evaluated and the association between nutritional status and the availability of unhealthy foods was determined. 
Results: most of the students evaluated maintain a good nutritional status. There is no association between the offer of unhealthy foods and an increase in the rate of overweight and obesity (determined by BMI) in schools. 
Conclusions: despite the availability of unhealthy foods in the educational establishment environment, low rates of overweight and obesity are observed.