OVERWEIGHT IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: CLINICAL VARIABLES, MOTIVATIONAL AND FAMILY PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK

Abstract

This study evaluated the relationships between anthropometric, dietary, motivational, and psychosocial variables among children and adolescents with overweight and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We evaluated 45 participants (6-17 years) in anthropometric terms, nutritional consumption, motivation for treatment, and family psychosocial risk by using statistical analyses (Student�� t-Test or Chi-Square). It was detected that 37.8% of the families had a high psychosocial risk, 82.2% were obese, 33.3% with NAFLD, high motivation (93.3%), but low adherence to treatment (2.4%). Participants with NAFLD presented higher psychosocial risk, significantly greater obesity severity, waist and neck circumference, and Body Mass Index. They reported lower adherence to treatment, high carbohydrate consumption, ultra-processed products, high energy density, and low fiber, with poor nutritional quality. Interventions should consider the motivation for treatment and psychosocial risks, especially in cases with NAFLD.