ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess whether parental modeling, regarding the practice and/or encouragement of diets, can predict risk behaviors related to eating disorders (EDs) in children and adolescents. Methods: A systematic review of studies published until June 2022, available in indexed databases – such as PubMed, Virtual Health Library, SciELO and Cochrane Library, was carried out. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in Portuguese, Spanish and English were included and assessed for risk of bias according to the NewCastle – Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Results: Fourteen studies were considered in the review. Most of them are cross-sectional (71.4%), coming from the United States and European countries (57.1%), in addition to presenting a low risk of bias (85.7%). Most of the studies found associations between parental encouragement of diets (direct modeling) and risk behaviors in children and adolescents, such as the use of weight control methods, body dissatisfaction and food restriction. Few studies have related the father’s habit of dieting (indirect modeling) with these behaviors. Conclusions: Data support the idea that direct modeling, that is, verbal encouragement to use diets, can be very harmful, especially to individuals who are excessively concerned about weight and food. Future research is needed to assess the impact of parental eating practices and the development of possible actions to prevent weight-related problems.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar se a modelagem paterna, quanto à prática e/ou ao incentivo a dietas, pode predizer comportamentos de risco relacionados a transtornos alimentares (TAs) em crianças e adolescentes. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática dos estudos publicados até junho de 2022, disponíveis nas bases de dados indexadas — como PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, SciELO e Cochrane Library. Estudos transversais e longitudinais em línguas portuguesa, espanhola e inglesa foram incluídos e avaliados quanto ao risco de viés de acordo com a NewCastle – Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale . Resultados: Quatorze estudos foram considerados na revisão. A maioria deles é transversal (71,4%), proveniente dos Estados Unidos e de países europeus (57,1%), além de apresentar baixo risco de viés (85,7%). Grande parte dos trabalhos encontrou associações entre o incentivo a dietas por parte dos pais (modelagem direta) e comportamentos de risco em crianças e adolescentes, como o uso de métodos de controle de peso, a insatisfação corporal e a restrição alimentar. Poucos estudos relacionaram o hábito de o pai fazer dieta (modelagem indireta) com esses comportamentos. Conclusões: Os dados embasam a ideia de que a modelagem direta, ou seja, o incentivo verbal ao uso de dietas, pode ser muito danosa, principalmente em indivíduos que têm preocupações excessivas com peso e alimentação. Futuras pesquisas são necessárias para avaliar o impacto das práticas alimentares parentais e o desenvolvimento de possíveis ações de prevenção a problemas relacionados ao peso.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Childhood and adolescent obesity is a worldwide public health concern. The New Moves program aims to change eating behavior (EB) and physical activity (PA). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention and predictors of better outcomes relating to EB and PA levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Secondary data from a cluster randomized controlled trial in 10 public schools in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: 270 female adolescents, aged 12 to 14 years, were analyzed. Participation levels were categorized as presence in 1 to 9 sessions or 10 to 17 sessions, or control. Effectiveness was evaluated through improvement in disordered EB (DEB) and EB. Predictors of better outcomes relating to PA levels were evaluated through clustering of individual characteristics that affected changes in PA scores. RESULTS: Participation level was not significantly associated with changes in DEB or EB. Girls with higher body mass index percentile (BMI-P) percentile tended to have increases in sedentary lifestyles through the program. Girls with less body image dissatisfaction presented higher increases in daily PA. Girls with higher BMI-P percentile and higher self-esteem showed reductions in sedentary lifestyles. The program seemed to have more effect on daily PA among older girls than among younger girls. CONCLUSIONS: This program could be used as a structured action plan in schools, with the aims of improving eating behaviors and physical activity, in addition to promoting self-acceptance. The results indicate the importance of evaluating determinants of adherence, as these metrics might influence the effectiveness and future design of lifestyle programs.

A seletividade alimentar é caracterizada por recusa alimentar, pouco apetite e desinteresse pelo alimento. É um comportamento típico da fase pré-escolar, mas, quando presente em ambientes familiares desfavoráveis, pode acentuar-se e permanecer até a adolescência. Este artigo trata de um relato de caso em que o paciente, com diagnóstico de seletividade alimentar, inicia tratamento em serviço especializado de transtornos alimentares aos 14 anos. A particularidade deste caso é a rápida e boa evolução do quadro, possivelmente decorrente do desejo próprio de se tratar e do apoio recebido pela família. A análise do caso em questão aponta para a importância de identificar os casos de seletividade de forma correta e precoce para que eles sejam encaminhados o quanto antes a profissionais habilitados no tratamento de distúrbios alimentares nos diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento da infância e adolescência, resultando em melhor prognóstico do quadro.

Selective eating is known by food refusal, lack of appetite and interest in food. It is atypical behavior of preschool, but when present in adverse family environments, can perpetuate and remain until adolescence. This paper is a case report of a patient with diagnosis of selective eating that seeks for specialized treatment center for eating disorders at 14 years old. The particularity of this case is the fast and good evolution, possibly due to the desire to treat himself and the support received by the family. The case points out the importance of identifying earlier and correctly cases of selectivity so they will be submitted as soon as possible to professionals specialized in treatment of eating disorders in different developmental stages of childhood and adolescence, resulting in a better prognosis framework.