Effects of the School Health Program on the body mass index of adolescents in Brazil

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a global public health problem, affecting children’s physical health, emotional well-being, and social relationships. Given this scenario, strategies aimed at preventing childhood obesity are becoming increasingly necessary. In this context, the objective of this study is to analyze the effects of childhood obesity prevention actions among participants and non-participants of the Health in School Program (PSE) in Brazil. To this end, data from the National School Health Survey (PeNSE) were used and the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method was applied. The results indicate that adherence to the PSE, through the implementation of various health promotion actions, is associated with a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) among students (-0.31 kg/m2). Thus, the PSE constitutes a relevant public policy for combating and preventing childhood obesity in Brazil.