Identificação de transtornos alimentares durante a gravidez e avaliação do possível impacto no peso ao nascer em um município do sudoeste do Paraná

Abstract

This study aimed to identify potential eating disorders in pregnant women using questionnaires and to assess their possible impact on newborn birth weight. The findings point to an emerging issue within the studied population, with evidence of risks for both eating disorders and obesity—two extremes that can lead to complications for the pregnant woman and the fetus, such as low birth weight or fetal macrosomia, as well as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or even the risk of maternal and fetal mortality. Consequently, the importance of multidisciplinary care during this period is clear, as it allows for close monitoring of the pregnancy to help prevent such complications. Objective: To identify eating disorders during pregnancy and evaluate their potential impact on birth weight in a municipality in the Southwest region of Paraná. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted with pregnant women receiving care at the Primavera Basic Health Unit in Realeza, Paraná, during the first and second semesters of 2024. The sample consisted of pregnant women over the age of 18 who signed an informed consent form. To identify eating disorders, the SCOFF questionnaire was administered, alongside a sociodemographic questionnaire. Additionally, anthropometric measurements of the pregnant women were taken, and data regarding the newborns were collected, following appropriate consent from the mothers. The data were analyzed using relevant software and statistical tests. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee involving human subjects, and all collected information will be kept confidential and presented in a statistical format. Results: A total of 34 pregnant women participated in the study, aged between 18 and 40 years, with the majority falling into the 18–24 age range. Regarding BMI classification, based on the criteria established by Atalah (1997), 6 participants (17.64%) were classified as overweight, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.58 kg/m², while 16 participants (47.05%) were classified as obese, with a mean BMI of 36.18 kg/m². According to the risk classification for eating disorders (EDs) using the SCOFF questionnaire, 16 participants (47.05%) were found to be at no risk for developing an eating disorder (mean score: 0.55), whereas 18 participants (52.94%) were identified as being at risk for developing an ED (mean score: 2.18). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a significant number of pregnant women were overweight or obese—conditions that can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and fetal macrosomia, among others. Furthermore, a high prevalence of pregnant women at risk for eating disorders was observed. Given these findings, it is essential to have care provided by a multidisciplinary team, with the goal of preventing or managing these conditions to ensure a safe pregnancy for both the mother and the fetus.