Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the intake of ultra-processed foods and their importance in the nutritional status of children at a public school in Teresina-PI. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational analysis, descriptive, exploratory, quantitative field investigation, carried out with 105 children aged 7 to 10 years, of both sexes. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Anthropometric data were collected and two 24-hour reminders were analyzed to ascertain the consumption of ultra-processed foods, using the Dietbox program. For analysis of other data, we proceeded with descriptive analysis. Results: Evaluated 105 students, 18.1% (19) are overweight, 7.6% (8) with obesity and 5.7% (6) with severe obesity, 2.9% (03) with thinness and 2, 9% (03) with marked thinness. Macronutrients were distributed as means being carbohydrates (67.0 ± 175.9), lipids (31.9 ± 6.4) and protein (18.19 ± 4.4). In the consumption of ultra-processed foods, 44% (46), followed by inlays with 43% (45), cakes and sweet biscuits with 42% (44) stand out. Conclusion: The students had development of overweight, obesity and excess abdominal fat, being related to the risk of cardiovascular diseases, together with high consumption of ultra-processed foods.