Introduction:

obesity is a worldwide problem that predisposes to other health conditions. A direct relationship has been shown between obesity and genetic damage; the late is considered as an early marker of cancer in some cases.

Objective:

to evaluate the genetic damage and eating habits of children with obesity and normal weight.

Methods:

cross-sectional study conducted in school-age children. Genetic damage was assessed from buccal epithelial mucosal cells, through the quantification of nuclear abnormalities such as micronuclei, karyorrhexis, caryolysis, pyknosis and the presence of two nuclei. The nutritional evaluation was carried out through the analysis of weight, height and the evaluation of their diet through nutritional clinical records.

Results:

no significant differences were found in the number of nuclear abnormalities between the groups studied. However, some children with obesity showed higher number of nuclear abnormalities compared with children with normal weight. Regarding their eating habits, a positive correlation was found between weight and the consumption of free sugars and proteins in the diet.

Conclusions:

the lack of evidence that correlates micronuclei with nutritional status suggests that the presence of these abnormalities can be attributed to environmental or epigenetic factors. Special attention requires the study of diets similar to those habitually consumed by this population, in order to avoid their potential consequences. This study represents an important contribution in the evaluation of the possible health risks associated with childhood obesity.

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