[Obesity risk in preschoolers beneficiaries of food aid programs].

Objective To review the evidence regarding the potential impact of food programs on the risk of obesity in beneficiary children. Methods The search was conducted in databases using terms in Spanish and English. Those items that included the variable of interest, cross sectional studies, cohort or community trials were selected. Results Food assistance programs could contribute to increased obesity rates in the target population due to the availability and easier access to food with high energy content, either through the delivery of provisions or cash. However, the impact of the programs on this outcome has been little studied and evaluations have been mostly in adults or school-age children. Conclusion This review contributes to knowledge about the possible effect that food programs have on the risk of obesity in beneficiary children. This review may also serve as a reference for the design, implementation and evaluation of food and nutrition programs in countries of low and middle income facing malnutrition.