Question

What are some of the factors contributing to the alarming rise of childhood obesity and overweight? What role do parents play in influencing the weight status of their children? (Chapter 9)

Answer 1

Childhood obesity is a condition when the weight of a child is well above the normal or healthy weight according to her/his height and age.The factors contributing to childhood obesity are:

• Genetic factor
• Eating habits
  • High intake of high calorie and sugary food
  • Low intake of food that has nutritional values as fruits and vegetables.
• Sedentary behaviors such as viewing television and other screen devices for prolonged hours in a day.
• Minimum physical activities.
• Disturbed sleep routine.

Role of parents in influencing the weight status of their children:

• Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their life.
• Breastfeeding should continue upto the age of two years of a child's life.
• A toddler should be accompanied with healthy and nutritional food that are wholesome for their development.
• Restricting intake of high calorie food and high sugar sweetened drinks and beverages in children
• Teaching them the value of health and importance of resisting temptation to foods displayed through advertisement in televisions and other screen devices.
• Teaching and promoting age appropriate physical activities and ensuring it on a regular basis with all the safety and precautions
• Discouraging and reducing prolonged hours on television and other screen devices.
• Maintaining a routine of sleep and wake.
• Maintaining a healthy relationship with the child and ensuring that the child is not in any state of mental dilemma.