Parental Influence and Obesity
Overview
There are many factors that cause weight gain, and obesity. For one child it could be several factors that caused them to become obese. The problem is so complex, because there is no “one size fits all” solution. This article will address parental influence, and guidance that is needed to dramatically reduce obesity.
Parental influence
Lack of parental influence is a real problem. Parents, for the most part are responsible for the food that their children consume, especially preteens. It is therefore incumbent on them to “set the tone” within the home, by the food they purchase, the meals they prepare, how it is prepared, and the servings. Educating children on how, what, and when they should eat, will be useful lessons to them, even when they are outside the home, and have to select the food themselves.
According to Dr. Vincent Iannelli, many parents whose children are overweight excuse the problem by saying they eat well. They believe that the children eat healthy meals, do not eat a lot of snacks, but the children continue to gain weight. The issue is complex, so it is no wonder that parents also find it difficult to understand how children could appear to eat healthy but still gain weight.
There are many myths about dieting, which works in the reverse, and is another reason why the issue is so complex. One of these myths is skipping meals to lose weight. This aggravates the problem on two levels. Firstly, the brain goes into a starvation mode, and each time that this happens, the meals eaten afterwards are stored by the body as fat. Secondly, starving the body on a long-term basis will eventually lead to an ulcer.
Parental guidance
Parents must become vigilant and monitor closely the food that their children eat. The change should not be sudden, but gradual. Get the children involved. Explain to them why the family needs to change their eating habits, because it will make them all healthier. Take them to the supermarket to help with the shopping. Do not make it about them, but rather a family’s goal to work towards becoming healthier. Do not totally deny them of the meals they love. Prepare high calorie meals, or purchase pizza or fast food occasionally as a treat. Physical activities is also important, but will be addressed separately.
This issue will be addressed in greater detail in later columns when solutions to the obesity epidemic will be addressed. Obesity can never be discussed or solved overnight, but needs the concerted efforts of families, and the wider community to raise the alert, and each family taking the steps necessary to start solving the problem.
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diamondpoet | Nov 13, 2009 | Reply
I believe we should try and control what our children eat, we don’t want them to be the butt end of a joke
Jo Oliver | Nov 13, 2009 | Reply
This is one of the best articles that I have read about the parental role in childhood obesity. Thank you for prefacing that parental roles are not the only factors. There are factors such as genetics, disease, and medications that can not be changed. However, parental influence can.
This is a very common sense approach and should be used more often. Teach children positive nutritional lifestyles….not fad dieting, but also take into account that some kids might like a slice of pizza or burger IN MODERATION.
Very well done!