Childhood Obesity Prevention Mlr

8/13/2019 Childhood Obesity Prevention Mlr

1/10

Childhood Obesity

PreventionNutrition 415 Miniature Literature ReviewDenielle Saitta

11/20/2013


2/10

1

1

Denielle Saitta

Nutrition 415

November 20, 2013

Childhood Obesity Prevention: Miniature Literature Review

Abstract:

Childhood obesity is associated with factors such as having an inadequate diet due to

poor food preferences, scarcity of physical activity, increasing sedentary behaviors, poor parent

or sibling modeling, lack of community endeavors and an absence of educational efforts

available for children and parents. All of these lifestyle behaviors have led to one in three

children being diagnosed as overweight or obese. Childhood obesity has direct and lasting effects

on both a childs physical and mental state of mind. Healthy lifestyle habits, like healthy eating

and increased physical activity, can lower the risk of a child becoming obese and developing

related health concerns. The dietary and physical activity behaviors of children and teens

correlate to the many sectors of society, including families, communities, schools, and resources

available to them.

Introduction:

Childhood obesity is a serious medical disorder that effects children and adolescents, and

are more likely to be obese as adults. To asses a childs weight status, an age and sex-specific

percentile for body mass index (BMI) is calculated and often referred to as BMI-for-age. Once

the BMI is calculated, the BMI number is plotted on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

BMI-for-age growth charts, these charts are gender specific, to attain a percentile ranking. The

indicated percentile is the relative point of a child's BMI number among those of the same age

and sex, these percentiles are of the most frequently used markers to assess the size and growth

patterns of individual children. The growth chart shows the weight status classes used for


3/10

2

2

children: underweight-


4/10

3

3

element. Having parents model healthy eating habits and participate in regular physical activity

helps to reinforce themes that children learn at school. Furthermore, having friends and family

members and playing outdoors has proven useful towards decreasing the physical inactivity and

obesity of youth. Physical activity is a critical health behavior for obesity patients. The purpose

of this paper is too examine links within a childs lifestylebehaviors such as physical and mental

health effects, educational efforts made within the community and child-care centers, family

impacts, and a childs level ofphysical activity with interventions designed to prevent childhood

obesity.

Effects on Physical and Mental Health:

Many health issues can stem from childhood obesity. Minimal levels of physical activity

and increased levels of sedentary behavior mixed with low levels of fresh healthy fruits and

vegetables consumed have been associated with poor health risks among children in todays

society. Many of the cardiovascular concerns that adult-onset obesity are preceded by began in

oneschildhood. Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and abnormal glucose tolerance are just some of

the health dangers that occur in obese children and teens (4). Obesity has become the most

common modern pediatric chronic disease (5). Along with physical health concerns there are

mental health problems, such as negative body-image, depression, increase stressed levels, low

self-esteem, and poor socialization ability that have also been found as a result of childhood

obesity. Of the nine clinical trials Lawlor et al. (6) evaluated on healthy lifestyle habits, there

were beneficial effects on cardio-respiratory fitness and blood cholesterol that were achieved.

Also seen from these studies, were positive improvements in a childs energy, social interactions,

and emotional development (6). The key to an improved overall health status is to balance the

foods you intake with the energy you burn throughout the day. Swap out foods high in sugar and


5/10

4

4

fats for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Getting regular medical checkups with a physician

can also aid in preventing any possible diseases.

Educational Efforts:

Educational intervention on healthy eating habits and physical activity in the school could

contribute to lessen the current increase in child obesity. Many families do not know the

recommended portion sizes for a meal, amount of activity needed each day, or the essential

vitamins and minerals a child needs for healthy growth and development. It has been shown that

in adulthood treatment of obesity is extremely difficult, so for that reason education towards

increased physical activity and nutritious food during childhood is be a crucial strategy in the

prevention of obesity (2). The study designed by Llargues et al. (2) evaluated the efficacy of

educational intervention on food habits and physical activity in young children. Results showed a

reduction in the progression of BMI by 0.89 kg/m2, meaning the prevalence of overweight

decreased by 62% at the end of the study (2). By providing educational materials, lessons, and

advice in a learning environment, children are able to understand the importance of a healthy and

physically active lifestyle.

Community Resources:

The rate of childhood obesity has been attributed to the lifestyle choices caused from

ready access to processed foods that contain high amounts of sugars and fats, in junction with

technological and society changes that have changed levels of physical activity. Underprivileged

neighborhoods may present higher complications for childrens weight, due to less availability of

healthy food choices and unhealthier fast-food selections. These neighborhoods also often lack

safe places for children to play outside. Obesity prevention involves the development of

intervention components to incorporate out-of-school settings to complement school-based


6/10

5

5

interventions already in place (7). Communities are now launching such programs to help clean

up playgrounds and parks for children to utilize since outdoor play has been shown to have

increased benefits (8). Group play and organized sports have also been associated with higher

physical activity levels in children (8). The findings from the qualitative study done by Beets et

al. (7) indicated that children recognize the home as a primary setting where they participate in

various types of physical activity. This study used self-taken pictures and focus groups to aide in

intervention (7). Children were instructed to take pictures when they were being physically

active which included any play, game, or sport (7). We must focus efforts for the prevention of

childhood obesity on diet and exercise in the communities where children live and go to school

since the environment is a central contributor to the obesity hazard.

School Involvement:

Schools have the ability to make important impacts on both the prevention and treatment

of childhood obesity. School nutrition programs can be delivered at very minimal costs to

families and can even reach low income children who otherwise may not get the opportunity.

Many obesity prevention efforts that modify food habits and promote physical activity have been

carried out in the school setting (3). The Healthy school start study designed by Nyberg et al.

(3) is a cluster-randomized controlled trial. These findings showed that if obesity prevention

programs are combined with interventions focused at schools, then the program may lead to

improved health and positive health effects in the short and long term (3). Establishing policies

to require daily physical education and increasing moderate and vigorous activities during class

time greatly increases the energy expenditure of young people (10). Nutritional standards for

schools have become stricter at lunch and snack time which is important in the fight against

childhood obesity, especially those who receive free or reduced lunches (6). Kids deserve to be


7/10

6

6

given healthy and nutritious options for lunch to help their bodies fully develop and grow.

Children spend a large portion of their day at school, and by providing health lunch and snack

items, nutritional education, and physical education opportunities school systems have the

potential to change behaviors to be more health promoting.

Family Impact:

One of the best strategies to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the diet and exercise

habits of the entire family. Social support from parents and other family member correlates to an

increase with participation in physical activity and dietary modification (4). Parental

involvement in obesity prevention and treatment programs is necessary to the development of a

psychosocial environment that promotes healthy eating and physical activity among young

people (4). Research suggests that given the essential role that families play in shaping lifestyle

behaviors in children, the prevention of obesity in youth populations requires a focus on families

(9). The Family-centered Action Model of Intervention Layout and Implementation, or FAMILI,

was developed by theories of family development (9). FAMILI uses a mixed-methods approach

to conduct research, and positions family members as active participants in the development,

implementation, and evaluation of family-centered obesity prevention programs (9). Over 30

different family types, ethnicities, and races were involved in the study (9). When parents take an

active role and engage with children in nutritional lessons and help promote adequate amounts of

physical activity obesity prevention interventions seem to be more successful (9). Another study

noted, that children indicated during focus groups that they were more engaged in some form of

game or activity when they were with a friend, family, or relative on a daily basis (7). An adult

is a childsrole model, so leading by example and teaching them positive and healthy lifestyle

can greatly influence a childs nutritionalbehaviors.


8/10

7

7

Physical Activity:

Children who engaged in the least amount of vigorous physical activity or watch the most

television tended to be the most overweight individuals (1). To increase physical activity in

children, activities should not just be exercise based but should include activities similar to

hiking, swimming, gardening or dancing (8). Muscle and bone strengthening activities, such as

push-ups or jumping rope, are also important in building stronger bodies for children and young

teens. (8) Infants, toddlers, and preschool children who are provided the opportunity to

participate in daily movement and exercise have a higher prospect of having a healthy

development in later life (4). The research study by Howie et al. (8) separated about 230

preschoolers into groups of moderate to vigorous physical activity and each child wore an

accelerometer while the childrensmovement was observed and recorded. The study identified

that high-active and low-active children were equally active while outdoors, and that providing

children with more outdoor play may help all children increase physical activity levels (8).

Physical activity is critical in battling childhood obesity and if adequately performed can help in

prevention.

Conclusion:

By involving the family and setting good examples by eating healthy foods and

exercising regularly helps children identify correct practices. Though these studies all measure

different aspects of a childs life each help provide critical information on childhood obesity and

possible prevention methods. Some studies are more similar and obtain research by the same

methods, but each study helps to prove the need and positive effects of intervention for children.

There is a need to have multiple recommendations and standards for children since all children

are different. Encourage children to join sports teams and involvement in other organized group


9/10

8

8

activities. Partner with local and state efforts to maintain parks and other play areas for children.

Obesity is a major, but preventable epidemic in the United States. Creating alliances among

families, child care programs, the community and schools can help adults and children to live

longer and healthier lives. The goal in battling the childhood obesity epidemic is to maintain an

energy balance which can be sustained throughout the individual's life-span.


10/10

9

9

References:

1. Brown JE, Nicholson J M, Broom DH, Bittman M. Television Viewing by School-AgeChildren: Associations with Physical Activity, Snack Food Consumption and Unhealthy Weight.

Social Indicators Research. 2011; 101(2): 221-225.

2. Llargues E, Franco R, Recasens A, Nadal A, Vila M, Prez MJ, Manresa JM, Recasens I,Salvador G, Serra J, Roure E, Castells C. Assessment of a school-based intervention in eating

habits and physical activity in school children: the AVall study.Journal of Epidemiol

Community Health.2011; 65(10): 896-901.

3. Nyberg G, Sundblom E, Norman A, Elinder LS. A healthy school start - parental support to

promote healthy dietary habits and physical activity in children: design and evaluation of a

cluster-randomised intervention.BMC Public Health.2011; 11:185.

4. Simpson CG, Gray JP, Waldrep S, Gaus MD. Healthier Lifestyles for Young Children:

Partnering with Families.Dimensions of Early Childhood.2009; 37(1): 15-22.

5. Nemet D, Ben-Haim I, Pantanowits M, Eliakim A. Effects of a combined intervention for

treating severely obese prepubertal children.J Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2013;

26(1-2): 91-96.

6. Lawlor DA, Jago R, Noble SM, Chittleborough CR, Campbell R, Mytton J, Howe LD, Peters

TJ, Kipping RR. The Active for Life Year 5 (AFLY5) school based cluster randomisedcontrolled trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2011; 12: 181.

7. Beets MW, Banda JA, Erwin HE, Beighle A. A Pictorial View of the Physical Activity

Socialization of Young Adolescents outside of School.Research Quarterly for Exercise andSport.2011; 82(4): 769-778.

8. Howie EK, Brown WH, Dowda M, McIver KL, Pate RR. Physical activity behaviours ofhighly active preschoolers.Pediatric Obesity. 2013; 8(2): 142-149.

9. Davison KK, Lawson HA, Coatsworth JD. The Family-centered Action Model of InterventionLayout and Implementation (FAMILI): the example of childhood obesity.Health Promotion

Practice. 2012; 13(4): 454-461.

10. Grydeland M, Bergh IH, Bjelland M, Lien N, Andersen LF, Ommundsen Y, Klepp KI,Anderssen SA. Intervention effects on physical activity: the HEIA study - a cluster randomized

controlled trial.International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.2013; 10:17.

Childhood Obesity Prevention Mlr

Documents

Transcript of Childhood Obesity Prevention Mlr