Even though millions of dollars each year are spent on the prevention, understanding and correction of obesity, Americans are more obese than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an astounding 60% of adults and 15% of children are obese or overweight, and current research reveals that parental obesity plays a strong role in obesity in childhood.
The Study
A recent study, conducted by Dr. Robert Berkowitz and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, shows that children of overweight mothers are 15 times more likely to be obese by the age of six when compared to children with leaner mothers. The study also showed that doctors attempt to be proactive in curbing childhood obesity by intervening early—a soon as the age of four.
Evidence proves that there is a significant spike in weight between the ages of three and six, and in order to attempt to combat obesity, doctors agree that early intervention is critical. However, even when the best nutritional plan is proposed, they can’t be successful if not followed through in the home.
Environment and Obesity
The home environment of obese children generally differs from those with thin parents. Advances in technology and the introduction of every gadget conceivable, invented to make life easier, have created a double-edged sword. People have far less physically taxing things to contend with now, but they also have sedentary lifestyles. Children are no different. Why would a child want to play soccer or participate in other physical activities when they can turn on the Wii or Playstation3 and play virtual sports?
In homes that have leaner parents, children are generally more active and less prone to obesity. Soccer moms generally beget soccer children, so this information is unsurprising. It should also come as no surprise that leaner families tend to eat less fast food and less high-fat meals and generally have healthier snack options available at home for their kids.
Genes and Obesity
In childhood obesity a clear genetic predisposition to obesity has been established, but additional research is needed in this arena. Overweight moms tend to have slower metabolisms, and there has been substantial research on “fat genes” contributing to obesity in children. Naturally, there is no way to change genetics, and parents can be held blameless on inherited tendencies toward obesity, However, there are plenty of ways to overcome evolution.
Parents Can Help
The time for parents to start making a difference in their children’s lives is right now. If you’re an obese parent, and your young child is headed in the same direction, there are ways to prevent it from becoming worse. Parents are the role models for their children, and rather than simply establishing a diet and exercise regimen for their children to follow, they need to make live changes themselves. When parents are more active, children by default are as well.
If you’re overwhelmed by the plethora of information on childhood obesity available and you’re not sure where to begin, start with your pediatrician. Pediatricians make a great resource in combating childhood obesity by helping establish permanent life change.
Amberr Phounsavath - I am a mother, wife and writer from Atlanta, GA. I'm passionate about seeing new places, and I've never met a beach I didn't love. I ...
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