Childhood Obesity Prevention Should be Started at an Early Age, Says Research

According to the researchers of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, children obesity prevention programs should be set in motion at infancy or even earlier.

The researchers observed 1,826 women since their pregnancy to their children's first five years and came across the fact that African American and Latino children in particular have a greater risk of being overweight. The pregnant women of Hispanic and African American origin had been more overweight and their children are also born small, put on excess mass over time, not sleep well, and begin eating solid food earlier.

"We should be starting earlier especially if we want to prevent disparities in childhood obesity", said Taveras, who directs the One Step Ahead Program at Harvard-affiliate Children's Hospital Boston.

The research is going on to examine link between pregnancy risk factors, and the health of the infant. The Legislature and Department of Agriculture in Texas have taken considerable steps for the promotion of access to healthy meals for our young children. The problem of obesity was first emphasized by Michelle Obama in the United States.

Prevention of Childhood Obesity

Obesity is easier to prevent than to treat, and prevention focuses in large measure on parent education. In infancy, parent education should center on promotion of breastfeeding, recognition of signals of satiety, and delayed introduction of solid foods. In early childhood, education should include proper nutrition, selection of low-fat snacks, good exercise/activity habits, and monitoring of television viewing. In cases where preventive measures cannot totally overcome the influence of hereditary factors, parent education should focus on building self-esteem and address psychological issues.

In the past 30 years, the occurrence of overweight in children has doubled and it is now estimated that one in five children in the US is overweight. Increases in the prevalence of overweight are also being seen in younger children, including preschoolers. Prevalence of overweight is especially higher among certain populations such as Hispanic, African American and Native Americans where some studies indicate prevalence of >85th percentile of 35-40%. Also, while more children are becoming overweight, the heaviest children are getting even heavier. As a result, childhood overweight is regarded as the most common prevalent nutritional disorder of US children and adolescents, and one of the most common problems seen by pediatricians.

Consequences of Childhood Overweight

Both the short term and long term effects of overweight on health are of concern because of the negative psychological and health consequences in childhood.

Potential Negative Psychological Outcomes: