Childhood Obesity Interventions

Problem Statement:

Childhood obesity has more than tripled in American adolescents in the past decade. Nearly 32% of American children are overweight or obese.

“Over the last 50 years, obesity has been increasing at an alarming rate and is now recognized by leading government health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), as a disease. In the United States alone, obesity affects more than 60 million individuals and is considered the second leading cause of preventable death. “ (Allergan, 2005)

One potential intervention could be a family-based intervention. The International Journal Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity did a particular study focusing on parent engagement, this study utilized community-based research to develop and test a family-centered intervention for low-income families with preschool-aged children enrolled in Head Start. (Davison, 2013) Some of the intervention components included: 1) educating parents by sending home letters sent home to families reporting child body mass index, 2) a communication campaign to raise parents’ awareness of their child’s weight status, 3) encouraging family engaged activities, and 4) a 6-week parent-led program to strengthen parents’ communication skills, conflict resolution, resource-related empowerment for healthy lifestyles, social networks, and media literacy. (Davison, 2013) I believe family education is one of the best ways to conquer childhood obesity, especially considering kids look up to their parents as role models. The results from this intervention compared with pre intervention, children at post intervention exhibited significant improvements in their rate of obesity, light physical activity, daily TV viewing, and dietary intake.

Another effective intervention could be going straight for the diet of children. One way to decrease the prevalence of childhood obesity would be cutting back/eliminating carbonated and sugary beverages. The BMJ did a study where they discouraged the consumption of “fizzy” drinks with positive affirmation of a balanced healthy diet. They believed the children would respond best to a simple, uncomplicated message so they were told that by decreasing sugar consumption they would improve overall wellbeing and that by reducing the consumption of diet carbonated drinks they would benefit dental health. (BMJ, 2004) A school based educational program aimed at reducing the consumption of carbonated drinks to prevent excessive weight gain in children aged 7-11 year olds would be effective. At the end of a 12-month study, the BMJ was able to conclude both the intervention group and the control group showed a significant increase in consumption of water, in part related to the promotion of drinking water during school to “improve concentration.” (BMJ, 2013)

Also, an intervention that could be implemented is a campaign that limits the amount of fast food commercials viewed on children networks. Fast foods are one of the most advertised products on television and children are often the targeted market. In Sweden, television advertising to children less than 12 years of age has not been permitted since commercial television began over a decade ago. Norway, Denmark, Austria, Ireland, Australia, and Greece also have some restrictions on television advertising to young children. (Dehghan, 2005) I think this is an excellent way to limit the prevalence of obesity in America, considering it’s already had some positive results in these other countries.

In conclusion, there are so many interventions that can be tried and tested, but health officials can give parents and children as much education as possible, the true change that’s going to be made is in the person’s behavior.

Word Cited:

Dehghan, Mahshid. "Childhood Obesity, Prevalence and Prevention." Nutrition Journal. N.p., 2 Sept. 2005. Web. 20 Apr. 2013.

Janet, James. "Preventing Childhood Obesity by Reducing Consumption of Carbonated Drinks: Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial." Ncbi. N.p., 22 May 2004. Web. 19 Apr. 2013. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC416601/>.