Numbers of overweight and obese children in Australia are not only increasing, they are actually accelerating. A recent study conducted in New South Wales schools found that 26.1% of boys and 23.7% of girls were overweight or obese.
So what is the solution? Some health scientists believe that reversing this alarming trend comes down to teaching the parents of young children how to eat a healthy diet. In other words, to reach young children, you have to reach the parents first.
As one researcher said, "Obesity is a family illness. Children typically are not born obese. They learn to become obese in an environment that encourages it. If parents are eating poorly, that's what they're providing their children."
A trial of a free educational program for parents of children from birth to age three, designed to show parents simple strategies for healthier eating that they could model to their children, achieved the following results:
• Parents who received nutrition newsletters increased their fruit and vegetable intake.
• Parents on the trial reduced their total dietary intake to less than 30 per cent calories from fat.
Commenting on the trial, the lead researcher said "parents who institute very simple changes can significantly impact their health. When parents have kids, they want the best for their kids. We get them at a very teachable moment".
The researchers believe that most people are aware they need to eat better. Dietary changes suggested during the trial were reasonably minor and, therefore, more likely to be adopted. For example, families who consumed fast food were advised to order smaller burgers than usual and add lettuce and tomato.
The main message is that parents must set a healthy example to their children. This means that we must try and keep our body weight under careful control by incorporating regular exercise and good nutrition into our lifestyle.
Children should be taught that at least an hour of physical activity every day and a daily diet comprising at least two serves of fruit and five of vegetables will do wonders for their health.
Reference:
Booth M, Okely AD, Denney-Wilson E, Hardy L, Yang B, Dobbins T (2006). NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) 2004; Full Report. Sydney. NSW Department of Health
Haire-Joshu D, Brownson RC, Nanney MS, Houston C, Steger-May K, Schechtman K, Auslander W (2003) Improving dietary behavior in African Americans: the Parents as Teachers high 5, low fat program Preventive Medicine 36: 684-691.
Related reading:
Eat Your Greens, Mum
Guidelines Aimed at Slim Waistlines
Healthy Eating Guide
Be a Sometimes Cookie Monster
