Does parental nutritional and exercise behavior have a greater effect at preventing childhood obesity when compared to behaviors that kids are exposed to outside of the home?

Childhood obesity – 3 pages

There is a growing concern that parental nutritional and exercise behavior have a greater effect at preventing childhood obesity than behaviors kids are exposed to outside of the home. In fact, research has revealed that physical activity and diet play key roles in determining how much energy children expend and whether their weight falls within the healthy range. To prevent childhood obesity, parents must provide healthy meals and snacks in small portions, encourage their children to be physically active throughout the day, limit screen time with television and video games, while also limiting access to junk food.

At the same time, behaviors that kids are exposed to outside of the home can counteract these parental efforts. External influences such as child-targeted marketing or advertising for unhealthy foods may make it difficult for parents to instill healthier eating habits in their children. Additionally, schools may not prioritize physical education classes or offer cafeteria menus filled with unhealthy options. Sadly because of this type of environment many young people find themselves having difficulty controlling what they consume when away from home.

However overall parental nutritional and exercise behavior have been found to have an even greater impact on preventing childhood obesity than external sources because ultimately it is up to caregivers at home ensure that food selections are appropriate balanced with adequate amounts of physical activity each day.. Parents should strive create a positive family environment where good nutrition is promoted as well as providing ample opportunity for physical activity together (ex:walking/hiking trips) Parents should also set an example by practicing what they preach by modeling healthful dietary and activity choices both inside and out side of their own homes