Obesity and Overweight among Children

Implications of overweight among children

According to research conducted by Jebeile and colleagues (2022), primary strategies for preventing overweight and obesity focus on family behaviours, including diet, physical activity, sedentary habits, and sleep quality. These approaches are supported by behaviour change techniques. Hence, it is crucial to prioritise improvements in easily modifiable factors to prevent overweight and obesity. Since family behaviours and habits are internal factors that play a significant role, it is important to note that external factors can also influence these behaviours.

Rising Trend of Overweight and Obesity

The line graph, derived from WHO data, illustrates a concerning trend: the crude estimate of overweight and obesity prevalence is on the rise in Australia. This is particularly alarming given that approximately one-fourth of children in Australia are overweight, and similarly, one-fourth of children obtain energy from discretionary foods. Discretionary foods refer to items that provide energy but offer little to no nutritional value, such as sugary snacks, processed foods, and sugary beverages.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children
Age: 2-3 years old
Age: 4-8 years old
Age: 9-13 years old
Proportion of Energy gained from Discretionary Food Among Children
Age: 2-3 years old
Age: 4-8 years old
Age: 9-13 years old

Understanding Overweight and Obesity through Primary and Secondary Factors

In accordance with research by Flodgren, et al., (2020), parents can enhance their understanding of overweight and obesity by considering primary and secondary categorizations. Primary factors typically stem from familial and direct influences on weight, while secondary factors are more influenced by external elements. This categorization aids parents in identifying areas where they can directly intervene within the family context and areas where they may need to address broader environmental or societal factors.
Primary Outcomes Explanations
BMI/BMI z score Parents can monitor their child's Body Mass Index (BMI) or BMI z score regularly using growth charts provided by healthcare providers.
Physical activity level Encourage and support children to engage in regular physical activity such as sports, outdoor play, or active hobbies.
Dietary behaviour Promote a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables while limiting the consumption of sugary beverages.

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