Preventing Childhood Obesity

Overweight and obesity is an increasing problem amongst  children. A recent Cochrane review has looked at the various interventions in published studies to determine which ones are effective in preventing childhood obesity using change in Body Mass Index (BMI) as the assessment tool. It also looked at why they were effective and their cost.

Searches were conducted in various data bases and included 55 studies, the majority targeting children aged 6-12 years of age. The review found that obesity prevention programs based on BMI change were successful with children of this age.

Strategies that were useful in preventing obesity were:-

• a school curriculum that included healthy eating, physical activity and healthy image
• increased physical activity and movement skills throughout the school week
• improvements in the the nutritional quailty of the food served at the school
• environment and cultural practices that supported the children eating healthier foods and being physically active each day
• teacher support for healthy eating and physical activity
• parental support and home activities ecnouraging healthy eating and physical activity

Reference:

Waters E, de Silva A et al. Interventions for preventing obesity in children. Cochrane Library published online 7th Dec 2011. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD001871.pub3

 

Comments

[Vibrating Exercise Machine]

Physical activity is really important in kids life.