Preventing Obesity in Very Young Children Could Be in the Palm of Parents' Hands

Study suggests that using a behavioural parenting intervention and educational app can help parents to support healthy habits

Experts say parents can also make changes to their own behaviour and the home environment to help their children maintain a healthy weight

A new study suggests that using a behavioural parenting intervention and educational app can help parents to support healthy habits in their young children, which could help to prevent obesity.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, involved 226 families with children aged 2 to 5 years old. The families were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group or a control group.

The intervention group received a behavioural parenting intervention and educational app, while the control group received usual care.

The behavioural parenting intervention included six sessions with a trained health coach. The sessions covered topics such as setting limits on unhealthy foods, encouraging healthy eating habits, and promoting physical activity.

The educational app provided families with information about healthy eating and physical activity, as well as tips and tools to help them make healthy changes.

After 12 months, the children in the intervention group had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) scores than the children in the control group. The children in the intervention group also had healthier eating habits and were more physically active.

The study suggests that using a behavioural parenting intervention and educational app can be an effective way to help parents to support healthy habits in their young children and prevent obesity.

Parents can also make changes to their own behaviour and the home environment to help their children maintain a healthy weight. Here are some tips:

• Make healthy foods available. Stock your fridge and pantry with healthy snacks and meals, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Limit unhealthy foods. Avoid keeping unhealthy foods, such as sugary drinks, chips, and candy, in your home.
• Eat meals together as a family. This is a great way to model healthy eating habits for your children and to encourage them to try new foods.
• Encourage physical activity. Make sure your children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. This can include playing outside, going for walks, or participating in sports.
• Limit screen time. Too much screen time can lead to obesity, so limit your children's screen time to no more than two hours per day.

Making these changes can help your children to maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk of obesity.

Conclusion

Preventing obesity in very young children is essential for their long-term health. By making healthy changes to their own behaviour and the home environment, parents can help their children to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.