Teaching Obese Children Health Habits

Childhood obesity is described as "one of the most complex and least understood clinical syndromes in pediatric medicine" (Muecke, Simons-Morton, Huang, & Parcel, 1999, p. 19). Studies are not consistent regarding causes of this obesity, however, caloric intake, physical activity levels, and high-fat consumption are considered risk factors for obesity. High-fat foods offer a target for diet modification since these foods increase total caloric intake and they are risk factors of cardiovascular problems (Muecke, Simons-Morton, Huang, & Parcel, 1999). Epstein, Valoski, Vara, McCurley, Wisniewski, Kalarchian, Klein, and Shrager (1995) pointed out the consequences of inactivity. One year after treatment (increased exercise or decreased sedentary behaviors), the sedentary children group reported lower caloric intake and a liking for high-intensity activity, more so than the exercise group. The authors concluded that treatment of childhood obesity needs to involve the changing of diet and exercise. The authors conclude that treatment of childhood obesity needs to involve the changing of diet and exercise. Obese children may also have lower self concepts; self-esteem is predictive of adult obesity (Matz, Foster, Faith, & Wadden, 2002).

Childhood obesity is increasing and threatens to become a serious health problem for large numbers of children (Dietz, Bland, Gortmaker, Molloy, & Schmid, 2002). The National Association for the Education of Young Chil

Related Essays

Obesity and Eating Habits in Children EFFECTS OF TEACHING HEALTH HABITS TO OBESE CHILDREN ON EATING, EXERCISE, AND SELF ESTEEM This study will investigate the effects of teaching obese children .... (5289 21 )

Research Proposal on Obesity & Children EFFECTS OF TEACHING HEALTH HABITS TO OBESE CHILDREN ON EATING, EXERCISE, AND SELF ESTEEM This study will investigate the effects of teaching obese children .... (4256 17 )

Literature on Nutrition Education .... salt use of third-grade students, three teaching programs involving a .... of a multicomponent intervention program on reducing health risk in obese children. .... (2319 9 )

Physical Education in Elementary School to Curb Obesity .... schools, missed classroom time deprives obese/depressed children .... York State Academy for Teaching and Learning .... obesity among US preschool children in different .... (2142 9 )

Nutrition Related Activities & Children's Vocabulary .... Health and family living: Teacher guidebook and student .... Obese children: A growing problem. .... disabilities: Theories, diagnosis, and teaching strategies (3rd ed .... (3680 15 )

ertal maturation and at menarche. It was also found that obesity rate in both groups was doubling, during the ten years between ages 9-10 years and 18-19 years. Consequences of this obesity include increases in Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents (Kimm & Obarzanek, 2002). Inconsistent findings regarding obesity factors, may be due to measurement issues and definitions of obesity (Goran, 1998; Kimm & Obarzanek, 2002). Major Studies of Treatment for Childhood Obesity Efforts to reduce childhood obesity have increased in the past several decades (Moran, 1999). Moran reported that up to 30% of children are affected and yet this condition remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. These obese children may suffer from life-long physical and emotional consequences of obesity. Treatment needs to be initiated when the weight is obviously surpassing the trend in increasing height. Treatment plans need to include weight-loss goals, dietary and physical activity management, behavior modification, and family involvement (Moran, 1999). Since childhood obesity is a national problem, steps are recommended for families regarding assisting the overweight child. It is suggested that the parents develop an awareness of the child'

Category: Psychology - T