The complex interaction between families and childhood obesity

The causes of obesity are known to be very complex, however a recent review has highlighted how family interventions may be able to significantly reduce a child’s genetic risk. The authors suggest that families should be fully involved in planning healthy living campaigns and in the? efforts to regulate food marketing strategies. Barbara Fiese, one of the review’s authors, explained that the family system should not be used as a source for blame, but rather as part of a larger ecology that could support or derail children’s health. The review points out that the likelihood of developing weight problems can be greatly reduced by family meals which promote and model healthy eating behaviours.

Furthemore, the use of electronic media devices whilst eating also increased children’s risk for obesity. This  may lead to increased exposure to advertising of unhealthy foods, as well as impede positive communication within the family. Positive communication has been shown to promote healthy habits due to attention to what, and how much, the children are consuming. The researchers support the collaboration of experts with families, but admit that parents also require the social tools to put concepts into action. This has proved to be difficult, however the authors have begun to address this by developing educational videos that focus on healthy habits in the family environment.