Abstract
To the Editor:
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is increasing at an alarming rate both in Australia and internationally. Recently published data from South Australian four-year-olds indicate that in 2002 17% males and 21% females were overweight . A major consequence of overweight in childhood is the high degree of tracking such that an overweight child is very likely to be an overweight or obese adolescent and adult. Thus interventions to prevent and manage overweight in early childhood are urgently required.
Well designed trials of interventions to manage or prevent overweight in children are few. While the nutrition component of these trials varies, detailed information is limited and rarely has the nutrition component been independently evaluated. The approach taken in most of these trials has been akin to a diet prescription and thus fails to promote lifelong healthy eating. Although not a randomised controlled trial, a study by Braet et al. reported significant weight change at one year in children participating in a program that used cognitive behaviour therapy involving both parents and children to achieve gradual dietary change towards a healthy diet. Calorie counting was not allowed. The importance of interventions involving families rather that focusing on the individual child is supported by the work of Golan et al. This approach places responsibility with the parent for achieving family change in eating and activity behaviour.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is increasing at an alarming rate both in Australia and internationally. Recently published data from South Australian four-year-olds indicate that in 2002 17% males and 21% females were overweight . A major consequence of overweight in childhood is the high degree of tracking such that an overweight child is very likely to be an overweight or obese adolescent and adult. Thus interventions to prevent and manage overweight in early childhood are urgently required.
Well designed trials of interventions to manage or prevent overweight in children are few. While the nutrition component of these trials varies, detailed information is limited and rarely has the nutrition component been independently evaluated. The approach taken in most of these trials has been akin to a diet prescription and thus fails to promote lifelong healthy eating. Although not a randomised controlled trial, a study by Braet et al. reported significant weight change at one year in children participating in a program that used cognitive behaviour therapy involving both parents and children to achieve gradual dietary change towards a healthy diet. Calorie counting was not allowed. The importance of interventions involving families rather that focusing on the individual child is supported by the work of Golan et al. This approach places responsibility with the parent for achieving family change in eating and activity behaviour.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 183-184 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | Nutrition and Dietetics |
Volume | 61 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2004 |