The nutrition program and proposal childhood

Running head: NUTRITION PROGRAM AND PROPOSAL: CHILDHOOD OBESITY
NUTRITION PROGRAM AND PROPOSAL: CHILDHOOD OBESITY
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NUTRITION PROGRAM AND PROPOSAL: CHILDHOOD OBESITY1
Introduction
Obesity during childhood has been largely linked to perceptions and behaviors followed
by parents [1]. The following program proposal thus intends to design an educational and
behavioral intervention program involving both children and parents for obesity management.
According to the qualitative, interview-based study conducted by [2] across 21 parents of
children in primary school, participants reported to enroll and involve themselves in a weight
management program for their children, only after engaging in a number of attempts which were
unsuccessful. Additionally, the authors also reported the influence of parent’s misperception
regarding their child’s weight – parents were found to underestimate or misunderstand a change
in the weight of the child as insignificant resulting in delayed enrolment. Thus, these findings
demonstrate the need for healthcare professionals to involve and educate parents of obese
children regarding appropriate dietary and lifestyle interventions. However, the interview based,
qualitative findings are often prone to social desirability [1]. Nevertheless, the cross sectional
study by [3] aimed to assess associations between the weight status of parents and obesity in
children across 23043 children and their parents. It was found that for those children with parents
who are obese, the Odds Ratio for obesity in children were reported to be 3.46 for females
(OR=3.46; 95% CI=3.03-3.94) and 2.79 for males (OR=2.79; 95% CI=2.44-3.20) as compared
to children with parents who were not obese. To expound upon the same, the authors denoted the
association between genetics as well as home environment and childhood obesity since children
are likely to imitate the dietary behaviors of their parents. Additionally, parents often tend to
provide their children with sugar, fat and salt rich processed foods due to their convenience and
lack of awareness resulting in increased risk of childhood obesity. Despite these findings, there is

NUTRITION PROGRAM AND PROPOSAL: CHILDHOOD OBESITY2
limited exploration on the effectiveness of the nutritional and educational interventions involving
both parents and children for obesity treatment [1], [2].
Thus, limited research and the influence of parental behavior on childhood obesity form
the rationale underlying the development of this proposed program. Increased parental awareness
concerning children’s weight and possible implications are the reasons why administering this
behavior is required for this program [4] Additionally, the Centers of Disease Control and
Prevention [4], reports the prevalence of 18.4% of childhood obesity across 6 to 11 year old
children – a number which has tripled in comparison to findings during 1963 to 1965 and 1999
to 2000. Additionally, increased reliance, desirability and convenience towards fast foods are
inevitable. Thus, rising rates of obesity and associated food consumption patterns across this age
group are rationales for developing this program at this point of time and across this population
[6].
Theoretical Foundation
The trans-theoretical model of change will be used since it is based on the principle that
individuals are initially reluctant to change and specific interventions can increase their readiness
[7].
1. Pre-contemplation and Contemplation: Parents and children may be reluctant or
unmotivated due to reliance over current dietary patterns. Along with educational
sessions, group discussions will be used to encourage all parents and children to share
their doubts collectively. This is because peer groups, due to inclusion of participants
with similar objectives, generate greater understanding and participation.