What parents make available for kids to eat can contribute to obesity risk

Washington, Dec 14 (ANI): What parents make available for their children to eat may encourage or prevent childhood obesity, says a new study.

According to the researchers from Kansas State University, comes to childhood obesity, three types of environments-political and economic, built and natural, and socio-cultural- the food children consume in the home.

"Many people view healthful eating and physical activity as an individual responsibility, but research says that we tend to eat what is available," said David Dzewaltowski, professor and head of the department of kinesiology at K-State.

"So, for adults, we are driven by what is available and marketed by the food system. For children, parents are the gatekeepers of what is available at home and what out-of-home options are provided," he added.

In the political and economic environment, the study found that factors like food pricing and family socioeconomic status affect the dietary lifestyle in the home.

According to Dzewaltowski and Richard Rosenkranz, assistant professor of human nutrition at K-State, food prices can ultimately determine what a child eats, such as when an item's price and taste trump its nutritional quality.

Healthy options like fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats are generally more expensive than energy-dense foods made from refined grains, sugars and fats.

In the socio-cultural environment, the parenting styles can also have a significant impact on children's food choices.

"Parents and guardians should strive to not control their children's eating and activity, but set limits," Dzewaltowski said.

"The best way to do this is to limit children's options to healthful choices," he added.

In the built and natural environments, the researchers found that larger plates, bowls, cups and serving utensils can promote a greater consumption of food.

Rosenkranz said the healthy choice is not always the easy choice.

"There are very powerful forces at work beyond the home that can have an overwhelming influence on what a parent does to provide things for children," he said.

Rosenkranz said that with some simple changes in home, parents can prevent their child from being overweight, such as having regular family meals with fruits and vegetables and no soda, while saving junk foods for occasions like trips to the movies or restaurants.

Parents can be role models for their children and influence their attitudes about food and nutrition, Rosenkranz said. (ANI)