Family matters? Parental influences on primary school children's energy balance-related behaviors and weight
Year: 2008
Type: dissertation
Abstract: In the Netherlands, as in many other countries, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children \nhas increased rapidly over the past decades(1–4). Although there is convincing evidence for genetic susceptibility \nto overweight(5), this cannot explain the rising trend. The current obesogenic environment, characterized \nby the constant availability of cheap energy-dense food and advancement of sedentary lifestyles, is part \nof the explanation(6,7). Between 1980 and 2010, the overweight prevalence among Dutch boys (aged 2-21 \nyears) has increased from 5.1% to 13.3% and among Dutch girls from 7.2% to 14.9%(8). Although a recent \nstudy among primary school children across Europe aged 10-12 years shows that the prevalence rates \namong Dutch primary school children were below the European average, 16.8% of Dutch boys aged 10-12 \nyears were overweight (of which 4.5% obese) and 15.4% of the girls (of which 2.5% obese)(9). \nOverweight and obesity are associated with premature mortality, and an increased risk of several diseases \nsuch as type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal and pulmonary disorders, cardiovascular diseases and various \ntypes of cancer(10–12). In addition, they are associated with psychosocial problems such as a low self-esteem, \ndepression and eating disorders(13,14). In view of these consequences, and given the tracking of overweight \nfrom childhood into adulthood(15), preventing overweight and obesity during childhood is an important \npublic health target(4). However, to achieve this target requires a detailed understanding of the most \nimportant and modifiable risk and preventive factors for childhood overweight, including their underlying \ndeterminants.
Author: Gerda Rodenburg
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: ZonMw
OpenAlex ID: W89007492