Power to parents
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday March 30, 2011
CHANGING parent, rather than child, behaviour could be key to tackling childhood obesity, a Hunter and Illawarra study has found.Results of the two-year trial were published yesterday in United States medical journal Pediatrics.The study involved 165 overweight prepubescent children.Participants were divided into three groups.The first did a parent-centred nutrition program encouraging changes to family food habits, with a dietitian's help.Another did a child-centred program in which children did activities with assistance from a physical education specialist.The third group combined nutrition and activity, with child and parent participation.University of Newcastle health faculty nutrition and dietetics professor Clare Collins said yesterday children in all groups became slimmer for their age.But children in programs with parental involvement were slimmer than those involved only in physical activity.Professor Collins said most health programs were aimed at children.But the study showed that aiming at parents, even without the child's involvement, achieved better results.She said the surprising finding was good news for parents."I think what was refreshing for parents was empowering them, that's what they can do and it was OK to have those rules," Professor Collins said."Whereas sometimes I think parents feel almost overwhelmed or not supported in their efforts to give their kids healthy food or they just don't have the knowledge."FAMILY FOOD TIPS€“ Swap whole milk for reduced-fat or skim milk€“ Swap sweetened beverages, such as cordial, soft drink and juice, for water or reduced-fat milk€“ Swap pre-packaged snacks for low-fat choices or fruit€“ Serve potatoes mashed or boiled, not as fries€“ Trim fat off meat€“ Eat two pieces of fruit and as many vegetables as possible (aim for four to five serves) dailySource: Professor Clare Collins
© 2011 Newcastle Herald