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Home and Family Influence on Obesity

by J. B. Endres|R. E. Rockwell|C. G. Mense
Source: Pearson Allyn Bacon Prentice Hall
Topics: Childhood Obesity, more...

 In the home, families can contribute to obesity by sliding into poor eating behaviors, discouraging activity by favoring "push-button entertainment," and selecting the least physically challenging mode of transportation within the community. The table below provides a detailed list of factors that contrbute to obesity.

Factors contributing to intake Factors contributing to inactivity
•  Food preparation techniques that add fat •  TV/computer in bedrooms
•  Food selections brought into the home: low nutrient density, high fat •  Number of hours watching TV/day
•  Infrequent family meals •  Hours spent at video games or computer
•  Child not allowed to decide whether or not to eat •  Inability to walk to/from school
•  Parent–child feeding relationship •  Poor neighborhood safety
•  Parent food behaviors and dieting •  Number hours inactive during daily routines
•  Use of sweetened beverages, sodas/soft drinks •  Access to playmates for TV/video/ computer free-play time
•  Number of hours watching TV/day •  Access to exercise facilities, playgrounds sidewalks, YMCA
•  Parent's inability to set limits  
•  Portion size  
•  Parent's obesity  

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