7 ways to prevent and manage childhood obesity
An examination of existing literature to determine contemporary approaches to the prevention and management of paediatric obesity in Australia was conducted by researchers and from the (CRE-EPOCH) based at the University of Sydney鈥檚 and Dr Megan Gow from the Children鈥檚 Hospital at Westmead and published in the today.
鈥淐hild and adolescent obesity is a complex problem involving many levels of influence,鈥� lead author , from the , said.
鈥淗owever, this review demonstrates it is possible to curb obesity through smart governance across many sectors, community initiatives, the support of individual efforts and clinical leadership.
鈥淗ere are seven ways we can effectively tackle childhood obesity, based on the evidence.鈥�
1. Integrated action to prevent obesity
鈥淚n terms of obesity prevention, there needs to be integrated action from preconception, through pregnancy and early childhood, and across the age and developmental spectrum,鈥� the authors say.
2. Fiscal policies to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages
鈥淎 study which modelled the impact of a 20 percent tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in Australia estimated that it would likely reduce purchasing and consumption, leading to health gains and health care expenditure savings across all quintiles of socio-economic deprivation,鈥� they write.
3. Regulate unhealthy food marketing to children
鈥淟imiting the exposure of children to the marketing of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods has been identified as a highly cost-effective strategy, potentially saving an estimated $38 for every $1 invested,鈥� say the authors.
鈥淎ustralian studies have shown that public attitudes are changing in this area, with growing support for government intervention to regulate food advertising and implement other regulatory policies, especially those targeting children.鈥�
4. Public transport policies that promote active transport
鈥淭here is moderate evidence for community interventions that include a physical activity or an active transport component for reducing obesity-conducive behaviour, suggesting the important role of communities in facilitating active lifestyles,鈥� they say.
5. Urban planning approaches to support active communities
鈥淟ongitudinal and cross-sectional studies have shown that higher neighbourhood park and playground access, availability and active commuting are associated with lower BMI,鈥� say the authors.
6. Treat children and adolescents with established obesity more effectively
鈥淲hile the basic principles of management are well recognised 鈥� including family-based, behavioural change, as well as adjunctive therapies for older children with more severe obesity 鈥� major challenges in delivering services, at scale, in often resource-constrained environments remain,鈥� the authors say.
7. Coordinate health care pathways in each health region
鈥淲e need to link primary care through to tertiary care services, including bariatric surgery for older adolescents with more severe obesity,鈥� the researchers conclude.