Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Obesity Prevention in Young Children

  • Chapter
Obesity

  • 3273 Accesses

Abstract

Childhood overweight is epidemic, with rates continuing to increase among young children. Childhood overweight is strongly associated with increased children’s as well adult’s morbidity leading to decreased life expectancy thus emphasizing the need for programs specifically targeting this age group to control this problem. The etiology of obesity among young children is complicated, multifaceted and as such offers no easy solution. The long-term impact of early childhood onset obesity interventions is largely unknown. Therefore, the focus on this chapter is to present the available knowledge of behavioral, social, cultural, environmental factors, ethnicity and culture, parental perception, and food portion sizes that may be influencing childhood obesity to preschool children. Here we present the theoretical models of nutritional gatekeeper and social ecological model as frameworks for addressing the obesity epidemic. In addition, the use of effective family, community, and school-based interventions for preventing overweight and obesity and promoting healthy behaviors in children, including those with disabilities, will be examined.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Lobstein T, Baur L, Uauy R. Obesity in children and young people: a crisis in public health. Obes Rev. 2004;5 Suppl 1:100.

    Google Scholar 

  2. World Health Organization. Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2010. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Nader PR, O’Brien M, Houts R, Bradley R, Belsky J, Crosnoe R, et al. Identifying risk for obesity in early childhood. Pediatrics. 2006;118(3):e594–601.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. U.S. Center for Disease Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Nutrition. Physical Activity and Obesity. Obesity among low-income preschool children. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/PedNSSFactSheet.pdf. (accessed May 19, 2012).

  5. Birch L, Anzman S. Learning to eat in an obesogenic environment: a developmental systems perspective on childhood obesity. Child Dev Perspect. 2010;4(2):138–43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Gluckman PD, Hanson MA, Cooper C, Thornburg KL. Effect of in utero and early-life conditions on adult health and disease. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(1):61–73.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Sun SS, Liang R, Huang TT, Daniels SR, Arslanian S, Liu K, et al. Childhood obesity predicts adult metabolic syndrome: the Fels Longitudinal Study. J Pediatr. 2008;152(2):191–200.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Flegal KM. High body mass index for age among US children and adolescents, 2003–2006. JAMA. 2008;299(20):2401–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Beaulac J, Kristjansson E, Cummins S. A systematic review of food deserts, 1966–2007. Prev Chronic Dis. 2009;6(3):A105.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Everson-Hock ES, Johnson M, Jones R, Woods HB, Goyder E, Payne N, et al. Community-based dietary and physical activity interventions in low socioeconomic groups in the UK: a mixed methods systematic review. Prev Med. 2013;56(5):265–72.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Robinson TN. Reducing children’s television viewing to prevent obesity: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 1999;282(16):1561–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Dennison BA, Erb TA, Jenkins PL. Television viewing and television in bedroom associated with overweight risk among low-income preschool children. Pediatrics. 2002;109(6):1028–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Whitaker RC. Obesity prevention in pediatric primary care: four behaviors to target. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2003;157(8):725.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Fisher JO, Rolls BJ, Birch LL. Children’s bite size and intake of an entree are greater with large portions than with age-appropriate or self-selected portions. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;77(5):1164–70.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Stice E, Shaw H, Marti CN. A meta-analytic review of obesity prevention programs for children and adolescents: the skinny on interventions that work. Psychol Bull. 2006;132(5):667–91.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Yavuz HM, van Ijzendoorn MH, Mesman J, van der Veek S. Interventions aimed at reducing obesity in early childhood: a meta-analysis of programs that involve parents. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2015;56(6):677–92. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12330.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Zhou YE, Emerson JS, Levine RS, Kihlberg CJ, Hull PC. Childhood obesity prevention interventions in childcare settings: systematic review of randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials. Am J Health Promot. 2014;28(4):e92–103.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Fitzgibbon ML, Stolley MR, Schiffer LA, Braunschweig CL, Gomez SL, Van Horn L, et al. Hip-Hop to Health Jr. obesity prevention effectiveness trial: postintervention results. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011;19(5):994–1003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Adams J, Molyneux M, Squires L. Sustaining an obesity prevention intervention in preschools. Health Promot J Austr. 2011;22(1):6–10.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Zask A, Adams JK, Brooks LO, Hughes DF. Tooty Fruity Vegie: an obesity prevention intervention evaluation in Australian preschools. Health Promot J Austr. 2012;23(1):10–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Jouret B, Ahluwalia N, Dupuy M, Cristini C, Negre-Pages L, Grandjean H, et al. Prevention of overweight in preschool children: results of kindergarten-based interventions. Int J Obes (2005). 2009;33(10):1075–83.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Stark LJ, Spear S, Boles R, Kuhl E, Ratcliff M, Scharf C, et al. A pilot randomized controlled trial of a clinic and home-based behavioral intervention to decrease obesity in preschoolers. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011;19(1):134–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Wansink B. Project M.O.M.: mothers & others & MyPyramid. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108(8):1302–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Koplan JP, Liverman CT, Kraak VA.(Eds.); Committee on Prevention of Obesity in Children and Youth; Food and Nutrition Board; Board on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Intsitute of Medicine. Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance. Washington, D.C: National Academies Press; 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Campbell K, Hesketh K, Silverii A, Abbott G. Maternal self-efficacy regarding children’s eating and sedentary behaviours in the early years: associations with children’s food intake and sedentary behaviours. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2010;5(6):501–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Lazarou C, Kalavana T, Matalas AL. The influence of parents’ dietary beliefs and behaviours on children’s dietary beliefs and behaviours. The CYKIDS study. Appetite. 2008;51(3):690–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Natale R, Scott SH, Messiah SE, Schrack MM, Uhlhorn SB, Delamater A. Design and methods for evaluating an early childhood obesity prevention program in the childcare center setting. BMC Public Health. 2013;13(1):78.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Bandura A. Social foundations of thought and action: a social cognitive theory. NJ: Prentice Hall; 1986.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Gillman MW, Rifas-Shiman SL, Frazier AL, Rockett HR, Camargo Jr CA, Field AE, et al. Family dinner and diet quality among older children and adolescents. Arch Fam Med. 2000;9(3):235.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Campbell KJ, Crawford DA, Ball K. Family food environment and dietary behaviors likely to promote fatness in 5–6 year-old children. Int J Obes (Lond). 2006;30(8):1272–80.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Institute of Medicine School Food Recommendations. (2007). http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2009/School-Meals-Building-Blocks-for-Healthy-Children.aspx (accessed June 11, 2012).

  32. Glanz K, B.E. S. Relevant health education and health promotion theory for childhood obesity prevention. In: J. OD, M. E, editors. Childhood obesity prevention: international research, controversies and intervention. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press; 2010. p. 203–12. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199572915.003.0018.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Sallis JF, Cervero RB, Ascher W, Henderson KA, Kraft MK, Kerr J. An ecological approach to creating active living communities. Annu Rev Public Health. 2006;27:297–322.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Stokols D. Establishing and maintaining healthy environments: toward a social ecology of health promotion. Am Psychol. 1992;47(1):6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Stokols D. Social ecology and behavioral medicine: implications for training, practice, and policy. Behav Med. 2000;26(3):129–38.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2010. Healthy People 2020. http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/objectiveslist.aspx?topicId=33. (accessed June 11, 2012).

  37. Dietz WH, Gortmaker SL. Preventing obesity in children and adolescents 1. Annu Rev Public Health. 2001;22(1):337–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Sloane D, Nascimento L, Flynn G, Lewis L, Guinyard JJ, Galloway-Gilliam L, et al. Assessing resource environments to target prevention interventions in community chronic disease control. J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2006;17(2):146–58.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Fitzgibbon ML, Stolley MR, Dyer AR, VanHorn L, KauferChristoffel K. A community-based obesity prevention program for minority children: rationale and study design for Hip-Hop to Health Jr. Prev Med. 2002;34(2):289–97.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. McGarvey E, Keller A, Forrester M, Williams E, Seward D, Suttle DE. Feasibility and benefits of a parent-focused preschool child obesity intervention. Am J Public Health. 2004;94(9):1490–5.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Stolley MR, Fitzgibbon ML, Dyer A, Van Horn L, KauferChristoffel K, Schiffer L. Hip-Hop to Health Jr., an obesity prevention program for minority preschool children: baseline characteristics of participants. Prev Med. 2003;36(3):320–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. American Public Health Association; National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. Preventing childhood obesity in early care and education programs: selected standards from caring for our children: national health and safety performance standards. Aurora: NRC; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Natale RA, Lopez-Mitnik G, Uhlhorn SB, Asfour L, Messiah SE. Effect of a child care center-based obesity prevention program on body mass index and nutrition practices among preschool-aged children. Health Promot Pract. 2014. doi:10.1177/1524839914523429.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Natale RA, Messiah SE, Asfour L, Uhlhorn SB, Delamater A, Arheart KL. Role modeling as an early childhood obesity prevention strategy: effect of parents and teachers on preschool children’s healthy lifestyle habits. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2014;35(6):378–87.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Mo-suwan L, Pongprapai S, Junjana C, Puetpaiboon A. Effects of a controlled trial of a school-based exercise program on the obesity indexes of preschool children. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;68(5):1006–11.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Harvey‐Berino J, Rourke J. Obesity prevention in preschool native‐american children: a pilot study using home visiting. Obes Res. 2003;11(5):606–11.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Dennison BA, Russo TJ, Burdick PA, Jenkins PL. An intervention to reduce television viewing by preschool children. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2004;158(2):170–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Fitzgibbon ML, Stolley MR, Schiffer L, Van Horn L, KauferChristoffel K, Dyer A. Two-year follow-up results for Hip-Hop to Health Jr.: a randomized controlled trial for overweight prevention in preschool minority children. J Pediatr. 2005;146(5):618–25.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Williams CL, Strobino BA, Bollella M, Brotanek J. Cardiovascular risk reduction in preschool children: the “Healthy Start” project. J Am Coll Nutr. 2004;23(2):117–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Berge JM, Everts JC. Family-based interventions targeting childhood obesity: a meta-analysis. Child Obes. 2011;7(2):110–21.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Hopper CA, Munoz KD, Gruber MB, Nguyen KP. The effects of a family fitness program on the physical activity and nutrition behaviors of third-grade children. Res Q Exerc Sport. 2005;76(2):130–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Rito AI, Carvalho MA, Ramos C, Breda J. Program Obesity Zero (POZ) – a community-based intervention to address overweight primary-school children from five Portuguese municipalities. Public Health Nutr. 2013;16(6):1043–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Borys JM, Le Bodo Y, Jebb SA, Seidell JC, Summerbell C, Richard D, et al. J-M B, YL B, SD H, L M, M R, J S, et al. EEN Study Group. EPODE approach for childhood obesity prevention: methods, progress and international development. Obes Rev. 2012:13(4):299–315. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00950.x.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Reger B, Wootan MG, Booth-Butterfield S. Using mass media to promote healthy eating: a community-based demonstration project. Prev Med. 1999;29(5):414–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. World Health Organization. Population- based approaches to childhood obesity prevention. Geneva: WHO Press; 2012.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Matsudo V. The role of partnerships in promoting physical activity: the experience of Agita Sao Paulo. Health Place. 2012;18(1):121–2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Gamez R, Parra D, Pratt M, Schmid TL. Muevete Bogota: promoting physical activity with a network of partner companies. Promot Educ. 2006;13(2):138–43, 64–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Natale R, Uhlhorn S, Lopez-Mitnik G, Camejo S, Delamater A, Messiah S. Caregiver’s country of birth is a significant determinant of accurate perception of preschool-age children’s weight. Health Education and Behavior. 2015: pii:1090198115599395. [Epub ahead of print].

    Google Scholar 

  59. Coleman G. Eating right is basic. 3rd ed. East Lansing: Michigan State University Bulletin Office; 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Oakley CB, Bomba AK, Knight KB, Byrd SH. Evaluation of menus planned in Mississippi child-care centers participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995;95(7):765–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Ball SC, Benjamin SE, Ward DS. Dietary intakes in North Carolina child-care centers: are children meeting current recommendations? J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108(4):718–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Finn K, Johannsen N, Specker B. Factors associated with physical activity in preschool children. J Pediatr. 2002;140(1):81–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Trost SG, Messner L, Fitzgerald K, Roths B. Nutrition and physical activity policies and practices in family child care homes. Am J Prev Med. 2009;37(6):537–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Natale R, Page M, Sanders L. Nutrition and physical activity practices in childcare centers versus family childcare homes. Early Child Educ J. 2014;42(5):327–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Kit BK, Flegal KM. Prevalence of obesity and trends in body mass index among US children and adolescents, 1999–2010. JAMA. 2012;307(5):483–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Winkleby MA, Robinson TN, Sundquist J, Kraemer HC. Ethnic variation in cardiovascular disease risk factors among children and young adults: findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994. JAMA. 1999;281(11):1006–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Bennett PH. Type 2 diabetes among the Pima Indians of Arizona: an epidemic attributable to environmental change? Nutr Rev. 1999;57(5):51–4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  68. Peña M-M, Dixon B, Taveras EM. Are you talking to ME? The importance of ethnicity and culture in childhood obesity prevention and management. Child Obes. 2012;8(1):23–7.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Popkin BM, Udry JR. Adolescent obesity increases significantly in second and third generation US immigrants: the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. J Nutr. 1998;128(4):701–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Kaplan MS, Huguet N, Newsom JT, McFarland BH. The association between length of residence and obesity among Hispanic immigrants. Am J Prev Med. 2004;27(4):323–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Young‐Hyman D, Herman LJ, Scott DL, Schlundt DG. Care giver perception of children’s obesity‐related health risk: a study of African American families. Obes Res. 2000;8(3):241–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Rietmeijer‐Mentink M, Paulis WD, Middelkoop M, Bindels PJ, Wouden JC. Difference between parental perception and actual weight status of children: a systematic review. Matern Child Nutr. 2013;9(1):3–22.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Jain A, Sherman SN, Chamberlin LA, Carter Y, Powers SW, Whitaker RC. Why don’t low-income mothers worry about their preschoolers being overweight? Pediatrics. 2001;107(5):1138–46.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Baughcum AE, Powers SW, Johnson SB, Chamberlin LA, Deeks CM, Jain A, et al. Maternal feeding practices and beliefs and their relationships to overweight in early childhood. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2001;22(6):391–408.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Johnson SL, Birch LL. Parents’ and children’s adiposity and eating style. Pediatrics. 1994;94(5):653–61.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Sussner KM, Lindsay AC, Peterson KE. The influence of maternal acculturation on child body mass index at age 24 months. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109(2):218–25.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Fuentes-Afflick E, Hessol NA. Overweight in young Latino children. Arch Med Res. 2008;39(5):511–8.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). National Health and Nutrition Examination Anthropometric Procedural Manual. Hyattsville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2002. http://www.cdc.gov/NCHS/data/nhanes/nhanes_01_02/body_measures_year_3.pdf

  79. Buscemi J, Beech BM, Relyea G. Predictors of obesity in Latino children: acculturation as a moderator of the relationship between food insecurity and body mass index percentile. J Immigr Minor Health. 2011;13(1):149–54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Dave JM, Evans AE, Saunders RP, Watkins KW, Pfeiffer KA. Associations among food insecurity, acculturation, demographic factors, and fruit and vegetable intake at home in Hispanic children. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109(4):697–701.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Rosas LG, Harley KG, Guendelman S, Fernald LC, Mejia F, Eskenazi B. Maternal perception of child weight among Mexicans in California and Mexico. Matern Child Health J. 2010;14(6):886–94.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Guendelman S, Fernald LC, Neufeld LM, Fuentes-Afflick E. Maternal perceptions of early childhood ideal body weight differ among Mexican-origin mothers residing in Mexico compared to California. J Am Diet Assoc. 2010;110(2):222–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Killion L, Hughes SO, Wendt JC, Pease D, Nicklas TA. Minority mothers’ perceptions of children’s body size. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2006;1(2):96–102.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Myers S, Vargas Z. Parental perceptions of the preschool obese child. Pediatr Nurs. 1999;26(1):23–30.

    Google Scholar 

  85. Crawford PB, Gosliner W, Anderson C, Strode P, Becerra-Jones Y, Samuels S, et al. Counseling Latina mothers of preschool children about weight issues: suggestions for a new framework. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004;104(3):387–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Alexander MA, Sherman JB, Clark L. Obesity in Mexican‐American preschool children‐a population group at risk. Public Health Nurs. 1991;8(1):53–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Kaufman-Shriqui V, Fraser D, Novack Y, Bilenko N, Vardi H, Abu-Saad K, et al. Maternal weight misperceptions and smoking are associated with overweight and obesity in low SES preschoolers. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2012;66(2):216–23.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Wald E, Ewing L, Cluss P, Goldstrohm S, Cipriani L, Colborn D, et al. Parental perception of children’s weight in a paediatric primary care setting. Child Care Health Dev. 2007;33(6):738–43.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Hernandez RG, Cheng TL, Serwint JR. Parents’ healthy weight perceptions and preferences regarding obesity counseling in preschoolers: pediatricians matter. Clin Pediatr. 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  90. Baughcum AE, Chamberlin LA, Deeks CM, Powers SW, Whitaker RC. Maternal perceptions of overweight preschool children. Pediatrics. 2000;106(6):1380–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Hough LM, Oswald FL, Ployhart RE. Determinants, detection and amelioration of adverse impact in personnel selection procedures: issues, evidence and lessons learned. Int J Sel Assess. 2001;9(1–2):152–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  92. Price J, Just DR. Lunch, recess and nutrition: responding to time incentives in the cafeteria. Prev Med. 2015;71:27–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Smith SL, Cunningham-Sabo L. Food choice, plate waste and nutrient intake of elementary- and middle-school students participating in the US National School Lunch Program. Public Health Nutr. 2014;17(6):1255–63.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Buscemi J, Kong A, Fitzgibbon ML, Bustamante EE, Davis CL, Pate RR, et al. Society of Behavioral Medicine position statement: elementary school-based physical activity supports academic achievement. Trans Behav Med. 2014;4(4):436–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  95. Turner L, Johnson TG, Slater SJ, Chaloupka FJ. Physical activity practices in elementary schools and associations with physical education staffing and training. Res Q Exerc Sport. 2014;85(4):488–501.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Patino‐Fernandez AM, Hernandez J, Villa M, Delamater A. School‐based health promotion intervention: parent and school staff perspectives. J Sch Health. 2013;83(11):763–70.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Johnson SB, Pilkington LL, Lamp C, He J, Deeb LC. Parent reactions to a school-based body mass index screening program. J Sch Health. 2009;79(5):216–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  98. Ickes MJ, Erwin H, Beighle A. Systematic review of recess interventions to increase physical activity. J Phys Act Health. 2013;10(6):910–26.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  99. Young LR, Nestle M. The contribution of expanding portion sizes to the US obesity epidemic. Am J Public Health. 2002;92(2):246–9.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Young LR, Nestle M. Expanding portion sizes in the US marketplace: implications for nutrition counseling. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103(2):231–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  101. Fast LC, Harman JJ, Maertens JA, Burnette JL, Dreith F. Creating a measure of portion control self-efficacy. Eat Behav. 2015;16:23–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  102. Johnson SL, Goodell LS, Williams K, Power TG, Hughes SO. Getting my child to eat the right amount. Mothers’ considerations when deciding how much food to offer their child at a meal. Appetite. 2015;88:24–32. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2014.12.004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  103. Fisher JO, Kral TV. Super-size me: portion size effects on young children’s eating. Physiol Behav. 2008;94(1):39–47.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  104. Fisher JO, Birch LL, Zhang J, Grusak MA, Hughes SO. External influences on children’s self-served portions at meals. Int J Obes (2005). 2013;37(7):954–60.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Kroller K, Warschburger P. Associations between maternal feeding style and food intake of children with a higher risk for overweight. Appetite. 2008;51(1):166–72.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  106. Fox MK, Devaney B, Reidy K, Razafindrakoto C, Ziegler P. Relationship between portion size and energy intake among infants and toddlers: evidence of self-regulation. J Am Diet Assoc. 2006;106(1 Suppl 1):S77–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  107. Birch LL, Doub AE. Learning to eat: birth to age 2 y. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;99(3):723s–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  108. Birch LL, Deysher M. Caloric compensation and sensory specific satiety: evidence for self regulation of food intake by young children. Appetite. 1986;7(4):323–31.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  109. Birch LL, Fisher JO. Development of eating behaviors among children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 1998;101(3 Pt 2):539–49.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  110. Stifter CA, Anzman-Frasca S, Birch LL, Voegtline K. Parent use of food to soothe infant/toddler distress and child weight status. An exploratory study. Appetite. 2011;57(3):693–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  111. McConahy KL, Smiciklas-Wright H, Mitchell DC, Picciano MF. Portion size of common foods predicts energy intake among preschool-aged children. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004;104(6):975–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  112. Shunk JA, Birch LL. Girls at risk for overweight at age 5 are at risk for dietary restraint, disinhibited overeating, weight concerns, and greater weight gain from 5 to 9 years. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004;104(7):1120–6.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  113. Blissett J, Haycraft E. Are parenting style and controlling feeding practices related? Appetite. 2008;50(2–3):477–85.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  114. Haycraft E, Blissett J. Eating disorder symptoms and parenting styles. Appetite. 2010;54(1):221–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  115. Krebs NF, Jacobson MS. Prevention of pediatric overweight and obesity. Pediatrics. 2003;112(2):424–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  116. Gidding SS, Dennison BA, Birch LL, Daniels SR, Gillman MW, Lichtenstein AH, et al. Dietary recommendations for children and adolescents: a guide for practitioners. Pediatrics. 2006;117(2):544–59.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Hoelscher DM, Kirk S, Ritchie L, Cunningham-Sabo L. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: interventions for the prevention and treatment of pediatric overweight and obesity. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113(10):1375–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  118. Pomeranz JL, Miller DP. Policies to promote healthy portion sizes for children. Appetite. 2015;88:50–8. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2014.12.003.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  119. U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) database, retrieved October 3, 2014, from https://inventory.data.gov/dataset/8715a3e8-bf48-4eef-9deb-fd9bb76a196e/resource/a68a23f3-3981-47db-ac75-98a167b65259.

  120. Chen AY, Kim SE, Houtrow AJ, Newacheck PW. Prevalence of obesity among children with chronic conditions. Obesity. 2010;18(1):210–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  121. De S, Small J, Baur LA. Overweight and obesity among children with developmental disabilities. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2008;33(1):43–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  122. Rimmer J, Yamaki K, Lowry B, Wang E, Vogel L. Obesity and obesity‐related secondary conditions in adolescents with intellectual/developmental disabilities. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2010;54(9):787–94.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  123. Curtin C, Anderson SE, Must A, Bandini L. The prevalence of obesity in children with autism: a secondary data analysis using nationally representative data from the National Survey of Children’s Health. BMC Pediatr. 2010;10(1):11.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  124. Emond A, Emmett P, Steer C, Golding J. Feeding symptoms, dietary patterns, and growth in young children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics. 2010;126(2):e337–42. doi:10.1542/peds.2009-2391.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  125. Ho HH, Eaves LC, Peabody D. Nutrient intake and obesity in children with autism. Focus Autism Other Dev Disabl. 1997;12(3):187–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  126. Rimmer JH, Marques AC. Physical activity for people with disabilities. Lancet. 2012;380(9838):193–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  127. Natale R, Camejo S, Asfour LS, Uhlhorn SB, Delamater A, Messiah SE. Promoting healthy weight among children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Early Intervention, 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  128. Curtin C, Bandini LG, Perrin EC, Tybor DJ, Must A. Prevalence of overweight in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders: a chart review. BMC Pediatr. 2005;5(1):48.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  129. Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Kit BK, Flegal KM. Prevalence of childhood and adult obesity in the United States, 2011–2012. JAMA. 2014;311(8):806–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  130. Lindsay AC, Sussner KM, Kim J, Gortmaker SL. The role of parents in preventing childhood obesity. Future Child. 2006;16(1):169–86.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  131. McBean LD, Miller GD. Enhancing the nutrition of America’s youth. J Am Coll Nutr. 1999;18(6):563–71.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  132. Centers for Disease Control. Division of Human Development ad Disability. People with disabilities. Healthy weight and obesity prevention in schools. 2013. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/documents/pd_healthywt_obesity_schools.pdf

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Community Research and Training, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

    Ruby Natale PhD, PsyD

  2. Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA

    Catherina Chang

  3. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Community-Based Research and Training, Mailman Center for Child Development, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

    Sarah Messiah

Authors
  1. Ruby Natale PhD, PsyD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Catherina Chang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sarah Messiah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ruby Natale PhD, PsyD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom

    Shamim I. Ahmad

  2. Al Mouwasat Hospital, Jubail, Saudi Arabia

    Syed Khalid Imam

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Natale, R., Chang, C., Messiah, S. (2016). Obesity Prevention in Young Children. In: Ahmad, S., Imam, S. (eds) Obesity. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19821-7_27

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19821-7_27

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-19820-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-19821-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation