Routines are the key to cutting obesity in children

Feb 9 2010 by Joanne Butcher, The Journal

But even for children who ticked all these boxes, practising the family routines appeared to lower the likelihood of obesity.

Each routine on its own was a positive step in terms of weight problems, but their effect was greater when combined.

“The routines were protective even among groups that typically have a high risk for obesity,” Dr Anderson said. “This is important because it suggests that there’s a potential for these routines to be useful targets for obesity prevention in all children.”

However, some children were obese despite their families practising all three routines.

“It may be more difficult for some families than others to have regular meals together, ensure their child gets enough sleep and limit TV time,” Dr Anderson added.

“However, families with young children may want to consider what it would take for them to have these routines for their child. We should support parents in their efforts to establish and maintain these household routines.”

Here in the North East, health experts have welcomed the study. The Change4 Life programme is already trying to help families make healthy meals and exercise part of their daily life.

A spokesperson for NHS North of Tyne said: “We are serious about tackling obesity and supporting people to improve their health, and always look for new and innovative ways of doing this with our local population.

“We know that leading a sedentary lifestyle with evenings and weekends spent watching television and playing computer games is a contributory factor to being over weight or obese as is eating an unhealthy diet.

“Change4Life which features The Simpsons and is backed by street dance group Diversity, urges people to ‘eat less and move more’ to adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet with fresh fruit and vegetables.

“Without help, overweight children will become overweight or obese adults and will be at increased risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.”