children obesity facts

Question 1

prevalence

Answer 1

NHS digital 2020- 40% children leaving primary school are obese

Sport England 2020- 50% primary school children do not meet minimal PA exercise levels

Year 6: Obesity prevalence was 30.2% in the most deprived areas, versus 13.1% in the least deprived areas.

Question 2

consequences of childhood obesity

Answer 2

Being obese as a child increases likely hood of obesity at adulthood ….
(Larson et al., 2011)

mental health consequences- adolescence who are obese suffer from extreme anxiety, depression and low self esteem and lower quality of life! Therefore understanding causes for childhood weight including feeding practises is vital! (Anderson 2007)

Also being overweight/obesity affects student outcomes including literacy and maths (strum 2006)

Question 3

the key developmental stage, outgrowing these habits! such as emotional eating

Answer 3

Emotional eating is learnt.

desire for certain foods, including UPFs is also learnt.

Question 4

cooking

Answer 4

Here’s a summary of what the studies show:

1. Flego et al. (2014): Jamie’s Ministry of Food
   Key Findings: This study evaluated a cooking skills program for adults and found that participants experienced immediate improvements in cooking confidence, food preparation skills, and healthier eating behaviors. The program led to a reduction in the consumption of takeaway meals and an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables. The positive effects were sustained over time, showing the potential of cooking interventions to improve dietary behaviors and contribute to obesity prevention.
   Implications: Teaching cooking skills empowers individuals to make healthier food choices, potentially reducing reliance on ultra-processed or convenience foods associated with obesity.
2. Utter et al. (2016): Adolescent Cooking Abilities
   Key Findings: This study found that adolescents with better cooking skills were more likely to consume healthier diets, including higher intakes of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, cooking abilities were linked to improved emotional well-being and greater confidence in making healthy choices. Adolescents who cooked also reported lower intakes of sugary and fast foods, reducing obesity risk factors.
   Implications: Encouraging cooking skills in youth not only improves diet quality but also promotes positive psychological outcomes, suggesting that early interventions can have long-term health benefits.