PHILADELPHIA—Eating and physical activity behaviors formed during the preschool years have the potential to prevent obesity in the short term, and if carried into adulthood, to set the stage for a lifetime of better health, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The findings suggest child care facilities and preschools need to improve their efforts tackle childhood obesity.
"Early prevention is considered to be the most promising strategy for reducing obesity and the many serious health conditions that may result as a consequence of excessive weight gain in childhood," aid lead author Nicole Larson, PhD, MPH, RD, Research Associate in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota
The researchers reviewed 42 studies of obesity prevention-related practices in day care to determine the current status of state regulations, practices and policies, and interventions for promoting healthy eating and physical activity. They found most states lacked strong regulations related to healthy eating and physical activity. There was strong variation among states in promoting eight key nutrition and physical activity measures in child-care settings.
“These reviews identified a number of opportunities for enhancing state regulations by comparing existing regulations with relevant national standards and recommendations from professional groups, including the American Dietetic Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Public Health Association," Larson said.
In an accompanying editorial, Margaret Briley and Michael McAllaster, of The University of Texas at Austin, said America is facing the reality that many children younger than five years can be classified as obese or overweight.
"Parents must become advocates for their children's food intake and support policy changes that strengthen nutrition programs that will enable all children to eat nutritious meals and snacks that support a lifetime of good health," they said.
