Maintaining healthy household routines such as family dinners, getting enough sleep and limit the daily time spent on television are key elements to prevent obesity in preschoolers. The combination of these three habits fall by 40% the incidence of this disease in infants, says a study .

Although previous work had examined the role of these three separate factors: too much television, inadequate rest and a lower frequency of family meals, this is the first study that considers the combined effects of this trio of elements in obesity among U.S. children of four years.

Researchers believe that if the housewives that do not carry out any of these three adopt healthy routines at least one of them may reduce the risk of obesity in preschool children, whereas if they were two or three good habits adopted family life in danger would be reduced further.

In examining the scientists concluded that the prevalence of obesity among children who had three good habits was 14.3%, while 24.5% of youngsters who did not meet any of these practices suffering from obesity.

The correlation between these healthy habits and a lower incidence of obesity observed even in children who had additional risk factors for having overweight, such as having an obese mother and / or low educational level, living in a household with income below the threshold poverty or growing up in a single parent.

Family Involvement

Researchers believe that if the housewives that do not carry out any of these three adopt healthy routines at least one of them may reduce the risk of obesity in preschool children, whereas if they were two or three good habits adopted family life in danger would be reduced further.

Either way, it was also noted that some obese children even when their families to follow these three beneficial practices, confirming that even the conclusions reached as large population studies like this are applicable in all cases and reminds us that there to remain vigilant.

“Our research suggests that these patterns may have potential impact. They can help families move the discussion beyond nutrition and exercise, other aspects of behavior and biology that could be potentially linked to obesity,” explains Anderson.

Eating together regularly, to ensure that children get enough sleep and limit the consumption of television time can be more difficult for some families than others. In any case, according to their specific circumstances and constraints, families should consider how much it would cost to have these routines for child.

Image to link: Elements 4health

Related Posts