Obesity has no doubt become a major public health concern in a number of countries. As such, a variety of studies have been carried out to attempt and establish the various lifestyle, psychological and socio-economic factors that normally contribute towards unhealthy eating habits and consequently obesity. The study aims to explore some of these factors further, to build on findings outlined in the literature review. The study will attempt to highlight factors that contribute to obesity, ranging from poor parenting practices, socio-economic status, level of education, changes within the family. The study will entail the use of surveys to assess the various aspects suspected to contribute towards obesity, as well as periodic assessments of the relationship between changes in the factors mentioned and weight. Simultaneously, the study will also aim to attempt and establish whether or not a number of measures currently being implemented to deal with obesity are effective in any way (Lopez-Dicastillo, Grande, & Callery, 2010).
The study will focus mainly on obesity in children, as well as the role that parenting plays in the proliferation of obesity and unhealthy eating habits. In particular, the study aims to establish how parental eating habits, as well as their approach towards managing their children’s diets, may contribute to a higher BMI score (Rada, 2012). Aspects of parenting the study will attempt to appraise will include, the lack or presence of healthy eating habits, as advocated for by the parents, the study will also appraise the role the parents play in the preparation of food, strictness and the active role they take on ensuring the children participate in physical activity, including as well as the participation of the parents in physical activity, and parental obesity. The parents’ approach to meal planning and shopping will also be assessed (Borden, et al, 2012). The type of parenting style employed within the various households as well as approaches to emotional regulation will also be studied, to establish the exact extent these two aspects contribute towards obesity and unhealthy eating habits. Finally, one of the most important aspects to the role of parenting in the development of obesity will be how parents manage media influence on their children’s eating and exercising habits.
When it comes to parenting styles, the study will delve into the effectiveness of applying the various parenting styles in encouraging greater fruit and vegetable intake. Further, these parenting styles will also be assessed for the influence they have on emotional regulation, more so focusing on how children turn to unhealthy eating as a coping strategy. Similar to a study by Ward, et al (2011), the study will attempt to assess the effects of parental knowledge and involvement on the development of childhood obesity.
Amongst the most prominent instruments that will be utilized in the study, will be the Body Mass Index (BMI), which will be used in assessing the weight of the children. Questionnaires aimed at gleaning data on the various areas of parenting already mentioned will also be utilized, similar to the study by (Davison & Birch, 2002). In addition, semi structured interviews will also be used in the study, especially when it comes to sections that require parental input, as not only will this improve honesty, but it will also ensure only important information is retrieved (Hendrie, Coveney, & Cox, 2012).
The study will aim to establish the exact role that parental involvement plays in the development of obesity. In particular, the study will aim to highlight the degree to which a lack of knowledge contributes towards unhealthy eating and exercising habits. Further, the study will also attempt to highlight how solutions to the public health problem that is fast reaching epidemic proportions must start with the family unit, with simple measures such as meal planning, and dietary management can play important roles in reducing obesity. The objectives are therefore to diagnose the various causes of obesity, as well as to provide evidence based recommendations on its management and prevention.
Expected Outcomes
Poor levels of awareness and knowledge on obesity will be observed amongst most parents, similar to the findings of Corder et al (2012).
A lack of advocacy by the parents for healthy eating habits will be observed (Cottrell et al 2012).
A huge number of parents will not be actively involved in the preparation and monitoring of what their children eat.
A huge number of parents will not be involved in physical activity, and will not be actively involved in providing encouragement to their children to participate in physical activity.
In most cases where parental obesity is observed, child obesity will also similarly be observed, consistent with the findings of Maffeis, Talamini, and Tato, (1998) as well as those of Davison and Birch, (2002).
In most cases of childhood obesity and parental obesity, a haphazard approach to meal planning and shopping will be observed.
An uninvolved parenting style will be associated with poor and unhealthy eating habits.
Poor media management will be positively correlated with the development of childhood obesity
Positive effects of various positive measures on physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviors will be observed (Campbell & Hesketh, 2007).
References
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