Year: 2025 | Month: August | Volume: 12 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 100-105
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20250812
The Attitude of Indian Parents Towards Childhood Obesity: A Review
Khushbu Yadav1, Dr. P. S. Upadhyay2
1Research Scholar, Department of Home Science, MMV, BHU
2Co-Supervisor, Head &Associate Professor, Department of Kaumarbhritya/Balroga, FoAy, IMS, BHU
Corresponding Author: Khushbu Yadav
ABSTRACT
Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide; India has the second-highest number of obese children, after China, about 14.4 million. Indian parents play a significant role in its prevalence. A child has a 50% probability of being obese if one of his parents is obese. Children have an 80% probability of being obese if both the parents are obese. Furthermore, several factors contribute to the high rates of childhood obesity in India, including cultural norms, parental feeding practices, and lack of awareness about healthy lifestyle choices. Children who are obese run the danger of growing up to be obese adults who have long-term health issues. Being overweight can cause problems on a physical and mental level. Additionally, exploring the socio-cultural context surrounding childhood obesity in India is crucial for implementing targeted strategies that promote healthier habits and prevent long-term health. This review paper aims to describe the role of parents in preventing childhood obesity with the help of parents, grandparents, and other caregivers, can reduce childhood obesity.
Materials and methods: More than 30 research papers and reviews were searched in Google Scholar; Research Gate, PubMed to collect relevant secondary data on the particular area.
Result and Conclusion: Several studies have shown that parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's eating habits and physical activity levels. By providing a supportive and healthy home environment, parents can serve as positive role models and promote behaviour that prevents childhood obesity. The exact percentage of parents involved in childhood obesity varies depending on the study and population being examined. However, research consistently shows that parental involvement plays a significant role in the development and prevention of childhood obesity.
Keywords: Childhood obesity, Role of parents, Body Mass Index, Socio-cultural, Overweight.
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