Behavior Modification Treatments For Child Obesity

In America, childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Authors Marti Jordan-Welch, PhD, and Bonnie L. Harbaugh, PhD, report in the June 2008 publication of the "American Nurse Today" that 2003 to 2004 projections indicate that 26.2 percent of preschool-age children and 37.2 percent of school-age children are at risk for obesity. Obesity causes multiple health problems, from heart disease to depression. Behavior modification treatments for child obesity prevent overweight children from becoming overweight adults.

Food Diary

Healthcare providers encourage overweight children keep a food diary. A food diary contains detailed information on what a child eats every day. Children log the snacks, treats, meals and beverages consumed during the day. Parents and caregivers support this behavior modification treatment by assisting the child with recall and documentation. Preferably, parents keep a food diary as well to model the behavior and to highlight family food trends.

Counseling

David Ludwig, director for Optimal Weight for Life Clinic, which was highlighted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality as an innovative idea, encourages children and families to participate in counseling to educate all parties on healthy diet and lifestyle choices. Family dynamics strongly influence children's behaviors and attitudes towards food. Behavior modification counseling assesses stress management techniques, conflict resolution and belief systems regarding food and eating habits maintained by the family. A key to behavior modification for children is parental modeling of preferred behaviors.

Physical Activity

The Obesity Action Coalition states 30 percent of American children are obese and identify physical inactivity as a major factor. Behavior modification techniques need to include structured physical activity for a minimum of 60 minutes per day. Structured activity ensures continuous physical activity. Parents may elect to enroll children in sports activities appropriate for the child's development, such as soccer or swimming. Parents and children who participate in shared physical activity strengthen behavior modification. Shared activity examples include family walks, chasing the dog around the yard, playing kick ball, swimming or dancing in the living room. Children who observe parents being active experience great success with this behavior modification and are more apt to incorporate physical activity throughout life.

Restricted Sedentary Time

Sedentary activities should be strictly limited. The OAC urges children and families spend no more than two hours per day engaged in sedentary activities like television and video games. This behavior modification treatment for child obesity has potential for great success but requires total family commitment. Parents can reserve television, computer time and video games as rewards for successful application of other behavior modifications such as engaging in physical activity and adhering to diet plans.

Food Habits

Behavior modification treatments include examining food habits. Marti Jordan-Welch and Bonnie L. Harbaugh, authors of "End the Epidemic of Childhood Obesity One Family at a Time," encourage family dinners. People who eat in front of the television eat more. Other modifications include eating smaller meals with two or three healthy snacks between meals, using smaller plates at mealtime to control portions and eating five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. David Ludwig, MD, suggests making the home a "nutrition safe zone" where no junk food or empty calories exist.