Obesity in Children: Environmental and Parental Influences. The Case Study of Khayelitsha in South Africa

Abstract

Overweight and Obesity are conditions of excessive fat accumulation in the body of an individual. Due to the growing prevalence of the obesity epidemic, obesity has become a global public health concern. Overweight among South African children is on the increase as many young people now suffer from diseases related to obesity. Given the prevalent conditions of weight gain amongst children, tackling obesity in children should be given greater attention as children are twice at risk of becoming obese in the later stage in life. Such intentional efforts could contribute significantly to reducing public spending in the treatment of noncommunicable disease. This research aimed at understanding the Environmental and Parental Factors Influencing childhood overweight and obesity. The research identified the different factors that were associated with child overweight and obesity in the study area. Besides, the research was aimed at raising awareness of the need to sensitize parents and stakeholders on the factors associated to child obesity and proposed possible recommendations. To achieve these aims, one of the objectives was to statistically evaluate the extent of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the study area as well as identify the types of food choices available to children. Furthermore, it analyzed dietary intake in households with obese parents and children, to determine the relationships that exist.