A practical approach to obesity prevention: Healthy home habits

Abstract

Families have the potential to foster a healthy home environment aimed at reducing the risk of overweight and obesity. Establishing habits associated with reduced risk of obesity and overweight early in childhood can have lasting effects into adulthood. Nurse practitioners can encourage families to participate in healthy habits by addressing areas of growth for obesity prevention within the home. A review of the most recent literature, approximately over the past decade, was used to provide a consolidated source of reference for healthy home habits for the nurse practitioner. The search included terms such as “obesity,” “overweight,” “healthy habits,” “physical activity,” “obesogenic behaviors,” “family meals,” “screen time,” “depression,” “sugary beverages,” and “portion sizes.” The information was synthesized into three content areas: nutrition and consumption, patterns of activity, and stress within the home. Establishing healthy habits early in life can protect against the development of overweight and obesity. Nurse practitioners can serve a vital role in the prevention of pediatric, adolescent, and adult obesity. Equipped with the unique role of assisting those from a diverse patient base, nurse practitioners can inform patients how to improve healthy habits to decrease the likelihood of obesity or overweight. Encouraging behavior change related to the healthy habits associated with the prevention of overweight and obesity can have a long-term impact on the health of an entire family.

Obesity and Preventive Intervention Among Children: A Narrative Review

“…Obesity is described as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation, which can affect health. A substantial amount of research indicates that creating and maintaining healthy routines at home can be a useful strategy for preventing obesity [ 13 , 14 ]. Obesity is increasing at a quicker rate in adolescents than in adults [ 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Obesity is increasing at a quicker rate in adolescents than in adults [ 15 , 16 ]. Obesogenic habits can have a long-term effect on an adult's weight status and health, often starting in childhood [ 13 , 15 ]. In children, inadequate dietary habits contribute to the rise in obesity, with parents and caregivers exerting the most significant influence on shaping children’s eating behaviors [ 15 , 17 ].…”

A influência das mídias eletrônicas na construção dos hábitos alimentares na infância: um panorama do comportamento alimentar infantil na era digital e no contexto familiar

“…Esses achados sugerem que para modificar um padrão alimentar inadequado, o papel da família e a atuação profissional de forma interligada ao status família-saúde é primordial em respostas duradouras e eficientes sob o tratamento nutricional e a estimulação da prática de atividade física (Karmali et al, 2019;López-Contreras et al, 2020). Diante disso, os pais como provedores de alimentos para os filhos precisam prestar bastante atenção para a qualidade dos alimentos no ambiente doméstico e exterior porque as preferências das crianças propendem a ser centradas nos alimentos que lhes são ofertados desde o início (Fruh et al, 2021).…”

Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents: To Do or Not to Do?

“…In a recent study [ 18 , 105 ] conducted on adolescents with severe obesity enrolled in the Teen-LABS study, physical activity appeared to further reduce cardiovascular risk and support long-term weight loss maintenance after bariatric surgery. On the other hand, the easy availability and access of energy dense fast foods, such as sugary beverages and snacks, contributes to weight gain and this in turn promotes sedentary lifestyle, fueling a vicious cycle [ 106 ] with weight regain even after bariatric procedure [ 107 ].…”