Similarities between obesity in pets and children: the addiction model

Abstract

Obesity in pets is a frustrating, major health problem. Obesity in human children is similar. Prevailing theories accounting for the rising obesity rates – for example, poor nutrition and sedentary activity – are being challenged. Obesity interventions in both pets and children have produced modest short-term but poor long-term results. New strategies are needed. A novel theory posits that obesity in pets and children is due to ‘treats’ and excessive meal amounts given by the ‘pet–parent’ and child–parent to obtain affection from the pet/child, which enables ‘eating addiction’ in the pet/child and results in parental ‘co-dependence’. Pet–parents and child–parents may even become hostage to the treats/food to avoid the ire of the pet/child. Eating addiction in the pet/child also may be brought about by emotional factors such as stress, independent of parental co-dependence. An applicable treatment for child obesity has been trialled using classic addiction withdrawal/abstinence techniques, as well as behavioural addiction methods, with significant results. Both the child and the parent progress through withdrawal from specific ‘problem foods’, next from snacking (non-specific foods) and finally from excessive portions at meals (gradual reductions). This approach should adapt well for pets and pet–parents. Pet obesity is more ‘pure’ than child obesity, in that contributing factors and treatment points are essentially under the control of the pet–parent. Pet obesity might thus serve as an ideal test bed for the treatment and prevention of child obesity, with focus primarily on parental behaviours. Sharing information between the fields of pet and child obesity would be mutually beneficial.

Feline obesity and diabetes: a One Health perspective.

“…It has been suggested that styles of pet ownership might mirror parenting styles and provide comparative insights into the links to childhood obesity [131]. Behavioural addiction treatment methods are recommended for both overweight children and overweight pets, and studies of outcomes of these approaches are likely to be of value to both disciplines [132].…”

Equine obesity: current perspectives

“…There are obvious similarities between children and pets, as both have their lifestyle and diet determined by a parent or owner. Although some have suggested an 'addiction model' of obesity in both children and pets (Pretlow and Corbee, 2016), others have suggested associations with different parenting and ownership styles (German, 2015). Both an 'authoritarian' style, where there is too much parental control, and an 'indulgent' style, where control is too lax, are associated with obesity in children.…”

“…Horses no doubt do the same. A number of strategies used to cope with feed restriction in children (Pretlow and Corbee, 2016) might be applied to horses. The horse should not be exposed to trigger factors for eating, such as stress, boredom, the sight of food or other stimuli associated with feeding.…”

“…Practical measures used in children (Pretlow and Corbee, 2016) that could be modified for horses would include the use of smaller plates (or bowls/nets), smaller serving scoops (Figure 11) and preventing the horse in question from being able to see, hear or smell the feed room or other horses eating. Applying these measures may be challenging, and potentially impossible, in some management settings, particularly when individual owners are not able to control management practices on the yard.…”

Cats and Carbohydrates: The Carnivore Fantasy?

“…Predisposing factors for feline obesity are summarised in Table 2 . Recently, Pretlow and Corbee [ 96 ] described resemblances between childhood and pet obesity as both pet-parents and child-parents try to obtain affection by giving treats and/or large meals. Dietary factors include highly palatable, high-energy diets, unrestricted access to food [ 97 , 98 , 99 ], and inclusion of homemade food, table scraps and/or treats [ 98 ].…”