The potential role of social care in reducing childhood obesity

Abstract

Purpose of review This review evaluates the current evidence for relationships of social factors with childhood obesity and for a role of social care in reduction of childhood obesity. Recent findings Most literature on the relationship between social factors and childhood obesity has examined food insecurity as a risk factor for obesity. Associations between food insecurity and excess weight in children are most consistent during infancy and among those with food insecurity at more than one time point. A few pilot food security interventions that link patients with produce or groceries show feasibility and potential promise for reducing childhood obesity risk factors. However, full-scale, randomized studies to examine interventions that reduce social needs and their effects on childhood obesity are lacking. Future research is needed to examine holistic social care approaches to effectively reduce childhood obesity risk factors. Summary Food insecurity acts as a barrier to childhood obesity prevention and treatment. Patient-centered, validated measures of social needs and effective interventions to address social needs are needed to equitably prevent and treat childhood obesity.

Association of household food insecurity with sociodemographic factors and obesity in US youth: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018

“…HFI is a strong predictor of childhood malnutrition due to its close connection with the accessibility and quality of food in a household. Various studies have also found that food insecurity can contribute to both underweight and overweight among young people, making it a potential barrier to preventing and treating obesity ( 7–9 ).…”

A path towards equity in pediatric obesity outcomes

“…This means acknowledging that neighborhoods bring to bear different opportunities for children to be healthy, as Baker-Smith and Ikomi highlight [10]. Because of this, Woo Baidal [11], Martinez [12], and their colleagues underscore how critical it is to identify underlying social needs and understand cultural practices of families as part of pediatric obesity care. With this understanding, we can address needs like food insecurity that impact a family's ability to live healthfully, tailor interventions to be culturally sensitive, and partner with community stakeholders like schools to increase access to care, as proposed by Essel [13], Wood [14], and their colleagues.…”