This podcast episode is about obesity in children and how people can tackle its stigma. The conversation also touches upon various aspects, including the confusion surrounding what constitutes healthy habits, fitness, and healthy eating due to different guidelines and societal expectations.
Devanshi Patel, a clinical psychology doctoral candidate, focuses her research on social perceptions of parenting and investigates stigma towards parents. Her work specifically examines the stigma faced by parents of children with “obesity.”
She takes an intersectional approach to understanding how body shape, along with identity features like gender and race, contribute to weight stigma.
In this episode, Devanshi discusses the main culprits behind the rising childhood obesity rates—the food and exercise environment. She emphasizes how limited access to healthy food options and the prevalence of eating out contribute to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain in children. A sedentary lifestyle resulting from reduced physical activity also plays a significant role.
According to her, parents of obese children often face negative judgment and are unfairly blamed for their child’s weight without considering other factors. This weight stigma leads to self-criticism and the adoption of restrictive behaviors, which can backfire and increase weight and health risks instead of promoting positive change. It’s a tough cycle to break.
To help address this issue, Devanshi recommends that parents seek help from healthcare providers if they notice signs of obesity in their child, such as sleep apnea, joint pain, or reduced physical activity due to discomfort.
Early monitoring of a child’s growth through growth charts, starting from birth, can help identify and address weight-related issues before they become significant. And get this—lifestyle changes can be beneficial for children as young as four years old.
She also talks about some challenges parents face when implementing healthy eating habits. Devanshi points out that meal prepping can be a real struggle due to a lack of variety, the long-term tolerability of certain foods, and the significant time required for grocery shopping, meal preparation, and cleaning up. It’s no walk in the park, that’s for sure.
Devanshi has some great recommendations for parents of obese children:
The podcast offers valuable insights for families supporting healthy lifestyles and addressing childhood obesity. A combination of biological, environmental, and social factors influences childhood obesity.
By working together and fostering a compassionate and understanding approach, parents can make significant strides in combating childhood obesity and creating a healthier future for their children.
Be the first to see our next episode. Follow us on social media to stay updated:
You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:
In today's fast-paced world, commuting to work is a constant challenge. Traveling from home to…
Imagine opening your fridge, only to find wilted lettuce, expired yogurt, and a forgotten container…
It's always fun to be born with siblings, with their games and not-so-serious fights. But…
Self-doubt is a silent thief that steals confidence and casts shadows on even the greatest…
Most people don’t think about them often, but skeletal muscles are essential to overall health. …
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major tool of convenience for daily life, creating a…