Influence Of Parental Feeding Pattern On Childhood Obesity ...
[A CASE STUDY OF UYO METROPOLIS]

The study was carried out to determine influence of parental feeding pattern on childhood obesity (a case study of uyo metropolis).

Childhood obesity continues to pose a significant global public health challenge. Research by Di Cesare et al., 2009 reveals a concerning trend, with the percentage of children and adolescents meeting the criteria for obesity (BMI?>?30?kg/m2) increasing from approximately 4% to 15% between 1975 and 2016. This is particularly alarming because childhood obesity often persists into adulthood (Reilly and Kelly, 2011). Furthermore, both child and adult obesity have been associated with various adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and asthma

The study was conducted among in parents and caregivers in Uyo. The study adopted quantitative pilot survey that will be conducted by the researcher. The respondents used include the single parents, married, and divorced/widowed A quantitative research method through structured questionnaire will be employed for data collection and analysis. The sample population for the study was all the parents and caregivers in Uyo. Simple random sampling technique will be used to select 112 parents and caregivers. Data collected were presented in tables and the corresponding values expressed in percentages. Hypotheses were tested using correlation statistical approach. 

Findings from the study reveal that Obesity is a chronic multifaceted condition, which stems from energy imbalance, excess energy intake in relation to one’s needs.

Parental feeding practices aim to capture the specific goal-oriented strategies, which parents use when they feed their children.

Restriction of energy-dense foods and pressuring children to eat (the ‘clean plate’ rule) are the most extensively studied controlling feeding practices in relation to childhood obesity.

Social and economic conditions, are powerful determinants of childhood obesity.

There is a significant relationship between parental feeding patterns and childhood obesity in Uyo Metropolis.

Kids with parents who do not create a healthy home environment and do not understand the importance of childhood obesity are more inclined to develop obesity.