Control of food intake from parents to their children
Researchers found that many parents are restricting or pressuring their teens' food intake.
An overwhelming number of parents (up to 66%) are controlling and pressuring their teens to eat all the food on their plate. Regardless of whether the teenager is obese, according to a new study. Researchers found that many parents are restricting or pressuring their teens’ food intake. They point out that these restrictive or controlling behaviors are not good for achieving the adolescent’s ideal weight. Parents use high levels of control, such as restriction and pressure to eat. It is surprising how some of the behaviors of parents, they have the feeling that their children should clean their plates and not waste food. In the 1950s, cleaning your plate meant something different. Portion sizes have gotten larger over time. And if you encourage children to rely on environmental cues, such as the amount of food on their plate or the time of day, they will lose the ability to rely on internal cues to tell whether they are hungry or full. Obesity in the US is a serious public health problem. Twelve states have 30%+ obesity rates today. Compared to just one in 2007. And teenage obesity, in particular, continues to rise. Researchers are continually trying to find ways to address the problem and see if parents’ food-related behaviors could have a substantial impact. The team analyzed two population-based studies of parents and adolescents to see how they linked restrictive behaviors. Restrictive parental behaviors include ensuring that their children do not eat too many sweets. Or regulate the amount they are eating. Pressure behaviors include making sure your children always finish all their food. Teenagers who are obese or overweight are more likely to be under the restrictive control of their parents. Since they limit the amount of foods they should eat. In contrast, adolescents who are not overweight are more likely to be pressured to eat by their parents.
The researchers concluded:
“Given there is accumulating evidence of the detrimental effects of controlling eating practices on the adolescent’s ability to self-regulate energy intake. These findings suggest that parents should be educated and trained through preventative counseling to encourage moderation rather than overconsumption. And emphasize healthy food choices rather than restrictive eating patterns.”
