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Determinants of children's eating behavior
Silvia Scaglioni1, Chiara Arrizza, Fiammetta Vecchi
1Pediatric Department, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. silvia.scaglioni@unimi.it
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|November 18, 2011
Summary
Parental strategies significantly impact children's eating habits. Positive role modeling and avoiding counterproductive tactics like pressure or rewards are key for healthy food preferences and preventing diet-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Children's food preferences develop through genetic and environmental influences.
- Parental control over children's environments shapes eating behaviors.
- Existing strategies to influence children's diets can be counterproductive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on effective determinants of children's eating habits.
- To analyze the impact of parental strategies on children's food acceptance.
- To inform parents and pediatricians about promoting healthy eating behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current data on children's eating habits.
- Analysis of parental influence strategies and their effects.
- Examination of genetic, familial, and environmental factors.
Main Results:
- Parental overcontrol, restriction, pressure, and rewards negatively affect children's food acceptance.
- Children model parents' eating behaviors, attitudes, and body image concerns.
- Low energy-dense, high-satiety diets and self-regulation are beneficial.
Conclusions:
- Parents are crucial in shaping children's lifelong eating habits.
- Targeted parental education and motivation are essential for prevention programs.
- Pediatricians play a vital role in preventing diet-related diseases through parental guidance.
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