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Examining risk factors for overweight and obesity in children with disabilities: a commentary on Bronfenbrenner's

Meaghan Walker1,2, Stephanie Nixon2,3,4, Jess Haines5

  • 1a Bloorview Research Institute , Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital , Toronto , ON , Canada.

Developmental Neurorehabilitation
|October 12, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Childhood overweight and obesity (OW/OB) is a global concern. This commentary examines the Davison and Birch framework for identifying OW/OB risk factors in children with disabilities.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric health
  • Obesity research
  • Disability studies

Background:

  • Childhood overweight and obesity (OW/OB) prevalence is alarmingly high globally.
  • Existing research often overlooks children with disabilities, who face elevated OW/OB risks.
  • Davison and Birch adapted Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory to identify OW/OB risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the application of the Davison and Birch socioecological framework to pediatric OW/OB.
  • To critically examine the framework's utility for children with disabilities.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and critical analysis.
  • Application of a socioecological model.
  • Examination of existing research on pediatric OW/OB and disability.

Main Results:

  • The socioecological framework offers a comprehensive approach to understanding OW/OB risk factors.
  • Specific considerations are needed when applying the framework to children with disabilities.
  • The framework's potential to identify unique risk factors in this population is highlighted.

Conclusions:

  • The socioecological framework is a valuable tool for studying pediatric OW/OB.
  • Further research is needed to adapt and validate this framework for children with disabilities.
  • Addressing OW/OB in children with disabilities requires a tailored, holistic approach.

Keywords:
Childhoodrisk factorsweight management

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