Obesity in children and adolescents: The role of parents in creating healthy habits

Parents have an important and necessary role to play in shaping children’s eating habits, how they perceive food, their bodies and their health. The role of parents is not only in what they say, but above all in what they do, because children learn primarily by imitation, not from theories. So parents need to be role models of healthy behavior. Their food choices, level of physical activity and attitude to food are powerful lessons that children absorb.

Ioana Cadar, a psychologist from the Doctor Dejeu team, leaders in bariatrics in Romania, outlined the most important elements that a parent should keep in mind:

The stage of psychological and physical development of children and adolescents

Children and adolescents go through major changes both physically and psychologically. During this period their bodies are constantly developing and hormonal changes influence both weight and emotional states. This is a critical stage in the formation of self-identity and any negative influence on how they perceive their own body can have long-term consequences. Social pressures and body image standards also contribute to anxiety and insecurity. Parents play a key role in supporting emotional health and building self-esteem.

Emotional eating: How do we influence our children’s relationship with food?

Emotional eating can start at an early age, and children form these patterns by observing the behavior of the adults around them. If food is used as a reward or comfort, children come to associate food as an emotional comfort. Instead of responding with food when difficult emotions arise, a better option would be to support children in expressing and managing their emotions in a healthy way. Parents who manage their own emotions without resorting to food set a worthy example of emotional self-regulation.

Parenting roles and setting boundaries

Parents need to take a guiding role in their children’s eating habits. This involves setting clear and healthy limits around eating, without using severe restrictions that can create frustration or shame. Limits need to be consistent and gentle, encouraging healthy food choices without creating anxiety around food. Parents should also follow the same rules they set, demonstrating balance and moderation in eating.

Impact of nicknames and terms of endearment

Even when used with good intentions, terms of endearment, weight labels or nicknames can have negative effects on a child’s self-esteem. Seemingly innocuous expressions such as “poofy”, “chubby”, “chubby”, “teddy bear”, can emphasize children’s insecurities, leading to emotional problems and unhealthy eating behaviors in the long term.

How we relate to weight in the family

The way we talk about weight and body weight in the family has a powerful impact on children’s perceptions of themselves. Avoid negative comments about your own or others’ weight, as children internalize these attitudes. Focus discussions on health and well-being, not body image or beauty standards.

Create a healthy environment and constant support

Children and adolescents need a supportive environment to develop harmoniously. Do not make discussions about weight a central topic. Get actively involved in family activities, such as taking walks outdoors or preparing meals together, to create long-term healthy habits.

Offer unconditional love and support

A child who feels unconditional love and support from their parents, regardless of their weight, will be less likely to develop self-esteem problems or problems related to disordered eating. Make sure, as their guardian, that they know they are loved just the way they are and that lifestyle changes are for their health, not to meet aesthetic standards.