Behavioural determinants of obesity

K.L. Rennie, L. Johnson, S.A. Jebb

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    184 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Obesity in children arises from a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and behaviour, primarily relating to dietary habits and physical activity. Evidence for specific behavioural factors that promote or protect against excess weight gain in children is more limited than in adults, and the effects of growth and development are not clear. A number of behavioural risk factors has been postulated, including diets with a high energy density, high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, large portion sizes, eating patterns, high levels of sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity. However, most evidence is derived from cross-sectional studies which frequently yield conflicting results. More prospective studies with accurate measures of exposures and outcomes in terms of body composition are needed to provide more robust evidence on which to base interventions to achieve long-term behavioural change and prevent excess weight gains in children.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)343-358
    JournalBest Practice and Research: Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
    Volume19
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2005

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Behavioural determinants of obesity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this