Life at 3: Fighting Fat, DVD

Part of the Series : Life at 3: | Life at 3: Fighting Fat | Life at 3: Bad Behavior
| Life at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9: A Longitudinal Study in Child Development

The number one predictor of obesity in children is an overweight parent—but genes are only part of the story. This program reports on the health and happiness of five toddlers who are part of a large-scale longitudinal study in child development. Highlighting the issue of childhood obesity, the program asks: Why are a rising number of children overweight and how does parenting make a difference? Could the way Lulu’s father disciplines her be the key to keeping her fit? Is Shine a high-risk candidate for obesity simply because her parents are broke? What does Joshua’s ancestry reveal about his chances for slimness? And how can Ben, a premature baby and the tiniest of toddlers, be in danger of becoming an obese adult? Part of the series Life at 1, 3, 5, and 7: A Longitudinal Study in Childhood Development. (57 minutes)

Length: 57 minutes

ORDER CODE: BVL39702

ISBN: 978-1-60467-636-5

Copyright date: ©2008

Closed Captioned

Premature Baby at Risk for Obesity (04:04)

The primary predictor of an obese child is an overweight parent. Ben, a premature child weighing 2.1 pounds at birth, has just as much chance to become obese as his full-term friends. He is the smallest of quintuplets.

Human Evolution and Obesity (03:01)

Studies show that low birth-weight babies often have ravenous appetites. Human evolution has been marked by famine more than plenty. During lean times, the body stores fat.

Parental Influence on Childhood Obesity (04:23)

The best safeguard against childhood obesity is to lead by example. When fat mass falls, as in dieting, body chemistry urges the body to find more food. It is difficult for most obese people to reduce and maintain the lower weight.

Childhood Predictor of Obesity (03:09)

The second more reliable predictor of childhood obesity in children is where they hive. Shine's parents are broke and move twice in 6 months. The children have more active lives in their new place, but their father remains unemployed.

Correlation Between Poverty and Obesity (03:52)

Like many families living on benefits, these parents shop at St. Vincent de Paul for groceries. Australian statistics show a direct correlation between poverty and overweight children. Why are poor children less active and why is their diet unhealthy?

Immigrant Children/Obesity (02:55)

A study indicates that male children who speak English as a second language because of immigrant parents may be at greater risk for obesity.

Genetics and Obesity (03:11)

Children's weight may be genetically programmed from their parents and grandparents. Changes in customary diet, poor neighborhoods, and genetic factors influence whether a child will be obese.

Food Messages from Parents (03:16)

Second-generation immigrants to the US from undeveloped countries often raise obese children. By age 3, children learn powerful messages about food from all parents. Parents often use "treat" food to reward children's good behavior.

Fitness Levels and Obesity (02:49)

In developed countries, fitness improved until about 1970. Fitness levels continue to decline. Today's children are 20% fatter and 15% less fit than their parents' generation.

Working Parents/Healthy Children (04:36)

Both parents of two small children work up to three jobs. On Saturday, dad goes for a 50K bike ride and mother irons. They encourage their children to be active, and hire a nanny to take the children to music classes and toddler activities.

Physical Inactivity and Obesity (03:21)

Experts asserts that the key to children maintaining healthy weight is in the amount of incidental exercise they do. The sedentary activity most directly related to obesity is watching television.

Parenting Skills and Childhood Obesity (04:06)

Australia's longitudinal study on obesity goes beyond the usual factors associated with obesity such as activity and food intake, it also looks at parenting activities. A mother with postpartum depression does not want to take medication.

Mother's Depression and Separation Anxiety (04:03)

A mother finds it difficult to be separated from her toddler during work hours. The mother's anxiety requires medication. The father also suffers from depression and realizes he must deal with it for the rest of his life.

Parenting of the Father Key to Childhood Obesity (03:44)

The parenting style of the father plays a key role in childhood obesity. Social scientists look at a father's warmth and bonding capabilities as well as the way he disciplines his child. Are boundaries clear? If not, a child is more likely to be obese.

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