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Nutrition During Infancy And Toddlerhood Essay

Factors that Contribute to Obesity in Later Life

Studies indicate that children that are breast feed have a lower rate of obesity (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, NDI). There are various theories to explain this phenomenon. Bottle formulas expose children to complex sugars and fats which predispose them to weight gain later on in life. Breast feeding may promote healthier eating habits because breast fed infants may eat until satiated, whereas bottle fed babies may be encouraged to eat until they have consumed all of the formula. Breast feeding also may expose babies to more variability in terms of nutrition and tastes since formula fed infants have experience with only a single flavor, whereas breastfed infants are exposed to a variety of flavors from the maternal diet that are transmitted through the milk. This translates to a greater acceptance of a variety of foods later on in life and a more nutritionally balanced diet.

Children who are obese may suffer both immediate and long-term health problems. Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

During this time, toddlers gain independence by developing self-feeding skills and increasing control over food choices. The transition is accompanied by improved motor skills, awareness of table behavior, appreciation for tastes and preferences, and increased energy and nutrient requirements. Caregivers for children at this age need to provide appropriate foods in a proper setting, structuring mealtimes, and encouraging behaviors and habits that will ensure survival and promote healthy growth and development.
References

Allen, R.E., & Myers, A.L. (2006, November 1). Nutrition in toddlers. American academy of family physician, 74 (9), 1527-1532. Retrieved May 20, 2011 from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/1101/p1527.html

Papalia, D., Feldman, R. & Olds, S.(2007). A child' world: Infancy through adolesence. 11th ed. New York: McGraw Hill Companies.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (NDI). Childhood Obesity. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. In ASPE.hhs.gov. Retrieved May20, 2011 from http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/child_obesity/

World Health Organization. (2010, July). Infant and young child feeding. World health organization, Fact sheet No. 342. Retrieved May 20, 2011 from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs342/en/index.html

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References

Allen, R.E., & Myers, A.L. (2006, November 1). Nutrition in toddlers. American academy of family physician, 74 (9), 1527-1532. Retrieved May 20, 2011 from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/1101/p1527.html

Papalia, D., Feldman, R. & Olds, S.(2007). A child' world: Infancy through adolesence. 11th ed. New York: McGraw Hill Companies.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (NDI). Childhood Obesity. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. In ASPE.hhs.gov. Retrieved May20, 2011 from http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/child_obesity/

World Health Organization. (2010, July). Infant and young child feeding. World health organization, Fact sheet No. 342. Retrieved May 20, 2011 from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs342/en/index.html
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