Childhood obesity is a growing concern in western society. With fast food restaurants and snack food readily available to children and the rise of sedentary behaviours due to technology advancing, more children are overweight than ever before.

A potential link between childhood obesity and divorce has also been suggested.

What is childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. BMI is calculated by dividing a child’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

Obesity in children is not just a cosmetic concern, it can have serious health consequences such as elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke later in life.

What is the divorce rate?

Divorce is the legal separation of a married couple, and it is a common occurrence in western societies. In the United States, the divorce rate was 39% in 2020, meaning that almost half of all marriages end in divorce.

Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process for the adults involved, but it can also impact the children in the family.

What is the link between childhood obesity and divorce?

The link between childhood obesity and divorce is multifaceted.

Divorce brings about various changes in a child’s life, such as a decrease in family income, a change in living arrangements, and a potential decrease in the quality of the relationship between the parents. Some studies suggest that these lifestyle changes may contribute to an increased risk of childhood obesity.

Decrease in family income

Divorce often results in a decrease in family income, as families have to split their financial resources.

Parents may have to work more to support themselves and their children, leaving them with less time to prepare nutritious meals or encourage physical activity. A decrease in family income can also lead to an increase in food insecurity, which is when families don’t have access to enough food to meet their needs. Food insecurity is linked to a higher risk of obesity in children.

Change in living arrangements

After a divorce, one or both parents may move to a new home or neighborhood, disrupting the child’s sense of stability and security. The child may also have to change schools and make new friends, which can be stressful and challenging.

A change in living arrangements can impact a child’s access to healthy foods and opportunities to be physically active. If the child moves to a neighborhood with limited access to parks or recreational facilities, they may be less likely to engage in physical activity.

Decrease in the quality of the relationship between parents

Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, and it can impact the relationship between parents.

If the relationship between parents declines after a divorce, there may be less communication and cooperation regarding the child’s diet and exercise habits. Parents may also use food as a way to comfort their child during the emotional turmoil of a divorce, leading to the child consuming more calories than they need.

Preventing childhood obesity after a divorce

While divorce can be a challenging time in a child’s life, there are steps that parents can take to reduce the risk of childhood obesity.

Encourage healthy eating habits

Parents can encourage healthy eating habits by providing nutritious meals and snacks. Meals should be centered around whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

Snacks should emphasize whole foods rather than high calorie or high-fat options. Families may also consider taking cooking classes together to learn how to prepare simple and healthy meals.

Encourage physical activity

Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing childhood obesity.

Families can incorporate physical activity into their daily routine by walking or biking to school or work, taking walks after dinner, or participating in sports together. Families can also consider getting a family membership to a local gym or community center.

Provide emotional support

Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, and it is essential to provide emotional support for the child. Parents can talk to their child about healthy ways to deal with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling.

They can also encourage the child to talk to a trusted adult or a therapist. Providing emotional support can help prevent emotional eating and promote a healthy relationship with food.

Conclusion

While divorce can be a challenging time in a child’s life, it doesn’t have to lead to childhood obesity.

By encouraging healthy eating habits, physical activity, and emotional support, parents can reduce the risk of childhood obesity and promote overall health and well-being.