Essay (2000 words) - Essay EDEC202 Movement and Physical Education 11:55 PM Write an essay on the significance of play and physical activity and obesity prevention in young children. Children’s...

Obesity in Children        2
OBESITY IN CHILDREN
Table of Contents
Introduction    3
Importance of Play in Preventing Obesity    3
Braithwaite- Socio-Cultural Theory    4
Braithwaite- Teaching Strategies    5
Exercise- Chen (2012)    6
Healthy Habits    7
Balanced Diet    7
Physical Activity    8
Limit Sugar    8
Limit Screen Time    8
Conclusion    9
References    10
Introduction
    Obesity is a rising problem which is plaguing a huge number of the child population. There are multiple causes of childhood obesity, which is the root cause of a number of ailments. One of the main causes of childhood obesity is diet. Consuming high calorie foods such as fried foods, desserts, candies on a regular basis can be considered as one of the leading causes of childhood obesity. Genetic factors also play a significant role in determining excessive weight gain in children. In addition to that, psychological factors such as stress, boredom and so on can also compel a child to develop eating disorders or tendency towards binge eating, as a result of which, the child tends to become obese. Medications of certain types are also a factor that is responsible for early childhood weight gain.
    In addition to all the above-mentioned factors, lack of physical exercise and activities are also a compelling factor for childhood obesity. A decline in the rate of energy expenditure is responsible for increased body mass in the pediatric population. In addition to that, lack of awareness and intervention regarding the importance of physical activity causes the excess body weight to remain constant from birth to childhood to even adulthood.
Importance of Play in Preventing Obesity
    Decline in children’s outdoor activities in the form of play and sports is one of the leading causes of childhood obesity. If and when children are exposed to outdoor activities such as games, physical play and so on by providing the children a safe access to secure playgrounds and fields, there will be a significant improvement in their overall physical fitness. As a result of an effective energy expenditure through the form of outdoor games and play, children will have a less tendency of becoming overweight and suffering from the problems of obesity. According to Bento and Dias (2017), there are a number of child health organisations, who have recommended that every school going child should be provided with an opportunity to play for every 12 to 15 minutes of their regular one hour of school. Through the help of proper physical activity in the form of play, children can remain increasingly fit and have a lesser tendency towards becoming overweight and developing the problem of obesity.
    Physical activity in the form of play is the most attractive option for children as it is extremely entertaining for them. As a result of this, according to Davies, Mytton and Pawson (2019), children will be more interested in engaging in a playful physical activity which is not only interesting but will also keep them physically fit and will avoid the chances of childhood obesity. Rather than perceiving exercise as a regular chore, viewing it in the form of play can make it more interesting for children. According to Rathod and Hadaye (2019), being active and playing also reduces stress in children to a great extent. Additionally, play also encourages children to build strong friendly bonds with other children as well as encourage them to socialize. Physical activity in the form of play is also non-threating as well as non-competitive, as a result of which, children are encouraged to enjoy at their own pace, rather than being forced into strenuous physical activities.
Braithwaite- Socio-Cultural Theory
    Braithwaite discusses the significance of Te Whariki’s socio-cultural perspective of child learning, growth and development. As outlined by Te Whariki, in order to develop as a competent and confident learner and communicator, along with a healthy mind, body and spirit, a child should be exposed to a proper curriculum which is designed by enmeshing of four principles, namely, empowerment, family and community, relationships and holistic development. A good curriculum should also place an emphasis on five aspects, that are inclusive of wellbeing, communication, contribution, belonging and exploration. As observed in precise terms, curriculum is meant to be holistic in nature where the traditional domains of child development such as physical, intellectual, social and emotional are avoided. In contrast other factors are observed closely such as safe and trustworthy environment, meaningful and thought-provoking problems and proper availability of...