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Social networks will help to combat childhood obesity
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The Internet and social networks can be a powerful tool for combating childhood obesity, according to a report by the American Association of Cardiologists.
"Most children have access to the Internet," said Dr. Jennifer Lee, head of the department of pediatric cardiology and fellow at Duke University. Therefore, we must find a way to influence and communicate with children through social networks. "
A team of scientists led by Dr. Lee conducted research on Internet projects aimed at combating childhood obesity. According to Dr. Lee, one of the Internet programs showed good results in which parents and dieticians took an active part. Researchers emphasize that traditional methods aimed at reducing excess body weight, such as going to the doctor or participating in special programs, do not give the desired result in full and not sufficiently effective.
However, in addition to all the visible advantages of combating obesity through exposure to the Internet space, there are also pronounced shortcomings of such innovation. In particular, we are talking about issues of inviolability of a person's personal life, a long time in front of a monitor screen and bullying by peers.
According to the survey of 13-17-year-olds, 9 out of 10 people communicate regularly through social networks, and 51% of respondents visit their social network every day.
MD, pediatrician Robert Pratlou created Weigh2Rock more than a decade ago, a program that aims to help children get rid of extra pounds, reduce the risks of developing obesity-related diseases, and provide moral support to those in need. This program quickly became popular and in demand. The number of visitors to the site for a month is an average of 70 thousand people. In May last year Dr Pratlou participated in the European Congress on Obesity in Lyon, France. He prepared a report on the possibilities of influencing the health of children through social networks.
"Most children who have problems with excess weight, have their own problems in themselves, they have no one to share their experiences in the real world. They do not talk on the topic that bothers them, either with friends, with teachers, or even with their parents. The child just closes from the whole world and does not want to attract attention, "says Dr. Pratlow.
Also, the doctor emphasizes that most of the teenagers who visit the Weigh2Rock website do this also because they are anonymous. They can communicate in forums, share their successes and failures, learn about the fight against extra pounds and healthy nutrition, and do not reveal their name. Many visitors to the site, according to Dr. Pratlou, go to the site in order to view the records of other users and find out useful information for themselves.
"Very often, children who are overweight are left alone with their problems. With the help of similar Weigh2Rock Internet programs, they will be able to share their experiences and find understanding, "the study authors say.
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