Type 2 Diabetes Causes & Risk Factors Pediatric Obesity Is a Precursor to Type 2 Diabetes Getting your child involved in food preparation can assist in prevention By Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. Learn about our editorial process Published on October 06, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Danielle Weiss, MD Medically reviewed by Danielle Weiss, MD LinkedIn Dr. Danielle Weiss is the founder of the Center for Hormonal Health and Well-Being, a personalized, proactive, patient-centered medical practice with a unique focus on integrative endocrinology. She enjoys giving lectures and writing articles for both the lay public and medical audiences. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Childhood obesity is a very complex disease. Children, like adults, come in different shapes and sizes. They have unique genetic makeups, caloric and nutritional needs, as well taste preferences, sensitivities, and allergies. They also may have varying access to foods, differing familial financial situations, and a wide range of caretakers. All are just some of the variables that can impact weight. The risk for childhood obesity has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, partly due to reduced physical activity and increased social isolation. This problem is multi-faceted because children who are obese may be at increased risk of COVID-19 infection. MomoProduction / Getty Images Children who are obese are also at increased risk for other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Finding ways to prevent and treat pediatric obesity is ongoing and complex. One way that parents can take initiative is by getting their children more involved in the kitchen. This might sound like an overwhelming task and another thing for you to do, but it can be simple and effective. This article will discuss the risks of childhood obesity for type 2 diabetes and other conditions, as well as ways to get kids involved in food preparation. Childhood Obesity Can Increase the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Later in Life According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who are obese are more likely to have: High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease Increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes Breathing problems, such as asthma and sleep apnea Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort Fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastroesophageal reflux Psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression Low self-esteem and lower self-reported quality of life Social problems, such as bullying and stigma When a child’s weight puts them at increased risk of developing medical conditions, it’s important to take the initiative to make some changes to improve a child’s health. Most children should never be placed on a weight-reduction diet. Instead, intervention strategies typically work on behavior modification for weight maintenance so that children can grow into their weight. Medical professionals can help you make positive changes to improve your child’s health. The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states, “In addition to the positive impact on nutrient intake and patterns, family meals may also contribute positively to children’s nutrition beliefs and attitudes and have an inverse association with the onset and persistence of obesity.” Food Impacts More Than Just Weight Food is not just about weight. Food is an experience; it links us to a memory of a person or a place. Creating a healthy relationship with food from a young age helps children become successful eaters later in life. Healthy eating—such as eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, dairy, and fish—has been associated with longevity and reduction in all-cause mortality. One of the ways to increase positive emotions and increase vegetable intake, for example, is to have children assist in meal preparation. In fact, one study demonstrated that a higher frequency of helping prepare and cook food at home was associated with higher fruit and vegetable preference, and with higher self-efficacy for selecting and eating healthy foods. In a between-subject experiment, researchers separated kids ages 6 to 10 into two groups. In group one, children prepared a lunch meal with the assistance of a parent; in group two, the meal was prepared by the parent alone. Researchers found that children who helped their parents cook ate significantly more vegetables (salad, specifically), and they also reported significantly increased feelings of valence (positive feeling) and dominance (feeling in control). How to Get Kids Involved Kids of all ages can get involved in meal shopping, planning, and preparation. Having children assist in the kitchen promotes feelings of independence and positivity, and can foster a healthy relationship with food, while also improving eating habits. Depending on the children’s age, appropriate skills will vary. Children ages 2 to 5 may engage in simple food preparation, such as peeling basil leaves, spinning salad, and washing vegetables. Kids ages 6 to 8 may acquire more sophisticated skills such as cracking eggs and stirring or flipping foods, and kids 8 to 10 may begin to learn how to safely use appliances. As children get older, they can become more independent and execute recipes independently or with little supervision. Summary Children who are obese are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other medical conditions. Treatment and prevention of childhood obesity is complex. One simple, yet effective way to increase positive feelings while also improving nutritional intake is to get children involved in the kitchen. A Word From Verywell Childhood obesity has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Parents and caregivers have concerns and look for support and the best way to guide their children. One place to start is in the kitchen and getting children involved in preparing healthy meals for the whole household. Having an extra hand can also help parents, caregivers, and loved ones bond. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! We know healthy eating is key to help manage diabetes, but that doesn't make it easy. Our free nutrition guide is here to help. Sign up and receive your free copy! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Browne NT, Snethen JA, Greenberg CS, et al. When pandemics collide: the impact of COVID-19 on childhood obesity. J Pediatr Nurs. 2021;56:90–98. doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2020.11.004 Seo JY. Pediatric endocrinology of post-pandemic era. Chonnam Med J. 2021;57(2):103-107. doi:10.4068/cmj.2021.57.2.103 Güngör NK. Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2014;6(3):129-143. doi:10.4274/Jcrpe.1471 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Childhood obesity causes & consequences. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tips to help children maintain a healthy weight. Ogata BN, Hayes D. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: nutrition guidance for healthy children ages 2 to 11 years. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;114(8):1257-1276. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2014.06.001 Schwingshackl L, Schwedhelm C, Hoffmann G, et al. Food groups and risk of all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(6):1462-1473. doi:10.3945/ajcn.117.153148 Chu YL, Farmer A, Fung C, Kuhle S, Storey KE, Veugelers PJ. Involvement in home meal preparation is associated with food preference and self-efficacy among Canadian children. Public Health Nutr. 2013;16(1):108-112. doi:10.1017/S136898001200121 van der Horst K, Ferrage A, Rytz A. Involving children in meal preparation. Effects on food intake. J Appet. 2014;79:18-24. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2014.03.030