Abstract
In New Zealand (NZ) 11.3% of children aged 2-14years are obese. Childhood obesity is linked to extensive health consequences including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, orthopedic issues and psychological problems. There has been extensive coverage of childhood obesity throughout popular media in NZ. Media significantly influences public perception of health issues which can determine the success of political action and initiatives. Therefore, gaining understanding and examining the messages in popular media about childhood obesity NZ develops knowledge of the cultural context of childhood obesity which can inform the development of policy and health interventions.
This research aims to examine the messages portrayed through popular media about childhood obesity within New Zealand from January 2019 to April 2020. A conventional content analysis was carried out of text popular media articles, published in NZ which focused on childhood obesity.
A total of 26 samples were included in this study. Three themes derived from the data; 'Childhood obesity; the psychosocial consequences', 'childhood obesity, the affected population and their environment', and 'childhood obesity; a fractured approach.' A general sense of frustration in how society, the government and the health care sector has framed and treating childhood obesity was apparent.
The findings illustrated the complexity of childhood obesity within a cultural context. This supports the need for a comprehensive and multi-faceted response to childhood obesity in order to create healthy environments that can support children and their families in making healthy lifestyle choices.