IMPUTACIÓN DE COSTES:

Participants believed that a significant reason why Pakistanis are at high risk of developing T2DM is because junk food is readily available in homes and it is these unhealthy foods that are used as treats.

D: they have ready access to crisps and things they grab them even though I say I’m gonna put them under lock and key, I know that’s bad (lines 385-387 FG1)

G: … they will be treated with a sweet afterwards… Bribe them (lines 391-394 FG1)

Participants realised that having junk food in the house is not good as they are allowing their children and family members ready access to unhealthy snacks. They also understood that using these unhealthy foods as incentives and treats was wrong. They did so as it got the children to do what is asked of them. Participants frowned on elders earlier who gave their children sugary drinks and snack as treats, yet some are doing it themselves. Some acknowledged that it should not be this way.

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A: I think treats shouldn’t be sweet things you know that’s the [thing, lollipops and stuff like that] (line 532-533 FG1)

D: [inaudible] sticker charts and at the end of the week having bu::t actually you know that that there’s that owl advert going on about the health thing?

A: Change for life, I’ve got the chart (lines 535-538 FG1)

D: I think it’s good cuz it’s got their name on it it’s about them I said look (child’s name) you’re eating too much of this, you’re not getting enough of exercise, you know >this that and the other< and I include myself in it (lines 544-547 FG1)

Participants demonstrated the effective use of sticker charts as incentives and rewards. They are being used and promoted by Pakistani mothers as an alternative to sugary treats. This simple but effective resource is not only encouraging children to be healthy but also getting the participants involved too. These resources have come from the children who got them from their schools. Participants recognised other options to junk treats and some are utilising them whereas others are not.

Another reason for having junk food in the house is because children control meal times. F: Even though you do make healthy food at home and stuff kids nowadays

they don’t eat B: Yeah

F: They do want to eat burgers, chips, pizza and [coke and biscuits]

E: [where do they all get

that] from though? Parents (lines 403-410 FG1)

According to Participants F and B children dictate what they what they want to eat at mealtimes and Pakistani mothers surrender to their demands. Therefore parents are to blame for their children’s bad eating habits. They should control them from a young age and

not expose them to bad eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles. However it is difficult to control other individuals’ diets when there are so many hindrances as discussed. Also there

is a consensus between participants that junk food is cheaper in fact much cheaper than healthy foods, convenient and time-saving.

G: I use extra virgin olive oil… sixty pounds for five litres

D: Can I just say that I think what does influence children is that you can buy a burger for a pound

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D: It’s difficult to buy-what fruits can you buy for a pound? B: Fast food is so cheap (lines 609-616 FG1)

F: Have you noticed at home time most of the parents are in the takeaways getting stuff for their kids (lines 621-622 FG1)

F: No matter how healthy we want to be it’s hard for me in the day cuz [I’ve got no one with me, I’m just gonna go]… to the chip shop today just for the sake of my two little ones, it’s a need for me at times (lines 680-684 FG1)

As children enjoy the taste participants understood the temptation of buying out rather than cooking at home. Restaurants and takeaways have started to promote and make healthier eating options and foods however children still opt for the unhealthy foods.

G: They are starting to provide healthier options now like (shop name) they do grilled salmon, but then you go there and you can still smell the fries and the kids want the fries

F: Kids expect the fries at a takeaway (lines 694-697 FG1)

Participants believed that as long as these eating places offer unhealthy junk food options healthy food options will not work. People especially children will want the junk food. However participants explained that they need to take control of these situations and enforce healthy eating habits in their family.

B: we took the kids out but we had dinner and I think it was a good choice cuz I made the choice (lines 711-712 FG1)

A: I just cook the one curry and we all have to eat it whether you like it or not (lines 724-725 FG1)

Participants reassured each other that eating out does not have to mean eating junk. They can make the choice to eat somewhere healthy or choosing the healthy options on the menu. If they do cook at home then they should cook one dish forcing everyone to eat the same thing and not give into any stubbornness or rebelling. Participants felt they need to take control of their family’s eating habits and to be more assertive in their food choices.

Participants went on to also place some blame on the media and local businesses. They alleged that takeaway, restaurants and franchises are all part of the problem.

M: whereas (.) here it’s like everyday you know takeaways… you know they’re readily available (lines 144-146 FG3)