# Preventative Play The obesity epidemic has spurned educational, preventative products. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Sep 3, 2013, updated Sep 10, 2013 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/preventative-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.1/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Preventative Play trend? **Preventative Play:** Young parents are turning to educational, fun toys to teach their children about the importance of healthy eating and exercise. A direct response to the obesity epidemic troubling so many today, these preventative measures appeal to health-conscious parents who want to ingrain healthy habits early on. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 7, 2012 to Aug 10, 2013 - Published: Sep 3, 2013 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Preventative Play trend ### Educational Preventative Products A trend of parents using educational toys to teach children healthy habits early on, in response to the obesity epidemic. ### Interactive Nutrition Education A trend of designing interactive, playful tools to encourage healthy eating habits, such as Pixelate and Chewp. ### Social Responsibility A trend of brands partnering with charitable organizations to give back to society, such as Kammok donating mosquito nets to Africa for each hammock purchased. ## What the Preventative Play trend means for industry ### For Children's toys Designing interactive, educational toys for children to encourage healthy habits. ### For Health industry Exploring innovative ways to prevent obesity and promote healthy habits in children. ### For Corporate Social Responsibility Partnering with charitable organizations can offer a way for brands to give back to society while also positively impacting their own image. ## Trend signals for Preventative Play Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 50%, activity 37%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 50% - Activity: 37% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Preventative Play trend 5 featured examples from Jun 7, 2012 to Aug 10, 2013. - [Nutrition-Boosting Kitchen Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitchen-tools-for-healthy-food): 'Chewp' Teaches Children About Nutrition & Healthy Lifestyles (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The kitchenware industry can develop innovative products that promote healthy eating habits and target the specific needs of children and families. - [Health-Promoting Camping Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kammok1): Kammok Sells Hammocks to Provide Mosquito Nets in Africa (Category: Social Good) Implication: Potential for outdoor recreation companies to align with social causes and offer products that enhance both the camping experience and the planet. - [Healthy Eating Digital Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixelate-by-sures-kumar): Pixelate by Sures Kumar and Lana Z Porter Makes Diners Compete (Category: Tech) Implication: The health and wellness industry can leverage gamified technologies and devices to promote nutrition and encourage healthier eating habits. - [Kid-Calming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flu-shot): MEDi is a Robot That Keeps Kids Calm While Getting Flu Shots (Category: Tech) Implication: Integration of kid-calming robots in hospitals and clinics can enhance patient care for children. - [Veggie-Flavored Sugar Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-vegetable-candy): Fresh Vegetable Candy Defeats the Purpose of a Healthier Diet (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The confectionery industry can seize the opportunity to cater to health-conscious consumers by offering vegetable-flavored sweets with less sugar content. ## Recent trend clusters - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Performance Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/performance-powders) (Lifestyle) - [Task Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/task-beverages) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Rapid Concussion Screening Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infrared-eye-tracking) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)