Parental factors contributing to childhood obesity

This study evaluated the contribution of parental factors related to eating behavior and physical activity level on the development of childhood obesity. The survey instrument was designed to assess parent and child eating behavior and physical activity, parental control of child eating behavior and physical activity, and parental attitudes toward their own and their child's weight status, eating behavior, and physical activity' Parents (N: 127) completed the 92 question survey for themselves and the target children. Target children were between the ages of 7 and 11, and were second, third, or fourth graders from one of five elementary schools in Tompkins County in the state of New York' Data was collected on 127 parent-child pairs, for a return rate of l3o/o. The relationship between direct measures of parent and child body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level (pAL) were not significant. However, there was a higher likelihood that overweight parents had overweight children and normal weight parents had normal weight children' Children of parents classified as "healthy" eaters ate significantly more fruit, vegetables, and protein at recommended levels based on the food guide pyramid than children of ,,unhealthy" eaters. All children ate sweets at higher than recommended levels independent of parent eating behaviors. Overweight parents had children who ate snack food more frequently at meals than children of normal weight parents. Parents had a . ,more negative" attitude toward their own and their child's eating behavior when it was classified as "unhealthy", illd a "more positive" attitude towards their own and their child,s eating behavior when it was classified as "healthy". Similarly, as parent attitude toward their PAL was "more positive", energy expenditure (kcal/day) was higher. However, the relationship between parental attitude toward their child's PAL and the child,s energy expenditure (kcal/day) was insignificant. Parents accurately assessed their weight status as normal weight or overweight. Although most parents (S7l103) correctly classified their children as norrnal weight or overwei dht, 94oh of the misclassifications included parents who perceived their overweight child as normal weight. When parent pressure to eat and participation in physical activities with their child were high, child BMI was low. A child's actual eating behavior was not related to the child's BMI. Conclusions. Parents did not appear to have an adequate understanding of what constitutes a healthy body composition and physical activity level for their child. Parents recognized the quality of their child's eating behaviors, however, parents of unhealthy eaters allowed their children to eat an unhealthy diet. Children whose parents were unhealthy eaters appeared to consume more of their daily calories from foods that are typically higher in fat, and less from fruits and vegetables. Parents were either unaware or unconcemed with reconrmendations regarding sweets consumption. Overweight parents appeared to model the consumption of high fat foods for their children. Parent participation in physical activity with their child promoted a healthy body composition in the child. child weight status was influenced by parent weight status. overall, parents appeared to be modeling several behaviors and attitudes that influenced the development of obesity in their child. Thus, it is imperative to educate parents and perhaps alter their behaviors and attitudes in ways that promote the achievement of healthy body composition, eating behaviors, and PAL's in themselves and their children.