Childhood obesity among Puerto Rican children: discrepancies between child's and parent's perception of weight status

Public concern about childhood obesity and associated health problems calls for the identification of modifiable factors that could halt this epidemic. Parental perceptions of their children's weight status could be associated to how parents influence children's eating patterns. We aimed to identify the perceptions Puerto Rican parents have of their children's weight and children's own perceptions of weight status as compared to real weight. A cross sectional survey was performed in a representative sample of 1st-6th grade students. Only half of the children correctly identified their weight, and only 62.4% of the parents correctly classified their children's weight. Most obese/overweight children did not perceive themselves as such. Almost half of obese/overweight children were identified by the parents as normal weight while over half of the underweight children were perceived by their parents at normal weight. More girls than boys perceived themselves as obese/overweight and more parents of girls than of boys perceived them as such. Higher-educated parents were better at recognizing overweight/obesity among their children compared to less-educated parents. This study suggests an influence of parents' SES characteristics on their perceptions of children's weight status as well as on children's own perceptions of their weight status.     

巨大儿与单纯性肥胖症的相关性分析

[目的 ]　探讨巨大儿与婴幼儿、青少年单纯性肥胖的关系。　 [方法 ]　对 6～ 14岁的 132例巨大儿、5 0 0例正常对照儿及其双亲作了身高和体重的人体测量学检查 ,并对以往超重肥胖情况采用了回顾性问卷调查 ;对婴儿期 5 0例巨大儿 ,15 0例对照儿于 1岁内作了身长体重测量的定期随访。　 [结果 ]　 6～ 14岁时巨大儿组肥胖率 16 .3% ,高于对照组的 8.6 % (P <0 .0 5 ) ,巨大儿组超重率 10 .9% ,略高于对照组的 9.8% ,且与遗传因素无明显的相关性。肥胖和超重在婴儿期最多 ,在学龄前期 ,随着年龄的增加 ,人数逐渐减少 ,但在各年龄段巨大儿组和对照组的肥胖和超重率差异均有显著性。　 [结论 ]　胎儿期肥胖易导致婴幼儿期肥胖 ,与青少年肥胖有一定的相关性     

Persistence of juvenile-onset obesity over eight years: the Bogalusa Heart Study

The persistence of obesity and overweight over eight years was assessed in a biracial (Black-White) cohort of 1,490 two-to 14-year-olds. Initial levels of triceps skinfold thickness (TRSF) and Rohrer index (weight/height3) were moderately predictive of subsequent levels: r = 0.54 and 0.67, respectively. However, TRSF and Rohrer index tended to track most strongly in Black females (r = 0.64 and 0.72) and less well in both White females (r = 0.45 and 0.57) and preschool children (r = 0.45 and 0.54). Based on elevated levels of TRSF or Rohrer index, children were classified as obese or overweight, respectively. Of the 222 children who were initially above the 85th percentile for TRSF, 43 per cent remained obese after eight years. Persistence of overweight was slightly greater at follow-up, with 50 per cent of initially overweight children staying above the 85th percentile for Rohrer index. Severe, initial obesity/overweight (greater than 95th percentile) and consecutively elevated levels increased the probability of remaining obese/overweight. Results indicate that moderate, juvenile-onset obesity is malleable, but that the child who is extremely obese over consecutive examinations is likely to become an obese adult.     

Hip-Hop to Health Jr., an obesity prevention program for minority preschool children: baseline characteristics of participants

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity in the United States is a significant public health problem. Many obesity-related risk factors are more prevalent in minority populations. Given the recalcitrant nature of weight loss interventions for adults, prevention of overweight and obesity has become a high priority. The present study reports baseline data from an obesity prevention intervention developed for minority preschool children. METHODS: Hip-Hop to Health Jr. is a 5-year randomized controlled intervention that targets 3- to 5-year-old minority children enrolled in 24 Head Start programs. Our primary aim is to test the effect of the intervention on change in body mass index. Data were collected on sociodemographic, anthropometric, behavioral, and cognitive variables for the children and parents at baseline. RESULTS: Participants included 416 black children, 337 black parents, 362 Latino children, and 309 Latino parents. Using body mass index for age and sex > or = the 95th percentile as the definition of overweight, 15% of the black children and 28% of the Latino children were overweight. More than 75% of the parents were either overweight or obese. DISCUSSION: The development of interventions to effectively prevent or control obesity early in life is crucial. These data highlight the escalating problem of weight control in minority populations.     

The relationship between child and parent food hedonics and parent and child food group intake in children with overweight/obesity

Many factors influence children's dietary intake, including children's and parents' food hedonics (liking), and parent intake. This secondary data analysis studied the relationship between child and parent liking, and parent intake and child intake of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, snack foods, and sweetened beverages in 4- to 9-year-old overweight/obese (body mass index ≥85th percentile) children presenting for obesity treatment (September 2005 to September 2007) in Providence, RI. One hundred thirty-five parent-child pairs, with complete baseline dietary (3-day food record) and food group hedonic data were included. Hedonic ratings were mean ratings using a 5-point Likert scale (lower scores represented greater liking of a food group). Children were aged 7.2±1.6 years, 63.0% girls, 12.6% African American, and 17.8% Hispanic, with a mean body mass index z score of 2.3±0.6. Total servings consumed by children over 3 days were: fruits 2.7±3.2, vegetables 3.4±2.5, low-fat dairy 2.4±2.1, snack foods 5.9±4.2, and sweetened beverages 2.7±3.1. After demographic and anthropometric variables were controlled, parent intake was positively related (P<0.05) to child intake of all food groups except sweetened beverages. Child liking was only significantly (P<0.05) related to child intake of vegetables. In young children with obesity/overweight, parent intake was consistently related to child intake. Changing parent intake may be important in helping to change the dietary intake of young children with overweight/obesity.     

Primary care of overweight children: the importance of parent weight and attitudes about overweight: a MetroNet study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the association of parents' weight and attitude about their child's weight with the child's body mass index (BMI) status. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, clinic-based study in a practice-based research network. METHODS: One hundred seventy-one parents or adults accompanying children aged 5 to 17 years to a primary care visit in 4 family medicine centers completed a questionnaire. Parent/adult overweight status and attitudes were compared with child overweight status. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of children were overweight or obese (BMI >or= the 85th percentile) as were 56% of mothers and 77% of fathers (BMI >or= 25 kg/m(2)). Child and parent overweight were significantly associated, as were mother overweight and beliefs about child overweight status. Children aged 5 to 13 years were more likely to be overweight than those aged >or=14 years. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of overweight children are often overweight and many do not recognize that their children are overweight. Suggestions are made for primary care physicians to engage parents of overweight children in family weight control efforts.     

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Child Feeding Questionnaire: a measure of parental attitudes, beliefs and practices about child feeding and obesity proneness

The Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) is a self-report measure to assess parental beliefs, attitudes, and practices regarding child feeding, with a focus on obesity proneness in children. Confirmatory factor analysis tested a 7-factor model, which included four factors measuring parental beliefs related to child's obesity proneness, and three factors measuring parental control practices and attitudes regarding child feeding. Using a sample of 394 mothers and fathers, three models were tested, and the third model confirmed an acceptable fit, including correlated factors. Internal consistencies for the seven factors were above 0.70. With minor changes, this same 7-factor model was also confirmed in a second sample of 148 mothers and fathers, and a third sample of 126 Hispanic mothers and fathers. As predicted, four of the seven factors were related to an independent measure of children's weight status, providing initial support for the validity of the instrument. The CFQ can be used to assess aspects of child-feeding perceptions, attitudes, and practices and their relationships to children's developing food acceptance patterns, the controls of food intake, and obesity. The CFQ is designed for use with parents of children ranging in age from about 2 to 11 years of age.     

Childhood Overweight/Obesity and Pediatric Asthma: The Role of Parental Perception of Child Weight Status

Childhood obesity and asthma are on the rise in the U.S. Clinical and epidemiological data suggest a link between the two, in which overweight and obese children are at higher risk for asthma. Prevention of childhood obesity is preferred over treatment, however, in order to be receptive to messages, parents must perceive that their child is overweight. Many parents do not accurately assess their child’s weight status. Herein, the relation between parental perceptions of child weight status, observed body mass index (BMI) percentiles, and a measure of child feeding practices were explored in the context of asthma, food allergy, or both. Out of the children with asthma or food allergy that were classified as overweight/obese by BMI percentiles, 93% were not perceived as overweight/obese by the parent. Mean scores for concern about child weight were higher in children with both asthma and food allergy than either condition alone, yet there were no significant differences among the groups in terms of pressure to eat and restrictive feeding practices. In summary, parents of children with asthma or food allergy were less likely to recognize their child’s overweight/obese status and their feeding practices did not differ from those without asthma and food allergy.     

Promotion of healthy weights at preschool public health vaccination clinics in Calgary: an obesity surveillance program

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a surveillance program of overweight and obesity in preschool children in Calgary, and to provide advice for families to promote healthy weights. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Children (mean age 4.9+/-0.6 years) attending pilot-site clinics in September 2002 and all clinics in Calgary between February 2003-December 2003 (n=7048). INTERVENTION: The growth assessment protocol and resources supported a three-pronged approach to promote healthy weights (healthy eating, active living and positive body image). Public health nurses were trained in standardized measurement techniques and information resources. Links with physicians were made to facilitate continuity of care. Children's weight and height measurements were plotted on the Weight-for-Stature growth chart and used to identify children as obese (> or =95th percentile), healthy weight (> or =5th, <95th) or underweight (<5th). Subsequent analysis calculated the Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-Age to identify overweight children (> or =85th, <95th percentile). The protocol was pilot tested and subsequently implemented in all Calgary public health clinics. OUTCOMES: The majority (98%) of parents were either very happy or happy with information received during the visit. Public health nurse counselling confidence significantly improved after the pilot (p<0.001). Data indicated that 9% of children were obese, 15% were overweight and 3% were underweight. INTERPRETATION: This approach to identifying children's weight status appeared satisfactory to stakeholders, maximized use of existing resources to establish a surveillance program for Calgary, and provided an opportunity to give parents health-promoting advice on healthy weights.     

父母肥胖对儿童期肥胖的影响

目的：探讨父母肥胖对儿童期肥胖的影响。方法：以北京市近万名6－8岁儿童为调查对象，测量其身高、体重，并发放调查问卷以获得父母的身高与体重。以体重超过身高标准值的120％为标准筛选出肥胖儿童，以BMI超过25或28kg/m^2为标准筛选出超重或肥胖家长。结果：当父亲正常、超重及肥胖时儿童肥胖率分别为12．3％，20．0％和25．0％，当母亲正常、超重及肥胖时儿童肥胖率分别为13．8％，26．5％和30．0％，各组的肥胖率之间差别显。父母均正常的儿童肥胖发生率为11．1％，而父母均超重或肥胖的儿童肥胖率则上升至33．6％。儿童BMI与父亲和母亲BMI均明显相关，相关系数分别为0．195和0．214。结论：父母肥胖是儿童肥胖的重要危险因素，父母肥胖的儿童应成为预防肥胖的重点人群。     

Food insecurity and gender are risk factors for obesity

OBJECTIVE: Examine relationships between adult obesity, childhood overweight, and food insecurity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective study. SETTING: Community settings in Hartford, Connecticut. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 200 parents and their 212 children, aged 2-12. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adult obesity (Body Mass Index [BMI] > 30), childhood overweight (BMI-for-age > 95(th) percentile), and household food security (U.S. Department of Agriculture module). ANALYSIS: Chi-square tests between weight status and socioeconomic characteristics. Multinomial regression analyses to determine risk factors for adult obesity and childhood overweight. RESULTS: Over half of parents (51%) were obese, and almost one-third of children (31.6%) were overweight. Over half of households were food insecure. Food insecure adults were significantly more likely to be obese as those who were food secure (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.45, p = .02). Being a girl and having an obese parent doubled the likelihood of children being overweight (OR=2.56, P = .01; OR=2.32, P = .03). Children with family incomes below 100% of poverty were half as likely to be overweight as those with higher incomes (OR=.47, P = .05). Food insecurity did not increase odds of childhood overweight. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Obesity prevention programs and policies need to address food insecurity and gender as key risk factors.     

Determinants of Childhood Obesity and Association with Maternal Perceptions of Their Children's Weight Status: The “GENESIS” Study

Prevention of early childhood obesity requires a clear understanding of its determinants. This study examined perinatal, parental, and lifestyle determinants of childhood obesity and how these factors are associated with maternal misperceptions of their children's weight status. The current work presents a cross-sectional analysis of 2,374 children, age 1 to 5 years, living in Greece (April 2003 to July 2004). The 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts were used to classify children as overweight (≥85th and <95th body mass index [BMI]-for-age percentile for children older than 24 months) and obese (≥95th weight-for-length percentile for children younger than 24 months and ≥95th BMI-for-age percentile for children older than 24 months). Maternal perceptions about their children's weight status were assessed via interviews with the mothers. Early infancy growth data were obtained from pediatric medical records. The present study showed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 16.2% and 17.5%, respectively. Each unit increase of maternal and paternal BMI significantly increased the likelihood of childhood obesity by a factor of 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.07) and 1.15 (95% CI: 1.10 to 1.20), respectively. Furthermore, children with a rapid weight gain in infancy were 1.9 (95% CI: 1.3 to 2.7) times more likely to be overweight and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2 to 1.9) times more likely to have their weight status underestimated by their mother. In conclusion, rapid infancy weight gain and higher parental BMI were the main determinants of obesity in preschool years. Maternal underestimation of children's weight status was more likely for children with rapid weight gain in infancy.     

Factors associated with obesity among adolescents]

INTRODUCTION: Obesity during adolescence is considered a strong predictor of adult obesity. The present study assessed the overweight/obesity prevalence and associated factors in middle class adolescents of a school in the city of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and evaluated the correlation between body mass index with anthropometric measures of fatness. METHOD: The analysis covered 391 students aged from 15 to 17 years. Adolescents had their weight, height, skinfold thickness and upper arm circumference measured at school. A food frequency questionnaire (list of 79 items) and a questionnaire including food habits, parents anthropometric characteristics, physical activity and other factors associated with obesity were filled out by the adolescents at school. RESULTS: The proportion of overweight individuals among boys (Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than the 90th percentile of the Brazilian population) was 23.9%, whereas the prevalence among girls was 7.2%. The fact of being on a slimming diet was a relevant factor for the prediction of BMI and was 7 times more frequent among girls than among boys. Among boys, being on a diet, absence of breakfast, and family body appearance were positively associated with BMI. Among girls these variables were also significantly associated, whereas age at menarche was negatively associated with BMI. Hours of watching TV/video/video-game was associated with BMI only among boys. The correlation coefficient between BMI and measures of fatness varied from 0.7 to 0.9 for boys, and from 0.8 to 0.90 for girls. CONCLUSIONS: BMI appears to be a good indicator of obesity among adolescents and showed that girls demonstrated an exaggerated preoccupation with body image and stereotyped slim body patterns.     

学龄前肥胖儿童的肥胖因素分析—条件Logistic回归模型的应用

本利用条件Ｌｏｇｉｓｔｉｃ回归模型的配合方法，探讨了学龄前儿童肥胖的主要影响因素。通过对６８个１：２病例对照配比组的分析，四个有显意义的影响因素参数值进入回归模型。结果表明，父母的肥胖程度、添加辅食开始时间过早和儿童出生体重过重是学龄前儿童发生肥胖的危险因素。     

Nutrition socialization experiences of children in the Head Start program

Some preschoolers may be at risk for overweight and obesity. To gain greater insight into children's early nutrition socialization experiences, the association of adult nutrition attitudes and mealtime behaviors to young children's eating behaviors and weight-for-height was investigated. Forty-six parent-child pairs and 8 Head Start teachers participated. Children were weighed and measured; parents completed measures of child eating behaviors, nutrition attitudes, and family mealtimes; teachers reported their own nutrition attitudes and were observed during mealtimes. Correlational findings indicated that parents' negative mealtime practices were associated with higher child weight-for-height and that parents' positive nutrition-attitudes were related to more pleasant family mealtimes, fewer negative mealtime practices, and less troublesome child eating behaviors. The Head Start mealtime environment was developmentally appropriate and predictable for children. Although teachers engaged in some nutrition teaching during meals, a number of opportunities were missed for promoting children's nutrition socialization. In sum, these results identified potential opportunities for improving children's early nutrition socialization experiences.     

乌鲁木齐学龄前儿童超重肥胖现状及相关因素分析

  目的  了解学龄前儿童超重肥胖现状及其影响因素,为预防和控制乌鲁木齐市学龄前儿童超重肥胖的发生提供参考依据。  方法  采用分层整群抽样方法,于2021年10—12月抽取乌鲁木齐市10所幼儿园1 897名学龄前儿童,通过对身高、体重的测量了解学龄前儿童超重肥胖现状,应用一般资料调查问卷、学龄前儿童饮食行为量表、学龄前儿童照护人喂养行为量表、3~6岁儿童家庭养育环境量表、学龄前儿童体力活动问卷等分析其相关因素。  结果  学龄前儿童超重肥胖检出率为31.21%(592名),其中超重率为19.50%(370名),肥胖率为11.70%(222名)。儿童超重肥胖检出率在不同年龄、性别、儿童饮食习惯(喜食肉类)、父亲体质量指数、母亲体质量指数、母亲孕前体质量指数间差异均有统计学意义(χ2值分别为19.63,28.75,9.45,18.21,18.45,19.36,P值均 < 0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,性别、儿童饮食习惯、父亲体质量指数、母亲孕前体质量指数、过饱响应、外因性进食、主动进食能力、体重担忧、饮食行为限制、体力活动、家庭体力活动环境是学龄前儿童超重肥胖的相关因素(OR值分别为0.52,1.43,1.51,1.44,0.69,0.74,1.35,1.71,0.81,0.96,1.10,P值均 < 0.05)。  结论  乌鲁木齐市学龄前儿童超重肥胖问题严峻,应加强教育、控制饮食、科学锻炼,以防止儿童超重肥胖的发生。     

Childhood obesity: do parents recognize this health risk?

OBJECTIVE: This study examined parents' understanding of excess weight as a health risk, knowledge of healthy eating habits, and recognition of obesity in their children. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed during well-care visits involving children 4 to 8 years of age at a pediatric faculty practice. Parents indicated their level of concern about excess weight and other familiar health risks using a four-point Likert scale, answered multiple-choice questions concerning healthy eating patterns, and communicated their perceptions about their child's weight using a visual analog scale. A parent's perception was considered "accurate" if it deviated from the child's growth chart percentile by <30 points. RESULTS: Of the 83 parents surveyed, 23% (19/83) had overweight children (> or = 95th percentile of age- and gender-specific BMI growth charts). These parents did not differ from other parents in their level of concern about excess weight as a health risk or in their knowledge of healthy eating patterns, but the two groups of parents did differ in the accuracy of their perceptions about their children's weight. Only 10.5% of parents of overweight children (2/19) perceived their child's weight accurately compared with 59.4% of other parents (38/64; p < 0.001). Parents of overweight children invariably underestimated their children's weight. The median difference between their perception and the growth chart percentile was -45 points. DISCUSSION: Given that most parents of overweight children fail to recognize that their child has a weight problem, pediatricians should develop strategies to help these parents correct their misperceptions.     

Overweight and obesity among secondary school children in Central Italy

Childhood and adolescent obesity prevalence rates have steadily increased in industrialised countries in the last 20 years. Current rates of obesity range between 6 and 30%. Several studies showed that risk factors for weight gain in school age are strongly linked to low physical activity and family environmental factors (parents' education and job, number of family members, number of hours spent on watching television, etc.). In order to plan a nutritional and health educational programme, a study was conducted on the nutritional status of the school age population of the Province of Frosinone, Central Italy, and family factors that can influence it. Three percentage of the school age population of the Province of Frosinone (2053 students) and their families were randomly sampled from the Province school district database. In each of the 12 recruited schools, a meeting with teachers and students was arranged to discuss aims and methods of research and to collect informed consent by students. Each student was interviewed about physical activity, and underwent the following measurements: height, weight, bicipital, tricipital, sub-scapular and over-iliacal skinfolds, sexual development. Students' parents were asked to answer a questionnaire about family structure, parents' educational level and job, parents' height and weight, presence in the family of pathologies as hypertension or diabetes. One thousand three hundred fifty-seven students (66% of the target population) and 1802 parents (66.5% of the responders' population) agreed to enter the study. Students' age range was 8 years (11–19 years; mean age was 14.9, SD, 2.55). Among them 8.4% were considered obese, with a higher prevalence in male population (9.8%) as compared to female population (6.5%). Of these responders, 21.4 % were considered at risk of overweight with no statistical difference due to gender. Statistically significant correlations of teenagers' risk of overweight and obesity with nutritional conditions of parents, mother's educational level and amount of weekly physical activity were observed. Number of children in the family, parents' age and job do not appear to be correlated to obesity or risk of overweight. Our results show that, although the prevalence of obesity in the students population in the Province of Frosinone is comparable to other Italian Provinces and lower than other industrialised countries such as USA, the percentage of students at risk of overweight is particularly high. Main risk factors for developing obesity seem to be linked to parents' nutritional conditions, mother's educational level and children's physical inactivity and this should lead to intensify efforts for preventive interventions both at family level (focused on parents) and at school.     

Parent-child relationships in nutrient intake: the Framingham Children's Study.

Nutrient intake affects many of the identified risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). Although CHD risk factors have been shown to aggregate within families, less is known about the familial aggregation of nutrient intake. We analyzed diet records for an average of 9 d per subject on 87 mothers, 83 fathers, and 91 children aged 3-5 y. A statistically significant but modest correlation (r less than 0.50) was found between parents' and children's intakes for most nutrients. The intake of nutrients was more strongly related between mothers and children than between fathers and children, and there was a stronger association with children's values for parents consuming more meals at home. The results of this study confirm that parents' eating habits have an impact on the nutrient intake of their preschool children; the study furnishes indirect support for dietary-intervention programs targeting families for the primary prevention of CHD.     

Australian parents' views on their 5-6-year-old children's food choices

The home food environment is central to the development of healthy eating behaviours, but associations between the home food environment and children's food choices are not yet fully understood. The aims of this study were to explore parents' views regarding factors that influence children's food choices and parents' decision-making regarding the food they provide to their children. In-depth one-on-one interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview schedule. Key concepts and themes were coded independently by two investigators. Participants include seventeen parents (16 mothers and 1 father) of children in their first year of formal schooling (aged 5-6 years). Five main themes emerged from the interviews: food marketing, food availability/food exposure, feeding strategies, modelling of eating and opportunities for food involvement. Parents believed that food marketing influenced their child's food preferences but differed in the ways they managed these influences. The food made available to children was also seen to influence what a child ate. Yet, although some parents believed it was the parents' role to determine what foods were made available to their child, others offered food on the basis of the child's tastes or preferences. The use of food as a reward was a feeding strategy employed by many parents. Family mealtimes were seen as an important opportunity for modelling of eating behaviour by parents. Peers were also seen to influence children's food preferences and eating behaviour. Finally, many parents believed that involving children in the preparation of food had a positive impact on children's food choices. Associations between the home food environment and children's food choices are complex and involve multiple mediators. Parents' views on the promoters and reinforcers of their decision-making regarding food and their child's food choices provide useful insights into these mediating factors. Increased understanding of these relationships is likely to enhance obesity prevention efforts.