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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Parenthood--a contributing factor to childhood obesity.
Fatma G Huffman1, Sankarabharan Kanikireddy, Manthan Patel
1Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA. huffmanf@fiu.edu
Summary
Children in single-parent households are more overweight and consume more calories and saturated fats. Black children also showed higher overweight prevalence. Parental status impacts child health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood obesity prevalence is rising globally.
- Parental factors significantly influence children's eating habits, weight, and cholesterol levels.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between parental household structure (single-parent vs. dual-parent) and children's health outcomes.
- To analyze the impact of parental status on children's Body Mass Index (BMI), nutrient intake, and blood cholesterol.
- To examine racial differences in childhood overweight prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988-1994).
- Analyzed data from 219 single-parent and 780 dual-parent households.
- Compared children's BMI, dietary nutrient intake, and blood cholesterol based on household structure and race.
Main Results:
- Children from single-parent households had significantly higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (p < 0.01).
- Higher total calorie and saturated fatty acid intake was observed in children from single-parent households (p < 0.05).
- Black children exhibited a higher prevalence of being overweight compared to other racial groups (p < 0.04).
Conclusions:
- A strong correlation exists between single-parent household status and increased childhood overweight.
- Dietary patterns and obesity risk in children are influenced by parental household structure.
- Parental involvement is recommended for developing targeted school- and community-based obesity prevention programs.
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