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Predictors of body mass index in female parents whose children participate in a competitive, creative,

Naima Moustaid-Moussa1, Carol A Costello, Betty P Greer

  • 1UT Obesity Research Center, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.

Food & Nutrition Research
|August 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Parents of children in a creative afterschool program showed lower overweight/obesity rates. Physical activity, income, and diet were key predictors of parental weight status, highlighting a link between child and parent health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Lifestyle Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Children in a creative afterschool program exhibit healthier lifestyles than the average US child.
  • This study investigated the weight status and lifestyle practices of their parents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the strongest predictors of weight status among female parents whose children participate in a creative afterschool program.

Main Methods:

  • Surveyed 1,118 parents (87% female) of children from Destination ImagiNation® Global Finals (2008-2009).
  • Utilized online questionnaires based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
  • Collected data on self-reported height, weight, diet, physical activity, and socioeconomic status.

Main Results:

  • Female parents had lower overweight/obesity rates (45.2%) compared to the national average (64.1%).
  • This parent group was significantly more physically active and had higher education/income levels.
  • Lower income was associated with higher obesity rates within this population; parent and child weight status were significantly associated.

Conclusions:

  • Physically active female parents of children with healthy lifestyles had lower overweight/obesity rates.
  • Physical activity, income, and dietary fat intake predicted parental weight status.
  • Findings suggest a correlation between children's healthy lifestyles and parental health outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
BRFSSdiethealth behaviorsobesityoverweightparentsphysical activity

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