Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Parenting styles and practices in children's obesogenic behaviors: scientific gaps and future research directions
Heather Patrick1, Erin Hennessy, Kate McSpadden
1Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-9671, USA. patrickha@mail.nih.gov
Insights
Parenting styles significantly influence children's weight status and obesogenic behaviors like eating and physical activity. Addressing research gaps in this area is crucial for tackling the childhood obesity epidemic.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The global childhood obesity epidemic poses risks for chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy.
- Parenting styles and practices are increasingly recognized as key factors influencing children's weight status and obesogenic behaviors.
- Understanding these influences is critical as behaviors and weight track into adulthood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify scientific gaps in the literature on parenting's role in childhood obesity.
- Inform future research on parenting styles and practices related to weight status and obesogenic behaviors.
- Provide a foundation for developing evidence-based interventions.
Main Methods:
- Expert panel convened by the National Cancer Institute.
- Literature review and synthesis of current research on parenting and childhood obesity.
- Identification of key areas requiring further investigation.
Main Results:
- Significant gaps exist in understanding the nuances of parenting styles and specific obesogenic behaviors (eating, physical activity, screen time).
- Limited research explores the long-term impact of parenting practices on weight status tracking into adulthood.
- Further research is needed on effective parental mediation strategies.
Conclusions:
- More research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between parenting and childhood obesity.
- Targeted research can help develop effective strategies to promote healthy weight and behaviors in children.
- Addressing these gaps is essential for public health initiatives aimed at combating childhood obesity.
Abstract:
Given the emerging global childhood obesity epidemic and the specter of a generation of children who will have a shorter life expectancy than that of their parents, recent research has focused on factors that influence children's weight status and obesogenic behaviors (i.e., eating, physical activity, and screen media use). Parents act as primary socializing agents for children, and thus growing evidence supports the role of parenting styles and practices in children's obesity-related behaviors and weight. Studying these processes in children and adolescents is important for several reasons. First, diet and physical activity behaviors and weight status track from childhood and adolescence into adulthood. Furthermore, diet and physical activity behaviors and weight status confer significant risk for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases. The purpose of this article is to describe the scientific gaps that need to be addressed to develop a more informed literature on parenting styles and practices in the domains of weight status and obesogenic behaviors, as identified by an expert panel assembled by the National Cancer Institute.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative Parenting
This...
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
01:24Obesity
01:28Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...