A Qualitative Exploration Into Parental Recognition of Overweight and Obesity in Pre-Adolescents: A Process of Discovery

Abstract

IntroductionThe purpose of this study is to describe influential factors as parents become aware that their pre-adolescent is overweight/obese. MethodsA grounded theory approach was used, and 17 parents of obese pre-adolescents were interviewed. ResultsWithin the concept of discovery (“How did you come to realize your pre-adolescent was overweight or obese?”), five central themes emerged. The theme of predisposition emerged as most parents believed there was some type of predisposition for their pre-adolescent to be overweight/obese. Parents avoided using the words overweight, obese, or fat to describe their pre-adolescent’s body habitus, thus leading to the theme “husky build.” “Compared to others” was identified as a theme since most parents described how they compared their overweight pre-adolescent with other pre-adolescents. The health care provider emerged as a theme because the role of the health care provider played a pivotal role in the discovery process for parents. Finally, parental buy-in involved acceptance that their pre-adolescent was overweight and recognition that this status signaled a problem and a potential health threat for their pre-adolescent. DiscussionParents do not rely solely on visual cues. Several factors are involved in the awareness process of parents whose pre-adolescents are clinically obese. The input from the health care provider played a significant role.