Association Between Young Adults and Their Parents Daily Caloric Intake

Abstract

Diet and weight of both children and adults in the American population are a national concern. Current literature suggests that children are subject to their parents' dietary behaviors while living in the same household, and dietary habits and weight conditions in youth usually persist into adulthood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to further investigate the direct relationship between parents' and their young adult children's dietary behaviors, as measured by average daily caloric intake. Also, parents' and their young adult children's BMI's are examined. METHODS: After providing informed consent, the Block Brief Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was administered to young adults (18 to 24 y, M=19.0; N=138) and their parents (36 to 61 y, M=48.2). Average daily caloric intake was calculated for participants, and a correlation analysis of caloric intake between parents and their young adult children was conducted (p<0.001). RESULTS: Parents' average daily caloric intakes are significant predictors of their young adult children's average daily caloric intakes (p<0.001). A moderate positive correlation exists between caloric intake of parents and their young adult children (r=0.45, p<0.001). In addition, parents' and their young adult children's BMI's are moderately correlated (r=0.31, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that parental daily caloric intakes are associated with and help predict their young adult children's daily caloric intakes. In addition, parents' BMI's are associated with their young adult children's BMI's.