Family Meal Frequency, Practices, and BMI of Mothers of Preschoolers

Abstract

Family mealtimes (FM) are important mediators of diet and weight, yet little is known about FM practices of households with preschool children and factors that mediate FM frequency. A sample of 550 mothers of preschoolers reported mother and child height and weight; FM frequency, location, importance, and atmosphere; time/energy for FM; family conflict and cohesion; general household organization; and family support for healthy behaviors. Children's mean BMI percentile=66.16+32.78SD. Mother's mean BMI=27.69+7.90. Most families (93%) shared >7 meals/week; 1% never had FMs. Most FMs were at the kitchen/dining room table (4.69+2.5 days/week), and fewer in front of TV, at fast food restaurants, or in cars. Most reported a positive FM environment in their homes and felt they had a lot of time & energy to share FMs. Mothers reported little family conflict, moderate household disorganization and high family support for healthy behaviors. ANOVA and post-hoc tests indicated children in families with the lowest quartile of FM (<10/week) tended to have higher BMI percentiles than those in the highest quartile (>15/week; p=0.09). FM frequency was not associated with mother's BMI but was significantly positively correlated with eating meals in the kitchen/dining room more often, placing higher importance on FM, positive FM atmospheres and more time and energy for FM. Frequency of FM was significantly negatively correlated with family conflict and household disorganization. FM were associated with healthier child BMI percentiles and maternal attitudes and practices were associated with greater FM frequency. Promoting FM benefits to parents, encouraging positive mealtime environments & emphasizing planning skills to facilitate more frequent FMs could promote healthier child BMIs. USDA NIFA #2011-68001-30170