Is there a correlation between body mass index in children and body mass index in parents?

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and physical activity among pediatric individuals and their parents. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 434 pediatric individuals aged 3-16 years and their parents. The weight, height, BMI and weekly physical activity of pediatric individuals without insulin resistance were recorded. In addition, parent' attitudes towards sugary and processed foods for children were evaluated. Results: As a result of the study, it was found that 230 of 434 pediatric individuals were underweight, 146 were normal, 46 were mildly obese, and 12 were obese according to BMI classification. It was found that 190 of the mothers were obese and 110 of the fathers were obese. BMI and weekly physical activity numbers were compared between pediatric individuals and their parents and a significant difference was found (p<0.05). It was found that 112 of the mothers did not pay attention to their children's consumption of sugary and processed foods. Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was found that there was a relationship between pediatric individuals and their parents in terms of BMI and number of weekly physical activities. In this respect, this study revealed that parents should pay maximum attention to prevent obesity in children.