Maternal child feeding practices and eating behaviors of women with extreme obesity and those who have undergone bariatric surgery

Abstract

BackgroundBariatric surgery is the most effective treatment of extreme obesity. Few studies, however, have explored some of the lifestyle behaviors (i.e., grocery shopping and cooking methods) thought to contribute to postoperative weight maintenance. To date, the child feeding practices of women who have undergone bariatric surgery have not been explored. The study setting was a university in the United States. MethodsA total of 41 women awaiting bariatric surgery were assessed preoperatively; an additional 23 women who had undergone bariatric surgery (6–24 mo previously) were also assessed. The participants had to be responsible for feeding a child (age range 2–16 yr) in their home. Self-report measures assessed demographics, maternal child feeding practices, eating behaviors, and available household foods. Bivariate correlations were used to investigate the relationships among the measures. Independent sample t tests assessed group differences, and 1-way analysis of variance and concepts of linear progression and regression were used to determine whether the findings remained statistically significant after controlling for demographic variables. ResultsWomen who had undergone surgery, compared with those awaiting surgery, reported more frequent modeling of healthy eating for their child (P = .009), significantly greater levels of cognitive restraint (P = .001), and lower levels of disinhibition (P = .019). Some between-group differences were found in grocery shopping frequency (P = .093) and in select foods available in the home (P = .101 to P = .151), which approached statistical significance. ConclusionMothers who had undergone bariatric surgery demonstrated healthy eating for their child and were engaged in healthier eating behaviors themselves compared with women awaiting surgery. Intervening with mothers who are undergoing bariatric surgery could present a unique opportunity for modifying the home food environment and promoting healthy eating among other family members, especially those children at risk of extreme obesity.