Parental consumption of ultra-processed, high-fat products has no association with childhood overweight/obesity: an epidemiological study among 10–12-years-old children in Greece

Abstract

Overweight and obesity during childhood consist two of the most important public health issues in the 21st century. Consumption of high-fat processed food has been increased alarmingly. To examine the association between parental ultra-processed, high-fat products' consumption and childhood overweight/obesity. A cross-sectional survey, conducted among 422 children, aged 10-12 years, and their parents, during school years 2014-16. Parental and child data were collected through self-administered, anonymous and validated questionnaires. Among others, high-fat ultra-processed food consumption was also recorded. Children's weight status was based on gender- and age-specific tables derived from the International Obesity Task Force body mass index (BMI) cut-offs. The prevalence of obesity in the reference population was 2.9%, whereas the prevalence of overweight was 19.3%. A strong correlation was observed between children's and their parents' BMI status (P < 0.001). Multi-adjusted data analysis revealed no association between parental intake of ultra-processed, high-fat products and children overweight/obesity. Similarly, when the data analysis accounted for family income and physical activity status of the children, the aforementioned results remained insignificant. Despite the fact that parents' specific dietary habits seem not to affect their children's weight status, public health programs should consider parental nutrition education and mobilization as a preventive measure for childhood overweight/obesity.