Children's Actual Weight Status Research Articles

Prospective BMI changes in preschool children are associated with parental characteristics and body weight perceptions: the ToyBox-study.

To examine the effect of the intervention implemented in the ToyBox-study on changes observed in age- and sex-specific BMI percentile and investigate the role of perinatal factors, parental perceptions and characteristics on this change. A multicomponent, kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention with a cluster-randomised design. A standardised protocol was used to measure children's body weight and height. Information was also collected from parents/caregivers via the use of validated questionnaires. Linear mixed effect models with random intercept for country, socio-economic status and school were used. Selected preschools within the provinces of Oost-Flanders and West-Flanders (Belgium), Varna (Bulgaria), Bavaria (Germany), Attica (Greece), Mazowieckie (Poland) and Zaragoza (Spain). A sample of 6268 preschoolers aged 3·5-5·5 years (51·9 % boys). There was no intervention effect on the change in children's BMI percentile. However, parents' underestimation of their children's actual weight status, parental overweight and mothers' pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity were found to be significantly and independently associated with increases in children's BMI percentile in multivariate modelling. As part of a wide public health initiative or as part of a counseling intervention programme, it is important to assist parents/caregivers to correctly perceive their own and their children's weight status. Recognition of excessive weight by parents/caregivers can increase their readiness to change and as such facilitate higher adherence to favourable behavioural changes within the family.

Hispanic Maternal Perception of Preschoolers’ Bodyweight Status in Samples from the United States of America and Mexico

Abstract Objectives Childhood obesity is a major public health concern, which disproportionally affects Hispanic children in the United States (US) and Mexico. Mothers are key influencers to their children's health and growth. As part of a pilot obesity prevention study, Hispanic mothers’ perception of their preschoolers’ weight status was assessed to inform the development of intervention strategies. Methods Study subjects were Hispanic mothers and their preschoolers between the ages of 3 and 5 enrolled in participating Head Star Centers in Texas, US or kindergartens in Northern Mexico. Upon informed consent, mothers completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing their perception of their preschoolers’ weight status. Preschoolers’ body weight and height were measured; and their actual weight status was classified using the CDC's age and gender specific BMI references. Results Preliminary data included 85 and 294 child-mother pairs from US and Mexico, respectively. The US sample had a higher rate of overweight and obesity (35%) in comparison to the Mexico sample (19%). There was a great discrepancy between mothers’ perception and their children's actual weight status in both samples. Although only approximately 5% of children were underweight, 14% of American and 24% of Mexican mothers perceived their children being underweight. Contrarily, only 4.8% of American mothers perceived their children as a little overweight or obese, as compared to the actual rate of 35%. Similarly, only 5% of Mexican mothers perceived their children as a little overweight or obese, as compared to the actual rate of 19%. Conclusions Hispanic mothers in the US and Mexico appear to worry about their normal weight children being underweight, while overlooking the overweight and obesity problem. Early childhood obesity prevention programming is needed to aggressively address Hispanic mothers’ preference of chubby children, and the mothers’ underestimation of overweight and obesity among their preschoolers. Funding Sources The Mexico's National Science and Technology Council & The Kellogg´s Institute of Nutrition and Health.

Parents' underestimation of their child's weight status. Moderating factors and change over time: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundParents’ underestimation of their child’s weight status can hinder active participation in overweight prevention programs. We examined the level of agreement between the parents’ perception of their child’s weight status and the child’s actual weight status, moderating factors, and change over time.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data collected in 2009 (n = 8105), 2013 (n = 8844) and 2017 (n = 11,022) from a community-based survey conducted among parents of children age 2–12 years in the Netherlands. Parents classified their perception of their child’s weight status on a 5-point Likert scale. In 2009 and 2013, the child’s BMI was calculated from self-reported data by parents. The level of agreement between the parent’s perception of the weight status and the actual weight status was examined using Cohen’s kappa. The role of demographic factors on parents’ perception were examined using logistic regression.ResultsIn 2009, 2013 and 2017, 6%, 6% and 5% of the parents, respectively, classified their child as heavy/extremely heavy. In 2009 and 2013, 64.7% and 61.0% of parents, respectively, underestimated the weight status of their overweight child. This was even higher among parents of obese children. Overall, the agreement between the parents’ perception and the actual weight status improved from 2009 (kappa = 0.38) to 2013 (kappa = 0.43) (p<0.05), but remained unsatisfactory. The parents’ underestimation of their child’s overweight/obesity status was associated with the child’s age in 2009 and 2013 (2–7 years; OR: 0.18), the child’s gender in 2009 (male; OR: 0.55), and the parents’ education level in 2009 (middle and high education; OR: 0.56 and 0.44 respectively).ConclusionsParents’ underestimation of their child’s weight status remains alarmingly high, particularly among parents of young, obese children. This underestimation is a barrier to preventing childhood overweight/obesity. Healthcare professionals should take this underestimation into consideration and should actively encourage parents to take steps to prevent overweight/obesity in their children.

Child weight status and accuracy of perceived child weight status as predictors of Latina mothers’ feeding practices and styles

This study focused on the relationship between low-income Latina mothers' perceptions of their preschool children's weight status and maternal feeding practices and styles, also considering the effects of actual child weight status and maternal concern about child weight. A total of 186 low-income Latina mother-child dyads participated. The vast majority of mothers underestimated the weight status of their child, but this varied by child weight status. Although only 30% of mothers of healthy weight children underestimated their child's weight status, 97% of mothers of overweight or obese children did so. No mother overestimated her child's weight status. Contrary to our hypotheses, in most cases, maternal perceptions of child's body weight were not related to maternal feeding styles, nor were many feeding practices predicted by concern about child weight. Instead, children's actual weight status was the strongest predictor of maternal feeding practices and feeding styles. Mothers of children with higher BMI z-scores reported higher levels of healthy eating guidance and responsiveness during feeding and lower levels of pressure to eat, food as reward, and using food to regulate the child's emotions. These mothers were more likely to show an indulgent and less likely to show an authoritarian feeding style. Concern about child weight did not account for any of these significant correlations. Maternal perceptions only mattered for restriction for weight purposes where there were independent effects of both perceived and actual weight status. Implications for understanding the development of child obesity in low-income, Latino populations are considered, along with recommendations for future research and for childhood obesity prevention programs.

Obesity and maternal perception: a cross-sectional study of children aged 6 to 8 years in Kuwait.

Childhood obesity is on the increase in the Middle East. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity in those aged six to eight years and to investigate maternal perception of child weight. A nation-wide study of data on height and weight were obtained from nurses' records, and maternal perceptions were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. Sample size comprised 2208 individuals with BMI measurements and 1002 with BMI and maternal perception data. The prevalence of overweight and obese children combined was 40.9% as per WHO cut-off values and 39.7% as per Centres for Disease Control and Prevention categorizations. We also found that 77.9% of overweight and 45.4% of obese children were perceived by their mothers to have healthy body weights. Additionally, 39.8% of children with normal weight were also judged by their mothers to be underweight. An alarmingly high prevalence of childhood obesity among Kuwaiti children, coupled with mothers distorted perception of their child's actual weight status is a serious concern that requires urgent public health intervention.

Parental Perceptions and Behaviors Regarding Child Weight Status among Toddlers Born Preterm.

Childhood obesity is a significant determinant of adult obesity. Among children born preterm, rapid "catch-up growth" in infancy increases the risk of later obesity. Parental perceptions of their child's weight status may compound the child's biologically heightened risk of obesity. We performed a secondary analysis of data on parental perceptions of child weight status from a randomized controlled trial (2012-2017, n = 331 toddlers born preterm). We used the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) to measure parental child feeding behaviors and beliefs. We calculated the prevalence of incorrect weight estimation, and used t-tests and chi-square tests to compare sample characteristics by correct versus incorrect weight estimation. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for factors associated with parental underestimation of child weight status. Most (90%) children were of normal weight, whereas 3% were underweight and 7% were overweight. A majority (75%) of parents correctly estimated their child's weight status. Incorrect weight estimation was only associated with child's actual weight. Parents of overweight children were more likely to underestimate their child's weight status than parents of normal weight children (OR: 2.23, 95% confidence interval: 2.00-2.49). Mean CFQ scores differed by the child's actual weight status but not by the child's estimated weight status. Among these toddlers born preterm, significantly higher proportions of parents with underweight and overweight children incorrectly estimated their child's weight status relative to parents of normal weight children. Our findings suggest that weight underestimation could be a problem in this population, although it was not associated with changes in feeding practices.

Factors that Influence Parental Misperception of Their Child's Actual Weight Status in South Carolina.

Objectives Studies suggest that parents tend to misperceive their child's actual weight status and typically underestimate their child's weight. Since few studies examine the factors that influence parental misperception, this study aims to assess the influence of parent and child factors with parental misperception of their child's actual weight status who were either at their recommended weight or overweight/obese in South Carolina in 2013 and 2014. Methods Secondary data were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the Children's Health Assessment Survey (CHAS) in 2013 and 2014 in SC. Parental misperception of child's actual weight status was measured by comparing parental perception to their child's actual weightstatus measured via BMI. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between parental and child factors with parental misperception of child's weight status. Results In the adjusted multivariate analysis, only child's age was significantly and positively associated with parental misperception of their child's actual weight status. Conclusions for Practice This cross sectional analysis showed an association between child's age and parental misperception of child's actual weight status. It is essential to educate parents about their children's weight status, especially among young children.

Obesity, body image, and its impact on children's eating and exercise behaviors in China: A nationwide longitudinal study

Body image seems to mediate the association between obesity and health behaviors as well as weight control attempts. We examined the distribution of children's body image by demographic characteristics and their subsequent associations with eating, exercise, and weight change. Child body image and health behaviors from the China Health National Survey 2000–2011 were assessed at baseline and in follow-up for 6- to 17-year-old children during 2000–2011 using mixed models. There was a large discrepancy between children's actual weight status (overweight: 16.9%) vs. self-rated body image (fat: 2.4% in 2011). Less than 1% of children desired a fat body; girls were more likely to want to be thin (52.5% vs. 40.9%) than boys. About 11% of children needed to lose weight in order to be at their desired baseline. During follow-up, those needing weight loss to be as desired were more likely to attempt dieting to change their weight (OR, 95% CI=1.9, 1.1–3.5 in boys; 1.7, 1.1–2.5 in girls) and less likely to feel they had enough physical activity (OR, 95% CI=0.5, 0.4–0.7 in boys; 0.6, 0.5–0.9 in girls), although their weight gain had been significantly higher than those having consistent self and desired body images (β [SE]=0.4 [0.1] in boys; 0.2 [0.1] in girls, all p<0.05). However, no significant difference was shown in subsequent health behaviors among overweight children by body image discrepancy. The discrepancy in self vs. desired body image motivated children to change their obesity-related health behaviors among non-overweight children in China.

Children's weight changes according to maternal perception of the child's weight and health: A prospective cohort of Peruvian children.

The aim of the study was to estimate the association between maternal perception of their child’s health status and (mis)classification of their child’s actual weight with future weight change. We present cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses from the Peruvian younger cohort of the Young Lives Study. For cross-sectional analysis, the exposure was maternal perception of child health status (better, same or worse); the outcome was underestimation or overestimation of the child’s actual weight. Mothers were asked about their perception of their child’s weight (same, lighter or heavier than other children). Actual weight status was defined with IOTF BMI cut-off points. For longitudinal analysis, the exposure was (mis)classification of the child’s actual weight; the outcome was the standardized mean difference between follow-up and baseline BMI. A Generalized Linear Model with Poisson family and log-link was used to report the prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for cross-sectional analyses. A Linear Regression Model was used to report the longitudinal analysis as coefficient estimates (β) and 95% CI. Normal weight children who were perceived as more healthy than other children were more likely to have their weight overestimated (PR = 2.06); conversely, those who were perceived as less healthy than other children were more likely to have their weight underestimated (PR = 2.17). Mean follow-up time was 2.6 (SD: 0.3) years. Overall, underweight children whose weight was overestimated were more likely to gain BMI (β = 0.44); whilst overweight children whose weight was considered to be the same of their peers (β = -0.55), and those considered to be lighter than other children (β = -0.87), lost BMI. Maternal perception of the child’s health status seems to influence both overestimation and underestimation of the child’s actual weight status. Such weight (mis)perception may influence future BMI.

Brazilian Maternal Weight Perception and Satisfaction With Toddler Body Size: A Study in Primary Health Care

Maternal perception and satisfaction with child's weight status are important to detect early and to successfully treat the extremes in weight, especially during early childhood, when the child is more dependent on maternal care. To assess the inaccuracy of maternal perception of toddler body size and its associated factors and to analyze maternal dissatisfaction with toddler body size. Cross-sectional study with 135 mother-toddler dyads attending Primary Health Care Facilities, São Paulo, Brazil. Children's actual weight status was classified using body mass index-for-age. Inaccuracy and dissatisfaction were assessed using an image scale. We used logistic regression to identify the factors associated with inaccuracy of maternal perception of toddler body size. Inaccuracy in maternal perception was observed in 34.8% of participants. Mothers of excessive weight children were more likely to have inaccurate perceptions (OR=4.6; 95% CI 2.0-10.7), and mothers of children who attended well-child care were less likely to have inaccurate perceptions (OR=0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.9). More than half of mothers (52.6%) were dissatisfied with their toddler's size and desired a larger child (75.0% of mothers of underweight children, 25.0% of mothers whose children were at risk for overweight and 23.0% of mothers of overweight children). The majority of mothers were inaccurate in their perception and was dissatisfied with their toddler's body size. Maternal inaccuracy and dissatisfaction differed by the weight status of the toddler. Attendance at well-child visits was an effective way to decrease maternal inaccuracy, which reinforces the importance of the influence of health professionals.

Beyond Oblivobesity: Seven Myths About Parental Misperception of Children's Weight.

[Author Affiliation]Arnaldo Perez. Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.Geoff D.C. Ball. Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.Address correspondence to: Geoff D.C. Ball, PhD, RD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 4-515 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405m 87th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G IC9, E-mail: gdball@ualberta.caTo the Editor:In a recent editorial in Childhood Obesity, Katz commented on the phenomenon of parents' misperception of children's excess weight.1 Although the editorial focused on engaging children and their families in obesity management, he challenged a common belief in the weight misperception literature, which is to combat misperception of excess weight with objective information. Upon review of the misperception literature, we believe there is value in going beyond oblivobesity to consider a number of misunderstandings related to the conceptualization, interpretation, and attempt to address the discrepancy between perceived and actual weight status of children.1. Parents are unaware of their children's obesity. Most studies on parental weight misperception have relied on anthropometric measures (e.g., BMI) to determine children's weight status.2 Given that these metrics only provide an indirect estimate of obesity, parental unawareness of child obesity can only ever be estimated indirectly as well. Further, unawareness is just one aspect of weight misperception; the latter not only implies that parents are unaware of their children's actual weight status, but also that they assign to their children a weight status other than the actual status. Compared to unawareness, misperception may exert a greater influence on whether parents choose to accept objective data (e.g., BMI plotted on a growth chart) showing that their children meet the clinical definition for obesity.2. Parents fail to recognize their children's weight problem. Conceptually, it is important to differentiate between misclassifying the identity of a condition (which is the main focus of studies on perceived weight status) and being concerned about a condition (perceiving it as a problem). Health concern in general, and weight concern in particular, depend on (1) the severity attached to the consequences of the condition and (2) the perceived personal susceptibility to those consequences. In this regard, accurate recognition of excess weight is necessary, but not sufficient, to be concerned about obesity. For instance, both Genovesi and colleagues3 and Jain and colleagues4 found that most parents in their studies were aware of, but not concerned about, their children's excess weight.3. Parents will not take preventive actions to address obesity unless a weight problem is recognized. Compared to parents who failed to recognize their children's excess weight, Neumark-Sztainer and colleagues5 found that those who recognized it correctly were not more likely to promote healthier lifestyle behaviors for their children. Qualitative evidence has shown that children's psychosocial well-being and quality of life were more common reasons for parents to engage in pediatric weight management versus concerns about children's weight and physical health.6,7 It is sometimes forgotten in the dominant discourse about nutrition, physical activity, and obesity that individuals may perform healthy lifestyle behaviors not because a problem exists or because one is expected, but for the simple sake of living a healthy and enjoyable life.4. Parents who do not recognize their children's obesity are in denial. Given that children's excess weight is visually apparent, it is often assumed that parents should recognize it unless they are in denial. As a defense or coping mechanism, 8 denial denotes a causal attribution to account for weight misperception that cannot be demonstrated by simply comparing the perceived and actual weight status. …

Large proportions of overweight and obese children, as well as their parents, underestimate children's weight status across Europe. The ENERGY (EuropeaN Energy balance Research to prevent excessive weight Gain among Youth) project.

To investigate the magnitude and country-specific differences in underestimation of children's weight status by children and their parents in Europe and to further explore its associations with family characteristics and sociodemographic factors. Children's weight and height were objectively measured. Parental anthropometric and sociodemographic data were self-reported. Children and their parents were asked to comment on children's weight status based on five-point Likert-type scales, ranging from 'I am much too thin' to 'I am much too fat' (children) and 'My child's weight is way too little' to 'My child's weight is way too much' (parents). These data were combined with children's actual weight status, in order to assess underestimation of children's weight status by children themselves and by their parents, respectively. Chi-square tests and multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the aims of the current study. Eight European countries participating in the ENERGY (EuropeaN Energy balance Research to prevent excessive weight Gain among Youth) project. A school-based survey among 6113 children aged 10-12 years and their parents. In the total sample, 42·9 % of overweight/obese children and 27·6 % of parents of overweight/obese children underestimated their and their children's weight status, respectively. A higher likelihood for this underestimation of weight status by children and their parents was observed in Eastern and Southern compared with Central/Northern countries. Overweight or obese parents (OR=1·81; 95 % CI 1·39, 2·35 and OR=1·78, 95 % CI 1·22, 2·60), parents of boys (OR=1·32; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·67) and children from overweight/obese (OR=1·60; 95 % CI 1·29, 1·98 and OR=1·76; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·41) or unemployed parents (OR=1·53; 95 % CI 1·22, 1·92) were more likely to underestimate children's weight status. Children of overweight or obese parents, those from Eastern and Southern Europe, boys, younger children and children with unemployed parents were more likely to underestimate their actual weight status. Overweight or obese parents and parents of boys were more likely to underestimate the actual weight status of their children. In obesity prevention such underestimation may be a barrier for behavioural change.

A Significant Dissociation Between Parental Perception and Actual Obesity Status in Mexican-American Children in Central Valley California: Impact and Implications

To evaluate the anthropometric measures of 623 children ages 2 to 5 who were enrolled in Ninos Sana Familia Sana in California Central Valley in association with parental perception of children's obesity status. We used BMI percentile to define overweight/obesity categories based on the 2000 CDC growth charts. 49% of children in this study were overweight/obese. About 60% of obese and 90% of overweight children were perceived normal-weight by their parents. There is a significant gap between parental perception and their children's actual weight status. Designing any intervention without increasing parental awareness and knowledge will result in mix practices.

Parental perception of child’s weight status and subsequent BMIz change: the KOALA birth cohort study

BackgroundParents often fail to correctly perceive their children’s weight status, but no studies have examined the association between parental weight status perception and longitudinal BMIz change (BMI standardized to a reference population) at various ages. We investigated whether parents are able to accurately perceive their child’s weight status at age 5. We also investigated predictors of accurate weight status perception. Finally, we investigated the predictive value of accurate weight status perception in explaining children’s longitudinal weight development up to the age of 9, in children who were overweight at the age of 5.MethodsWe used longitudinal data from the KOALA Birth Cohort Study. At the child’s age of 5 years, parents filled out a questionnaire regarding child and parent characteristics and their perception of their child’s weight status. We calculated the children’s actual weight status from parental reports of weight and height at ages 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 years. Regression analyses were used to identify factors predicting which parents accurately perceived their child’s weight status. Finally, regression analyses were used to predict subsequent longitudinal BMIz change in overweight children.ResultsEighty-five percent of the parents of overweight children underestimated their child’s weight status at age 5. The child’s BMIz at age 2 and 5 were significant positive predictors of accurate weight status perception (vs. underestimation) in normal weight and overweight children. Accurate weight status perception was a predictor of higher future BMI in overweight children, corrected for actual BMI at baseline.ConclusionsChildren of parents who accurately perceived their child’s weight status had a higher BMI over time, probably making it easier for parents to correctly perceive their child’s overweight. Parental awareness of the child’s overweight as such may not be sufficient for subsequent weight management by the parents, implying that parents who recognize their child’s overweight may not be able or willing to adequately manage the overweight.

Nutritional status in preschool children: current trends of mother's body perception and concerns

BackgroundStudies in several countries indicate that parents show little concern and aren’t much aware of the nutritional status of their children, and have the tendency to underestimate the overweight which may present a difficulty when promoting healthier life styles. The aim of this study was to identify maternal body image perceptions in preschool children and analyze its relationship with nutritional status and family social demographic variables. MethodsA transversal and descriptive study was developed in a sample of 1424 preschool children and their mothers living in several parts of Portugal. The children were weighted and measured by trained personnel, the BMI was calculated and the nutritional status was classified according to the NCHS referential (CDC, 2000).1 Mother's real and ideal body image perception from their children was evaluated according to Collins’ body image silhouettes (1991).2 ResultsThe ideal and real perception was translated in a negative index on both children's genders, however 67.2% of the mothers revealed accuracy of perception, while 22.3% had a negative and 12.8% a positive discrepancy, being this significant concerning gender and age of the children. Children's actual weight status (ie, 60.2% normal weight, 16.9% overweight, 17.4% obese and 5.5% underweight) was significantly different from their parents’ perceptions (ie, 52.3% normal weight, 27.5% overweight 0,6% obesity and 19.6% underweight) explaining in 25.9% the variability of this perception. Globally 42.3% has no discrepancy but 44.3% thinks that children were thin and 13.4% heavier. This difference is significant concerning the age and scholarship of the mothers but has no relation with the income and residence. ConclusionDespite signs of a positive trend, mothers continue to show difficulty in recognizing the children's nutritional status, so effective public health strategies to increase parents’ awareness could be the first step in an effort to prevent childhood obesity.

Determinants of Parental Perception and Support on Youth Physical Activity

The study examines the impact of parental perception of children's weight and parental support on children's physical activity (PA) by weight groups. Multivariate regressions of parental perception of children's weight, parental support, and children's PA were conducted using parent-reported survey data. Results show that parental support was positively associated with children's PA. The impact of parental perception on children's PA and parenting behaviors varied depending on children's actual weight status. Parents may need more education and help to increase their knowledge about children's healthy weight and the problems associated with being outside the healthy weight zone.

Incongruence between mother perceptions and preschooler's actual weight status using BMI Categories

Mothers of overweight or obese children are reported to underestimate their child's weight status. This study assessed how accurately a mother perceived her preschooler's body size and the affect of the child's actual weight status (underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese BMI) on this perception. The study also included the mother's perception of her own body size. Both mothers and their children ages 3–5 y (n=265) attending one of 12 Las Vegas Nevada Head Start centers were weighed, measured and interviewed. Mothers (74.3% Hispanic) indicated their own and their child's silhouettes. Although 72.8% correctly identified their own body size, only 55% of mothers were accurate in identifying their preschooler's body size. When looking at the preschooler's weight status, 83% of mothers with children in the “healthy weight” correctly identified their child. However, for preschoolers in the overweight category, none identified their preschooler as “too heavy” and only 22% of mothers correctly identified their preschooler as “too heavy” when the child's weight status was obese. Finally, 43% of mothers correctly identified their preschooler as being underweight. Results show that while mothers may accurately identify preschoolers who are at a healthy weight, they incorrectly report weight status for those defined as overweight, obese, and underweight. Funded in part by USDA FNS.

The Role of Parents in Factors that Contribute to Obesity in Children

0383 The growing incidence of obesity and its close association with chronic disease and adverse health outcomes presents an enormous challenge to our health care system, and has become a serious public health concern. This study focuses on the contribution of parental factors related to eating behavior and physical activity level (PAL) on the development of childhood obesity. PURPOSE: Specifically, this study was conducted to investigate the influence of parental attitudes on factors contributing to childhood obesity. METHODS: A total of 947 surveys were distributed to parents of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade children from 5 central NY schools. Parents (n = 127) completed the 92-item survey for themselves and the target child (M = 8.7 ± 1.0 yr). Data analyses included descriptive statistics examining parent and child eating behavior, PAL and weight status as well as Pearson and point-biserial correlations, Chi-Square Goodness of Fit and Independent T-tests (a = .05) to examine the relationships between variables. RESULTS: Data showed that 79% of overweight parents had overweight children while 30% of normal weight parents had overweight children. When asked to classify their child's weight status (normal vs. overweight), parents were fairly accurate (88%), however, of the misclassifications (12%), 15 of the 16 parents (94%) classified their overweight child as normal weight. No relationship was found between a child's eating behavior (healthy/unhealthy) and BMI (rpb = −0.06, p = 0.65), however, physical activity level was correlated (r = 0.68, p < .01) to BMI. Examination of children's eating behavior revealed that children's consumption of dairy, carbohydrates and snack food were not related to the child's BMI and that all children ate sweets at higher than recommended levels. CONCLUSION: Overall, results from this study revealed a disconnect between parent attitude toward their child's weight and PAL and the child's actual weight status and energy expenditure. Therefore, even though parents recognize the inadequacies in their child's eating behaviors, children continue to follow unhealthy eating patterns. Results also show a tendency for children to model some of the eating behaviors of their parents suggesting the need for further research in this area.

The Role of Parents in Factors that Contribute to Obesity in Children

0383 The growing incidence of obesity and its close association with chronic disease and adverse health outcomes presents an enormous challenge to our health care system, and has become a serious public health concern. This study focuses on the contribution of parental factors related to eating behavior and physical activity level (PAL) on the development of childhood obesity. PURPOSE: Specifically, this study was conducted to investigate the influence of parental attitudes on factors contributing to childhood obesity. METHODS: A total of 947 surveys were distributed to parents of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade children from 5 central NY schools. Parents (n = 127) completed the 92-item survey for themselves and the target child (M = 8.7 ± 1.0 yr). Data analyses included descriptive statistics examining parent and child eating behavior, PAL and weight status as well as Pearson and point-biserial correlations, Chi-Square Goodness of Fit and Independent T-tests (a = .05) to examine the relationships between variables. RESULTS: Data showed that 79% of overweight parents had overweight children while 30% of normal weight parents had overweight children. When asked to classify their child's weight status (normal vs. overweight), parents were fairly accurate (88%), however, of the misclassifications (12%), 15 of the 16 parents (94%) classified their overweight child as normal weight. No relationship was found between a child's eating behavior (healthy/unhealthy) and BMI (rpb = −0.06, p = 0.65), however, physical activity level was correlated (r = 0.68, p < .01) to BMI. Examination of children's eating behavior revealed that children's consumption of dairy, carbohydrates and snack food were not related to the child's BMI and that all children ate sweets at higher than recommended levels. CONCLUSION: Overall, results from this study revealed a disconnect between parent attitude toward their child's weight and PAL and the child's actual weight status and energy expenditure. Therefore, even though parents recognize the inadequacies in their child's eating behaviors, children continue to follow unhealthy eating patterns. Results also show a tendency for children to model some of the eating behaviors of their parents suggesting the need for further research in this area.