Examining the effect of parent participation in an adult weight management program on changes in children's weight

This study aimed to assess this relationship. Children 2 –17 years of age with a parent who participated in a WMP were included in the study. Multilevel linear mixed-effects regression models were used, stratified by child weight status at the time of parental WMP participation (healthy weight, overweight/obesity) to determine change in children's BMI z from before to after parents WMP participation, including covariates of parent BMI and parental feeding practices. Parents (N = 77) were mostly white (76%) and female (84%). Children (N = 114) had a mean age of 10.5 ± 4.6; 47% had overweight or obesity. Children with overweight or obesity prior to their parent's WMP had a decrease in BMIz (−0.68) after the WMP while children with a healthy weight had no significant change. Children with overweight or obesity had a decreas e in BMIz from before to after parent's participation in a WMP. Further research is needed to understand changes in family eating practices that occur during and after parent WMP participation.
Source: Clinical Obesity - Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL RESEARCH Source Type: research