Parental perception of child's weight, their attitudes towards child's dietary habits and the risk of obesity

Abstract

Background The association between parental perception of child’s weight and their attitudes towards his/her dietary habits has not been reported yet. This study aimed to assess the association between parental underestimation of child’s weight and parental attitudes towards child’s dietary habits. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of SENDO cohort participants recruited between January 2015 and June 2020. All information was collected through online questionnaires completed by parents. We calculated crude and multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for unhealthy attitudes towards child’s dietary habits associated with parental underestimation of child’s weight. Results Sixteen percent of children in the SENDO project had parents who underestimated their weight. Parents who underestimated their child’s weight status were more likely to have unhealthy attitudes toward his/her dietary habits [OR 3.35; 95% CI (1.71–6.53)]. Conclusions Parental underestimation of child's weight was associated with unhealthy attitudes towards child’s dietary habits. Pediatricians and public health practitioners should pay attention to the parental perception of child’s weight to identify parents who underestimate it as an at-risk group in which to inquire about lifestyle and dietary habits.

Population trajectories and age‐dependent associations of obesity risk factors with body mass index from childhood to adolescence across European regions: A two‐cohort study

“…Additionally, total caloric intake was unavailable. Another possible explanation is that children who are considered to be overweight by their parents or themselves may have more (self‐)imposed dietary restrictions than others 62 …”

“…Another possible explanation is that children who are considered to be overweight by their parents or themselves may have more (self-)imposed dietary restrictions than others. 62 A notable finding was that active transport was positively associated with BMI in Eastern Europe at age 11. A possible explanation is that, in Eastern Europe, active transport is a proxy for lower income and the inability to afford other modes of transport.…”

Maternal Nutritional Understanding, Attitudes, and Practices: Implications for Children's Eating Habits

“…Understanding the intricate interplay between maternal nutrition and cognitive development underscores the importance of supporting expectant mothers with the knowledge and resources necessary for providing an optimal start for their children. Investment in prenatal and early childhood healthcare, education, and nutritional support are key components of a comprehensive strategy to foster robust cognitive and neurological development, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to reach their full intellectual potential [29][30][31][32][33].…”

Parental Misperceptions of Their Offspring’s Weight and Their Strategies for Child’s Eating Behavior: A Narrative Review of the Recent Evidence

“…However, since the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of parental misperceptions of their offspring’s weight status during childhood and early adolescence on weight control strategies and children’s eating behavior, we are presenting only the results for ages between 6 and 15, i.e., ages that parents have an essential role in influencing their children. The following BMI reference norms were mainly used to compare actual weight with perceived weight: IOTF [ 11 , 16 , 30 , 32 ], National charts/CDC norms [ 21 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 32 , 33 ].…”

“…This fact may interfere with weight control and tackling obesity campaigns since they tend to underestimate the weight of their apparently overweight or obese children. Nevertheless, evidence on the association of weight misperception with lifestyle and feeding practices is scarce and inconsistent [ 11 ]; parental recognition of their child being overweight is not necessarily translated into healthy changes in weight-related parenting behaviors or child behaviors [ 12 , 13 ], and further research should be directed toward better understanding the impact of weight status perception on health behaviors and weight gain over time [ 14 ].…”