Struggling with overweight or obesity in children – fathers’ perceptions and experiences of contributing factors, role and responsibility

Abstract

Purpose The family environment is crucial in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity; however, there is a lack of knowledge concerning paternal perceptions and experiences in childhood weight management. The aim of this study was to explore (i) perceptions of contributing factors to childhood overweight and obesity among fathers of children with overweight or obesity and (ii) the fathers’ experiences of their parental role caring for a child with overweight or obesity. Method A qualitative content analysis was conducted of data from semi-structured in-depth interviews with eight Norwegian fathers of ten children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. Results The analysis identified one overall theme; Feeling uncertain and struggling to understand their own responsibility for the child’s overweight or obesity , which consists of two themes; 1) Trying hard to figure out the child’s obesity as a complex interaction of factors and 2) Family functioning—negotiating roles and responsibility in parenthood. Conclusion Fathers must be met with understanding about their uncertainty and their struggle to understand their individual responsibility for their child’s weight excess. It can be necessary to address the significance of family functioning, collaboration, responsibility within the familiy in addition to structural responsibility in clinical dialogues and counselling in order to help with weight management

An emotionally loaded subject – parents experiences when CHC-nurses introduce a conversation related to their child being overweight

“…However, most parents did not understand how it turned out this way for their children and felt there was nothing they could have done to prevent it. This differs from another study where fathers to a greater extent could see their own participation in how it came to this and what could have contributed to their children being overweight (Salemonsen et al, 2022). In light of this, CHC-nurses might bene t from having the genetic predisposition in mind, as well to have an individual approach and be careful not to blame the parents but help them make adjustment that suits the family.…”

Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies to explore fathers’ perspectives of their influence on children’s obesity-related health behaviors

“…One father stated that he supported his spouse’s thoughts and ideas regarding the importance of mealtime because they shared similar perspectives [ 33 ]. A father stated that two parents need to cooperate, share the tasks, and stick to the plan if both agree[ 35 ]. However, some fathers reported conflicts with their spouses regarding their parenting practices.…”

“…One father reported, “I noticed eating healthy, it costs money, it’s kinda expensive” [ 32 ]. Furthermore, fathers highlighted time constraints when both parents work full time; this situation leads them to choose simple solutions, such as choosing fast foods for their children [ 35 ]. Fathers indicated that they did not have enough time to engage in healthy lifestyle choices by stating that “people have less time so it’s about food that’s easy to prepare, which is processed,” and they noticed that such options are “typically like high in calories and low nutritional value” [ 31 ].…”

Fathers Nutrition Knowledge and Child Feeding Practices Associated with Childhood Overweight and Obesity: A Scoping Review of Literature From 2000 to 2023

“…Further, only 3 (11.5%) of the sampled articles reviewed assessed father nutrition knowledge and established the relationship with overweight/obesity. 47 - 49 Fathers’ child feeding practices in relation to the weight status of children from 2 years into adolescence was the focus of the majority (53.4%) of the studies. 50 - 63 These studies focused on pressure to eat and restriction.…”