We conducted semi-structured interviews of 58 mothers of 9 and 10-year-old children in 2 urban pediatric clinics in Chicago. We asked parents how they cook, shop, and how their children eat. From measured height and weight, children were defined as overweight if the Body Mass Index (BMI) was above the 85% percentile. 57% of children were overweight; 55% of parents called themselves overweight. 85% of parents reported healthy cooking techniques (boiling, broiling, or steaming food). 53% rarely or never fried food at home. 85% of parents purchased junk food (chips, cookies, candy) sometimes or often. The mean frequency of junk food consumption for all children was 12.8/ week (95% CI=10.7-14.8), or almost twice a day. Non-overweight children had a mean frequency of 10.2/week and overweight children 14.5/week (p=0.04). Children with parents who purchased junk food ate more junk food than children whose parents did not (14.1/week vs. 6.1/week, p=0.003). Only 14 (25%) parents recalled any discussion of obesity prevention by a pediatrician, and 13/14 thought they, rather than their pediatrician, had initiated the discussion. 9/14 were overweight parents with overweight children. During the discussion, half the parents were given the same advice--to see the nutritionist. Parents are concerned about obesity in their children and try to cook in healthful ways. However, parents may be unaware that their shopping habits also influence their children's eating behaviors. Pediatricians who do not address parental influences on obesity are missing opportunities to prevent obesity and its complications.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to identify some parental behaviors that may contribute to overweight in children
Keywords: Behavior Modification, Obesity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.