Parenting Practices and Obesity-Related Behaviors of Young Adolescents in Economically Constrained Urban Settings

Introduction: This study examines the relationship between parenting practices and the obesity-related exercise and eating behaviors of young minority adolescents at increased risk of obesity. Methods: In 2009 and 2010, surveys were conducted with 852 seventh grade youth and their parents as part of the Healthy Futures study. Parent/youth dyads were recruited from eight middle schools serving economically disadvantaged neighborhoods of New York City; about 80% of youth are Black. Multivariate analyses were used to examine the relationship between parenting practices and youths' reports of nine obesity-related exercise and eating behaviors, including past day consumption of fruits/vegetables, fast food, fried food, sugary snacks, salty snacks, and sweetened beverages; daily use of TV and video games; and weekly participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Results: 28% of youth reported that parents monitored where they were when not in school, their school work, and their friends “always” or “most of the time”; 46% had household rules about TV viewing, video/computer games, and Internet use. 55% reported five or more healthy exercise and eating behaviors. High parental monitoring and household rules were significantly associated more healthy behaviors (OR=1.83), even after adjustment for age, gender, and parental education. Discussion: Positive parenting practices are associated with obesity-related behaviors during early adolescence, a developmental stage when youth become more independent and make more of their own choices about eating and exercise. Findings underscore the continued role parents play in supporting healthy behaviors and the importance of parenting education for obesity prevention efforts in urban communities.