Parents’ perception of child's weight status, key to dietary habits’ shaping: An epidemiological study

Abstract

Abstract

Background Dietary habits are one of the main factors in the prevention of chronic diseases, starting in childhood. Aim The present study investigated the possibility of an association between parents’ perception of their children's body weight and their daily macronutrients and energy intakes. Methods The study sample consisted of 1073 parent–child pairs in Greece, with a mean age of the latter 11.18 ± 0.818 years. The body mass index of children was calculated using weight and height, and classified using the cut-off criteria established by the World Obesity Federation. Dietary habits were evaluated with the semi-quantitative validated food frequency questionnaire, containing 21 items. Parental body weight perception of children determined by a researcher-made questionnaire. After anthropometric assessment, children were classified into two categories (normal vs. overweight/obesity). Results Two hundred sixty-two children (24.4%) were living with an increased body weight. However, only 52.3% of the parents stated that they were aware of the fact, with the remaining percentage considering the weight as normal. Linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant correlation only between the parents’ perception and the children's protein and fat intake ( p = 0.021 and 0.015, respectively), an association that remained after the inclusion of confounding factors ( p = 0.016 and p = 0.016, respectively). Conclusion Parents’ perceptions of their child's weight status appear to influence their child's dietary intake. Recognizing the existence of this relationship provides the impetus for reshaping children's diets and preventing childhood obesity.