The current article reviews the literature on parenting among women with EDs, and outlines the process of developing an intervention addressing their parenting concerns. ª 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The aim of the current descriptive study was to explore factors related to psychosocial wellbeing, weight gain and perceived barriers to exercise and nutrition in 135 obese adolescents enrolled in a multidisciplinary weight management program. Participants completed initial intake interviews, which included information about psychosocial well-being, factors associated with weight gain, and barriers to exercise and nutrition. We examined the associations among psychosocial factors and participants' attendance compliance for the nutrition, exercise, and behavioral support and modification components of the program. Results indicated that familial factors were associated with weight gain, and family, peer, and individual factors were associated with barriers to healthy eating and exercise. Among the psychosocial factors, history of trauma was negatively associated with compliance. Findings emphasize the importance of addressing psychosocial well-being and using a systems approach to weight management for obese adolescents.

Severely overweight adolescents of both genders and diverse ethnicities face significant stigmatization and manifest poor overall psychosocial functioning, which is negatively associated with QOL. Furthermore, self-esteem appears to partially mediate the negative relationship between teasing and QOL.

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These results highlight the importance of psychological interventions in the treatment of weight-loss among adolescents, as stressors may impact eating behaviors.

Within the past three decades, the percentage of children who are overweight or at risk for overweight has more than doubled. Pediatric overweight negatively affects physical and psychological well-being, and overweight children are at high risk of becoming obese adults. Several parental variables are associated with childhood eating and weight problems, including genetics, feeding style, and role modeling of eating behaviors and attitudes.Parental restriction appears to be associated with unhealthy eating behaviors in children, particularly Caucasian girls. However, it is unknown whether parental restriction of access to highly palatable foods causes disinhibited eating and overweight in children, or if parents restrict in response to children's overeating. Additionally, parental disinhibition seems to impact children's eating behaviors negatively. Further, disinhibition appears to be strongly influenced by genetic factors; certain individuals may be predisposed to eat in response to environmental cues.In sum, many questions about parental factors associated with children's eating behaviors remain. In addition to summarizing the literature, this review highlights areas where further investigation is needed. Finally, we provide preliminary suggestions for practitioners and others working with parents concerned about their children's eating and weight, and highlight the need for intervention at multiple levels.

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