Associations between childhood overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity and obesogenic behaviors and practices in Australian homes

Abstract

BackgroundDespite emerging research about the role of the family and home environment on early childhood obesity, little is known on how weight-related behaviors, parent practices and the home environment influence overweight/obesity in older children and adolescents.MethodsThis analysis used data from a cross-sectional, representative population survey of Australian children age 5–16 years conducted in 2015. Data included measured anthropometry to calculate body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR; waist circumference/height). Information on home-based weight-related behaviors (individual eating and screen time behaviors, parent influences including rules and home environment factors) were measured using established short questions, with parental proxy reporting for children in up to grade 4, and self-report for students in grades 6, 8 and 10. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between weight status and home-based weight-related behaviors.ResultsBoth children and adolescents who did not consume breakfast daily were more likely to be overweight/obese OR (95% CI) = 1.39 (1.07–1.81) p = 0.015, OR (95% CI) =1.42 (1.16–1.74) p = 0.001, respectively, adjusted for age, gender, socio-economic status, rural/urban residence and physical activity. There was also a significant positive association with higher waist-to-height ratio in both children and adolescents. Among children, having a TV in the bedroom was also associated with overweight and obesity OR (95% CI) = 1.54 (1.13–2.09) p = 0.006 and higher waist-to-height ratio. For adolescents, parenting practices such as having no rules on screen-time, OR (95% CI) = 1.29 (1.07–1.55) p = 0.008, and rewarding good behavior with sweets, OR (95% CI) = 2.18 (1.05–4.52) p = 0.036, were significant factors associated with overweight and obesity. The prevalence of these obesogenic behaviors were higher in certain sub-groups of children and adolescents, specifically those from social disadvantage and non-English-speaking backgrounds.ConclusionsInterventions to reduce the prevalence of obesity and overweight should include promoting daily breakfast, reducing screen-time, and encouraging health-promoting parenting practices. Interventions should particularly focus on those at some social disadvantage and from non-English-speaking backgrounds.

Factors influencing obesity among preschoolers: multilevel approach

“…The correlation between child BMI z‐score and family obesogenic environment in this study sample is consistent with existing research (Mihrshahi et al. ). Children were less likely to be obese if their family provided a non‐obesogenic environment such as eating breakfast or participating in family physical activity.…”

“…In order to examine robust relationships between SES of family and childhood obesity, further studies should include families from all socioeconomic groups and diverse racial/ethnic groups. The correlation between child BMI z-score and family obesogenic environment in this study sample is consistent with existing research (Mihrshahi et al 2018). Children were less likely to be obese if their family provided a non-obesogenic environment such as eating breakfast or participating in family physical activity.…”

Relationships of family history of disease and child weight status to child routines: Multi‐mediating effect of parental feeding practices and perception of child's weight

“…For example, children who have regular routines (i.e. physical activity, breakfast consumption, and adequate sleep) were less likely to be overweight or obese than those who do not (Farhat, Iannotti, & Caccavale, ; Jones et al, ; Mihrshahi et al, ). However, our findings showed no significant direct relationship between them.…”

“…Childhood obesity is a complex disease due to multi‐faceted factors, including genetic, environmental, lifestyle behaviors, and sociocultural factors (CDC, ). A growing body of literature highlights the importance of establishing healthy routines in childhood to address childhood obesity (Anderson, Sacker, Whitaker, & Kelly, ; Mihrshahi, Drayton, Bauman, & Hardy, ). Healthy routines, such as adequate sleep at night, eating dinner with family, and limiting time in front of the television, correlate with a lower obesity prevalence (Anderson et al, ; Haines et al, ; Jones, Fiese, & The STRONG kids team, ).…”

Is the local food environment associated with excess body weight in adolescents in São Paulo, Brazil?

“…While non-modifiable mechanisms play a role in youth obesity, the influence of modifiable factors such as physical activity, sedentary behaviors 5 , and dietary intake 6 has also been proven 7 . In the past 5 years, the diet of Brazilian adolescents has been characterized by foods high in energy, added sugars, solid fatty acids, and sodium, but with lower quantities of fruits, vegetables, and other food sources of vitamins, minerals, and fibers 8 .…”