Changing Overweight Latino Preadolescent Body Mass Index: The Effect of the Parent-Child Dyad

Abstract

Background: Latino children are disproportionately burdened by obesity. Objective: To assess whether body mass index (BMI) change in preadolescents reflected that of their participating parent. Methods: A total of 72 Latino overweight/obese preadolescents (BMI ≥ 85%) and a parent participated in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received 5 monthly 60-minute sessions at a recreation center (group physical activity, goal setting). The control group received 2 standard-of-care clinic visits plus a group discussion. Results: Between baseline and 6-month follow-up, 47% of children (mean change = -0.37, SD = 2.48) and 63% of parents (mean change = -0.88, SD = 3.53) decreased their BMI. Parent—child dyad BMI change was significantly correlated ( r = .53, P = .001). In linear modeling, those preadolescents in the control group were more likely to lose absolute BMI units (-0.96, P = .03); whereas those who had parents who gained BMI over the time interval were more likely to increase their BMI (0.17, P = .008). Conclusions: Obesity interventions should focus on the parent—child dyad.

Determinants of Physical Activity for Latino and White Middle School‐Aged Children

“…Parental and family support, particularly facilitation, or providing opportunities for the child to be physically active, has been found to be highly predictive of PA frequency and duration. 9,35 In this study, results showed that children who talk with their families about healthy food can also positively influence children's PA levels. This highlights the important and influential role of family in supporting children's healthy behavior.…”

“…Results also showed that children who talk with their families about healthy foods have higher PA duration. Parental and family support, particularly facilitation, or providing opportunities for the child to be physically active, has been found to be highly predictive of PA frequency and duration . In this study, results showed that children who talk with their families about healthy food can also positively influence children's PA levels.…”

“…32 These differences have been attributed to disparities in socioeconomic status, 33 neighborhood characteristics, 34 and acculturation rates. 35 These findings are helpful; however, studies on how other determinants affect the PA of this underserved population remain scarce. 29,36 It is critical to understand how specific determinants affect Latino and white children's PA participation patterns and sedentary behaviors to develop a childhood obesity intervention program.…”

“…A study on sixth grade students also revealed that Latino children exhibited lower levels of moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA compared to other racial or ethnic groups . These differences have been attributed to disparities in socioeconomic status, neighborhood characteristics, and acculturation rates . These findings are helpful; however, studies on how other determinants affect the PA of this underserved population remain scarce .…”

Kick Start Your Day

“…Such findings are promising, because dietary intake patterns (e.g., eating breakfast daily) is a protective factor against obesity for Latino children (Wojcicki, Schwartz, Jiménez-Cruz, Bacardi-Gascon, & Heyman, 2011). Also overweight/obese Latino preadolescents are more likely to lose weight if their parents also lose weight during that same time period (Barkin, Gesell, Póe, & Ip, 2011).…”