Implications of parental lifestyle changes and education level on adolescent offspring weight: a population based cohort study - The HUNT Study, Norway

Abstract

ObjectiveObesity tends to cluster in families reflecting both common genetics and shared lifestyle patterns within the family environment. The aim of this study was to examine whether parental lifestyle changes over time, exemplified by changes in weight and physical activity, could affect offspring weight in adolescents and if parental education level influenced the relationship.Design, setting and participantsThe population-based cohort study included 4424 parent-offspring participants from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, Norway. Exposition was parental change in weight and physical activity over 11 years, and outcome was offspring weight measured in z-scores of body mass index (BMI) in mixed linear models.ResultsMaternal weight reduction by 2–6 kg was significantly associated with lower offspring BMI z-scores: −0.132 (95% CI −0.259 to −0.004) in the model adjusted for education. Parental weight change displayed similar effect patterns on offspring weight regardless of parents’ education level. Further, BMI was consistently lower in families of high education compared with low education in the fully adjusted models. In mothers, reduced physical activity level over time was associated with higher BMI z-scores in offspring: 0.159 (95% CI 0.030 to 0.288). Associations between physical activity change and adolescent BMI was not moderated by parental education levels.ConclusionLifestyle changes in mothers were associated with offspring BMI; reduced weight with lower—and reduced physical activity with higher BMI. Father’s lifestyle changes, however, did not significantly affect adolescent offspring’s weight. Overall, patterns of association between parental changes and offspring’s BMI were independent of parental education levels, though adolescents with parents with high education had lower weight in general.

Specific Features of the Ukrainian Urban Adolescents’ Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…ey contribute to the gain of the recommended 60 min/day MVPA [31][32][33]. However, other studies demonstrate a lack of relationship between these variables or show the presence of the relationship with leisure time PA [34][35][36]. In our study, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups of male and female adolescents regarding the parental education level and family income and gaining the recommended 60 min/day MVPA.…”

Effects of Physical Exercise on Prosocial Behavior of Junior High School Students

“…In our study, students whose fathers’ schooling was longer than 9 years experienced greater improvement in their prosocial behavior. Interestingly, previous studies have found that parental education significantly affects children’s involvement in more physical activity [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Previous research has also focused on the impact of positive experiences of family intimacy on prosocial behavior.…”

The role of lifestyle and non-modifiable risk factors in the development of metabolic disturbances from childhood to adolescence

“…Both education as well as maternal weight status can possibly be improved through political measures. For instance, enabling access to higher education and health promotion programs to socially disadvantaged future parents may reduce the children’s risk of overweight/obesity [ 55 ]. Additionally, situational prevention promoting healthy lifestyles, e.g., in terms of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages [ 56 ] and fast food, as well as lowering of fruit and vegetable prices [ 57 ] has been shown to beneficially influence dietary behaviors.…”