Influence of Parental Physical Activity and Screen Time on the BMI of Adult Offspring in a Saudi Population

Abstract

Saudi Arabia is witnessing a drastic rise in adult obesity. Geographic limitations hamper somatic activities to counter this rise. Parental physical inactivity in the region has never been addressed. This study’s purpose is to determine the differences between parent and adult child (the subjects here) levels of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) between normal weight and obese adults in the Saudi Arabian population. Two hundred and forty adult subjects (18 to 35 years) were screened for their body mass index (BMI) values (18.5 ≤ 25 as normal and 25 ≤ 30) or above as overweight/obese), followed by their congregation into normal weight (N) (n = 150) and overweight/obese (Ov/Ob) (n = 90) groups. A self-reported questionnaire assessed parenting practices, while a physical activity record diary calculated existing levels of PA and ST. Statistical significance was determined by a chi-squared test (p < 0.01) and BMI correlation was found by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Maternal age (87.8% ≤ 20 years in the Ov/Ob group (Gp) and consanguineous marriage (88.9% in the Ov/Ob Gp) showed significant differences. A high prevalence of inactivity was observed among families (father 53.3%, mother 53.3%, subject 80.0%) in the Ov/Ob Gp. Higher amounts of ST (76.7% ≥ 9 h/day) were found in the Ov/Ob Gp, which significantly differed. Differences in the parent and child levels of PA and ST exist between normal weight and obese Saudi Arabian adults. Physically active parents having adult children inspire them to develop healthy physical behaviors which counter the development of obesity. Consanguineous marriage and early maternal age may be associated with progressive adult obesity.

Relationship between Parents’ Physical Activity Level and the Motor Development Level and BMI of Their Children

“…Physical activity (PA) is related to several distinct elements of health [ 1 , 2 ]. It is directly related to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health [ 3 , 4 ], and to the time in front of a screen and the regulation of sleep duration [ 5 ]. PA is defined as a period in which a person focuses on light, moderate, or intense exercise, including activities from a daily walk to activities that raise the heart rate to high levels [ 5 ].…”

“…It is directly related to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health [ 3 , 4 ], and to the time in front of a screen and the regulation of sleep duration [ 5 ]. PA is defined as a period in which a person focuses on light, moderate, or intense exercise, including activities from a daily walk to activities that raise the heart rate to high levels [ 5 ]. Staying physically active is important for preventing morbidities that lead to chronic diseases or death.…”

“…Currently, low levels of physical activity in the global population represent a serious problem [ 6 , 7 ]. In general, low levels of physical activity are related to poor nutritional habits, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 ].…”

“…Networks of strong social support increase an individual’s self-efficacy in overcoming barriers to being physically active [ 15 , 16 ]. If children observe that their mothers and fathers engage in regular physical activity and value it, they are likely to adopt the same values and behaviors [ 5 , 17 , 18 ]. These family dynamics are understood as emotional and physical activities along with communication [ 19 ] and the behaviors in parental practices such as gestures, changes in the tone of voice, and spontaneous expressions of affection [ 20 ].…”

Familial and Parental Predictors of Physical Activity in Late Adolescence: Prospective Analysis over a Two-Year Period

“…During this period, parents usually serve as a model for future behavior and habits, directly influencing, in this case, PA behavior, although not always with conscious/deliberate intention [ 17 , 21 ]. According to the research conducted thus far, parental influence on PA can take many forms and, generally, can influence children’s PA, both directly and indirectly [ 17 , 22 ]. However, despite the wide consensus that parental factors are important determinants of children’s PALs, the results of studies thus far inconsistent.…”