Association between parental numeracy and children’s BMI

Abstract

Background: Low numeracy skills are associated with low weight-related information processing skills and higher body mass index (BMI) in adults. However, the impact of parental numeracy on children’s BMI is unknown. This study investigates the relation between parental numeracy and children’s BMI. Further, we explore how children’s BMI and parental numeracy skills are related to weight related information processing, namely portion size estimation skills, nutrition label- and growth charts comprehension. Methods: Numeracy, portion size estimation skills, nutrition label- and growth charts comprehension was assessed in 326 parents using face-to-face interviews. Body weight of parents and their child was measured. Findings: Parental numeracy predicted a higher risk of child overweight (OR = 0.62, p = 0.010) or obesity (OR=0.27, p<0.001). Lower parental numeracy skills were associated with poorer portion size estimation skills (r=-0.13, p=0.018), growth charts- (r=0.274, p<0.001) and nutrition label comprehension (r=0.26, p<0.001), with numeracy emerging as the strongest predictor for overweight and obesity. Discussion: This is the first study identifying parental numeracy as predictor in children’s overweight and obesity. Implications for prevention and intervention in childhood obesity are discussed.