Parental influences on healthy behaviors and body mass changes among adolescents with overweight and obesity

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the relationship between perceived parental behaviors (parental diet and physical activity, and parental verbal pressure), and changes in body mass index (BMI) among adolescents with overweight or obesity. Methods: Data was collected three times, with a 2-month interval between Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2), and a 11-month interval between T2 and Time 3 (T3). Adolescents (N = 100) aged 13-19 with BMI above 24.01 filled out the questionnaire, assessing their dietary behaviors, physical activity, perceived parental behaviors, and parental verbal pressure. Adolescents’ weight and height was measured objectively. Findings: Adolescents who reported higher levels of perceived parental diet and physical activity (T1) reported healthier diet, higher levels of physical activity and lead healthier lifestyle at T2 and T3, and consequently had lower BMI at T3. In contrast, there were no indirect effects of the perceived parental verbal pressure (T1) through adolescents’ behaviors (T2) on their BMI (T3). Discussion: The role of parents’ healthy behaviors should be taken into account when considering adolescents’ overweight and obesity prevention and treatment programs.