Concerns about the effects of different parenting styles on eating patterns and body weight of children have grown along with the increased prevalence of obesity in young people. A new study examines the association of two types of controlling parental practices food restriction and pressure-to-eat with adolescents body weight.
KA Loth and colleagues from the University of Minnesota analyzed behavioral data related to their children s eating habits, as well as data on weight status, of over 2200 adolescents (average age 14.4 years) and over 3400 of their parents . Their analysis revealed that many parents reported trying to exercise control over their teen s eating behavior trying to control either the amount or type of foods consumed, or both.
There were significant correlations between a child s weight and parents behavior. Parents of overweight and obese kids had a significant tendency to use food restriction practices, while parents of normal weight adolescents were significantly more likely to engage in pressure-to-eat behaviors. Normal weight boys were more likely than girls to receive pressure-to-eat directions, and such pressure was more likely to be imposed by fathers. Income level and race/ethnic group did not affect these associations.
Authors of the study note there is accumulating evidence for the detrimental effects of controlling food-related parental practices on children s ability to self-regulate energy intake. They express concern that some parents may have difficulty avoiding such behaviors: They recommend that health care providers reinforce the message that modeling appropriate food-related behaviors and allowing kids more independence in regulating their own food intake are better means of teaching children healthful eating practices.
ACSH’s Dr. Ruth Kava adds “While this correlational study cannot prove cause and effect (e.g., does food-restricting behavior cause kids to become obese), it suggests that many parents may be using inappropriate or ineffective techniques to affect their teen’s eating behavior. It may be important for health care providers to inform parents about these issues to help them steer their kids in a better direction.”
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