The invisible connection of mothers' BMI, emotional appetite, and food choices with childhood obesity

Nihan Yaldiz; Burcu Uslu

doi:10.1038/s41390-024-03508-6

The invisible connection of mothers' BMI, emotional appetite, and food choices with childhood obesity

Pediatr Res. 2024 Sep 3. doi: 10.1038/s41390-024-03508-6. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Nihan Yaldiz¹, Burcu Uslu²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara, Turkey. nihanortac@gmail.com.
² Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara, Turkey.

PMID: 39227702
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03508-6

Abstract

Background: This study examined the effects of mothers' body mass index (BMI), emotional appetite, and food choices on children's growth curves and adiposity.

Methods: Data was collected from 492 mothers. The demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements were obtained using a questionnaire. The mothers' food choices and emotional appetites were assessed using scales. BMI for age Z score and tripoderal index (TMI) were used in the evaluation of children's anthropometric measurements and adiposity.

Results: The mean age of mothers' was 39.10 ± 0.26 and BMI was 25.08 ± 0.21. Among the mothers, 54.5% were classified as normal, 28.4% as pre-obese, and 14.7% as obese. Among the children, 31.5% were overweight or obese. There was a strong positive correlation between the mean BMI of the mothers and the mean TMI and BMI of the children (p < 0.001). The "convenience" food choice factor of mothers had negative correlation with childiren's BMI for age (p < 0.005).

Conclusions: This study emphasizes the invisible connection between mothers' emotional appetite and food choices and children's BMI and TMI and highlights the importance of paying attention to mothers' eating habits for children's health outcomes. These findings will be informative in the formulation of future health policies.

Impact: This research revealed the relationship between mothers' food choices and emotional appetites, and their children's growth curves and adiposity. The study proposes the Triponderal Index as an alternative approach to evaluating growth, introducing a novel perspective in growth monitoring. By highlighting the impact of mothers' emotional appetites and food choices on children's dietary habits and weight status, the research emphasizes the significance of family eating habits. The findings support the promotion of healthy dietary practices within families as a crucial measure in preventing and managing childhood obesity, conveying a significant message to parents and healthcare professionals for a healthier future.