Changing Overweight Latino Preadolescent Body Mass Index: The Effect of the Parent-Child Dyad

Abstract

Background: Latino children are disproportionately burdened by obesity. Objective: To assess whether body mass index (BMI) change in preadolescents reflected that of their participating parent. Methods: A total of 72 Latino overweight/obese preadolescents (BMI ≥ 85%) and a parent participated in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received 5 monthly 60-minute sessions at a recreation center (group physical activity, goal setting). The control group received 2 standard-of-care clinic visits plus a group discussion. Results: Between baseline and 6-month follow-up, 47% of children (mean change = -0.37, SD = 2.48) and 63% of parents (mean change = -0.88, SD = 3.53) decreased their BMI. Parent—child dyad BMI change was significantly correlated (r = .53, P = .001). In linear modeling, those preadolescents in the control group were more likely to lose absolute BMI units (-0.96, P = .03); whereas those who had parents who gained BMI over the time interval were more likely to increase their BMI (0.17, P = .008). Conclusions: Obesity interventions should focus on the parent—child dyad.

Keywords

trial obesity Hispanic

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