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.

Figures

Figure 1

Flow of participants through the trial

Figure 2

BMI change over time in Latino parent- preadolescent dyad