Parental Perceptions of Children’s Weight Status in 22 Countries: The WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative: COSI 2015/2017

Introduction: Parents can act as important agents of change and support for healthy childhood growth and development. Studies have found that parents may not be able to accurately perceive their child’s weight status. The purpose of this study was to measure parental perceptions of their child’s weight status and to identify predictors of potential parental misperceptions. Methods: We used data from the World Health Organization (WHO) European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative and 22 countries. Parents were asked to identify their perceptions of their children’s weight status as “underweight,” “normal weight,” “a little overweight,” or “extremely overweight.” We categorized children’s (6–9 years; n = 124,296) body mass index (BMI) as BMI-for-age Z-scores based on the 2007 WHO-recommended growth references. For each country included in the analysis and pooled estimates (country level), we calculated the distribution of children according to the WHO weight status classification, distribution by parental perception of child’s weight status, percentages of accurate, overestimating, or underestimating perceptions, misclassification levels, and predictors of parental misperceptions using a multilevel logistic regression analysis that included only children with overweight (including obesity). Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 15 1. Results: Overall, 64.1% of parents categorized their child’s weight status accurately relative to the WHO growth charts. However, parents were more likely to underestimate their child’s weight if the child had overweight (82.3%) or obesity (93.8%). Parents were more likely to underestimate their child’s weight if the child was male (adjusted OR [adjOR]: 1.41; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.28–1.55); the parent had a lower educational level (adjOR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.26–1.57); the father was asked rather than the mother (adjOR: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.98–1.33); and the family lived in a rural area (adjOR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.99–1.24). Overall, parents’ BMI was not strongly associated with the underestimation of children’s weight status, but there was a stronger association in some countries. Discussion/Conclusion: Our study supplements the current literature on factors that influence parental perceptions of their child’s weight status. Public health interventions aimed at promoting healthy childhood growth and development should consider parents’ knowledge and perceptions, as well as the sociocultural contexts in which children and families live.

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Parental Perceptions and Behaviors Regarding Child Weight Status among Toddlers Born Preterm

American Journal of Perinatology ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1683959 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (05) ◽

pp. 525-533

Author(s):

Jessica Londeree Saleska ◽

Kelly Sheppard ◽

Abigail Norris Turner ◽

Kelly M. Boone ◽

Sarah A. Keim

Keyword(s):

Weight Status ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Parental Perceptions ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Overweight Children ◽

Weight Estimation ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Actual Weight ◽

Child Weight ◽

Child’S Weight

Abstract Objective Childhood obesity is a significant determinant of adult obesity. Among children born preterm, rapid “catch-up growth” in infancy increases the risk of later obesity. Parental perceptions of their child's weight status may compound the child's biologically heightened risk of obesity. Study Design We performed a secondary analysis of data on parental perceptions of child weight status from a randomized controlled trial (2012–2017, n = 331 toddlers born preterm). We used the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) to measure parental child feeding behaviors and beliefs. We calculated the prevalence of incorrect weight estimation, and used t-tests and chi-square tests to compare sample characteristics by correct versus incorrect weight estimation. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for factors associated with parental underestimation of child weight status. Results Most (90%) children were of normal weight, whereas 3% were underweight and 7% were overweight. A majority (75%) of parents correctly estimated their child's weight status. Incorrect weight estimation was only associated with child's actual weight. Parents of overweight children were more likely to underestimate their child's weight status than parents of normal weight children (OR: 2.23, 95% confidence interval: 2.00–2.49). Mean CFQ scores differed by the child's actual weight status but not by the child's estimated weight status. Conclusion Among these toddlers born preterm, significantly higher proportions of parents with underweight and overweight children incorrectly estimated their child's weight status relative to parents of normal weight children. Our findings suggest that weight underestimation could be a problem in this population, although it was not associated with changes in feeding practices.

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Overweight Risk and Parental Concerns of Risk for Chinese Preschoolers in the U.S., China and Taiwan

Californian Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.32398/cjhp.v12i2.2153 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 90-98

Author(s):

Jyu-Lin Chen ◽

Jingxiong Jiang ◽

Ruey-Hsia Wang

Keyword(s):

Preschool Children ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Obesity Prevention ◽

Weight Status ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Activity Level ◽

World Health ◽

Parental Concerns ◽

The U.S ◽

Child’S Weight

Background and Purpose: The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated childhood obesity as a global epidemic. Parental factors such as perceptions of their child’s weight status, concerns about their child’s weight, parental feeding practices, and parents’ own weight status may be associated with increased obesity risk among preschool children. This study aims to explore factors related to body mass index (BMI) and parental concerns about their children’s weight among Chinese pre-school aged children in the U.S., China and Taiwan. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilized. One hundred children (ages 3-5) and their parents participated in the study. Parents completed a family eating and activity habit questionnaire, a child feeding practices survey, a child bdy shape pictorial list, and a demographic survey. Children had their weight and height measured. Results: Fathers’ elevated BMI was related to higher children’s BMI (R2 = .095, p = 005), especially among boys. Parent-reported food restriction practices, perception of their child being heavy, increased food monitoring, and higher children’s activity level were associated with increased concerns for a child’s weight (R2 = .43, p = 001). Conclusion: In contrast to literature that focuses on mothers, our study suggests that obesity prevention for Chinese fathers may assist in the obesity prevention efforts of their young children, especially among boys. In addition, parent education on healthy feeding practices for preschool children is warranted for preventing childhood obesity.

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Effectiveness of an Intervention Regarding Weight Status of Selected New Mexico Kindergarten Children and their Parent’s Perceptions

Californian Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.32398/cjhp.v5i2.1233 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 67-78 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Amanda Jones ◽

Susan C. Forster-Cox

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

At Risk ◽

New Mexico ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Body Mass ◽

Weight Status ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Kindergarten Children ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Child’S Weight

The purpose of this study was to analyze pre-existing data of selected kindergarten children in New Mexico regarding the relationship between measured body mass index (BMI) and parents/guardians selfreported perceptions of their child’s weight status. The study is unique because it gives the opportunity to gauge the effectiveness of an intervention that is tailored to a child’s BMI. A total of six districts and 35 schools agreed to participate during this 2004-05 study. A total of 1,480 kindergarten children had their BMI measured by the school nurses. Two instruments were used to conduct the study, a bilingual pre- and post-intervention survey, and the CDC’s gender-specific body mass index for age percentile charts. The intervention materials included only literature for the parent/guardian to read. The largest variation in changes of perception occurred in the borderline categories of at risk of overweight and underweight. On the pre-intervention survey, 10% of the survey respondents accurately described their child as at risk of overweight and increased to 47% on the post- intervention survey. A total of 11% of survey respondents accurately described their child’s weight status as underweight on the pre- intervention survey and this increased to 23% on the post-intervention survey. This study was a seminal attempt to obtain information regarding childhood obesity in the state of New Mexico, particularly among kindergarten children. Interventions regarding childhood obesity should be tailored to the parent/guardian as well as the child. Different interventions are needed for parents/guardians of children in the definitive categories of overweight and normal weight than for those parents/guardians of children who are at risk of overweight and underweight.

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Prognostic value of different maternal obesity phenotypes in predicting offspring obesity in a family-based cohort study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10932-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sara Jalali-Farahani ◽

Parisa Amiri ◽

Bita Lashkari ◽

Leila Cheraghi ◽

Farhad Hosseinpanah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Maternal Obesity ◽

Female Offspring ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Metabolic Status ◽

World Health ◽

Metabolic Phenotype ◽

Maternal Body Mass Index ◽

Obesity In Children

Abstract Background Parental weight is studied as an important determinant of childhood obesity; however, obesity-related metabolic abnormalities have been less considered as determinants of childhood obesity. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal obesity phenotypes and incidence of obesity in their offspring. Methods This longitudinal study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. A total of 2151 non-obese children who had complete parental information were followed for incidence of obesity over a mean of 148.7 ± 34.7 months. Obesity in children was defined using the World Health Organization criteria. Maternal body mass index (BMI) was classified into three categories: normal weight, overweight and obese. Dysmetabolic status was considered as having metabolic syndrome or diabetes. Metabolic syndrome and diabetes were defined according to the Joint Interim Statement and American diabetes association criteria, respectively. Considering maternal BMI categories and metabolic status, six obesity phenotypes were defined as followed: 1) normal weight and normal metabolic status, 2) overweight and normal metabolic status, 3) obese and normal metabolic status, 4) normal weight and dysmetabolic status, 5) overweight and dysmetabolic status, and 6) obese and dysmetabolic status. The association between maternal obesity phenotypes and incidence of obesity in children was studied using Cox proportional regression hazard model. Results In male offspring, the risk of incidence of obesity significantly increased in those with maternal obesity phenotypes including overweight/normal metabolic: 1.75(95% CI: 1.10–2.79), obese/normal metabolic: 2.60(95%CI: 1.51–4.48), overweight/dysmetabolic: 2.34(95%CI: 1.35–4.03) and obese/dysmetabolic: 3.21(95%CI: 1.94–5.03) compared to the normal weight/normal metabolic phenotype. Similarly, in girls, the risk of incidence of obesity significantly increased in offspring with maternal obesity phenotypes including overweight/normal metabolic: 2.39(95%CI: 1.46–3.90), obese/normal metabolic: 3.55(95%CI: 1.94–6.46), overweight/dysmetabolic: 1.92(95%CI: 1.04–3.52) and obese/dysmetabolic: 3.89(95%CI: 2.28–6.64) compared to normal weight/normal metabolic phenotype. However, maternal normal weight/dysmetabolic phenotype did not significantly change the risk of obesity in both male and female offspring. Conclusion Except for normal weight/dysmetabolic phenotype, all maternal obesity phenotypes had significant prognostic values for incidence of offspring obesity with the highest risk for obese/dysmetabolic phenotype. This study provides valuable findings for identifying the first line target groups for planning interventions to prevent childhood obesity.

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AB0421 EFFECT OF BODY WEIGHT ON COMPLEMENT LEVELS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.4097 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1510.3-1510

Author(s):

L. Kondrateva ◽

T. Popkova ◽

E. Nasonov ◽

A. Lila

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Disease Duration ◽

Normal Weight ◽

World Health ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Obesity Status ◽

Health Organization ◽

The Complement System

Background:The complement system is a recognized biomarker for diagnosis or monitoring of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients (pts). But on the other hand, it has been linked to insulin resistance and obesity in general population.Objectives:To find out whether overweight/obesity can modify C3 or C4 levels in SLE pts.Methods:A total of 92 SLE pts (83 women, 9 men, 39 [34;47] years old) were enrolled in the study. Median disease duration was 6[2;14] years, and SLE activity using SLEDAI-2K was 4[2;8]. SLE pts were treated with glucocorticoids (89%), hydroxychloroquine (78%), immunosuppressants (28%), biologics (10%). The overweight/obesity status was determined by World Health Organization criteria in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥25kg/m2.Results:Overweight/obesity were established in 46% SLE pts. Overweight/obese SLE pts were older than pts with normal BMI (40[36;48] vs 37[31;44] years, р=0,02), and had lower SLEDAI-2K (3[2;6] vs 6[4;8], p<0,01). Lower C3 concentrations were found in 36% overweight/obese pts vs 68% pts with normal weight (р<0,01), decreased C4 levels - in 19% vs 30% pts (p=0,33), median C3 concentrations were 0,98[0,81;1,14] g/l vs 0,84[0,69;0;96] g/l (р<0,01), and C4 levels were 0,15[0,10;0,19] g/l vs 0,12[0,09;0,16] g/l, respectively (p=0,03). C3 and C4 levels negatively correlated with SLEDAI-2K (r=-0,5, p<0,01 for both), the effect was more strongly pronounced in patients with BMI≥25kg/m2 (r=-0,6, p<0,01 for both) than in those with normal weight (r=-0,2, p=0,09 for C3, r=-0,3, p=0,04 for C4).Conclusion:Overweight/obesity status in SLE pts was associated with increased levels of complement proteins, therefore decreased C3 or C4 levels in patients with BMI≥25kg/m2 are more likely related to disease activity and, can potentially induce SLE flares.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared

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Prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade entre mulheres eutróficas

Revista de Ciências Médicas e Biológicas ◽

10.9771/cmbio.v11i2.6682 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 184

Author(s):

Marcela Ribeiro da Costa ◽

Durval Sobreiro Júnior ◽

Crésio Alves

Keyword(s):

Normal Weight ◽

The Body ◽

World Health ◽

Font Size ◽

Percentage Body Fat ◽

Obesity And Overweight ◽

Skin Fold ◽

Methods Of Evaluation ◽

Health Organization ◽

Body Compositions

Introdução - Apesar da ampla utilização e significativa correlação do IMC (Índice de Massa Corporal) com o diagnóstico de sobrepeso e obesidade, estudos recentes sugerem pouca associação dos valores intermediários de sobrepeso com o percentual de gordura corporal, o que pode subestimar a prevalência de elevada adiposidade e seus riscos à saúde. Métodos - Este estudo comparou o diagnóstico de mulheres consideradas eutróficas pelo critério de IMC preconizado pela OMS (Organização Mundial de Saúde) com a avaliação segundo o cálculo do percentual de gordura corporal aferido por pregas cutâneas. Foram analisadas as fichas de avaliação física de duzentas e quatro alunas matriculadas em uma academia exclusiva para mulheres de Salvador, Bahia, em 2010. Foram analisados peso, altura, prega cutânea tricipital, supra-ilíaca e coxa, além dos cálculos de IMC e percentual de gordura corporal através do programa EVO®. Resultados - Foi observado que apenas 25,95% das mulheres eutróficas pelo valor do IMC permaneceram com mesmo diagnóstico nutricional após avaliação do percentual de gordura corporal. A prevalência de obesidade, segundo o IMC, foi de 6,37% da amostra total, enquanto essa prevalência entre mulheres eutróficas pelo IMC, após avaliação da composição corporal, foi de 38,17%, 6 vezes maior. Observou-se, também, influência da idade na adequação do IMC e percentual de gordura corporal. Discussão - Os achados deste estudo foram compatíveis com outros resultados encontrados na literatura, sugerindo subdiagnóstico do sobrepeso e da obesidade através da classificação do IMC e a necessidade da associação de métodos para uma avaliação clínica mais adequada e um diagnóstico do estado nutricional mais preciso. Abstract Introduction: The BMI (Body Mass Index) is the major parameter currently recommended by the WHO (world health organization) to determine the diagnosis and the treatment to obesity and overweight. The intermediate BMI classification could underestimate the diagnosis when is compared with other evaluation methods. Methods: the aim of this paper is show the relationship between normal BMI and the high percentage body fat evaluated by skin fold thicknesses protocol (Pollock, 1984) in woman from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil in 2010. We compared the classification diagnosis based in BMI and skin fold thicknesses in 204 women age between 20 to 59 years. Results: in our sample, according with the classification based in BMI 74% of subjects was considered normal weight. When we analyzed the skin fold classification only 26% remain with the same diagnosis. Conclusions: Our outcome shows the role of the BMI in the diagnosis of the obesity and overweight must to be considerated and added to other methods of evaluation of the body compositions a skin fold protocols.

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Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Amongst Bahraini Adolescents Aged 12-15 years Attending Primary Care Health Centers

Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society ◽

10.26715/jbms.2019.1_26022019b ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 37-43

Keyword(s):

Normal Weight ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

World Health ◽

Morbidly Obese ◽

Electronic File ◽

Final Sample ◽

Younger Age ◽

Primary Care Health ◽

Care Health ◽

Health Organization

Background and objective: The increase in obesity amongst adolescents is one of the most important public health concerns in many countries, including the Kingdom of Bahrain. The objective of the current study was to measure the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Bahraini adolescents. This study will aid in a better understanding of the issue and in pursuing preventive measures and campaigns to alleviate the problem. Methods: The weight, height, and body mass index of 9057 Bahraini adolescents was obtained from the Ministry of Health via the nation-wide health electronic file—I-Seha. The final sample consisted of 8463 adolescents; of which 4687 and 3776 were female and males, respectively. References standards from the World Health Organization were used to qualify the adolescents into normal weight, underweight, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 42.3%. Among females the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 21.5% and 20.8%, respectively, whereas in males. the prevalence was 18% and 24.3%, respectively. The lowest prevalence of overweight and obesity was among males aged 15 years (36.4%) and highest among males aged 12 years (47.4%). While in females the prevalence of overweight and obesity was lowest and highest amongst 15-year-olds (38.3%) and 12-year-olds (48.5%). Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high in adolescents in the Kingdom of Bahrain, especially in the younger age group. This increases the urgency to undertake measures to control the problem in the younger population, in order to reduce serious outcomes.

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Childhood obesity classification systems and cardiometabolic risk factors: a comparison of the Italian, World Health Organization and International Obesity Task Force references

Italian Journal of Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s13052-017-0338-z ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Giuliana Valerio ◽

◽

Antonio Balsamo ◽

Marco Giorgio Baroni ◽

Claudia Brufani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

World Health Organization ◽

Cardiometabolic Risk ◽

Task Force ◽

Classification Systems ◽

Cardiometabolic Risk Factors ◽

World Health ◽

International Obesity Task Force ◽

Health Organization

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Assisting the World Health Organization to effectively tackle the problem of childhood obesity

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.4103/1755-6783.162662 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 319

Author(s):

SaurabhR Shrivastava ◽

PrateekS Shrivastava ◽

Jegadeesh Ramasamy

Keyword(s):

Childhood Obesity ◽

World Health Organization ◽

World Health ◽

The World ◽

Health Organization

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Maternal perceptions of 5-year-old child weight status and factors influencing perceptions: Findings from the ROLO Kids Study

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665120001676 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽

Author(s):

Anna Gouldson ◽

Aisling Geraghty ◽

Eileen O'Brien ◽

Mary Horan ◽

Jean Donnelly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care Providers ◽

Weight Status ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Care Providers ◽

Maternal Perceptions ◽

Kappa Score ◽

Weight Category ◽

Child Weight ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Child’S Weight

AbstractIntroductionObesity is a global condition affecting both adults and children. Mothers play an important role in identifying problems with their child's weight. However, studies are limited on the accuracy of maternal perceptions of her child's weight status in early childhood. The aim of this study was to look at maternal perceptions of her child's weight status in 5-year-old children and to investigate factors influencing this.Materials and Methods339 mother and child pairs were followed up from the ROLO Kids study in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Height and weight of the mother and the child were measured, and BMI was calculated. Demographic details were collected and questionnaires asked mothers to assign their child to a weight category and to give the reason they put their child in this particular category. KAPPA analysis and student t tests were used to analyse the data.ResultsIn this cohort over 75% of the children were normal weight, 14.7% were in the overweight category, and 8.5% in the obese category. The KAPPA score for maternal-perceived category and actual weight status was 0.037 which is a low level of agreement. Mothers were more likely to underestimate their child's weight, with 28.5% underestimating the appropriate weight category for their child compared with 2.4% who overestimated. Maternal age, education, and child sex did not influence accurate weight assessments; however, mothers with a higher BMI were more likely to inaccurately assess their child's weight (P < 0.05).DiscussionMaternal perception of their child's weight status is not an accurate indication of child weight, particularly for mothers with a raised BMI. This research highlights the important role of health care providers in assessing child weight status, rather than relying on parental reports alone, in order to appropriately intervene to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity.

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