Relationship between 8/9-yr-old school children BMI, parents' BMI and educational level: a cross sectional survey
2011

Parents' Weight and Education Affect Children's Obesity

Sample size: 1751 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Giacomo Lazzeri, Andreas Pammolli, Valentina Pilato, Mariano V. Giacchi

Primary Institution: CREPS-Research Center for Health Education and Promotion, University of Siena

Hypothesis

Is there a connection between school-age children's obesity and their parents' BMI and educational level?

Conclusion

Parents' obesity and their educational level influence the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Tuscan children.

Supporting Evidence

  • The prevalence of obese children increased with parents' BMI categories.
  • Children of parents with lower educational levels had higher obesity rates.
  • Obesity in children was significantly associated with parents' obesity.

Takeaway

If parents are overweight or have less education, their kids are more likely to be overweight too.

Methodology

Cross-sectional survey using self-reported questionnaires and direct measurements of children's height and weight.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported data from parents.

Limitations

Parents' weight and height were self-reported, which may lead to inaccuracies.

Participant Demographics

1,751 children aged 8-9 years, with 922 males and 855 females.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.001

Statistical Significance

p < 0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-2891-10-76

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