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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2021) | Viewed by 43707

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Junilla K. Larsen

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Guest Editor

Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Interests: childhood obesity; prevention; parents; peers; parenting practices

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rise in childhood and adolescent obesity in past decades has been explained by the “obesogenic” and “toxic” effects of the current modern environment. Parents are important environmental agents of change determining the home environment through, for instance, their parenting and own weight-related behaviors.

In this Special Issue of Nutrients, we would like to bring together papers dealing with topics involving whether, how, and for whom parents might influence weight-related behaviors and/or weight outcomes of children and adolescents. Notably, potential parental effects have been the object of studies over the last decade. However, many questions concerning the crucial role of parents have been limited by cross-sectional designs. Additional research is needed to provide stronger evidence on the potential link between parental factors and weight(-related) outcomes of children and adolescents. We particularly welcome studies that focus on diverse weight-related behaviors, that is, not only diet and/or physical activity, but also sleep and media use. We further welcome studies examining eminent child moderators (e.g., child’s food responsivity or addictive tendencies).

This Special Issue welcomes different types of manuscript submissions, including original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Specifically, original research with sophisticated designs (e.g., longitudinal, EMA or RCTs) is warmly welcomed.

Dr. Junilla K. Larsen
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Childhood and adolescent obesity
Parents
Weight-related behaviors
Longitudinal and RCT research

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 165 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

The Importance of Parents for Childhood and Adolescent Obesity Prevention: Should We Pay More Attention to Automatic Processes and Parental Stress?

by Junilla K. Larsen

Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3185; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093185 - 13 Sep 2021

Viewed by 2294

Abstract

This Special Issue concerns the theme of how parents may influence child and adolescent weight-related and obesity developments [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weight Outcomes of Kids: What Can Parents Do?)

Research

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21 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is the Prospective Link between Parental Stress and Adolescent Snack Intake or Weight Outcome Mediated by Food Parenting Practices?

by Maaike Koning, Jacqueline M. Vink, Carry Renders, Natascha Notten, Rob Eisinga and Junilla K. Larsen

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2485; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082485 - 21 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3250

Abstract

Parental stress may influence adolescents’ food intake and weight development over time, however, it is largely unknown why this is the case. This study examines whether the link between parental stress and adolescents’ snack intake and weight outcome is mediated by food parenting practices (FPPs). Participants included 400 parents and their adolescent children (aged 12–16) who completed questionnaires. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to assess parental general stress levels and the Adolescent Food Parenting Questionnaire (AFPQ) to assess FPPs. Multiple mediation analyses with parallel mediators were performed, with parental general stress as an independent variable and adolescent snack intake and zBMI as dependent variables. FPPs (autonomy support, coercive control, modeling, healthy structure, snack structure) were entered as mediators in the model, adjusted for covariates. Autonomy support mediated the link between parental general stress and adolescent savory snack and sweet snack intake at follow-up. Parents who reported higher stress levels provided less autonomy support, which resulted in more adolescent snacking. None of the other FPPs mediated any link between parental stress and intake or weight outcome, and no significant indirect effects were observed with zBMI as an outcome variable. Further research should replicate this finding and may further examine underlying mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weight Outcomes of Kids: What Can Parents Do?)

13 pages, 767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parent–Infant Attachment Insecurity and Emotional Eating in Adolescence: Mediation through Emotion Suppression and Alexithymia

by Roseriet Beijers, Marta Miragall, Yvonne van den Berg, Hanna Konttinen and Tatjana van Strien

Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1662; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051662 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4093

Abstract

Emotional eating (EE), the propensity to eat in response to emotions, is thought to have its origins in the early parent–infant relationship. This study tested the hypothesis that infant attachment insecurity results in EE in adolescence through the increased use of the emotion regulation strategy suppression of emotions and subsequent alexithymia. At the age of 15 months, parent–infant attachment security (n = 129) was observed with two abbreviated attachment measures: the shortened strange situation procedure (SSSP), and the shortened attachment Q-set (S-AQS). At the age of 12 years, children completed self-report questionnaires to assess the suppression of emotions, alexithymia, and EE. At the age of 16 years, EE was measured again. The mediation models indicated that lower parent–infant attachment security predicted increased use of suppression of emotions, which was related to increased alexithymia, and in turn more EE at the age of 12 years. These results were similar and significant for both attachment measures, and also (marginal) significant with EE at the age of 16 years as an outcome. Lastly, when parental caregiving quality was included, the models with the SSSP as predictor remained significant, but the models with the S-AQS became insignificant. These results indicated that to a certain extent, infant attachment security could predict adolescent EE above and beyond parental caregiving quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weight Outcomes of Kids: What Can Parents Do?)

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19 pages, 587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Involving Parents in Promoting Healthy Energy Balance-Related Behaviors in Preschoolers: A Mixed Methods Impact and Process Evaluation of SuperFIT

by Lisa S. E. Harms, Sanne M. P. L. Gerards, Stef P. J. Kremers, Kathelijne M. H. H. Bessems, Carsten van Luijk, Tülay Arslan, Femke M. Mombers and Jessica S. Gubbels

Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1605; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051605 - 11 May 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3078

Abstract

Parental involvement is an essential component of obesity prevention interventions for children. The present study provides a process and impact evaluation of the family component of SuperFIT. SuperFIT is a comprehensive, integrated intervention approach aiming to improve energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs) of young children (2–4 years). A mixed methods design combined in-depth interviews with parents (n = 15) and implementers (n = 3) with questionnaire data on nutritional and physical activity-related parenting practices (CFPQ and PPAPP), the physical home environment (EPAO_SR) (n = 41), and intervention appreciation (n = 19). Results were structured using the concepts of reach, adoption, implementation, and perceived impact. Findings indicated that the families reached were mostly those that were already interested in the topic. Participants of the intervention appreciated the information received and the on-the-spot guidance on their child’s behavior. Having fun was considered a success factor within the intervention. Parents expressed the additional need for peer-to-peer discussion. SuperFIT increased awareness and understanding of parents’ own behavior. Parents made no changes in daily life routines or the physical home environment. Translating knowledge and learned strategies into behavior at home has yet to be achieved. To optimize impact, intervention developers should find the right balance between accessibility, content, and intensity of interventions for parents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weight Outcomes of Kids: What Can Parents Do?)

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13 pages, 308 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Family Social Capital: Links to Weight-Related and Parenting Behaviors of Mothers with Young Children

by Virginia Quick, Colleen Delaney, Kaitlyn Eck and Carol Byrd-Bredbenner

Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051428 - 23 Apr 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2827

Abstract

Family social capital includes the social relationships, values, and norms shared by a family and is positively linked with children’s mental and physical health status. This cross-sectional study addresses a gap in the literature related to family social capital vis-à-vis weight-related behaviors and home environments of 557 mothers and their young children (ages 2 to 9 years). Mothers completed an online survey comprised of valid, reliable questionnaires assessing family relationships and weight-related behavioral and home environment measures. The measures that determined family social capital (i.e., supportive, engaged parenting behaviors; family cohesion; family conflict; and family meal frequency) yielded distinct tertile groups that differed significantly (p < 0.001) on every family social capital measure with large effect sizes. Analysis of variance with Tukey post-hoc test revealed greater family social capital was linked to significantly better maternal health, dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep behavior. Additionally, maternal modeling of healthy eating and physical activity, child feeding practices, and home environments was higher in groups with greater family social capital. Child mental and physical health, physical activity, and sleep quality were better in families with greater family social capital. Findings suggest greater family social capital is linked to healthier weight-related behaviors and home environments. Future intervention studies should incorporate strategies to build family social capital and compare longitudinal outcomes to traditional interventions to determine the relative value of family social capital on health behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weight Outcomes of Kids: What Can Parents Do?)

14 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Online Behavioral Screener with Tailored Obesity Prevention Messages: Application to a Pediatric Clinical Setting

by Sarah Chau, Samantha Oldman, Sharon R. Smith, Carolyn A. Lin, Saba Ali and Valerie B. Duffy

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010223 - 14 Jan 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3222

Abstract

Obesity prevention involves promoting healthy eating and physical activity across all children. Can we leverage technology to feasibly survey children’s health behaviors and deliver theory-based and user-tailored messages for brief clinical encounters? We assessed the acceptability and utility of an online pediatric-adapted liking survey (PALS) and tailored messages among children receiving non-urgent care in a pediatric emergency department (PED). Two hundred and forty-five children (average age = 10 years, racially/ethnically diverse, 34% overweight/obese from measured indices, 25% of families reporting food insecurity) and their parents/caregivers participated. Each reported the child’s activity and behaviors using the online PALS and received two to three messages tailored to the responses (aligned with elaboration likelihood and transtheoretical models) to motivate behavioral improvements or reinforce healthy behaviors. Most children and parents (>90%) agreed the PALS was easy to complete, encouraging thought about their own/child’s behaviors. The child’s PALS responses appeared reasonable (fair-to-good child–parent intraclass correlations). Most children and parents (≥75%) reported the tailored messages to be helpful and favorable for improving or maintaining the targeted behavior. Neither message type (motivating/reinforcing) nor favorability responses varied significantly by the child’s weight or family’s food security status. In summary, children and parents found the PALS with tailored messages acceptable and useful. The message types and responses could help focus brief clinical encounters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weight Outcomes of Kids: What Can Parents Do?)

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12 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Parental Comments on Weight/Shape/Eating amongst Sons and Daughters in an Adolescent Sample

by Lucy Dahill, Deborah Mitchison, Natalie M. V. Morrison, Stephen Touyz, Kay Bussey, Nora Trompeter, Alexandra Lonergan and Phillipa Hay

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010158 - 6 Jan 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4642

Abstract

Reports suggest that 12–76% of adolescents have experienced parental comments regarding their weight/shape and/or eating behaviours. Parents may engage in conversations about weight/shape and eating out of concern, even without any ill intent; however, the associations of these comments with subsequent problematic psychosocial and eating behaviours are evidenced. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the content and prevalence of such comments is needed. To date, adolescent-reported prevalence estimates have not included differentiation between mother or father and sons or daughters, nor have they considered eating-focussed comments. This study considered the prevalence of positive and negative parental commentary regarding weight/shape and eating with a focus on parental origin. A total of 2287 Australian male and female adolescents participated via a self-report survey. Adolescents reported frequent positive comments on weight/shape and on eating, most commonly maternal positive comments on weight/shape (78%; 95% CI 77–80). Daughters reported significantly more maternal comments on weight/shape (positive and negative) as well as more negative eating comments from mothers than did sons. Sons reported significantly more negative weight/shape comments from fathers than did daughters. Some negative comments increased significantly with age. These findings support a notable prevalence of reported parental weight/shape and eating comments directed at their offspring, particularly from mothers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weight Outcomes of Kids: What Can Parents Do?)

15 pages, 1022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Caregivers’ Role in the Effectiveness of Two Dutch School-Based Nutrition Education Programmes for Children Aged 7–12 Years Old

by Angeliek Verdonschot, Emely de Vet, Natalie van Seeters, Jolieke Warmer, Clare E. Collins, Tamara Bucher and Annemien Haveman-Nies

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010140 - 1 Jan 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6836

Abstract

Childhood eating behaviours can track into adulthood. Therefore, programmes that support early healthy eating, including school-based nutrition education programmes, are important. Although school-based programmes may be beneficial in improving nutrition knowledge, impact on actual fruit and vegetable (FV) intake is generally limited as FV intake is also influenced by the home environment. The current study includes secondary analyses of data from an evaluation study on Dutch nutrition education and examined the role of caregivers’ health promotion behaviours (HPB) in influencing healthy eating behaviours in primary school children (n = 1460, aged 7–12 years) and whether caregivers’ HPB contribute to programme effectiveness. Children’s nutrition knowledge, FV intake and caregivers’ HPB (FV/sugar-sweetened beverages/sweets provision to take to school, cooking together and talking about healthy food at home) were measured by child-reported questionnaires at baseline, during, and 6 months post-programme. Results indicated that caregivers’ HPB was positively associated with children’s healthy eating behaviours and that programme effectiveness was highest in those in the lower HPB subcategory. In conclusion, children with less encouragement to eat healthily at home potentially benefit more from school-based nutrition education programmes than children receiving more encouragement. This highlights the important role of the home environment in supporting healthy eating behaviour in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weight Outcomes of Kids: What Can Parents Do?)

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12 pages, 546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Young Children’s Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and 5-Year Change in BMI: Lessons Learned from the Timing of Consumption

by Petra C. Vinke, Karlien A. Blijleven, Milou H. H. S. Luitjens and Eva Corpeleijn

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2486; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082486 - 18 Aug 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5095

Abstract

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are an already known risk factor for weight gain in childhood. To identify windows of opportunity for public health interventions, insight into the consumption behavior of SSBs is needed. We investigated whether total SSB consumption was related to body mass index (BMI) change and overweight and compared whether the timing of consumption over the day differed between low and high consumers. In the Dutch GECKO Drenthe birth cohort, a cohort embedded within the Groningen Expert Center for Kids with Obesity (GECKO), height and weight were measured by trained nurses at age 5/6 years (y) and 10/11 y (N = 1257). BMI was standardized for age and sex (BMI-z). In the food pattern questionnaire completed by parents at age 5/6 y, beverages were assessed for seven time segments (breakfast, morning, lunch at school, lunch at home, afternoon, dinner, and evening). Linear and logistic regression analyses were adjusted for potential confounders (sex, baseline BMI-z, parental BMI, parental education level, maternal age at birth, maternal smoking during pregnancy). The median daily SSB consumption frequency ranged from 1.9 times per day (1.5–2.0, 25th–75th percentile) in the lowest quartile to 4.9 times per day (4.6–5.5) in the highest quartile. In the highest compared to the lowest quartile of SSB consumption frequency, the confounder-adjusted odds ratio for overweight incidence was 3.12 (95% CI, 1.60–6.07). The difference in consumption between quartile 1 and quartile 4 occurred mainly during main meals and in the evening, e.g., at breakfast (31% vs. 98%, p < 0.001), lunch at home (32% vs. 98%, p < 0.001), and dinner (17% vs. 72%, p < 0.001). These drinking occasions characterizing high SSB consumers mostly occurred in the home environment, where parental influence on dietary behaviors is profound. Therefore, these results exposed a window of opportunity, leading to the advice for parents to offer their children sugar-free drinks to quench thirst with main meals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weight Outcomes of Kids: What Can Parents Do?)

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13 pages, 547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clustering of Sedentary Behaviours, Physical Activity, and Energy-Dense Food Intake in Six-Year-Old Children: Associations with Family Socioeconomic Status

by Junwen Yang-Huang, Amy van Grieken, Lu Wang, Wilma Jansen and Hein Raat

Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061722 - 9 Jun 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4070

Abstract

This study examined the clustering of lifestyle behaviours in children aged six years from a prospective cohort study in the Netherlands. Additionally, we analysed the associations between socioeconomic status and the lifestyle behaviour clusters that we identified. Data of 4059 children from the Generation R Study were analysed. Socioeconomic status was measured by maternal educational level and net household income. Lifestyle behaviours including screen time, physical activity, calorie-rich snack consumption and sugar-sweetened beverages consumption were measured via a parental questionnaire. Hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analyses were applied. The associations between socioeconomic status and lifestyle behaviour clusters were assessed using logistic regression models. Three lifestyle clusters were identified: “relatively healthy lifestyle” cluster (n = 1444), “high screen time and physically inactive” cluster (n = 1217), and “physically active, high snacks and sugary drinks” cluster (n = 1398). Children from high educated mothers or high-income households were more likely to be allocated to the “relatively healthy lifestyle” cluster, while children from low educated mothers or from low-income households were more likely to be allocated in the “high screen time and physically inactive” cluster. Intervention development and prevention strategies may use this information to further target programs promoting healthy behaviours of children and their families. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weight Outcomes of Kids: What Can Parents Do?)

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Other

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9 pages, 393 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Obesogenic Programming Effects during Lactation: A Narrative Review and Conceptual Model Focusing on Underlying Mechanisms and Promising Future Research Avenues

by Junilla K. Larsen and Lars Bode

Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020299 - 21 Jan 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3236

Abstract

Animal studies have consistently demonstrated that maternal obesity and a high-fat diet during lactation enhances obesity risk in the offspring. However, less is known about these potential obesogenic programming effects in obese humans. We propose three important pathways that may explain obesogenic programming effects of human breastmilk. First, human milk components and hormones may directly affect child eating and satiety characteristics. Second, human milk constituents can affect child microbiota that, in turn, may influence child eating and weight outcomes. Third, human milk composition may affect child eating and weight outcomes through flavor exposure. We reviewed a few very recent findings from well-powered longitudinal or experimental human research with regard to these three pathways. Moreover, we provide a research agenda for future intervention research with the overarching aim to prevent excessive pediatric weight gain during lactation and beyond. The ideas presented in this paper may represent important “black box” constructs that explain obesogenic programming effects during lactation. It should be noted, however, that given the scarcity of studies, findings should be seen as working hypotheses to further test in future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weight Outcomes of Kids: What Can Parents Do?)

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