The invisible connection of mothers' BMI, emotional appetite, and food choices with childhood obesity

Abstract

Background: This study examined the effects of mothers' body mass index (BMI), emotional appetite, and food choices on children's growth curves and adiposity. Methods: Data was collected from 492 mothers. The demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements were obtained using a questionnaire. The mothers' food choices and emotional appetites were assessed using scales. BMI for age Z score and tripoderal index (TMI) were used in the evaluation of children's anthropometric measurements and adiposity. Results: The mean age of mothers' was 39.10 +/- 0.26 and BMI was 25.08 +/- 0.21. Among the mothers, 54.5% were classified as normal, 28.4% as pre-obese, and 14.7% as obese. Among the children, 31.5% were overweight or obese. There was a strong positive correlation between the mean BMI of the mothers and the mean TMI and BMI of the children (p < 0.001). The convenience food choice factor of mothers had negative correlation with childiren's BMI for age (p < 0.005). Conclusions: This study emphasizes the invisible connection between mothers' emotional appetite and food choices and children's BMI and TMI and highlights the importance of paying attention to mothers' eating habits for children's health outcomes. These findings will be informative in the formulation of future health policies.