Mother-daughter resemblance in BMI and obesity-related behaviors

Richard R. Rosenkranz, Abigail Bauer, David A. Dzewaltowski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study sought to determine the association between mother-daughter resemblance in body mass index (BMI) and obesity-related behaviors and whether connectedness moderated those associations. Method: Seventy-six girl scouts (ages 9 to 13 years) were objectively assessed for BMI and surveyed via questionnaire. Sixty-eight parents also completed questionnaires assessing height, weight, and obesity-related behaviors. Results: Significant relationships were found for television viewing (β = .351, p = .002), eating while watching television (β = .468, p< .001), fruit consumption (β = .374, p = .005) and vegetable consumption (β = .243, p = .050). Connectedness moderated the maternal BMI and daughter BMI Z-score relationship (β = .307, p = .026), and mother-daughter TV viewing (β = .258, p = .043). Conclusion: Connectedness may influence girls' BMI and behavioral resemblance to mothers. Specific pathways leading to greater similarity between parent and child relative weight need further study.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)477-489
Number of pages13
JournalInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health
Volume22
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Child
  • Influences
  • Obesity
  • Parenting
  • Prevention
  • Weight status

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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