Projects per year
Abstract
Increases in portion size are thought by many to promote obesity in children. However, this relationship remains unclear. Here, we explore the extent to which a child's BMI is predicted both by parental beliefs about their child's ideal and maximum portion size and/or by the child's own beliefs.
MethodsParent–child (5–11 years) dyads (N = 217) were recruited from a randomized controlled trial (n = 69) and an interactive science centre (n = 148). For a range of main meals, parents estimated their child's ‘ideal’ and ‘maximum tolerated’ portions. Children completed the same tasks.
ResultsAn association was found between parents' beliefs about their child's ideal (β = .34, p < .001) and maximum tolerated (β = .30, p < .001) portions, and their child's BMI. By contrast, children's self-reported ideal (β = .02, p = .718) and maximum tolerated (β = −.09, p = .214) portions did not predict their BMI. With increasing child BMI, parents' estimations aligned more closely with their child's own selected portions.
ConclusionsOur findings suggest that when a parent selects a smaller portion for their child than their child self-selects, then the child is less likely to be obese. Therefore, public health measures to prevent obesity might include instructions to parents on appropriate portions for young children.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 232-238 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Pediatric Obesity |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 4 Apr 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2018 |
Research Groups and Themes
- Brain and Behaviour
- Nutrition and Behaviour
- Physical and Mental Health
Keywords
- BMI
- Children
- Eating behaviour
- Obesity
- Parental feeding practices
- Portion size
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Parental beliefs about portion size, not children's own beliefs, predict child BMI'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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Understanding eating topography: The key to reducing energy intake in humans?
Brunstrom, J. (Principal Investigator)
31/07/12 → 30/01/16
Project: Research
Profiles
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Professor Jeff Brunstrom
- Bristol Poverty Institute
- School of Psychological Science - Professor of Experimental Psychology
- Bristol Neuroscience
Person: Academic , Member
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Dr Danielle Ferriday
- School of Psychological Science - Associate Professor in Nutrition and Behaviour
- Bristol Poverty Institute
Person: Academic , Member