Family Environment, Nutrition and Child Adiposity

Abstract

Background: Family environment may play an important role in child obesity development.
Objectives: To determine if frequency of eating family dinner and frequency of fast food consumption are associated with nutrient profile; and examine associations of selected subscales of the Moos Family Environment Scale (FES) with BMI.
Methods: We analyzed data from the longitudinal NHLBI Growth and Health Study (N ~ 2,400 Black and White girls aged 9-10 years at entry). Relevant data included Body Mass Index, nutrient intakes, frequency of eating family dinner, frequency of eating fast food, and physical activity measured annually during the first five years of the study; and the FES administered in the third year. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression; longitudinal data were analyzed using a mixed effects model.
Results: Longitudinal analysis: Among White but not Black girls, those who ate family dinner usually were more likely to be eating fast food infrequently (less than once a week). Eating family dinner usually and eating fast food less than once a week were associated with a healthier nutrient profile, adjusting for age, race, parental education and energy intake. Cross-sectional analysis: The organization subscale of the FES was associated with lower BMI (p<.01), independent of nutrient profile and physical activity.
Conclusion: Eating family dinner is associated with less frequent fast food consumption and a healthier nutrient profile. However, child obesity interventions may need to consider various dimensions of the family environment that influence dietary and physical activity behaviors.