Child's home environment in relation to the mother's adiposity.

OBJECTIVE

There are conflicting findings regarding the role of non-genetic family factors on obesity in children, but specific characteristics of the family environment that may influence childhood obesity have not been identified. The purpose of the present study was to explore the association between mother's adiposity and family environment factors that could influence the child's risk of obesity, primarily through effects on eating and physical activity behaviors.

DESIGN AND MEASURES

Cross-sectional, correlational study. Adiposity was estimated by the sum of mothers' triceps and subscapular skinfolds. Family environment measures were assessed by direct observation and by structured interviews with mothers.

SUBJECTS

A sample of 347 mothers of preschool children were assessed.

RESULTS

Mother's adiposity was related to marital status, with married mothers having thicker skinfolds. Only two of 23 family environment variables were significantly correlated with mother's adiposity, and both of these variables were related to television. The demographic and family environment variables accounted for only 4% of the variance in mothers' skinfolds.

CONCLUSION

The present study identified few characteristics of the family environment that were related to mother's adiposity.