April 2014 Summary

The obesity epidemic continues to be highly prevalent among both adults and is increasing among children. Previous research has shown that school-based initiatives that address both nutrition and physical education can improve the different aspects that contribute to overweight and obesity, however little research has looked into family-based initiatives. This qualitative study looked at the effects of parenting styles on children’s weight among Mexican-American/Mexican immigrant families. The results showed that most parents displayed a permissive parenting style, particularly when it came to dietary habits, though fathers tended to have an authoritative style when it came to physical activity. This study also revealed that while parents had good intentions and desires for their families to eat healthier diets and get more physical activity, they faced several barriers such as unsafe neighborhoods and lack of knowledge.

Q1: Permissive parenting styles were shown to be correlated with a higher risk of overweight/obesity due to a greater likelihood of making unhealthy food choices and less emphasis on physical activity. How would you counsel parents who have more of a permissive parenting style when it comes to making changes in these areas?

Several great strategies were mentioned for counseling these parents. Many people thought that it would be a good idea to encourage and teach parents to purchase healthier options at the store so that these would be more readily available in the home in lieu of the less healthy options. Most people also thought that encouraging parents to model healthy habits and get their children more involved with shopping and meal preparation would be an effective counseling strategy. Several people mentioned utilizing the plate method and Erin mentioned putting together food demonstrations for parents. Aria suggested using rewards for trying new foods and making healthy choices, while Tina and Caroline mentioned encouraging parents to set more goals and rules in the household for the family to follow.

Q2: Numerous barriers to making changes were mentioned in this study including unsafe environments for physical activity, lack of time or knowledge in regards to preparing healthier foods, and higher costs of healthy foods. What strategies would you use to help patients overcome these barriers?

A number of wonderful answers were given to this question. Jessica, Carly, and Alyssa suggested encouraging parents to recognize and take advantage of opportunities like lunches and other breaks in order to fit in some physical activity. Many people mentioned locating community centers and resources for physical activity and community gardens and farmers markets affordable, healthy food. Hayley suggested encouraging after school sports/activities. Lynetta suggested setting goals with the family by utilizing a technique popular within the pediatric population. Most people agreed that making plans ahead of time for meals (including providing the families with healthy recipes and resources for food preparation), activities, and shopping (including locating sale items, coupons, etc.) would be an appropriate strategy. Erin also mentioned leading grocery store tours to help families make smarter choices. Most people also agreed that they would encourage families to make the most of time together by limiting screen time and increasing activities of interest.

Q3: Research suggests that parenting styles and the overall family environment plays a role in childhood overweight/obesity. You have the opportunity to develop an initiative focused on engaging families in the community in leading healthier lifestyles. What would your initiative be, how would it work, and what strategies would you employ to promote it?

Several great ideas were presented in response to this question. Many people agreed that they would reach out to schools and other community organizations. Carly mentioned that she would look for funding from other sources and to promote her initiative through the media. Many of the group said that they would initiate a community garden or other type of program like Fresh Favs to promote healthy food consumption and also incorporate physical activity into their program in some way, whether by biking or walking to the garden or organizing team sports. Many also stated that they would incorporate food demonstrations into their program. Hayley, Anna, and Jeanne mentioned sending recipes or some other type of nutrition education flyers home with families. Aria, Tina, Courtney, and Alyssa thought that it would be beneficial to initiate some kind of competition between families in which those who make the most healthy lifestyle changes win some kind of prize.