Obesity Nutrition Research
The prevention and treatment of obesity in children is a high priority for public health research in the United States. Trends show that obesity in low-income preschool children (ages 2-5) has dramatically risen over the past decade. The prevalence of obesity in the African-American population continues to rise; however, very few studies have focused on low-income children or children who are African American, despite the fact that both groups are at significant risk for obesity. Such a rapid change in the prevalence of obesity suggests that environmental influences are likely involved in the development of overweight in young children.
Effects of Parental Feeding Practices on Eating and Weight in Low-Income African American Preschool Children
Study Status: Closed to enrollment
The obesity study aims to address potentially modifiable behavioral factors that may be related to obesity in an understudied but at-risk population. The aims of the study are to determine if parent feeding restriction is related to eating and weight among low-income African-American preschoolers and to examine the effect over time.
A total of 50 African-American preschoolers between the ages of 36 and 59 months and their mothers are being recruited from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Once a family is enrolled, the study includes assessment of parent feeding restriction (paper-pencil questionnaires and coding of videotaped meals), a child’s eating patterns and child weight / body composition (DXA scan) at two points that are 12 months apart.
Funded by:
National Institutes of Health − National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, K24 DK059973 and T32 DK063929.
