Changing Overweight Latino Preadolescent Body Mass Index: The Effect of the Parent–Child Dyad

Background: Latino children are disproportionately burdened by obesity. Objective: To assess whether body mass index (BMI) change in preadolescents reflected that of their participating parent. Methods: A total of 72 Latino overweight/obese preadolescents (BMI ≥ 85%) and a parent participated in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received 5 monthly 60-minute sessions at a recreation center (group physical activity, goal setting). The control group received 2 standard-of-care clinic visits plus a group discussion. Results: Between baseline and 6-month follow-up, 47 % of children (mean change =-0.37, SD = 2.48) and 63 % of parents (mean change =-0.88, SD = 3.53) decreased their BMI. Parent–child dyad BMI change was significantly correlated (r =.53, P =.001). In linear modeling, those preadolescents in the control group were more likely to lose absolute BMI units (-0.96, P =.03); whereas those who had parents who gained BMI over the time interval were more likely to increase their BMI (0.17, P =.008). Conclusions: Obesity interventions should focus on the parent–child dyad