Observed parent-child feeding dynamics in relation to child body mass index and adiposity

BackgroundRestrictive feeding is associated with child overweight; however, the majority of studies used parent-report questionnaires.ObjectivesThe relationship between child adiposity measures and directly observed parent and child behaviours were tested using a novel behavioural coding system (BCS).MethodsData from 109 children, participants in a twin study and their mothers, were analyzed. Parent-child dyads were video-recorded twice in the laboratory, while children ate ad libitum from a buffet lunch. Mother and child behaviours were assessed using the BCS. Height, body weight and body fat were directly measured for each child. Associations between child adiposity measures and average BCS behaviour (i.e. pooled across visits) were tested using partial correlations adjusting for child age.ResultsRegarding discouragement prompts, child body mass index (BMI) z-score was significantly associated with a greater rate of total discouragements (per minute, min(-1)), nonverbal discouragements (min(-1)) and temporary (delay) discouragements (min(-1)) (p