The Influential Role of Parents on their Childrens’ Physical Activity Levels, Body Mass Index and Nutritional Habits

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the perceived body type, Body Mass Index (BMI), Physical Activity (PA) and the eating habits between parents and their children. Sixty-eight (N = 68) male and 96 female pupils (N = 164; Mage: 15.86 ± .81) from three secondary schools of central Greece and their parents voluntarily participated in this survey (one parent corresponded to each pupil). In particular, out of the 164 participating parents, 41 were male and 123 were female, aged 34 to 69 (Mage: 46.72 ± 4.82). Parents and children completed a series of valid and reliable questionnaires that evaluated perceived body type, BMI, PA levels and dietary habits. Pupils completed the questionnaires during a physical education lesson, while parents completed them in the comfort of their homes. Results showed that parents’ anthropometrics (weight, height, BMI, perceived body type) were positively related to their children’s anthropometrics, respectively. Regarding PA levels between parents and children, parents’ participation in light PA (LPA) and vigorous PA (VPA) was positively related to their children’s participation in LPA, moderate PA (MPA) and VPA. Results also showed that parents’ consumption of breakfast, lunch, dinner, vegetables and soft drinks was positively associated to their children’s nutritional habits. In summary, based on the above results, it seems that parents have a significant impact on BMI, Perceived Body Type, PA levels and dietary habits of their children, most likely acting as behavioral patterns.