Childhood Obesity Beyond Individual Behaviors: The Influence of Family Nutrition and Physical Activity: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objective This study retrospectively examines how family nutrition and physical activity habits, influenced by parents, contribute to childhood obesity.Design A retrospective case-control study was conducted in three schools, including 804 children and their parents (229 cases, 575 controls). Data were collected using the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Scale, anthropometric measurements, and a data collection form.Results Higher parental education improved nutrition and activity scores, while maternal employment had a negative impact. Father's employment and higher income levels positively influenced children's activity and health. Parental BMI was inversely related to nutrition and activity, with higher BMI indicating poorer habits. Logistic regression showed that increased screen time raised obesity risk, while family activity and father's education reduced it, and higher maternal BMI lowered it.Conclusion Family behaviors are critical in shaping children's nutrition and physical activity habits. Our findings highlight the critical role of family nutrition and physical activity behaviors in shaping childhood obesity outcomes, emphasizing the need for school health policies and practices that integrate family engagement strategies to promote health equity and sustainable behavioral change.