Parent perceptions of restrictive feeding on the relationship between youth BMI z-score and weight control behavior use in African American youth: A mediational study

Background Children with higher body weights engage in more healthy weight control behaviors (HWCBs) and unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) compared to healthy weight peers. Parent restrictive feeding (parental attempts to limit what and how much children eat in an effort to manage youth weight) has also been associated with youth weight. However, there is limited research on parental feeding practices among non-Caucasian samples, despite evidence that parental feeding may function differently across races. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the mediating role of parent restrictive feeding on the relationship between youth body mass index (BMI) z-score and youth use of HWCBs and UWCBs among African American youth. Methods Measures were completed by youth (ages 10–13 years) and their parents at a pediatric primary-care appointment. Youth completed a weight control behavior questionnaire asking youth to answer whether or not they have engaged in specific behaviors to lose weight. Parents completed a questionnaire on parent-feeding practices. Youth height and weight were obtained from their medical records. Results Mediation models revealed parent restrictive feeding significantly mediated the relationship between youth BMI z-score and HWCB use, but not between youth BMI z-score and UWCB use. Conclusion Results from the current study suggest parent restrictive feeding in African American populations may encourage health promoting youth weight management behaviors. Additional research is warranted to investigate how cultural factors may impact the relationships between parent restrictive feeding practices and youth weight control behaviors as there may be important clinical implications when working with diverse populations.