Parents' Reports of Children's Physical and Sedentary Behavior Engagement among Parents in Weight Management

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between demographics, family exercise participation, family discouragement of exercise, and the children's physical and sedentary behaviors to identify specific areas of physical activity intervention for children with parents engaged in medical weight management (MWM). Methods: Parents (n = 294) of children aged 2-18 years old were recruited from two university MWM programs to complete a one-time survey. Bivariate analyses tested associations. Results: Parents reported that sedentary activity was higher for children who identified as racial minorities (t(141) = -2.05, p < 0.05). Mobile phone and tablet use was higher for adolescents compared to school age and young children (H(2) = 10.96, p < 01) Exercise game use was higher for racial minority children compared to white children (U = 9440.5, z = 2.47, p <= 0.03). Male children (t(284) = 1.83, p < 0.07), children perceived to have a healthy weight status (t(120) = 4.68, p < 0.00), and younger children (t(289) = 1.79, p < 0.08) all engaged in more strenuous physical activity. Family exercise participation (t(162) = -2.93, p < 0.01) and family discouragement of exercise (U = 7813.50, z = -2.06, p <= 0.04) were significantly higher for children in racial minority families. Conclusions: Future work should determine methods to engage children and their parents participating in MWM in physical activities together to ensure that the changes the parents are making with MWM are sustainable.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore the associations between demographics, family exercise participation, family discouragement of exercise, and the children's physical and sedentary behaviors. The results showed that sedentary activity was higher for racial minority children, while mobile phone and tablet use were higher for adolescents. Racial minority children also reported higher exercise game use. Male children, children perceived to have a healthy weight status, and younger children engaged in more strenuous physical activity. Family exercise participation and family discouragement of exercise were significantly higher in racial minority families. Future research should focus on methods to engage both parents and children participating in medical weight management in physical activities together to ensure sustainability.