Parents' perceptions and dissatisfaction with child silhouette: associated factors among 7-year-old children of the Generation XXI birth cohort

Purpose We compared parent's perceived child's silhouette, and investigated predictors of their dissatisfaction. Methods Participants were 4930 mother-child dyads enrolled at a Portuguese birth cohort. Parents' perceptions of child's current and desired silhouette was assessed and dissatisfaction with child's silhouette was defined as the discrepancy between these ratings (current-desired body). Multinomial logistic regressions, adjusted for potential confounders, were performed. Results Mothers were more dissatisfied with child's silhouette, compared to fathers, in all weight categories. Mothers and fathers of girls were more dissatisfied, preferring thinner silhouettes (OR = 2.77, 95% CI 2.19; 3.51 and OR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.18; 3.66, respectively), compared to parents of boys. Lower birth weight increased maternal desire for a heavier child silhouette. Younger (< 20 years) and less educated (<= 9 years of schooling) mothers were more dissatisfied with their child's silhouette, preferring heavier children (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.10; 2.48 and OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.42; 2.09, respectively). Parents' own dissatisfaction was also associated with child's silhouette dissatisfaction. Conclusion Sociodemographic characteristics and parents' dissatisfaction with their own silhouette influenced their dissatisfaction with child's silhouette and should be considered when developing obesity interventions.

Automated summary

The study found that mothers were more dissatisfied with their child's silhouette compared to fathers, and parents of girls preferred their children to have thinner silhouettes. Younger and less educated mothers were more likely to desire heavier children.