Effects of Maternal Feeding Style and Child Eating Behaviors on Body Mass Index in Young Children in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Family Lifestyle Outcomes Research Study.

BACKGROUND

Children's eating behaviors influence weight, but the relationships among children's eating behaviors, caregiver feeding styles, and modifying maternal and child factors remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the associations between 1) child eating behaviors and body mass index (BMI) z-scores, and 2) caregiver feeding style and child eating behaviors.

METHODS

Data from 290 Hispanic mother-child dyads (children aged 3-9 y) in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Family Lifestyle Outcomes Research cohort were analyzed cross-sectionally. Child eating behaviors, caregiver feeding styles, and child BMI z-scores were assessed. Linear regression examined: 1) child eating behaviors and BMI z-scores, and 2) caregiver feeding styles and child eating behaviors. Models adjusted for maternal marital status, prepregnancy BMI, child health, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program status, poverty level, and study site.

RESULTS

Higher child food responsiveness [β = 0.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.32] and enjoyment of food (β = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.33) were associated with higher BMI z-scores, while greater satiety responsiveness (β = -0.23; 95% CI: -0.42, -0.04) was associated with lower BMI z-score. Authoritarian feeding style was associated with a lower enjoyment of food (β = -0.72; 95% CI: -1.06, -0.38), greater food fussiness (β = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.76), greater satiety responsiveness (β = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.84), and greater slowness in eating (β = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.76). An indulgent feeding style was associated with a lower desire to drink (β = -0.52; 95% CI: -0.90, -0.13), lower satiety responsiveness (β = -0.36; 95% CI: -0.65, -0.10), and lower emotional undereating (β = -0.55, 95% CI: -0.84, -0.25). An uninvolved feeding style was associated with lower emotional undereating (β = -0.63; 95% CI: -0.97, -0.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Child food approach behaviors correlate with higher BMI. Findings on caregiver feeding styles and child eating behaviors show complex, sometimes unexpected patterns, highlighting the need for further interdisciplinary research.