ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between food parenting practices (FPPs) and weight status among preschoolers and the directionality of this association at 1-year follow-up. METHODS: A longitudinal exploratory study was conducted using linear regression and structural equation modeling to determine directional associations between FPPs and children's body mass index z score and waist circumference. The FPPs were estimated using Child Feeding Questionnaire subscales. RESULTS: A total of 91 parent-child dyads completed the study. In structural equation modeling analysis, when identifying the FPPs in a latent variable with its indicators of indulgent feeding, food as a reward and restriction predicted higher body mass index z score at follow-up. Higher baseline waist circumference was also negatively associated with the use of food as a reward. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Feeding-weight associations are likely bidirectional. Understanding them, as well as the pathways between them, is critical to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
