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Obesity-related feeding behaviors common among parents of infants
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In a study of caregivers of infants aged 2 months, obesity-related feeding behaviors were common across all ethnicities, according to findings.
The researchers followed a cohort of 863 parents who participated in the Greenlight Intervention Study, a cluster randomized trial aimed at preventing obesity during the first 2 years of life. Caregivers self-reported feeding habits, and the current study was designed to assess associations by race/ethnicity. Of the participants, 49.8% self-identified as Hispanic; followed by 27.3% black, non-Hispanic; 17.7% white, non-Hispanic and 5.1% as other, non-Hispanic. Most infants were insured by Medicaid, and household income was less than $40,000 for most of the group.
Eliana M. Perrin
Researchers found that only 34% of caregivers adhered to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended 30 minutes of tummy time; additionally, more than half reported television exposure of more than 5 hours per day and active television viewing for more than 25 minutes per day. Only 19% fed breast milk exclusively, although the rate was much higher for Hispanic women, at 69% vs. 46% for white women and 33% for black women.
Among other findings, 43% of caregivers reported putting the infant to bed with a bottle, and 37% of Hispanic caregivers were less likely to watch television while feeding vs. 53% of white, non-Hispanic caregivers and 61% of black caregivers.
"These results from a large population of infants — especially the high rates of television watching — teach us that we must begin obesity prevention even earlier, " Eliana M. Perrin, MD, MPH, associate professor of pediatrics in the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and UNC-Chapel Hill's associate vice chancellor for research, said in a press release. "What this study taught us is that we can do better. While we don't know the exact causes of obesity, families of all races and ethnicities need early counseling to lead healthier lives. That counseling should be culturally tailored, and we are hoping our research sheds light on the best ways to do that," she said.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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