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Parental Concerns by Child Weight Category
Concerns |
Normal Weight |
At Risk Weight (BMI 85-94%) |
Overweight (BMI>95%) |
Chi Sq
P value |
Average # of concerns
(0-9 total concerns possible) |
0.63 |
0.72 |
1.11 |
<.001 |
High concern level
(defined as 2-4 total concerns) |
16% |
18% |
31% |
<.001 |
Specific concerns* |
|
|
|
|
Growth or Weight |
8% |
15% |
38% |
<.001 |
Behavior or Mood |
15% |
17% |
23% |
<.01 |
Constipation/Diarrhea |
4% |
5% |
7% |
<.05 |
*Concerns about relationship with friends, bedwetting/toileting, sleep, school/preschool progress, language/speech, and neighborhood safety were not significantly different by weight.
Notes:
Take Home Message:
Above concerns assessed before questions about nutrition and activity risk behaviors.
Parents of obese children on average have twice the number of concerns
as parents of normal weight children. Since parents of obese children have multiple concerns,
obesity concerns may not get enough attention in a short office visit.
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