Mother-daughter resemblance in BMI and obesity-related behaviors

Abstract

Objective: This study sought to determine the association between mother-daughter resemblance in body mass index (BMI) and obesity-related behaviors, and whether connectedness moderated those associations. Method: Seventy-six Girl Scouts (ages 9 to 13 years) were objectively assessed for BMI, and surveyed via questionnaire. Sixty-eight parents also completed questionnaires assessing height, weight, and obesity-related behaviors. Results: Significant relationships were found for television viewing (β = .351, p = .002), eating while watching television (β = .468, p < .001 ), fruit consumption (β = .374, p = .005) and vegetable consumption (β = .243, p = .050). Connectedness moderated the maternal BMI and daughter BMI Z-score relationship (β = .307, p = .026), and mother-daughter TV viewing (β = .258, p = .043). Conclusion: Connectedness may influence girls’ BMI and behavioral resemblance to mothers. Specific pathways leading to greater similarity between parent and child relative weight need further study.