Family factors related to obesity in Mexican-American and Anglo preschool children

Abstract

The purpose of this secondary analysis of data was to investigate the relationship between family factors and obesity in Mexican American and Anglo preschool children. The purposive sample consisted of 341 mothers and their children, of which 180 were Mexican Americans and 161 were Anglos. Demographic characteristics indicated that Mexican American children: were heavier; living in single parent families more frequently; had more body fat; had mothers with higher body mass index (BMI); had larger family size; were less likely to be first born or only children; had less educated parents with lower level occupations and lower family income; and had mothers who used control in feeding practices more often than their Anglo counterparts. Results identify areas for prevention of childhood obesity.