Parental Concerns About Disordered Eating in Overweight Children
- A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examined parental concerns about child disordered eating among families participating in a long-term, motivational interviewing (MI)-based behavioral...
- Disordered eating refers to a range of unhealthy eating-related thoughts and behaviors, such as loss of control eating, excessive concern about weight or shape, or restrictive eating, that...
- the research evaluated parents of children aged 3-11 years with high body weights enrolled in the Population Effects of Motivational Interviewing on Pediatric Obesity in Primary Care (BMI+)...
A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examined parental concerns about child disordered eating among families participating in a long-term, motivational interviewing (MI)-based behavioral intervention.
Disordered eating refers to a range of unhealthy eating-related thoughts and behaviors, such as loss of control eating, excessive concern about weight or shape, or restrictive eating, that may not meet the criteria for a diagnosed eating disorder. Researchers found that nearly half (44.9%) of parents reported at least one concern related to disordered eating at the start of the intervention.
the research evaluated parents of children aged 3-11 years with high body weights enrolled in the Population Effects of Motivational Interviewing on Pediatric Obesity in Primary Care (BMI+) study. The intervention included up to six MI-based nutrition counseling calls with study registered dietitians, which most parents completed over the course of approximately 2.0-2.5 years.
Given the developmental stages of the children in this study, parents played a central role in influencing their children’s behavioral changes, with food-related par
Parents of children with higher weights frequently enough worry about disordered eating, according to a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. Researchers found that these concerns are common even when children are participating in behavioral interventions designed to promote healthy habits.
The study, led by Lenora P. Goodman, focused on youth involved in motivational interviewing-based behavioral therapy. It highlights the need for clinicians to address parental anxieties alongside the children’s behaviors. Understanding these concerns can improve the effectiveness of weight-management programs.
More information about the research is available in the full article: DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2025.09.005.
You can also find more information about the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior on its website: http://www.jneb.org/.