title: Effects of parent-only childhood obesity prevention programs on BMIz and body image in rural preteens.
abstract: This experiment compared body image (BI) and BMI changes resulting from two parent-only obesity prevention interventions aimed at 8-12 year olds. Parents in the experimental intervention attended ten face-to-face educational sessions, while parents in the minimal (control) intervention received similar mailed information. Parent-child dyads (N=150) were semi-randomly assigned to intervention groups. Children were assessed before, after, and 6 months following the interventions; children did not attend experimental intervention sessions. Child BI assessments included weight and size perception, weight management goals, body esteem, and appearance attitudes. Significant effects included small decreases in BMIz scores and overweight dissatisfaction, as well as improvements in aspects of body esteem and appearance attitudes. Some BI effects were gender-specific. Decreases in overweight dissatisfaction were greater following the experimental treatment. Neither treatment reduced body size misperception. Thus, parent-only obesity prevention interventions can reduce body weight and body image concerns among rural preteens.
authors: 4-Health Project, Montana State University Extension, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA. Electronic address: galen.eldridge@montana.edu.
authors: Galen
authors: G
authors: Eldridge
authors: Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA. Electronic address: lpaul@montana.edu.
authors: Lynn
authors: L
authors: Paul
authors: Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA. Electronic address: baileys@montana.edu.
authors: Sandra J
authors: SJ
authors: Bailey
authors: 4-Health Project, Montana State University Extension, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA. Electronic address: carrie.benke@montana.edu.
authors: Carrie Benke
authors: CB
authors: Ashe
authors: 4-Health Project, Montana State University Extension, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA. Electronic address: jmartz@montana.edu.
authors: Jill
authors: J
authors: Martz
authors: Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA. Electronic address: wlynch@montana.edu.
authors: Wesley
authors: W
authors: Lynch
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Body esteem; Body image; Body size perception; Obesity prevention; Overweight dissatisfaction; Rural preteens