The Influence of Parental Dieting Behavior on Child Dieting Behavior and Weight Status

Purpose of Review: To explore the relationship that parental dieting behavior (e.g., dieting, encouragement to diet, weight-teasing) has on child dieting behavior and weight status. Recent Findings: Encouragement to diet and weight-teasing are both strong predictors of child dieting behavior in both childhood and adolescence. The impact of parent modeling of dieting behavior on child dieting behavior is mixed, but there is enough evidence to suggest that modeling is more impactful on daughters than sons and when parents are modeling unhealthy and extreme weight control behaviors (e.g., skipping meals). Summary: Parental dieting, both via modeling and increased use of encouragement to diet and weight-teasing, is associated with negative child eating and weight outcomes. Parental use of direct communication surrounding weight appears to be a more salient risk factor than parental modeling of dieting behavior. Future work is needed to develop strategies for parents to lower their child’s risk of dieting.