Relationships between the Frequency of Family Meals, Overweight, Dietary Intake and TV Viewing Behaviors among White, Hispanic, and Black Maryland Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Objective: Examine relationships between frequency of family meals (FFM) and overweight, dietary intake (DI) and TV viewing behaviors, and examine relationships by race/ethnicity among adolescent girls.

Methods: Secondary analysis of TAAG 2 data was conducted. Participants categorized in two groups based on overweight status. Personal data, DI and TV viewing behaviors were collected. Multivariate logistic regression used to estimate parameters.

Results: No association between FFM and overweight or between FFM and overweight by race/ethnicity; significant associations found in the relationships between FFM and specific DI and TV viewing behaviors; and effect modification plays role in the relationship between FFM and weekly breakfast intake only.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that additional research is needed to establish if FFM has an effect on overweight, families who have ≥three FM may promote positive DI behaviors and watch less TV, and more studies exploring the racial/ethnic differences in FFM and DI behaviors relationship are needed.