Practicing and encouraging the use of diets by the father can predict risk behaviors for eating disorders? A systematic review

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

To assess whether parental modeling, regarding the practice and/or encouragement of diets, can predict risk behaviors related to eating disorders (EDs) in children and adolescents.

Methods:

A systematic review of studies published until June 2022, available in indexed databases – such as PubMed, Virtual Health Library, SciELO and Cochrane Library, was carried out. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in Portuguese, Spanish and English were included and assessed for risk of bias according to the NewCastle – Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.

Results:

Fourteen studies were considered in the review. Most of them are cross-sectional (71.4%), coming from the United States and European countries (57.1%), in addition to presenting a low risk of bias (85.7%). Most of the studies found associations between parental encouragement of diets (direct modeling) and risk behaviors in children and adolescents, such as the use of weight control methods, body dissatisfaction and food restriction. Few studies have related the father’s habit of dieting (indirect modeling) with these behaviors.

Conclusions:

Data support the idea that direct modeling, that is, verbal encouragement to use diets, can be very harmful, especially to individuals who are excessively concerned about weight and food. Future research is needed to assess the impact of parental eating practices and the development of possible actions to prevent weight-related problems.

KEYWORDS
Eating disorders; disordered eating; risk behavior; paternal; child; adolescent