Head Start Children's Lifestyle Behaviors, Parental Perceptions of Weight, and Body Mass Index

This study examined lifestyle behaviors (food intake, active play, and screen time), parental perception of children's weight, and body mass index (BMI) of children enrolled in Head Start. Ninety-six parent–child dyads participated. Obesity prevalence (15.6%) was higher than the national average (10.4%); however, most parents (86.5%) of obese children did not perceive their children as obese. Regardless of BMI, food intake and active play levels generally did not meet recommended guidelines. Further, children who were less active were more likely to eat snacks (χ² = 6.24, p ≤ .04). The role of pediatric nurses in counseling and referring Head Start families is explored.

Key words: Preschool children, Head start, Fruit and vegetable intake, Snacks, Active play, Screen time