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Epidemiology

Clustering of diet, physical activity and overweight in parents and offspring in South India

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 67, pages 128–134 (2013)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background/objectives:

Although there are some studies on familial clustering of metabolic risk factors, there are few on clustering of diet and physical activity. The aim of this study was to identify the extent of familial clustering of weight status, diet and physical activity in urban and rural families in South India.

Subjects/methods:

Anthropometric, dietary and physical activity data were obtained for 325 offspring aged 8–21 years and both their parents from urban and rural South India. However, 294 single offspring and their parents were used for analysis. Body mass index (BMI) was computed and individuals categorized as normal, underweight and overweight/obese. Diet was assessed using food frequency questionnaires and physical activity using physical activity questionnaires.

Results:

Offspring BMI correlated significantly (P<0.001) with the BMIs of both parents (r=0.35, P<0.001). Percent protein, carbohydrate, total fat and saturated fat intakes were significantly correlated (P<0.001) between offspring and parents. Offspring physical activity level (PAL) correlated significantly with the mother (r=0.26, P<0.001), but not the father. A two-step cluster analysis revealed two distinct clusters: obesogenic and nonobesogenic. The obesogenic cluster, which consisted of 83% of families with at least one parent or offspring overweight, had significantly higher intakes of fat, saturated fat and higher sedentary activity levels but lower carbohydrate intakes and sleep duration (all P<0.001) among both offspring and parents.

Conclusions:

Diet, physical activity and BMI of children, adolescents and young adults in India is associated with parental behavior. Health promotion aimed at reducing obesity in these groups should address familial issues.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the Director, Dr Auburn Jacob of the Emmaus Hospital, Palamaner, India, for facilitating the study in the rural area and all the participants of the study, the field supervisor, Jayachitra Krishnaswamy Gajendran, and all field staff involved in the data collection and entry. We also acknowledge Sumathy Rangarajan and assistance from the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), Hamilton, Canada. The PURE study was approved by the Government of India, Ministry of Health Screening Committee (No. 50/9/Indo-CVD/05-NCD-II dt 17.4.2007).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. St John’s Research Institute, St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India

    S Swaminathan, T Thomas & M Vaz

  2. McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

    S Yusuf

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  1. S Swaminathan
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  2. T Thomas
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Correspondence to S Swaminathan.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Contributors: SS contributed to the design of the study, management of data collection, analysis and interpretation of data as well as led the writing of the manuscript; TT analyzed the data and interpreted the results and critically reviewed the drafts; SY contributed to the concept and design of the study and critically reviewed the drafts; MV contributed to the concept and design of the study, analysis and interpretation of the data and critically reviewed the drafts and the final manuscript.

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Swaminathan, S., Thomas, T., Yusuf, S. et al. Clustering of diet, physical activity and overweight in parents and offspring in South India. Eur J Clin Nutr 67, 128–134 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2012.192

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