Tracking BMI Changes in Parent–Child Dyads: Insights From the Feel4Diabetes Study
Authors' conclusion
Parental BMI reductions, especially when both parents are involved, contribute to favourable BMI changes in children. The changes were more pronounced in HR-families, underscoring the need for interventions targeting the whole family in populations at elevated risk for type 2 diabetes.
Study context
- Population
- Children (age 8.2 ± 1.0 years) and their parents in the Feel4Diabetes study; all families and families at high risk for T2D (HR-families)children and their parents
- Participants
- 12,280 children
- Comparison
- Changes in parental BMI vs change in child BMIz
- Primary endpoint
- Change in child BMI-for-age z-score (BMIz) in relation to parental BMI changes
- Follow-up
- 2 years
Methodological detailslongitudinal cohort analysis, 2-year follow-up, adjusted for study design and baseline socio-demographic factors
- Longitudinal cohort analysis
- 2-year follow-up
- Adjusted for study design and baseline socio-demographic factors
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Change in child BMIz per 1 kg/m² decrease in parental BMI (all families)
Independent decrease in maternal BMI: change in child BMIz, mean
−0.037 (−0.041, −0.033) (95% CI)
Independent decrease in paternal BMI: change in child BMIz, mean
−0.027 (−0.031, −0.023) (95% CI)
Joint parental effect (stronger)
−0.32
−0.36, −0.28
Further findings
Joint parental effect on child BMIz in HR-families · 2 years
- Joint parental effect, HR-families (particularly stronger)
- −0.34 (−0.42, −0.26)
Original publication
Tracking BMI Changes in Parent–Child Dyads: Insights From the Feel4Diabetes Study. Pediatr Obes. Published 12 February 2026. doi:10.
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