Cited by 904Eating Disorders and BehaviorsObesity, Physical Activity, DietChild Nutrition and Feeding Issues

Learning to overeat: maternal use of restrictive feeding practices promotes girls' eating in the absence of hunger

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Birch, Leann L, Fisher, Jennifer Orlet, Davison, Kirsten Krahnstoever·2003·The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Abstract

Background Experimental findings causally link restrictive child-feeding practices to overeating in children. However, longitudinal data are needed to determine the extent to which restrictive feeding practices promote overeating.Objectives Our objectives were to determine whether restrictive feeding practices foster girls' eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) and whether girls' weight status moderates the effects of restrictive feeding practices.Design Longitudinal data were used to create a study design featuring 2 maternal restriction factors (low and high), 2 weight-status factors (nonoverweight and overweight), and 3 time factors (ages 5, 7, and 9 y).Results Mean EAH increased significantly (P < 0.0001) from 5 to 9 y of age. Higher levels of restriction at 5 y of age predicted higher EAH at 7 y of age (P < 0.001) and at 9 y of age (P < 0.01). Girls who were already overweight at 5 y of age and who received higher levels of restriction had the highest EAH scores at 9 y of age (P < 0.05) and the greatest increases in EAH from 5 to 9 y of age (P < 0.01).Conclusions The developmental increase in EAH from 5 to 9 y of age may be especially problematic in obesigenic environments. These longitudinal data provide evidence that maternal restriction can promote overeating. Girls who are already overweight at 5 y of age may be genetically predisposed to be especially responsive to environmental cues. These findings are not expected to be generalized to boys or to other racial and ethnic groups.

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Crossref · 10.1093/ajcn/78.2.215

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Authors
Birch, L. L., Fisher, J. O., & Davison, K. K.
Affiliations
Pennsylvania State University (US)
Corresponding author
Birch, Leann L
Venue
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2003-08
Volume
78
Issue
2
Pages
215-220
ISSN
0002-9165 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W1903722649
Cited by
904
References
27
Citations by year
2026: 14 · 2025: 22 · 2024: 28 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 25 · 2021: 41 · 2020: 44 · 2019: 40 · 2018: 57 · 2017: 45 · 2016: 65 · 2015: 69 · 2014: 65 · 2013: 54 · 2012: 44
FWCI
24.97
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Center for Research Resources (M01RR010732)
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01HD032973)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues
Keywords
eating in the absence of hunger, maternal feeding practices, overeating, childhood obesity, overweight, sex differences, girls, weight status, environmental cues, child development
MeSH terms
Adult, Body Weight, Child, Child, Preschool, Feeding Behavior, Female, Humans, Hunger, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Mother-Child Relations

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