Family Structure and Adolescent Obesity

Christine Himes, Syracuse University

The prevalence of obesity is rapidly rising in the U.S. population. In this research, I examine the role of family structure in adolescent overweight status. Working parents and single parents are less likely to be available to monitor their childrens’ food intake, more reliant on convenience foods and restaurant meals, and less able to provide recreational opportunities for children. I hypothesize, therefore, that children from single parent families and from families where both parents work are more likely to be overweight than children in two parent, one earner families. Results indicate a relationship between family structure and overweight among teens. Highest rates of overweight are found in single mother families, 19% compared to 15% in two parent families. In two parent families, having both parents working also increases the rate of overweight among children.