Impact of Maternal Nutritional Status and Mental Health on Children with Obesity: Relationship Between Anthropometric Parameters, Food Addiction, and Stress

Childhood obesity is a complex and multifactorial disease influenced by various factors including behavioral, physical, and psychological conditions. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the impact of maternal and child stress and food addiction on the nutritional status of children with obesity. Children aged 6 to 12 years were divided into Control Group (n = 42) and Obesity Group (n = 68) according to BMI-Z score. Mothers were allocated to their children’s respective groups. Anthropometric measures, body composition, stress levels, and food addiction were evaluated in both children and mothers. Children with obesity exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of food addiction compared to controls (22.1% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.006), while mothers in the control group showed higher stress levels (68.6% vs. 46.3%, p = 0.039). Positive correlations were observed between mother–child pairs for weight (r = 0.433, p < 0.01) and waist circumference (r = 0.461, p < 0.01). In children, food addiction was a significant predictor of BMI-Z scores (adjusted R square = 0.186); however, maternal BMI and stress were more important predictors (adjusted R square = 0.468). These findings highlight the influence of maternal physical and psychological health on childhood BMI-Z scores. Effective interventions should target both mother and child to improve overall health outcomes.