ADULT OBESITY AND FUNCTIONING IN THE FAMILY-OF-ORIGIN

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between eating and weight behaviors and functioning in individuals' families of origin. Method: Subjects were 237 women and 242 men enrolled in the RENO (Rela tionship of Energy, Nutrition, and Obesity) Diet-Heart Study, a prospe ctive 5-year study of the effects of weight fluctuation on cardiovascu lar disease risk factors in normal weight and obese adults. Variables of primary interest included subjects' body mass index (BMI) age of on set of obesity, eating attitudes, lack of control while eating, and fa mily functioning Results: In men, higher family cohesion was related t o healthier eating attitudes and better control over eating controllin g for age, BMI, and adaptability, whereas higher adaptability (changin g rules and poor leadership) was related to earlier onset of obesity a nd more disturbed eating attitudes. Cohesion and adaptability were not related to body weight or eating variables in women. Discussion: The lower societal pressure on men to be thin may increase the importance of family factors in influencing their shape and weight. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.