Determinants of parental perception and support on youth physical activity.

The study examines the impact of parental perception of children's weight and parental support on children's physical activity (PA) by weight groups. Multivariate regressions of parental perception of children's weight, parental support, and children's PA were conducted using parent-reported survey data. Results show that parental support was positively associated with children's PA. The impact of parental perception on children's PA and parenting behaviors varied depending on children's actual weight status. Parents may need more education and help to increase their knowledge about children's healthy weight and the problems associated with being outside the healthy weight zone.