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Introduction: There is convincing evidence that family environment plays an important role in influencing the obesity related-behaviors in adolescents. Considering the necessity of understanding the familial correlates of obesity in adolescents, and the lack of related studies in Iran, this study aimed to explore mothers’ perceptions and experiences regarding these associated factors of overweight and obesity related behaviors in adolescents. Materials and Methods: A grounded theory approach was used for analyzing the participants' experiences, and their perceptions. To collect data, 6 semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted with 25 mothers who had at least one overweight or obese child. Based on open sampling, with the aim of maximal variation of the participants’ experiences, two demographically diverse areas from the north and south of Tehran were selected and then followed with theoretical sampling. All the focus group discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data collection and analysis were done simultaneously using the Strauss and Corbin analysis method. Results: Five main familial correlates of overweight and obesity in adolescents emerged from data: 1) Parents with inadequate knowledge, 2) Parents’ modeling of unhealthy behaviors, 3) Dissimilarity of members, 4) Maternal employment and 5) Children’s studies being the top priority for parents. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate familial correlates of overweight and obesity in adolescents as perceived by mothers, correlates that must be addressed by effective interventions for tackling overweight and obesity in adolescents

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Introduction: This study aimed at investigating the association between obesity indices (Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)) and dietary patterns derived from Reduced Rank Regression (RRR) analysis  among Tehranian adults in a cohort study. Materials and Methods: Over a duration of 6 years, 141 adults were examined before and after 6 years for obesity indices. Dietary intakes were recorded at baseline by two 24 hour dietary recalls. RRR analysis derived five patterns with respect to total fat, polyunsaturated-to-saturated fat ratio, cholesterol, fiber and calcium intakes. The calculated factor scores were categorized in quintiles and changes in obesity indices were scrutinized within these quintiles. Results: The first pattern (traditional) showed high loadings on refined carbohydrates, whole grain, vegetables, red and processed meat, saturated and trans fat, egg, showing significant high positive correlation with fat, cholesterol and calcium intakes (r=0.478, 0.626, and 0.486, respectively p<0.001). All obesity indices had an increasing trend across quintiles of pattern score (p<0.05 for BMI and WHR, p<0.001 for WC). The fifth pattern (egg) had high loading for eggs, salty snacks, and fruits, and negative loadings for red and processed meat, saturated and trans fat, plant oil, and dairy products, indicating increasing trends for WC (p<0.001) and WHR (p<0.05) after adjustment for potential confounders. Other patterns showed non-significant trends for obesity indices. Conclusion: RRR analyses were indicative of two dominant dietary patterns correlated with increase in obesity indices in Tehran.