Children were weighed and measured for height, and then their body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) was classified into one of four categories (underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese) using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) pediatric growth charts [44]. Because recent research revealed that both BMI and depression in women were associated positively with sweet foods consumption [45], and that obese women liked the taste of sweets (and fats) more than the non-obese women [46], we wanted to explore whether there were associations among children's sweet preferences, maternal obesity and mood states and familial history of alcoholism. Mothers were weighed and measured and standard BMI categories were assigned [47]: normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30.0 kg/m2). They also completed the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire [48].
