Food Choices and Overweight in Children and Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Vichuda L. Matthews, Michelle Wien, Joan Sabaté
Primary Institution: Loma Linda University
Hypothesis
The study investigates the association between the risk of overweight and the consumption of food groups in children and adolescents.
Conclusion
Regular intake of specific plant foods may prevent overweight among children and adolescents.
Supporting Evidence
- Grains, nuts, and low nutrient-dense foods were inversely related to the risk of being overweight.
- Dairy consumption was associated with an increased risk of overweight.
- Vegetable intake showed a protective effect against overweight.
Takeaway
Eating more grains, nuts, and vegetables can help kids stay healthy and not gain too much weight, while eating too much dairy might make them gain weight.
Methodology
The study used logistic regression models to analyze food consumption data from a food frequency questionnaire among children and adolescents.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of low nutrient-dense foods and overreporting of plant foods among overweight children.
Limitations
The study lacked ethnicity data and could not adjust for total energy expenditure or daily physical activity.
Participant Demographics
Healthy children and adolescents aged 6-19 years from 16 Seventh-Day Adventist schools and 13 public schools in Southern California.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
0.41-0.83
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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