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Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 August 2024 | Viewed by 29992

Special Issue Editors

1. Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group (CARIN), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
2. CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
Interests: diet; adult and child obesity; physical activity; cardiovascular disease; epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
1. Gasol Foundation, Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830 Barcelona, Spain
2. GREpS, Health Education Research Group, Nursing and Physiotherapy Department, University of Lleida, 25008 Lleida, Spain
Interests: behavioural change; healthy lifestyles; Paediatric obesity; epidemiology; Psychosocial determinants; Community-Based Interventions; Family-Based Interventions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century and affects 42 million children worldwide. According to WHO (World Health Organization), 70 million young children will be overweight or obese by 2025. Poor lifestyle and unhealthy behaviors together with an obesogenic environment might favor weight gain. Additionally, parents are an integral part of children’s social influence and are therefore greatly involved in shaping their children’s behaviors. The development of effective obesity intervention programs is paramount for tackling this disease. Therefore, we need to unravel the role of potential determinants.

In this Special Issue, we focus on the potential impact of lifestyle, obesogenic behaviors, and environment on overweight and obesity in children and adolescents and results of childhood obesity prevention programs. Submissions can include original articles on intervention and epidemiological studies along with review articles.

Dr. Helmut Schroder
Dr. Santiago F. Gomez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • childhood
  • obesity
  • overweight
  • diet
  • physical activity
  • behavior
  • environment
  • parental

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 277 KiB  
Article
Association of Peer Network with Childhood Obesity in DECIDE-Children Program
by Ping Li, Jinlang Lyu, Shuang Zhou, Zheng Liu, Xiangxian Feng, Yi Lin, Aiyu Gao, Fang Zhang and Haijun Wang
Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4154; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194154 - 26 Sep 2023
Viewed by 811
Abstract
Some studies have found associations between the peer network and childhood obesity. The present study aimed to analyze the association of the peer network with obesity-related cognition, behaviors and adiposity indicators, and explore whether peer network influences the effect of a childhood-obesity intervention. [...] Read more.
Some studies have found associations between the peer network and childhood obesity. The present study aimed to analyze the association of the peer network with obesity-related cognition, behaviors and adiposity indicators, and explore whether peer network influences the effect of a childhood-obesity intervention. Based on DECIDE-Children, 1392 children’s friendship nominations within the class were collected and peer network indicators including the network size, network density, and in- and out-degree centrality were calculated. The linear mixed model was used to analyze the association between peer network indicators and children’s cognition, behaviors and adiposity indicators (body mass index (BMI), BMI z score, the prevalence of overweight and obesity). Children with a higher in-degree centrality had 34.4% (95%CI: 17.4% to 48.1%) lower risk of overweight or obesity. The baseline degree centrality was inversely associated with the BMI and BMI z score at the end of the trial. For each unit increase in in-degree centrality at baseline, the BMI at the end of the trial decreased by 0.047 (95%CI: 0.015 to 0.080), and the BMI z score decreased by 0.015 (95%CI: 0.003 to 0.028). Children’s popularity reflected by centrality in their peer network was associated with cognition, behaviors, and adiposity indicators. Future childhood-obesity intervention research could pay more attention to socially inactive children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)
13 pages, 2144 KiB  
Article
Independent and Joined Association between Socioeconomic Indicators and Pediatric Obesity in Spain: The PASOS Study
by Clara Homs, Paula Berruezo, Albert Arcarons, Julia Wärnberg, Maddi Osés, Marcela González-Gross, Narcis Gusi, Susana Aznar, Elena Marín-Cascales, Miguel Ángel González-Valeiro, Lluis Serra-Majem, Nicolás Terrados, Josep A. Tur, Marta Segú, Montserrat Fitó, Juan Carlos Benavente-Marín, Idoia Labayen, Augusto G. Zapico, Jesús Sánchez-Gómez, Fabio Jiménez-Zazo, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Marta Sevilla-Sanchez, Estefanía Herrera-Ramos, Susana Pulgar-Muñoz, Cristina Bouzas, Raimon Milà, Helmut Schröder and Santiago F. Gómezadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1987; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081987 - 20 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2161
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a public health problem worldwide. An important determinant of child and adolescent obesity is socioeconomic status (SES). However, the magnitude of the impact of different SES indicators on pediatric obesity on the Spanish population scale is unclear. The aim of [...] Read more.
Childhood obesity is a public health problem worldwide. An important determinant of child and adolescent obesity is socioeconomic status (SES). However, the magnitude of the impact of different SES indicators on pediatric obesity on the Spanish population scale is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the association between three SES indicators and obesity in a nationwide, representative sample of Spanish children and adolescents. A total of 2791 boys and girls aged 8 to 16 years old were included. Their weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. SES was assessed using two parent/legal guardian self-reported indicators (educational level -University/non-University- and labor market status -Employed/Unemployed-). As a third SES indicator, the annual mean income per person was obtained from the census section where the participating schools were located (≥12.731€/<12.731€). The prevalence of obesity, severe obesity, and abdominal obesity was 11.5%, 1.4%, and 22.3%, respectively. Logistic regression models showed an inverse association of both education and labor market status with obesity, severe obesity, and abdominal obesity (all p < 0.001). Income was also inversely associated with obesity (p < 0.01) and abdominal obesity (p < 0.001). Finally, the highest composite SES category (University/Employed/≥12.731€ n = 517) showed a robust and inverse association with obesity (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.16–0.48), severe obesity (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.05–0.81), and abdominal obesity (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.23–0.54) in comparison with the lowest composite SES category (Less than University/Unemployed/<12.731€; n = 164). No significant interaction between composite SES categories and age and gender was found. SES is strongly associated with pediatric obesity in Spain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)
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12 pages, 682 KiB  
Article
Added Sugar Consumption in Spanish Children (7–12 y) and Nutrient Density of Foods Contributing to Such Consumption: An Observational Study
by Marta Palma-Morales, María Dolores Mesa-García and Jesús R. Huertas
Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030560 - 21 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3506
Abstract
Background: Diets rich in free sugars are associated with an increased risk of obesity. The aim of the present study is to estimate the intake of added sugars in the population of Spanish children and analyze the quality of the foods that contribute [...] Read more.
Background: Diets rich in free sugars are associated with an increased risk of obesity. The aim of the present study is to estimate the intake of added sugars in the population of Spanish children and analyze the quality of the foods that contribute to this intake. Methods: An observational study was conducted to collect self-reported information on weekly food consumption in 1775 Spanish children (7–12 years). Nutrient contents were obtained from different databases. Two nutritional density indices were constructed taking into account all nutrients provided and compared with two previously described indices. Results: The average consumption of added sugars in Spanish children was 55.7 ± 1.0 g/day. The products that most contributed to added sugar intake were biscuits (13.3%), cocoa powder (11.1%), sweetened yogurts (9.9%), and dairy desserts (8.6%). Among these, dairy products had considerable nutritional value. Parents’ perception of nutritional value was not aligned with the actual nutritional value. Conclusion: The consumption of added sugars was higher than recommended. Public awareness efforts should focus on: (1) the reduction of consumption of low-nutritional quality products containing high amounts of added sugars; (2) the industrial reformulation of most consumed products to reduce sugar content and increase valuable nutrients; and (3) nutritional education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)
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10 pages, 549 KiB  
Article
Prospective Association between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Children
by Charlotte Juton, Paula Berruezo, Luis Rajmil, Carles Lerin, Montserrat Fíto, Clara Homs, Genís Según, Santiago F. Gómez and Helmut Schröder
Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5304; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245304 - 14 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2603
Abstract
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is gaining attention in children and adolescents because it is an important outcome of their health status and well-being. Therefore, it is important to identify determinants for HRQoL. Currently, there is scarce and mainly cross-sectional evidence on the [...] Read more.
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is gaining attention in children and adolescents because it is an important outcome of their health status and well-being. Therefore, it is important to identify determinants for HRQoL. Currently, there is scarce and mainly cross-sectional evidence on the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and HRQoL in children and adolescents. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess the prospective association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and HRQoL in Spanish children. The study was carried out in 1371 children aged 8 to 10 from different Catalan elementary schools with a medium follow-up of 15 months. The KidMed and KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaires were used to assess the relationship between diet and HRQoL, respectively. The KidMed score at baseline was positively associated with HRQoL (β = 0.320; 95% CI 0.101–0.540) after adjusting for confounders. Additionally, the logistic regression analysis showed positive associations between baseline consumption of fruit, vegetables, pulses, and high adherence to the Mediterranean diet and HRQoL at follow-up (p < 0.05 for all) while the consumption of fast-food, pasta or rice, baked good or pastries, and sweets were negatively correlated (p < 0.05 for all) with HRQoL at follow-up. In conclusion, adherence of the Mediterranean diet was predictive for HRQoL in Spanish children, but further prospective studies are needed to confirm this result. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)
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11 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Influences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Obesity and Weight-Related Behaviors among Chinese Children: A Multi-Center Longitudinal Study
by Yirong He, Biru Luo, Li Zhao and Shujuan Liao
Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3744; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183744 - 10 Sep 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2157
Abstract
COVID-19-related lockdown measures have been affecting children’s weight status and weight-related behaviors, which are often associated with an increase in childhood obesity. However, large-scale longitudinal studies are lacking. Our study aimed to analyze changes in obesity and weight-related behaviors in Chinese children before [...] Read more.
COVID-19-related lockdown measures have been affecting children’s weight status and weight-related behaviors, which are often associated with an increase in childhood obesity. However, large-scale longitudinal studies are lacking. Our study aimed to analyze changes in obesity and weight-related behaviors in Chinese children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide references for addressing the high prevalence of childhood obesity. A prospective multi-center longitudinal survey was conducted among Chinese children (n = 5963), collecting data on weight status, COVID-19-related measures, and lifestyle behaviors. Changes were assessed using t-tests and χ2 tests for paired samples, or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, according to the type and distribution of data. The Generalized Estimating Equations model was used to explore influential factors of obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 9.2% and 8.6% before the pandemic to 10.5% and 10.6% during the pandemic (p < 0.001), respectively. Daily physical activity, sleep duration, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption decreased while screen time increased. The results of the generalized estimating equations showed that ethnic minority, older age, less daily physical activity, reduced sleep duration, and longer screen time were positively associated with obesity. There is an intensifying trend of obesity in children in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, to which altered weight-related behaviors might have contributed largely. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially in social crises, should be highlighted to ease the burden of childhood obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)
10 pages, 564 KiB  
Article
Effects of a 12-Month Hybrid (In-Person + Virtual) Education Program in the Glycemic Status of Arab Youth
by Nasser M. Al-Daghri, Osama E. Amer, AbdulAziz Hameidi, Hanan Alfawaz, Mohammed Alharbi, Malak N. K. Khattak, Abdullah M. Alnaami, Naji J. Aljohani, Ghadah Alkhaldi, Kaiser Wani and Shaun Sabico
Nutrients 2022, 14(9), 1759; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091759 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1842
Abstract
This 12-month school-based intervention study investigated the effects of hybrid educational lifestyle modifications on glycemic control among Saudi youth with different glycemic statuses. A total of 2600 Arab adolescents aged 12–18 years were recruited from 60 randomly selected schools. Anthropometrics, blood glucose, and [...] Read more.
This 12-month school-based intervention study investigated the effects of hybrid educational lifestyle modifications on glycemic control among Saudi youth with different glycemic statuses. A total of 2600 Arab adolescents aged 12–18 years were recruited from 60 randomly selected schools. Anthropometrics, blood glucose, and HbA1c were measured pre- and post-intervention. Participants were grouped according to baseline HbA1c into normal, prediabetes, and diabetes groups. All participants received lifestyle education at base line and at every 3-month interval to improve diet and exercise behavior. Diabetic and prediabetic participants received a tailored lifestyle intervention. Post-intervention, 643 participants were analyzed as follows: 20 participants from the diabetes group, 39 from prediabetes, and 584 from the normal group. A modest but significant improvement in the glycemic status of diabetic and prediabetic participants was observed, but not in the normal group. In the diabetes group, 11 (55%) participants achieved normal HbA1c levels, 5 had prediabetes levels, and only 4 remained within diabetes HbA1c levels. In the prediabetes group, 34 (87.2%) participants achieved normal HbA1c levels, while 2 (5.1%) participants remained prediabetic and 3 (7.7%) had diabetes HbA1c levels (p < 0.001). This hybrid lifestyle intervention program modestly reduces the risk of T2DM among youth with elevated HbA1c levels. The challenge of sustaining interest in adopting lifestyle changes for a longer duration should be addressed in further studies in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)
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15 pages, 315 KiB  
Article
Determinants of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Spanish Children and Adolescents: The PASOS Study
by Maria del Mar Bibiloni, Laura Gallardo-Alfaro, Santiago F. Gómez, Julia Wärnberg, Maddi Osés-Recalde, Marcela González-Gross, Narcís Gusi, Susana Aznar, Elena Marín-Cascales, Miguel A. González-Valeiro, Lluís Serra-Majem, Nicolás Terrados, Marta Segu, Camille Lassale, Clara Homs, Juan Carlos Benavente-Marín, Idoia Labayen, Augusto G. Zapico, Jesús Sánchez-Gómez, Fabio Jiménez-Zazo, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Marta Sevilla-Sánchez, Estefanía Herrera-Ramos, Susana Pulgar, Clara Sistac, Helmut Schröder, Cristina Bouzas and Josep A. Turadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Nutrients 2022, 14(4), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040738 - 09 Feb 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3225
Abstract
A progressive shift away from traditional healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), has been observed in recent decades. The aim of this study was to assess determinants of optimal adherence to the MedDiet in Spanish children and adolescents. A cross-sectional [...] Read more.
A progressive shift away from traditional healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), has been observed in recent decades. The aim of this study was to assess determinants of optimal adherence to the MedDiet in Spanish children and adolescents. A cross-sectional analysis was included in the PASOS nationwide representative study in Spain. Participants were 3607 children and adolescents; 8–16 years old. Primary and secondary outcome measures of weight and height were measured. Adherence to the MedDiet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in children and adolescents, as well as parental physical activity and dietary habits, were assessed. Optimal adherence to the MedDiet was observed in 45.5% of primary school students and 34.8% of secondary school students (OR: 0.65; 95%CI: 0.56–0.75). Optimal adherence to the MedDiet was higher in children/adolescents meeting daily recommended moderate and vigorous physical activity (OR: 2.39, 95%CI: 1.97–2.89) and in those meeting daily recommended screen time on weekdays (OR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1.77–2.38) and weekends (OR: 1.76, 95%CI: 1.48–2.10). Participants with optimal adherence to the MedDiet were more likely to have mothers with a high-level education and high-tercile of SDQS, mothers who never smoked or were former smokers, and mothers who met the recommended physical activity and screen time. It can be concluded that a low prevalence of optimal adherence to the MedDiet was found among current Spanish children and adolescents. Optimal adherence to the MedDiet was associated with reaching the recommendations on physical activity and screen time, with the highest maternal educational level, and healthier maternal lifestyles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)
19 pages, 674 KiB  
Article
Anthropometric Measurements, Sociodemographics, and Lifestyle Behaviors among Saudi Adolescents Living in Riyadh Relative to Sex and Activity Energy Expenditure: Findings from the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study 2 (ATLS-2)
by Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa, Shaima A. Alothman, Abdullah F. Alghannam and Alaa A. Almasud
Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010110 - 27 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3044
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the anthropometric measurements, sociodemographics, and lifestyle behaviors among Saudi adolescents relative to sex and physical activity (PA). A random cross-sectional survey conducted on Saudi adolescents from secondary schools in Riyadh, using a multistage stratified cluster [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to examine the anthropometric measurements, sociodemographics, and lifestyle behaviors among Saudi adolescents relative to sex and physical activity (PA). A random cross-sectional survey conducted on Saudi adolescents from secondary schools in Riyadh, using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. Measurements included demographics, weight, height, waist circumference, PA, sedentary behaviors (SB), sleep duration, and dietary habits using a validated questionnaire. A total of 1262 adolescents (16.4 ± 0.95 years; 52.4% males) were studied. Overweight/obesity was more than 40%. Physical inactivity among adolescents was 53%, which indicates some improvement over the past years, especially among females. More than 80% of adolescents had over three hours/day of screen time, with no significant sex differences. Insufficient sleep was highly prevalent with gender differences. A large proportion of the participants did not consume daily breakfast (65.7%), vegetables (73.2%), fruits (84.2%), or milk/dairy products (62.4%), whereas significant proportions of the adolescents consumed sugar-sweetened drinks, fast food, French fries/potato chips, cake/donuts, and chocolates/candy on at least three days or more per week. It was concluded that non-daily intake of breakfast and vegetables was significantly associated with lower PA. The updated information can aid in effectively planning and implementing promotional programs toward improving the lifestyle behaviors of Saudi adolescent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)
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16 pages, 545 KiB  
Article
Research on Environmental Influencing Factors of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents in China
by Yaru Guo, Xiaojian Yin, Yi Sun, Ting Zhang, Ming Li, Feng Zhang, Yuan Liu, Jianyi Xu, Dandan Pei and Tianlong Huang
Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010035 - 23 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3802
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the impact of environmental factors such as latitude, altitude, family socioeconomic status (SES), and level of urbanization on overweight and obesity (ow/ob) in children and adolescents. The participants comprised 26,120 children and adolescents aged 10–18 from 16 provinces [...] Read more.
This study aimed to explore the impact of environmental factors such as latitude, altitude, family socioeconomic status (SES), and level of urbanization on overweight and obesity (ow/ob) in children and adolescents. The participants comprised 26,120 children and adolescents aged 10–18 from 16 provinces in China. Differences in the prevalence of ow/ob under different environmental conditions were evaluated by the chi-square test. The influence of various environmental factors on ow/ob was obtained by logistic regression analysis. We found that (1) the prevalence of ow/ob fell between from 19.2% to 11.9% at 10 years old and from 13.8% to 6% at 18 years old; (2) latitude, family SES, income, and urbanization level are positively correlated with the prevalence of ow/ob; and (3) altitude has a negative correlation with the prevalence of ow/ob. The prevalence of ow/ob decreased with age in children and adolescents aged 10–18, and the risk of ow/ob showed significant differences in latitude, altitude, family SES level, gross domestic product (GDP), and level of urbanization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)
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10 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
Perceived Produce Availability and Child Fruit and Vegetable Intake: The Healthy Communities Study
by Laurel F. Moffat, Lorrene D. Ritchie, Wendi Gosliner, Kaela R. Plank and Lauren E. Au
Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3681; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113681 - 20 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1858
Abstract
Children eat more fruits and vegetables when more are available at home, but less is known about how the neighborhood food environment relates to children’s diet and weight outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine whether parental perception of the food [...] Read more.
Children eat more fruits and vegetables when more are available at home, but less is known about how the neighborhood food environment relates to children’s diet and weight outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine whether parental perception of the food environment (neighborhood and home) is associated with children’s fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake and weight outcomes, and to assess differences by household food security status and household income. Cross-sectional data from the 2013–2015 U.S. Healthy Communities Study included 5138 children, aged 4 to 15 years old, from 130 U.S. communities. Neighborhood and home food environments were assessed with parent-reported, perceived F&V availability scores. Associations were tested with multi-level linear regression models. Parents’ perception of produce availability was associated with household F&V availability ratings (β = 0.09 points, p < 0.001). Household F&V availability was associated with child F&V intake (β = 0.32 cups/day or 25.6 g/day, p < 0.001). A higher child F&V intake was associated with a lower child BMI z-score (β = −0.05, p = 0.002). Weaker relationships were seen for children living in food insecure or low-income households. Optimizing neighborhood and home access to F&V may help children improve diet quality, but may not be as effective for children living in food insecure or low-income households. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)
16 pages, 305 KiB  
Article
Association between Food Preferences and Food Habits in a Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study
by Dominika Skolmowska, Dominika Głąbska and Dominika Guzek
Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3003; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093003 - 28 Aug 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3384
Abstract
Food preferences are among the most influential factors of food habits in the vulnerable period of adolescence; in addition, gender-dependent differences in food preferences are also observed. The aim of the present study was to analyze differences in food habits between individuals stratified [...] Read more.
Food preferences are among the most influential factors of food habits in the vulnerable period of adolescence; in addition, gender-dependent differences in food preferences are also observed. The aim of the present study was to analyze differences in food habits between individuals stratified based on their food preferences in a population-based sample of adolescents aged 15–20. The study was conducted within the Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study population in a group of 2419 secondary school students who were randomly chosen to participate in the study using a random quota sampling procedure. The food preferences were determined on the basis of a validated Food Preference Questionnaire (FPQ) (which enables assessing preference of vegetables, fruit, meat/fish, dairy, snacks, and starches), whereas food habits were determined on the basis of the Adolescents’ Food Habits Checklist (AFHC) (which enables assessing food purchase, preparation, and consumption habits). The analysis involved three homogenous clusters (‘low-preferring’, ‘hedonists’, and ‘high-preferring’), which were identified using the k-means algorithm. It was found that for a number of the assessed food purchase, preparation, and consumption habits, there were statistically significant differences between the ‘low-preferring’, ‘hedonists’, and ‘high-preferring’ clusters. Within food purchase habits, the food preference influenced frequency of buying pastries/cakes and frequency of eating takeaway meals for all the respondents, while for female respondents, it influenced also choice of desserts in restaurants, and for male respondents, it influenced choosing a low-fat lunch away from home (p < 0.05). Within food preparation habits, the food preference influenced the fat content in desserts at home, the frequency of eating at least one serving of vegetables/salad with an evening meal, the frequency of spreading butter/margarine on bread thinly, and the frequency of having cream on desserts for all the respondents; meanwhile, for female respondents, it also influenced the frequency of avoiding fried foods and the frequency of including chocolate/biscuits in their packed lunch (p < 0.05). Within food consumption habits, the food preference influenced the frequency of eating a dessert/pudding, eating at least one serving of fruit a day, eating at least one serving of vegetables/salad a day, avoiding sausages/burgers, trying to ensure they eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, and frequency of choosing fruit as a snack for all the respondents; meanwhile, for male respondents, it also influenced the frequency of eating sweet snacks and eating at least three servings of fruit most days (p < 0.05). Taking into account that some improper food habits may be typical for the specific clusters, there is an urgent need to analyze and address them for the purposes of public health and to bear in mind that some of those habits are gender-dependent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)
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