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Nutrients
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Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity
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Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2015) | Viewed by 138151

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Nicole Larson

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Guest Editor
Division of Epidemiology and Community Health School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Nutrients, entitled “Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity”, welcomes the submission of manuscripts either describing original research or reviewing the scientific literature. Manuscripts should focus on strategies for addressing one or more of the multiple levels of influence on weight-related eating behaviors in preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents. Manuscripts that discuss theoretical models informing the design of interventions for preventing or managing obesity in pediatric populations are also welcomed.

Topics must have a clear focus on populations aged 2-18 years and discuss strategies for either preventing or managing excessive weight gain. Potential topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • Home and family environment characteristics that may be modified to prevent overconsumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor food choices or to encourage healthy alternatives
  • School and child care practices that have the potential to impact weight-related eating behaviors
  • Policy and environmental changes with the potential to impact weight-related eating behaviors
  • Media and marketing practices with the potential to impact family food purchases or child consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor food choices and healthy alternatives
  • The development or evaluation of nutritional interventions for treating overweight individuals and obesity in pediatric populations
  • The potential unintended consequences associated with nutritional approaches to the prevention or management of childhood obesity
  • Research strategies for developing a stronger understanding of nutritional approaches for either preventing or managing childhood obesity

Dr. Nicole Larson
Guest Editor

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

  • obesity
  • overweight
  • child
  • adolescent
  • nutrition policy
  • food marketing
  • food environment

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

198 KiB  
Article
Nutrition Interventions for Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity: What Do Parents Want from an eHealth Program?
by Tracy Burrows, Melinda Hutchesson, Li Kheng Chai, Megan Rollo, Geoff Skinner and Clare Collins
Nutrients 2015, 7(12), 10469-10479; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7125546 - 15 Dec 2015
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 11760
Abstract
With the growth of Internet technologies, offering interventions for child and family weight management in an online format may address barriers to accessing services. This study aimed to investigate (i) whether an eHealth family healthy lifestyle program would be of interest to parents; [...] Read more.
With the growth of Internet technologies, offering interventions for child and family weight management in an online format may address barriers to accessing services. This study aimed to investigate (i) whether an eHealth family healthy lifestyle program would be of interest to parents; and (ii) preferences and/or expectations for program components and features. Parents of children aged four to18 years were recruited through social media and completed an online survey (54 items) including closed and open-ended questions. Responses were collated using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Seventy-five participants were included (92% mothers, mean age 39.1 ± 8.6 years, mean BMI 27.6 ± 6.3 kg/m2). The index child had a mean age of 11 ± 6.2 years with 24% overweight/obese. The majority of parents (90.3%) reported interest in an online program, with preference expressed for a non-structured program to allow flexibility users to log-on and off as desired. Parents wanted a program that was easy to use, practical, engaging, endorsed by a reputable source, and able to provide individual tailoring and for their children to be directly involved. The current study supports the need for online delivery of a healthy lifestyle program that targets greater parental concerns of diet rather than child weight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
214 KiB  
Article
Associations of Child Temperament with Child Overweight and Breakfast Habits: A Population Study in Five-Year-Olds
by Thea Steen Skogheim and Margarete Erika Vollrath
Nutrients 2015, 7(12), 10116-10128; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7125522 - 03 Dec 2015
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 7209
Abstract
This study examines the associations of child temperament with overweight/obesity and breakfast habits. Participants were 17,409 five-year-olds whose mothers partake in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), and completed a questionnaire at the child’s 5th birthday. Temperament was assessed as externalizing, [...] Read more.
This study examines the associations of child temperament with overweight/obesity and breakfast habits. Participants were 17,409 five-year-olds whose mothers partake in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), and completed a questionnaire at the child’s 5th birthday. Temperament was assessed as externalizing, internalizing and sociable temperament. Breakfast habits differentiated between “every day”, “4 to 6 times a week”, and “0 to 3 times a week”. The child’s weight status was determined by Body Mass Index-percentiles and categorized as normal weight versus overweight/obese. Children with externalizing temperament had higher odds of being overweight and higher odds of not eating breakfast daily. Children high in internalizing temperament had higher odds of not eating breakfast daily, but not of being overweight. Children with average scores of sociability were more prone to being overweight but had normal breakfast habits. All results were adjusted for key confounders. That five-year-olds high in externalizing temperament had a higher risk to be overweight adds important information to the literature. The association of externalizing temperament with child breakfast habits so early in life is intriguing, as parents mostly control eating patterns in children that young. Mechanisms mediating this association should be explored. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
414 KiB  
Article
Change in Metabolic Profile after 1-Year Nutritional-Behavioral Intervention in Obese Children
by Elvira Verduci, Carlotta Lassandro, Roberta Giacchero, Vito Leonardo Miniello, Giuseppe Banderali and Giovanni Radaelli
Nutrients 2015, 7(12), 10089-10099; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7125520 - 03 Dec 2015
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6512
Abstract
Research findings are inconsistent about improvement of specific cardio-metabolic variables after lifestyle intervention in obese children. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of a 1-year intervention, based on normocaloric diet and physical activity, on body mass index (BMI), blood [...] Read more.
Research findings are inconsistent about improvement of specific cardio-metabolic variables after lifestyle intervention in obese children. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of a 1-year intervention, based on normocaloric diet and physical activity, on body mass index (BMI), blood lipid profile, glucose metabolism and metabolic syndrome. Eighty-five obese children aged ≥6 years were analyzed. The BMI z-score was calculated. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for lipids, insulin and glucose. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated and insulin resistance was defined as HOMA-IR >3.16. HOMA-β%, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index and triglyceride glucose index were calculated. The metabolic syndrome was defined in accordance with the International Diabetes Federation criteria. At the end of intervention children showed a reduction (mean (95% CI)) in BMI z-score (−0.58 (−0.66; −0.50)), triglycerides (−0.35 (−0.45; −0.25) mmol/L) and triglyceride glucose index (−0.29 (−0.37; −0.21)), and an increase in HDL cholesterol (0.06 (0.01; 0.11) mmol/L). Prevalence of insulin resistance declined from 51.8% to 36.5% and prevalence of metabolic syndrome from 17.1% to 4.9%. Nutritional-behavioral interventions can improve the blood lipid profile and insulin sensitivity in obese children, and possibly provide benefits in terms of metabolic syndrome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
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987 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Diet and Physical Activity in Paediatric Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients: A United Kingdom Case Control Study
by Philippa S. Gibson, Sarah Lang, Marianne Gilbert, Deepa Kamat, Sanjay Bansal, Martha E. Ford-Adams, Ashish P. Desai, Anil Dhawan, Emer Fitzpatrick, J. Bernadette Moore and Kathryn H. Hart
Nutrients 2015, 7(12), 9721-9733; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7125494 - 26 Nov 2015
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7932
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children, with prevalence rising alongside childhood obesity rates. This study aimed to characterise the habitual diet and activity behaviours of children with NAFLD compared to obese children without [...] Read more.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children, with prevalence rising alongside childhood obesity rates. This study aimed to characterise the habitual diet and activity behaviours of children with NAFLD compared to obese children without liver disease in the United Kingdom (UK). Twenty-four biopsy-proven paediatric NAFLD cases and eight obese controls without biochemical or radiological evidence of NAFLD completed a 24-h dietary recall, a Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ), a Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) and a 7-day food and activity diary (FAD), in conjunction with wearing a pedometer. Groups were well matched for age and gender. Obese children had higher BMI z-scores (p = 0.006) and BMI centiles (p = 0.002) than participants with NAFLD. After adjusting for multiple hypotheses testing and controlling for differences in BMI, no differences in macro- or micronutrient intake were observed as assessed using either 24-h recall or 7-day FAD (p > 0.001). Under-reporting was prevalent (NAFLD 75%, Obese Control 87%: p = 0.15). Restrained eating behaviours were significantly higher in the NAFLD group (p = 0.005), who also recorded more steps per day than the obese controls (p = 0.01). In conclusion, this is the first study to assess dietary and activity patterns in a UK paediatric NAFLD population. Only a minority of cases and controls were meeting current dietary and physical activity recommendations. Our findings do not support development of specific dietary/ physical activity guidelines for children with NAFLD; promoting adherence with current general paediatric recommendations for health should remain the focus of clinical management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
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211 KiB  
Article
The Family-Home Nutrition Environment and Dietary Intake in Rural Children
by Jennifer A. Jackson, Ellen Smit, Melinda M. Manore, Deborah John and Katherine Gunter
Nutrients 2015, 7(12), 9707-9720; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7125495 - 25 Nov 2015
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 8701
Abstract
Obesity and food insecurity rates are higher among rural compared to non-rural populations. Little is known, however, about how family-home environments influence childhood obesity-related behaviors, particularly in rural settings. This study examined associations between the family-home nutrition (FN) environment, food insecurity, and dietary [...] Read more.
Obesity and food insecurity rates are higher among rural compared to non-rural populations. Little is known, however, about how family-home environments influence childhood obesity-related behaviors, particularly in rural settings. This study examined associations between the family-home nutrition (FN) environment, food insecurity, and dietary intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, protein foods, and added sugars) in rural elementary school-age children (grades K-5/6; n = 102). Parents/caregivers completed surveys on FN, food insecurity, and the Block Kids Food Screener (BKFS). Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was calculated from measured height and weight. Approximately 33% of children were classified as overweight/obese and 28% of families were at-risk for food insecurity. Multivariable linear regression analyses examined associations between dietary intakes with FN and food insecurity. More favorable FN scores were associated with lower added sugar intake (B = −1.38, p = 0.04) and higher vegetable (B = 0.15, p < 0.001), fruit (B = 0.71, p = 0.01), and dairy (B = 0.31, p < 0.001) intakes. No significant associations were found between food insecurity and dietary intake. Given the association between higher FN scores and more favorable dietary intake, promoting healthy FN environments among rural children is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
845 KiB  
Article
Development of the Intervention Materials for the HomeStyles Obesity Prevention Program for Parents of Preschoolers
by Jennifer Martin-Biggers, Kim Spaccarotella, Colleen Delaney, Mallory Koenings, Gayle Alleman, Nobuko Hongu, John Worobey and Carol Byrd-Bredbenner
Nutrients 2015, 7(8), 6628-6669; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7085301 - 10 Aug 2015
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 8351
Abstract
Home environment is key to the development of obesity-preventing behaviors during childhood, yet few resources help preschool parents address factors at home associated with obesity risk. This paper describes creation of materials for an in-home intervention (HomeStyles) with this population. An advisory group [...] Read more.
Home environment is key to the development of obesity-preventing behaviors during childhood, yet few resources help preschool parents address factors at home associated with obesity risk. This paper describes creation of materials for an in-home intervention (HomeStyles) with this population. An advisory group of stakeholders and target audience members determined salient factors affecting childhood obesity to address in-home and developed program materials. The Social Cognitive Theory, Faith’s Core Behavior Change Strategies to Treat Childhood Obesity, Adult Learning Theory and motivational interviewing techniques guided development of 12 guides targeting strategies parents can use to shape the home environment. Interviews were conducted to determine effectiveness of the guides. Cognitive testing of guide design (n = 251) and content (n = 261) occurred in English and Spanish in New Jersey and Arizona with parents and home visitation staff who would present the guides. Interviews investigated perceptions of content usefulness and parent comprehension. Findings were also examined in light of theoretical underpinnings. Both home visitation staff and parents felt the guides were very readable and useful. Parents appreciated use of motivational interviewing techniques and Adult Learning Theory. Current research is testing these guides through an in-home, randomized control trial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
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346 KiB  
Article
Reasons Low-Income Parents Offer Snacks to Children: How Feeding Rationale Influences Snack Frequency and Adherence to Dietary Recommendations
by Rachel E. Blaine, Jennifer Orlet Fisher, Elsie M. Taveras, Alan C. Geller, Eric B. Rimm, Thomas Land, Meghan Perkins and Kirsten K. Davison
Nutrients 2015, 7(7), 5982-5999; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7075265 - 21 Jul 2015
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7956
Abstract
Although American children snack more than ever before, the parental role in promoting snacking is not well understood. In 2012–2013 at baseline in an intervention study to prevent childhood obesity in low-income Massachusetts communities, n = 271 parents of children aged 2–12 years [...] Read more.
Although American children snack more than ever before, the parental role in promoting snacking is not well understood. In 2012–2013 at baseline in an intervention study to prevent childhood obesity in low-income Massachusetts communities, n = 271 parents of children aged 2–12 years completed surveys regarding nutritive and non-nutritive reasons they offered children snacks, demographics, and dietary factors. An analysis of variance demonstrated that parents reported offering snacks (mean/week; standard deviation (SD)) for nutritive reasons like promoting growth (x̄ = 2.5; SD 2.2) or satisfying hunger (x̄ = 2.4; SD 2.1) almost twice as often as non-nutritive reasons like keeping a child quiet (x̄ = 0.7; SD 1.5) or celebrating events/holidays (x̄ = 0.8; SD 1.1). Parents reported giving young children (2–5 years) more snacks to reward behavior (1.9 vs. 1.1, p < 0.001), keep quiet (1.0 vs. 0.5, p < 0.001), and celebrate achievements (1.7 vs. 1.0, p < 0.001) than parents of older children (6–12 years). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to obtain adjusted odds ratios, which indicated reduced child adherence to dietary recommendations when parents offered snacks to reward behavior (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.83; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.70–0.99), celebrate events/holidays (OR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.52–0.99), or achievements (OR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.68–0.98). Parental intentions around child snacking are likely important targets for obesity prevention efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
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194 KiB  
Article
Are BMI and Sedentariness Correlated? A Multilevel Study in Children
by Thayse Natacha Gomes, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Fernanda Karina dos Santos, Raquel Nichele De Chaves, Daniel Santos, Sara Pereira, Catherine M. Champagne, Donald Hedeker and José Maia
Nutrients 2015, 7(7), 5889-5904; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7075258 - 16 Jul 2015
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6065
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sedentariness (Sed) in children and to examine the influence of child and school correlates on their variation. The sample comprises 580 children (337 girls, 9–11 years). Sedentariness [...] Read more.
The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sedentariness (Sed) in children and to examine the influence of child and school correlates on their variation. The sample comprises 580 children (337 girls, 9–11 years). Sedentariness was assessed with an accelerometer, and BMI was computed. Child- and school-level covariates were analyzed using multilevel models. No significant correlation between Sed and BMI was found. School context explains 5% and 1.5% of the total variance in Sed and BMI, respectively. At the child level, only moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with both Sed (β = −0.02 ± 0.002) and BMI (β = −0.005 ± 0.002). Sleep time is related to Sed (β = −0.42 ± 0.04), while sex (β = 1.97 ± 0.13), biological maturity (β = 1.25 ± 0.07), media in the bedroom (β = 0.26 ± 0.08) and healthy (β = −0.09 ± 0.03) and unhealthy (β = −0.07 ± 0.04) diet scores were associated with BMI. None of the school-level covariates were related to BMI, but access to cafeteria (β = −0.97 ± 0.25), playground equipment (β = −0.67 ± 0.20) and restaurants (β = 0.16 ± 0.08) were related to Sed. In conclusion, Sed and BMI were not correlated. Further, they have different correlates, while children’s traits seem to play more relevant roles in their differences in Sed and BMI than the school milieu. This information should be taken into account when strategies to reduce Sed and BMI are implemented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
259 KiB  
Article
Profiling Physical Activity, Diet, Screen and Sleep Habits in Portuguese Children
by Sara Pereira, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Thayse Natacha Gomes, Alessandra Borges, Daniel Santos, Michele Souza, Fernanda K. dos Santos, Raquel N. Chaves, Catherine M. Champagne, Tiago V. Barreira and José A.R. Maia
Nutrients 2015, 7(6), 4345-4362; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7064345 - 02 Jun 2015
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6995
Abstract
Obesity in children is partly due to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, e.g., sedentary activity and poor dietary choices. This trend has been seen globally. To determine the extent of these behaviours in a Portuguese population of children, 686 children 9.5 to 10.5 years of [...] Read more.
Obesity in children is partly due to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, e.g., sedentary activity and poor dietary choices. This trend has been seen globally. To determine the extent of these behaviours in a Portuguese population of children, 686 children 9.5 to 10.5 years of age were studied. Our aims were to: (1) describe profiles of children’s lifestyle behaviours; (2) identify behaviour pattern classes; and (3) estimate combined effects of individual/ socio-demographic characteristics in predicting class membership. Physical activity and sleep time were estimated by 24-h accelerometry. Nutritional habits, screen time and socio-demographics were obtained. Latent Class Analysis was used to determine unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. Logistic regression analysis predicted class membership. About 78% of children had three or more unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, while 0.2% presented no risk. Two classes were identified: Class 1-Sedentary, poorer diet quality; and Class 2-Insufficiently active, better diet quality, 35% and 65% of the population, respectively. More mature children (Odds Ratio (OR) = 6.75; 95%CI = 4.74–10.41), and boys (OR = 3.06; 95% CI = 1.98–4.72) were more likely to be overweight/obese. However, those belonging to Class 2 were less likely to be overweight/obese (OR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.43–0.84). Maternal education level and household income did not significantly predict weight status (p ≥ 0.05). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
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231 KiB  
Article
Patterns of Food Parenting Practices and Children’s Intake of Energy-Dense Snack Foods
by Dorus W. M. Gevers, Stef P. J. Kremers, Nanne K. De Vries and Patricia Van Assema
Nutrients 2015, 7(6), 4093-4106; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7064093 - 27 May 2015
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6736
Abstract
Most previous studies of parental influences on children’s diets included just a single or a few types of food parenting practices, while parents actually employ multiple types of practices. Our objective was to investigate the clustering of parents regarding food parenting practices and [...] Read more.
Most previous studies of parental influences on children’s diets included just a single or a few types of food parenting practices, while parents actually employ multiple types of practices. Our objective was to investigate the clustering of parents regarding food parenting practices and to characterize the clusters in terms of background characteristics and children’s intake of energy-dense snack foods. A sample of Dutch parents of children aged 4–12 was recruited by a research agency to fill out an online questionnaire. A hierarchical cluster analysis (n = 888) was performed, followed by k-means clustering. ANOVAs, ANCOVAs and chi-square tests were used to investigate associations between cluster membership, parental and child background characteristics, as well as children’s intake of energy-dense snack foods. Four distinct patterns were discovered: “high covert control and rewarding”, “low covert control and non-rewarding”, “high involvement and supportive” and “low involvement and indulgent”. The “high involvement and supportive” cluster was found to be most favorable in terms of children’s intake. Several background factors characterized cluster membership. This study expands the current knowledge about parental influences on children’s diets. Interventions should focus on increasing parental involvement in food parenting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
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293 KiB  
Article
Interactions between Obesity-Related Copy Number Variants and Dietary Behaviors in Childhood Obesity
by Dandan Zhang, Zhenli Li, Hao Wang, Min Yang, Li Liang, Junfen Fu, Chunling Wang, Jie Ling, Yan Zhang, Shuai Zhang, Yuyang Xu, Yimin Zhu and Maode Lai
Nutrients 2015, 7(4), 3054-3066; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7043054 - 22 Apr 2015
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7186
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) have been implicated as an important genetic marker of obesity, and gene-environment interaction has been found to modulate risk of obesity. To evaluate the associations between CNVs and childhood obesity, as well as the interactions between CNVs and dietary [...] Read more.
Copy number variants (CNVs) have been implicated as an important genetic marker of obesity, and gene-environment interaction has been found to modulate risk of obesity. To evaluate the associations between CNVs and childhood obesity, as well as the interactions between CNVs and dietary behaviors, we recruited 534 obese children and 508 controls from six cities in China and six candidate CNVs were screened through published genome-wide studies (GWAS) on childhood obesity. We found three loci (10q11.22, 4q25 and 11q11) to be significantly associated with obesity after false discovery rate (FDR) correction (all the p ≤ 0.05). Cumulative effect of the three positive loci was measured by the genetic risk score (GRS), showing a significant relationship with the risk of obesity (Ptrend < 0.001). The OR of obesity increased to 21.38 (95% CI = 21.19–21.55) among the 10q11.22 deletion carriers who had meat-based diets, indicating prominent multiplicative interaction (MI) between deletions of 10q11.22 and preference for a meat-based diet. Simultaneous deletions of 5q13.2 and duplications of 6q14.1 had significant MI with a preference for salty foods. Our results suggested that CNVs may contribute to the genetic susceptibility of childhood obesity, and the CNV-diet interactions modulate the risk of obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
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Article
Use of Food Practices by Childcare Staff and the Association with Dietary Intake of Children at Childcare
by Jessica S. Gubbels, Sanne M.P.L. Gerards and Stef P.J. Kremers
Nutrients 2015, 7(4), 2161-2175; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7042161 - 27 Mar 2015
Cited by 68 | Viewed by 8204
Abstract
The study explored the associations between various childcare staff food practices and children’s dietary intake at childcare. A total of 398 one- to four-year-old children and 24 childcare staff members from 24 Dutch childcare centers participated in the study. Children’s dietary intake (fruit, [...] Read more.
The study explored the associations between various childcare staff food practices and children’s dietary intake at childcare. A total of 398 one- to four-year-old children and 24 childcare staff members from 24 Dutch childcare centers participated in the study. Children’s dietary intake (fruit, vegetable, sweet snack, savory snack, water, and sweet drink intake) at childcare was registered on two weekdays, using observations by dieticians and childcare staff. Thirteen childcare staff practices were assessed using questionnaires administered by dieticians. Data were analyzed using multilevel regression analyses. Children consumed relatively much fruit and many sweet snacks at childcare, and they mainly drank sweet drinks. Various staff practices were associated with children’s dietary intake. When staff explained what they were doing to the children during food preparation, children ate significantly more fruit. Children ate less sweet snacks when they were allowed to help prepare the meals. When staff encouraged children to continue eating, they ate more vegetables. In conclusion, the study showed the importance of childcare staff food practices for children’s food intake at childcare. More research is needed to examine the specific conditions under which food practices can have a positive impact on children’s dietary intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)

Review

Jump to: Research

412 KiB  
Review
A Historical Review of Changes in Nutrition Standards of USDA Child Meal Programs Relative to Research Findings on the Nutritional Adequacy of Program Meals and the Diet and Nutritional Health of Participants: Implications for Future Research and the Summer Food Service Program
by Laura C. Hopkins and Carolyn Gunther
Nutrients 2015, 7(12), 10145-10167; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7125523 - 04 Dec 2015
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 11278
Abstract
Background: The USDA child meal programs (CMPs) (National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) were established in 1946 (NSLP) and 1975 (SBP and SFSP) to improve the diet and nutritional health of US children. There [...] Read more.
Background: The USDA child meal programs (CMPs) (National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) were established in 1946 (NSLP) and 1975 (SBP and SFSP) to improve the diet and nutritional health of US children. There is concern that participation in these programs may in fact be a contributor to the current childhood obesity epidemic. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if the CMPs are meeting their intended goal by reviewing the historical changes to nutrition standards of the CMPs in correspondence with the literature that examines the nutritional adequacy of meals served as part of these programs, as well as the dietary intakes and nutritional status of participants. Methods: Public Law and the Federal Register were reviewed and websites and online databases were systematically searched. Results: NSLP and SBP first underwent updates to the nutrition standards in 1994 and subsequently 2010, whereas SFSP last underwent modifications in 2000. The majority of data, all collected prior to 2010, demonstrate that meals served as part of the NSLP and SBP are not meeting nutrition standards. In addition, the dietary intakes of NSLP and SBP participants are high in calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium, and low in fiber. Studies examining the weight status and other nutrition-related health outcomes of NSLP and SBP participants have produced mixed results. In contrast, no studies published in the peer-reviewed literature have been conducted examining the nutritional adequacy of SFSP meals or the dietary intakes or nutritional health of SFSP participants. There are public reports available on the nutritionally adequacy of SFSP meals, however, they are severely outdated (1988 and 2003). Due to this dearth of information, a case study on a sample SFSP menu from summer 2015 was conducted; results showed that the meals are high in carbohydrate and protein content and insufficient in vegetable servings. Conclusions: There is critical need for policy change that would enable updates to the SFSP nutrition standards to match those of the NSLP and SBP. In addition, strategies are needed to facilitate development of CMP menus that meet current nutrition standards. Finally, rigorously designed studies are needed to understand the direct impact of CMP participation on child diet and health, particularly the SFSP for which there is limited published data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
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239 KiB  
Review
Influence of Parenting Practices on Eating Behaviors of Early Adolescents during Independent Eating Occasions: Implications for Obesity Prevention
by Marla Reicks, Jinan Banna, Mary Cluskey, Carolyn Gunther, Nobuko Hongu, Rickelle Richards, Glade Topham and Siew Sun Wong
Nutrients 2015, 7(10), 8783-8801; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7105431 - 22 Oct 2015
Cited by 92 | Viewed by 14437
Abstract
Among early adolescents (10–14 years), poor diet quality along with physical inactivity can contribute to an increased risk of obesity and associated biomarkers for chronic disease. Approximately one-third of United States (USA) children in this age group are overweight or obese. Therefore, attention [...] Read more.
Among early adolescents (10–14 years), poor diet quality along with physical inactivity can contribute to an increased risk of obesity and associated biomarkers for chronic disease. Approximately one-third of United States (USA) children in this age group are overweight or obese. Therefore, attention to factors affecting dietary intake as one of the primary contributors to obesity is important. Early adolescents consume foods and beverages during eating occasions that occur with and without parental supervision. Parents may influence eating behaviors of early adolescents during eating occasions when they are present or during independent eating occasions by engaging in practices that affect availability of foods and beverages, and through perceived normative beliefs and expectations for intake. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to describe the influence of parenting practices on eating behaviors in general and when specifically applied to independent eating occasions of early adolescents. This information may be helpful to inform parenting interventions targeting obesity prevention among early adolescents focusing on independent eating occasions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
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Review
Beyond Food Promotion: A Systematic Review on the Influence of the Food Industry on Obesity-Related Dietary Behaviour among Children
by Diana Sonntag, Sarah Schneider, Noreen Mdege, Shehzad Ali and Burkhard Schmidt
Nutrients 2015, 7(10), 8565-8576; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu7105414 - 16 Oct 2015
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 17693
Abstract
An increased consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor food and beverages as a result of a changing obesogenic environment contributes substantially to the increasing prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity. This paper reviews the nature and extent of food industry influences which expose children to [...] Read more.
An increased consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor food and beverages as a result of a changing obesogenic environment contributes substantially to the increasing prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity. This paper reviews the nature and extent of food industry influences which expose children to commercial influences and thus might affect unhealthy dietary behaviour and finally contributes to obesity. A systematic search of nine electronic databases (including PubMed, PsycINFO, EconLit) and reference lists of original studies and reviews using key search terms identified 1900 articles. Of these only thirty-six articles met the inclusion and quality criteria. A narrative synthesis of the reviewed studies revealed six key obesogenic environments by which the food industry possibly influences obesity-related dietary behaviours in young children. These were schools, retailers, mass media “television”, mass media “internet”, home and promotional campaigns. Identifying these obesogenic environments is critical for monitoring and controlling the food industry, the development of effective environmental-level interventions to prevent childhood overweight and obesity and to identify knowledge gaps to be addressed in future research to support informed decisions of policy makers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity)
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