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Kids Eating Patterns Show Striking
Changes
Meal patterns among children have
undergone striking alterations over the past two decades, but changes in
kid’s meal patterns during that time may not be related to trends toward
increased weight among children, according to a recently published U.S.
study.
Researchers analyzed dietary intakes from more than 1,500 children who
participated in the Bogalusa Heart Study in Louisiana from 1973 to 1994.
Among other findings, the researchers discovered :
Between 1973-1974 and 1993-1994, the percentage of children eating a
school lunch declined significantly (from 89.7 per cent to 78.2 per
cent); and eating dinners prepared outside the home jumped (from 5.4 per
cent to 19 per cent).
The number of children who consumed five
or more snacks in a day went from 30 per cent in 1973-1974 to 8 percent
by 1993-1994.
During the same period, the number of
kids who limited themselves to one or two snacks per day went from 25
per cent in 1973-1974 to 52 per cent in 1993-1994.
The researchers say they found "no associations ... between meal
patterns and overweight status in children." They add that further
research is needed to better understand the impact of dietary intakes on
the increasing numbers of children who are overweight and at risk for
obesity.
What the Research Means
It remains important to focus on
children’s and young adults’ meal patterns and their relation to overall
dietary quality. This study reminds parents, schools and health
professionals to teach the benefits of good nutrition in both our
schools and homes.
For more information about nutrition, visit HealthyOntario.
