Evaluating the effect of energy-dense foods consumption on preschool children's body mass index: a prospective analysis from 2 to 4 years of age

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Durao, C (Author) Other; Severo, M (Author) Other; Oliveira, A (Author) Other; Moreira, Pedro (Author) FCNAUP; Guerra, A (Author) Other; Barros, H (Author) Other; Lopes, C (Author) Other

Journal

Title: European Journal of Nutrition

Vol. 54

Pages: 835-843

ISSN: 1436-6207

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 26 Citations

Scopus - 25 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-6Z9

DOI: 10.1007/s00394-014-0762-4

Abstract (EN): Purpose The aim of this study was to study the association between the consumption of energy-dense foods at 2 years and body mass index (BMI) at 4 years, using a cross-lagged panel design. Methods The present study included 589 children evaluated at 2 and 4 years of age, as part of the birth cohort generation XXI. Information was obtained by face-to-face interviews. Consumption of energy-dense foods (salty snacks, soft drinks, cakes, and sweets) was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. Children's weight and height were measured by standard procedures, and BMI standard deviation scores (BMI z-scores) were calculated according to the World Health Organization. Linear regression and cross-lagged panel design models were fitted to estimate the associations between the consumption of energy-dense foods and BMI z-scores (controlled for maternal age, education and prepregnancy BMI, and children's exact age at 2 years). Results The consumption of energy-dense foods at 2 years was significantly associated with their consumption at 4 years (β = 0.522, 95 % CI 0.432-0.612). Children's BMI z-scores at 2 years were associated with posterior BMI z-scores (β = 0.747, 95 % CI 0.688-0.806). In the cross-lagged analysis, consumption of energy-dense foods at 2 years had no effect on subsequent BMI z-scores (β = -0.030, 95 % CI -0.095 to 0.035) and BMI z-scores at 2 years were not significantly associated with the consumption of energy-dense foods at 4 years (β = -0.012, 95 % CI -0.086 to 0.062). Conclusions Consumption of energy-dense foods and BMI tracked over time, but the consumption of energy-dense foods at 2 years was not associated with BMI z-scores at 4 years. © 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9