A Comparison of Body Composition, Dietary Intake, Energy Expenditure and Activity Level in Normal Weight Children of Obese and Normal Weight Biological Mothers

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: Identify if genetic predisposition or environmental influences are more predictive of obesity risk in normal weight prepubertal children.Differences in body composition, dietary intake, resting energy expenditure (REE) and activity level were examined in 24 normal weight (10th-9Oth percentile for weight) prepubertal children. Body Mass Index (kg/m2) (BMI) was calculated for both children and parents. Twelve children were from obese (BMI > 30) biological mothers, and 12 children were from normal weight (BMI = 20-25) biological mothers. Children in each group were matched for gender, weight and age. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was utilized to determine body composition of the children. Seven day food diaries for each child were analyzed for average energy and nutrient content. REE of the children was measured using indirect calorimetry. Activity levels of the children were estimated using tested interview questionnaires. Body fat was 2.6% greater and abdominal fat was 4.3% greater in children of obese mothers. Effect size analysis revealed a medium effect size, .50 and .73 for body fat and abdominal fat, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in dietary intake, REE or activity level between the two groups of children. Strong positive correlations were found between monounsaturated fatty acid intake and percent body fat (.82) and percent abdominal fat (.83) in children of normal weight mothers. By identifying children that may be at risk for developing obesity and its complications, education and lifestyle changes can be implemented to prevent obesity onset