Assessment of Body Weight Status and Macronutrient Consumption Patterns of Preschool Children

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the food and macronutrient consumption patterns of Head Start preschool children and their body weight status. Three data collections were conducted over 15 months with 125 children attending either morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) sessions. Sample portions from Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), and Snack (S) were photographed and weighed; individual student’s plates were photographed and plate waste was both photographed and weighed; consumption and nutrient content for each meal/child/day was calculated using Nutritionist Pro v. 14.0. Over half of the subjects (52%) were female; 50% were Caucasian, 22% were African American, 10% were Hispanic, and 18% were Other, primarily of mixed race. The mean age was 5 months, average height and weight were 107.9 cm and 19.3 kg, respectively; the mean BMI was 16.5 kg/m2. Most (58%) of the children were Normal weight status, 19% were Overweight, and 18% were Obese; 20% of the males were Obese compared to 16% of females. Energy (kcal) and protein (g) offered was: B = 219 and 9; L = 353 and 17; S = 126 and 3; amounts consumed were B = 136 and 5; AM‐L = 239 and 12; PM‐L = 192 and 9; and S = 110 and 3. AM and PM children obtained only 22% and 18% of their daily energy requirement, respectively, while protein intakes were 2–3 times higher than the recommended one‐third RDA. Children in the AM session had significantly higher nutrient intakes than those in the PM session. Children preferred energy‐dense and familiar foods; acceptance rates for fresh fruit (33%–42%), raw vegetables (22%–29%), and cooked vegetables (15%–34%) were low. Food consumption patterns may be regulated by familiar foods and home food preferences. Preschool programs need to offer nutritionally balanced, palatable, and attractive meals and learning activities focused on increasing students’ acceptance of unfamiliar foods, especially fruits and vegetables.