Compumption pattern of snacks among urban school going Children of District Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir)

Abstract

The study concluded that majority of children were consuming snacks mostly chips, sweet chocolates, samosa, burger, sandwich, toast/bread and ice-cream including some beverages with snacks like fruits juices, coffee and soft drinks. Majority of children buy snacks from local shops. Parent's give money to children to buy snacks because children think snacks are tasty and relish snacks. Most children ate snacks once a day and less twice a day. Children thought that a lot people like snacks eagerly. Children also thought that snacking is not good for health. It has ill effects on health and some children noticed certain health problems like diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain, overweight and obesity. Children mostly consumed snacks at home because their parents allow them to ate snacks at home and bring for their children. Children were more worried about the extra fat and calories they get from snacking. Children took doctors advice on restriction of consuming snacks. Majority of children avoid bedtime snacking but had snacks before or after meals. Children thought that snacks don't give fullness but makes one obese due deposition of bad fat (trans-fat) inside the body. Children of high income families were most influenced by snacks. They spend more on snacks items as compared to low economic family children. The economic status also influences the child's life style and eating habits. It is seen that obesity is more common in children of high income families.