DIETARY FAT INTAKE AND BODY FAT IN 262 NINE AND TEN YEAR OLD CHILDREN473

Abstract

This study examined the association between dietary intake, particularly dietary fat consumption, and body fat percentage in 262 nine and ten year old children. To ascertain subjects' dietary intake, the food frequency portion of the NCI Health Habits and History Questionnaire was completed by each subject's parent with the child's input. Three skinfold measures were used to estimate adiposity. Fitness and physical activity levels were ascertained using a one-mile run/walk test and a self-report 15-item activity scale, respectively. Results showed that dietary fat, indexed as percent of total energy, was related significantly with adiposity, both before (F=7.69, R2=0.029, p=0.0059) and after (F=5.75, R2=0.026, p=0.0173) control of multiple potential confounding variables: gender, total energy intake, fitness (activity) level, and parental body mass indices. Percent of energy derived from carbohydrate was inversely related (F=11.41, R2=0.042, p=0.0008) and total energy intake was directly associated(F=3.93, R2=0.015, p=0.0485) with adiposity, both before and after(F=8.06, R2=0.022, p=0.0049; F=8.11, R2=0.0082, p=0.0048, respectively) controlling for the potential confounders. These findings indicate that the macronutrient intake of children, particularly dietary fat and carbohydrate intake, may play a significant role in adiposity, beyond energy intake.