Examining Trends in Meal Patterns between 1995 and 2011 Using Two National Surveys

Abstract

BackgroundWhile international research suggests that meal patterns of the population may be changing, possibly with adverse health consequences, little is known about the meal patterns of Australians. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in meal patterns of Australians between 1995 and 2011.Methods: Data from two nationally representative Australian surveys were used (1995 National Nutrition Survey, 10851 adults 蠅19 years, n=2986 children/adolescents 2‐18 years; 2011‐2013 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, 8964 adults 蠅19 years, 2783 children/adolescents 2‐18 years). Dietary intake was assessed via 24‐hour recall and respondents and eating occasions (EOs) including meals and snacks were reported. Frequency of meals, snacks and all EOs, time between EOs and energy intake (EI) from meals, snacks and all EOs were compared between the two surveys using an F‐test. All results were weighted, adjusted for sample design effects and presented as means and Taylor linearized standard errors.Results: Overall, there was little change in frequency of total EOs over time. Time between EOs decreased among women but not men between 1995 and 2011‐12 (181 [1.15] vs 171 [1.29], P<0.001) and among children (164 [1.40] vs 157 [1.47], P=0.001). The proportion of total EI from meals decreased in both children and adults between 3‐7% (P<0.001) whereas the proportion of total EI from snacks increased between 3‐7% (P<0.001).ConclusionsOverall, only small changes in meal patterns have occurred between 1995 and 2011 among children and adults. However, increases in the proportion of energy from snacks warrants further investigation. Future research will examine changes in nutrient profiles of meals and snacks over time.