Consumption Of Energy-dense Snacks Research Articles

CORRELATION OF SNACKING FREQUENCY, HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND POCKET MONEY WITH NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN FEMALE ADOLESCENTS

Nutritional problem that occurs in adolescents due to higher food intake and less physical activity leads to over- nutrition. Other nutritional problems occur among them is micronutrient deficiency including anemia, mostly in female adolescents. Higher consumption of energy-dense snacks, low physical activity and more pocket money have contributed to adolescent’s body weight. This study aims to determine the correlation of frequency of snacking, hemoglobin levels, physical activity, and pocket money with the nutritional status of female adolescents. This cross- sectional study was carried out in 117 female adolescents in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java Province. Data of snacking frequency was collected using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and hemoglobin level were measured using a Hematology Analyzer. Physical activity data were collected using the IPAQ questionnaire (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and were converted to Metabolic Equivalent Tasks (METs). Normally distributed data then analyzed using Pearson test and Spearman test for not normally distributed data to determine correlation between independent with dependent variables and followed by the multiple linear regression test if the p-value < 0.25. Most female adolescents had normal nutritional status, but 6.8% and 17.9% female adolescents were overweight and obesity, respectively. The frequency of snacking (r = 0.207, p = 0.025), physical activity (r = -0.201, p = 0.030), pocket money (r = 0.283, p = 0.002) and hemoglobin level (r = 0.150, p = 0.107) were not correlated with nutritional status. In conclusion, frequency of snacks, physical activity, and pocket money were significantly correlated with nutritional status in female adolescents but no correlation with hemoglobin level.

The association between BMI development among young children and (un)healthy food choices in response to food advertisements: a longitudinal study.

BackgroundPrevious studies have focused on the acute effects of food advertisements on the caloric intake of children; however, the long-term effects of this food cue reactivity on weight gain have not been examined. The main aim of this study was to explore if reactivity to food cues in an advertisement was associated with weight status two years later.MethodsChildren wo had previously taken part in an experiment investigating the impact of advergames on food intake had their height and weight re-measured two years later, for assessment of body mass index (BMI). A within-subject design was used to test the associations between food choices and BMI over time. In the previous experiment, children played an advergame that promoted energy-dense snacks, fruit, or nonfood products, or did not play an advergame (control condition). After playing the game, the free intake of energy-dense snacks and fruits was measured.ResultsChildren who ate more apple after playing an advergame promoting energy-dense snacks had a lower BMI two years later. Consumption of energy-dense snacks after playing an advergame promoting energy-dense snacks was not associated with BMI two years later. In other condition, no association was found between food intake and BMI after two years .ConclusionsThe findings suggest that coping with environmental cues that trigger unhealthy eating behavior is associated with the body mass index of young children two years later. This might imply that learning to respond to food cues by choosing healthy options might prevent children from excessive weight gain.This trial was registered at as ISRCTN17013832.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12966-016-0340-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of a Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Nutrition Education and Technology Curriculum on 3rd Grade Students in a Low-Income, Urban School District

Objective: To increase fruit and vegetable consumption and decrease energy dense snacks and sugar sweetened beverages among third grade students in a full-service, low-income, urban community school using a technology oriented curriculum. Design, Setting and Participants: The study utilized a two time by two group quasi-experimental design. A total of 129 students, (treatment 1⁄4 70, control 1⁄4 59) completed pre and post surveys administered through student iPads. The in-school curriculum was taught one hour/week for 13 weeks by a CYFAR nutrition educator. The 30-minute interactive curriculum ‘‘Body Quest: Food of the Warrior (BQ)’’ was supplemented by CYFAR nutrition education materials. Outcome Measures and Analysis: A 5-item food behavior instrument developed for the study was administered by iPad to both groups, week 1 and week 13. Data were analyzed using repeatedmeasures analysis of variance comparing treatment and control groups. Paired t-tests compared within-group pre to post changes. Results: A significant between group difference was found in consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (F1⁄48.7) (p<.01). The number of times students consumed sugar sweetened beverages the previous day declined from 3.2 +/-1.7 to 2.2+/-1.2 in the treatment group while the control mean was unchanged at 2.5+/-1.2 pre and 2.5+/-1.4 post. There was a significant (p<.05) withingroup decrease in the consumption of energy dense snacks in the treatment group but no change in the control group. Conclusions and Implications: Results indicate that CYFAR nutrition education utilizing BQ was effective in decreasing unhealthy food choices in schoolchildren. Funding: USDA, Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR).

The Associations between Emotional Eating and Consumption of Energy-Dense Snack Foods Are Modified by Sex and Depressive Symptomatology

In recent years, emotional eating (EmE) has incited substantial research interest as an important psychologic determinant of food intake and overweight. However, little is known about factors that might modulate its relations with dietary habits. The objective of this study was to examine the association between EmE and consumption of energy-dense snack food and assess the 2-way interaction of EmE with sex and depressive symptoms. A total of 7378 men and 22,862 women from the NutriNet-Santé cohort (France, 2009–2013) who completed ≥6 self-reported 24-h food records were included in this cross-sectional analysis. EmE was evaluated via the revised 21-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. The associations between EmE and energy-dense food consumption were assessed by multivariable logistic and linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Higher EmE was associated with higher consumption of energy-dense snacks and, in particular, with consumption of sweet-and-fatty foods across most categories studied. However, these associations were stronger in women with depressive symptoms (e.g., high consumption of chocolate, OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.43, 2.20; cakes/biscuits/pastries, OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.45, 2.26) compared with those without depressive symptoms (e.g., high consumption of chocolate, OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.69; cakes/biscuits/pastries, OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.29, 1.61). In contrast, the significant positive associations observed in men without depressive symptoms (e.g., high consumption of chocolate, OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.52; cakes/biscuits/pastries, OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.48) were not found in men with depressive symptoms. In conclusion, in women, EmE was positively associated with consumption of energy-dense snack food, particularly in those with depressive symptoms. For men, the relation between EmE and energy-dense snack foods was found only in those without depressive symptoms. These findings call for consideration of the psychologic state when targeting unhealthy dietary habits, especially in women. This trial was registered at eudract.ema.europa.eu as 2013-000929-31.

The Interplay of Gender, Mood, and Stress Hormones in the Association between Emotional Eating and Dietary behavior

The Interplay of Gender, Mood, and Stress Hormones in the Association between Emotional Eating and Dietary behavior

Effects of energy-dense nutrient-poor snacks on the incidence of metabolic syndrome: A prospective approach in Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

ObjectivesIncreased consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor snacks is one of the major, growing concerns in relation to the alarming trend of overweight, obesity, and metabolic disorders worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate whether consumption of energy-dense snacks could affect the occurrence of metabolic syndrome after 3 y of follow-up in adults. MethodsThis longitudinal study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study between 2006 and 2008 and 2009 and 2011, on 1466 adults, ages 19 to 70 y. The usual intake of participants was measured using a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Biochemical and anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline and 3 y later. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in each quartile of energy-dense snacks. ResultsParticipants in the highest quartile of energy-dense snack consumption were significantly younger (33.8 versus 43.1 y; P < 0.01). There were non-significant increased risks for MetS in the highest quartile of biscuits and cakes (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–1.66), and candies and chocolates (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.88–1.94). The risk for MetS in participants with highest consumption of salty snacks increased more than 50% (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.01–2.40). Consumption of soft drinks had a borderline effect on the risk for MetS. More than 361 kcal/d from total energy-dense snacks independently increased the occurrence of MetS in the fourth compared the first quartile category (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.03–2.29). ConclusionThe findings of this study demonstrated that higher consumption of energy-dense snacks could be a dietary risk factor for development of MetS.

Adolescent television viewing and unhealthy snack food consumption: the mediating role of home availability of unhealthy snack foods.

To examine whether home availability of energy-dense snack foods mediates the association between television (TV) viewing and energy-dense snack consumption among adolescents. Cross-sectional. Secondary schools in Victoria, Australia. Adolescents (n 2984) from Years 7 and 9 of secondary school completed a web-based survey, between September 2004 and July 2005, assessing their energy-dense snack food consumption, school-day and weekend-day TV viewing and home availability of energy-dense snack foods. School-day and weekend-day TV viewing were positively associated with energy-dense snack consumption among adolescent boys (β = 0·003, P < 0·001) and girls (β = 0·03, P < 0·001). Furthermore, TV viewing (school day and weekend day) were positively associated with home availability of energy-dense snack foods among adolescent boys and girls and home availability of energy-dense snack foods was positively associated with energy-dense snack food consumption among boys (β = 0·26, P < 0·001) and girls (β = 0·28, P < 0·001). Home availability partly mediated the association between TV viewing and energy-dense snack consumption. The results of the present study suggest that TV viewing has a significant role to play in adolescent unhealthy eating behaviours. Future research should assess the efficacy of methods to reduce adolescent energy-dense snack food consumption by targeting parents to reduce home availability of energy-dense foods and by reducing TV viewing behaviours of adolescents.

Food and drink intake during television viewing in adolescents: the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study

To compare food consumption during television (TV) viewing among adolescents who watched >2 h/d v. ≤2 h/d; and to examine the association between sociodemographic variables (age, gender and socio-economic status (SES)) and the consumption of energy-dense foods and drinks during TV viewing. The data are part of the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) cross-sectional survey. Data on time watching TV, types of foods and drinks consuming during TV viewing and parental SES (parental education, parental occupation and family affluence) were measured by questionnaires completed by adolescents. Binary logistic regression tested the association between energy-dense foods and drinks and (i) sociodemographic variables and (ii) TV time. Ghent (Belgium), Heraklion (Greece), Pecs (Hungary) and Zaragoza (Spain). Girls (n 699) and boys (n 637) aged 12·5-17·5 years. Boys reported more frequent consumption of beer and soft drinks whereas girls selected more fruit juice, water, herbal infusions and sweets (all P ≤ 0·05). Watching TV for >2 h/d was associated with the consumption of energy-dense foods and drinks. Girls whose mothers achieved the lowest education level had an adjusted OR of 3·22 (95 % CI 1·81, 5·72) for the consumption of energy-dense drinks during TV viewing v. those whose mothers had the highest educational level. Excessive TV watching may favour concurrent consumption of energy-dense snacks and beverages. Adolescents from low-SES families are more likely to consume unhealthy drinks while watching TV.

Mediators of longitudinal associations between television viewing and eating behaviours in adolescents

BackgroundTelevision viewing has been associated with poor eating behaviours in adolescents. Changing unhealthy eating behaviours is most likely to be achieved by identifying and targeting factors shown to mediate the association between these behaviours. However, little is known about the mediators of the associations between television viewing and eating behaviours. The aim of this study was to examine mediators of the longitudinal associations between television viewing (TV) and eating behaviours among Australian adolescents.MethodEating behaviours were assessed using a web-based survey completed by a community-based sample of 1729 adolescents from years 7 and 9 of secondary schools in Victoria, Australia, at baseline (2004-2005) and two years later. TV viewing and the potential mediators (snacking while watching TV and perceived value of TV viewing) were assessed via the web-based survey at baseline.ResultsAdolescents who watched more than two hours of TV/day had higher intakes of energy-dense snacks and beverages, and lower intakes of fruit two years later. Furthermore, the associations between TV viewing and consumption of energy-dense snacks, energy-dense drinks and fruit were mediated by snacking while watching TV. Perceived value of TV viewing mediated the association between TV viewing and consumption of energy-dense snacks, beverages and fruit.ConclusionSnacking while watching TV and perceived value of TV viewing mediated the longitudinal association between TV viewing and eating behaviours among adolescents. The efficacy of methods to reduce TV viewing, change snacking habits while watching TV, and address the values that adolescents place on TV viewing should be examined in an effort to promote healthy eating among adolescents.

Predictors of changes in adolescents' consumption of fruits, vegetables and energy-dense snacks

Understanding the predictors of developmental changes in adolescent eating behaviours is important for the design of nutrition interventions. The present study examined associations between individual, social and physical environmental factors and changes in adolescent eating behaviours over 2 years. Consumption of fruits, vegetables and energy-dense snacks was assessed using a Web-based survey completed by 1850 adolescents from years 7 and 9 of secondary schools in Victoria, Australia, at baseline and 2 years later. Perceived value of healthy eating, self-efficacy for healthy eating, social modelling and support, and home availability and accessibility of foods were assessed at baseline. Self-efficacy for increasing fruit consumption was positively associated with the change in fruit and vegetable consumption, while self-efficacy for decreasing junk food consumption was inversely associated with the change in energy-dense snack consumption. Home availability of energy-dense foods was inversely associated with the change in fruit consumption and positively associated with the change in energy-dense snack consumption, while home availability of fruits and vegetables was positively associated with the change in vegetable consumption. Perceived value of healthy eating and modelling of healthy eating by mothers were positively associated with the change in fruit consumption. Support of best friends for healthy eating was positively associated with the change in vegetable consumption. Self-efficacy and home availability of foods appear to be consistent predictors of change in fruit, vegetable and energy-dense snack consumption. Future study should assess the effectiveness of methods to increase self-efficacy for healthy eating and to improve home availability of healthy food options in programmes promoting healthy eating among adolescents.

The Association of Television Viewing with Snacking Behavior and Body Weight of Young Adults

Investigate whether TV viewing and recognition of snack food advertisements were associated with snack food consumption and the odds of being overweight or obese. Cross-sectional internet-based survey. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Undergraduate university students aged 18 to 25 years (N = 613). Self-reported TV viewing, energy-dense snack consumption, snacking while viewing TV, and body weight. Hypothesis testing was completed using multiple analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and logistic regression. Students reporting medium or high TV viewership snacked more frequently while watching TV and recognized more advertising than students who were considered low viewers. High viewers also reported more consumption of energy-dense snacks than low viewers. Snacking frequency appeared to be related to TV viewing and place of residence, but the association between snacking frequency and TV viewing was not accounted for by advertising. Conversely, the association between TV viewing and consumption of energy-dense snacks was accounted for by advertising recognition. Finally, male students (odds ratio [OR], 2.78; 99% confidence interval [CI], 1.68-4.59) and medium (OR, 3.11; 99% CI, 1.37-7.08) and high (OR, 5.47; 99% CI, 1.97-15.16) TVviewers had higher odds of being overweight or obese. Associations were found among TV viewing, energy-dense snack consumption, and snacking behavior, and between TV viewing and body weight status.

Could the Savory Taste of Snacks Be a Further Risk Factor for Overweight in Children?

The quantity, type and composition of snack foods may play a role in the development and maintenance of obesity in children. A high consumption of energy-dense snacks may promote fat gain. To assess the type and number of snacks consumed weekly by a large sample of 8- to 10-year-old children, as well as to assess its relationship with body size. The children consumed on average 4 snacks per day. There was no statistical difference in the number of servings per day between obese and nonobese children. However, the mean energy density of the foods consumed was significantly higher for obese and overweight children than for normal weight children [6.8 (0.3) kJ/g, 6.8 (0.16) kJ/g, and 6.3 (0.08) kJ/g, respectively; P < 0.05]. Logistic regression analysis showed that the energy density of the snacks (kJ/g), their savory taste (servings/week), television viewing (hours/day) and sports activity (hours/week) independently contributed to predict obesity in children. However, when the parents' body mass index was included among the independent variables of the regression, only salty foods and sports activity showed an independent association with childhood obesity. Parents' eating habits and lifestyle influence those of their children, as suggested by the association between parents' obesity and their children's energy-dense food intake at snacktime, the savory taste of snacks and sedentary behavior. However, regardless of parents' body mass index, the preference for savory snacks seems to be associated with overweight in prepubertal children.

Television, computer use, physical activity, diet and fatness in Australian adolescents

To examine sedentary behaviours (including television viewing, playing computer games and computer use), diet, exercise and fitness in relation to overweight/obesity in Australian adolescents. Questionnaires elicited food frequency data, time spent in TV-viewing, using computers, other sedentary occupations and physical activity recall. Weight, height and fitness (laps completed in the Leger test) were measured. Among 281 boys and 321 girls, mean age 12 years (SD 0.9), 56 boys (20.0%) and 70 girls (23.3%) were overweight/obese. Greater fitness was associated with decreased risk of overweight/obesity in boys (Odds ratio [OR] 0.74; 95% CI 0.55, 0.99) and girls (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.91, 0.99). TV-viewing predicted increased risk in boys (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01, 1.06) and decreased risk in girls (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.96, 0.99). Computer use, video games, and other sedentary behaviours were not significantly related to risk of overweight/obesity. Vegetable intake was associated with lower risk in boys (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.97, 0.99); greater risk was associated with lower fat intake in boys and girls, lower consumption of energy-dense snacks in boys (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.62, 0.88) and greater intake of vegetables in girls (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00, 1.03), suggesting dieting or knowledge of favourable dietary choices in overweight/obese children. Among these adolescents, fitness was negatively related to risk for overweight/obesity in boys and girls. TV-viewing was a positive predictor in boys and a negative predictor in girls but the effect size was small; other sedentary behaviours did not predict risk.

Clustering of energy balance-related behaviours and their intrapersonal determinants

The consistent increase in the prevalence of obesity that currently occurs in industrialised countries can be explained by the existence of multiple behavioural actions that exert continuous pressure toward a positive energy balance. The present study examined the clustering of intrapersonal determinants of five energy balance-related behaviours (i.e., consumption of energy-dense snacks, the use of high-fat sandwich fillings, fruit consumption, active transport and physical activity during leisure time). The research population consisted of a large sample of Dutch adolescents (n = 3859; mean age 14.8; 55.2% girls). Attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and intention measures related to the various behaviours clustered more strongly than the behaviours themselves, with correlations ranging from 0.09 to 0.55. The consequences of adopting an energy balance approach are discussed.