Frequency Of Breakfast Research Articles

Impact of lifestyle factors on caries experience in three different age groups: 9, 15, and 21-year-olds.

To study the impact of lifestyle factors on dental caries experiences in addition to the effect of demographic characteristics at the ages of 9, 15, and 21 years. The data were obtained from the study 'Oral health in children and adolescents in the Netherlands'. Data were collected through questionnaires and a clinical oral examination. Because the DMFS count data were highly skewed with a peak at zero, the negative binomial hurdle model was used for the analyses. The first part of the hurdle predicted the probability of having caries experience or not, and the second part predicted the degree of caries experience. For the 9- and 15-year-old age groups, the breakfast frequency per week was related with having caries experience, while the frequency of brushing teeth per day was related with the degree of caries experience. In addition, the number of food and drinks consumed per day was important for the younger age group. These relations were not found in the 21-year-olds age group. Findings of this study suggest that components to promote structure and regularity, including having breakfast and the number of food and drink moments, may be important to include in programs to prevent dental caries in children.

Regular breakfast consumption and type 2 diabetes risk markers in 9- to 10-year-old children in the child heart and health study in England (CHASE): a cross-sectional analysis.

Regular breakfast consumption may protect against type 2 diabetes risk in adults but little is known about its influence on type 2 diabetes risk markers in children. We investigated the associations between breakfast consumption (frequency and content) and risk markers for type 2 diabetes (particularly insulin resistance and glycaemia) and cardiovascular disease in children. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 4,116 UK primary school children aged 9-10 years. Participants provided information on breakfast frequency, had measurements of body composition, and gave fasting blood samples for measurements of blood lipids, insulin, glucose, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). A subgroup of 2,004 children also completed a 24-hour dietary recall. Among 4,116 children studied, 3,056 (74%) ate breakfast daily, 450 (11%) most days, 372 (9%) some days, and 238 (6%) not usually. Graded associations between breakfast frequency and risk markers were observed; children who reported not usually having breakfast had higher fasting insulin (percent difference 26.4%, 95% CI 16.6%-37.0%), insulin resistance (percent difference 26.7%, 95% CI 17.0%-37.2%), HbA1c (percent difference 1.2%, 95% CI 0.4%-2.0%), glucose (percent difference 1.0%, 95% CI 0.0%-2.0%), and urate (percent difference 6%, 95% CI 3%-10%) than those who reported having breakfast daily; these differences were little affected by adjustment for adiposity, socioeconomic status, and physical activity levels. When the higher levels of triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, and C-reactive protein for those who usually did not eat breakfast relative to those who ate breakfast daily were adjusted for adiposity, the differences were no longer significant. Children eating a high fibre cereal breakfast had lower insulin resistance than those eating other breakfast types (p for heterogeneity <0.01). Differences in nutrient intakes between breakfast frequency groups did not account for the differences in type 2 diabetes markers. Children who ate breakfast daily, particularly a high fibre cereal breakfast, had a more favourable type 2 diabetes risk profile. Trials are needed to quantify the protective effect of breakfast on emerging type 2 diabetes risk. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

20세 이상 성인 여성의 소득계층에 따른 영양상태 및 식습관 평가 - 제4기(2007~2009) 국민건강·영양조사 자료를 이용하여 -

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary habit and nutritional status by household income in female adults, using data from the 4 th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007~2009). Subjects were 8,356 women over the age of 20 years. The subjects were classified into 4 groups by household income level. Dietary data from 24 hr recall methods were used to analyze nutritional status. The obesity rate of the low income group was significantly higher than the rates of other income groups. Additionally, the nutritional status of the low income group was worse than those of other groups. The percentage of carbohydrate in total energy intake was higher and food security status was lower in the low income group than in other groups. Awareness and adherence to dietary guidelines were also lower in the low income group. Adherence to a dietary guideline of ‘avoiding salty foods and trying to eat foods with bland taste’ and ‘eating a variety of foods from each food group’ were lower than those of other groups. However, the frequency of skipping breakfast among the low income group was lower than that of others. Therefore, this study suggested that low income women should decrease the percentage of carbohydrate in total energy intake and adhere to dietary guidelines, especially those of avoiding salty foods and eating a variety of food groups, in order to improve their nutritional status. Key words: female adults, income, nutritional status, carbohydrate, dietary guideline

충남지역 고등학생의 성별에 따른 영양지식, 식행동 및 식습관 연구

Aim of this study is to investigate the nutrition knowledge, dietary behaviors, and dietary habits by the gender in high school students in Chungnam province. Girls students had a higher score than boys students for nutritional knowledge, not in the significant difference. However, boys students had a higher score for dietary behaviors than girls students. Dietary habits showed a significant difference in the unbalanced food habit and eating speed by the gender, and the eating speed of boys students was faster than that of girls students. For boys students, the nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviors did not have the significant correlation. Otherwise, girls students had the positive correlation between the nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviors, and had the characteristics of behaviors that the higher the nutritional knowledge score, the better eating habit. In addition, the boys and girls students had the positive correlation between the score of nutritional knowledge and the frequency of breakfast, and the score of nutritional knowledge and the frequency/regularity of breakfast, respectively. Because some dietary habits/behaviors are related closely to their nutritional knowledge, the high school students need the systematic and steady nutritional education to apply their known nutritional knowledge to actual life.

세종특별자치시 중학생의 학교급식 만족도와 식습관 조사

The aim of this study is to provide the fundamental information on satisfaction for school food service and dietary habits of middle school students in Sejong Special Self-Governing City. Generally, the subjects had a high satisfaction level for school food service. The boys had comparatively more satisfactory days for school food service than the girls. The most dissatisfactory factors of school food service were the taste and variety of menu for the girls, and the time and place for lunch and the service of employee for the boys. The intersexual differences existed with a significant difference in the irregular intake of meals, the reasons to skip meals, and the eating speed. For the boys, the main reason to skip meals was due to lack of appetite, and for the girls, it was the weight-control. The boys finished each meal within 5~10 min and ate more than the amount the girls eat in general. The main components of breakfast for the subjects were a cooked rice, soup, and side dish in 65.9%, and the frequency of skipping breakfast was high with 32.8%, which was once per week. The favorite snacks for the middle school students were cookies and beverages in 29.4%, instant foods in 24.3%, and hamburger and pizza in 21.4%. The intake frequency of snacks was once or twice per week in 46.5% of the subjects. In addition, the subjects had a very high intake frequency of fastfoods with once or twice per week in 72.7%, and the most favorite fastfood was ramen in 57.7%. The subjects in 45.3% took dairy food every day. In conclusion, the middle school students need nutrition education to improve their eating habit and to increase the frequency of breakfast.

Adolescent consumption of sports and energy drinks: linkages to higher physical activity, unhealthy beverage patterns, cigarette smoking, and screen media use.

To examine patterns of adolescent sports and energy drink (SED) consumption and identify behavioral correlates. Data were drawn from Eating and Activity in Teens, a population-based study. Adolescents from 20 middle and high schools in Minneapolis/St Paul, MN completed classroom-administered surveys. A total of 2,793 adolescents (53.2% girls) in grades 6-12. Beverage patterns; breakfast frequency; moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA); media use; sleep; and cigarette smoking. Linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between health behaviors and SED consumption, adjusting for demographics. Over a third of adolescents consumed sports drinks and 14.7% consumed energy drinks at least once a week. Among boys and girls, both sports and energy drink consumption were related to higher video game use; sugar-sweetened beverage and fruit juice intake; and smoking (P < .05). Sports drink consumption was also significantly related to higher MVPA and organized sport participation for both genders (P < .01). Although sports drink consumption was associated with higher MVPA, adolescents should be reminded of recommendations to consume these beverages only after vigorous, prolonged activity. There is also a need for future interventions designed to reduce SED consumption, to address the clustering of unhealthy behaviors.

Breakfast skipping is associated with cyberbullying and school bullying victimization. A school-based cross-sectional study

Breakfast skipping is a health concern that has well-known negative consequences physically and psychologically. It is therefore important to understand why children skip breakfast. The purpose of this study was to establish whether the experience of bullying and cyberbullying impacts upon breakfast skipping and to further evaluate whether the inability for youths to cope with bullying victimization affects their mental health (depression), and in turn predicts breakfast skipping. Data were obtained from the Eastern Ontario 2011 Youth Risk Behaviour Survey, a cross-sectional regional school-based survey of middle and high school students (11–20 years old) across the five counties of Eastern Ontario, Canada (N = 3035). Self-reported data about children's experiences of bullying victimization, breakfast eating habits, socio-economical status, depression, and other risk behaviours were analysed. Approximately half of the participants (50.4%) reported not eating breakfast on a regular basis: 26.3% and 24.1% reported often (usually eat breakfast three times or more per week) and frequent (usually eat breakfast twice a week or less) breakfast skipping behaviour, respectively. Victims of both cyberbullying and school bullying presented greater likelihood of often (adjusted relative risk ratio (RR) = 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17–2.06) and frequent (RR = 1.97; 95% CI = 1.28–3.03) breakfast skipping. Mediation analysis further showed that depression fully mediated the relationship between school bullying victimization and frequent breakfast skipping. Moreover, depression partially mediated the associations between both cyberbullying and school bullying with frequent breakfast skipping. These findings highlight the potential interrelationships between cyberbullying, school bullying and depression in predicting unhealthy breakfast skipping behaviour in children.

Developing and Testing a Measurement Tool for Assessing Predictors of Breakfast Consumption Based on a Health Promotion Model

To develop an instrument for measuring Health Promotion Model constructs in terms of breakfast consumption, and to identify the constructs that were predictors of breakfast consumption among Iranian female students. A questionnaire on Health Promotion Model variables was developed and potential predictors of breakfast consumption were assessed using this tool. One hundred female students, mean age 13 years (SD ± 1.2 years). Two middle schools from moderate-income areas in Qom, Iran. Health Promotion Model variables were assessed using a 58-item questionnaire. Breakfast consumption was also measured. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), content validity index, content validity ratio, multiple linear regression using stepwise method, and Pearson correlation. Content validity index and content validity ratio scores of the developed scale items were 0.89 and 0.93, respectively. Internal consistencies (range, .74-.91) of subscales were acceptable. Prior related behaviors, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and competing demand and preferences were 4 constructs that could predict 63% variance of breakfast frequency per week among subjects. The instrument developed in this study may be a useful tool for researchers to explore factors affecting breakfast consumption among students. Students with a high level of self-efficacy, more prior related behavior, fewer perceived barriers, and fewer competing demands were most likely to regularly consume breakfast.

Eating habits, inactivity, and sedentary behavior among adolescents in Iraq: sex differences in the hidden risks of noncommunicable diseases.

Noncommunicable diseases have become the main causes of death in several developing countries. There is a severe shortage of information about the risk factors for these diseases in Iraq. To explore the eating habits, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors of adolescents in Mosul City, Iraq, as risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. A multistage stratified sampling method was carried out on adolescents aged 15 to 18 years in Mosul City, Iraq. A pretested and validated questionnaire was used to obtain information on frequency of intake of certain foods, physical activity, and screen time (television, video, and computer). Weight and height were measured to obtain the body composition status. The total sample included 723 adolescents (350 boys and 373 girls). There were significant differences between boys and girls in most eating habits and activity behaviors. The frequency of skipping breakfast and the intakes of fruits and vegetables, french fries, and sweets and chocolates were significantly higher among girls than boys (p < .001). Boys were significantly more likely to consume fast foods, sugar-sweetened drinks, and energy drinks than girls. Boys spent more time in physical activity (p < .001) and looking at screens than girls. The health authorities of Iraq should focus not only on interventions for undernutrition among adolescents, but also on behavioral risk factors for diet-related noncommunicable diseases.

Nutrient Intake and Body Composition Analysis according to Food Habits in College Females in Daegu Area

The aim of this investigation was to assess the relationship between food habits and nutrient intake in college female students. Nutrient intakes of 149 female subjects aged 19.3 y were determined by using 24-hr recall. The questionnaire included general characteristics and food habits (frequency of breakfast and fast food intake). Body composition was determined by bioim- pedance analysis. Nutrient analysis was performed with Can pro software. Statistics were generated using SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Mean intake of energy, fiber, calcium, potassium. vitamin B2 and vitamin C by the subjects ware below KDRIs. The nutrients for which the largest proportion of subjects showed inadequate intakes (less than the RI or AI) were potassium, calcium, vitamin C and fiber. Subjects that consumed fast food ≤6 times showed significantly lower intakes of calcium, potassium, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Subjects who skipped breakfast more frequently showed significantly lower intakes of energy, carbohydrate, fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin B2 and vitamin C than subjects who ate breakfast more frequently. This is strong evidence that higher intakes of nutrients such as potassium, fiber, and calcium are associated with increased frequency of eating breakfast or decreased frequency of eating fast food. Low calcium, fiber, and potassium intakes may thus lead to chronic diseases. Nutrition education can be an important facilitator for improving nutrient intakes.

Central obesity is associated with lower intake of whole-grain bread and less frequent breakfast and lunch: results from the HUNT study, an adult all-population survey.

All-population and area-based investigations of diet in central obesity are scarce. We used cross-sectional data from 50 339 individuals who responded to the HUNT3 survey of 2006-2008, which recruited from all county-residing adults 20 years and older, to investigate whether those with central obesity eat and drink differently than others. Answers to dietary questions were recoded and analyzed with multiple linear regression, using waist/hip ratio (WHR), age, and sex as explanatory variables. Frequencies of consumption or amounts of food, beverages, and meals were compared among WHR quartiles. Central obesity was present in the quartile with the highest WHR, WHR4 (WHR ≥ 0.917 for women and 0.981 for men) but not in the quartile with the lowest WHR, WHR1 (WHR < 0.817 for women and 0.895 for men). Dietary variables differed markedly by age and sex. After adjustment for these factors and for multiple testing, we found significant differences between WHR4 and WHR1 for 19 of 30 dietary variables. Central obesity was associated with a lower intake of any bread, and of whole-grain bread in particular. Intake of fruits and berries, vegetables, and pasta and rice was less, and intake of sausages and hamburgers and boiled potatoes was more frequent. Intake of alcohol, tea, and fruit juice was lower in those with central obesity, whereas intake of sugar-free soft drinks and coffee was higher. The frequency of breakfast and lunch was lower and of nightly meals was higher in those with central obesity. In conclusion, in this large area-based population, central obesity was associated with differences in dietary habits, some of which (such as decreased consumption of whole-grain bread and increased intake of sugar-free drinks) are of possible clinical significance.

The combination of daily breakfast consumption and optimal breakfast choices in childhood is an important public health message

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of breakfast consumption with children’s diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors. Study sample consisted of 1558 children aged 4–8 years from Cyprus. Breakfast frequency was assessed through a parental questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI), BMI z-scores, waist circumference, blood lipid profile and blood pressure were examined in relation to breakfast frequency consumption. Habitual breakfast consumers’ daily nutrient intake was assessed through a 24-Hour Dietary Recall, according to their breakfast choices. Girls who have breakfast on a daily basis had lower mean BMI and BMI z-score; they were also less likely of having abnormal levels of serum triglycerides, atheromatic index (total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio) and diastolic blood pressure after controlling for several confounding factors. Within regular breakfast consumers, of both boys and girls, those having ready to eat cereals had a superior nutrient intake profile. Daily breakfast consumption along with good breakfast choices is an important public health message for Cypriot children.

Breakfast skipping and proposed effects of breakfast on obesity: A school based study in adolescents in Aligarh, India

Background: Breakfast is one of the most integral components of an individual's diet, despite that breakfast skipping is widely prevalent. Proposed effects of breakfast on obesity (PEBO) have corroborative evidences from different countries, especially, regarding the effects of breakfast skipping on obesity. Habits and lifestyle factors like breakfast skipping maybe formed, changed or strengthened in the tender age of adolescence and can also serve as an early warning system of threats that may engulf larger populations. The study objectives were to find out the frequency of breakfast skipping in adolescents and PEBO, including associations with body mass index (BMI) status. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in all the 13-15 years students who fulfilled the inclusion criteria in the schools affiliated to Aligarh Muslim University. The study was based on a pretested and validated questionnaire and the nutritional status/anthropometric records were measured by the now recommended World Health Organization multicentric growth reference standards 2007. Result and Conclusion: A total of 1416 students were studied, out of which frequency of breakfast consumption was found to be <2 times/week in 6. 21% of the study population, 3-5 times/week in 27.54% and 6-7 times/week in 66.24%. As far as PEBO is concerned, a decreased frequency of breakfast was found to have an association with obesity and overweight as well. Further, an association of breakfast skipping on the BMI Z scores was also found to be significant on analysis of variance and post-hoc tests. The high prevalence of breakfast skipping in India and PEBO is a big cause of concern for multiple reasons, and an intervention is urged.

Evaluation of a School-Based Health Education Program for Urban Indigenous Young People in Australia

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a school-based health promotion and education program in improving knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and behaviours of urban Indigenous young people regarding chronic disease and associated risk factors. A mixed methods approach was adopted for this evaluation; however, this paper will focus on the quantitative aspect of the study. The Deadly Choices? health education program was delivered weekly at six education facilities in Brisbane, Australia to participants from years seven to 12 over seven weeks. One school that received the Deadly Choices program the following term acted as the control group. Questionnaire data was collected immediately pre and post intervention to assess program impact. As self-reported by participants there were mostly significant improvements over time for questions relating to knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy regarding leadership, chronic disease and risk factors within the intervention group. There were also significant changes within the intervention group regarding breakfast frequency (P = 0.002), physical activity frequency (P ≤ 0.001), fruit (P = 0.004) and vegetable (P ≤ 0.001) intake. Overall, there were few significant differences between the control and intervention groups regarding health attitudes and behaviours; however, there were considerably more improvements relating to self-efficacy and knowledge of chronic disease and associated risk factors between groups. The program also facilitated 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health checks for participants. Deadly Choices is an innovative and comprehensive school-based program which has great potential to improve the health outcomes of Indigenous young people in urban areas by providing education in leadership and chronic disease prevention; engaging students in physical activity participation; and collaborating with health services to facilitate health checks.

4th-grade elementary-school children's body image and dietary habits according to body mass index

Purpose: The goal of this study was to examine body image satisfaction and perception according to weight status, and to investigate those associations with dietary habits and nutritional status among preadolescent children. Methods: Body image and dietary habits and intake were assessed in 134 elementary school students in grade 4. Children were categorized according to normal and overweight or obese groups. Figure rating scales were used to assess body image perception (identification of perceived current body size) and dissatisfaction (difference between perceived current body size and ideal body image). Results: There were sex differences in body image perceptions. Normal-weight girls, overweight or obese girls and boys were more likely to desire a leaner body size than their perceived body size compared with normal-weight boys. Body image satisfaction and perception showed an association with weight status. More overweight or obese children indicated dissatisfaction or underestimation of body image than normal-weight children. Children with body image dissatisfaction due to heavier perceived body size than ideal body image showed lower frequencies of consumption of meals and vegetables, compared to those who were satisfied with their body image. Children who underestimated their body image were more likely to have a lower frequency of breakfast and meal regularity and a higher frequency of eating out of home or food deliveries than those with accurate body image perception. In addition, body image underestimation showed an association with lower intakes of protein, dietary fiber and calcium, and the higher percentage of calories derived from fat. Conclusion: Body image dissatisfaction as well as underestimation in children before puberty showed an association with overweight or obesity, and was also related to unhealthy dietary habits. These findings highlight the importance of accurate perception and satisfaction with body image in preadolescent children in order to prevent development of obesity in adolescents and adults.

근로자들의 대사증후군과 건강위험 요인과의 관련성 연구

This study is performed to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among male workers and to identify the relationships with many related factors including anthropometry, hematological index, serum lipid level, dietary-related behaviors and health-related behaviors. According to the age groups, the 20s are significantly higher in normal and risk groups than in the metabolic syndrome (MS) group, the 30s are significantly higher in MS group than the other groups. The levels of AST and <TEX>${\gamma}$</TEX>-GTP both show significant differences in the order of MS group (<TEX>$30.3{\pm}8.8U/l$</TEX>, <TEX>$91.1{\pm}40.2U/l$</TEX>) > risk group (<TEX>$25.7{\pm}8.1U/l$</TEX>, <TEX>$41.8{\pm}20.2U/l$</TEX>) > normal group (<TEX>$22.8{\pm}6.0U/l$</TEX>, <TEX>$26.6{\pm}10.7U/l$</TEX>). For the frequency of breakfast consumption, the response of 'Every day' is significantly higher in MS group than normal and risk groups, but the response of 'Not at all' is significantly higher in normal group than MS and risk groups. The drinking amount is positively correlated with <TEX>${\gamma}$</TEX>-GTP in normal group, and it is negatively correlated with the hematocrit level, but it is positively correlated with the systolic blood pressure in MS group. AST is positively correlated with glucose concentrations of the MS group. The ALT is positively correlated with waist circumferences and systolic blood pressure in the risk group. The results of this study show that breakfast frequency, education level, drinking amount, drinking frequency, exercise frequency, AST, ALT and <TEX>${\gamma}$</TEX>-GTP levels are all important risk factors of MS. Therefore, it is very important to maintain a healthy life style for the prevention of MS incidence.

Hábito y calidad del desayuno en alumnos de dos escuelas primarias públicas de la ciudad de Santa Fe

Breakfast provides the necessary energy and nutrients to achieve an optimal physical and mental performance. OBJECTIVE. To find out breakfast frequency, factors that influence breakfast habit and skipping, breakfast quality and snack intake in children from public schools in the city of Santa Fe. POPULATION AND METHODS. Descriptive, cross-sectional study. A total of 637 students were assessed using a closed-ended question survey. RESULTS. Seventy five percent of children had breakfast on a daily basis; only 1.6% had a good quality breakfast. Eating breakfast every day or some days did not depend on having the company of a family member. In the case of first to fifth grade children, the weekly frequency depended on having a family member who made it (p= 0.04). The main cause for skipping breakfast was lack of time. Twenty-three percent of children in sixth and seventh grade indicated feeling unwell when having breakfast. More than 50% of children watched television while having breakfast. Most students in first to third grade had breakfast that could be improved (41%) and which was insufficient (41%). An insufficient quality breakfast was more common among fourth and fifth grade students (50%). A remarkable piece of information is the number of sixth and seventh grade children who had a poor quality breakfast (16%). Very few children had a snack that was appropriate to supplement the final quality of breakfast. CONCLUSIONS. Although a high percentage of school-aged children are used to having breakfast, most have an incomplete breakfast. Very few manage to supplement their breakfast with snacks at mid-morning.

Associations between Family-Related Factors, Breakfast Consumption and BMI among 10- to 12-Year-Old European Children: The Cross-Sectional ENERGY-Study

ObjectiveTo investigate associations of family-related factors with children’s breakfast consumption and BMI-z-score and to examine whether children’s breakfast consumption mediates associations between family-related factors and children’s BMI-z-score.SubjectsTen- to twelve-year-old children (n = 6374; mean age = 11.6±0.7 years, 53.2% girls, mean BMI-z-score = 0.4±1.2) and one of their parents (n = 6374; mean age = 41.4±5.3 years, 82.7% female, mean BMI = 24.5±4.2 kg/m2) were recruited from schools in eight European countries (Belgium, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland). The children self-reported their breakfast frequency per week. The body weight and height of the children were objectively measured. The parents responded to items on family factors related to breakfast (automaticity, availability, encouragement, paying attention, permissiveness, negotiating, communicating health beliefs, parental self-efficacy to address children’s nagging, praising, and family breakfast frequency). Mediation analyses were performed using multi-level regression analyses (child-school-country).ResultsThree of the eleven family-related variables were significantly associated with children’s BMI-z-score. The family breakfast frequency was negatively associated with the BMI-z-score; permissiveness concerning skipping breakfast and negotiating about breakfast were positively associated with the BMI-z-score. Children’s breakfast consumption was found to be a mediator of the two associations. All family-related variables except for negotiating, praising and communicating health beliefs, were significantly associated with children’s breakfast consumption.ConclusionsFuture breakfast promotion and obesity prevention interventions should focus on family-related factors including the physical home environment and parenting practices. Nevertheless, more longitudinal research and intervention studies to support these findings between family-related factors and both children’s breakfast consumption and BMI-z-score are needed.

Eating your feelings. Relationships between alexithymia and unhealthy eating habits in adolescents

Alexithymia is defined as a deficit in the ability to understand and express emotion. There is a positive relationship between alexithymia and obesity but this relationship has yet to be investigated in adolescents. We predicted that adolescents with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) would have higher alexithymia scores. Nine schools in the Midlands region participated in data collection, which included objective measures of BMI, self-reported eating habits such as breakfast frequency and snacking behaviour and alexithymia. There were 60 male and 50 female participants, with a mean age of 12 (SD ± .7), mean alexithymia score of 33.7 (SD ± 4.9) and mean BMI of 20 (SD ± 4.7). Preliminary analysis indicated total alexithymia scores were not directly related to BMI and neither were any specific subscale scores. However, the subscale scores for Difficulty Describing Feelings were related to eating habits that contribute to overweight. For example, there was a negative relationship between Difficulty Describing Feelings scores and self-reported daily fruit and vegetable consumption, and a positive relationship between Difficulty Describing Feelings scores and unhealthy snacking. Alexithymia scores were not related to socioeconomic status or ethnicity. These results suggest that unhealthy eating habits may underlie the relationship between difficulties describing feelings and the emergence of obesity in adulthood.

Relationship between skipping breakfast and bone mineral density in young Japanese women.

BACK GROUND AND AIMS: It is well known that insufficient nutrient intake leads to poor bone status. To find a simple evaluation method for prevention of nutrition intake disorder, a cross-sectional study with 275 healthy Japanese female students aged 19-25 was conducted. Anthropometric parameters, bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar and total hip, bone metabolic markers and physical activity were measured in study participants and the frequency of skipping meals (breakfast, lunch, supper), and absolute values for nutrient intakes were assessed using a Diet History Questionnaire. The frequency of skipping breakfast significantly correlate to total energy intake (ρ= -0.276, p<0.001). BMI, total intake of energy, intake of protein, intake of phosphate, and energy expenditure positively correlated significantly to BMD at lumbar and total hip (p<0.05) using simple linear regression. BMI (regression coefficient (b))=0.088, p<0.001), bone alkaline phosphatase (b= -0.050, p=0.012), total energy expenditure (b=0.019, p<0.001), and frequency of skipping breakfast (b= -0.018, p=0.048) were independent risk factors for lower total hip BMD by multiple regression analysis. The total hip BMD in participants who skipped breakfast three or more times was significantly lower than in those who did not skip breakfast (p=0.007). In conclusion, managing the frequency of skipping breakfast and reducing it to <3 times per week may be beneficial for the maintenance of bone health in younger women.