Kcal Consumption Research Articles

Looking beyond sleep duration in understanding obesity risk in adolescents: the role of circadian timing and misalignment on adolescent dietary outcomes, physical activity, and body mass index.

This study evaluated the differences in obesity-related outcomes across multiple adolescent sleep health domains, including circadian misalignment (CM), circadian timing, and sleep duration. 53 adolescents (aged 14-18; body mass index [BMI] percentile < 95%; 53.7% female) completed a cross-sectional study that included baseline assessment of height; weight; demographics; and 10 days assessment of sleep, physical activity, and dietary outcomes. Sleep duration, sleep timing, and physical activity data were collected from all participants using wrist-worn and waist-worn actigraphs. Dietary intake was measured using the Automated Self-Administered 24 Hours dietary recalls on 3 randomized days. Circadian timing was measured using dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO), and CM was calculated as the distance of time between DLMO and the average sleep onset time. Participants were categorized into groups (early vs late circadian timing, aligned vs misaligned circadian timing, and adequate sleep vs short sleep), and differences in dietary outcomes, physical activity, and BMI were analyzed using t-tests. Adolescents with later DLMO (M = 21:30 ± 1:11) had 0.63 higher BMI and 0.47% less averaged daily percent fat consumption than adolescents with early DLMO. Adolescents with CM (M = 1:42 ± 1:06) consumed 451.77 more averaged daily kcal consumption compared with those with circadian alignment. No statistically significant differences were found in any obesity-related outcome between sleep duration groups. Our cross-sectional findings indicate that focusing on sleep timing and circadian alignment, beyond sleep duration, may promote better health outcomes for healthy adolescents. The findings of this study could enhance sleep education and inform clinical models for prevention efforts for pediatric obesity.

Gut peptides before and following Roux-En-Y gastric bypass: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic search was conducted in Medline Ovid, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up until March 2021 following PRISMA guidelines. Studies included evaluated ghrelin, GLP-1, PYY or appetite sensation via visual analogue scales (VASs) before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in adults. A multilevel model with random effects for study and follow-up time points nested in study was fit to the data. The model included kcal consumption as a covariate and time points as moderators. Among the 2559 articles identified, k = 47 were included, among which k = 19 evaluated ghrelin, k = 40 GLP-1, k = 22 PYY, and k = 8 appetite sensation. Our results indicate that fasting ghrelin levels are decreased 2weeks post-RYGB (p = 0.005) but do not differ from baseline from 6weeks to 1-year post-RYGB. Postprandial ghrelin and fasting GLP-1 levels were not different from pre-surgical values. Postprandial levels of GLP-1 increased significantly from 1week (p < 0.001) to 2years post-RYGB (p < 0.01) compared with pre-RYGB. Fasting PYY increased at 6months (p = 0.034) and 1year (p = 0.029) post-surgery; also, postprandial levels increased up to 1year (p < 0.01). Insufficient data on appetite sensation were available to be meta-analyzed.

Assessment of Food Security Status and its Coping Mechanism in Selected Districts of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in selected Districts of Gamo Gofa Zone with the main objectives to identify the determinants of food security status and its coping mechanisms. Result was reported by percentage, frequency and average, Chi-square, t-test and binary logit model. Household calorie acquisition in food consumption was used to evaluate the status of household food security. The totals of 196 respondents were used. Among them, 39.8 % were food secure and 60.2% were not secure. The average Kcal consumed by food secure and insecure households was 2756.3 and 1506.2 respectively. There was a statistical significance average variation of kcal consumption per day per AE (p&lt;1%). The binary logistic model result shows that five were found to be a significant effect on the household food security status out of 11 variables included in the model. These were: farm size, TLU, Market, Food aid, and Annual food expenditure were significantly affecting household food security status (p&lt;10%, 5%, and 1%). Rural households have practiced different coping mechanisms at different stages of food deficit including: Sale of livestock, reduce the size and the number of meals, receive food aid, involve in off-farm activities, daily labor, borrow cash/ kind from others were the dominant coping mechanisms. According to this finding recommended that technologies that improves the productivity of farm and livestock should be given more attention. Some of the coping mechanisms practiced by farmers were more harmful than others. Practices: like rent out farm, livestock sale, and charcoal making have negative effect on subsequent period production and productivity of the farmers as well as negative environmental effect. Therefore, understanding the coping mechanisms performed by the household provides a clue for the determination and promotion of sustainable development strategies.

Design and Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire to Evaluate the Consumption of Trans Fatty Acids in the Adult Population (FFQ-TFA).

Instruments for estimating the intake of food components can be useful in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases related to improper diet. There is, at present, no scientifically validated instrument for estimating consumption of trans fatty acids (TFA) in the Mexican population. The objective of this study was to design and validate such an instrument: a questionnaire that can be used to estimate consumption of TFA from food products. The questionnaire was applied to 162 students from the Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ). There were two phases to the study: (1) design of a food frequency questionnaire to assess consumption of trans fatty acids (FFQ-TFA) and an eating practices questionnaire (EPQ-TFA); (2) validation of the instrument. Content validity was measured by expert review and by Aiken’s V method, obtaining an overall score of 0.895. As final tests for the FFQ-TFA analysis, criterion validity was measured using Spearman’s correlation (r = 0.717, p < 0.01) and a linear regression (B = 0.668), considering the results of the 24-h dietary recall (24 HR); and reproducibility or temporal stability was measured using Pearson’s correlation (r = 0.406, p < 0.01). Subsequently, a Pearson correlation was applied between TFA consumption estimated by the FFQ-TFA-2 and the global score from the EPQ-TFA-2 (r = 0.351, p < 0.01). A Pearson correlation was applied between the EPQ-TFA-1 and the EPQ-TFA-2 (r = 0.575, p < 0.01). TFA consumption per day was 2.49 ± 1.32 g in the participating population, which was 1.04 ± 0.51% of their total kcal consumption.

Modelling food demand in the 21st century

Modelling food demand in the 21st century

Cross-validation Of A Prediction Equation For Energy Expenditure Of An Acute Resistance Exercise Bout.

Previously, our laboratory introduced a regression equation for predicting net kcal consumption of a resistance exercise (RE) bout: Total net kcal = 0.874(height, cm) - 0.596(age, years) - 1.016(fat mass, kg) + 1.638(lean mass, kg) + 2.461(total volume x 10-3) - 110.742 (R2 = 0.773, SEE=28.5 kcal). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to validate this regression equation using the same variables as predictors. METHODS: Forty-seven healthy, active subjects (23 men, 24 women, 20-58 yrs, 173.5 ± 10.5 cm, 85.5 ± 19.0 kg, VO2max 36.0 ± 8.4 ml/kg/min) were randomly divided into validation and cross-validation groups (nv = 24, ncv = 23). The validation group’s data was used to develop an equation to predict net kcal consumption, which was applied to the cross-validation group’s data to estimate net kcal consumption. Similarly, a prediction equation was derived from the cross-validation group’s raw data and applied to that of the validation group. The strength of the relationship between each group’s measured and estimated net kcal consumption was assessed via correlational analysis. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression yielded the following estimates of net kcal consumption: validation net kcal = 1.125(height, cm) – 0.662(age, years) – 0.800(fat mass, kg) + 1.344(lean mass, kg) + 2.278(total volume x 10-3) – 144.846 (R2 = 0.751, p < 0.0001, SEE=29.7 kcal); cross-validation net kcal = 0.515(height, cm) - 0.520(age, years) - 1.220(fat mass, kg) + 1.995(lean mass, kg) + 2.620(total volume x 10-3) – 59.988 (R2 = 0.823, p < 0.0001, SEE=29.2 kcal). These equations had a cross-validation coefficient of 0.902 and a double cross-validation coefficient of 0.863. CONCLUSION: The strong relationship between the measured and estimated net kcal consumption of both the cross-validation and validation group lead us to conclude that the regression equation derived by this laboratory is valid for estimating net energy expenditure for a total RE bout.

Association of Probiotic Consumption and Body Mass Index in the US Population: Insights from NHANES (P21-022-19)

ObjectivesTo determine the association between probiotic consumption through food or supplements and Body Mass Index (BMI) in National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. MethodsThis large US population based cross-sectional study includes 2005–2014 NHANES data. We utilized 24-hour Dietary Recall (DR) interviews and Dietary Supplement Use 30-Day recall (DSQ) to extract the Probiotic Food (PF) and Probiotic Supplements (PS) consumption, respectively, using text search terms. Adults (≥18 years), who responded to DR interviews and DSQ, were included, while pregnant women were excluded from the study. Differences in probiotic consumers and non-consumers were assessed with χ2/Wilcoxon tests.To assess the relationship among probiotic consumption and BMI, we performed multiple linear regression while adjusting for confounders such as gender, race, age, Healthy Eating Index (HEI), Kcal consumption, physical activity and antibiotic use. Results of associations were analyzed separately for PF and PS, and weighted to reflect national estimates. ResultsStudy included 15,104,111 (13.8%) PF consumers and 94,421,839 (86.2%) non-consumers. PF consumers were generally female (63.2% vs. 51.6%), white (77.6% vs. 67.1%), older [mean (±SD) 48.54 ± 0.99 vs. 46.29 ± 0.55 years], had higher HEI [57.52 ± 0.86 vs. 52.33 ± 0.37] and Kcal consumption [3861.77 ± 63.70 vs. 3737.49 ± 31.62], but similar physical activity (46.9% vs. 46.9%) and antibiotic use (4.9% vs. 4.6%) compared to non-consumers.We also identified 1108,619 (1.1%) PS users and 101,698,442 (98.9%) non-users. Compared to non-users, PS users were commonly female (67.8% vs. 51.8%), white (84.5% vs. 66.4%), older [52.60 ± 3.11 vs. 46.36 ± 1.06 years], had higher HEI [60.92 ± 2.41 vs. 52.70 ± 0.37], similar physical activity (45.3% vs. 45.0%) and Kcal Consumption [3599.08 ± 182.06 vs. 3737.43 ± 31.83], but more antibiotic users (9.4% vs. 4.5%).After adjusting for confounders, the weighted mean BMI was 0.48 kg/m2 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) = (−0.68) – (−0.28)] lower for PF consumers than non-consumers. PS users had even lower weighted mean BMI [−1.10 kg/m2, 95% CI = (−1.71) – (−0.48)] compared to non-users. ConclusionsIn this large nationally representative population-based study, probiotic consumption via food or supplement was associated with lower body mass index. Funding SourcesNone.

Predictors of Probiotic Use in the United States (P21-023-19)

ObjectivesTo identify predictors associated with probiotic use in the US using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. MethodsThe study examined a large cross-sectional US population using NHANES data from 2005–2014. We utilized 24-hour dietary recall (DR) interviews and Dietary Supplement Use 30-Day recall (DSQ) to extract the information of Probiotic Food (PF) or Probiotic Supplements (PS) consumption, respectively, using text search terms. Adults (≥18 years), who participated in DR interviews and DSQ were included, while pregnant women were excluded from the study. Differences in probiotic consumers and non-consumers were analyzed by χ2/Wilcoxon tests. Potential predictors of probiotic use, such as gender, race, Healthy Eating Index (HEI), antibiotic use, Kcal Consumption, Body Mass Index (BMI), age and physical activity were evaluated using multivariate survey-weighted logistic regression. Predictors of PF and PS use were analyzed separately and weighted to reflect national estimates. ResultsOur study included 15,104,111 (13.79%) PF consumers and 94,421,839 (86.21%) non-consumers. The adjusted analysis suggested that, females were more likely to be PF consumers than males [Weighted Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.56–1.97]. Non-Hispanic white were more likely to consume PF than other races. Each unit increase in HEI was associated with 3% higher odds of PF consumers [1.03, 1.02–1.03] than non-consumers.Similarly, we identified 1108,619 (1.08%) PS users and 101,698,442 (98.92%) non-users. The odds of PS use were 1.75 times higher in females compared to males [1.75, 1.14–2.70]. Mexican American [0.20, 0.09–0.45] and Non Hispanic Black [0.52, 0.32–0.83] were less likely to be PS consumers compared to Non-Hispanic white population. Each unit increase in HEI was associated with 4% higher odds of PS use [1.04, 1.03–1.05] than non-consumers. Antibiotic use (9.37% vs. 4.52%) was significantly associated with PS use [2.30, 1.11–4.74]. Kcal consumption, BMI, age and physical activity were not associated with probiotic consumption. ConclusionsThis large population based nationally representative study identified females, HEI and Non-Hispanic white population as predictors of probiotic use, while antibiotic use was additional predictor for PS use. Funding SourcesNone.

Dopaminergic Receptor and Transporter Densities in Nucleus Accumbens Are Not Altered by a Western Diet

Multiple studies have indicated that physical activity regulation may be largely controlled by central neural factors, such as dopamine (DA) signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). DA signaling has been shown to be altered by nutritional interventions. The key identified proteins involved with DA signaling are DA receptors one and two (DRD1, DRD2), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), and DA transporter (DAT). PURPOSE: To determine if a high fat/high sugar (HFHS) diet alters DA signaling in the NAc of male and female C57Bl/6J mice. METHODS: Mice were randomly assigned to either a HFHS diet or a standard CHOW diet (C) at three weeks of age for a total of nine weeks. The C diet consisted of 4% fat, 25.2% protein, 39.5% carbohydrate, and 23.2% fiber, while the HFHS diet consisted of 45% fat, 20% protein, and 35% carbohydrate along with a 20% fructose solution replacing drinking water. Physical activity was measured using a running wheel for three days during the last week. Mice were sacrificed at 12 weeks, the NAc was dissected on ice, and flash frozen in liquid nitrogen. Immunoblotting was performed using NAc lysate probed with the following antibodies; DRD1, DRD2, TH, VMAT, DAT. Bands were analyzed after normalization using Welch’s t-tests to compare target protein densitometries between the HFHS and C diet conditions. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in protein densitometries in male mice for DRD1, TH, VMAT, DAT, or DRD2 (p= 0.85; 0.46; 0.38; 0.38; 0.36 respectively) or in female mice (p= 0.16; 0.39; 0.31; 0.33; 0.83 respectively). CONCLUSION: A HFHS diet did not alter dopaminergic receptor or transporter densities in the NAc. Previous analyses revealed the HFHS group had greater kcal consumption and decreased physical activity while the C diet group had lower kcal consumption and higher physical activity. Thus, we conclude that each group mediated DA activity via separate mechanisms; the HFHS through diet and the C through physical activity.

Exposure therapy vs lifestyle intervention to reduce food cue reactivity and binge eating in obesity: A pilot study

Background and objectivesLearning models of overeating predict that exposure therapy is effective in reducing food cue reactivity and overeating. This pilot study tested an eight-session exposure therapy aimed at inhibitory learning vs. an active control condition aimed at lifestyle improvement for obesity (treatment-as-usual). Main outcomes are snacking behavior, eating psychopathology, food cue reactivity, and weight loss. Change in overeating expectancies was assessed as mediator for outcomes, and the associations between habituation of eating desires and outcomes were investigated in the exposure condition. Sleep quality was investigated as moderator for outcomes. Methods45 overweight women were randomly assigned to the exposure intervention or control condition. The main outcomes, overeating expectancies and sleep quality were re-assessed at post-treatment and three-month follow-up. Habituation of eating desires was measured during exposure sessions. ResultsCompared to the control intervention, exposure led to a significantly stronger reduction in snacking behavior of exposed foods, though this effect did not generalize to non-exposed foods, and stronger binge eating frequency. The exposure condition lost significantly more weight at post-treatment and follow-up than the lifestyle condition. Changes of expectancies mediated the effect of condition on kcal consumption of exposed foods, while habituation during exposure was not related to better treatment outcome. Sleep quality did not moderate the effect of condition on treatment outcome. LimitationsSmall sample size and limited follow-up period. ConclusionsThis short exposure therapy reduced snacking behavior, binge eating and weight more than a lifestyle intervention and is therefore a recommendable intervention for obesity and overeating disorders.

Eating in the Absence of Hunger and Obesity Among Adolescents in Santiago, Chile.

In reports among mostly, US, white, preschool and young school-age children eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) has been positively related to adiposity, with some support for a sex-specific relationship. There is considerable interest in EAH and obesity in populations at risk for obesity-like populations of countries that have undergone rapid development. We assessed adolescents (n = 679) after an overnight fast with anthropometry and an EAH paradigm beginning with an ad lib pre-load meal. Participants reported satisfaction and perceived ability to eat more food, and then proceeded to a room with freely available snacks where they were permitted to eat ad lib for 20min. Adolescents were 16.8years old, 52% male, and 14% with obesity. Median preload meal kcal consumption was 602 (IQR 474-746). Additional calories were consumed at the EAH snack by 47.6%. Among those who ate snack, 155 additional calories were consumed (IQR 78-283). Adolescents with obesity had 0.61 (95% CI 0.37-0.99) reduced odds of eating at the EAH snack adolescents without obesity. Adolescents with obesity were also less likely to eat above the median total calories compared to adolescents without obesity (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.96). A sex by obesity interaction term was not significant in any model. Obesity was related to eating behavior in our sample of Chilean adolescents, however not in the direction we hypothesized. Adolescents with obesity were less likely to eat additional calories in the EAH paradigm and ate fewer total calories compared to adolescents without obesity.

Consideration on the Accuracy of Watch for Physical Activity Tracker

Background: Obesity is one of the biggest drivers of preventable chronic diseases and healthcare costs in Worldwide. The most difficult aspect to take under consideration on the developing algorithms able to value the single session of kcal consumption in a single session of training are the hormonal factors. Objective: In this study we done a preliminary study on the comparison of two different watch (that provide an estimate of kilocalories consumed with and without heart rate monitor) with an indirect calorimetry device. The aim of this study was to understand if the watch could be considered for health use and the variable that can influence the valuation accuracy of the kcal consumption during a training session on gym. Methods: In this preliminary study we analyzed the indicators that influence the daily energy expenditure and possible device able to track it, considering possible limits of application. Therefore, we analyzed the critical issue emerged to track each indicator. Results: From this preliminary study was possible to show that the accuracy of the device could have important difference case by case. More information have to be done to the customer to understand the accuracy of the different device able to detect the kcal consumption because it can modify the diet of not professional people. We had problem with the synchronization of health rate monitor and the watch with Bluetooth mode in room with computer or a lot of IT equipment. Discussion: This preliminary study showed that could be more vital signals to take under consideration developing algorithm for the daily kcal consumption. More study are need to understand way we have a difference of accuracy during a reliable test in healthy volunteers. Metabolism aspect could be taken under consideration starting from consideration related on weight and high of subject. Conclusion: The conclusion was not permitted to have the algorithm used to detect the kcal consumption so we did some preliminary test. From as analysis we show a not constant accuracy for the watch 1 and watch 2 vs. the indirect calorimetry. This suggest that some more variable have to be taken under consideration in developing of device, as suggested from the literature.

Re‐induction of obese body weight occurs more rapidly and at lower caloric intake in beagles

For the purpose of investigating the mechanism of obesity-induction/re-induction including weight-cycling in beagles, a study was conducted using commercially available dog food combined with human food to mimic at home-snacking and diet-supplementation behaviours. Adult female beagles, which had free access to water and exercise, were used (n = 9). All dogs were initially offered two times their daily calculated number of calories using a dry extruded diet plus blend of canola and soybean oils and allowed to eat ad libitum. After 3 weeks, Pecan shortbread cookies were added to the diet mixture. Obesity was induced during a 19-week period with 1875-2250 kcal/day consumed, on average, during this period. The dogs were then subjected to a weight-loss regimen while consuming 490-730 kcal/day. After weight loss, a similar degree of obesity was re-induced for 17 weeks even though dogs consumed only 1125-1250 kcal/day. Body weight, body condition scores, kcal consumption and food efficiency were recorded. Results indicated that less time and fewer kcal were required to re-induce the same degree of obesity compared with the initial obesity induction. Human snack foods appeared to stimulate appetite and thus contribute to the obese state. Food efficiency was also increased during the obesity-reinduction period compared with the induction period. This information may help pet owners better understand the need to limit table scraps and human-type food snacks in dogs prone to obesity as well as weight maintenance after weight loss.

Prediction Of The Total Energy Cost Of An Acute Bout Of Resistance Exercise In Young Men And Women

ACSM currently recommends resistance training (RT) for each major muscle group at least 2 times per week with a traditional repetition range of 8-12 per set. Because many investigators/fitness professionals consider kcal expenditure when creating training protocols, energy costs during both RT and aerobic training must be considered. PURPOSE: To develop a regression equation to predict kcal expenditure for a RT bout involving each major muscle group using VO2max, height, weight, lean body mass, fat mass, and total exercise volume (TV=sets*reps*wt) as independent variables. METHODS: Twelve subjects (7 men, 5 women, age 21-25 yrs) were tested using the standard Bruce treadmill protocol for VO2max, and strength tested to determine their 3-5 repetition max (RM) on Kaiser® RT equipment 1 week prior to their experimental RT bout. Body composition was assessed using DEXA. For their experimental RT bout, a warm-up set followed by 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps at 60-70% predicted 1RM were performed for each exercise. Each set was started every two minutes. Exercises progressed in the following order: leg press, chest press, leg curl, lat pull, leg ext., triceps ext., biceps curl. Oxygen consumption was measured continuously throughout the RT bout using an automated metabolic cart. Multiple Linear Regression was used to determine the best model for prediction of kcal consumption. RESULTS: Mean kcal expenditure for the entire RT bout was 221.8±20.65 kcal (men = 272±36 & women = 150±16) with a mean kcal cost of 26.32-38.94 per exercise. Large muscle group/multi-joint exercises had the highest total kcal expenditures as expected. Collinearity diagnostics from the regression revealed that VO2max (L/min) and the square root of TV (TV0.5) were the only predictors needed in the model with all other variables being highly intercorrellated with VO2max (L/min), thus not adding significant improvement to the model. The prediction equation was (p<0.05, R2=0.86): Total kcal = (37.264*VO2max L/min) + (1.087*TV0.5) - 132.488 CONCLUSIONS: VO2max (L/min) and TV0.5 were found to be significant predictors of the energy cost of a RT bout involving each major muscle group. In regards to fitness, performance, and weight management, this equation may aid practitioners and young exercising adults in documenting kcal expenditure from resistance training.

Central leptin gene therapy blocks high-fat diet-induced weight gain, hyperleptinemia, and hyperinsulinemia: increase in serum ghrelin levels.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV), encoding either rat leptin (rAAV-lep) or green fluorescent protein (rAAV-GFP, control), was injected intracerebroventricularly in rats consuming a high-fat diet (HFD; 45 kcal%). Caloric consumption and body weight were monitored weekly until the rats were killed at 9 weeks. Untreated control rats consuming regular rat diet (RCD; 11 kcal%) were monitored in parallel. Body weight gain was accelerated in rAAV-GFP + HFD control rats relative to those consuming RCD, despite equivalent kcal consumption. At 9 weeks, serum leptin, free fatty acids, triglycerides, and insulin were elevated in HFD control rats. In contrast, rAAV-lep treatment reduced intake and blocked the HFD-induced increase in weight, adiposity, and metabolic variables. Blood glucose was slightly reduced but within the normal range, and serum ghrelin levels were significantly elevated in rAAV-lep + HFD rats. Uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) mRNA in brown adipose tissue (BAT), an index of energy expenditure through nonshivering thermogenesis, was decreased in rats consuming HFD. Treatment with rAAV-lep significantly augmented BAT UCP1 mRNA expression, indicating increased thermogenic energy expenditure. These findings demonstrate that central leptin gene therapy efficiently prevents weight gain, increased adiposity, and hyperinsulinemia in rats consuming an HFD by decreasing energy intake and increasing thermogenic energy expenditure.

Percent Body Fat, Kilocalorie Intake, Exercise and Television Viewing Time in Mexican American Children

LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify the association between % body fat, kcal consumption, and TV viewing time in Mexican American children.This study examined the relationship between % body fat, total kcal intake, exercise, and total amount of TV viewing time in 4th grade Mexican American children participating in a pilot overweight prevention program (Bienestar Program). Twenty-eight children and their parents were recruited through a Catholic school located in a low income neighborhood in San Antonio, TX. Percent body fat was analyzed using bioelectrical impedance. Total kcal intake and % of kcal from fat was determined by computer analysis of three 24-hour dietary recalls. Duration and level of exercise as well as total TV viewing time were assessed using questionnaires collected by trained interviewers. Statistical analysis included Pearson correlation using SPSS. The children's mean % body fat was 28%. They consumed 1885 kcal/d with 30% of kcal coming from fat, exercised for 3.8 hrs/week and viewed TV for 20 hrs/week. Total TV viewing and % body fat were positively correlated (r=0.5 p<0.5). However, there was no significant correlation between hours of TV viewing and the amount of exercise and also no correlation between hours of TV viewing and kcal intake. These results suggest that increased TV viewing may contribute to increased % body fat, but does not necessarily increase kcal intake nor decrease exercise time.