1.
Emotional Eating, Health Behaviours, and Obesity in Children: A 12-Country Cross-Sectional Study.
Jalo, E, Konttinen, H, Vepsäläinen, H, Chaput, JP, Hu, G, Maher, C, Maia, J, Sarmiento, OL, Standage, M, Tudor-Locke, C, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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Plain language summary
Childhood obesity rates are high in both developed and developing countries. The most important contributors are the increased availability of energy-dense foods and a reduced need for physical activity. The aim of the study was to examine the association between self-reported emotional eating, health behaviours and body mass index in 9 to 11-year-old children. The study is a secondary analysis of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and Environment. The cross-sectional sample included 5,426 children with an age range between 9 to 11-year-olds. Results indicate a positive association between emotional eating and an unhealthy diet pattern, which was consistent in all 12 different study sites. Authors conclude that the association between emotional eating and an unhealthy eating pattern is not restricted to Western countries and their cultural and food environments.
Abstract
Eating in response to negative emotions (emotional eating, EE) may predispose an individual to obesity. Yet, it is not well known how EE in children is associated with body mass index (BMI) and health behaviours (i.e., diet, physical activity, sleep, and TV-viewing). In the present study, we examined these associations in a cross-sectional sample of 5426 (54% girls) 9⁻11-year-old children from 12 countries and five continents. EE, food consumption, and TV-viewing were measured using self-administered questionnaires, and physical activity and nocturnal sleep duration were measured with accelerometers. BMI was calculated using measured weights and heights. EE factor scores were computed using confirmatory factor analysis, and dietary patterns were identified using principal components analysis. The associations of EE with health behaviours and BMI z-scores were analyzed using multilevel models including age, gender, and household income as covariates. EE was positively and consistently (across 12 study sites) associated with an unhealthy dietary pattern (β = 0.29, SE = 0.02, p < 0.0001), suggesting that the association is not restricted to Western countries. Positive associations between EE and physical activity and TV viewing were not consistent across sites. Results tended to be similar in boys and girls. EE was unrelated to BMI in this sample, but prospective studies are needed to determine whether higher EE in children predicts the development of undesirable dietary patterns and obesity over time.
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Consumption of ultra-processed foods and body fat during childhood and adolescence: a systematic review.
Costa, CS, Del-Ponte, B, Assunção, MCF, Santos, IS
Public health nutrition. 2018;21(1):148-159
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Childhood and adolescent obesity has presented a growing prevalence over the last three decades. Consumption of ultra-processed foods has been pointed out as a risk factor for increasing obesity, as measured by body mass index, among both adolescents and adults. The aim of this study was to identify papers on the association between consumption of ultra-processed food and body fat during childhood and adolescence. This study is a systemic review of 26 articles that evaluated groups of ultra-processed foods or specific ultra-processed foods. Results showed positive associations between consumption of ultra-processed foods and body fat levels. Authors conclude that the use of a standardized food classification, which makes it possible to consider the level of food processing, is much needed in future studies in order to uncover the role of such foods in obesity epidemics.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the available literature on the association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and body fat during childhood and adolescence. DESIGN A systematic review was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science and LILACS databases. Studies that evaluated the association between consumption of ultra-processed food (exposure) and body fat (outcome) during childhood and adolescence were eligible. SUBJECTS Healthy children and adolescents. RESULTS Twenty-six studies that evaluated groups of ultra-processed foods (such as snacks, fast foods, junk foods and convenience foods) or specific ultra-processed foods (soft drinks/sweetened beverages, sweets, chocolate and ready-to-eat cereals) were selected. Most of the studies (n 15) had a cohort design. Consumption was generally evaluated by means of FFQ or food records; and body composition, by means of double indirect methods (bioelectrical impedance analysis and skinfolds). Most of the studies that evaluated consumption of groups of ultra-processed foods and soft drinks/sweetened beverages found positive associations with body fat. CONCLUSIONS Our review showed that most studies have found positive associations between consumption of ultra-processed food and body fat during childhood and adolescence. There is a need to use a standardized classification that considers the level of food processing to promote comparability between studies.