Food Intake and Overweight in School-Aged Children in Germany: Results of the GINIplus and LISAplus Studies

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the cross-sectional association between food intake and overweight in children. Methods: Height and weight were measured in 2,565 school-aged children. Intakes of 11 food groups were categorized (low, medium and high) using specific tertile cutoffs. Multivariate energy partition models were applied. Adjustment included energy intake from other food groups, city, family income, parental education and ‘screen' time. Possible underreporters were identified and used in sensitivity analyses. Results: Compared to low intake, high intakes of meat, fish, beverages and bakery products were associated with greater BMI z-scores [β (95% CI) = 0.32 (0.21, 0.42), 0.13 (0.03, 0.24), 0.23 (0.11, 0.35) and 0.10 (-0.01, 0.20)] and increased risk of being overweight [odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) = 2.08 (1.58, 2.73), 1.39 (1.08, 1.80), 1.36 (1.01, 1.84) and 1.62 (1.24, 2.11)]. Conversely, medium and high intakes of confectionery were associated with smaller BMI z-scores [β = -0.18 (-0.28, -0.07) and -0.22 (-0.33, -0.12)] and decreased risk of being overweight [OR = 0.64 (0.50, 0.83) and 0.53 (0.40, 0.68)]. These associations were robust to sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Intakes of meat, fish, beverages and bakery products correlate with body weight status.

Prospective associations of meat consumption during childhood with measures of body composition during adolescence: results from the GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohorts

“…Our study population consisted of children assessed over a five-year follow-up period during adolescence, from ages 10 to 15 years. We have previously reported cross-sectional associations between higher total meat intakes and increased BMI in 10-year old children from the GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohort studies [21]. Additionally, Bradlee et al [25] reported that adolescent boys (aged 12–16) with smaller waist circumferences tended to eat less meat.…”

“…First, minimally adjusted models (MIN) were fit, adjusting for study, recruitment region, parental education level, pubertal onset, age at BIA measurement and sedentary behaviour. As significant associations between meat intake and BMI at age 10 years have been previously reported [21], main models (MAIN) were fit separately, further adjusting for weight category at age 10 years. We performed additional analyses where we further adjusted the main model for EAA, SFA, MUFA or PUFA, respectively.…”

Association of Weight Status with Dietary Intake and Dietary Diversity Score in 10 - 12-Year-Old Children in Tehran: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In this regard, the literature has reported conflicting results. Some studies have shown a direct relationship between obesity and the consumption of breads and cereals (25,26), and some have reported an inverse association between obesity and fruit and vegetable intake (27,28). A study showed an inverse association between obesity and the consumption of red meat (27), while others (25,26) have reported a positive association between these two.…”

“…Some studies have shown a direct relationship between obesity and the consumption of breads and cereals (25,26), and some have reported an inverse association between obesity and fruit and vegetable intake (27,28). A study showed an inverse association between obesity and the consumption of red meat (27), while others (25,26) have reported a positive association between these two. On the other hand, there are some reports indicating that obesity is positively associated with dairy products intake (26,28), while others have shown an inverse relationship (27).…”

A new food frequency questionnaire to assess chocolate and cocoa consumption

“…In general, FFQs poorly identify the important contribution from other product sources such as dairy, pastries, desserts, cereals and spreads [15]. Moreover, the cocoa percentage in chocolate bars is not always inquired about, though the presence of polyphenols is totally different among white, milk or the different types of dark chocolates [16,17]. These facts support the need for an assessment of cocoa product consumption in order to evaluate the actual cocoa intake, especially in the young population, who frequently consume chocolate without being aware of its benefits.…”