Non-Hispanic white and Hispanic elementary school children's self-regulation of energy intake

Preschool-aged children consistently self-regulate energy intake by adjusting food intake to reflect the energy density of the diet. However, only select adults demonstrate self-regulation skills related to energy density cues.

The objective was to examine the developmental characteristics of non-Hispanic white and Hispanic children's self-regulation of energy intake and to determine whether individual differences in the precision of food intake regulation were related to the children's anthropometric measures.

Three hundred forty-two 5-12-y-old children were recruited from 2 schools, one school that enrolled predominantly non-Hispanic white children (n = 148) and another school in a Hispanic neighborhood (n = 194). The children ate 2-part meals, which consisted of a preload and a main meal. The preloads were fruit-flavored drinks that were either high (625 kJ) or low (12.5 kJ) in energy density. The children's food intake at the meal was measured and energy intake was estimated. An eating Compensation Index (COMPX) score, which reflected the children's ability to regulate energy intake, was used to predict the children's adiposity.

Both non-Hispanic white and Hispanic children showed evidence of incomplete compensation, with a mean (+/-SEM) COMPX score of 48.6 +/- 6.4%. No significant ethnicity or sex differences in the children's overall COMPX scores were observed; however, the children's COMPX scores decreased with age (P < 0.05). Maternal body mass index was the best predictor of the children's weight status.

Children aged 5-12 y show individual variation in their responsiveness to energy density cues; the responsiveness declines with increasing age.