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Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
04:48

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Published on: May 8, 2018

Eating behaviour and weight in children

L Webber1, C Hill, J Saxton

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, 2-16 Torrington Place, Gower Street, London, UK.

International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|November 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Child eating behaviors like fussiness and responsiveness to food are linked to body weight. Specific traits show graded associations, suggesting early assessment can predict weight gain susceptibility.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric health
  • Behavioral science
  • Nutritional science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
  • Eating behaviors are complex and influenced by various factors.
  • Understanding the relationship between appetite traits and weight is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the graded association between quantitative variations in children's eating behavior traits and their body weight.
  • To determine if specific appetitive traits are systematically related to adiposity in children.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 406 families from the PEACHES and TEDS cohorts.
  • Children aged 7-12 years had their weight and height measured to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) standard deviation scores.
  • Parent-reported eating behaviors were assessed using the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ).

Main Results:

  • Satiety Responsiveness/Slowness in Eating and Food Fussiness showed a graded negative association with weight.
  • Food Responsiveness, Enjoyment of Food, Emotional Overeating, and Desire to Drink were positively associated with weight.
  • These associations remained significant after controlling for demographic factors.

Conclusions:

  • Appetitive traits related to food approach and avoidance are systematically and oppositely associated with adiposity in children.
  • These eating behavior traits are not solely linked to obesity but show graded associations across the weight spectrum.
  • Early identification of these traits may serve as an indicator of susceptibility to weight gain.
Abstract

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