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[Caloric intake and distribution of the main nutrients in a population of obese children]
1Cattedra di Endocrinologia e Medicina Costituzionale, Università di Milano.
Insights
Obese children consumed fewer calories than normal-weight peers, despite similar macronutrient distribution. Dietary fat and protein intake increased with age, while carbohydrate intake decreased in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Obesity Research
- Dietary Assessment
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Understanding calorie and nutrient intake patterns in obese versus normal-weight children is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Previous studies have shown varied results regarding the dietary intake of obese children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the calorie intake and main nutrient content between obese and normal-weight children.
- To assess adherence to recommended dietary guidelines (LARN) in both groups.
- To investigate the relationship between age and nutrient intake in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 152 obese (OB) and 153 normal-weight (NW) children (ages 7-11).
- Food intake was assessed using a food dictionary interview (2 past days and 1 holiday) and a weekly questionnaire.
- Calorie intake and macronutrient composition (carbohydrates, fats, protein) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Obese children consumed significantly fewer calories (1812.9 kcal/day) than normal-weight peers (1928.5 kcal/day).
- Both groups had similar macronutrient distribution (approx. 50% carbohydrates, 35% fats, 15% protein), with higher fat and protein percentages than LARN recommendations.
- Fat and protein intake increased with age, while carbohydrate intake decreased; 70% of obese and 80% of normal-weight children met or exceeded recommended calorie intake.
Conclusions:
- Obesity in children may not solely be due to excessive calorie intake compared to normal-weight peers.
- Dietary patterns in children, particularly the balance of macronutrients and their changes with age, warrant further investigation.
- Current dietary habits in this population deviate from recommendations, with potential implications for long-term health.
Abstract:
Calorie intake and the main nutrient contents were assessed in a population of 152 obese (OB) children (86 M; 66 F; age 7-11) and 153 normal weight (NW) peers (87 M; 66 F). The following method was used: a) an interview using a food dictionary to assess food intake during the 2 days prior to the study and on one holiday: and b) a weekly questionnaire. The mean food intake of OB did not exceed that of NW, but on the contrary was lower (OB: 1812.9 +/- 39.6 kcal/die; NW: 1928.5 +/- 39.4 kcal/die; p less than 0.05). The population studied consumed approximately 50% of calories as carbohydrates (CHO), 35% as fats (F) and 15% as protein (P), and no difference was noted between OB and NW. The percentage of CHO was lower than that recommended by LARN, whereas the percentages of F and P were higher. A significant increase with age was noted in F and P intake as was a significant reduction of CO. 70% of OB and 80% of NW matched or exceeded the calorie intake recommended by LARN. 30% of OB and 24% of NW consumed 30% less than the daily calorie intake recommended by LARN.