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School Lunch Timing and Children's Physical Activity During Recess: An Exploratory Study.
Gabriella M McLoughlin1, Caitlyn G Edwards2, Alicia Jones1
1Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
|February 16, 2019
Summary
School lunch timing affects children's energy balance. Eating lunch before recess led to lower residual energy and more milk consumption, highlighting the impact of school meal policies on student health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- School Health Policy
- Childhood Physical Activity
Background:
- School lunch timing policies vary, potentially influencing children's eating behaviors and physical activity levels.
- Understanding the relationship between meal timing and energy balance is crucial for addressing childhood obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between school lunch timing (pre-recess vs. post-recess) and physical activity during recess.
- To examine the impact of lunch timing on children's energy balance and food intake during the school day.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 103 fourth- and fifth-graders over 5 school days.
- Physical activity was measured using accelerometry, and lunch intake was assessed via a weighted plate waste technique.
Main Results:
- Children consuming lunch before recess exhibited lower residual energy (intake minus expenditure).
- A higher proportion of milk servings was consumed when lunch preceded recess.
- No significant timing effects were found for other measured lunch and physical activity variables.
Conclusions:
- School lunch timing policies appear to influence children's energy intake and consumption patterns.
- Further experimental and quasi-experimental research is recommended to elucidate the causal effects of lunch timing on health behaviors.