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Snacking patterns in obese French women
A Basdevant1, C Craplet, B Guy-Grand
1Department of Internal Medicine and Nutrition, Hôtel-Dieu, Paris, France.
Appetite
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Obese women who snack consume more daily energy, primarily from afternoon snacks. Specific macronutrient snacking patterns, like carbohydrate-rich, protein-free options, were infrequent in this Parisian study.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Obesity Research
- Dietary Habits
Background:
- Snacking is a common dietary behavior.
- Understanding snacking patterns is crucial for managing obesity.
- Previous research suggests a link between snacking and increased energy intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate snacking patterns in a sample of obese women.
- To determine the impact of snacking on total daily energy consumption.
- To analyze the macronutrient composition of snacks consumed.
Main Methods:
- Dietary history was collected from 273 obese women.
- Prevalence and timing of snacking were recorded.
- Macronutrient content of snacks (carbohydrate, lipid, protein) was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Snacking occurred in 60% of participants, predominantly in the afternoon.
- Snackers exhibited higher total daily energy intake compared to non-snackers.
- Snacks were diverse, with a mean composition of 52% carbohydrate, 37% lipid, and 12% protein.
- Carbohydrate-rich, protein-free snacks were consumed by a minority (20% of snacks, 7% of subjects).
Conclusions:
- Snacking significantly contributes to increased energy consumption in obese women in Paris.
- Macronutrient-specific snacking patterns are not prevalent in this population.
- Dietary interventions for obese women should consider overall snacking behavior and timing.