Children's consumption of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, fruit and vegetables: are they related? An analysis of data from a cross sectional survey

Innes‐Hughes, Christine; Hardy, Louise L.; Venugopal, Kamalesh; King, Lesley; Wolfenden, Luke; Rangan, Anna

doi:10.1071/he11210

Cited by 11 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…In the current study, the JFIM was categorised into tertiles so that low, middle and high tertiles denoted scores in the ranges [0–5], [6–8], and [9–25], respectively. The JFIM was also treated as a continuous variable when examining the mean difference in the JFIM between 2010 and 2015.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reporting on individual, rather than the overall or combined frequency of junk foods, may hide the true extent of junk food consumption among children and adolescents as these foods are typically eaten in combination, for example potato chips and soft drink [6]. Information on the overall rating of children’s diets may prove useful in the development of strategies aimed to reduce consumption and prevent childhood obesity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing junk food consumption among Australian children: trends and associated characteristics from a cross-sectional study

et al. 2017

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BackgroundThe ubiquitous supply of junk foods in our food environment has been partly blamed for the increased rates in overweight and obesity. However, consumption of these foods has generally been examined individually perhaps obscuring the true extent of their combined consumption and impact on health. An overall measure of children’s junk food consumption may prove useful in the development of child obesity prevention strategies. We describe the development of a children’s Junk Food Intake Measure (JFIM) to summarise temporal change in junk food consumption and examine the association between the JFIM and health-related behaviours.MethodsCross-sectional population surveillance survey of Australian children age 5–16 years collected in 2010 and 2015. Data were collected by questionnaire with parent’s proxy reporting for children in years K, 2 and 4 and children in years 6, 8 and 10 by self-report. Information on diet, screen-time and physical activity was collected using validated questionnaires. The JFIM comprised consumption of fried potato products, potato crisps/salty snacks, sweet and savoury biscuits/cakes/doughnuts, confectionary and, ice cream/ice blocks.ResultsA total of 7565 (missing = 493, 6.1%) and 6944 (missing n = 611, 8.1%) children had complete data on consumption of junk foods, in 2010 and 2015, respectively. The 2015 survey data showed that among students from high socio-economic status neighbourhoods, there were fewer high junk food consumers than low junk food consumers. Children from Middle Eastern cultural backgrounds had higher junk food consumption. High junk food consumers were more likely to consume take-away ≥3/week, eat dinner in front of the television, receive sweet rewards, be allowed to consume snacks anytime, have soft drinks available at home and a TV in their bedroom. There was a lower proportion of high junk food consumers in 2015 compared to 2010.ConclusionThis is the first study to provide and examine a summary measure of overall junk food consumption among Australian children. The results indicate that junk food consumption among Australian children is lower in 2015, compared with 2010. Still, the public health workforce must continue their efforts as levels of junk food consumption remain of concern among Australian children.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing junk food consumption among Australian children: trends and associated characteristics from a cross-sectional study

et al. 2017

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“…Previous research has shown that there is considerable scope for improving children's eating behaviours. [14][15][16][17][18] In Western Australia, the context of the present study, 34% of boys and 35% of girls consumed snacks or meals from fast food chains at least once per week. Confectionary and cereal bars were consumed daily by 33% of boys and 39% of girls.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Treats: low socioeconomic status Australian parents’ provision of extra foods for their overweight or obese children

Pescud

Pettigrew

2014

Health Prom J of Aust

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Issue addressed: Child obesity is a global issue, with rates highest among disadvantaged groups. Overconsumption of treats is a contributor to children's weight problems. The objective of this study was to explore low socioeconomic parents' beliefs and behaviours relating to their provision of treat foods for their overweight or obese children. Methods: Qualitative methods were used to collect data; these included introspections, interviews and focus groups. A total of 37 parents of overweight or obese children aged between 5 and 9 years took part in the 12-month study. Results: Most parents provided their children with treats on a daily basis. Factors affecting parents' provision of treats included parents' desire to control their children's behaviour, to demonstrate love and affection, and to address deprivation beliefs. Conclusion: There is considerable scope for improving these parents' treating behaviours by understanding the relevant factors underpinning their situations and choices. So what?The findings provide an indication of the kinds of health promotion interventions that may be needed to assist in addressing treating behaviours among disadvantaged parents with overweight or obese children.

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“…These findings are consistent with previous Australian and New Zealand research, which found that the majority of food products available for sale [34] and directed at children [35] were considered 'less healthy' using nutrient profiling criteria. Additionally, several population-based surveys have found that Australian children regularly consume high ED, nutrient-poor foods [17][18][19]. While it is important to encourage children to meet dietary recommendations and energy needs through healthful food intake and limited intake of high ED, nutrient-poor foods, additional strategies targeting the retail food market have the potential to assist in moderating children's dietary energy density and energy intake.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several population-based surveys have found that Australian children regularly consume discretionary foods [17][18][19]. The Australian National Health Survey found that just under 40% of the total energy consumed by 4-to 13-year-old children came from discretionary foods [19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy Density of New Food Products Targeted to Children

2020

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High dietary energy density (ED) is linked to childhood obesity and poor diet quality. The Australian Health Star Rating (HSR) system aims to assist consumers in making healthful food choices. This cross-sectional study used 2014–2018 data from the Mintel Global New Products Database to describe the ED of new food products targeted to children (5–12 years) released after the introduction of HSR and examine relationships between ED and HSR. Products were categorised by ED (low < 630 kJ/100 g, medium 630–950 kJ/100 g, high > 950 kJ/100 g) and HSR (no, HSR < 2.5 low, HSR ≥ 2.5 high). Non-parametric statistics were used to examine ED and HSR. A total of 548 products targeted children: 21% low, 5% medium, 74% high ED. One hundred products displayed an HSR: 24% low, 76% high; 53 products with both high HSR and ED. The EDs of products differed by HSR (p < 0.05), but both group’s medians (HSR < 2.5: 1850 kJ/100 g, HSR ≥ 2.5: 1507 kJ/100 g) were high. A high proportion of new products had a high ED, and the HSR of these foods did not consistently discriminate between ED levels, particularly for high ED foods. Policies to promote lower ED foods and better alignment between ED and HSR may improve childhood obesity and diet quality.

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Children's consumption of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, fruit and vegetables: are they related? An analysis of data from a cross sectional survey

Abstract: The positive associations found between EDNP foods point towards the existence of a high-risk group of children who frequently consume a variety of EDNP foods and drinks.

Cited by 11 publications

References 19 publications

Assessing junk food consumption among Australian children: trends and associated characteristics from a cross-sectional study

Assessing junk food consumption among Australian children: trends and associated characteristics from a cross-sectional study

Treats: low socioeconomic status Australian parents’ provision of extra foods for their overweight or obese children

Energy Density of New Food Products Targeted to Children

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