Dietary Energy Density Is Associated with Body Weight Status and Vegetable Intake in U.S. Children

Abstract

The objective was to determine the relationship between dietary energy density (ED; kcal/g) and measured weight status in children. The present study used data from a nationally representative sample of 2442 children between 2 and 8 y old who participated in the 2001-2004 NHANES. Survey measures included 24-h dietary recall data, measurement of MyPyramid servings of various food groups, and anthropometry. The relationship among dietary ED, body weight status as calculated using the 2000 CDC growth charts, and food intake was evaluated using quartiles of ED. Additionally, other dietary characteristics associated with ED among children are described. Specific survey procedures were used in the analysis to account for sample weights, unequal selection probability, and the clustered design of the NHANES sample. In this sample, dietary ED was positively associated with body weight status in U.S. children aged 2-8 y. Obese children had a higher dietary ED than lean children (2.08 ± 0.03 vs. 1.93 ± 0.05; P = 0.02). Diets high in ED were also found to be associated with greater intakes of energy and added sugars, more energy from fat; and significantly lower intake of fruits and vegetables. Interventions that lower dietary ED by means of increasing fruit and vegetable intake and decreasing fat consumption may be an effective strategy for reducing childhood obesity.

Bitter Taste Perception and Dietary Intake Patterns in Irish Children

“…In the ‘more healthful' cluster, BMI z-scores were lower, although not significant. This is in agreement with multiple studies in this area; lower BMI is generally associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption in children through decreased dietary energy density [80,81,82]. …”

Dietary energy density in young children across Europe

“…5 In both age groups, total food energy (kcal per day) and food intake (g per day) of the NHANES sample were slightly higher in all ED categories than in the IDEFICS study, which can be explained with the generally higher ED F of the US diet.…”

“…Interestingly, the three top-ranked food groups (except beverages) consumed by children of the different samples were comparable and did not shed light on diverging food choices. Namely the three top-ranked food groups of the NHANES sample (2-8 years) were fruits/vegetables, grains/equivalents and dairy products (including milk and cheese), 5 of NVS/ EsKiMo (6-11 years) were milk/dairy products, bread/pastries and fruits/ nuts 20 and of IDEFICS (2-9 years) were milk (including chocolate milk & probiotic beverages), cereals/cereal products and fruit and vegetables.…”

Factors influencing dietary fat intake among black emerging adults

“…Their inability to stop eating may lead to an increased consumption of dietary fat intake. In general, BMI has a positive association with unhealthy dietary behaviors (Canfi et al, 2011;Maskarinec, Novotny, & Tasaki, 2000;Vernarelli, Mitchell, Hartman, & Rolls, 2011), which is why it has been included in the proposed framework. Although there are mixed findings regarding the relationship between BMI and fat intake, researchers have found a positive association (Ledikwe et al, 2003;Miller et al, 2012;Newby et al, 2003).…”

“…It was used to estimate the amount of body fatness in individuals (CDC, 2015b). Positive relationships have been found between BMI, CVD, and dietary behaviors (Canfi et al, 2011;Juonala et al, 2011;Ledikwe et al, 2003;Maskarinec et al, 2000;Liu et al, 2012;Miller et al, 2012;Newby et al, 2003;Vernarelli et al, 2011). Participants reported their height in feet and inches (to the nearest ½ inch) and weight in pounds (to the nearest pound) on the demographic questionnaire.…”