Family meals can help children reach their 5 A Day: a cross-sectional survey of children's dietary intake from London primary schools

Abstract

ISRCTN11396528.

Does family mealtime have a protective effect on obesity and good eating habits in young people? A 2000-2016 review

“…According to these studies, a family mealtime surpasses the field of sensory experiences with food and in favor of a normal BMI and healthy eating habits (greater intake of FV, proteins, sources of calcium and lower consumption of sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages), family bonding and self-regulation of the appetite. 8,21,18,7,20,19,12,17 …”

“…According to international data, continuous investments to promote this practice in family meals (especially in vulnerable socioeconomic groups) becomes extremely relevant when considering its benefits on maintaining a healthy BMI 18,20,19 and the increase in the FV intake 7,8,12,17 In Brazil, the current obesity rates are up to 15% and 20% among children and adolescents (respectively), the prevalence is among the highest rates in Latin America. 33 Moreover, the data on the consumption of FV in the country indicate generalized inadequacy, with only about 30 to 50% of adequate intake among the young population.…”

“…Christian et al 7 assessed the consumption of fruit,and vegetables (FV) of 2,383 British children enrolled in primary schools -reported a mean of 293g FV/day intake from which children's families reported "always" eating a daily meal with the family and had 125g more of FV intake than families who reported never eating together. The daily FV intake by the parents was associated to a higher intake of FV (88g, CI95%= 37-138) in children, compared to parents who rarely / never consumed FV.…”

“…3 Recent studies show that family mealtime contributes to a higher consumption of healthy food and protects against the development of inappropriate eating habits among children and adolescents, [4][5][6] stimulating a greater availability of fruit and vegetables (FV) intake and less consumption of sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages. 7 There is also evidence of its impact on reducing obesity: studies with children who received intervention related to the promotion of healthy family mealtime along with responable parents or guardians, presented a reduction in excess weight at the end of the follow-up; 4,8 in addition to the associations of reduced activities and the time spent in front of television. 8 Another important role is family mealtime to protect against psychosocial disorders, common in certain stages at childhood and especially in adolescence: the association between the habit to have family mealtime and lower occurrence of eating disorders, alcohol and drug use, depressive symptoms and risk factors for suicide between adolescents is emphasized in different studies.…”

Family Meal- and Related-Practices in Families of Preschoolers: Differences by Family Income

“…Avoiding meals in front of the television is beneficial in that it prevents the mindless, excessive consumption of junk food (Moray, Fu, Brill, & Mayoral, 2007). Also, family meals can provide the child with exposure to healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables, and the increased frequency of family meals provides the child with many opportunities to try these foods (Christian, Evans, Hancock, Nyjkaer, & Cade, 2013).…”