Snacking patterns influence energy and nutrient intakes but not body mass index

Abstract

These data indicate that snacking patterns have some effects on energy and nutrient intakes but not on BMI. Snack food choices remain a concern, especially beverages, including those that are sweetened. Vegetables and fruits as snacks should be encouraged.

Weight loss with meal replacement and meal replacement plus snacks: a randomized trial

“…To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have attempted to classify and randomize participants into a weight loss study based on their self-reported snacking status, so there is little precedent to rely upon for guidance. 22 Hampl et al 22 attempted to classify snacking status in an observational study, but only used a crude frequency measure to classify individuals as multiple or never snackers. It is possible that our approach was insensitive or inaccurate in classifying snackers, thus leading to null results with respect to matching snacking status with the use of snacks.…”

Snacking frequency in relation to energy intake and food choices in obese men and women compared to a reference population

“…Some studies have reported a positive relation between low eating frequency and obesity, [2][3][4][5] whereas other studies found no relation. [6][7][8] Gender differences have also been reported, that is, BMI has been found to be negatively associated with eating frequency in men and positively associated in women. 9,10 Similar inconsistencies have been found in the relation between eating frequency and energy intake, where some studies have reported a positive relation, 10,11 whereas other studies found no relation at all 12 or gender differences.…”

“…9 It has been suggested that the inconsistent associations reported between BMI, energy intake and eating frequency/ snacking are due to differences in physical activity. 8,9 Drummond et al 13 hypothesized that the lack of a relationship between increased snacking and BMI may be explained by the fact that frequent snackers may have higher energy intakes due to higher physical activity levels. This implies that those who have a frequent snack intake are more physically active and also maintain normal weight.…”

“…16 A similar pattern is found in male and female adult snackers who had a higher energy intake than never snackers, although BMI did not differ by snacking frequency. 8 Food choices related to snacking are also a cause of concern. Different food groups, such as baked goods, sweets and beverages, have been related to snacking in both adolescent and adult normal weight subjects, as well as normal populations.…”

“…Different food groups, such as baked goods, sweets and beverages, have been related to snacking in both adolescent and adult normal weight subjects, as well as normal populations. 8,15,[18][19][20] Comparisons of snacking patterns and snack food choices between obese and nonobese subjects are sparse. No differences in snacking pattern were found between Swedish obese and normal weight men, 21 whereas higher snacking frequency was found in obese women compared to a normal population.…”