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Comparison of dietary intake among overweight and non-overweight schoolchildren

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in dietary intake between overweight and non-overweight schoolchildren and differences in consumption during the day and in the course of the week.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Using a cross-sectional design, 32 schoolchildren (11-y-old) were selected at random. The parents of children recorded dietary intake for a week using the food weighing method. The children were considered to be overweight when the weight for height was higher than 90th percentile.

RESULTS: Some 46.9% of examined schoolchildren were considered overweight. Percentage energy intake reported was significantly lower in the overweight group compared to the non-overweight children (8948.7 vs 9590.1 kJ/day; P<0.01). Carbohydrate intake was significantly greater in the non-overweight schoolchildren (250.9±58.8 vs 222.1±77.4 g/day; P<0.01). The difference in protein intake between week and weekend days was significant (81.6±25.5 in the week days vs 73.9±21.4 g/day in the weekend days; P<0.05).

DISCUSSION: The data suggest the belief that overweight children eat more than non-overweight children is not correct. These findings suggest that the positive energy balance causing overweight is due possibly to a low energy output.

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Rocandio, A., Ansotegui, L. & Arroyo, M. Comparison of dietary intake among overweight and non-overweight schoolchildren. Int J Obes 25, 1651–1655 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801793

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