Abstract

ROMERO-VELARDE, Enrique et al. Dietary habits and calories intake of overweight and non overweight children and adolescents. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2006, vol.63, n.3, pp.187-195. ISSN 1665-1146.

Introduction. Objective. To compare the dietary habits/energy intake of overweight and non-overweight children and adolescents. Material and methods. A cross-sectional 24-hour dietary recall study was conducted of 71 overweight (body mass index > 95th percentile) and 75 non-overweight children and adolescents ages 5 to 15 years (mean 9.8 ± 2.8). Energy and nutrient intake were calculated and foods most frequently eaten were identified. Results. Overweight children consumed more total kilocalories and fats (P < 0.001). The 5 top foods consumed were milk, corn tortillas, beans, sodas and fruit water in both groups. Junk food was consumed more frequent than fruits and vegetables. Conclusions. Energy intake was higher in obese children and adolescents, and can be related with the presence of obesity. It is worrisome that sodas were among the most frequently consumed food items. Obesity should be prevented by promoting healthy food habits and lifestyle

Keywords : Obesity; children and adolescents; energy intake; fat intake; food habits.

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