CHICAGO – The January 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association contains articles and research studies you may find of interest. Below is a summary of some of this month's articles. For more information or to receive a copy of a Journal article, e-mail media@eatright.org.
TV Watching, Family Meals and Neighborhood Effects on Children's Weight
Watching television, eating family meals and the safety of the neighborhood all play a role in children's weight, according to researchers at the University of Missouri.
The study surveyed more than 8,000 children between kindergarten and third grade to identify eating and activity factors associated with school-age children's weight. Researchers grouped the children into three different groups: 1) those who were not overweight during kindergarten and first grade but were overweight by third grade, 2) those who became overweight during kindergarten and remained overweight through third grade and 3) those who were never overweight.
The researchers found children who watch more television and eat fewer family meals are more likely to be overweight once they reach first grade. Children who watch more TV, eat fewer family meals and live in neighborhoods perceived by their parents as less safe for outdoor play are more likely to be overweight from kindergarten on.
"Intervening quickly on children's behalf is of the utmost importance," the researchers write. "Clinical overweight among this age group tracks notably into adulthood."
The researchers conclude: "When working with families to prevent and treat childhood weight problems, professionals should attend to children's time spent with screen media, the frequency of family mealtimes and parents' perceptions of neighborhood safety for children's outdoor play."
Impact of Under-Reporting Calorie Intake on Dietary Patterns and Weight
Assessing and meeting people's nutrition and health needs is often made more difficult when they do not accurately report what and how much they eat, according to researchers at Pennsylvania State University.
The researchers studied diet information provided by 179 older people as part of a larger study on physical and psychological aspects of rural aging.
"Nutritional epidemiology is based on the premise that self-reported dietary intake is relatively accurate and reflective of habitual intake," the researchers write, adding that previous research has found "pervasive errors" in people's self-reported intake.
Among other results, they found the older adults in the study were much more likely to under-report their food intakes than to over-report how much they eat: Nearly one-fourth of the adults said they consumed less than the amount they statistically would need to eat to maintain their body weight.
In addition, the study found "under-reporters" are more likely than those who accurately report their calorie intake to be overweight, to be less-educated, to smoke and to eat less balanced overall diets.
The researchers conclude: "This study contributed to the growing body of literature that suggest subject characteristics (i.e., education and weight status) are related to reporting errors, these factors should be used to control for or taken into account in statistical models when examining relationships with diet and health."
Additional research articles in the January Journal of the American Dietetic Association include:
- "Changes in Public Attitudes toward Breastfeeding in United States, 1999-2003"
- "Dietary Adherence and Associated Glycemic Control in Families of Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes"
- "Obesity Increases Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in School-Age Children from an Urban School in Mexico City "
- "Personal and Professional Correlates of Vegetarianism among U.S. Medical Students"
- "Validation of Dietary Intake Data in Black Women with Type 2 Diabetes."
The Journal of the American Dietetic Association is the official research publication of the American Dietetic Association and is the premier peer-reviewed journal in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.
Journal
Journal of the American Dietetic Association