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17 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Changes in Body Weight Status and High Blood Pressure among Lithuanian Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study

by Ieva Stankute, Virginija Dulskiene and Renata Kuciene

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3256; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193256 - 26 Sep 2024

Viewed by 721

Abstract

(1) Background: High blood pressure (HBP), overweight, and obesity are common, growing public health problems worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between changes in body weight status and HBP among Lithuanian children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) [...] Read more.

(1) Background: High blood pressure (HBP), overweight, and obesity are common, growing public health problems worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between changes in body weight status and HBP among Lithuanian children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: In this study, we analysed data on blood pressure and anthropometric measurements of 2430 children and adolescents aged 8–18 years, who participated in both the baseline study conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic (from November 2019 to March 2020) and the follow-up study during the COVID-19 pandemic (from November 2021 to April 2022). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the associations between changes in weight status categories and HBP. (3) Results: At baseline, 17.1% of the subjects had overweight, 5.9% had obesity, 5.6% had abdominal obesity, and 23.7% had HBP, whereas at the follow-up, these percentages increased to 20.1%, 8.2%, 6.8%, and 27.4%, respectively. Compared to schoolchildren who maintained normal weight from baseline to the follow-up period, subjects who newly developed overweight/obesity and those who remained with persistent overweight/obesity had increased odds of HBP, with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 1.95 (p < 0.001) and 2.58 (p < 0.001), respectively. In subjects who transitioned from overweight/obesity to normal weight, the odds of HBP were slightly increased, with an aOR of 1.14 (p = 0.598), but the change was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: This study observed an increase in the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and HBP among schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also suggested that changes from normal body weight status at baseline to overweight/obesity during follow-up, especially persistent overweight/obesity, were associated with higher odds of HBP in Lithuanian children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

11 pages, 277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Peer Network with Childhood Obesity in DECIDE-Children Program

by Ping Li, Jinlang Lyu, Shuang Zhou, Zheng Liu, Xiangxian Feng, Yi Lin, Aiyu Gao, Fang Zhang and Haijun Wang

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4154; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194154 - 26 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1408

Abstract

Some studies have found associations between the peer network and childhood obesity. The present study aimed to analyze the association of the peer network with obesity-related cognition, behaviors and adiposity indicators, and explore whether peer network influences the effect of a childhood-obesity intervention. [...] Read more.

Some studies have found associations between the peer network and childhood obesity. The present study aimed to analyze the association of the peer network with obesity-related cognition, behaviors and adiposity indicators, and explore whether peer network influences the effect of a childhood-obesity intervention. Based on DECIDE-Children, 1392 children’s friendship nominations within the class were collected and peer network indicators including the network size, network density, and in- and out-degree centrality were calculated. The linear mixed model was used to analyze the association between peer network indicators and children’s cognition, behaviors and adiposity indicators (body mass index (BMI), BMI z score, the prevalence of overweight and obesity). Children with a higher in-degree centrality had 34.4% (95%CI: 17.4% to 48.1%) lower risk of overweight or obesity. The baseline degree centrality was inversely associated with the BMI and BMI z score at the end of the trial. For each unit increase in in-degree centrality at baseline, the BMI at the end of the trial decreased by 0.047 (95%CI: 0.015 to 0.080), and the BMI z score decreased by 0.015 (95%CI: 0.003 to 0.028). Children’s popularity reflected by centrality in their peer network was associated with cognition, behaviors, and adiposity indicators. Future childhood-obesity intervention research could pay more attention to socially inactive children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

13 pages, 2144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Independent and Joined Association between Socioeconomic Indicators and Pediatric Obesity in Spain: The PASOS Study

by Clara Homs, Paula Berruezo, Albert Arcarons, Julia Wärnberg, Maddi Osés, Marcela González-Gross, Narcis Gusi, Susana Aznar, Elena Marín-Cascales, Miguel Ángel González-Valeiro, Lluis Serra-Majem, Nicolás Terrados, Josep A. Tur, Marta Segú, Montserrat Fitó, Juan Carlos Benavente-Marín, Idoia Labayen, Augusto G. Zapico, Jesús Sánchez-Gómez, Fabio Jiménez-Zazo, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Marta Sevilla-Sanchez, Estefanía Herrera-Ramos, Susana Pulgar-Muñoz, Cristina Bouzas, Raimon Milà, Helmut Schröder and Santiago F. Gómez Show full author list Hide full author list

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1987; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081987 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3227

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a public health problem worldwide. An important determinant of child and adolescent obesity is socioeconomic status (SES). However, the magnitude of the impact of different SES indicators on pediatric obesity on the Spanish population scale is unclear. The aim of [...] Read more.

Childhood obesity is a public health problem worldwide. An important determinant of child and adolescent obesity is socioeconomic status (SES). However, the magnitude of the impact of different SES indicators on pediatric obesity on the Spanish population scale is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the association between three SES indicators and obesity in a nationwide, representative sample of Spanish children and adolescents. A total of 2791 boys and girls aged 8 to 16 years old were included. Their weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. SES was assessed using two parent/legal guardian self-reported indicators (educational level -University/non-University- and labor market status -Employed/Unemployed-). As a third SES indicator, the annual mean income per person was obtained from the census section where the participating schools were located (≥12.731€/<12.731€). The prevalence of obesity, severe obesity, and abdominal obesity was 11.5%, 1.4%, and 22.3%, respectively. Logistic regression models showed an inverse association of both education and labor market status with obesity, severe obesity, and abdominal obesity (all p < 0.001). Income was also inversely associated with obesity (p < 0.01) and abdominal obesity (p < 0.001). Finally, the highest composite SES category (University/Employed/≥12.731€ n = 517) showed a robust and inverse association with obesity (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.16–0.48), severe obesity (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.05–0.81), and abdominal obesity (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.23–0.54) in comparison with the lowest composite SES category (Less than University/Unemployed/<12.731€; n = 164). No significant interaction between composite SES categories and age and gender was found. SES is strongly associated with pediatric obesity in Spain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

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12 pages, 682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Added Sugar Consumption in Spanish Children (7–12 y) and Nutrient Density of Foods Contributing to Such Consumption: An Observational Study

by Marta Palma-Morales, María Dolores Mesa-García and Jesús R. Huertas

Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030560 - 21 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4759

Abstract

Background: Diets rich in free sugars are associated with an increased risk of obesity. The aim of the present study is to estimate the intake of added sugars in the population of Spanish children and analyze the quality of the foods that contribute [...] Read more.

Background: Diets rich in free sugars are associated with an increased risk of obesity. The aim of the present study is to estimate the intake of added sugars in the population of Spanish children and analyze the quality of the foods that contribute to this intake. Methods: An observational study was conducted to collect self-reported information on weekly food consumption in 1775 Spanish children (7–12 years). Nutrient contents were obtained from different databases. Two nutritional density indices were constructed taking into account all nutrients provided and compared with two previously described indices. Results: The average consumption of added sugars in Spanish children was 55.7 ± 1.0 g/day. The products that most contributed to added sugar intake were biscuits (13.3%), cocoa powder (11.1%), sweetened yogurts (9.9%), and dairy desserts (8.6%). Among these, dairy products had considerable nutritional value. Parents’ perception of nutritional value was not aligned with the actual nutritional value. Conclusion: The consumption of added sugars was higher than recommended. Public awareness efforts should focus on: (1) the reduction of consumption of low-nutritional quality products containing high amounts of added sugars; (2) the industrial reformulation of most consumed products to reduce sugar content and increase valuable nutrients; and (3) nutritional education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

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10 pages, 549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prospective Association between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Children

by Charlotte Juton, Paula Berruezo, Luis Rajmil, Carles Lerin, Montserrat Fíto, Clara Homs, Genís Según, Santiago F. Gómez and Helmut Schröder

Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5304; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245304 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3382

Abstract

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is gaining attention in children and adolescents because it is an important outcome of their health status and well-being. Therefore, it is important to identify determinants for HRQoL. Currently, there is scarce and mainly cross-sectional evidence on the [...] Read more.

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is gaining attention in children and adolescents because it is an important outcome of their health status and well-being. Therefore, it is important to identify determinants for HRQoL. Currently, there is scarce and mainly cross-sectional evidence on the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and HRQoL in children and adolescents. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess the prospective association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and HRQoL in Spanish children. The study was carried out in 1371 children aged 8 to 10 from different Catalan elementary schools with a medium follow-up of 15 months. The KidMed and KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaires were used to assess the relationship between diet and HRQoL, respectively. The KidMed score at baseline was positively associated with HRQoL (β = 0.320; 95% CI 0.101–0.540) after adjusting for confounders. Additionally, the logistic regression analysis showed positive associations between baseline consumption of fruit, vegetables, pulses, and high adherence to the Mediterranean diet and HRQoL at follow-up (p < 0.05 for all) while the consumption of fast-food, pasta or rice, baked good or pastries, and sweets were negatively correlated (p < 0.05 for all) with HRQoL at follow-up. In conclusion, adherence of the Mediterranean diet was predictive for HRQoL in Spanish children, but further prospective studies are needed to confirm this result. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

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11 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Obesity and Weight-Related Behaviors among Chinese Children: A Multi-Center Longitudinal Study

by Yirong He, Biru Luo, Li Zhao and Shujuan Liao

Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3744; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183744 - 10 Sep 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2799

Abstract

COVID-19-related lockdown measures have been affecting children’s weight status and weight-related behaviors, which are often associated with an increase in childhood obesity. However, large-scale longitudinal studies are lacking. Our study aimed to analyze changes in obesity and weight-related behaviors in Chinese children before [...] Read more.

COVID-19-related lockdown measures have been affecting children’s weight status and weight-related behaviors, which are often associated with an increase in childhood obesity. However, large-scale longitudinal studies are lacking. Our study aimed to analyze changes in obesity and weight-related behaviors in Chinese children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide references for addressing the high prevalence of childhood obesity. A prospective multi-center longitudinal survey was conducted among Chinese children (n = 5963), collecting data on weight status, COVID-19-related measures, and lifestyle behaviors. Changes were assessed using t-tests and χ² tests for paired samples, or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, according to the type and distribution of data. The Generalized Estimating Equations model was used to explore influential factors of obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 9.2% and 8.6% before the pandemic to 10.5% and 10.6% during the pandemic (p < 0.001), respectively. Daily physical activity, sleep duration, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption decreased while screen time increased. The results of the generalized estimating equations showed that ethnic minority, older age, less daily physical activity, reduced sleep duration, and longer screen time were positively associated with obesity. There is an intensifying trend of obesity in children in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, to which altered weight-related behaviors might have contributed largely. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially in social crises, should be highlighted to ease the burden of childhood obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

10 pages, 564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a 12-Month Hybrid (In-Person + Virtual) Education Program in the Glycemic Status of Arab Youth

by Nasser M. Al-Daghri, Osama E. Amer, AbdulAziz Hameidi, Hanan Alfawaz, Mohammed Alharbi, Malak N. K. Khattak, Abdullah M. Alnaami, Naji J. Aljohani, Ghadah Alkhaldi, Kaiser Wani and Shaun Sabico

Nutrients 2022, 14(9), 1759; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091759 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2358

Abstract

This 12-month school-based intervention study investigated the effects of hybrid educational lifestyle modifications on glycemic control among Saudi youth with different glycemic statuses. A total of 2600 Arab adolescents aged 12–18 years were recruited from 60 randomly selected schools. Anthropometrics, blood glucose, and [...] Read more.

This 12-month school-based intervention study investigated the effects of hybrid educational lifestyle modifications on glycemic control among Saudi youth with different glycemic statuses. A total of 2600 Arab adolescents aged 12–18 years were recruited from 60 randomly selected schools. Anthropometrics, blood glucose, and HbA1c were measured pre- and post-intervention. Participants were grouped according to baseline HbA1c into normal, prediabetes, and diabetes groups. All participants received lifestyle education at base line and at every 3-month interval to improve diet and exercise behavior. Diabetic and prediabetic participants received a tailored lifestyle intervention. Post-intervention, 643 participants were analyzed as follows: 20 participants from the diabetes group, 39 from prediabetes, and 584 from the normal group. A modest but significant improvement in the glycemic status of diabetic and prediabetic participants was observed, but not in the normal group. In the diabetes group, 11 (55%) participants achieved normal HbA1c levels, 5 had prediabetes levels, and only 4 remained within diabetes HbA1c levels. In the prediabetes group, 34 (87.2%) participants achieved normal HbA1c levels, while 2 (5.1%) participants remained prediabetic and 3 (7.7%) had diabetes HbA1c levels (p < 0.001). This hybrid lifestyle intervention program modestly reduces the risk of T2DM among youth with elevated HbA1c levels. The challenge of sustaining interest in adopting lifestyle changes for a longer duration should be addressed in further studies in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

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15 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Spanish Children and Adolescents: The PASOS Study

by Maria del Mar Bibiloni, Laura Gallardo-Alfaro, Santiago F. Gómez, Julia Wärnberg, Maddi Osés-Recalde, Marcela González-Gross, Narcís Gusi, Susana Aznar, Elena Marín-Cascales, Miguel A. González-Valeiro, Lluís Serra-Majem, Nicolás Terrados, Marta Segu, Camille Lassale, Clara Homs, Juan Carlos Benavente-Marín, Idoia Labayen, Augusto G. Zapico, Jesús Sánchez-Gómez, Fabio Jiménez-Zazo, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Marta Sevilla-Sánchez, Estefanía Herrera-Ramos, Susana Pulgar, Clara Sistac, Helmut Schröder, Cristina Bouzas and Josep A. Tur Show full author list Hide full author list

Nutrients 2022, 14(4), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040738 - 9 Feb 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4120

Abstract

A progressive shift away from traditional healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), has been observed in recent decades. The aim of this study was to assess determinants of optimal adherence to the MedDiet in Spanish children and adolescents. A cross-sectional [...] Read more.

A progressive shift away from traditional healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), has been observed in recent decades. The aim of this study was to assess determinants of optimal adherence to the MedDiet in Spanish children and adolescents. A cross-sectional analysis was included in the PASOS nationwide representative study in Spain. Participants were 3607 children and adolescents; 8–16 years old. Primary and secondary outcome measures of weight and height were measured. Adherence to the MedDiet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in children and adolescents, as well as parental physical activity and dietary habits, were assessed. Optimal adherence to the MedDiet was observed in 45.5% of primary school students and 34.8% of secondary school students (OR: 0.65; 95%CI: 0.56–0.75). Optimal adherence to the MedDiet was higher in children/adolescents meeting daily recommended moderate and vigorous physical activity (OR: 2.39, 95%CI: 1.97–2.89) and in those meeting daily recommended screen time on weekdays (OR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1.77–2.38) and weekends (OR: 1.76, 95%CI: 1.48–2.10). Participants with optimal adherence to the MedDiet were more likely to have mothers with a high-level education and high-tercile of SDQS, mothers who never smoked or were former smokers, and mothers who met the recommended physical activity and screen time. It can be concluded that a low prevalence of optimal adherence to the MedDiet was found among current Spanish children and adolescents. Optimal adherence to the MedDiet was associated with reaching the recommendations on physical activity and screen time, with the highest maternal educational level, and healthier maternal lifestyles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

19 pages, 674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthropometric Measurements, Sociodemographics, and Lifestyle Behaviors among Saudi Adolescents Living in Riyadh Relative to Sex and Activity Energy Expenditure: Findings from the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study 2 (ATLS-2)

by Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa, Shaima A. Alothman, Abdullah F. Alghannam and Alaa A. Almasud

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010110 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3764

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the anthropometric measurements, sociodemographics, and lifestyle behaviors among Saudi adolescents relative to sex and physical activity (PA). A random cross-sectional survey conducted on Saudi adolescents from secondary schools in Riyadh, using a multistage stratified cluster [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to examine the anthropometric measurements, sociodemographics, and lifestyle behaviors among Saudi adolescents relative to sex and physical activity (PA). A random cross-sectional survey conducted on Saudi adolescents from secondary schools in Riyadh, using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. Measurements included demographics, weight, height, waist circumference, PA, sedentary behaviors (SB), sleep duration, and dietary habits using a validated questionnaire. A total of 1262 adolescents (16.4 ± 0.95 years; 52.4% males) were studied. Overweight/obesity was more than 40%. Physical inactivity among adolescents was 53%, which indicates some improvement over the past years, especially among females. More than 80% of adolescents had over three hours/day of screen time, with no significant sex differences. Insufficient sleep was highly prevalent with gender differences. A large proportion of the participants did not consume daily breakfast (65.7%), vegetables (73.2%), fruits (84.2%), or milk/dairy products (62.4%), whereas significant proportions of the adolescents consumed sugar-sweetened drinks, fast food, French fries/potato chips, cake/donuts, and chocolates/candy on at least three days or more per week. It was concluded that non-daily intake of breakfast and vegetables was significantly associated with lower PA. The updated information can aid in effectively planning and implementing promotional programs toward improving the lifestyle behaviors of Saudi adolescent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

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16 pages, 545 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Research on Environmental Influencing Factors of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents in China

by Yaru Guo, Xiaojian Yin, Yi Sun, Ting Zhang, Ming Li, Feng Zhang, Yuan Liu, Jianyi Xu, Dandan Pei and Tianlong Huang

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010035 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4736

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the impact of environmental factors such as latitude, altitude, family socioeconomic status (SES), and level of urbanization on overweight and obesity (ow/ob) in children and adolescents. The participants comprised 26,120 children and adolescents aged 10–18 from 16 provinces [...] Read more.

This study aimed to explore the impact of environmental factors such as latitude, altitude, family socioeconomic status (SES), and level of urbanization on overweight and obesity (ow/ob) in children and adolescents. The participants comprised 26,120 children and adolescents aged 10–18 from 16 provinces in China. Differences in the prevalence of ow/ob under different environmental conditions were evaluated by the chi-square test. The influence of various environmental factors on ow/ob was obtained by logistic regression analysis. We found that (1) the prevalence of ow/ob fell between from 19.2% to 11.9% at 10 years old and from 13.8% to 6% at 18 years old; (2) latitude, family SES, income, and urbanization level are positively correlated with the prevalence of ow/ob; and (3) altitude has a negative correlation with the prevalence of ow/ob. The prevalence of ow/ob decreased with age in children and adolescents aged 10–18, and the risk of ow/ob showed significant differences in latitude, altitude, family SES level, gross domestic product (GDP), and level of urbanization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

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10 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Produce Availability and Child Fruit and Vegetable Intake: The Healthy Communities Study

by Laurel F. Moffat, Lorrene D. Ritchie, Wendi Gosliner, Kaela R. Plank and Lauren E. Au

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3681; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113681 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2383

Abstract

Children eat more fruits and vegetables when more are available at home, but less is known about how the neighborhood food environment relates to children’s diet and weight outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine whether parental perception of the food [...] Read more.

Children eat more fruits and vegetables when more are available at home, but less is known about how the neighborhood food environment relates to children’s diet and weight outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine whether parental perception of the food environment (neighborhood and home) is associated with children’s fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake and weight outcomes, and to assess differences by household food security status and household income. Cross-sectional data from the 2013–2015 U.S. Healthy Communities Study included 5138 children, aged 4 to 15 years old, from 130 U.S. communities. Neighborhood and home food environments were assessed with parent-reported, perceived F&V availability scores. Associations were tested with multi-level linear regression models. Parents’ perception of produce availability was associated with household F&V availability ratings (β = 0.09 points, p < 0.001). Household F&V availability was associated with child F&V intake (β = 0.32 cups/day or 25.6 g/day, p < 0.001). A higher child F&V intake was associated with a lower child BMI z-score (β = −0.05, p = 0.002). Weaker relationships were seen for children living in food insecure or low-income households. Optimizing neighborhood and home access to F&V may help children improve diet quality, but may not be as effective for children living in food insecure or low-income households. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

16 pages, 305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Food Preferences and Food Habits in a Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study

by Dominika Skolmowska, Dominika Głąbska and Dominika Guzek

Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3003; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093003 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4224

Abstract

Food preferences are among the most influential factors of food habits in the vulnerable period of adolescence; in addition, gender-dependent differences in food preferences are also observed. The aim of the present study was to analyze differences in food habits between individuals stratified [...] Read more.

Food preferences are among the most influential factors of food habits in the vulnerable period of adolescence; in addition, gender-dependent differences in food preferences are also observed. The aim of the present study was to analyze differences in food habits between individuals stratified based on their food preferences in a population-based sample of adolescents aged 15–20. The study was conducted within the Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study population in a group of 2419 secondary school students who were randomly chosen to participate in the study using a random quota sampling procedure. The food preferences were determined on the basis of a validated Food Preference Questionnaire (FPQ) (which enables assessing preference of vegetables, fruit, meat/fish, dairy, snacks, and starches), whereas food habits were determined on the basis of the Adolescents’ Food Habits Checklist (AFHC) (which enables assessing food purchase, preparation, and consumption habits). The analysis involved three homogenous clusters (‘low-preferring’, ‘hedonists’, and ‘high-preferring’), which were identified using the k-means algorithm. It was found that for a number of the assessed food purchase, preparation, and consumption habits, there were statistically significant differences between the ‘low-preferring’, ‘hedonists’, and ‘high-preferring’ clusters. Within food purchase habits, the food preference influenced frequency of buying pastries/cakes and frequency of eating takeaway meals for all the respondents, while for female respondents, it influenced also choice of desserts in restaurants, and for male respondents, it influenced choosing a low-fat lunch away from home (p < 0.05). Within food preparation habits, the food preference influenced the fat content in desserts at home, the frequency of eating at least one serving of vegetables/salad with an evening meal, the frequency of spreading butter/margarine on bread thinly, and the frequency of having cream on desserts for all the respondents; meanwhile, for female respondents, it also influenced the frequency of avoiding fried foods and the frequency of including chocolate/biscuits in their packed lunch (p < 0.05). Within food consumption habits, the food preference influenced the frequency of eating a dessert/pudding, eating at least one serving of fruit a day, eating at least one serving of vegetables/salad a day, avoiding sausages/burgers, trying to ensure they eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, and frequency of choosing fruit as a snack for all the respondents; meanwhile, for male respondents, it also influenced the frequency of eating sweet snacks and eating at least three servings of fruit most days (p < 0.05). Taking into account that some improper food habits may be typical for the specific clusters, there is an urgent need to analyze and address them for the purposes of public health and to bear in mind that some of those habits are gender-dependent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

Review

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19 pages, 1000 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dietary Strategies in the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension in Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review

by Agnieszka Kozioł-Kozakowska, Małgorzata Wójcik, Vesna Herceg-Čavrak, Sara Cobal, Dragan Radovanovic, Julio Alvarez-Pitti, Isa Hartgring, Beata Piórecka, Rosita Gabbianelli and Dorota Drożdż

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2786; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162786 - 21 Aug 2024

Viewed by 2261

Abstract

This study aims to gather information on effective dietary strategies for the prevention and treatment of hypertension (HTN) in children and adolescents. It discusses specific nutritional models such as the Diet Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH diet), traditional Asian diets, plant-based diets, the [...] Read more.

This study aims to gather information on effective dietary strategies for the prevention and treatment of hypertension (HTN) in children and adolescents. It discusses specific nutritional models such as the Diet Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH diet), traditional Asian diets, plant-based diets, the Southern European traditional Atlantic diet, and the Mediterranean diet, highlighting the benefits of these approaches. The manuscript also addresses dehydration resulting from insufficient fluid intake among children, as well as the consumption of inappropriate beverages, like soft drinks and energy drinks, which contributes to the development of HTN. Additionally, it examines the role of oxidative stress in the pathomechanism of HTN in children, particularly in relation to the antioxidant potential of food components such as selenium, magnesium, and selected vitamins. The relationship between sodium and potassium intake from food and the development of HTN in children is also explored. Finally, this study discusses public health strategies for the prevention of HTN in children. A comprehensive search was performed across multiple databases, such as PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and EBSCO. This search focused on locating English-language meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized clinical trials, and observational studies from around the globe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Behaviors, and Environment Related to Childhood Obesity)

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