329274
Gestacional Overgrowth as a Risk Factor for Obesity: Evidence of Increased Restrictive and Emotional Eating During Childhood
Objective: investigate if increased fetal growth is associated with a differential pattern of eating behavior in children at 6-9 years of age.
Methods: 616 families were recruited in the Montreal Metropolitan Area for a telephone interview regarding to household demographic information, children’s anthropometrics, Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and physical activities. A subsample also filled out a food frequency questionnaire. Birth weight ratio (BWR) was calculated (observed birth weight/mean population birth weight, sex and gestational age-specific), and the sample was classified in three groups: Small for Gestational Age (SGA), Adequate (AGA) and Large (LGA).
Results: There were 282 boys (40 SGA, 37 LGA) and 281 girls (36 SGA, 29 LGA). Comparing LGA to AGA children, there were no differences in the percent calories derived from fat, protein or carbohydrates. However, the scores for Restrictive Eating (in girls AGA=1.76+0.18 LGA=3.03+0.49, in boys AGA=1.47+0.18 LGA=2.59+0.43, p=0.008) and for Emotional Overeating (in girls AGA=1.99+0.26 LGA=3.27+0.70, in boys AGA=1.93+0.26 LGA=3.16+0.61, p=0.024) were higher in LGA children when compared to AGA.
Conclusion: The study shows that gestational overgrowth is associated with altered eating behaviors during childhood. As increased restrictive eating and emotional overeating are known to promote binge-eating episodes, it is possible that such alteration is involved in the increased risk for developing overweight in this population.
Learning Areas:
Environmental health sciencesSocial and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Analyze if increased fetal growth is associated with a differential pattern of eating behavior in children at 6-9 years of age
Keyword(s): Behavioral Research
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal of multiple federally funded grants focusing on the environmental factors involved in obesity risk. Among my scientific interests has been the development of strategies for preventing obesity.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.