Researchers at several institutions including the Baylor College of Medicine analyzed dietary intakes from more than 1,500 children who participated in the Bogalusa Heart Study in Louisiana from 1973 to 1994. Among other findings, the researchers discovered:

• Between 1973-74 and 1993-94, the percentage of children eating a school lunch declined significantly (from 89.7 percent to 78.2 percent); and eating dinners prepared outside the home jumped (from 5.4 percent to 19 percent).

• The number of children who consumed five or more snacks in a day went from 30 percent in 1973-74 to 8 percent by 1993-94

• During the same period, the number of kids who limited themselves to one or two snacks per day went from 25 percent in 1973-74 to 52 percent in 1993-94.

The researchers say they found "no associations between meal patterns and overweight status in children." They add that further research is needed to better understand the impact of dietary intakes on the increasing numbers of children who are overweight and at risk for obesity.

"The Bogalusa Heart Study provided valuable insight into what both children and young adults eat and how children's dietary decisions affect their long-term health," said ADA Spokesperson Gail Frank, who designed and directed dietary studies of the Bogalusa study from its beginning in 1972 until 1987. Frank did not participate in the Baylor group's study.

"In-depth and longitudinal research is needed to identify the complex causes of excess weight among children," Frank said. "The 'lack of association' in this analysis may cause
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Contact: Kelly Liebbe
media@eatright.org
312-899-4769
American Dietetic Association
30-Apr-2004