Dietary intake, eating behaviour, and weight status in primary school aged children in the West Midlands

Hurley, Kiya L. (2017). Dietary intake, eating behaviour, and weight status in primary school aged children in the West Midlands. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Children are uniquely placed in a context where external influences are likely to determine their food consumption. Evidence regarding the immediate food environment’s influence on dietary quality and/or weight status in children is limited. This thesis uses data from the West Midlands ActiVe lifestyle and healthy Eating in School children (WAVES) study to explore patterns of dietary intake in children aged 5-9 years (n=1467), some of the determinants of children's dietary consumption and their associations with child weight status. Findings suggest that children’s dietary consumption needs to be more healthful, and aspects of children's school and home life may have the potential to influence dietary quality and weight status. Specifically, a healthy home food environment was associated with increased fruit and vegetable intake and a lower weight status. Certain parental feeding practices, such as using food as a reward or to regulate emotion, were also associated with increased energy intake from free sugar and weight status. In conclusion, various environmental and behavioural factors are associated with children’s dietary intake and as such, coordinated efforts in a variety of settings are required to affect the ‘what’, ‘how’ and ‘in what context’ of children’s dietary consumption and consequently childhood obesity prevalence.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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