Whole grain consumption is inversely associated with BMI Z-score in rural school-aged children.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between intake of whole grains and BMI Z-score in rural children.


METHODS
General linear models and logistic regression were used to examine the cross-sectional associations between whole grain intake and BMI Z-score, prevalence and odds ratios of overweight and obesity. Dietary intake was assessed using the Block Food Screener for ages 2-17 years. Children were classified into three categories according to servings of whole grain intake: <1·0 serving/d, 1·0-1·5 servings/d and >1·5 servings/d.


METHODS
The CHANGE (Creating Healthy, Active and Nurturing Growing-up Environments) study, an obesity prevention intervention in elementary schools in eight rural US communities in California, Mississippi, Kentucky and South Carolina.


METHODS
Seven hundred and ninety-two children attending 3rd-6th grade.


RESULTS
After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, physical activity and state of residence, whole grain intake was inversely associated with BMI Z-score (0·90 v. 0·61 in the lowest v. the highest whole grain intake category; P trend = 0·01). Children who consumed >1·5 servings of whole grains/d had a 40 % lower risk of being obese (OR = 0·60; 95 % CI 0·38, 0·95, P = 0·02) compared with children who consumed <1·0 serving/d. Further adjustment for potential dietary predictors of body weight (fruit, vegetable and dairy intakes) did not change the observed associations.


CONCLUSIONS
Increasing the intake of whole grains as part of an overall healthy lifestyle may be beneficial for children to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
John Hancock Research Center on Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA. silvina.choumenkovitch@tufts.edu
Silvina F
SF
Choumenkovitch
Nicola M
NM
McKeown
Alison
A
Tovar
Raymond R
RR
Hyatt
Vivica I
VI
Kraak
Alia V
AV
Hastings
Julia Bloom
JB
Herzog
Christina D
CD
Economos
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D002523:Edible Grain; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012424:Rural Population; D014481:United States