Secondary analyses of data from 4 studies with fourth-grade children show that sex, race, amounts eaten of standardized portions, and energy content given in trades explain the positive relationship between body mass index and energy intake at school-provided meals.
Results from a 2012 article showed a positive relationship between children's body mass index (BMI) and energy intake at school-provided meals. To help explain that positive relationship, secondary analyses investigated (1) whether the relationship differed by sex and race and (2) the relationship between BMI and 6 aspects of school-provided meals--amounts eaten of standardized portions, energy content given in trades, energy intake received in trades, energy intake from flavored milk, energy intake from a la carte ice cream, and breakfast type. Data were from 4 studies conducted 1 per school year (1999-2000 to 2002-2003). Fourth-grade children (n = 328; 50% female; 54% black) from 13 schools total were observed eating school-provided breakfast and lunch on 1 to 3 days per child for 1178 total meals (50% breakfast). Children were weighed and measured. Marginal regression models were fit using BMI as the dependent variable. For purpose 1, independent variables were energy intake at school-provided meals, sex, race, age, and study; additional models included interaction terms involving energy intake and sex/race. For purpose 2, independent variables were the 6 aspects of school-provided meals, sex, race, age, and study. The relationship between BMI and energy intake at school-provided meals differed by sex (P < .0001; stronger for females) and race (P = .0063; stronger for black children). BMI was positively related to amounts eaten of standardized portions (P < .0001) and negatively related to energy content given in trades (P = .0052). Explaining the positive relationship between BMI and energy intake at school-provided meals may contribute to school-based obesity prevention efforts.
Institute for Families in Society, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. sbaxter@mailbox.sc.edu
Suzanne Domel
SD
Baxter
Amy E
AE
Paxton-Aiken
Joshua M
JM
Tebbs
Julie A
JA
Royer
Caroline H
CH
Guinn
Christopher J
CJ
Finney
D001741:Black or African American; D015992:Body Mass Index; D062408:Breakfast; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services / Q000592:standards*; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D062409:Lunch; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012574:Schools; D012737:Sex Factors; D044465:White People