Showing papers on "Snacking published in 2000"

Dietary habits and nutritional status in adolescents over Europe—Southern Europe

Abstract: A literature review of the data on dietary habits, food consumption and nutritional status of adolescents of Southern European countries was performed. Snacking seems to be less frequent and the frequency of eating out in fast food restaurants is much lower than in the USA and in some Nordic Countries. A nutrient pattern rich in total fat (around 40% of the energy intake), in saturated fatty acids (around 13% of the energy intake) and mainly in monounsaturated fatty acids (17-19% of the energy intake), due to a high consumption of olive oil, is often observed in Spanish and Greek adolescents. In Portugal, the percentage of the energy provided by fat is relatively low (31-33% of the energy intake) and in Italy the situation is intermediate regarding total fat, but the intake of olive oil is also high. This means that two important characteristics of the Mediterranean diet, a low consumption of saturated fatty acids and a high intake of carbohydrates have been lost. Regarding micronutrients, there seems to exist a risk of deficiency, particularly for calcium, iron and zinc. The prevalence of overweight/obesity is high, around 15-25%, being higher than in the Nordic countries but lower than in the USA. There is no clear indication of trends, due to the different methods and criteria used to define obesity. The serum cholesterol levels of adolescents has increased during the last two decades in Spain, Greece and Italy, and nowadays are similar to those in the USA, but still lower than in the Nordic countries. In Portuguese adolescents, the cholesterol levels seem to be lower, but the situation is not well known.

Dietary habits and nutritional status in adolescents over Europe. An overview of current studies in the Nordic countries.

Abstract: Objective: To give an overview of the dietary habits among adolescents in the Nordic countries and to present results from studies showing the relationship between dietary habits and other lifestyle factors, nutritional status and socio-economic conditions Design: A number of nutritional studies among adolescents performed during recent decades using recalls, dietary records and food frequency questionnaire Setting: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden Subjects: Adolescents aged 13–18 y Results: Food habits are characterized by an irregular meal pattern; many adolescents skip breakfast and also the school lunch, whereas most of them have dinner However, snacking and light meals are very common, contributing 25–35% of the daily energy intake Smoking is linked to their dietary habits as well as socio-economic conditions Dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals are adequate for normal health and growth Dietary calcium intake is high, whereas the intake of fibre, vitamin D, zinc and selenium and, in girls, iron is below the Nordic recommendations Relatively low prevalence figures of iron deficiency were found Many studies show a decrease over time in physical activity The time spent in sedentary activities, such as television and video watching and computer games has increased during recent decades Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are becoming more prevalent in all the Nordic countries, even though the prevalence figures are far below those in the USA On the other hand, dieting girls are common, which might be a factor behind their irregular meal pattern and food choice In a perspective, overweight and diseases attributable to obesity will be an immense challenge in the coming decades for both the individuals and the society as well European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) 54, Suppl 1, S21–S28

Pharmacology of appetite suppression.

Abstract: Despite a rising worldwide epidemic of obesity there is currently only a very small number of anti-obesity drugs available to manage the problem. Large numbers of differing pharmacological agents reliably produce a reduction in food intake when administered acutely to animals, and when administered chronically they result in a significant decrease in body mass. Behavioural analysis of drug-induced anorexia in animals demonstrates that various compounds profoundly effect feeding behaviour in differing ways. This indicates the variety of mechanisms by which pharmacological agents can induce changes in food intake, body weight and eventually body composition. Some of the same drugs produce decreases in food intake and weight loss in humans. Some of these drugs do so by modifying the functioning of the appetite system as measured by subjective changes in feelings of hunger and fullness (indices of satiety). Such drugs can be considered as “appetite suppressants” with clinical potential as anti-obesity agents. Other drugs induce changes in food intake and body weight through various physiological mechanisms inducing feelings of nausea or even by side effect related malaise. Of the drugs considered suitable candidates for appetite suppressants are agents which act via peripherally satiety peptide systems (such as CCK, Bombesin/GRP, Enterostatin and GLP-1), or alter the CNS levels of various hypothalamic neuropeptides (NPY, Galanin, Orexin and Melanocortins) or levels of the key CNS appetite monoamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA). Recently, the hormone leptin has been regarded as a hormonal signal linking adipose tissue status with a number of key central nervous system circuits. The peptide itself stimulates leptin receptors and it links with POMC and MC-4 receptors. These receptors may also provide drug targets for the control of appetite. Any changes induced by a potential appetite suppressant should be considered in terms of the (i) psychological experience and behavioural expression of appetite, (ii) metabolism and peripheral physiology, and (iii) functioning of CNS neural pathways. In humans, modulation of appetite may involve changes in total caloric consumption, subjective changes in feelings of hunger and fullness, preferences for specific food items, and general macronutrient preferences. These may be expressed behaviourally as changes in meal patterns, snacking behaviour and food choice. Within the next 20 years it is certain that clinicians will have a new range of anti-obesity compounds available to choose from. Such novel compounds may act on a single component of the appetite system or target a combination of these components detailed in this review. Such compounds used in combination with lifestyle changes and dietary intervention may be useful in dealing with the rising world epidemic of obesity.

Food habits and sport activity during adolescence: differences between athletic and non-athletic teenagers in Switzerland.

Abstract: Objective: To describe food habits and dietary intakes of athletic and non-athletic adolescents in Switzerland. Setting: College, high schools and professional centers in the Swiss canton of Vaud. Method: A total of 3540 subjects aged 9–19 y answered a self-reported anonymous questionnaire to assess lifestyles, physical plus sports activity and food habits. Within this sample, a subgroup of 246 subjects aged 11–15 also participated in an in-depth ancillary study including a 3 day dietary record completed by an interview with a dietician. Results: More boys than girls reported engaging in regular sports activities (P<0.001). Adolescent food habits are quite traditional: up to 15 y, most of the respondents have a breakfast and eat at least two hot meals a day, the percentages decreasing thereafter. Snacking is widespread among adolescents (60–80% in the morning, 80–90% in the afternoon). Food habits among athletic adolescents are healthier and also are perceived as such in a higher proportion. Among athletic adolescents, consumption frequency is higher for dairy products and ready to eat (RTE) cereals, for fruit, fruit juices and salad (P<0.05 at least). Thus the athletic adolescent’s food brings more micronutrients than the diet of their non-athletic counterparts. Within the subgroup (ancillary study), mean energy intake corresponds to requirements for age/gender group. Conclusions: Athletic adolescents display healthier food habits than non-athletic adolescents: this result supports the idea that healthy behavior tends to cluster and suggests that prevention programs among this age group should target simultaneously both sports activity and food habits. Sponsorship: Service of Sports and Physical Education of the Swiss canton of Vaud, Federal Sports School of Macolin (Switzerland). European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) 54, Suppl 1, S16–S20

Altering the temporal distribution of energy intake with isoenergetically dense foods given as snacks does not affect total daily energy intake in normal-weight men.

Abstract: The objectives of the present study were to examine the effects of (1) ingesting mandatory snacks v . no snacks and (2) the composition of isoenergetically-dense snacks high in protein, fat or carbohydrate, on food intake and energy intake (EI) in eight men with ad libitum access to a diet of fixed composition. Subjects were each studied four times in a 9 d protocol per treatment. On days 1–2, subjects were given a medium-fat maintenance diet estimated at 1·6 × resting metabolic rate (RMR). On days 3–9, subjects consumed three mandatory isoenergetic, isoenergetically dense (380 kJ/100 g) snacks at fixed time intervals (11.30, 15.30 and 19.30 hours). Total snack intake comprised 30 % of the subjects' estimated daily energy requirements. The treatments were high protein (HP), high carbohydrate (HC), high fat (HF) and no snack (NS). The order was randomized across subjects in a counterbalanced, Latin-square design. During the remainder of the day, subjects had ad libitum (meal size and frequency) access to a covertly manipulated medium-fat diet of fixed composition (fat: carbohydrate: protein, 40:47:13 by energy), energy density 550 kJ/100 g. All foods eaten were investigator-weighed before ingestion and left-overs were weighed after ingestion. Subjective hunger and satiety feelings were tracked hourly during waking hours using visual analogue scales. Ad libitum EI amounted to 13·9 MJ/d on the NS treatment compared with 11·7, 11·7 and 12·2 MJ/d on the HP, HC and HF diets respectively ( F (3,21) 5·35; P = 0·007, sed 0·66). Total EI values were not significantly different at 14·6, 14·5, 15·0 and 14·2 MJ/d respectively. Snack composition did not differentially affect total daily food intake or EI. Average daily hunger was unaffected by the composition of the snacks. Only at 12.00 hours did subjects feel significantly more hungry during the NS condition, relative to the other dietary treatments ( F (3,18) 4·42; P = 0·017). Body weight was unaffected by dietary treatment. In conclusion, snacking per se led to compensatory adjustments in feeding behaviour in lean men. Snack composition (with energy density controlled) did not affect the amount eaten of a diet of fixed composition. Results may differ in real life where subjects can alter both composition and amount of food they eat and energy density is not controlled.

Role of dietary carbohydrate and frequent eating in body-weight control

Abstract: Despite widespread interest in body-weight control, the prevalence of obesity continues to rise worldwide. Current public health advice for obesity prevention is clearly failing. The present paper examines the appropriateness of current public health advice for body-weight control, i.e. to reduce consumption of fatty foods, to reduce consumption of sugar and to avoid snacking between meals. An increase in carbohydrate: fat ratio should improve body-weight control, as high-carbohydrate low-fat diets are less likely to lead to overeating, and if overeating does occur, less of the excess energy is likely to be stored as fat. However, it is suggested that for the long-term prevention of weight gain, advice to increase consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods may be more effective than advice which focuses on reducing consumption of fatty food. Moreover, in view of the inverse relationship between fat and sugar intakes, sugar may have a positive role to play in body-weight control in facilitating an increase in carbohydrate: fat ratio. Snacking for most individuals appears not to adversely affect body-weight control, and for some it may improve control. This situation may exist because frequent eating helps appetite control, thus preventing overeating at meals, and as snacks overall tend to be higher in carbohydrate and lower in fat than meals, frequent eating may be a strategy for increasing carbohydrate: fat ratio. It is also suggested that eating 'little and often' may be a more compatible pattern of eating for a physically-active lifestyle than eating large meals. Perhaps the most appropriate advice on food intake that would work synergistically with concurrent advice to increase physical activity is to eat more carbohydrate, and to eat frequently.

Method of treating eating disorders

Abstract: A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in which R1 and R2 are independently H or methyl (for example N,N-dimethyl-1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-3-methylbutyl amine hydrochloride optionally in the form of its monohydrate) is used for treating eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, weight-gain after smoking cessation, snacking or binge eating.

Determinants of macronutrient intake in elderly people.

Abstract: An understanding of the determinants of nutritional intake may be helpful in the early detection and prevention of malnutrition. A vast amount of literature exists on factors influencing daily energy or food intake. Although far less is known about population and subject characteristics influencing the macronutrient composition of the diet, associations appear to exist with cultural factors, snacking and disease. The literature does not provide sufficient evidence in support of relationships with other factors such as living situation, dentition, disability, depression and drug use, partly because information on determinants of macronutrient intake is scarce. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) 54, Suppl 3, S70–S76

The acute effect of D-tagatose on food intake in human subjects.

Abstract: A double-blind randomized crossover study was performed with nineteen normal-weight men to investigate the effect on subsequent ad libitum food intake of replacing 29 g sucrose with 29 g D-tagatose as sweetener to a breakfast meal. D-Tagatose is a malabsorbed stereoisomer of fructose with potential application as a bulk sweetener. Food intake was measured at lunch offered 4 h after the breakfast meal, during the afternoon with access to abundant snacks, and finally at a supper buffet 9 h after the breakfast. Energy intake at lunch and during the snacking period was similar after ingesting the two sugars, while it was 15% lower after ingesting D-tagatose than with sucrose at supper (P < 0.05). Gastrointestinal factors such as the osmotic effects of unabsorbed D-tagatose causing distension of the gut might have mediated the acute appetite-suppressing effect. The present paper also refers to data from a preceding study in which we observed an increased self-reported energy intake after ingestion of D-tagatose compared with sucrose which, in fact, suggests a relative hyperphagic effect of D-tagatose. However, self-reported food intake may be biased by selective under-reporting and this subsequent study with a more controlled assessment of food intake was therefore conducted. This present study did not support any hyperphagic effect of D-tagatose, but rather suggests that D-tagatose may contribute to a reduced energy intake.

Educating young consumers – a food choice model

Abstract: It has been acknowledged that it is only by obtaining a more detailed understanding of food choice that people’s diets can be improved. In Northern Ireland, research into food choice has been limited yet the Province has the second highest rate of heart disease in the world, indicating the need for change. This study investigated the food choices of 9- to 17-year-olds in Northern Ireland and the influential factors. A range of research techniques were employed incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods, namely observations, focus groups, picture associations, dietary case studies and questionnaires. The research indicated that the dietary patterns adopted by this group are characterized by a high consumption of fat, yet the reduction of fat tends to dominate the overall strategy for the prevention of obesity and lowering the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, a high consumption of sugar products was evidenced along with a distinct dislike for healthier alternatives such as fruit and vegetables. The ‘skipping’ of meals, especially breakfast and a high prevalence of snacking was also apparent. However, these eating habits were found to be affected by various factors such as age and gender, emphasizing the complex nature of food choice. The findings from this research enabled the development of a model relating to the food choices of 9- to 17-year-olds in Northern Ireland, highlighting the influential factors and subsequent health implications.

Lifestyle and serum gamma-glutamyltransferase: a study of middle-aged Japanese men.

Abstract: The association of lifestyle factors with serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) was examined in 1176 Japanese male office workers aged 40-59 years. Those who had serum aminotransferase levels exceeding the normal range and/or who took prescription medication for, or had a past history of, liver disease were excluded. From the logistic regression analysis, lifestyle factors showing a positive association with high serum GGT (> or = 60 U/l) were body mass index, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, and snacking between meals. On the other hand, coffee drinking showed an inverse association with high serum GGT. As for the relationships between snacking between meals and other lifestyle factors, snacking between meals was significantly related to alcohol intake (negative) and coffee drinking. Influences of snacking between meals on serum GGT are likely to be indirectly mediated through coping mechanisms of less alcohol drinking and more coffee drinking. Our findings support the conclusions that alcohol drinking, obesity, and cigarette smoking are positively associated with raised serum GGT and that coffee consumption is inversely related to raised serum GGT.

Differences in Health Behaviors among the Social Strata in Korea

Abstract: Objectives : To analyze differences in health behaviors among the social strata in Korea by using the 1995 National Health and Health Behavior Survey Data. Methods : Study Participants numbered 2,352 men and 1,016 women aged between 15-64 years old, with housewives, students and non-waged family workers excluded. Health behaviors in this study were defined according to the recommendations of the Alameda 7 study. The measure of health behaviors was based on the Health Practices Index(HPI; 0-5 range, with the exclusion of snacking between meals and regularly eating breakfast) developed by the Alameda County research. The significance of the relationship between social strata and HPI was assessed by considering the adjusted means from the multi-variate model. Results : For men, incidence rates of never having smoked, no/moderate use of alcohol, regular exercise, and regular 7-8 hours sleep per night were higher in the upper social strate. Meanwhile, for women, incidence rates of never having smoked, no/moderate use of alcohol, appropriate weight, regular exercise, and regular 7-8 hours sleep per night were higher in the upper strata. HPI varied significantly among social strata in both sexes (p

Determinants of cariogenic snacking in adolescents in Belfast and Helsinki.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the determinants of reported snack consumption in adolescents residing in Belfast, Northern Ireland and Helsinki, Finland. Ten % random samples of 14-15 yr old Belfast (n = 628) and Helsinki (n = 600) adolescents were obtained. A questionnaire assessed their demography, oral health knowledge, attitudes and the consumption of cariogenic snacks containing non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES). Five hundred and eighty-nine (94%) questionnaires were returned in Belfast and 441 (74%) questionnaires in Helsinki. Belfast adolescents had significantly higher levels of oral health knowledge and higher consumption rates for snacks containing NMES. The Helsinki adolescents had more positive attitudes towards their oral health. Multivariant analysis showed that demography was the most direct determinant of cariogenic snacking. The acquisition of oral health knowledge played a minor role. There is a need to develop tailored and focused programmes to promote healthier snacking regimes in adolescents.

[Snacking behavior among elementary and junior high school students and its relationship to stress-coping].

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate current problems of snacking behavior and their relationship to stress coping among 1,486 fourth through ninth grade students from 10 elementary schools and six junior high schools. An anonymous self-completed questionnaire was utilized which included items about 1) selection of snack foods, which were classified into healthy, popular, complementary and western-style snacks, 2) problems of snacking behavior, which included external and emotional eating scores, and 3) stress coping scale. The stress coping scale contained two sub-scales; problem-focused and emotion-focused coping. The results were as follows: 1) Students who frequently went without breakfast did not select healthy foods, i.e., fruits and dairy products, but popular snacks, i.e., potato chips, pop corn and sweet beverage. 2) Both external and emotional eating scores increased by age in girls but was not apparent in boys. 3) Students who preferred either western-style or popular snacks showed higher score of external and emotional eating. 4) The score of problem-focused coping was positively correlated with preference for health snacks, but emotion-focused coping was positively correlated with external and emotional eating scores. The close relationship between snack food selection and problematic aspects of eating behavior suggests that modification of eating behavior is necessary to develop healthy snack habits in early adolescents. Also, it is interesting that snacking behavior is closely related to stress coping, which suggested the behavioral intervention for healthy eating habit should be included in development of stress-coping skills against various kinds of demands in life.

Ernährungsverhalten und Einstellung zum Essen der ÖsterreicherInnen

Abstract: Eating habits have changed greatly in the last 50 years. The overconsumption/gorging after the Second World War was followed by waves of different eating fashions, ranging from whole foods, diet and “light” foods, to fast foods. In the future, we expect functional food, convenience, wellness and biologically grown foods, ethnic foods and snacking to mold the eating habits of Austrians. Eating is very important to Austrians, who normally consume three regular meals a day. Their preferred and most frequent meals consist of home cooking, Italian cooking and light cuisine. For breakfast they eat a small meal of cold foods, bread, rolls or other baked goods, often with jam or honey. In the last 2–3 years, 33 % of Austrian men and 41% of the women have changed their eating habits, though not in the same way. Austrians eat between meals mostly in the afternoon (when the snack serves as a replacement for lunch or dinner), during study or work breaks, and in the morning. Reasons given for having a between-meal snack are a particular craving, hunger, and habit. Preferred are cold foods (sliced-meat sandwiches), “healthy” foods (fruit and vegetables), and bread, rolls and other baked goods, in addition to fast foods. Sweets and desserts also often serve as snacks. Among those polled, 85 % consume sweets regularly, 47 % occasionally and 28 % seldom. Chocolate, candy, and chewing gum are preferred, followed by cake, desserts made with flour, cookies and pies. These sweets are eaten mostly in the afternoon, after dinner, and in the course of the morning. J Ernahrungsmed 2000; 2(5): 2–7.

Managing obesity in childhood and adolescence

Abstract: By helping young people and their families understand and put into practice positive lifestyle changes, clinicians can have a significant impact on childhood and adolescent obesity.

Ernährungsphysiologische Analyse des Eßverhaltens der ÖsterreicherInnen

Abstract: cholesterol, and sucrose content of Austrians’ favorite foods. We also delineated their snacking habits and their assessment of their health/and their assessment of the healthiness of their food intake. The results show that Austrians like to eat fatty and sweet foods; that is, the taste of food is considerably more important to them than is its healthiness. We would nevertheless encourage the analysis of food, both foodstuffs, meals and drink to be analyzed but in the context of total nutritional intake not in isolation. J Ernahrungsmed 2000; 2(5): 8–10.