Date of Award

2015

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science

Department

Nutrition and Food Sciences

First Advisor

Geoffrey Greene

Abstract

Background: Fiber intake has been shown to be higher in normal weight children compared to overweight and obese children. However, the effect of family-based interventions have been inconclusive.

Objective: To determine if a family-based weight management intervention, which has been successful at lowering BMI Z-score, has an effect on energy adjusted dietary fiber intake and other markers of dietary quality.

Methods: Sixty-six children ages 6-11 and their guardians participated in a 16 week nutrition and physical activity intervention. Guardians and children completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) during the first and last sessions. The FFQ provided information about fiber, macronutrients and micronutrients.

Results: Children increased fiber from 8.65±2.00g/1000kcal to 9.48±2.26g/1000kcal (p<0.001). Energy decreased from 2122.77±506.13kcals to 1889.86±425.58kcals (p<0.001).BMI Z-score decreased from 2.06±0.40 to 1.99±0.40 (p=0.003). Iron decreased from 15.18±4.06mg to 13.92±3.85mg (p=0.014), sodium decreased from 2638.38±677.93mg to 2330.14±521.85mg (p<0.001), and saturated fat decreased from 10.34±1.64% to 9.96±1.69%.

Conclusion: The intervention was associated with an increase in fiber density and a reduction in energy intake, which was reflected in a decrease in BMI Z-score, without compromising micronutrient intake.

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