Consumption of meat-containing convenience foods may increase risk of obesity among adolescents (1024.18)

Edward Bitok, Ahmed Alabdrabalnabi, Gina Siapco, Joan Sabaté

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract

Consumption  of  meat - containing   convenience   foods   may   increase   risk  of  obesity   among   adolescents  Edward Bitok, Ahmed Al Abdrabalnabi, Gina Siapco, Joan Sabaté Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350 Most  convenience   foods  are characterized as energy dense, highly processed, and of poor nutrient quality. The aim of our study was to determine if the  consumption  of “meal-type”  convenience   foods  (CF) is associated with the  risk  of overweight/ obesity   among   adolescents . In a cross-sectional study, 309 females and 237 males ages 12-18 years from 10 schools in southern California and Michigan reported their usual food intake during the past month using a web-based food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were obtained during school visits. BMI z-scores (BMIZ), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were used as overweight/ obesity  indicators. Intake of meal-type CF was classified either as  meat - containing  or meatless. Data was analyzed using frequency distributions, ANOVA, and multivariate tests. 418 participants had normal BMIZ and 128 were overweight/obese. Ethnicity was a significant predictor of BMIZ, WC, and WHtR. Controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, total energy intake, and exercise, increased  consumption  of  meat - containing  CF was significantly associated with increased BMIZ ( p =.005) and WC ( p =.016). Intake of total CF and meatless CF were not significantly associated with BMIZ, WC, and WHtR. The  consumption  of meal- type CF  among   adolescents , those containing meat but not the meatless varieties  may   increase   risk  of  obesity .

Original languageAmerican English
Volume28
StatePublished - Apr 1 2014

Publication series

NameThe FASEB Journal

Disciplines

  • Biology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism
  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology

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