Impact of Eating Environments on Children’s Food Choices
Research Overview
Researchers analyzed data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey to evaluate children’s healthy food selections at home, school, and food outlets. The findings revealed that children who dine out tend to consume more sugar compared to those who eat at home. Previous studies have indicated that poor dietary habits in childhood increase the risk of obesity in adulthood. Additionally, it has been observed that children eating outside the home are more likely to opt for unhealthy food options.
Significance of Food Environments
Understanding the influence of food environments on dietary choices can contribute to enhancing children’s eating behaviors. A team of researchers in the United Kingdom conducted a comprehensive analysis to identify common eating locations, the types of foods consumed at these places, and how these patterns differ based on family background and other characteristics. Their study was recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Methodology: UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey
The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Program (2008-2014) aimed to evaluate the diet, nutrient intake, and nutritional status of the general population aged 1.5 years and older. Researchers selected representative samples from across the country, where individuals documented their food and drink intake over four consecutive days. For children under 12, parents and caregivers completed the diaries. Trained interviewers facilitated this process by visiting participants three times to introduce the food diary and ensure accurate completion. A subset of data from this survey was utilized in the current study.
Study Participants and Food Categorization
The study analyzed food diaries from over 4,600 children aged 1.5 to 18 years. Eating environments were categorized into five locations: home, school, leisure places, food outlets, and “on the go” (e.g., eating in transit). Food types were classified as “core foods,” which are acceptable in a healthy diet, and “noncore foods,” which are energy-dense and low in nutrients. Researchers also considered variables such as the percentage of meals consumed at home, family income, sex, ethnicity, and body mass index.
Findings: Eating at Home and Healthier Choices
The primary eating location for children across all age groups was at home, accounting for 69-79% of eating occasions. Increased meals at home corresponded with healthier food choices, leading to reduced sugar and takeaway food consumption. Children aged 4 to 10 years exhibited a higher intake of core foods when eating at school. Conversely, dining at leisure places, food outlets, and during transit was associated with increased consumption of noncore foods.
Conclusions and Public Health Implications
The researchers concluded that eating at home and school promotes healthier food choices, while other locations are associated with less nutritious options. Public health initiatives focused on enhancing access to healthy foods in leisure places, food outlets, and during transit could improve children’s dietary choices in these settings. Additionally, programs encouraging healthy eating at home remain crucial, as this environment is the primary food source for children of all ages.
Reference
Ziauddeen N, Page P, Penney TL, et al. Eating at food outlets and leisure places and “on the go” is associated with less-healthy food choices than eating at home and in school in children: cross-sectional data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Program (2008-2014). Am J Clin Nutrition 2018;107:1-12. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqy057.