J Korean Diet Assoc.  2013 Feb;19(1):34-45.

Measuring Differences in Food Iintakes and Dietary Habits of Preschool Children by the Weight-Length Index

• Lee JH
• Kang EJ
• Kim C

Abstract

This study was conducted to obtain data and offer advice regarding dietary intake at kindergarten and to recommend dietary habits to prevent childhood obesity. The study was conducted in 85 children aged 4 to 5 years. Body weight and height, dietary intakes of lunch served at Kindergarten and questionnaires for dietary behaviors in Kyeongnam area were studied. All subjects were classified by their weight-length index (WLI). According to the standard WLI values, 41.2% of the children were within the normal value (90< or =WLI<110), 23.5% of the children were overweight (110< or =WLI<120), and 35.3% of the children were obese (WLI> or =120). The mean energy intake at lunch for kindergarteners was 287.1+/-13.4 kcal in the normal group, 307.6+/-10.2 kcal in the overweight group and 323.7+/-8.6 kcal in the obese group. The percent energy of estimated energy requirement (EER) was 21.8%. The intake of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and pyridoxine were significantly different by WLI (P<0.05). A comparison of nutrients in the lunch menu provided with those of 1/3 recommended intake (RI) showed that preschoolers took in fewer calories, calcium, and vitamin B2, and that their deficiency rates were high (81.2%, 76.5% and 70.6% of recommended levels, respectively). There was a significant difference in the preference of fruits and milk and dairy products by WLI. Therefore, a nutritional education program and new guidance in the proper nutrition management for kindergarteners should be developed to enhance nutritional status during childhood.

Keyword

preschoolers; WLI; nutrient intakes; dietary habits

MeSH Terms

Aged
Body Weight
Calcium
Child
Child, Preschool
Dairy Products
Energy Intake
Food Habits
Fruit
Humans
Iron
Lunch
Milk
Nutritional Status
Obesity
Overweight
Pyridoxine
Surveys and Questionnaires
Reference Values
Riboflavin
Vitamin A
Zinc
Calcium
Iron
Pyridoxine
Riboflavin
Vitamin A
Zinc