Overweight kids eat healthy food--study

Contrary to popular belief that obesity in kids is due to poor eating habits, an intriguing new study finds that overweight children tend to eat healthy food, such as fruits and vegetables. It’s just that they eat too much of it.

Eating habits of 924 kids examined
Researchers at Telemark University College and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health conducted a study to assess the eating habits of 924 fourth graders, aged nine to 10, in the county of Telemark.

In order to get an insight into their eating pattern, the investigators questioned the kids about how often they had eaten a variety of foods, both for meals and snacks.

In addition, they also asked them about which foods are often eaten together.

The analysis also took into account the weight and level of physical activity of the kids.

Additionally, the parents’ education level, income and employment and whether they themselves were overweight were factored.

Findings of the study
It was noted that overweight children actually ate better food items than normal-weight children did.

Obese kids consumed healthy food, including fruit, vegetables, fish, wheat bread, potatoes, low-fat cheese, and yogurt.

In contrast, kids of normal weight were more inclined to binge on unprocessed and junk food like burgers, sausages, biscuits, processed pizza, and sweets.

It was also noticed that heavier children drank juice and sweetened drinks more often, while the normal weight kids drank carbonated drinks.

The study found that overweight kids ate more frequently, were less active physically, and more likely to have obese parents compared to kids of normal weight.

However, an interesting aspect of the study was that in the case of overweight children, both the parents and the child are aware of food choices they make.

Lead researcher of the study, Anne Lise Brantsæter at the NIPH stated, “It is positive that parents and children emphasize healthy food choices. However, it is important to note that the amount of healthy foods must be adapted to a child's activity level to limit further weight gain.

"Obesity is a growing problem that can have unfortunate consequences for the children both physically and mentally. There are many contributing factors to obesity and it is important that both parents and children are given good guidance and support early on.”