Journal
BMC PUBLIC HEALTH
Volume 14, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
BMC
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-323
Keywords
Obesity; Adolescent; Eating habits
Categories
Funding
- Prince Edward Island Department of Early Education and Childhood Development
- Quebec en Forme
- Ontario Graduate Scholarships
- Propel Centre for Population Health Impact
- Canadian Institutes for Health Research New Investigator Award
- Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute Junior Investigator Research Award
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Background: Obesity is a growing public health concern in Canada. Excess weight is particularly a concern among youth given that obesity in youth predicts obesity in adulthood. Eating behaviors, both inside and outside the home have been associated with increased risk of obesity; however, there is little data among Canadian youth to monitor trends. Methods: The School Health Action, Planning and Evaluation Surveys (SHAPES) were administered in schools. Our study examined 20, 923 students (grades 5-12) from four regions in Canada. The regions were Hamilton and Thunder Bay (both in Ontario), the Province of Prince Edward Island, and the Province of Quebec. Results: Consuming breakfast daily was reported by 70% of grade 5-8 students, and 51% of grade 9-12's. Among students in grade 9-12, 52% reported eating with family members daily, compared with 68% in grade 5-8. Just over half of students in grade 5-8, and 70% in grade 9-12 reported eating at a fast-food place once a week or more. Among grade 5-8 students 68% reported eating in front of the television at least once per week, compared to 76% in grade 9-12. Obese students were more likely to watch TV while eating, and less likely to eat with a family member and eat breakfast. Conclusions: The findings suggest that only a modest proportion of youth report dietary patterns that have previously been associated with healthy eating and reduced risk of obesity. Later adolescence may be a critical time for intervention in health-related behaviors.
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