Eating behaviour and weight status at 2 years of age: data from the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To conduct an analysis of associations between eating behaviours and weight status in 2-year-old children. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data were collected prospectively in the maternal-infant dyad Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study. The weight status of children aged 2 years (n = 1189) was assigned using the International Obesity Task Force BMI cutoffs using measured heights and weights. Eating behaviours were assessed using the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). RESULTS: Eighty percent of children were of normal weight, 14% were overweight or obese and 6% were underweight. From the CEBQ, food approach behaviours including Enjoyment of Food (odds ratio (OR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.46-2.48) and Food Responsiveness (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.47-2.03) were associated with overweight/obesity (all P<0.001). The food avoidant behaviours of Satiety Responsiveness (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.38-2.98) and Slowness in Eating (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.01-2.04) were associated with underweight at 2 years (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Eating behaviours are associated with weight status as early as 2 years of age.