Family Meals and Adolescent Nutrition
Author Information
Author(s): Jennifer Utter, Robert Scragg, David Schaaf, Cliona Ni Mhurchu
Primary Institution: University of Auckland
Hypothesis
Frequent consumption of family meals is associated with reduced prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents.
Conclusion
Families who eat together tend to have healthier food environments and support healthier eating habits in their children.
Supporting Evidence
- 42% of adolescents ate a family meal on all of the previous five school nights.
- Frequency of family meals was associated with positive nutrition behaviors.
- No relationships were observed between family meals and high fat/high sugar foods.
Takeaway
Eating meals with your family can help you eat healthier, but it doesn't mean you won't have junk food at home.
Methodology
Data were collected from 3245 students using questionnaires and physical measurements during the Pacific Obesity Prevention In Communities study.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported measures of nutrition behaviors and the exclusion of socioeconomic status measures.
Limitations
The study's sample may not be representative of all adolescents in New Zealand, and it only assessed family meals during school days.
Participant Demographics
The sample comprised 52% females and 48% males, with a mean age of 14.8 years, primarily Pacific (63%), Maori (19%), Asian/other (11%), and European (8%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.045
Confidence Interval
(25.4, 26.8)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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