Longitudinal study on eating behaviours from childhood to adolescence

Abstract

Background: Several studies demonstrated that food intake tends to track over time, however little is known about what influences this tracking. This study investigated the influence of predictors of food intake during childhood on eating behaviours and their predictors in adolescence. Methods: 210 participants of the Gateshead Millennium Study were assessed in childhood (6-8 years) and adolescence (12-13 years). Food intake was measured at both time-points and a situational food choice assessment was added in adolescence. Participants answered questions about predictors of eating behaviours adapted to each age group. Findings: Path analyses showed that higher BMI during childhood was associated with a higher BMI and significantly predicted less unhealthy food at home at adolescence. Liking fruits in childhood was positively associated with healthy food availability at home and temptation to eat healthy food during adolescence. Higher levels of knowledge about healthy eating in childhood significantly predicted less intention to eat unhealthy food in adolescence. Healthy eating during childhood was associated with lower BMI and positively associated with temptation to eat unhealthy food during adolescence. Children eating more unhealthy foods presented less inhibitory control skills in adolescence. Children preferring healthy food tended to eat less unhealthy food in adolescence. Lower BMI and higher levels of healthy eating in childhood were associated with healthier eating in adolescence. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of developing interventions promoting healthy eating early in life. Further research in this area exploring such complex associations would help to confirm and gain a consensus on results.