Measurement and Correlates of Food Selection Motivations in a United States Sample.

Background: In this study, we explored the factors that motivate food choice, and evaluated the psychometric properties and demographic correlates of the Eating Motivation (EATMOT) questionnaire in adults in the United States (US). Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 905 adults in 6 sites across the US. The EATMOT questionnaire measures participants' self-reported motivations for food selection, demographic, and anthropometric data. Analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, correlations, Welch's t-tests, and logistic regressions. Results: We established a 3-factor model (health-related, emotional, and environmental/political motivations) as the best fit to the data (CFI = .983, RMSEA = .049, SRMR = .054). Gender differences were found within the 3 factors, as well as in the intercorrelations between factors. Higher levels of health-related motivations (B = .10, SE = .04, OR = 1.11 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.19), p = .006) were associated with increased reports of weight loss dieting, whereas higher levels of environmental/political motivations (B = -.09, SE = .04, OR = 0.91, p = .02) were associated with fewer reports of weight-loss dieting. Conclusion: An abbreviated version of the EATMOT scale is appropriate for use in a US sample and identifies 3 categories of factors that impact dietary choices. These factors may be important in building interventions to improve diets.

Cooking Up Energy: A Culinary Education Program for Children with Parent Outreach.

Objectives: Culinary interventions show promise in preventing obesity. The Cooking Up Energy (CUE) program aimed to improve weight status and attitudes held about healthy foods, as well as increase cooking self-efficacy and frequency of meal preparation, in children 6-12 years of age. Methods: We provided 10 one-hour long culinary and nutrition education sessions. We took pre- and post-program surveys along with height, weight, and waist circumference measurements. We invited parents to 2 evening sessions. We analyzed results for the entire group, and a subgroup of children who were overweight or obese at baseline. Results: We analyzed matched data (N = 65; 52% female; >60% minority; 43% overweight or obese). Mean BMI percentile and BMI z-score did not change significantly following program completion. However, BMI z-score in those who were overweight or obese, remained favorably constant, rather than rising. We found an increase in participation in meal preparation for all meals, along with robust attendance and favorable program evaluations. Participant cooking self-efficacy and attitudes remained largely unchanged. Conclusion: Favorable results for several factors were evident; however, they did not reach statistical significance. The program holds promise in influencing food-related behaviors that can buffer obesity risk in children; however these findings warrant further investigation.

Cooking Up Energy with Predominately Latino Children during Afterschool Hours.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the impact on body weight status and food-related behaviors following participation in the Cooking Up Energy® (CUE) Program. METHODS: Children 7-11 years old attended 10 cooking/nutrition education sessions. Baseline and post-program weight, height and waist circumference measurements, frequency of participation in meal preparation and food frequency questionnaires were obtained. Data were analyzed for the entire group as well as a subgroup of overweight and obese participants. RESULTS: Participants (N = 51) were predominately Latino (76%) and overweight (52%). Significant reduction in mean body mass index (BMI) percentile was found in the subgroup of overweight and obese participants (N = 27; p < .05). However, reduction in mean BMI z-score was non-significant. Reports of program enjoyment (98%) and an increased desire to cook more frequently at home (83%) were found; however, no significant increase in participation in meal preparation at home was found following program completion. CONCLUSION: The CUE program was well received by most participants, and there is indication that program participation has the potential to have a positive influence on body weight. However, more research is needed to explore ways to promote an increase in participation in food preparation at home by children.

Blending better beverage options: a nutrition education and experiential workshop for youths.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in youths as a means to reduce obesity risk. METHODS: Youths 5-14 years old attending a summer program were given a two-hour workshop addressing the sugar content in SSBs, the health risks from drinking SSBs, and hands-on preparation as well as tastings of low-sugar beverage alternatives. Data on usual intake of SSBs was obtained at baseline, and pre- and postprogram surveys were conducted to gauge change in knowledge and/or attitudes regarding SSBs. RESULTS: There were 128 participants (63% male) in the program. SSBs were commonly consumed with over 80% reporting regular consumption (mean daily intake 17.9 ounces). Significant increase in knowledge regarding the sugar content of commonly consumed SSBs was achieved; however change in attitudes was not significant. The large majority of youths reported enjoying the workshop and intention to reduce intake of SSBs following program participation. CONCLUSION: SSBs are commonly consumed by youths. Knowledge regarding the sugar content of SSBs is easier to impart to youths than influencing attitudes held about these beverages. Long-term interventions that reach out to parents and address the widespread availability of SSBs are needed to influence resistant attitudes and beverage choosing behaviors in youths.

Calories in the classroom: celebration foods offered and consumed during classroom parties at an elementary school in a low-income, urban community.

BACKGROUND: The school food environment is an important area of exploration in investigating the potential for schoolchildren to consume foods and beverages containing excess calories on school grounds. Several venues offer schoolchildren access to lownutrient, calorie-dense foods and beverages. Classroom celebrations offer such a venue; however, little is known about current practices during these events. METHODS: Trained observers recorded foods and beverages offered, activities engaged in, and goody bag distribution during six separate classroom celebrations. Additionally, foods and beverages consumed by 24 individual students were recorded in detail for calorie estimation. RESULTS: The majority of food items offered during classroom celebrations were low-nutrient, calorie-dense items. The mean caloric contribution for all 24 students was 444 ± 221 calories, with a range of 130­905 calories, and a median intake of 386 calories. Mean total estimated calorie intake per grade level was 225 ± 90, 286 ± 105, and 550 ± 212 calories for students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and 1st grade, respectively. Only one-third of all the parties observed included activities other than eating. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations reveal that food items offered during classroom celebrations offer children opportunities to consume low-nutrient, calorie-dense foods and beverages on the school campus. More research is needed to support these findings, and to identify the best practice to implement for effective school wellness policies aimed at regulating classroom celebrations.

Classroom "cupcake" celebrations: observations of foods offered and consumed.

OBJECTIVE: To describe food and beverage types offered and consumed during classroom celebrations at an elementary school in a low-income, urban community. In addition, to report student intake of fresh fruit provided alongside other party foods. METHODS: Observations held during 4 classroom celebrations. Food and beverage items were measured and counted before and after each celebration. Consumption data were recorded in aggregate for the entire classroom and later adjusted to mean intake per student. RESULTS: Majority of items offered were low-nutrient, energy-dense foods. Mean caloric intake during celebrations ranged from 259 to 455 cal. Fruit provided during 2 of the 4 classroom celebrations resulted in a mean intake of 1 full serving per student. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Caloric intake from low-nutrient, energy-dense foods and beverages offered during classroom celebrations contributed 20% or more of daily caloric needs. However, fresh fruit may be a reasonable addition to the party food table.

Overweight and obesity: key components of cardiometabolic risk.

The current obesity epidemic is a major public health concern worldwide, in both developed and developing countries, and in adults and children alike. Obesity confers physical stress on multiple biologic processes and is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, and certain forms of cancer, among other serious diseases. Therefore, it is essential that all health care providers take an active role in addressing the issue of obesity with their patients to reduce their cardiometabolic risks. Indeed, there is a 3-fold increase in the odds that a patient will attempt weight loss if it is recommended by a trusted health care professional. A reduction of only 5% to 10% of body weight improves lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and endothelial function, and reduces thrombosis and inflammatory markers. There is evidence, however, that humans are highly sensitive to the availability and nature of food in the environment, which presents a formidable obstacle to achieving lasting weight loss. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health recommends lifestyle modification as the primary intervention. For individuals who do not respond or for those who also have a weight-related illness, a weight loss medication may need to be added to their treatment plan. While there are few medical options currently available, new compounds for the treatment of obesity are under investigation.