Heritability of hyperphagic eating behavior and appetite-related hormones among Hispanic children.

OBJECTIVE: Eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) may be a genetically influenced phenotype of overweight children, but evidence is limited. This research evaluated the heritability (h(2)) of EAH and its association with overweight among Hispanic children 5 to 18 years old. Genetic and environmental associations of EAH with overweight, fat mass, and key hormonal regulators of food intake were also evaluated. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A family design was used to study 801 children from 300 Hispanic families. Weighed food intakes were used to measure EAH after an ad libitum dinner providing 50% of estimated energy needs. Fasting ghrelin, amylin, insulin, and leptin were measured by immunoassays. Measured heights, weights, and fat mass (using DXA) were obtained. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured by room respiration calorimetry. RESULTS: On average, children consumed 41% of TEE at the dinner meal, followed by an additional 19% of TEE in the absence of hunger. Overweight children consumed 6.5% more energy at dinner (p < 0.001) and 14% more energy in the absence of hunger (p < 0.001) than non-overweight children. Significant heritabilities were seen for EAH (h(2) = 0.51) and dinner intake (h(2) = 0.52) and for fasting levels of ghrelin (h(2) = 0.67), amylin (h(2) = 0.37), insulin (h(2) = 0.37), and leptin (h(2) = 0.34). Genetic correlations were seen between eating behavior and fasting hormones, suggesting common underlying genes affecting their expression. DISCUSSION: This research provides new evidence that overweight Hispanic children exhibit elevated levels of hyperphagic eating behaviors that are influenced by genetic endowment.

Interactive computerized fruit and vegetable preference measure for African-American and Hispanic preschoolers.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a computerized measure for assessing fruit, fruit juice and vegetable (FJV) preferences of African-American (AA) and Hispanic (H) preschool children. DESIGN/SETTING: Preschool children were selected from Head Start Centers to participate in this study. PARTICIPANTS/MAIN OUTCOME: Descriptive data on FJV preferences were obtained from a sample of 198 preschool children. Test-retest reliability (n = 50) and predicitve validity (n = 47) were assessed in a sample of children. ANALYSIS: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate gender and ethnic differences in FJV preference scores. Mean FJV preference scores were correlated using the Pearson's correlation coefficients and intra-class correlation to assess the reliability of the preference measure. ANOVA was applied to test the mean FV consumption difference between the low and high FV preference groups. RESULTS: Compared to H, AA had a significantly higher preference for vegetables. Boys had a significantly lower preference for fruit than girls. Data show adequate test-retest reliability (r = .70; p < .01) and internal consistency of FJV items (Cronbach alpha = .87). Mean FV consumption was significantly higher in children who reported higher preferences for FV compared to those who reported lower FV preferences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Data provide evidence for the reliability and validity of an interactive, computerized measure for assessing FJV preferences of young children. IMPLICATION: Development of a valid and reliable method for assessing FJV preferences of preschool children may be useful in characterizing FJV preferences of young children and in evaluating specific intervention programs.