Ernährungsgewohnheiten und Adipositas bei europäischen Kindern: Ergebnisse aus der IDEFICS/I.Family-Kohorte

The IDEFICS/I.Family study (financed by the 6th and 7th European Framework Programs for Research) has investigated the eating behavior of children and adolescents from eight European countries with particular regard to obesity and its health consequences.In almost all countries, sugar consumption made up more than 20% of overall energy intake. In Germany the proportion was actually 30% and thus more than three times the WHO recommendation – ideally less than 10%. In summary, our results show that improving the quality of food consumed, i.e. increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole meal products and reducing sugar-added and industrially processed foods, may prevent the development of childhood obesity. A dietary pattern characterized by high levels of vegetables, fruits and whole meal bread, for instance, was associated with a 36% lower risk of overweight and obesity. Moreover, similarities could be seen between the dietary patterns of family members. An association was also observed between lower social status and unfavorable dietary patterns in children.The results recommend political measures to support children, particularly those from socially disadvantaged families, to eat more healthily and thus prevent the development of overweight and obesity already in childhood.