Measuring Differences in Food Iintakes and Dietary Habits of Preschool Children by the Weight-Length Index

Abstract

This study was conducted to obtain data and offer advice regarding dietary intake at kindergarten and to recommend dietary habits to prevent childhood obesity. The study was conducted in 85 children aged 4 to 5 years. Body weight and height, dietary intakes of lunch served at Kindergarten and questionnaires for dietary behaviors in Kyeongnam area were studied. All subjects were classified by their weight-length index (WLI). According to the standard WLI values, 41.2% of the children were within the normal value (90≤WLI<110), 23.5% of the children were overweight (110≤WLI<120), and 35.3% of the children were obese (WLI≥120). The mean energy intake at lunch for kindergarteners was 287.1±13.4 kcal in the normal group, 307.6±10.2 kcal in the overweight group and 323.7±8.6 kcal in the obese group. The percent energy of estimated energy requirement (EER) was 21.8%. The intake of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and pyridoxine were significantly different by WLI (P<0.05). A comparison of nutrients in the lunch menu provided with those of 1/3 recom- mended intake (RI) showed that preschoolers took in fewer calories, calcium, and vitamin B2, and that their defi- ciency rates were high (81.2%, 76.5% and 70.6% of recommended levels, respectively). There was a significant dif- ference in the preference of fruits and milk and dairy products by WLI. Therefore, a nutritional education program and new guidance in the proper nutrition management for kindergarteners should be developed to enhance nutri- tional status during childhood.