Snacking and weight status in Malaysian Chinese primary school children

Background

The exponential increase in childhood obesity poses a global health problem including Malaysia. Increased snacking behaviours could be one of the contributing factors to unhealthy eating habits and excessive energy intake. This study aimed to investigate the influence of snacking pattern (portion, frequency, energy contribution) and preference on the energy intake and weight status among Malaysian Chinese children aged 7–12 years in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Methods

A total of 99 Chinese children (37 boys, 62 girls) with a mean age of 10.4 ± 1.5 years old were recruited from three local primary schools. Weight and height were measured. Snacking behaviours (frequency, portion size, and preference) were assessed using a questionnaire. Two days of 24-h dietary recall were used to assess the children's dietary intake.

Results

Most of the children (62.6%) had normal body weight status. Snacking contributed to 23.3% and 21.6% of total daily energy intake on weekdays and weekends respectively. The most preferred snacks were ice cream, yoghurt, and chocolate drinks, whereas the least preferred snacks were syrup, traditional kuih, and breads. There were no significant differences in snacking frequency and portion size by the amount of pocket money given for snacks (Pearson χ² = 1.52, p = 0.47; Pearson χ² = 3.19, p = 0.53, respectively).

Conclusion

Education regarding the right choice of snacks is important to ensure better diet quality to optimise children's growth.