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. 2014 Feb 10:11:14.
doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-11-14.

Toward an operative diagnosis of fussy/picky eating: a latent profile approach in a population-based cohort

Anne Tharner  1 , Pauline W Jansen, Jessica C Kiefte-de Jong, Henriette A Moll, Jan van der Ende, Vincent W V Jaddoe, Albert Hofman, Henning Tiemeier, Oscar H Franco
Affiliations

Toward an operative diagnosis of fussy/picky eating: a latent profile approach in a population-based cohort

Anne Tharner et al. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. .

Abstract

Background: Definitions and assessment methods of fussy/picky eating are heterogeneous and remain unclear.We aimed to identify an eating behavior profile reflecting fussy/picky eating in children and to describe characteristics of fussy eaters.

Methods: Eating behavior was assessed with the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) in 4914 4-year olds in a population-based birth cohort study. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to identify eating behavior profiles based on CEBQ subscales.

Results and discussion: We found a "fussy" eating behavior profile (5.6% of children) characterized by high food fussiness, slowness in eating, and satiety responsiveness in combination with low enjoyment of food and food responsiveness. Fussy eaters were more often from families with low household income than non-fussy eaters (42% vs. 31.8% respectively; Χ²(1) = 9.97, p < .01). When they were 14 months old, fussy eaters had a lower intake of vegetables (t [3008] = 2.42, p < .05) and fish (t [169.77] = 2.40, p < .05) but higher intake of savory snacks (t [153.69] = -2.03, p < .05) and sweets (t [3008] = -2.30, p < .05) compared to non-fussy eaters. Also, fussy eaters were more likely to be underweight at 4 years of age (19.3%) than non-fussy eaters (12.3%; Χ²(1) = 7.71, p < .01).

Conclusions: A distinct fussy eating behavior profile was identified by LPA, which was related to family and child characteristics, food intake, and BMI. This behavior profile might be used in future research and the development of interventions.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Child eating behavior questionnaire mean subscale scores (z-standardized) in different eating behavior profiles.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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