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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2017 Oct;13(5):377-383.
doi: 10.1089/chi.2017.0020. Epub 2017 Jun 20.

Changes in Eating Behaviors of Children with Obesity in Response to Carbohydrate-Modified and Portion-Controlled Diets

Shelley Kirk  1 , Jessica G Woo  2 , Bonnie Brehm  3 , Stephen R Daniels  4 , Brian E Saelens  5
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Changes in Eating Behaviors of Children with Obesity in Response to Carbohydrate-Modified and Portion-Controlled Diets

Shelley Kirk et al. Child Obes. 2017 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: This study's objective was to determine whether two distinct carbohydrate (CHO)-modified diets and a standard portion-controlled (PC) diet differentially impacted children's eating behaviors and whether eating behavior scores predicted lower BMI among children with obesity.

Methods: Children (n = 102) aged 7-12 years with obesity were randomly assigned to a 12-month intervention of a low-carbohydrate (LC), reduced glycemic load (RGL), or standard PC diet. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) was completed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months by parents to characterize their child's hunger (H), disinhibition (D), and cognitive restraint (CR). Baseline and follow-up TFEQ scores by diet were evaluated relative to BMI status over time.

Results: All diet groups showed increased CR and decreased H and D from baseline to 3 months, with differences from baseline remaining at 12 months for CR and H. Lower BMI status during study follow-up was associated with different TFEQ scores by diet group (LC and RGL: higher CR; PC: lower H), adjusting for sex, age, and race. Higher CR at follow-up was predicted by race and higher baseline CR; only lower H at baseline predicted lower H at follow-up.

Conclusion: Eating behaviors improved significantly with all diets during the initial 3 months; higher CR and lower H were sustained at treatment's end. BMI outcomes were associated with different eating behaviors in CHO-modified diet groups compared with PC diets. Targeting diets of children with obesity with specific baseline characteristics may lead to improved outcomes.

Keywords: dietary intake; eating behaviors; pediatric obesity; weight management.

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Conflict of interest statement

No competing financial interests exist.

Figures

<b>Figure 1.</b>
Figure 1.
TFEQ scores for disinhibition, hunger, and cognitive restraint by diet group over time. TFEQ, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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