ESPE Abstracts

Background: Increased incidence of obesity is related to increased consumption of fast and processed food and decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Objective and hypotheses: Evaluate the habit of fruit and vegetable consumption in children with overweight.

Method: A questionnaire was designed in which the frequency and quality of these habits were recorded and anthropometric data also. Parent’s habits regarding fruit and vegetable consumption were also evaluated.

Results: 422 children with overweight was included (250 boys, 172 girls) the age of children was 13±0.9 years. BMI was ⊇P85. Hormonal and genetic abnormalities were excluded. None of the children take fruits and vegetables the five servings daily as recommended. 210 children (110 girls and 100 boys) 55% do not consume fruits or vegetables, parents do not offer them as they do not like it, only they carry a fruit for snake in school and we were told that bring it back. Parents of this group informed that they take only fruit juice in the morning. 82 children 19% (50 girls and 32 boys) take fruit only in breakfast. Parents of this group informed they take fruit and vegetables twice a day. 130 children (30%) take a fruit in breakfast and some vegetables at dinner. Their parents take three to four serving of fruit and vegetables. Parents took fruit juice consumption as part of fruit consumption.

Conclusion: Children with overweight do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. There is a strong correlation between parents and children’s habits. Encouraging fruit and vegetable consumption should be part obesity prevention in children.