Child eating behaviors are consistently linked to intake across meals that vary in portion size

• Published in: Appetite 2024-05, Vol.196, p.107258-107258, Article 107258
• Main Authors: Pearce, A.L., Neuwald, N.V., Evans, J.S., Romano, O., Rolls, B.J., Keller, K.L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adiposity; Eating behavior; Meal microstructure; Overconsumption; Portion size
• ISSN: 0195-6663; 1095-8304
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107258

Prior studies evaluating a single meal in children characterized an “obesogenic” style of eating marked by larger bites and faster eating. It is unclear if this style is consistent across portion sizes within children so we examined eating behaviors in 91 children (7–8 years, 45 F) without obesity (BMI0.50). The consistency of associations between eating behaviors and total meal intake and adiposity were assessed with general linear models adjusted for food liking, pre-meal fullness, age, and sex. Across all portions, more bites, faster eating rate, and longer meal duration were associated with greater intake. While higher BMI percentile was associated with faster eating rates across all meals, greater fat mass index was only associated with faster eating at meals with portions typical for children (i.e., 100% and 133%). In a primarily healthy weight sample, an ‘obesogenic’ style of eating was a consistent predictor of greater intake across meals that varied in portion size. The consistent relationship of these behaviors with intake makes them promising targets to reduce overconsumption.