Dietary Sugar and Anthropometrics among Young Children in the Guelph Family Health Study: Longitudinal Associations.

Purpose: Our understanding of the influence of sugar intake on anthropometrics among young children is limited. Most existing research is cross-sectional and has focused on sugar-sweetened beverages. The study objective was to investigate longitudinal associations between young children's total, free, and added sugar intake from all food sources at baseline with anthropometric measures at baseline and 18 months.Methods: The Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS) is an ongoing randomized controlled trial and a family-based health promotion study. Food records and anthropometric data were collected at baseline (n = 109, 55 males; 3.7 ± 1.1 y, mean ± SD) and 18 months (n = 109, 55 males; 5.1 ± 1.1 y) of the GFHS pilots. Associations between sugar intakes and anthropometrics were estimated using linear regression models with generalized estimating equations adjusted for age, sex, household income, and intervention status.Results: Total sugar intake was inversely associated with body weight at 18 months (P = 0.01). There was no effect of time on any other associations between total, free, and added sugar intakes and anthropometrics.Conclusions: Early life dietary sugar intakes may not relate to anthropometric measures in the short term. Further investigation into potential associations between dietary sugar intakes and anthropometric variables over longer time periods is warranted.

Breakfast Quality of Preschool-aged Canadian Children.

Purpose: To investigate the breakfast quality of preschool-aged children through a comparison of their energy and nutrient intakes at breakfast to published benchmarks for a balanced breakfast.Methods: Dietary data were collected for 163 children aged 3-5 years enrolled in the Guelph Family Health Study using one parent-reported online 24-hour recall and analyzed for energy and nutrient intakes. Breakfast quality was assessed by tallying the frequency of participants whose nutrient and energy intakes at their breakfast meal met the recommendations for a balanced breakfast established by the International Breakfast Research Initiative (IRBI).Results: Almost all participants (98%) consumed breakfast, and most participants (82.5%) met the energy IRBI recommendation. However, the majority of participants did not meet the IRBI recommendations for breakfast intakes of most macronutrients and micronutrients. In particular, fewer than 25% of participants met the IRBI recommendations for breakfast intakes of dietary fibre, niacin, folate, vitamin C, calcium, potassium and zinc.Conclusions: Almost all preschool-aged children in this study consumed breakfast, but the nutritional quality of their breakfast did not meet recommendations for most nutrients. These results can inform nutrition education and intervention programs for children that aim to improve the nutritional quality of breakfast.

Cheese Intake is Inversely Associated with LDL Cholesterol in Young Children.

Purpose: To determine if intake (servings/day) of total dairy and/or dairy subtypes (milk, cheese, and yogurt) were associated with biomarkers related to dyslipidemia, insulin sensitivity and inflammation in a sample of cardio-metabolically healthy young children from the Guelph Family Health Study at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.Methods: Baseline data from 42 children (aged 2.0-6.2 years) from 33 families who provided a dietary assessment and a fasted blood sample were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Linear and logistic regressions using generalized estimating equations were used for analysis and models were adjusted for age, gender, and household income.Results: In total, 42 children (3.74 ± 1.23 years old; mean (± SD)) consumed median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) servings/day of 1.70 (1.16, 2.81) for total dairy, 0.74 (0.50, 1.70) for milk, 0.63 (0.00, 1.16) for cheese, and 0.00 (0.00, 0.38) for yogurt. Cheese intake was significantly inversely associated with LDL cholesterol (-0.16 (95% CI: -0.29, -0.03) mmol/L per serving; P = 0.02)). No other associations between dairy intake and biomarkers were significant.Conclusions: Cheese intake was inversely associated with LDL cholesterol in this preliminary study of cardio-metabolically healthy young children, thereby warranting further research on dairy intake and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Barriers and facilitators of household provision of dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives in families with preschool-age children.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators of the provision of dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives (PBDA) by parents of preschool-age children, a previously unexplored area of research. DESIGN: Five focus groups of parents were conducted and audio-recorded. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. SETTING: University of Guelph, in Guelph, ON, Canada in 2019. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-two (n 19 mothers, 13 fathers) parents of preschool-age children. Most (59 %) were university or college educated. RESULTS: Facilitators common to both dairy and PBDA provision included perceived nutritional benefits, such as dairy's Ca, protein and fat content, and PBDA's protein content, and the perception that PBDA adds variety to the diet. Facilitators unique to dairy v. PBDA provision included the taste of, familiarity with, and greater variety and accessibility of dairy products, specifically child-friendly products. A facilitator unique to PBDA v. dairy provision was ethical concerns regarding dairy farming practices. Barriers common to both dairy and PBDA provision included perceived cost, concerns regarding the environmental impact of production, and high sugar content. Barriers specific to dairy included use of antibiotics and hormones in dairy production. A barrier specific to PBDA was the use of pesticides. CONCLUSION: Behaviour change messages targeting parents of preschoolers can emphasise the nutrition non-equivalence of dairy and some PBDA and can educate parents on sources of affordable, unsweetened dairy and PBDA.

Increasing dietary calcium intake of children and their parents: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 25 % of Canadian children aged 4-8 years fail to meet the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of calcium (Ca). Young children's food choices are primarily determined by their parents. No interventions have directly targeted parents as a medium through which to increase children's Ca consumption. This study compared the effectiveness of a Ca-specific intervention targeted towards parents, with generic dietary advice on the Ca consumption of children aged 4-10 years. DESIGN: A parallel two-arm randomised controlled trial was conducted. SETTING: The study was conducted across Canada. Both conditions received information on the RDA of Ca and an index of intake requirements. Material sent to the intervention condition included behavioural strategies to increase dietary Ca consumption, information on the benefits of dietary Ca intake and messages addressing perceived barriers to the consumption of Ca-rich foods. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 239 parents (93 % mothers) of children aged 4-10 years who consumed less than the RDA of Ca were randomly assigned in a 1:1 allocation ratio. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in total Ca intake and Ca from dairy for children at weeks 8, 34 and 52 (P ≤ 0·001) in both conditions. Parental Ca intake and amount spent on dairy products did not significantly increase following the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Provision of daily Ca requirements with regular reminders could impact parents' delivery of Ca-rich foods to their children. This finding is important for public health messaging as it suggests that parents are a potent medium through which to promote Ca intake in children.

Simulation in Learning and Using the Nutrition Care Process/Terminology: Experiences and Perceptions of Dietitians in Canada.

Purpose: To investigate experiences with, and perceptions of, simulation in learning and using the Nutrition Care Process/Terminology (NCP/T) of dietitians in Canada. Methods: In February-March 2017, a convenience sample of 382 dietitians in Canada (71.8% in clinical practice) completed an online survey regarding the type(s), setting(s), and perceptions of the simulations in which they engaged in learning and using the NCP/T. Results: A majority (76.7%) of respondents had engaged in NCP/T-related simulation, most commonly case studies (85.3%) and role-play (42.0%), as part of workplace/volunteer training (51.4%) and undergraduate internship/stage/practicum (34.2%). Nearly half (49.5%) of respondents learned all 4 NCP components via simulation, with Nutrition Diagnosis being the most common individual component (57%). Over three-quarters of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that simulation helped them better understand/use the NCP/T and that NCP/T-related knowledge/skills gained through simulation are transferable to the clinical setting/dietetic practice. Conclusions: Dietitians in Canada perceive simulation to have helped them learn and use the NCP/T. Resources should be directed at further developing simulation for teaching the NCP/T in dietetics education and training. Research investigating characteristics, barriers, and facilitators of effective NCP/T-simulation, using objective (vs. perceived) learning outcome measures is needed.

Dairy and Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives Purchasing Habits of Guelph-Based Families with Preschool-Aged Children.

Purpose: To investigate dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives (DPBDA) purchasing habits, including comparisons among locations of purchase and among subtypes of DPBDA, of families with preschool-aged children.Methods: Expenditures on food and DPBDA were calculated using grocery and food receipts collected for 3 weeks from 51 households in and around Guelph, Ontario, Canada. DPBDA were coded by subtypes (alternatives, cheese/yogurt, cow's milk, cream, and ice cream/other) and by locations of purchase, which were coded as big-box, discount, high-end, local/other, and midrange stores. Logistic regression using generalized estimating equations was used to investigate odds of purchasing DPBDA by location of purchase. All models included family income and number of children as potential confounders.Results: Ninety-eight percent of families purchased cheese/yogurt, 92% purchased cow's milk, and 35% of families purchased plant-based dairy alternatives. Families were more likely to purchase DPBDA from big-box stores than discount, midrange, or local/other stores (P < 0.01) and were more likely to purchase cheese/yogurt than dairy alternatives, cream, or ice cream/other subtypes (P < 0.01). Odds of purchasing were not different between cheese/yogurt and cow's milk.Conclusion: Families' DPBDA purchasing habits differ by purchase location and subtype. Further research is warranted to understand the factors affecting these purchasing habits.

An Exploration of Milk Product Health Beliefs and Dietary Calcium Intake in Young Adults.

Purpose: Milk products (fluid milk, cheese, yogurt) typically provide a rich source of calcium and other nutrients, yet consumption is declining in Canada. This study examined milk product health beliefs among young adults and the association between these beliefs and dietary calcium intake. Methods: Seventy-nine participants (25 ± 4 y; 40 males) completed a milk product health belief questionnaire to determine a milk product health belief score (MPHBS) and a 3-day food record to assess dietary intake. Results: Despite generally positive views, young adults were uncertain about milk products in relation to health, weight management, and ethical concerns. Females would be more likely than males to increase milk product intake if they were confident that milk products are ethically produced. There was no significant association between MPHBS and dietary calcium intake. Energy-adjusted dietary calcium intake was positively associated with intakes of vitamin A (r = 0.3, P < 0.05), riboflavin (r = 0.5, P < 0.01), vitamin B12 (r = 0.5, P = < 0.01), vitamin D (r = 0.4, P < 0.01), phosphorus (r = 0.4, P < 0.01), zinc (r = 0.3, P < 0.01), and with milk and alternatives servings (r = 0.8, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Nutrition education efforts focused on increasing calcium-rich food consumption will help consumers to be better informed when making dietary choices.

A review of the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms in taste receptors, eating behaviors, and health.

Food preferences and dietary habits are heavily influenced by taste perception. There is growing interest in characterizing taste preferences based on genetic variation. Genetic differences in the ability to perceive key tastes may impact eating behavior and nutritional intake. Therefore, increased understanding of taste biology and genetics may lead to new personalized strategies, which may prevent or influence the trajectory of chronic disease risk. Recent advances show that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CD36 fat taste receptor are linked to differences in fat perception, fat preference, and chronic-disease biomarkers. Genetic variation in the sweet taste receptor T1R2 has been shown to alter sweet taste preferences, eating behaviors, and risk of dental caries. Polymorphisms in the bitter taste receptor T2R38 have been shown to influence taste for brassica vegetables. Individuals that intensely taste the bitterness of brassica vegetables ("supertasters") may avoid vegetable consumption and compensate by increasing their consumption of sweet and fatty foods, which may increase risk for chronic disease. Emerging evidence also suggests that the role of genetics in taste perception may be more impactful in children due to the lack of cultural influence compared to adults. This review examines the current knowledge of SNPs in taste receptors associated with fat, sweet, bitter, umami, and salt taste modalities and their contributions to food preferences, and chronic disease. Overall, these SNPs demonstrate the potential to influence food preferences and consequently health.

Guelph Family Health Study's Home-Based Obesity Prevention Intervention Increases Fibre and Fruit Intake in Preschool-Aged Children.

PURPOSE: The Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS) pilot was designed to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based obesity prevention intervention on health behaviours and obesity risk. The objective of this analysis was to determine the effect of the 6-month intervention on preschool-aged children's dietary intakes. METHODS: Families with children aged 1.5-5 years old were randomized to receive one of the following: 4 home visits with a health educator as well as tailored emails and mailed incentives (4HV; n = 19 children); 2 home visits with a health educator as well as tailored emails and mailed incentives (2HV; n = 14 children); or general health advice through emails (control; n = 12 children). Three-day food records were completed by parents for their children before and after the 6-month intervention and analyzed for 3-day average intakes of energy, nutrients, and MyPlate food groups. RESULTS: After the 6-month intervention, the 4HV group had significantly higher fibre intake and the 4HV and 2HV groups had significantly higher fruit intake, both compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides support for a home-based intervention approach to improve the diet quality of preschool-aged children.

Snacking Patterns of Preschool-Aged Children: Opportunity for Improvement.

PURPOSE: Dietary patterns established in childhood track into adulthood. Despite this, little research has explored preschoolers' snacking. This study examined snacking patterns (frequency, quality, quantity) of preschool-aged boys and girls. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected on 52 children (23 males; 3.4 ± 1.1 years of age; BMI 16.1 ± 1.4 kg/m2) enrolled in the Guelph Family Health Study pilot. Parent-reported 3-day food records were analyzed for children's snacking patterns including frequency (number of snacking occasions per day), quantity (percent energy from snacks) and quality (inclusion of food groups from Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide, macronutrient distribution, sugary and salty snacks). Mann-Whitney U tests examined sex differences in snacking patterns. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of children snacked daily, consuming a mean of 2.3 ± 0.7 snacks per day. Snacks accounted for one-third of daily energy. 78% of boys' versus 63% of girls' snacks contained a food group (P = 0.016). Boys consumed significantly fewer sugary snacks (0.5 ± 0.4 vs 0.9 ± 0.6 snacks per day, P = 0.016), although the percent of snack calories from sugar for both boys and girls was high (group mean 37.2 ± 6.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all preschoolers in this study snacked daily, and consumed a variety of snack foods. Boys' and girls' snacking preferences begin to diverge early in life. Preschool children should be encouraged to consume healthful snacks.

Food and Mood: Diet Quality is Inversely Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Female University Students.

Researchers have found support for an inverse association between diet quality and depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. This association has not been well examined among university students, a population at risk of developing both depression and unhealthy lifestyle habits. We sought to examine the cross-sectional association between depressive symptoms and diet quality in female university students. One hundred and forty-one females (19.1 ± 1.5 years, 22.3 ± 3.4 kg/m2) were recruited from a Canadian university in 2012 and 2013. Dietary intake data were collected using 3-day food records and analysed using the Canadian Healthy Eating Index. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results of a linear regression demonstrated an inverse association between depressive symptoms and diet quality score (ß = -0.016, 95% CI = -0.029 to -0.003, P = 0.017). Elevated depressive symptoms were associated with consumption of diets of poor nutritional quality in our female university student sample. Thus, healthy eating may correspond with lower levels of depression in young adult females.

Impact of an Optional Experiential Learning Opportunity on Student Engagement and Performance in Undergraduate Nutrition Courses.

We examined the impact of an optional experiential learning activity (ELA) on student engagement and performance in 2 undergraduate nutrition courses. The ELA involved completion of a 3-day food record, research lab tour, body composition assessment, and reflective take-home assignment. Of the 808 students in the 2 courses (1 first-year and 1 second-year course), 172 (21%) participated. Engagement was assessed by the Classroom Survey of Student Engagement (CLASSE), and performance was assessed by percentile rank on midterm and final exams. Students' perceived learning was assessed using a satisfaction survey. Paired-samples t tests examined change in CLASSE scores and percentile rank from baseline to follow-up. Frequencies and thematic analysis were used to examine responses to Likert scale and open-ended questions on the satisfaction survey, respectively. There was an 11%-22% increase (P < 0.05) in the 3 dimensions of student engagement and a greater increase in percentile rank between the midterm and final exams among participants (7.63 ± 21.9) versus nonparticipants (-1.80 ± 22.4, P < 0.001). The majority of participants indicated the ELA enhanced their interest and learning in both their personal health and the course. Findings suggest ELAs related to personal health may improve interest, engagement, and performance among undergraduate students.

Relationships Between Body Image, Body Composition, Sexual Functioning, and Sexual Satisfaction Among Heterosexual Young Adults.

This study investigated the association between body image and body-image self-consciousness on sexual satisfaction, accounting for relationships between body fat and body image, and between sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction, while controlling for relationship satisfaction. Participants were 143, 18-25 year-old Caucasian men and women in heterosexual monogamous relationships, recruited from the University of Guelph and surrounding community in Ontario, Canada. Various domains of body image, body-image self-consciousness, sexual satisfaction and functioning, and relationship satisfaction data were collected by questionnaires. Body fat was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Among men, body image was positively associated with sexual satisfaction, after controlling for relationship satisfaction. Men with greater body fat were more likely to have poorer behavioral and affective body image. Only body image specific to the sexual encounter influenced sexual functioning. Among women, no domain of body image was associated with sexual satisfaction, after controlling for relationship satisfaction. Women with greater body fat were more likely to have poorer affective and sexual-encounter-specific body image. As percent total fat increased, sexual functioning decreased. Our results suggest a complex pattern of relationships exists among body image and body composition constructs and sexual and relationship variable; and that these relationships are not the same for men and women.

Breakfast Cereal Consumption Moderates the Association Between Body Composition and Body Esteem in Young Women but not in Young Men.

PURPOSE: To explore the role of breakfast cereal consumption on the relationships among BMI, percent fat mass (%FM), and body esteem in young adults. METHODS: Weight, height, and %FM (by air displacement plethysmography) were measured in 29 males (aged 25.1 ± 4.0 years) and 28 females (aged 24.6 ± 4.0 years). Body esteem was measured using the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA). Three-day food records classified participants as breakfast cereal consumers (n = 27, any amount of ready-to-eat or cooked cereal consumed at breakfast) versus nonconsumers (n = 30, no cereal consumed at breakfast). RESULTS: The %FM was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) inversely correlated with weight esteem (r = -0.769), appearance esteem (r = -0.723), and external attribution (r = -0.620) in female noncereal consumers. BMI was similarly correlated with BESAA scores. These relationships were not significant in female cereal consumers (all r < 0.426), despite no difference in confounding variables between female cereal consumers and nonconsumers. Neither BMI nor %FM were correlated with measures of body esteem (all r < 0.466, NS) in either male cereal consumers or nonconsumers. CONCLUSIONS: Breakfast cereal consumption may moderate the relationship among BMI, %FM, and body esteem in young adult women and may be useful for improving body esteem without focusing on weight loss.

The degree of food processing contributes to sugar intakes in families with preschool-aged children.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Evidence implicates ultra-processed food intake as a major contributor of excess dietary sugars. However, little research exists on the relationship between the degree of food processing and sugar intake in families with young children. We investigated associations between the degree of food processing and sugar intake (total and free sugars) in Canadian preschool-aged children and parents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study of 242 families included preschool-aged children (n = 267) and parents (n = 365) participating in the Guelph Family Health Study. Dietary intake was assessed via the web-based Automated Self-Administered 24-h Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24-Canada-2016) and classified according to the NOVA Food Classification System including, unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods and ultra-processed foods. Linear regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to examine associations between the energy contribution of each NOVA classification category and sugar intake (% kcal of total and free sugars). Pearson correlation coefficient estimates were used to assess dietary relationships between parents and children. RESULTS: Ultra-processed foods were the greatest source of energy (44.3%) and energy from total (8.7%) and free sugars (7.3%) in the parents' diets, and the greatest source of energy (41.3%) and energy from free sugars (7.6%) in the children's diet. Ultra-processed food intake was positively associated with sugar intake in parents (total sugars: B = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.02-0.09, p = 0.01; free sugars: B = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.08-0.15, p < 0.001) and children (total sugars: B = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.04-0.16, p = 0.001; free sugars: B = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.12-0.21, p < 0.001). Unprocessed or minimally processed food intake was negatively associated with free sugar intake in parents (B = -0.08, 95% CI: -0.12 to -0.05, p < 0.001) and children (B = -0.15, 95% CI: -0.19 to -0.10, p < 0.001). Weak correlations were found between parents and children for processed culinary ingredients and ultra-processed processed food intake (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the associations between degree of food processing and sugar intake in parents and children, whereby ultra-processed foods were positively, and unprocessed or minimally processed foods were negatively, associated with sugar intake. These are important considerations in the development of policy and recommendations for foods to potentially promote or limit.

Compliance with the 24-hour movement behavior guidelines and the impact of sleep methods among toddler, preschool, and school-aged children enrolled in the Guelph Family Health Study.

Canadian movement guidelines focused on physical activity (PA), sleep, and screen time support childhood development and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Accelerometers are often used to capture these behaviors; however, they are limited in their ability to record daytime sleep due to potential misclassification. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the prevalence of children enrolled in the Guelph Family Health Study who met the guidelines and to 2) compare the impact of different sleep measurement methods. DESIGN/METHODS: Toddlers (1.5-<3 years; n = 128; valid data for all movement behaviors, n = 70), preschoolers (3-<5 years; n = 143; valid data for all movement behaviors, n = 104), and school-aged (5-<6 years; n = 49; valid data for all movement behaviors, n = 31) children were included. Screen time and sleep habits were obtained through parental report and published normative data. PA and sleep were recorded using accelerometers (wGT3X-BT ActiGraph; right hip). RESULTS: It was found that 66 % of toddler, 44 % of preschool, and 63 % of school-aged children met the screen time guidelines. Further, 63 % of toddler, 98 % of preschooler, and 80 % of school-aged children met PA guidelines. Sleep guideline compliance ranged from 3 % to 83 % in toddler, 27 % to 92 % in preschooler, and 32 % to 90 % in school-aged children. These proportions were found to be significantly different (Cochran's Q and McNemar's tests). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all children met PA guidelines. In contrast, less than half to two-thirds met screen time guidelines. Compliance with sleep guidelines varied substantially with measurement method, highlighting the need for standardization.

Testing a Biobehavioral Model of Chronic Stress and Weight Gain in Young Children (Family Stress Study): Protocol and Baseline Demographics for a Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic stress is an important risk factor in the development of obesity. While research suggests chronic stress is linked to excess weight gain in children, the biological or behavioral mechanisms are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the Family Stress Study are to examine behavioral and biological pathways through which chronic stress exposure (including stress from COVID-19) may be associated with adiposity in young children, and to determine if factors such as child sex, caregiver-child relationship quality, caregiver education, and caregiver self-regulation moderate the association between chronic stress and child adiposity. METHODS: The Family Stress Study is a prospective cohort study of families recruited from 2 Canadian sites: the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario, and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Participants will be observed for 2 years and were eligible to participate if they had at least one child (aged 2-6 years) and no plans to move from the area within the next 3 years. Study questionnaires and measures were completed remotely at baseline and will be assessed using the same methods at 1- and 2-year follow-ups. At each time point, caregivers measure and report their child's height, weight, and waist circumference, collect a hair sample for cortisol analysis, and fit their child with an activity monitor to assess the child's physical activity and sleep. Caregivers also complete a web-based health and behaviors survey with questions about family demographics, family stress, their own weight-related behaviors, and their child's mental health, as well as a 1-day dietary assessment for their child. RESULTS: Enrollment for this study was completed in December 2021. The final second-year follow-up was completed in April 2024. This study's sample includes 359 families (359 children, 359 female caregivers, and 179 male caregivers). The children's mean (SD) age is 3.9 years (1.2 years) and 51% (n=182) are female. Approximately 74% (n=263) of children and 80% (n=431) of caregivers identify as White. Approximately 34% (n=184) of caregivers have a college diploma or less and nearly 93% (n=499) are married or cohabiting with a partner. Nearly half (n=172, 47%) of the families have an annual household income ≥CAD $100,000 (an average exchange rate of 1 CAD=0.737626 USD applies). Data cleaning and analysis are ongoing as of manuscript publication. CONCLUSIONS: Despite public health restrictions from COVID-19, the Family Stress Study was successful in recruiting and using remote data collection to successfully engage families in this study. The results from this study will help identify the direction and relative contributions of the biological and behavioral pathways linking chronic stress and adiposity. These findings will aid in the development of effective interventions designed to modify these pathways and reduce obesity risk in children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05534711; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05534711. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/48549.

Predicted and measured resting metabolic rate in young, non-obese women.

PURPOSE: Measured resting metabolic rate (RMR) was compared with predicted RMR in a sample of young, non-obese women. METHODS: In 52 women aged 19 to 30 with a body mass index of 16 to 29 kg/m2, RMR was measured with a MedGem indirect calorimeter and predicted with five commonly used equations: the Harris-Benedict (1919), Mifflin (1989), Owen (1985), Schofield (weight) (1985), and Schofield (weight and height) (1985) equations. Measured RMR and predicted RMR were compared through the use of various measures. RESULTS: In comparison with the measured RMR, the RMR predicted with four of the five equations was significantly higher (by 16 to 225 kcal/day, p < 0.001). At the group level, the Owen equation performed best and captured the greatest proportion of individuals (65%) for whom predicted RMR differed from measured RMR by less than 10%. With the other four equations, residuals exceeded 10% for more than two-thirds of participants. For the Harris-Benedict, Mifflin, and Owen equations, every 100 kcal/day increase in measured RMR was associated with a 6% to 8% decrease in error. The optimal prediction range (within 10% of the measured RMR) was different for each: Owen equation 1105 to 1400 kcal/day, Mifflin equation 1280 to 1595 kcal/day, and Harris-Benedict equation 1345 to 1630 kcal/day. CONCLUSIONS: Prediction equations should be modified according to the amount of corresponding percentage error. Where possible, RMR should be measured. Barring this, the Owen equation should be used for young, non-obese women.

Free sugar intake from snacks and beverages in Canadian preschool- and toddler-aged children: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Excess consumption of free sugar (FS) increases the risk of dental caries and unhealthy weight gain. However, the contribution of snacks and beverages to young children's FS intake is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine FS intake from snacks and beverages among preschool-aged Canadian children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined baseline data from 267 children 1.5 to 5 y enrolled in the Guelph Family Health Study. Dietary assessment was completed over a 24-h period using ASA24-Canada-2016 to, 1) estimate the proportion of children whose FS intake from snacks and beverages consumed exceeded 5% total energy intake (TE) and 10% TE, and 2) identify the top snack and beverage sources of FS. RESULTS: FS contributed 10.6 ± 6.9% TE (mean ± SD). 30 and 8% of children consumed ≥ 5% TE and ≥ 10% TE from snack FS, respectively. Furthermore, 17 and 7% of children consumed ≥ 5% TE and ≥ 10% TE from beverages FS, respectively. Snacks and beverages accounted for 49 ± 30.9% of FS energy. Top snack sources of FS (% children, children's %TE from FS) were bakery products (55%, 2.4%), candy and sweet condiments (21%, 3.0%), and sugar-containing beverages (20%, 4.1%). Top sugar-containing beverage sources of FS (48%, 5.3%) were 100% fruit juice (22%, 4.6%) and flavored milk (11%, 3.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Snacks and beverages contributed nearly half of FS intake among a sample of young children in Canada. Thus, long-term monitoring of snacking behavior and consumption of FS is warranted. These findings may help inform nutritional strategies and public policies to improve diet quality and FS intake in preschool-aged children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Clinical Trial Registry number is NCT02939261 from clinicaltrials.gov. Date of Registration: October 20, 2016.