Parents Play Important Role in How Much Kids Eat

A study from researchers at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, found that children tend to eat more if they're served more, instead of relying on internal cues to regulate their calorie intake.

Researchers studied the food and beverage intake of 16 4- to 6-year-olds over a 5- to 7-day period. Parents and child-care providers recorded the types and amounts of foods each child ate at meals and snacks, and the study researchers calculated the number of calories and amount of nutrients the child consumed daily.

The results? The more food children were served, the more they tended to eat. And the type of food or size of previous meals or snacks didn't affect the amount of food that kids consumed though parents tended to adjust meal size based on size of precious meal or snack. In addition, children who were offered more snacks during the day tended to consume more calories.

What This Means to You: Previous research on children's regulation held that kids rely more on internal cues - such as feeling full - than portion size to regulate their calorie intake during the day. The results of this study suggest that portion size may play a more important role than previously believed. You can help your child by serving well-balanced meals and snacks that include a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Pay attention to the amount of food you serve your child and don't insist that your child to "clean the plate". The new food guide pyramid offers suggestions on healthy portion sizes for kids of different ages and activity levels. If you're worried about your child's weight or eating habits, talk to your child's doctor for advice and guidance.

Source: Gordana Mrdjenovic; David A. Levitsky; Appetite, June 2005

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: July 2005

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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