Nutrition through the Lifecycle - Childhood

Question 1

Describe some of the policies introduces as part of the school meal policy in 2006.

Answer 1

• fried foods served less than 2x weekly
• confectionary, sweets and crisps banned from vending machines
• energy, salt and fat to be lowered within school meals
• protein, fibre and micronutrients needs to increase
• non fruit desserts needs to decrease

Question 2

What % of the RNI’s should school lunches provide?

Answer 2

30% EAR for energy
30% RNI for protein
less than 30% RNI for salt
40% RNI for most micronutrients

Question 3

describe the school food regulation

When was it implemented?
What are the policies?

Answer 3

updated in 2015 and now a part of school inspection

• no sweets, crisps or fizzy drinks in vending machines
• limitations on fruit juice to promote more water
• 3 different fruit and veg served each week

Question 4

What are the regulations for breakfast/after school clubs if run independently from the school?

Answer 4

no current regulations

Question 5

describe some barriers to healthy eating in childhood

Answer 5

• poverty
• fussy eating
• neophobia (fear of trying new foods)
• ARFID

Question 6

Describe ARFID.

Answer 6

avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder
commonly associated with autism

diet limited to <5 foods

Question 7

how is weight status assessed in children?

Answer 7

• WHO growth charts based on height, weight, BMI

can help identify faltering growth

Question 8

How can you treat faltering growth?

Answer 8

• oral nutrient supplementation
• enteral tube feeding
• concentrating formula (infants)
• breastmilk fortifiers (infants)

Question 9

List some factors the contribute toward childhood obesity

Answer 9

• genetics
• obesogenic environment
• socioeconomic status
• lack of physical activity
• sugar/sugary drink consumption

Question 10

What is the current prevalence of childhood obesity in the UK?

Answer 10

1 in 3 children in year 6 (aged 10-11) are obese in the UK
1 in 10 children in reception (aged 4-5) are obese in the UK

Childhood obesity prevalence increases with age.

Question 11

List some predicted causes of childhood obesity.

Answer 11

• Energy dense foods
• sugar sweetened beverages
• lack of physical activity
• adiposity rebound

Question 12

describe what is meant by adiposity rebound.

Answer 12

Raised BMI during childhood (approx 3-7 years) can lead to an increased risk of obesity later in life, and the associated risks of obesity.

Question 13

What are some consequences of childhood obesity?

Answer 13

early periods
psychological and self-esteem issues
metabolic syndromes e.g., hypertriglyceridaemia, hyperinsulinaemia
increased risk of obesity co-morbidities later in life

Question 14

How is childhood obesity managed?

Who is involved?

Answer 14

• parental involvement
• healthier school meals
• encouraging 60 mins activity per day e.g., daily mile in schools
• realistic adaptations to diet
• education for parents RE healthy eating

Who should be involved?
Parents, schools, food industry, government.

Question 15

How can parents, schools, governments and the food industry have an impact in reducing childhood obesity?

Answer 15

• parents: role models, implement healthy purchasing and eating at home
• governments: school meal initiatives, leisure activities, reduce food poverty
• schools: encourage physical activity, food education, promote healthy ethos
• food industry: reduce energy, fat, salt in foods. stop marketing unhealthy foods to children

Question 16

What kinds of eating behaviours at home can help prevent childhood obesity?

Answer 16

• parents/older siblings acting as role models
• don’t bribe with sweet foods e.g., finish dinner for dessert
• allow child to choose own portion size
• give smaller portion sizes and allow child to ask for more
• eat in a family setting e.g., not in front of TV

Question 17

What are some common symptoms of CMPA (cows milk protein) intolerance?

Answer 17

• rash
• gastrointestinal difficulties
• wheezing