July 06, 2012
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Healthy eating choices in childhood important to prevent obesity later

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A group of Canadian boys who drank mostly soft drinks were at risk for being overweight and obese later on, highlighting the importance of emphasizing healthy drink options, according to study results published online.

Susan J. Whiting, PhD, and colleagues of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, examined data on drink intake from about 10,000 children enrolled in the Canadian Community Health Survey 2.2. They grouped the children into age categories, including all children aged 2 to 5 years; boys aged 6 to 11 years; girls aged 6 to 11 years; boys aged 12 to 18 years; and girls aged 12 to 18 years.

The researchers noted an increased OR of overweight in the boys aged 6 to 11 years who had primarily drank soft drinks. However, the researchers said there were no other significant relationships between beverage pattern intake and overweight.

Whiting and colleagues said because food and beverage habits are formed in childhood and often persist through adulthood, it is important to emphasize healthy choices early on.

“A dominant pattern of sweetened beverage consumption may put some children at increased risk for overweight and obesity,” the researchers said.

Disclosure: Dr. Whiting reports no relevant financial disclosures.