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Abstract

Problem: Increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) including carbonated drinks has been linked to the early onset of metabolic disorders including childhood obesity [1, 2]. Given that it is a popular practice for carbonated drinks to accompany family meals [3], this study aimed to identify parenting practices and digital devices associated with regular sugar-sweetened carbonated drink intake in European schoolchildren of overweight and obesity. Methodology: Within the Multinational Feel4Diabetes lifestyle intervention study, questionnaire data on parenting practices, digital devices, and children�s consumption patterns of regular sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks were collected from 12, 030 school children (half girls, average age 8 years old) dwelling in North (Belgium, Finland), Central (Bulgaria, Hungary) and South European countries (Greece, Spain)[4, 5]. In the school setting, anthropometry was undertaken in children, and BMI (kg/m2) was estimated and categorized as underweight/normal versus overweight/obesity as proposed by the International Obesity Task Force [6]. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess parenting practices and digital devices associated with habitual carbonated drink intake in children with overweight/obesity. Findings: In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for children�s gender, maternal BMI, and education, parents� rewarding and allowing children�s intake of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods (sweets, salty snacks/fast food) at a frequency of �very often/often� were positively associated with daily carbonated drink intake in both the underweight/normal-weight and overweight/obesity groups (Odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 1.82-2.74). Parents� TV viewing together with their children �very often/often� (OR: 1.37, 95%CI: 1.08-1.74) and the presence of a TV in children�s rooms (OR: 1.68, 95%CI: 1.38-2.05) were positively associated with daily carbonated drink intake in the underweight/normal-weight children only. Conclusion: In the development of more effective childhood obesity preventive measures, future research should assess the influence of contextual food parenting factors and TV viewing on sugar-sweetened carbonated drink intake in schoolchildren.

Biography

Maria Michelle Papamichael is a registered dietician and sports/exercise nutritionist with the Hellenic and British Dietetic Associations, who has dedicated her life to educating people of all ages about the importance of good nutrition and exercise in the prevention and management of disease as well as in improving health and overall well-being throughout the lifespan. Her main research interests lie in public health nutrition, childhood obesity, dietary behaviours, and paediatric asthma. She has published several book chapters and articles in scientific journals and continues to participate in a broad range of national and international conferences throughout the globe. Furthermore, she is actively involved in European research programs.