Child nutrition in transition
Children and adolescents consume less sweets and sugary drinks than they did ten years ago. But healthy vegetables are also less on the menu in teenagers. This is shown by data from the second follow-up survey of the “Study on the Health of Children and Adolescents in Germany” (KiGGS). Between 2 and 2014, over 2017 boys and girls aged 13.000 to 3 took part in KiGGS Wave 17 and were interviewed in detail about their eating habits, among other things. The results are published in a current focus article in the Journal of Health Monitoring, the online journal of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on health topics.
More than 15 percent of 3 to 17-year-olds in Germany are overweight and almost 6 percent are obese. Although the share has not increased in the past ten years, it has stagnated at a high level. The consequences are far-reaching, as weight problems usually continue into adulthood. An important factor in the development of obesity is eating habits, which the scientists have examined more closely.
The conclusion: Younger children aged 3 to 10 years and girls consume smaller amounts of sugary drinks, confectionery, sweet spreads and more fruit and vegetables than older children aged 11 and over and boys. Compared to the baseline survey (2003 to 2006), the consumption of sweets (on average 69 g per day) and sugary drinks (0,5 l) among 3 to 17-year-olds has decreased. However, fewer vegetables are eaten in adolescence. The German Nutrition Society recommends eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. The proportion of girls and boys who achieve this recommendation has increased over the past ten years. However, it is very low at 14 percent.
The RKI scientists emphasize that the course for health behavior in later life is set in childhood and adolescence. It is important that parents are aware of their role model function. For example, they determine the nutritional behavior of their children through their shopping behavior and meals together. The aim is to make the living environment healthier and to support adolescents in an active lifestyle.
Heike Kreutz, www.bzfe.de
