Toddler food and activity patterns and body composition: A study of the offspring of mothers treated for gestational diabetes mellitus

Authors

Sarah M. Bristow

Year of Publication

2010

Source

Masters Thesis, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland

Publication Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Completed

Abstract

The ethnic diversity of young people is increasing but little is known with respect to the early life ethnic differences in food and activity patterns and body composition. Understanding these differences may help explain the genesis of ethnic disparity in the prevalence of obesity and associated health conditions. The primary aim of this study was to examine and compare food and activity patterns and body composition in a sample of 147 children at the mid-toddler stage of development. Because the children in this study were born to mothers treated for gestational diabetes mellitus, the effects of maternal glucose control and gestational diabetes mellitus treatment on food and activity patterns were also examined. The study found that overall, a notable proportion of toddlers did not consume the recommended servings of breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables per day, regularly consumed treat foods, sweet drinks and takeaways, and watched TV. Ethnic differences in food and activity patterns and body composition were identified in this study in that could contribute to the ethnic disparity in the prevalence of obesity and related diseases.

Type of Study

Quantitative

How to Access

Available from ScholarlyCommons@AUT, http://hdl.handle.net/10292/1010