15 Dec Frequent Take-Out Food Linked To Increased Cholesterol and Obesity in Children

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Donin

Dr. Angela S Donin
Population Health Research Institute, St George’s
University of London, London, UK 

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: There are increasing numbers of takeaway outlets, particularly in deprived neighbourhoods. This is driving an increase in consumption of takeaway meals, which previous evidence has shown is linked to higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Little is known about the dietary and health impact of high consumption of takeaway foods in children.

This research found children who regularly ate takeaway meals had higher body fat and cholesterol compared to children who rarely ate take away meals, they also had overall poorer diet quality.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: It is important to consider the effects high fat foods may be having in childhood for future risk of chronic disease. Policies need to take urgent action to improve the food choices available, particularly in deprived areas, so that families can have access to healthy, affordable and convenient foods.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: This research adds to growing evidence of the detrimental health effects of frequent consumption of takeaway foods, this often coincides with diets which are generally high in fats, sugars and salt. Interventions to reduce takeaway food consumption, particularly in children, could potentially have greater impacts on improving overall dietary intakes and disease risk markers and should therefore be investigated further.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Angela S Donin et al. Takeaway meal consumption and risk markers for coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity in children aged 9–10 years: a cross-sectional study, Archives of Disease in Childhood (2017). DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-312981

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on December 15, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD