FAT PREFERENCES, DIETARY-FAT INTAKE AND BODY-COMPOSITION IN CHILDREN

Objective: To examine the relationship between fat preference, dietary intake data and body composition in children. Subject and Methods: Su bjects studied were 88 children aged 9-12 y from two elementary school s in Ohio. Measures for dietary intake and body composition were obtai ned by 3 day diet records, anthropometrics, triceps and subscapular sk infolds. Fat preference data was assessed by hedonic rating of high an d low fat snack foods. Results: Data indicate that children who prefer red the high fat snack items had high dietary fat intakes (r = 0.57, P < 0.05). Tricep skinfold measurement and BMI correlated positively wi th high fat food preferences (r = 0.51 and r = 0.46 P < 0.05). Conclus ions: These data suggest preference for high fat foods may occur due t o diet composition and that increased adiposity may be associated with higher relative fat intakes.