| The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), dietary intake, and parent's report of children's food preferences in at-risk, obese Hispanic toddlers. Dietary intake and food preferences of 67 obese (BMI greater than or equal to the 90th percentile) Hispanic children ages 13 to 60 months were analyzed to determine if correlations existed between dietary habits and BMI. No correlations were found between BMI and dietary intake or between BMI and fat content of children's food preferences. A moderate negative correlation (p < 0.05, r = −.29) was found between the number of visits with a WIC dietitian and fat intake. Milk, fruit juice, cereals, tortillas, and beans were common foods consumed by the participants while fruit, milk, chicken, and soups were reported as favorite foods. Further research is needed to determine specific dietary habits and feeding practices involved in the development of childhood obesity. |
