Early Life Characteristics Associated with Appetite-Related Eating Behaviors in 7-Year-Old Children

Abstract

Objective To assess early life characteristics associated with appetite-related eating behaviors in 7-year-old children. Study design The participants are children from the population-based birth cohort Generation XXI. Data on sociodemographics, health, and lifestyles and anthropometrics were collected at birth, and 4- and 7-year-old evaluations. A Portuguese version of the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire was completed by mothers (n = 3562 children) with children aged 7 years old. A 2-factor solution was identified: factor 1—appetite restraint and factor 2—appetite disinhibition. Associations were estimated through generalized linear models adjusted for maternal age, education, body mass index (BMI) before birth, family structure, number of siblings, and child’s sex (b regression coefficients and 95% CIs). Results Higher appetite restraint at 7 years old was associated with higher maternal age and educational level, families with both parents (1- vs 2-parent: b = −0.074, 95% CI −0.140, −0.007) and no siblings (≥2 vs 0: b = −0.152, 95% CI −0.224, -0.081), and more sedentary lifestyles at 4 years old. It was also associated with lower child and maternal BMI and waist circumference at 4 years old. In contrast, higher appetite disinhibition was associated with lower maternal educational background, having a 1-parent family, more sedentary behaviors (≥120 vs <120 min/d of media: b = 0.055, 95% CI 0.018, 0.093), and higher BMI and waist circumference at 4 years old. Conclusions Higher maternal age and education, and a family with both parents at 4 years old seem to influence higher appetite restraint, but less appetite disinhibition at 7 years old. More sedentary lifestyles at 4 years old were associated with higher appetite restraint and appetite disinhibition scores later in childhood. These results can be useful for the development of prevention guidelines and educational strategies aimed at improving healthy eating behaviors.