Snack frequency

Associations with healthy and unhealthy food choices

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15097363
AutoresChristina Hartmann (ETH Zurich, autor de correspondencia), Michael Siegrist (0000-0002-6139-7190, ETH Zurich), Klazine van der Horst (0000-0001-7265-428X, ETH Zurich)
Año2013
Volumen16
Número8
Páginas1487-1496
Fecha de publicación2013-08-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaPublic Health Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1368-9800 • E-ISSN: 1475-2727
EditorialCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1368980012003771
PMID22894987
OpenAlexW2085202135
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas33
Referencias citadas31

Objective We examined associations between snack frequency, sociodemographic characteristics, BMI, dietary and eating behaviour. In order to identify whether various subgroups of high-frequency snack consumers exist, we investigated underlying food patterns and lifestyle factors. Design The data were based on the Swiss Food Panel Questionnaire of 2010, which included an FFQ, questions relating to sociodemographics and lifestyle factors. Data were examined using ANOVA, regression analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Gender differences were also investigated in the analysis of the data. Setting A sample of 6189 adults participating in the Swiss Food Panel filled in a questionnaire (response rate 30 %). Subjects The sample consisted of both men and women, with a mean age of 54·4 ( sd 13·5) years. Results There was no association between snack frequency and BMI. Consumption frequency of sweets and savouries as well as fruit intake increased with increasing snack frequency. Additionally, three different subgroups of high-frequency snack consumers could be revealed: healthy, moderate and unhealthy dietary-pattern groups. The latter included respondents who were less health-conscious and was characterized by high alcohol consumption frequency, daily breakfast skipping and watching television during the main meal. Conclusions High snack frequency occurred in the context of healthy as well as unhealthy dietary behaviour and lifestyle patterns. Women made healthier dietary food choices and were more likely to consume fruits as snacks, while men chose unhealthy foods, such as sweets and savouries, more often

Biology · Consumption (sociology · Context (archaeology · Environmental health · Food frequency questionnaire · Geography · Healthy eating · Meal · Physical activity · Snack food · Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling · Demography · Medicine · Nutritional Studies and Diet · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Food Science · Gerontology