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Number and Type of Meals Consumed on Week‐days and Weekend‐days by Normal Weight and Overweight Puerto Rican Children at Three Different School Levels

Overweight is a major health concern with no signs of lessening. Obtaining a greater understanding of factors leading to this problem is a goal of nutritionists worldwide. Many studies have focused on eating patterns as a contributor to overweight but others have shown that balanced meal patterns can result in weight stabilization. In our study, we have recorded the number and types of meals eaten by Puerto Rican children at 3 different school levels (Elementary (E) n=101, Intermediate (I) n=116 and High(H) n=105) on both weekdays and weekends. Children were classified as normal or overweight (BMI at 85th percentile). Multiple 24 hr dietary recall interviews were performed. Results showed that the number of eating occasions was greatest for E and least for H children and fewer on weekend days vs weekdays for all groups. Dinner was the meal most consumed followed by lunch and breakfast. Snacks were also consumed with greatest frequency by E vs I and H children and fewer snacks were consumed on weekend days vs weekdays. Overall, few differences were noted for number and type of meals consumed by normal and overweight children. Data is now being evaluated as to nutrient composition of meals consumed by our study population. Support is acknowledged from the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service Grant No. 2003‐35200‐13590 and University of Puerto Rico MBRS RISE Program R25‐GM061838.