Pasta could predispose children to obesity —Study

The consumption of instant foods such as pasta and sweetened soft drinks has virtually replaced the traditional diets among children. Now, researchers in a new study warn that the consumption of instant foods like pasta could predispose children to overweight and obesity.

In the study, the researchers found an energy intake per kilogramme body weight increasing with increasing frequency of the consumption of pasta among school children.

The researchers had investigated the effect of consumption of instant foods (pasta) on the health status of 126 school-age children that were recruited from nursery and primary schools within the Obafemi Awolowo University environment in Ife.

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The 2019 study was in the journal, Nutrition Health. A food frequency questionnaire was administered to evaluate participants’ pasta consumption patterns, while food intakes were obtained through 24-hour dietary recall. The samples of food consumed by the children were analysed for their nutrient contents and the results were compared with the recommended dietary allowances. The samples of pasta and traditional foods were prepared as consumed and were shown to pupils to indicate quantities they usually consumed.

Other foods that were not prepared were displayed in pictures and pupils were asked to indicate the types and quantities they usually consumed.

The average estimated energy intakes were 6167 kJ and 6095 kJ for male and female participants, respectively. The energy intake per kg body weight increased with increasing frequency of the consumption of pasta.

There was a positive correlation between energy intake and weight. The body mass index (BMI) classification showed that 12 per cent of males and 17 per cent of females were overweight or obese.

Among the pasta family, noodles recorded significantly higher values for fat compared to macaroni, spaghetti and even the traditional diets, whereas the content of protein in spaghetti was marginally higher than that of noodles.

WHO recommends a food intake ratio of 30:30:40 contributions to energy intake from protein, fat and carbohydrate, respectively, for a healthy living. But fat consumption alone contributed more than 60 per cent to the energy intake by children in this study, implying that most of the children were not ingesting an adequate amount of protein.

The result showed that the energy content of traditional diets was contributed mainly by carbohydrates, while fat contributed to most of the energy consumption in noodles.

The children’s preference for the consumption of noodles to other brands of pasta was 80 and 85 per cent for male and female participants, respectively.

On the other hand, 60 and 70 per cent of male and female participants, respectively, ate instant foods three times a week; eight and five per cent of male and female participants, respectively, ate instant foods once a week; while 10 and 12 per cent of male and female participants, respectively, consumed instant food on a daily basis.

The high preference for the consumption of pasta, especially noodles, the researchers linked to its monosodium glutamate content that gives a “meaty”, “savoury” or “brothy” taste to food.

The researchers reseasoned that the intake of large portion size of noodles implies high fat and energy consumption and therefore predisposing children to obesity or overweight.

According to them, the positive correlation between the energy intake and anthropometric parameters showed that overweight and obesity status among children could be attributed to changing eating habits.

Mrs Taibat Oduneye, a dietitian and nutritionist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, emphasised the need for adequate or balanced diet for children.

Mrs Oduneye, however, said most instant meals, including pasta, are high in carbohydrate content and as such must be balanced with other foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals such as eggs, fruits and vegetables.

But, she stated “it is not that parents should stop giving their children pasta; it is about what they eat with the pasta. Children’s activity level is high, so they need energy-dense foods. But there is also the possibility of obesity and overweight if they are taking in more calories than they are burning.

“So, we always advocate that fruits and vegetables be served with these instant meals to children as part of measures to curb obesity and malnutrition. Also, rather than give carbonated drinks or packaged juices, it is better that children are served yogurt, which is more beneficial.”

Mrs Oduneye said, although children tend to handpick what to eat, mothers should still make it a priority that they are served varieties of foods.

“Making food colourful is a way to make a child eat. This can help to achieve a balanced meal for them as well as address the challenges posed by instant foods.”

Mrs Oduneye said contrary to the perception of many people, research has also shown that children can also become obese or overweight later in life if they consume too much protein.