About the project

Childhood obesity is a public health challenge worldwide and in New Zealand its prevalence was 30.8% in 2020/21(Ministry Of Health, 2021). This rise is alarming due to associated co-morbidities and early mortality risks, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes (Horesh et al., 2021; Lascar et al., 2018). Unhealthy weight in childhood often persists into adulthood, leading to early onset non-communicable diseases (Lakshman et al., 2012). Unfavourable dietary habits, particularly high consumption fast food and snacks, sugary beverages, and larger portion sizes contribute significantly to  childhood obesity to the risk of child excess adiposity(Liberali et al., 2020). While specific nutrients are commonly linked to risk of excess weight, fewer studies have examined the relationship between the whole of diet in childhood and excess adiposity. In New Zealand, nationally generalizable information on the relationship between dietary patterns and excess adiposity in children is lacking.  To address this gap, this project aims to examine the associations between the dietary patterns identified for the 54-month-olds within the Growing up in New Zealand cohort (Gontijo de Castro et al, 2024) and indicators of excess body adipostity [body mass index (BMI)-for-age and waist to height ratio (WtHR)].  Maternal and child socioeconomic and health behaviors will be also accounted for when examining the associations in multivariate regression models.  Our goal is to offer nationally applicable insights into the complex relationship between childhood dietary habits and obesity, contributing to informed public health interventions and policies aiming to promote a better start in life to all tamariki . Analyses will be done using RStudio. The results of the study will be disseminated through a written thesis for MHSc in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Auckland, a paper to be published in journal of high impact and one conference presentation.

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Start date: 31/12/2023