Effect of Varying Proportions of Low and High Energy Dense Foods Over 5 Days in Preschool Children

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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In this study, the investigators will vary the proportions of high- and low-energy-dense foods served to preschool children at all meals and snacks during three 5-day periods. In the three experimental conditions, the same foods will be served; only the amounts and proportions of foods will be varied. In the Baseline condition, typical proportions of age-appropriate foods will be served. In the Addition condition, the portion sizes of low-energy-dense foods will be increased, and in the Substitution condition, the portions of low-energy-dense foods will be increased by replacing an equivalent amount of foods higher in energy density. The primary aim is to determine the effect on children's energy intake of varying the proportion of low- and high-energy-dense foods served, either by addition or substitution, over 5 days. It is hypothesized that children will consume less energy when they are served meals in which low-energy-dense foods are substituted for foods higher in energy density over 5 days and that children will consume more energy when served meals to which low-energy-dense foods are added. Additionally, we will test the hypothesis that daily energy intake in the three conditions will begin to converge across the 5-day period.

Official Title
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Strategies to Moderate Energy Intake for the Prevention of Obesity in Children

Conditions
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Feeding Behavior

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Food proportionality


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Attending one of the designated daycare centers Exclusion Criteria: Food Allergies Food restrictions Health Issues that Preclude Participation Not available for duration of the study

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 3 Years
Maximum Age: 5 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Control<br>Baseline proportions of high and low energy dense foods. | Other: Food proportionality<br>* Proportions of high and low energy dense foods manipulated<br>|
| Experimental: Addition<br>Increased portion of low energy dense foods. | Other: Food proportionality<br>* Proportions of high and low energy dense foods manipulated<br>|
| Experimental: Substitution<br>Increased portion of low energy dense foods substituted for equal portion of foods higher in energy density. | Other: Food proportionality<br>* Proportions of high and low energy dense foods manipulated<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Differences in Food and Beverage Intake by Energy | Differences in daily energy consumed of food and beverages, in kilocalories | Day 1-5 in weeks 1, 2, and 3 | 
| Differences in Food and Beverage Intake by Weight | Differences in daily weight consumed of food and beverages, in grams | Day 1-5 in weeks 1, 2, and 3 | 
| Differences in Food and Beverage Intake by Weight | Differences in daily weight consumed of vegetables and fruit, in grams | Day 1-5 in weeks 1, 2, and 3 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Differences in Food and Beverage Intake by Energy Density | Differences in daily energy density consumed of food and beverages, in kilocalories/gram | Day 1-5 in weeks 1, 2, and 3 |