leech-characterizingeating-2015.pdf (541.21 kB)
Characterizing eating patterns: a comparison of eating occasion definitions
journal contribution
posted on 2015-11-01, 00:00 authored by Rebecca LeechRebecca Leech, Tony WorsleyTony Worsley, Anna TimperioAnna Timperio, Sarah McNaughtonSarah McNaughtonBACKGROUND: To date, many approaches have been used to define eating occasions (EOs). A standard definition for EOs is required to facilitate further research. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined the influence of differing definitions of EOs on the characterization of eating patterns. DESIGN: Cross-sectional dietary data from two 24-h recalls collected during the 2011-12 Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 5242 adults, aged ≥19 y) were analyzed. Eight definitions were applied: participant-identified, time-of-day, and 6 neutral definitions (individual EOs separated by different time intervals and/or an additional energy criterion of 210 kJ). Frequency of and total energy intake from meals, snacks, and all EOs were estimated, as appropriate. Differences were tested by using F tests, stratified by sex and age group. Agreement between different definitions of meal and snack frequencies was assessed by using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). For each definition, linear regression was used to estimate the proportion of variance in total energy intake (kJ) and amount of food intake (g) predicted by frequency of EOs and meals and snacks. RESULTS: Among both sexes and across all age groups, mean frequencies of meals differed between the participant-identified and time-of-day definitions (mean difference range = 0.1-0.3; P < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences between mean frequencies of EOs across the 6 neutral definitions (P < 0.001). There was good agreement for snacks (men: ICC = 0.89; women: ICC = 0.87) but not meal frequencies (men: ICC = 0.38; women: ICC = 0.36) between the participant-identified and time-of-day definitions. The neutral definition (15-min time interval plus energy criterion) best predicted variance in total energy intake (R(2) range = 19.3-27.8). CONCLUSIONS: Different approaches to the definition of EOs affect how eating patterns are characterized, with the neutral definition best predicting variance in total energy intake. Further research that examines how different EO definitions affect associations with health outcomes is needed to develop consensus on a standard EO definition.
History
Journal
American journal of clinical nutritionVolume
102Issue
5Pagination
1229 - 1237Publisher
American Society for NutritionLocation
Washington, D.C.Publisher DOI
eISSN
1938-3207Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2015, American Society for NutritionUsage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
eating frequencyeating occasionseating patternsmeal frequencysnack frequencyAdultAgedAged, 80 and overAustraliaCross-Sectional StudiesDietDiet SurveysEnergy IntakeFeeding BehaviorFemaleHumansLinear ModelsMaleMealsMiddle AgedModels, BiologicalNutrition AssessmentSnacksTerminology as TopicYoung AdultScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineNutrition & DieteticsCARDIOMETABOLIC RISK-FACTORSTYPE-2 DIABETES RISKDIET QUALITYENERGY-INTAKEBREAKFAST CONSUMPTIONSKIPPING BREAKFASTNUTRIENT INTAKEMEAL PATTERNSYOUNG-ADULTSBODY-WEIGHT
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC