Growth patterns in a paediatric outpatient clinic at Sligo University Hospital and its association with child food preference and parental perception of child weight status.

Background Limited research exists on the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity at a regional level in Ireland. Child food preference and recognition of abnormal development are important in managing weight in children.

Aim Determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst children 6 -15 year attending paediatric outpatient clinics at Sligo University Hospital (SUH). Determine the association between child food preference and weight. Identify if misclassification by parents of their own weight is associated with misclassification of the child’s.

Method 52 parent child pairs were recruited over 4 weeks in a cross-sectional study at SUH. Weight and heights were measured in participants. Parents completed a survey that contained questions on weight status and interest in healthy lifestyle information. A validated 62-item food preference questionnaire was completed by children and adolescents. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v24. Significance was set at p<0.05.

Results One quarter of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. A majority of the 25% of children with excess weight were obese. Obesity was more prevalent amongst girls and children above the age of nine. None of the children followed a vegetarian, vegan or pescatarian diet. A small number of children reported allergies (15.3%). Food preference did not differ significantly between the different food groups. A slight trend was observed in children having an increased preference for fruits, snacks and starches, however there was no significant association between child food preference and weight. No parent recognised their child was overweight or obese. Parents misclassification of their own weight was not significantly associated with misclassification of their child’s weight.

Discussion/Conclusion Obesity is becoming more of an issue in Irish children. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in this cohort reflect that of national figures. The influence of child and adolescent food preference on weight appears non-significant, this might suggest that it is portion size that plays a more significant role in weight status at this age than food group. Parents struggle to recognise overweight and obesity in children and adolescent and at present this represents a barrier to addressing abnormal growth.