Home‐schooled children are thinner, leaner, and report better diets relative to traditionally schooled children. (20th September 2013) - Cardel, Michelle
Abstract Objective To examine and compare the relationships among diet, physical activity, and adiposity between home‐schooled children (HSC) and traditionally schooled children (TSC). Design and Methods Subjects were HSC (n = 47) and TSC (n = 48) aged 7‐12 years old. Dietary intakes were determined via two 24‐h recalls and physical activity was assessed with 7 days of accelerometry. Fat mass (FM), trunk fat, and percent body fat (%BF) were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results Relative to HSC, TSC demonstrated significantly higher BMI percentiles, FM, trunk fat, and %BF; consumed 120 total kilocalories more per day; and reported increased intakes of trans fats, total sugar, added sugars, calcium, and lower intakes of fiber, fruits, and vegetables (P < 0.05). At lunch, TSC consumed significantly more calories, sugar, sodium, potassium, and calcium compared to HSC (P < 0.05). Physical activity did not differ between groups. Traditional schooling was associated with increased consumption of trans fat, sugar, calcium (P < 0.05); lower intakes of fiber, and fruits and vegetables (P < 0.05); and higher FM, %BF, and trunk fat (P < 0.01), after adjustment for covariates. Conclusions These data suggest HSC may consume diets that differ in energy and nutrient density relative to TSC, potentially contributing to differences in weight and adiposity.