Features of Eating Behavior of Children in Different Age Groups

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study is to show the features of eating behavior of pre-adolescents and adolescents with different body mass. Mаterials and methods: The study included 249 pre-adolescents aged 8-12years and 314 adolescents aged 13-8years. Body mass index has been calculated for every patient (considering age and gender). In order to assess the eating behavior of the participants, the FEV-II questionnaire self-reports filled out by pre-adolescents aged 8-12 and the Dutch eating behavior questionnaire DEBQ self-reports filled out by adolescents aged 13-18 were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS. Results: Among the groups of pre-adolescents and adolescents with normal body mass, the frequency of eating disorders was the same (75.3%, 76.7%accordingly). The frequency of eating disorders was higher in overweight pre-adolescents aged 8-12 and in obese adolescents. The most prevalent type of eating disorders in each age group is different: external type in adolescents, emotional type in pre-adolescents. With the increase in age and body weight, the frequency of combined type eating disorders was noted to increase as well. Conclusion: All pre-adolescents and adolescents have eating disorders regardless of body mass. Early diagnosis of the different types of eating behavior has implications for the individual treatment, therapy, and prevention of childhood obesity.