Growth Faltering of Preschool-Aged Children with Poor Appetite Is Associated with Snacking Behaviors

Background: the association between snacking patterns, sleephours, and physical activity with growth status and appetite ofpreschool children was investigated.methods: sixty three children aged 3-7 years with low appetiteand weight for age ratio below the 25th percentile were enrolledfrom those referring to nader kazemi polyclinic in shiraz.information regarding the parents’ education, sleep hours,physical activity, appetite, and snacking patterns was obtained byinterview. height and weight were measured and energy intakewas estimated by 2-day food recall. appetite was rated on a5-point scale based on the maternal report.results: mother’s education, the number of children in thehousehold, and physical activity were not associated with eithergrowth failure, energy intake, or appetite, but the fathers’education more than diploma was associated with higher energyintake in children (p=0.015). children who slept < 11 hours aday had higher energy intake (p=0.026) but worse weight status(p=0.015). children who always ate snacks close to the main mealshad significantly higher energy intake but more severe growthfailure. high consumption of fruit drinks, cakes, and potatochips was associated with exacerbated growth faltering whereasnuts consumption was related to better height status. none of theevaluated parameters was associated with children’s appetite.conclusion: overall, the results suggest the importance ofsufficient sleep, limited consumption of snacks, and the typeand time of snack consumption in growth of children with poorappetite. nutritious snacks such as nuts may be more beneficialthan nutrient-poor snacks for growth of children.