| Summary: | Specialization: Nutrition & Metabolism Degree: Master of Science Abstract: The prevalence of child overweight/obesity in Canada has increased over the last 25 years. The prevalence is 2-3 times higher in Aboriginal compared to non-Aboriginal children. Some dietary behaviors are directly associated with obesity. The consumption of vegetables and fruit, milk, and traditional Aboriginal food is associated with healthier weights. The goals of this study were to refine two dietary assessment tools and employ them to determine the dietary intakes of First Nation children living in a community in central Alberta. Children in this study (n=28) presented high levels of both overweight/obesity (63%) and abdominal obesity (26%). Consumption of vegetables and fruits, and milk were below the daily recommendations according to “Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide”. Few children ate traditional foods. In contrast, intakes of foods that should be limited were much higher than recommendations. Information from this study will serve to tailor future interventions to improve healthy dietary practices in Aboriginal school children.
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