Five-Meal Pattern Helps Combating Obesity Among Teens

Following a five-meal diet every day can help fight obesity in teens, a latest Finnish study states.

The researchers said that the meals should be divided across the day - breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks. This can control the condition even among those with family history of obesity.

For the study researchers examined over 4,000 participants. They collected the data of these youngsters before their birth and studied them until age 16.

The results showed that, adolescents who ate adequate five meals every day had a reduced risk of being overweight or obese. Among boys, it was found that the five-meal pattern helped them reduce tummy fat.

The scientists said that skipping breakfast led to higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference among youngsters.

"These findings emphasise the importance of taking an early whole-family approach to childhood obesity prevention. Furthermore, it is important to be aware that the effects of predisposing genotypes can be modified by lifestyle habits such as regular meal frequency," said researcher Anne Jaaskelainen, from the University of Eastern Finland.

The study further stated that mothers who gained more than seven kgs during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy gave birth to babies with increased chances of obesity. However, weight before pregnancy was a major risk factor than weight gain during pregnancy.

Also paternal obesity before pregnancy was found to be as important as maternal obesity adding to the for the increased risk of obesity among children.