Diet and sedentary time

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Behaviors related to obesity development are important. The age is not yet known when adverse lifestyle behaviors and the potential relationship between diet and physical activity begins. This information could have implications for the timing of onset of preventive measures. In this issue of The Journal, Gubbels et al evaluated whether certain dietary patterns clustered with increased sedentary time in 2 year old children in the Netherlands. They found that two clusters emerged. The first was a cluster of increased snacking and sedentary time, including television viewing and computer use. The other was a cluster for children who consumed more fruits and vegetables. Maternal obesity and lower socioeonomic status were associated with increased sedentary time and snacking in the child. These results emphasize that efforts aimed at prevention of obesity need to begin early in life, probably before 2 years of age.

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