Published: April 2013

ID #: 1067

Journal: Child Obes

Authors: Larson N, Story M

See more related research

Share


Given the growing contributions of snacks to dietary intake and the need for effective strategies to reduce and prevent obesity, it is important to consider whether snacking behaviors are associated with high body mass index (BMI) in childhood. This review summarizes U.S. research that has examined trends in snacking behaviors and its contributions to dietary intake, as well as research describing the availability of snack foods and beverages in settings where youth spend their time. It also discusses the results of U.S. and international studies that have examined associations of snacking behaviors and weight status. Findings from the review suggest that while energy dense, nutrient-poor snacks are widely available in various settings where young people spend their time and the contribution of snacks to overall dietary intake of U.S. children and adolescents have increased significantly over the past few decades, regular snacking is not related to obesity, nor should children and adolescents be discouraged from consuming snacks.

Related Research

May 2026

A Pediatric Perspective on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines

Clear, evidence-based guidance on what foods and beverages children and adolescents should consume—and in what amounts—is foundational for promoting healthy growth and preventing diet-related chronic disease across the life course. Yet many children and adolescents in the US continue to have diets of poor nutritional quality. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), issued every 5 More

May 2026

A Snapshot of Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)

This resource, developed in partnership with Public Health Communications Collaborative, provides a snapshot of the most recent changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), including which foods adults should eat to maintain health and reduce the risk of chronic disease, which foods should be limited based on a standard 2000-calorie diet, and what to More

April 2026

Experiences of food insecurity among college students caring for children and/or other dependents: a scoping review

College students with caregiving responsibilities for children or other dependents face unique challenges balancing academic and caregiving duties. This scoping review aimed to describe the prevalence of food insecurity among United States college student caregivers and their experiences with food insecurity, dietary quality/intake, academic outcomes, and food security programming. A search of peer-reviewed and grey More