I was recently asked: Does picky eating lead to obesity?

This is a hard question to answer as there are many factors that impact children's eating behaviors and weight status, such as parental control of unhealthy foods, parental pressure to eat, age of child, and environmental factors (such as observing parents eat).

What Does Research Show?

There are limited studies that investigate the correlation between picky eating and weight status.

Some studies showed picky eaters were more likely to be underweight or normal weight.

Other studies showed picky eaters were more likely to be overweight. They were more likely to prefer high calorie processed foods and ate fewer fruits and vegetables.

Picky eating can be a normal developmental stage that starts and fads away with time. However, picky eating can last through adulthood.

In my experience as a dietitian, picky eaters can be underweight or normal weight throughout childhood but not always. As adults they tend to struggle with weight. Activity level and calorie levels decrease from childhood to adult age. When those two things decrease, and fruit and veggies are not consumed often, weight issues ensue.

Does picky eating increase concern for future health?

In a word: Yes.

Weight is not always an indicator of health. Limited food choices increases risk of nutrient deficiencies. There are nutrients that lead to health consequences if there is insufficient intake (i.e. osteoporosis).

Without healthy food choices food cannot prevent disease. Antioxidants, for example, are compounds found in foods that help prevent type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Fiber found in fruits, veggies and whole grains help prevent diabetes, heart disease and cancer as well by regulating blood sugars, lowering cholesterol and maintaining bowel health.

What can you do?

Know that parental pressure to try unwanted foods often increases or prolongs picky eating behaviors.

Follow expert advice, Ellyn Satter, internationally recognized dietitian, feeding specialist and psychotherapist. See her recommendations summarized in my article: The #1 Priority in Feeding Your Children (from a Dietitian and Mom)

Questions?

As always, if you could use help navigating these considerations and others for your child’s nutrition, feel free to CONTACT ME.

I’d love to help you and your family.