Date of Graduation

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Food Science (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Food Science

Advisor/Mentor

Jamie I. Baum

Committee Member

Michelle Gray

Second Committee Member

Elisabet Børsheim

Keywords

childhood nutrition, energy balance, dietary intervention, energy expenditure, high protein breakfast, obesity

Abstract

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is an ongoing concern. Currently, approximately 20% of children in the United States are obese. While obesity was once regarded merely as excessive adiposity within the body, it is has emerged as a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is multifactorial in nature. Weight gain can result from an energy imbalance in the body due to excess energy intake (calories in) and decreased energy expenditure (calories out). Identifying methods to combat obesity is essential. Nutritional intervention may be a strategy to help regulate energy balance and fight obesity. The benefits of high protein diets on body composition, energy expenditure, appetite and markers or metabolic health have been well studied in adults. In addition, there is evidence that supports regular breakfast intake is an important component in limiting the risk of developing obesity and other subsequent health-related diseases. However, over time, there has been a decline in the consumption of breakfast and the effects of higher protein intake, specifically at breakfast, in children is lesser known. Therefore, the objective of this thesis was to determine the effect that a higher protein breakfast consumption for 6-weeks can have on energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, appetite, and markers of metabolic health in normal weight and overweight children ages 7-17 years old.

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