(P31-026-23) Protein Rich Breakfast and Obesity in UAE Children and Adolescents Aged 4-12.9 Years: Findings From the Kids Nutrition and Health Study (KNHS) 2020

Objectives: The United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a country with high rates of childhood obesity. Breakfast is regarded as the most important meal of the day and Protein Rich Breakfasts (PRB) (30 grams/breakfast) have been reported to prevent weight and fat mass gains relative to normal-protein breakfasts, and has the greatest effect on daily energy intakes. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between PRBs and obesity.

Methods: Data on breakfast consumption and obesity prevalence were derived from the Nestlé Kids Nutrition and Health Study (KNHS), which assessed dietary intakes and anthropometry of 690 UAE children aged 4-8.9 and 9-12.9 years.

Results: Results noted high levels of overweight and obesity among children aged 4-12.9 years (31%), with numbers nearly twice as high in the older age group (42.5%) when compared to the younger one (24%). Among children aged 4-8.9 years, 1.9% consumed 30g and above of protein at breakfast, when compared to 3.5% of those aged 9-12.9 years. Within the 4-8.9 age group, 0% of overweight and obese children adequately consumed the recommended amount of protein at breakfast when compared with 2.5% of the non-obese group. As for the 9-12.9 year old children, 2.8% of overweight and obese children consumed the 30g recommendation and above in comparison with the 4.1% of the non-obese children.

Conclusions: The data highlights the need for further research on dietary protein intake during breakfast and explore its’ potential to reduce obesity to prevent the escalating burden of NCDs in the UAE.

Funding Sources: This research was funded by Societé des Produits Nestlé, S.A.- Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland.