Frequency of Snack Consumption and its Association with Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Southern Ghana

Abstract

Childhood overweight and obesity are increasing in Ghana, partly due to changing dietary habits. Urbanisation, socioeconomic changes, and exposure to globalised food markets in Ghana have been the main contributing factors that have led to this dietary shift from traditionally less frequent snacking habits to more frequent snacking habits. These dietary changes and reduced physical activity have contributed to rising rates of excess weight among school-aged children. Frequent snack consumption habits, which are also often characterised by foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, have become common in schools, with children frequently purchasing snacks from school canteens, vendors, or nearby shops. It is therefore essential to know how the frequency of snacking relates to BMI-based weight status. This is important for the design of targeted interventions that address unhealthy eating behaviours early in children. This study, therefore, examined the association between snack consumption frequency and BMI-based weight status among school-aged children in Southern Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6–12 (n = 139) in government and private schools. Data on their snack consumption frequencies were collected using structured questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and BMI-for-age z-scores were computed using WHO standards. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses assessed associations between snack frequency and overweight/obesity. Most of the children snacked once or twice a day. Many of the obese children, however, snacked thrice daily. A smaller proportion fell into the “other” category, comprising children who had irregular snack patterns. There was a near-significant association between the frequency of snack consumption and the obesity status of children (p < 0.054). The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in nutrition education programs and school-based policies that discourage excessive snacking and promote healthier dietary practices. The findings revealed that while most children consumed snacks once or twice a day, those who reported snacking three times daily had a noticeably higher proportion of obesity compared to their non-obese counterparts. This snacking trend suggests that more frequent child snacks may contribute to an increased risk of childhood overweight and obesity.