Relationship between percentage of calories from fluid intake and obesity in children 6 to 11 years of age

The purpose of this study was to compare the percentage of calories from fluid to the total dietary intake of obese and non-obese children 6 to 12 years of age. Weights and heights were obtained and Body Mass Index's (BMI) were determined. Parent/guardian completed a questionnaire and a 24-hour dietary recall interview to obtain the child's average daily food and beverage intake. Child's weight, height, BMI, age, and type of fluid intake were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Comparison of percentage of calories from fluid intake of normal weight, at risk for becoming overweight and obese children was analyzed using an ANOVA. The results of the study indicated no statistically significant relationship between fluid intake and weight status ( p = .858). The children who were overweight and obese consumed a greater percentage of calories from fluid than normal weight children; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = .701).