Peanut snacking may help ward off obesity
A recent study found a reduction in BMI of Hispanic middle school children who took part in a peanut snacking intervention. The study was carried out at the University of Houston and was performed over 12 weeks. The authors observed that snacking is very common amongst adolescents and by stopping the consumption of unhealthy snacks, and initiating the consumption of healthier alternatives, they may be able to address the development of obesity. Before the study was carried out the researchers found that many children skip meals throughout the day, for a number of reasons, and this can cause them to snack more often. Students were given nutritional advice and split into 2 groups, where one received a peanut snack 3-4 times a week, and the other only once. Peanuts were chosen as they are nutrient dense and promote a feeling of satiety.
It was found that the students who received more peanuts experienced are higher reduction of BMI, compared to those that only received peanuts once a week. The authors are keen to emphasise that afterschool programs such as this can have both a direct effect, by reducing the weight of children, but also change the mind-set and food choices of children. They are hoping to continue research into the use of afterschool programs that can prevent obesity.
