Whole grain consumption is inversely associated with BMI Z-score in rural school-aged children.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between intake of whole grains and BMI Z-score in rural children.

DESIGN: General linear models and logistic regression were used to examine the cross-sectional associations between whole grain intake and BMI Z-score, prevalence and odds ratios of overweight and obesity. Dietary intake was assessed using the Block Food Screener for ages 2-17 years. Children were classified into three categories according to servings of whole grain intake: <1·0 serving/d, 1·0-1·5 servings/d and >1·5 servings/d.

SETTING: The CHANGE (Creating Healthy, Active and Nurturing Growing-up Environments) study, an obesity prevention intervention in elementary schools in eight rural US communities in California, Mississippi, Kentucky and South Carolina.

SUBJECTS: Seven hundred and ninety-two children attending 3rd-6th grade.

RESULTS: After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, physical activity and state of residence, whole grain intake was inversely associated with BMI Z-score (0·90 v. 0·61 in the lowest v. the highest whole grain intake category; P trend = 0·01). Children who consumed >1·5 servings of whole grains/d had a 40 % lower risk of being obese (OR = 0·60; 95 % CI 0·38, 0·95, P = 0·02) compared with children who consumed <1·0 serving/d. Further adjustment for potential dietary predictors of body weight (fruit, vegetable and dairy intakes) did not change the observed associations.

CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the intake of whole grains as part of an overall healthy lifestyle may be beneficial for children to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.