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Eating behavior latent profiles are associated with body composition indices in Spanish preschoolers, with sex-specific differences for the controlled eater profile and fat-free mass index.

In a cross-sectional analysis of 1208 Spanish children aged 3-6 years, four eating behavior profiles (controlled, avid, typical, avoidant) were identified. Food approach subscales and the avid eater profile were positively associated with body composition indices, while food avoidance subscales and avoidant/controlled profiles showed inverse associations. The controlled eater profile showed opposite associations with fat-free mass index by sex: positive in boys (β=0.42, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.62) but negative in girls (β=-0.55, 95% CI: -0.77, -0.32).

Last updated: Aug 14, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
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Study Evidence

Study 1. Eating Behavior Latent Profiles and Their Associations With Body Composition in Early Childhood: The CORALS Cohort.

observational

Jimeno-Martínez A, Miguel-Berges ML, Maneschy I, Gil-Campos M, Leis R, Babio N, De Miguel-Etayo P, Navas-Carretero S, Portolés O, Colomer MF, Castro-Collado C, Picáns-Leis R, Farré N, Seral-Cortés M, Martínez JA, Jurado-Castro J, Vázquez-Cobela R, Rey-Reñones C, Pastor-Villaescusa B, Llorente-Cantarero F, Pérez-Vega KA, Salas-Salvadó J, Moreno LA, Masip G · Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Cross-sectional (baseline data)
Intervention: No intervention; observational study of eating behavior profiles (latent profile analysis) and their association with body composition.
Outcome: Body composition indices: BMI, fat mass index, fat-free mass index, and waist-to-height ratio (z scores).
Effect Size: β=0.42 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.62) for controlled eater profile and fat-free mass index in boys; β=-0.55 (95% CI: -0.77, -0.32) in girls.
Population: Spanish preschoolers aged 3-6 years from the CORALS cohort (50.1% girls, n=1208).

Result:

PubMed: 42571936DOI: 10.1002/oby.70279

Mechanism Graph

Eating behavior profiles are identified via latent profile analysis using CEBQ subscales.
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Food approach behaviors (e.g., avid eating) may promote higher energy intake and fat accumulation.
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Food avoidance behaviors (e.g., avoidant eating) may lead to lower energy intake and reduced fat mass.
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Sex-specific differences in the controlled eater profile may reflect differential metabolic or behavioral responses, influencing fat-free mass differently in boys and girls.

Limitations

  • ⚠Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference.
  • ⚠Eating behaviors were self-reported via questionnaire, potentially subject to reporting bias.
  • ⚠Sample is limited to Spanish preschoolers, limiting generalizability to other populations.
  • ⚠Residual confounding may exist despite adjustments for sociodemographic variables, energy intake, outdoor play, and sleep duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What eating behavior profiles were identified in this study?▼

Four profiles were identified in both sexes: controlled, avid, typical, and avoidant.

How did eating behavior profiles relate to body composition?▼

Food approach subscales and the avid eater profile were positively associated with body composition indices (e.g., BMI, fat mass), while food avoidance subscales and avoidant/controlled profiles showed inverse associations.

Was there any sex difference in the associations?▼

Yes, the controlled eater profile showed opposite associations with fat-free mass index: positive in boys (β=0.42) but negative in girls (β=-0.55).

What is the clinical significance of these findings?▼

Combining subscale-level and profile-level approaches may improve understanding of early eating behavior patterns and their role in body composition development, potentially informing targeted interventions.

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References

  1. 1.Jimeno-Martínez A, Miguel-Berges ML, Maneschy I, Gil-Campos M, Leis R, Babio N, De Miguel-Etayo P, Navas-Carretero S, Portolés O, Colomer MF, Castro-Collado C, Picáns-Leis R, Farré N, Seral-Cortés M, Martínez JA, Jurado-Castro J, Vázquez-Cobela R, Rey-Reñones C, Pastor-Villaescusa B, Llorente-Cantarero F, Pérez-Vega KA, Salas-Salvadó J, Moreno LA, Masip G. "Eating Behavior Latent Profiles and Their Associations With Body Composition in Early Childhood: The CORALS Cohort.." Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 2026. PMID: 42571936 DOI: 10.1002/oby.70279
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.