Investigation of the effect of snacking behavior on body weight management

Snacking is a common eating behavior, however, the effects of snacking whether positive or detrimental on health still unclear. It is because of the etymologic problem of the snack definition since it depends on the culture of the perception of society that consumed. In Turkey, snacking is considered energy-dense nutrient poor foods whereas eating between meals is considered healthy eating habits. The purpose of this study to investigate the effect of snacking behavior on body weight management. A total 103 subjects (women: 85; men: 18) who applied to Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital nutrition department voluntarily accepted to participate this research. The mean age of participants was 33,9±6,7 (21-53). Pregnant and lactated women, patient with diabetes were excluded from the study. The data form was applied to all participants to assess their eating behavior and general characteristics. Anthropometric measurements and body composition analysis were done by a dietitian with Tanita BC 418. Participants divided into two groups depending on snacking status. Weight status was evaluated by using body weight, BMI, body fat percent and fat mass in the 1st and 4th session during the one-month nutrition consultation. At the end of the study, it was found that there was a significant association between snacking and weight status. Although the reduction in weight, BMI, body fat was found significant in both groups, dropped rate of body weight, BMI, and body fat mass was significantly higher in snackers. It is believed that snacking is a successful strategy for achieving weight control among overweight/obese individuals.