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A new study has now examined whether snacking patterns can be linked to rates of overweight/obesity in US adolescents.

Snacking habits of almost 6000 teenagers were studied using data from the American 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and were compared against body weight figures. Scientists found that teenagers who snacked most often had a lower body weight and abdominal circumference, especially those consuming more than four snacks a day.

These findings suggest that snacking could help to regulate the body weight of teenagers, perhaps by influencing appetite or blood sugar control. However, if this strategy were to be promoted, the focus should be on lower energy dense, low GI, nutrient-rich snacks.

For more information see: Keast DR et al. (2010) American Journal of Clinical [Epub ahead of print].