PhD Study : Environmental influences of portion size control in children

Summary

The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity has become a major public health issue worldwide, with recent UK data alone indicating that 1 in 5 children are now obese by the age of 5 years (1). Notwithstanding the underlying biology and/or genetic predisposition to obesity, large food portion size is one of a myriad of environmental factors associated with the increase of obesity in children (2). The predisposition to overeat in response to large portion sizes appears to be a ubiquitous phenomenon and occurs irrespective of age.  Several observational and experimental studies show that from as early as 1 year, children eat greater amounts when presented with larger portions (3-4), even though at this young age, food intake is reported to occur primarily in response to hunger and satiety cues (5). For example, early laboratory evidence demonstrates an innate ability of young children to self-regulate their energy intake (6-8). There is a general paucity of research into the key drivers that influence portion control in children. Notably however, recent qualitative research by the ‘Energy balance, food choice and nutrition education’ research team in NICHE, has provided evidence that parents of children aged 3y and under may not consider the impact of larger than appropriate food portion size on weight status in their children, or appreciate the potential influence of early portion control on future eating behaviour   (9).  Data on parental opinions in regard to food portion size to represent older children, as well as that examining parental behaviour under experimental conditions, will therefore be two of the key and novel outcomes of this research.

The main objectives of this proposed PhD research will be met using a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to: (a)systematically review and evaluate the literature and other relevant sources of information to determine the impact and influencers of typical food portion sizes reported and consumed, among children (b)examine typical portion size patterns of commonly consumed foods in a representative cohort of both Irish and UK children using National survey data (c)investigate parental knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding food portion sizes for children from aged 3-12 years (this aspect will extend the previous data collected in parents of children aged<3y (9)) (d)conduct a pilot study to examine the influencing factors of the amount of food served by parents to their children in a controlled environment using a randomised crossover trial within the human intervention studies unit in NICHE.

The PhD student appointed to the project will be given every opportunity to maximize on training by participating in relevant workshops, specialist skills sessions, relevant online courses, PhD researcher initiatives and personal development activities organised by the doctoral college. In addition, the student will be expected and strongly encouraged to prepare and present their research findings when appropriate at national and international conferences of relevance e.g. those organised by the Nutrition Society and the Association for Obesity.

This project will be based at Ulster's Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE).

References

1.The Health and Social Care Information Centre. National Child Measurement Programme: England, 2010/2011 School year. Available at: http://www.ic.nhs.uk/ncmp.

2.Young LR & Nestle M (2002) The contribution of expanding portion sizes to the US obesity epidemic. Am J Public Health. 92:246-249.

3.Birch LL (1998) Development of food acceptance patterns in the first years of life. Proc Nutr Soc. 57:617-624.

4.Birch LL & Fisher JO (1998) Development of eating behaviors among children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 101:539-549.

5.Fox MK, Devaney B, Reidy K et al. (2006) Relationship between portion size and energy intake among infants and toddlers: evidence of self-regulation. J Am Diet Assoc. 106:S77-83.

6.Fisher JO, Liu Y, Birch LL et al. (2007) Effects of portion size and energy density on young children's intake at a meal. Am J Clin Nutr. 86:174-179.

7.Birch LL & Deysher M (1986) Caloric compensation and sensory specific satiety: evidence for self regulation of food intake by young children. Appetite. 7:323-331.

8.Birch LL, Johnson SL, Andresen G et al. (1991) The variability of young children's energy intake. N Engl J Med. 324:232-235.

9.Pourshahidi LK, Livingstone MBE, McCotter LE, McCaffrey TA, McCarthy H & Kerr MA (2017) An exploration of parental barriers to appropriate portion sizes for young children: a qualitative study. Proc Nutr Soc 76(OCE3), E105.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living