Background and Aims N‐nitroso compounds (NOCs) are among the most potent dietary carcinogens. N‐nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), and N‐nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) are abundant in foods and carcinogenic to the liver. We investigated the relationship between dietary NOCs and HCC risk. Approach and Results In this large, hospital‐based, case‐control study of 827 pathologically or radiologically confirmed HCC cases and 1,013 controls, NOC intake was calculated by linking food frequency questionnaire–derived dietary data with a comprehensive NOC concentration database. Multivariable‐adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of HCC by quartiles of NOC consumption were estimated using logistic regression models, with the lowest quartile as the referent. We further investigated joint effects of consuming the highest quartile of NOCs that were associated with increased HCC risk and hepatitis, diabetes, or alcohol drinking on HCC risk. After adjustment for confounding factors, higher intake of NDEA from plant sources (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.03‐2.41), NDMA from plant sources (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.01‐2.34), and NPIP (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.62‐3.94) was associated with increased HCC risk. No association was observed for nitrate or total NOC intake and HCC risk. Higher consumption of HCC‐inducing NOCs and positive hepatitis virus status jointly increased the risk of developing HCC. Conclusions In conclusion, though some of our findings may indicate the presence of reverse causation owing to lower meat intake among cases with chronic liver diseases before HCC diagnosis, the potent dietary HCC carcinogens, NDEA, NDMA, and NPIP, and their enhanced carcinogenic effects among chronic carriers of hepatitis virus warrant further prospective investigation.

N-nitroso compounds (NOCs) are among the most potent dietary and pancreatic carcinogens. N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) are the most prevalent NOCs identified in foods. Using a validated and comprehensive N-nitroso database developed to estimate total NOCs and important individual NOCs from food intake, we investigated dietary exposure to NOCs in relation to pancreatic cancer in a large matched case-control study. Self-administered food frequency questionnaires were collected from 957 pathologically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases and 938 frequency-matched controls. For each food item, frequency of intake and portion size in grams was multiplied by the estimated NOC concentration from the N-nitroso database. Multiple unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pancreatic cancer risk by quartiles of NOCs and major food group contributors to NOCs, with the lowest quartile as referent. Following adjustment for confounders, we observed significant positive associations for NDEA (ORQ4 versus Q1 = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.71-3.04, Ptrend < 0.0001) and NDMA from plant sources (ORQ4 versus Q1 = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.42-2.61, Ptrend < 0.0001) with pancreatic cancer. The major food groups related to NDEA and NDMA intakes in this population were fermented cheese, pizza, grains, seafood and beer. No associations of intake of nitrate or total NOCs were observed; nitrite was inversely associated with pancreatic cancer. Although some of our findings probably reflect reverse causation bias due to lower meat intake in cases with latent disease, biologically plausible findings for pancreatic carcinogens, NDEA and NDMA, warrant further prospective investigation.

BACKGROUND:Although many studies have investigated the relation between breakfast consumption and various domains of cognitive functioning within children, some of the reported findings are inconsistent.OBJECTIVE:We sought to determine the short-term effects of a breakfast meal on the neuropsychological functioning of healthy school-aged children after an overnight fast.DESIGN:The study was conducted in a clinical research center with the use of a counterbalanced repeated-measures design among children who either consumed breakfast or were fasting. The administered neuropsychological tests included measures of attention, impulsivity, short-term memory, cognitive processing speed, and verbal learning. The sample consisted of children aged 8-10 y (n = 128), of whom 52% were female, 38% were African American, 31% were Hispanic, 28% were white, and 3% were of another race/ethnicity.RESULTS:There were no significant (P ≥ 0.004) differences between breakfast meal consumption and fasting for any of the neuropsychological measures administered.CONCLUSION:Breakfast consumption had no short-term effect on neuropsychological functioning in healthy school-aged children. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01943604.

Objectives: Improving self-esteem, dietary habits, and physical activity is essential for long-term success in childhood obesity prevention. The aim is to evaluate the effects of a healthy living promotion program, Healthy Kids-Houston, on BMI, dietary habits, self-esteem, and physical activity among minority children.Methods: The after-school program was implemented at community centers in low-income neighborhoods with close proximity to public schools. The program consisted of 3 6-week sessions. Each week, children attended 2 2-hour sessions. Each 2-hour session in the intervention included 90 minutes of structured physical activities and 30 minutes of nutrition and healthy habit lessons. The control group received typical enrichment programs. Outcomes were measured before the intervention and at the end of each 6-week session.Results: We enrolled 877 children (age 10.2 +/- 0.1 years (mean +/- SE); body mass index z score: 1.49 +/- 0.1; 52.0% boys; 72.6% Hispanic) in the program with 524 children received the intervention at 14 community centers and 353 children served as control at 10 community centers. The intervention led to no improvements in BMI z score (P = 0.78) and dietary habits (P = 0.46). Significant improvements (P <= 0.02) were detected in the amount of exercise that a child perceived to be required to offset a large meal and in several key self-esteem scores. No improvements were detected in physical activities (P >= 0.21).Conclusions: The improvement in some key self-esteem scores and nutrition knowledge may act as a mediator to motivate these children to adopt a healthier lifestyle in the future.

Abstract Objective To examine the variability of food portions served and consumed by African-American and Hispanic-American pre-school children attending Head Start. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Food consumption by pre-schoolers (n 796) enrolled in sixteen Head Start centres in Houston, Texas (51 % boys, 42 % African-American, mean age 4 years) were assessed during 3 d of lunch meals using digital photography. Descriptive statistics and multilevel regression models, adjusting for classroom and school clustering effects, were determined. Subjects Head Start pre-schoolers aged 3–5 years. Results Mean amount served was 2428 kJ (580 kcal) and 572 g. Mean intake was 1421 kJ (339 kcal) and 331 g: 20 % protein, 46 % carbohydrate and 34 % fat. Plate waste was 43 % (range: 38 % (fruit) to 61 % (vegetables)). Mean CV of food served was 29 %: 33 % for entrées, 44 % for vegetables, 60 % for fruit and 76 % for starches. Mean CV of food consumed was 46 %: 58 % for entrées, 86 % for fruit, 96 % for vegetables and 111 % for starches. Total gram amount of food served was positively correlated with consumption (r = 0·43, P < 0·001). Conclusions Plate waste and variation in amounts served and consumed were substantial; amounts served were associated with amounts consumed. Large portion sizes may contribute to paediatric obesity by promoting excessive intake at meals. Understanding factors influencing portion sizes provides insight about specific intervention strategies that can be used in obesity prevention programmes.

Objective: The goal of the study was to assess the validity and feasibility of a digital diet estimation method for use with preschool children in Head Start.Methods: Preschool children and their caregivers participated in validation (n = 22) and feasibility (n 24) pilot studies. Validity was determined in the metabolic research unit using actual gram weight measurements as the reference method. Feasibility of using the digital diet estimation method was determined in Head Start and in the home by assessing 3 separate lunch and dinner meals.Results: The average correlation between estimated weights and actual weights was 0.96 (P < .001), and the average mean difference was 10.6 g. The digital diet estimates were 5% lower than the actual weights.Conclusions and Implications: The digital diet estimation method may be a valid and feasible method for assessing food intake of preschool children.

Childhood obesity is more prevalent among underserved minority children. It is recommended that children should spend a minimal of 60 min/d in MVPA in order to maintain a healthy body weight. Based on a minimal of 5 days of Actical measurements, we quantified the amount of MVPA in 483 underserved minority children (10.3±1.0 y; 51.1% male; 31.1% Black/68.9% Hispanic; 66% overweight or obese) who took part in our community childhood obesity intervention program (Healthy Kids‐Houston). The majority of children (89.4%) were in the reduced cost/free meal program and 71.1% had no health insurance or were insured under programs for low‐income families. The children spent more time on MVPA (p<0.01) on weekdays (46.8±1.2 min/d, mean±SE) than on weekend days (41.0±1.6 min/d). Time spent on MVPA decreased with age (−5 min/d per y, p< 0.01) with boys spending more time (12.6 min/d, p<0.01) in MVPA than girls. Black children also spent more time on MVPA (6 min/d, p=0.03) than Hispanic children. MVPA also decreased with BMI z‐score (p<0.01). Most alarmingly, the majority of children (76.4%) spent less than 60 min/d on MVPA. Therefore, to combat childhood obesity, public and private resources should be invested to promote MVPA and to enhance the environment for underserved, minority children.National Research Initiative of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant #2008‐55215‐18875 and USDA/ARS grant #6250‐51000‐053. Clinical trial: NCT00994084.

Background: A dinner meal is consumed by approximately 95% of preschool children, yet few studies have characterized the dinner meal within a broader environmental context. The primary goal of this study was to identify the average quantities of foods served and consumed at the dinner meal by preschool children. A secondary goal was to look at factors that influenced the total amounts of food and energy consumed among preschoolers at the dinner meal.Method: Food intake at a family dinner meal was measured using digital photography in African-American and Hispanic-American preschool children (n = 231). Pictorial records were converted to gram and energy estimates of food served and consumed; grams were converted to kilocalories for each food using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) nutritional software. Foods were categorized by groups/subgroups. Comparison of means and coefficient of variation was examined overall and by food groups for food grams (and energy) served, consumed, and wasted. The relationship of mother/child characteristics to amounts served and consumed were analyzed by regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results: Plate waste was high; 30% of the foods served to the child at the dinner meal were not consumed. The amounts of food and beverage served and consumed varied within and among the food groups studied. The proportion of children served a major food group at the dinner meal varied considerably: 44% fruit/juice, 97% vegetables, 99% grains, 97% meats, 74% dairy, 66% sweetened beverages, 92% fat and oils, and 40% sweets and sugars. The amount of food served was positively associated with the amount consumed (p < 0.0001). Energy density of the dinner meal was positively associated with energy intake consumed (p < 0.0001).Conclusions: Plate waste and variation in amounts served and consumed was substantial. The amount of food served was positively associated with the amount of food consumed by preschool children.

The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between intake of snacks, sweets, fruit, vegetables, and energy in low-income mother-child dyads. This was a secondary analysis of data collected from Head Start centers in Houston, Texas and Birmingham, Alabama. Twenty four hour dietary recalls for one weekend day were collected from mother (mean 31.8 yrs [range: 20.1-72.4 yrs])-child (mean 4.4 yrs [range 2.8-5.8 yrs]) dyads (N=650). Means±SD were calculated for intake of food categories and energy. Pearson's partial correlation coefficients were used to detect associations between the intakes of the dyads. Main outcome measures were the correlations between the intake of snacks, sweets, fruit, vegetables, and energy in the mother-child dyads. Partial correlations showed that children's intake of snacks, sweets, fruit, vegetables, and energy were all correlated with the mother's intake of these foods/energy (all p<0.001). Children's intake of fruit was correlated with the mother's intake of vegetables (p<0.001); children's energy intake was correlated with mother's intake of sweets, fruit, and vegetables (all p<0.001). It is important that food and nutrition professionals provide the guidance needed that encourages intake of nutrient-dense snacks and fruit and vegetables in mothers so they can model healthier food consumption behaviors for their children.

Americans consume more salty and sweet snacks (S) than fruit (F) and vegetables (V). The objectives of this study were to determine the association between intakes of S, F, V, total energy and macronutrients of mother‐child dyads and for mothers and children separately. This was a secondary analysis of 24‐hour dietary intake data on 650 mother‐child dyads from a cross‐sectional study with 52 Head Start (HS) centers in TX and AL. The sample was HS children (mean age=4.4 yr) and their mothers (42.5% B; 30.0% HA; 27.5% W). Associations were covariate adjusted. Positive correlations (p< 0.0001) were found in mother‐child intakes of S (r=0.35), F (r=0.36), V (r=0.48), total energy (r=0.48), protein (r=0.51), carbohydrate (r=0.43) and fat (r=0.47). For mothers or children, there was no association between intakes of S, F and V. Their intakes of S, F and V were positively correlated (p<0.0001) with total energy intake and all macronutrients. Correlated intakes of S, F, and V among mother‐child dyads were significant; consumption of S was not associated with intakes of F and V; intakes of these food groups were all positively associated with total energy intake. Interventions designed to increase F and V intake by HS children may need to target eating behaviors of the mother and provide strategies for preparing V without fat and replacing S with more F and V.

BACKGROUND:The influence of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and general versus central adiposity on pediatric metabolic risk is not well described.METHODS:Secondary analyses on pediatric participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2006 (n=2,155). MVPA (min/day) and adherence to MVPA recommendations were assessed objectively by accelerometers. Body mass index (BMI) z-score and waist circumference (WC) were measured by standard protocols. The main dependent variables included an overall metabolic risk score and clinical tests related to metabolic risk. A series of linear regression analyses were used to examine BMI z-score versus WC as a mediator of the relationship between MVPA and the metabolic risk score or the individual components, controlling for sociodemographic covariates. All analyses with BMI z-score as an independent variable controlled for WC and vice versa. The product-of-coefficients method was used to test for mediation.RESULTS:MVPA adherence was inversely associated and WC was positively associated with the metabolic risk score (all P<0.05). MVPA was inversely associated with systolic blood pressure and positively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (all P<0.05). WC was inversely associated with HDL-C and positively associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), glycohemoglobin, fasting triglycerides, and fasting insulin (all P<0.05). WC mediated the relationship between MVPA and CRP or HDL-C (both P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:MVPA correlated with pediatric metabolic risk and this relationship was mediated by central adiposity for CRP and HDL-C. This finding suggests the need for programs to screen for and improve children's MVPA and WC.

To characterize intake from lunch meals by preschool children in Head Start using digital photography.

This study compared the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), its risk factors, and obesity in adolescents in the United States (US) and Korea. Data were obtained from 2003-2004 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and 2005 Korea NHANES for adolescents aged 12-19 yr in the US (n=734) and in Korea (n=664). The 2007 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) pediatric definition for diagnosis of MetS and the 2000 US Growth Charts and 2007 Korea Growth Charts for assessment of obesity were utilized. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in US and Koreans was 5.5% and 2.5%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity was 18.1% in US compared to 9.0% in Koreans. The prevalence of abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were higher in the US, whereas that of low HDL-C levels was higher in Korea. Despite the doubled prevalence for the single entities of MetS and obesity in the US, the prevalence of MetS in obese US and Koreans did not differ (20.8% and 24.3%, respectively). In conclusion, there are differences in the prevalence of MetS, obesity, and the individual MetS risk factors between the US and Korean adolescents; however, the risk of MetS among obese adolescents is similar in both countries.

Dietary N-nitroso compounds are carcinogens synthesized during food processing from two main classes of precursors, oxides of nitrogen and amines or amides. Quantification of the dietary intake of N-nitroso compounds is significant to human cancers, including those of the stomach and upper gastro-intestinal tract, colon, and brain. Previous studies investigating these cancers primarily used proxy estimates of N-nitroso intake and not a full and complete database. In this report, we describe the development of a database to be used in conjunction with a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) or 24 h dietary records. Published analytical data for N-nitroso compounds were compiled and evaluated for inclusion in the database. The final database consisted of 23 different N-nitroso compounds for 500 foods from 39 different food subgroups. Next, database foods were matched to foods in a standard FFQ by imputation, or calculated value, or assumed zero. Using the FFQ modified with N-nitroso values, we evaluated the ability to compute N-nitroso intakes for a sample of healthy control subjects of cancer epidemiological studies. N-nitroso content of food items ranged from <0.01 μg/100 g to 142 μg/100 g and the richest sources were sausage, smoked meats, bacon, and luncheon meats. The database is useful to quantify N-nitroso intake for observational and epidemiological studies.

Background N-nitroso compounds are recognized as important dietary carcinogens. Accurate assessment of N-nitroso intake is fundamental to advancing research regarding its role with cancer. Previous studies have not used a quantitative database to estimate the intake of these compounds in a US population.Objective To address this gap, a database of N-nitroso values was developed in conjunction with an existing food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). In this article we report on the relative validity of the FFQ instrument modified to estimate intake of N-nitroso compounds.Design Intake estimates of 23 N-nitroso compounds from the FFQ were compared with those from 7-day food records in a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2005 through June 2006.Subjects A sample of 98 healthy adult subjects (aged 50.42 +/- 12.84 years) completed an FFQ and then recorded foods and beverages consumed on 7-day food records.Results Crude and energy-adjusted N-nitroso compounds intakes were significantly higher in the FFQ than the 7-day food records (P < 0.001). Spearman correlations for crude and energy-adjusted N-nitroso intakes ranged from 0.004 to 0.48. By tertiles of N-nitiroso compounds, there was moderate agreement (kappa > 0.30) for five compounds. Higher estimates of N-nitroso compounds by FFQ was explained by a greater proportion of subjects who reported eating foods high in N-nitroso compounds on FFQ than reported on 7-day food records.Conclusion The modified FFQ with N-nitroso values is a useful tool for assessing N-nitroso intakes relative to a group, and captures all food items with N-nitroso compounds, including those foods with high concentrations and eaten sporadically. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109:1179-1183.

The epidemic of obesity and health risks for children currently present challenges in estimating food intakes and developing appropriate interventions. Obtaining eating patterns is important. No child food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are specific to the Delta. Food intake data collected previously resulted in a validated Delta NIRI Adult FFQ. Since interventions for obesity prevention target children, the adult FFQ needed modification for children and evaluation for appropriate wording, categories, and consumption frequencies. Children’s food intakes from Delta NIRI regional surveys yielded specific food data and associated nutrient information to construct a database for analysis. The instrument was piloted with 70 sixth grade students in the region. Only 46 (66%) subjects reported weight and height; 39% (n=18) were above the 85th percentile, while 2 (4%) were under the 15th percentile. Instrument length led to possible misreporting. Consumed most were luncheon meats/sausages, desserts/sweets, snacks, and cold cereals. Refined sugar drinks exceeded milk intake. French fry consumption exceeded other vegetables. Fruit juices/fruit were low. The FFQ is undergoing revision to reduce frequency choices, eliminating foods not reported and targeting perhaps specific food interventions as opposed to total diet. FFQs specific to targeted intakes may be more practical, resulting in more valuable data. Funded by the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, #6251-53000-004-00D

Context. Studies examining the association between food insecurity and obesity in adults have produced conflicting results, and information is limited on the relationship between food insecurity and adult chronic health conditions, particularly in a high-risk population.Objective. To examine the association between household food insecurity and self-reported weight status and chronic disease in the Lower Mississippi Delta.Design. A two-stage stratified cluster sample representative of the population in 36 counties in the Lower Delta. Data were collected in a cross-sectional telephone survey using list assisted random digit dialing telephone methodology.Setting and Participants. A randomly selected sample of 1,457 adults from a free-living population.Main Outcome Measures. US Food Security Survey Module, self-reported height and weight status (obesity = body mass index > 30 kg/m(2)), and self-reported hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and a marker for metabolic syndrome.Results. In food-insecure adults, 42.3% were obese, a significantly higher rate than food secure adults (33.2%). After controlling for demographic variables, food insecurity was not independently associated with obesity. Income and the interaction between race and gender were significant predictors of obesity. Food insecure adults were significantly more likely to report hypertension (45.1% vs. 29.5%) diabetes (15.0% vs. 9.3%), heart disease (13.5% vs. 6.8%) and metabolic syndrome (10.1% vs. 4.4%). After controlling for demographic variables, food insecurity was associated with high cholesterol (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.65; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.0 to 2.7), heart disease (OR 2.7; 95% CI, 1.5 to 4.8), and metabolic syndrome (OR 2.8; 95% CI, 1.4 to 5.5).Conclusions. The relationship between food insecurity and obesity in a high-risk population, may be due to income and demographic variables. Individuals in a rural high-risk population with high cholesterol, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome have a high likelihood of being food-insecure. Nutritional interventions targeting high- risk populations should address food insecurity. (C) 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUNDThe Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) is a region at high risk of nutritionally related diseases. Assessing LMD diet quality is important in policy making, monitoring service outcomes, and designing sustainable research interventions.OBJECTIVEThe purpose was to assess the diet quality of LMD adults by using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) to 1) identify potential and needed interventions, 2) determine population subgroups needing special attention, and 3) compare regional intakes with national intakes.DESIGNData were obtained from a representative cross-sectional telephone survey (n = 1699), Foods of our Delta Study 2000, by using the US Department of Agriculture's multiple-pass 24-h recall methodology and random-digital-assisted dialing with selection of one adult per household. The diet quality of LMD adults was compared with that of white and African American adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999-2000.RESULTSAge, race, and income of LMD adults affected overall diet quality. African Americans had lower grain, vegetable, milk, and variety scores than did whites. The consumption of grains and vegetables was associated with lower odds ratios for being overweight. The LMD adults had a lower HEI score than did the adults in NHANES 1999-2000 (60.1 compared with 63.4), and more LMD adults ate a poor diet (24.8% compared with 18.3%).CONCLUSIONLow-income and young-adult households in the LMD are in need of nutrition interventions with an emphasis on increasing grain, fruit, and vegetable intakes. Because socioeconomic factors affect diet quality, a multimodal, longitudinal approach appears needed to improve nutritional health.

OBJECTIVE:To determine if measures of diet quality differ between food insecure and food secure adults in a rural high-risk population.DESIGN:Random digit dialing telephone survey of a cross-section of the population designed to collect data on food intake, household demographics, and food security status.SETTING:A representative sample of adults who live in 36 counties in the Lower Mississippi Delta region of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.SUBJECTS:One thousand six hundred seven adults, both white and African American.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Food security status and diet quality, as defined by adherence to the Healthy Eating Index and Dietary Reference Intakes by determinations from self-reported food intake (1 day intake).STATISTICAL ANALYSES:Regression analysis, t tests, Wald statistic, and beta tests were employed.RESULTS:Food secure adults scored higher on Healthy Eating Index than food insecure adults (P=0.0001), but the regression model showed no differences when multiple factors were included. Food secure individuals consistently achieved higher percentages of the Dietary Reference Intakes (specifically Estimated Average Requirements and Adequate Intakes) than food insecure individuals, with the greatest differences seen for vitamin A (P<0.0001), copper (P=0.0009), and zinc (P=0.0022) and very little difference for vitamins C (P=0.68) and E (P=0.32). Both populations consumed diets extremely low in fiber.CONCLUSIONS:Food insecurity is associated with lower quality diets in this population. It is acknowledged that serious limitations are associated with the use of one 24-hour recall and for comparison between food intake and assessment of food security. These findings still suggest a pressing need for nutrition interventions to improve dietary intake in these at-risk impoverished individuals.

CONTEXT. The prevalence of childhood overweight status is increasing. Some have suggested that childhood overweight is associated with food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain access to enough nutritious food. OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this work was to assess the association of household and child food insecurity with childhood overweight status. METHODS. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002 uses a stratified multistaged probability sample and collects a broad array of data from a nationally representative sample of US citizens. All children 3 to 17 years old in this sample are included in these analyses. We measured BMI categorized as at risk for overweight or greater (≥85%) or overweight (≥95%) and household and child food security/insecurity using the US Food Security Scale. RESULTS. When compared with children from food-secure households, children from food-insecure households were more likely to demonstrate significant associations with being at risk for overweight or greater in the following demographic categories: 12 to 17 years, girls, white, and in households with income <100% and >4 times the federal poverty level. Household food insecurity is associated with child overweight status in children aged 12 to 17, girls, and children who live in households with incomes >4 times the federal poverty level. Child food insecurity demonstrated the same associations with being at risk for overweight or greater, as did household food insecurity, but associations were also seen in 3- to 5-year-old children, boys, and Mexican American children. Child food insecurity is significantly associated with child overweight status for children aged 12 to 17, girls, white children, and children in families with income ≤100% poverty level. Controlling for ethnicity, gender, age, and family poverty index level, childhood food insecurity is associated with a child being at risk for overweight status or greater, but not overweight status. CONCLUSIONS. Household and child food insecurity are associated with being at risk for overweight and overweight status among many demographic categories of children. Child food insecurity is independently associated with being at risk for overweight status or greater while controlling for important demographic variables. Future longitudinal research is required to determine whether food insecurity is causally related to child overweight status.