Purpose of the review: Family meals represent a novel strategy for improving cardiovascular health in youth. The purpose of this paper is to describe the association between family meals, dietary patterns, and weight status in youth.
Review findings: According to the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, poor diet quality and overweight/obesity status are key contributors to suboptimal cardiovascular health. Current literature highlights a positive correlation between the number of family meals and healthier eating patterns, including greater consumption of fruits and vegetables, and a reduced risk of obesity in youth. However, to date, the role of family meals in improving cardiovascular health in youth has been largely observational and prospective studies are needed to assess causality. Family meals may be an effective strategy for improved dietary patterns and weight status in youth.
Keywords: Cardiovascular health; Diet quality; Family meals; Pediatric obesity.
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