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Summary Objective To examine the consumption patterns of energy-dense, nutrient-poor ‘extra' foods among Australian children and to determine any changes in consumption since the 1995 National Nutrition Survey (1995 NNS). Methods ‘Extra' food consumption was analysed by age group and gender using 24-h recall data from the 2007 Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2007 Survey; n =4380) and the 1995 NNS ( n =2435). Differences in percent consuming, amounts consumed and percent energy contribution were assessed. Results ‘Extra' foods contributed 35% to daily energy intake in the 2007 survey, ranging from 24% in the 2–3 year olds to 38% in the 9–13 and 14–16 year olds. The foods contributing most to energy intake included ‘fried potatoes' (2.9%), ‘cakes, muffins, slices' (2.9%) and ‘potato crisps and similar snacks' (2.6%). Compared to the 1995 NNS, total energy intake was significantly lower in the 2007 Survey (8621kJ in 1995 versus 8330kJ in 2007), as was the consumption of ‘extra' foods (both in terms of weight and energy) (3645kJ in 1995 versus 3049kJ in 2007). All age groups reported a decline in energy intake from ‘extra' foods of approximately 600kJ. Conclusion The overall consumption of ‘extra' foods seems to have decreased from 1995 to 2007. However, ‘extra' foods continue to be over-consumed by Australian children and continuous monitoring of ‘extra' foods consumption is highly warranted.

Overweight and obesity represents a significant health issue, with 50% of women entering pregnancy with a body mass index > 25 kg/m2. Obesity is associated with a well-documented increase in risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, for both women and their infants. Increasingly, events that occur during pregnancy are recognised to have a critical impact on an individual’s subsequent health and risk of disease, including obesity. This presentation will focus on in-utero factors associated with risk of subsequent obesity, and consider the available evidence for preventive strategies targeting this early-life period.