Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
A study of nearly 61,000 women in Denmark found that childhood obesity and overweight trajectories were associated with a lower likelihood of giving birth in adulthood. Women with higher BMI trajectories during childhood had a greater risk of childlessness, particularly at older ages.
A study of 43 fathers, mothers, and newborns found that higher ultra-processed food consumption by fathers was associated with higher birth weights and greater fat accumulation in babies. The quality of the father's diet before conception may influence fetal development.
A large clinical trial found that family-based behavioral treatment significantly improved weight reduction and related health outcomes for children with obesity. The study demonstrated that this approach can be successfully integrated into routine clinical practice, increasing access to effective weight management for families in need.
A new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana demonstrates safe and effective bariatric surgery outcomes for young patients with severe obesity. The study found significant improvements in weight loss and obesity-related health conditions, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care models.
A clinical trial has shown that setmelanotide, a new drug, can achieve significant weight loss in people whose weight has become dysregulated following treatment for a brain tumor. The treatment resulted in a 20% reduction in BMI, with participants experiencing substantial health benefits.
The study found a 37% increase in obesity and a two-fold increase in severe obesity among both adults and youth over 20 years. Obesity rates have major implications for cardiovascular disease and mortality, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives to address the rising epidemic.
A new study analyzing 86,000 Norwegian children found that the association between parental body mass index (BMI) and childhood BMI is largely explained by shared genetics. Genetic effects accounted for an estimated 79% of the statistical association between a mother's BMI and her child's BMI at age 8.
A recent study found that maternal obesity and excessive pregnancy weight gain significantly increased the risk of childhood obesity by age 3. Researchers tracked nearly 3,000 mother-child pairs and discovered that excess pregnancy weight gain was common, affecting about four in 10 mothers.
The AGA commentary updates the POWER framework to reflect major advances in obesity care, including effective anti-obesity medications and bariatric surgery. Gastroenterologists play a crucial role in obesity management, caring for patients with related conditions.
A new study reveals how Philip Morris Companies Inc. used cigarette research and flavor engineering to design Lunchables, a successful ultra-processed food for children. The company's strategy was based on optimizing 'technical synergies' between tobacco and food divisions.
Researchers from Pennington Biomedical will showcase their latest findings on prevention, care, and cures for diabetes and obesity at the American Diabetes Association's 2026 Scientific Sessions. The sessions will highlight cutting-edge advancements driving progress in diabetes research and management.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical published the first study to estimate pediatric obesity prevalence among US children and adolescents aged 5-18 years using the new Lancet Commission definitions. The study found that many children are already experiencing measurable health impairments associated with obesity.
A research study, COACH trial, is testing different ways to help children and families improve their health through lifestyle changes delivered by primary care clinics. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of personalized nutrition counseling, community resources, and online interactive lessons on weight management.
A randomised controlled trial found semaglutide (Wegovy) significantly reduced BMI by 19% and fat mass in young adults with severe obesity, improving metabolic syndrome severity. The study suggests GLP-1 based treatment as a promising option for managing severe obesity in young people resistant to prior hospital-based care.
Two scientists, Dr. Anna Elizabeth Thalacker-Mercer and Dr. Rachel Whooten, receive awards for their groundbreaking research on micronutrients and muscle health in relation to aging and disease, as well as innovative approaches to childhood obesity care.
Research by Dr. Hanim Diktas at Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows that combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with behavioral intervention leads to a greater reduction in 'food noise', a persistent thought about food disrupting daily life and healthy behaviors. The study found significant decreases in food noise for participants u...
A national survey in England found that over half of parents are frequently pressured by their children to buy unhealthy products, leading to almost three-quarters of these purchases. The study suggests the current food environment influences these requests, driven by instore and media marketing.
The European Society of Endocrinology organizes World Hormone Day to educate the public about hormone-related health issues. Global endocrine disorders affect millions worldwide, emphasizing the need for proper hormone balance.
A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that the widely cited 'adiposity rebound' may reflect lean muscle growth, not increased body fat. Waist-to-height ratio, a measure that better reflects body fat, continues to drop despite BMI increases after an initial decline.
A 42-year-old theory about children's body mass index (BMI) decrease before continuous rise is refuted by new analysis. Increasing muscle mass, not fat, causes the increase in BMI seen around age 5-7 years.
The Pennington Generation study aims to explore the impact of physical activity, nutrition, and sleep on children's health and growth. The study will examine how these behaviors relate to weight gain and obesity over time.
A team from SickKids discovered a therapeutic target in fat tissue that improves cellular function and reduces inflammation. Low-dose homoharringtonine treatment selectively eliminates senescent cells, improving metabolic problems and preserving lean mass.
Higher pancreatic fat content is associated with higher BMI, diastolic blood pressure, liver and visceral fat, and insulin resistance in young people with severe obesity. Measuring pancreatic fat content could help identify those at risk of developing cardiometabolic health issues.
A new study reveals that excess weight can physically enlarge organs, creating more opportunities for cancer to take hold. The study found that organs grew larger as body weight increased, with the liver growing by 12%, kidneys by 9%, and pancreas by 7% for every 5-point increase in BMI.
A new study found that AI-generated meal plans for teenagers often underestimate total energy and key nutrient intake, leading to potential health risks. The plans tend to overemphasize protein and fat, while underestimating carbohydrates, which may negatively affect growth and metabolic health.
A new study found that reducing parent stress can help prevent childhood obesity by improving parenting and reducing unhealthy eating habits. The 12-week randomized prevention trial showed that parents who received mindfulness and behavioral self-regulation skills combined with healthy nutrition and physical activity counseling had low...
The Greaux Healthy initiative, launched by Pennington Biomedical Research Center, aims to prevent and treat childhood obesity in Louisiana. Studies show that childhood obesity is a national healthcare crisis in Louisiana, with over 1 in 3 children living with overweight or obesity.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that the human brain continues to respond to tempting food cues even after eating enough. The research used EEG brain scans to monitor volunteers' brain activity as they played a reward-based learning game with food.
Research published in the journal Gut found that pre-pregnancy parental overweight and obesity are independently associated with increased odds of developing metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children by age 24. Cumulative excess weight in childhood significantly influences this risk, with children who...
The ESE and ESPE have launched a landmark Joint Clinical Practice Guidance to support structured and effective transition of young people with endocrine conditions. The Guidance provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to ensure continuity, safety and quality of care during this critical phase in a patient's life.
A new study finds salcaprozate sodium may have adverse biological effects on the gut and beyond, including shifts in potentially harmful gut bacteria and elevated inflammatory markers. The research highlights an important gap in understanding the long-term impact of repeated SNAC exposure.
A study found that childhood obesity can lead to premature vascular damage in children as young as six, increasing the risk of diseases such as atherosclerosis and heart attack. The research identified early signs of inflammation and dysfunction in the endothelium, highlighting the need for public policies to prevent childhood obesity.
A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior found that nearly half of parents of young children with high weights reported concerns about disordered eating behaviors. Despite the intervention, parental concerns did not change over time, suggesting a protective effect of motivational interviewing.
A new study reveals the emotional challenges faced by siblings of people with Prader-Willi syndrome, including feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness. Siblings often take on extra responsibilities at home and struggle to cope with their brother or sister's behavior and hunger.
A recent study by University of Eastern Finland found that prediabetes has increased significantly in Finnish children living with overweight or obesity, rising from 11% to 50% over two decades. The study suggests a potential link between maternal overweight and the rise in child prediabetes prevalence.
A comprehensive review highlights the urgent need to transform unsustainable food systems, which drive both obesity and environmental harms. The authors recommend subsidies for healthy foods, taxes on unhealthy products, and restrictions on aggressive marketing to address these twin crises.
A major review in Frontiers in Science highlights how unsustainable food systems contribute to both health and climate crises. Experts examine evidence-based strategies to tackle industrial food systems promoting overconsumption and environmental pressures.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center launched its first international scientific symposium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, exceeding expectations with distinguished audience engagement and new institutional contacts.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that early normalization of weight can protect the heart from childhood overweight. Researchers found that individuals who had normal weight in young adulthood after being overweight as children had a lower risk of heart attack compared to those who remained overweight.
A recent study suggests that adverse childhood experiences may increase the risk of obesity in Latinx and Hispanic youths. The study found that promoting resiliency-focused skills may help improve pediatric weight trajectories among these populations, potentially mitigating the impact of adverse experiences on health outcomes.
A randomized, controlled pilot study found that preloading Instacart online grocery carts with healthy ingredients resulted in families making significantly more nutritious purchases compared to a group receiving only recipes. Families made healthier choices easier and more automatic.
A new trial found that increasing or decreasing sugar intake in a person's diet has no effect on their preference for sweet foods. Researchers suggest that public health advice may need to focus on reducing sugar and energy-dense foods, rather than eliminating all sweet options.
A study conducted at the University of California, Riverside, has uncovered a link between soybean oil consumption and obesity in mice. The research found that a genetically engineered group of mice on a high-fat diet rich in soybean oil did not gain weight, suggesting that the liver protein HNF4α plays a crucial role in fat metabolism.
Researchers identified biological markers of inflammation, liver stress, and early damage to brain cells in young adults with obesity. Low blood levels of choline, essential for liver health and long-term brain function, were also found. These findings suggest that metabolic stress and inflammation may begin far earlier than expected.
Researchers found that everyday routines in early infancy can shape later obesity risk. A new study from Penn State suggests that a handful of routines around feeding, sleep and play during the first two months of an infant's life can be linked to higher weight just a few months later. The EHL tool helps pediatricians identify specific...
The University of Cincinnati has received a $985,000 grant to test Healthy Eating for My Infant (HEMI), a community-based intervention promoting healthy eating and feeding practices for children 0-12 months. HEMI aims to address specific risk factors and barriers faced by low-income families. The NIH-funded study will enroll 60 infants...
A study published in Pediatric Drugs found that children and adolescents with underweight are more likely to discontinue ADHD medication within a year. The researchers also found clear differences in dosage, gender, and age that can affect treatment outcomes.
Pennington Biomedical researchers will participate in numerous panels and presentations during the conference, sharing their latest findings on obesity treatment and prevention. The institution is well-represented at the event, with faculty members among the experts leading courses, presentations, and speaker panels.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research highlights the impact of neighborhood environments on childhood type 2 diabetes risk. The research found associations between library presence, neighborhood walkability, and caregiver health, suggesting that social and environmental factors play a significant role in T2D development.
Christina Economos, dean of the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, has been elected a member of the National Academy of Medicine for her pioneering research on childhood obesity prevention and her commitment to evidence-based innovations in pursuit of better health outcomes.
A new poll found that 67% of U.S. adults believe students should have access to plant-based meals and nondairy beverages in schools. Plant-based meals can help fight obesity, type 2 diabetes, and early signs of heart disease.
The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.
Researchers developed innovative blood-based biomarkers to predict long-term blood pressure improvements after bariatric surgery. The study analyzed pre-surgery blood tests and identified top 10 molecules linked to improved blood pressure outcomes.
A new study from the University of Oxford found that underweight children incur comparable healthcare costs as those with obesity, challenging traditional childhood health priorities. The research tracked healthcare use in over 268,000 children aged 2-15 and estimated £340 million in additional annual NHS costs.
Research presents evidence suggesting that metabolically active visceral fat is associated with more advanced stages of endometrial cancer and lymph node metastases. The study found no strong correlation between visceral fat volume and its metabolic activity.
A large-scale study of over 17,000 pupils and 2,300 teachers found dramatic differences in physical activity levels across England, with some schools achieving double or triple the levels of others. The research highlights growing evidence that children in deprived areas face bigger barriers to physical activity, even during school hours.
A new study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that weight loss treatments, including medication and surgical procedures, may help lower the risk of obesity-related cancers in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 180,000 people and found a significant reduction in cancer incidence ...
A landmark study by the University of Sydney found that family-based early obesity prevention programs did not improve BMI in young children. The researchers analyzed data from 17 international studies and concluded that environmental and structural drivers are key to addressing childhood obesity. Governments, health officials, and loc...
A meta-analysis of parent-focused programs found no significant impact on childhood obesity prevention in toddlers. The study, involving 28,825 participants from 31 trials across 10 countries, suggests that broader societal changes are needed to address childhood obesity.
The 2025 Childhood Obesity Conference, hosted by Pennington Biomedical's Greaux Health initiative, aims to educate healthcare providers and promote healthier futures for Louisiana's children through cutting-edge research and evidence-based strategies. Participants can earn up to 7.5 CMEs and gain practical tools to support healthier fu...