Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
A new study highlights the negative influence of social media on children's food intake, particularly with regards to celebrity endorsements and vlogger marketing. Children who viewed Instagram pages featuring unhealthy snack images consumed 32% more calories from these snacks compared to those who saw non-food images.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that children with early-life obesity had lower perceptual reasoning and working memory scores compared to lean children, while also indicating potential lower IQ scores. Obesity was shown to dysregulate hormones affecting multiple brain regions, leading to cognitive difficulties.
The latest WHO data shows that southern European countries have the highest rate of child obesity, with rates ranging from 5% to 9% in countries such as France and Norway. However, some countries like Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Greece have seen a decrease in childhood obesity rates due to significant efforts in management and prevention.
Research shows that even healthy-weight boys have become less fit over the past 20 years. The study measured aerobic fitness in 11-year-old boys and found a decline in heart rate recovery, indicating poorer cardiovascular health.
Research suggests that everyday products carry environmental chemicals that interfere with hormones, contributing to obesity. By following simple recommendations, such as choosing fresh food and reducing plastic use, individuals can minimize exposure and potentially reduce the risk of obesity.
A new study reveals that a family history of obesity is a significant risk factor for early onset and severity of childhood obesity. The research found that the youngest children were the most severely obese and showed signs of insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Research at the University of Warwick has found that children and adolescents who regularly sleep less than others of the same age gain more weight when they grow older and are more likely to become overweight or obese. The study suggests that getting enough sleep is equally important as healthy eating and exercise in preventing obesity.
A new study found that fathers are rarely included in family-based interventions designed to prevent childhood obesity, despite their significant influence on children's eating habits. The research emphasizes the need for more inclusive interventions that engage fathers to effectively improve weight outcomes.
The Childhood Obesity Declines Project (COBD) has successfully implemented community-based strategies to combat childhood obesity, documenting their development and implementation. The project's findings provide valuable insights into effective programs and policies that can help address the rising prevalence of childhood obesity.
Research by INRS professor Tracie A. Barnett found that children living in more walkable neighborhoods have smaller waist measurements and lower BMI levels. The study suggests that infrastructure designed to encourage walking can help reduce childhood obesity.
A new study finds that top sports leagues heavily promote unhealthy food and beverage sponsors, contributing to the escalating obesity epidemic among children and adolescents. The researchers analyzed Nielsen statistics and found that over three-quarters of promoted foods failed to meet minimal nutrition standards.
Researchers found that children with obesity who exhibited higher levels of impulsivity lost more weight during family-based behavioral treatment than those who were less impulsive. The six-month program aimed to change parent and child behaviors, including eating habits and physical activity.
A new study suggests that overeating during breastfeeding may lead to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, advanced puberty, and reduced fertility in children. The research found that mice whose mothers were fed a high-fat diet during breastfeeding experienced obesity, early puberty, and reproductive problems in their offspring.
High-birthweight infants who were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life had a significantly lower risk of becoming overweight or obese by age 6. This protective effect was observed in a large retrospective cohort study of over 38,000 Korean children.
Research found that fetal exposure to high-fat diets can lead to fatty liver development, increasing the risk of childhood obesity and metabolic diseases. The study identified microRNAs playing a role in this process, shedding light on potential strategies to combat childhood obesity.
A study by the University of Waterloo found that early childhood behaviors are strong predictors of adult obesity. The research team identified four clusters of risk: Inactive Screen-Users, Moderately Active Substance Users, and two groups with healthier behaviors. Public health efforts should focus on modifying these behaviors earlier...
A new analysis from Duke University Medical Center reveals that childhood obesity rates have increased by 4.7% since 2014, affecting 35.1% of US children aged 2-19. The study also shows significant disparities in obesity rates among different ethnic groups.
The I-TOPP program, launched in 2011, trains future leaders to address childhood obesity through a transdisciplinary approach. The study found higher-impact research publications and more collaborators among I-TOPP students compared to traditional doctoral programs.
A new study found that C-section deliveries and changes in gut bacteria increase the risk of childhood obesity. Overweight mothers who gave birth via C-section had children who were three times more likely to be overweight or obese by age three.
A study found that 53% of parents questioned the accuracy of their child's BMI report card, leading to limited behavioral changes. Schools can support parents by providing resources and healthcare professional guidance to help improve children's health.
A new study found that school-based healthy lifestyle interventions did not lead to significant changes in pupils' weight. The WAVES study intervention aimed to support children in keeping their weight at a healthy level by promoting physical activity and healthy eating.
A randomized controlled trial found no significant difference in weight status among children taking part in a school-based lifestyle and healthy eating program compared to those not participating. The study suggests that wider influences from families, communities, and the food industry may have a greater impact on childhood obesity t...
A study found that poor sleep quality in children is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, indicating a link between sleep patterns and weight gain. The researchers suggest that examining markers of sleep quality may be useful in designing childhood obesity prevention strategies.
Researchers found PQQ can prevent fatty liver disease progression in young mice fed a high-fat diet by protecting their microbiome. The study suggests that maternal diet affects offspring's gut health, leading to an increased risk of developing the disease.
A new study found that caregivers of children with obesity used more direct statements to restrict their child's eating, unlike mothers of healthy-weight children who relied on indirect comments. This discovery has important implications for practice guidelines and future research.
A recent study found modest declines in severe obesity prevalence among young children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), suggesting progress in addressing this public health concern. The study analyzed data from 22.6 million children aged 2-4 and reported an increase in obesit...
A new review of 30 studies on sugar-sweetened beverages confirms their association with overweight and obesity in children and adults. Countries are advised to implement policies to reduce SSB consumption, with examples from Mexico's successful tax policy and the UK's upcoming sugar tax.
According to a new study, more than half of US children will have obesity as adults if current trends in child obesity continue. The study found that excess weight in childhood is predictive of adult obesity and that only children at a healthy weight have less than a 50% chance of having obesity as adults.
A new report by the University of Liverpool finds that nearly six in ten food and drink adverts shown during family programmes are for 'junk food', such as fast food and confectionery. The study highlights the need to extend existing regulations to restrict junk food advertising on TV until after the 9pm watershed.
Research suggests that mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy face a higher risk of compromised neurodevelopmental outcomes in their children, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy may also be crucial for optimal brain development.
A strong link has been found between childhood obesity and mass media exposure in European countries. Parents are advised to limit TV viewing and computer use to 1.5 hours a day for children over four years old to promote healthy development.
A large study found that unhealthy weight before pregnancy is associated with a small increased risk of severe maternal illness or death. Women with underweight, overweight, and obese body mass indexes before pregnancy had higher absolute risks of severe complications.
A new study suggests that encouraging children to drink plain water with their school lunches could prevent over half a million youths from becoming overweight or obese. The intervention was associated with small but significant declines in risks of being overweight, with estimated long-term savings of $13 billion.
A study of 38,679 hospitalized children with asthma found obesity to be a risk factor for repeated hospital admissions and longer stays. Those who were obese required more intensive care and had higher total hospitalization costs compared to normal-weight children.
A new study by Imperial College London and the World Health Organization found that childhood and adolescent obesity rates increased tenfold over four decades, from less than 1% in 1975 to nearly 6% in girls and 8% in boys in 2016. The number of obese children and adolescents is expected to surpass those who are underweight by 2022. He...
The global prevalence of child and adolescent obesity has increased significantly over the past four decades, from 0.7% to 5.6% for girls and 0.9% to 7.8% for boys. Despite this rise, more children remain moderately or severely underweight than obese globally, highlighting the need to improve food security.
Global childhood obesity rates have increased ten-fold over four decades, with 12-16 million overweight youth in Europe. Early intervention and comprehensive policies are crucial to address this complex disease, which has strong associations with adult mortality and morbidity.
A new study found that simplified health information and instruction can improve outcomes for families with low health literacy in childhood obesity treatment programs. Families saw similar improvements in body mass index, sugar-sweetened drink consumption, and quality of life, regardless of their ability to understand health information.
A study published by The Endocrine Society found that expectant mothers with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop childhood obesity. Women with high blood pressure, even within the normal range, were associated with a higher risk of overweight or obese children.
A study of nearly 400 preschool children found that only one adhered to the 5-2-1-0 guidelines for a full 24-hour period. The study suggests room for improvement in dietary intake, physical activity, and screen time among young children.
A new study found that children born prematurely to mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy are at higher risk for low cognitive scores and difficulties with self-regulation. The study suggests that behavioral interventions to reduce pre-pregnancy weight may help mitigate these impairments.
Researchers found that infants born with high birthweight were at risk of obesity from an early age, highlighting the importance of early attention and lifestyle changes. The study suggests that pediatricians may counsel parents of high birthweight babies to prevent weight gain and related health problems.
A recent study found that babies who were large at birth had an increased likelihood of being obese when they were in kindergarten to second grade. Children who were heavy as infants remained heavier than those born at normal birthweight, highlighting the importance of early lifestyle interventions to prevent obesity.
Research from the University of Liverpool reveals a strong association between childhood obesity and hip diseases, particularly Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). Obese children are at highest risk of developing SCFE, which can cause significant pain and lead to hip replacement in adolescence or early adulthood.
A family-based treatment approach for childhood obesity was found to be effective in reducing body mass index standard deviation scores. Young age and high BMI-SDS at baseline, as well as good motivation for treatment and adherence to the protocol, were key factors associated with successful weight loss.
Researchers developed new dosing models for remifentanil, a synthetic opioid commonly used during surgery, to improve accuracy in administering the drug to children and obese patients. The models take into account factors such as fat-free mass, weight, age, and sex to provide more personalized therapy.
A comprehensive program led to significant improvements in obesity-related measures among children cared for at a Massachusetts community health center. The Mass. Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (MA-CORD) program included specialized training, electronic support tools, and environmental changes.
A community-wide effort to reduce childhood obesity in two low-income Massachusetts communities resulted in modest improvements among schoolchildren, suggesting a comprehensive approach holds promise. The study found reduced obesity prevalence, healthier beverage choices, and less screen time in intervention communities.
A two-year community-wide intervention program led to improved weight management among preschoolers from low-income families, reducing their intake of sugary drinks and increasing sleep. The program also encouraged more physical activity and less screen time, with some non-Asian children showing decreases in adjusted BMI scores.
A combination of diet, physical activity, and behavioral change interventions may reduce weight in children aged six to 11 years and adolescents aged 12 to 17. The reviews summarize the results of 114 studies involving over 13,000 children and young people.
Increased fathers' participation in physical child care and outdoor activities was associated with a decreased likelihood of childhood obesity. The study suggests that encouraging fathers' involvement may help reduce obesity risk among young children.
The USPSTF recommends screening for obesity in children and adolescents 6 years old and older, offering comprehensive behavioral interventions to promote weight improvements. This recommendation is based on moderate certainty, as screening can lead to small harms but also improve weight status with moderate net benefits.
Researchers identify a three-way interaction between genetics, body mass index, and parent-child communication patterns in predicting restrictive feeding practices that contribute to childhood obesity. Genetic variations affect emotion regulation, influencing parents' responses to children's negative emotions.
A study of US children found that lower-income kids tend to be heavier than their upper-class peers. However, the quality and proximity of playgrounds had no significant association with childhood obesity.
A new study reveals that 30% of the world's population is affected by weight problems, resulting in over 4 million deaths attributed to excess body weight. The study found that nearly 40% of these deaths occurred among people with a BMI below the threshold for obesity, highlighting the risks associated with being overweight or obese.
A National Institutes of Health study found that children born to women with gestational diabetes who consumed high amounts of refined grains during pregnancy were twice as likely to be obese at age 7. The study controlled for factors such as physical activity and vegetable consumption.
A new study by the University of Southern California found that overweight children experience more unreciprocated friendships and frenemies than their thinner peers. This social exclusion can lead to mental, social, and physical tolls, including loneliness, depression, poor eating habits, and illness.
A daily fiber supplement has been shown to decrease body fat and improve intestinal bacteria profiles in children with overweight or obesity. The study found a 19% reduction in triglycerides and significant weight gain reductions compared to a placebo group.
Researchers found that prebiotic fiber supplementation reduced annual projected body weight increase in overweight and obese children by nearly triple, compared to a placebo. The study also showed specific gut bacterial shifts with prebiotic intervention.
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that drinking artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy may increase the risk of childhood obesity. Women who consumed at least one artificially sweetened beverage per day were more likely to have children with high birth weights and increased obesity risk at age 7.