Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
A study of 232 obese children found that vitamin D supplementation led to significant reductions in body mass index and body fat. This suggests a potential role for vitamin D in reducing the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, later in life.
A Northwestern University study shows that obese and overweight pregnant women can safely restrict weight gain through healthy diet and lifestyle habits guided by a smartphone app. This approach resulted in normal birth weights and reduced the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia.
A study found that two-year-old children's oral bacteria may predict their weight gain trajectories, suggesting a potential early indicator for childhood obesity. Lower diversity in oral microbiota and a higher Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio were associated with rapid infant weight gain.
Encouraging strength-based exercises like squats and lunges could play a key role in tackling child obesity by reducing body fat percentage. The findings also suggest an increase in muscle mass gained from strength training can help boost children's metabolism and energy levels.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that rapid weight gain during infancy may be a risk factor for later obesity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mothers who experienced pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity were more likely to have a child with overweight or obesity at ages 2-5.
Researchers found a brief sleep intervention in infancy reduced the risk of childhood obesity, with benefits still apparent at five years old. The study, funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand, involved over 800 babies and showed that even very young infants can learn to do so relatively quickly.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles investigate the impact of obesity on metabolism and body temperature control, finding that post-prandial uridine levels increase in obese individuals. The study suggests including both lean and overweight subjects in metabolic research to prevent misleading outcomes.
The Hastings Center report explores advanced care directives for dementia patients, childhood obesity, and patient demands for specific healthcare providers or racial/ethnic backgrounds. Competent individuals should have control over life-sustaining treatments, while environmental factors contribute to childhood obesity.
A family-based program and a school-readiness program showed no impact on BMI growth trajectories in one trial, while the other trial resulted in modest improvements in weight loss. The studies followed children from birth to age 3.
A responsive parenting intervention resulted in lower body mass indexes (BMIs) among toddlers when they were three years old. The program taught first-time moms how to respond appropriately to their babies' needs, leading to healthier weight development and reduced rates of overweight and obesity.
A three-year obesity prevention trial found that young children in poor communities made some achievable behavioral changes but still struggled with obesity. The intervention included nutrition and recreation center use, but results diminished over time.
A new study from Louisiana State University found that video games, combined with fitness coaching and a step tracker, helped overweight children reduce their body mass index, cholesterol levels, and increase physical activity. Children who played video games also showed increased self-efficacy towards physical activity.
A study found that children who have a stronger brain response to food rewards are more likely to overeat, even when not hungry. The research suggests a way to identify brain responses that can predict obesity development and may help prevent overeating at an earlier age.
A study of US children suggests that high levels of toddler self-regulation are associated with lower obesity rates in boys but higher rates in girls. The findings may indicate different strategies for preventing childhood obesity based on sex.
A new study from Ohio State University found that girls' ability to regulate their behavior is associated with a higher risk of obesity, while boys' high self-regulation reduces the risk. The study suggests that interventions aimed at improving self-regulation may not be effective for all genders.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that mothers' adherence to healthy lifestyle practices can significantly lower the risk of childhood obesity. The study, which examined data from over 24,000 children and their mothers, found that following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy wei...
A study published in The BMJ found that children of mothers who follow a healthy lifestyle have a substantially lower risk of developing obesity. The research suggests that if both mothers and their children stick to a healthy lifestyle, this could result in an even further reduction in the risk of childhood obesity.
A research team at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center has been approved for a five-year, $4.5 million funding award to evaluate two treatments for children with obesity. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of counseling by primary care providers versus a combination of provider and family-based treatment.
Two studies found significant differences in obesity rates among children, teens, and adults based on demographic factors and geographic location. Rural areas showed higher rates of severe and moderate obesity compared to urban areas.
Childhood obesity rates continue to rise due to complex dietary and lifestyle patterns. Research presented at Nutrition 2018 found that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with higher BMI throughout childhood, while promoting healthy drinking habits and eating breakfast can help kids meet dietary recommendations.
A recent study published in Acta Paediatrica reveals that Greenlandic children are growing taller than ever before, with average heights now comparable to those of Danish children. This shift is attributed to a combination of genetic factors and improved maternal health, particularly among mothers who are obese.
A comprehensive review of scientific evidence over 27 years concludes that cow's milk and dairy products do not promote childhood obesity. The study analyzed data from 95 trials involving 203,269 individuals and found no association between milk and dairy consumption and body fatness in children.
Researchers found that obese children who consume at least two servings of cow's milk daily have better blood sugar control and lower fasting insulin levels. In contrast, those consuming less than recommended amounts had higher insulin levels, indicating increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
New research finds that obese children who drink at least two cups of low-fat milk daily have lower fasting insulin levels and better blood sugar control. The study's authors recommend encouraging children with obesity to consume the recommended amount of milk to protect against metabolic syndrome.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.