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Parents' physical activity associated with preschooler activity in underserved populations

Researchers found that increasing parental physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior correlates with increased physical activity behaviors in children. The study used movement monitors to objectively measure physical activity and found a significant association between parent and child behavior.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

Kids' restaurant menu items often include excess calories

A new study found that most kids' menu items at top restaurants exceed the recommended calorie count, with fried potatoes being the most excessive. Experts recommend adjusting portion sizes and menus to meet children's needs, providing an opportunity for restaurants to promote healthier options and reduce childhood obesity.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalNutrition Today·DateDec 5, 2016

Look-alike smart snacks: Are they benefiting student nutrition or brand marketing?

Researchers found that students and parents wrongly believed look-alike Smart Snacks were available in stores. This confusion may lead people to think the same brands meet similar nutritional standards. The study highlights the importance of distinguishing between packaged versions sold in schools and those in stores.

Indigenous group add to evidence tying cesarean birth to obesity

A Purdue University study of an indigenous group of Maya people reinforces the link between Cesarean births and obesity. The study found that mothers who have high BMI and had a cesarean are going to have the fattest children in the village, with differences in child sizes suggesting birth method plays a role in development.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateOct 12, 2016

Brain receptor identified as link between obese mothers and children's high blood pressure

A study by King's College London has discovered a link between maternal obesity during pregnancy and increased blood pressure in children, with the 'fullness' hormone leptin playing a key role. Mice exposed to high levels of leptin in the womb developed high blood pressure and kidney damage later in life.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2016

Study finds differences in obesity rates between children/teens with and without autism

A new study by Tufts University researchers found that children and teens with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to be obese and stay obese during adolescence. The study analyzed data from the National Survey of Children's Health and found a higher prevalence of obesity in children with ASD, which remained steady across age groups.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateOct 11, 2016

Gut bacteria differ between obese and lean youth

A new study has identified a connection between gut microbiota and fat distribution in children and teenagers, with obese youth having different microorganisms living in their digestive tracts. The research suggests that short-chain fatty acids produced by certain gut bacteria can contribute to the development of obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 3, 2016

Early preschool bedtimes cut risk of obesity later on

A new study from The Ohio State University College of Public Health found that preschoolers who are regularly tucked into bed by 8 p.m. are far less likely to become obese teenagers than young children who go to sleep later in the evening. Bedtimes after 9 p.m. appeared to double the likelihood of obesity later in life.

SourceMediaSource·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 14, 2016

Lack of paternal information on birth certificate may increase a child's obesity risk

A new study found that children born to unmarried mothers with no father listed on their birth certificate are more likely to experience weight-related issues. The research suggests that paternal involvement may play a crucial role in influencing childhood obesity outcomes, particularly in terms of feeding practices and prenatal care.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 13, 2016

Weight gain in children associated with low hormone levels

A Mayo Clinic-led study discovered that obese teenagers have lower levels of the hormone spexin, which may play a role in weight gain. The study suggests that spexin could be involved in childhood obesity and potentially used to treat or manage the condition.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 26, 2016

Low hormone levels linked to obesity in teens

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that obese teenagers have lower levels of the hormone spexin, which may contribute to weight gain and obesity. The study suggests that spexin may play a role in regulating body fat mass and energy balance.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 24, 2016

Mom's exposure to BPA during pregnancy may put her baby on course to obesity

A Columbia University study found a strong association between prenatal exposure to BPA and measures of body fat in children at age 7. The researchers, who analyzed data from over 369 mother-child pairs, also discovered that prenatal BPA exposure was positively associated with higher levels of adiposity in girls.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 17, 2016

Obesity on the rise in Indonesia

A recent study reveals that obesity is on the rise in Indonesia, exacerbated by a 'double burden of malnutrition' affecting children. Children stunted due to undernutrition are more likely to become overweight, posing serious health risks.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2016

Mothers' excess pregnancy weight gain, elevated blood sugar 'imprint' obesity in children

A Kaiser Permanente study of over 24,000 mothers and their children found that excess pregnancy weight gain and elevated blood sugar increase the risk of childhood obesity, even in normal-weight babies. Children whose mothers had gestational diabetes were at highest risk, with a 30% increased likelihood of being overweight or obese.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateMay 6, 2016

Obesity rates are not declining in US youth

The study found a significant increase in obesity rates from 1999 to 2014, with no decline in any age group, despite clinical and policy efforts targeting the issue. The data suggests that more than 4.5 million US children and adolescents have severe obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateMay 4, 2016