Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
A brain reward gene variant has been linked to childhood obesity and tasty food choices, especially in girls, according to a new study. The genetic predisposition combines with environmental stress and emotional well-being to drive consumption of foods that promote obesity.
A University of Cincinnati study found that web-based programs for mothers can improve children's fruit and vegetable intake and reduce screen time. The program, called EMPOWER, also increased physical activity and reduced sugary beverage consumption among participating families.
The Strategies to Overcome and Prevent Obesity Alliance offers guidance for nonprofit hospitals to implement obesity programs addressing the needs of adults. Effective partnerships and multi-level strategies are crucial in combating this complex issue.
The special issue emphasizes a developmental viewpoint on the crucial problem of childhood obesity, highlighting newly identified factors affecting the risk of obesity in children and teens. Interventions such as spending time with peers, tailored motivational interviewing, and promoting healthy behaviors are also explored.
Researchers found that young people who are overweight are twice as likely to have hypertension; moderately obese youths have four times higher risk. The study suggests pediatricians need to be particularly vigilant about screening overweight and obese children for hypertension.
A study of 41,133 mothers and children in Arkansas found that high pregnancy weight gain increases the risk of obesity in children through age 12. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to the obesity epidemic, with children whose mothers gained 40 lbs or more having an 8% increased risk of obesity.
A study of 41,133 mothers and children in Arkansas found that high pregnancy weight gain increases the risk of obesity in children through age 12. Researchers suggest that limiting pregnancy weight gain could help prevent childhood obesity.
A study tracking 1,117 healthy adolescents found that obese children quadruple their risk of developing high blood pressure in adulthood. Overweight children double their risk. Healthy diet and exercise may help reduce this risk.
A new study by Oxford University found that while obesity increases the risk of complications in childbirth, the risks are not the same for all obese women. Healthy first-time mothers of normal weight face a higher risk of medical interventions and complications than 'very obese' but otherwise healthy women having their second or subse...
A new study found that a home-based program improved household routines, slowing weight gain in young children. The 'Healthy Habits, Happy Homes' program encouraged families to have regular meals together, ensure adequate sleep, and limit screen time.
A study published by JAMA Pediatrics found that improving household routines associated with obesity can increase sleep duration and reduce TV viewing among low-income, minority children. The intervention also resulted in a decrease in body mass index (BMI) over six months.
African-American children and teens who adapt to mainstream culture while maintaining their own identity can reduce stress and stress eating, lowering type 2 diabetes risk. Higher socioeconomic status does not necessarily protect against diabetes risk for Latino adolescents.
A study by the University of Edinburgh and Aberdeen found that children born to obese mothers are one-third more likely to die before age 55. Hospital admissions for heart problems were almost a third greater among these children.
According to the study, women with a history of childhood physical abuse have a 47% higher odds of obesity compared to those from non-abusive homes. Even after adjusting for other factors, women from physically abusive families still had a 35% higher odds of obesity.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that exclusive breastfeeding from 6 to 7 months of age is linked to a decreased risk of overweight and obesity in school-aged children in Japan. The study analyzed data from over 43,000 children born after 37 weeks of gestation.
A study published in Pediatrics found that school lunch and TV time are linked to childhood obesity, with girls who drank milk daily less likely to be obese and boys who played sports at a healthier weight. The research suggests that improving school lunches and decreasing screen time can help reduce the risk of obesity in children.
A new study published in Childhood Obesity journal reveals that child obesity interventions can have beneficial effects on cardiovascular fitness and physical activity, regardless of BMI change. The research suggests a more comprehensive approach to evaluating the success of these interventions is needed.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that growth-restricted mice became obese due to reduced physical activity, not increased appetite. This discovery has implications for the worldwide obesity epidemic affecting millions of low birth weight babies.
A new model developed by researchers at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases predicts that some children can 'outgrow' obesity during periods of rapid growth, especially boys. However, girls tend to retain more body fat during this period, making it harder for them to overcome obesity.
A new mathematical model developed by the NIH predicts how weight and body fat in children respond to adjustments in diet and physical activity. The results suggest that obese children may require more calories per pound of extra weight than adults, and may have therapeutic windows for weight management.
New research suggests that a father's obesity can lead to obesity and diabetes-like symptoms in his children and grandchildren. The study found molecular signals in the sperm of obese fathers can program embryos for obesity or metabolic disease later in life.
Research in mice suggests that obese fathers' changes to microRNAs increase the risk of daughters being overweight/obese and both sons and daughters developing diabetes-like diseases. Fathers' diet and body composition at conception may affect future child's health.
A large study found similar genetic variations in overweight newborns and obese adults, suggesting a common genetic background. This discovery may lead to earlier identification of high-risk newborns and interventions to prevent obesity later in life.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health conclude that community-based approaches are crucial in preventing childhood obesity. The study found that comprehensive interventions incorporating schools and focusing on both diet and physical activity are more effective in preventing obesity in children.
A recent clinical trial has found that impaired heart function among obese children and adolescents is associated with an increased risk of future heart disease. The study suggests that obese youth who exhibit insulin resistance and lower adiponectin levels are at higher risk for long-term heart disease.
The number of children admitted to hospital for obesity-related conditions quadrupled between 2000 and 2009, primarily due to complications such as asthma and pregnancy. Teenage girls were disproportionately affected, with a significant rise in bariatric surgery procedures.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that high levels of BPA in urine were associated with a double risk of obesity in girls between 9 and 12 years old. The study suggests that BPA could be a potential environmental obesogen, contributing to the worldwide obesity epidemic.
Obese mothers may program their children to develop metabolic problems, but a healthy diet can mitigate this risk. The study found that offspring of obese mothers were more likely to be heavier and develop type 2 diabetes, but a low-fat diet could protect them from overt metabolic disease.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that moderately obese mothers can pass health risks to their grandchildren, while sparing their own children. The research, conducted on mice, could inform health policy on obesity.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that early life risk factors, such as rapid infant weight gain and early introduction of solid foods, contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in childhood obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among black and Hispanic children is significantly higher than among white children.
A study found that early-life risk factors, such as rapid infant weight gain and non-exclusive breastfeeding, account for the disparity in childhood obesity rates among black and Hispanic children compared to white children. The researchers suggest designing interventions during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood could help elimin...
A new study from Brigham Young University suggests that infant feeding practices are a significant factor in childhood obesity. Babies predominantly fed formula were 2.5 times more likely to become obese toddlers than breastfed infants.
Research from Rice University found that children living in traditional two-parent married households have a lower obesity rate (17 percent) compared to those living with cohabitating parents or other non-traditional family structures. This study highlights the impact of family structure on childhood obesity, suggesting that marriage a...
A new study by King's College London found that children who suffered maltreatment are 36% more likely to be obese in adulthood. The authors estimated that preventing or effectively treating child maltreatment could avoid up to 1 case of adult obesity.
A new study from Cornell University found that increasing gym class time reduces youth obesity probability by 4.8 percentage points. The study suggests PE is more beneficial for boys than girls, who may substitute increased PE with TV watching.
A study found that obese children have a unique breath pattern linked to potential complications like diabetes and fatty liver disease. Another study identified high-powered magnets as a common cause of severe digestive damage in children, requiring surgical interventions.
A study found that high school obesity rates are associated with increased childbearing risk in obese females, which may be due to reduced stigma and more partnership opportunities. The researchers suggest that health officials should consider the impact of obesity prevalence on pregnancy risks in schools.
A new study reveals that preschool children living in 'walkable' neighborhoods are less likely to be obese. The research highlights the importance of urban planning and neighborhood design in preventing childhood obesity.
The symposium aims to address family dynamics and nutrition policies to prevent childhood obesity. Research focuses on mealtime behavior, parenting strategies, and the impact of changes to the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on low-income minority families.
Researchers have identified four genes newly associated with severe childhood obesity and found an increased burden of rare structural variations in severely obese children. These variations can delete sections of DNA that help maintain protein receptors involved in weight regulation, promising new drug targets against obesity.
Akilah Dulin Keita, a Brown University Assistant Professor, has received a 24-month grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to examine risk and protective factors for childhood obesity among Southeast Asians. The grant will support her research through the New Connections program, which aims to increase diversity in health research.
A study of 14,426 European children found that parents with lower education levels fed their kids more processed products and sugary drinks. In contrast, better-educated parents offered a wider variety of healthy foods, including vegetables, fruit, and whole grains.
A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that genetics account for 30% of individual differences in childhood body weight. The research used Genome-wide Complex Trait Analysis to identify genetic variants associated with childhood obesity, providing insights into the 'missing heritability' problem.
Researchers found that vitamin D supplements can help control blood-sugar levels in obese youths, potentially staving off Type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed a significant decrease in insulin levels despite no changes in body weight or activity.
Researchers are calling on the federal government to ban food and beverage ads that target children, citing a rising obesity epidemic. The proposed ban would restrict marketing to approved public health campaigns promoting healthy eating.
A structured weight management program improved weight loss outcomes for overweight and obese children in low-income households. The study found that 53% of participants met or exceeded the Expert Committee Recommendations Regarding the Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity.
A randomized controlled trial of over 14,000 infants found that improved breastfeeding duration and exclusivity had no impact on childhood obesity at age 11.5 years. The study suggests that socially patterned factors may explain observed associations between breastfeeding and growth.
A new study confirms that children of mothers with obesity are four times more likely to experience frequent wheezing during the first 14 months of life. This finding suggests a potential intergenerational link between maternal obesity and asthma, highlighting the importance of weight management before pregnancy.
A new study highlights the lack of availability and accessibility of water in child care centers, which can hinder the development of health habits. The researchers emphasize the need for policy change and support to help centers meet existing water policies and promote healthy beverage practices.
A collection of studies from Salud America! presents promising approaches to prevent Latino childhood obesity, including guided grocery store trips, community gardens, and video-game-based exercise programs. These culturally appropriate strategies aim to address the root causes of obesity among Latino children and families.
Children who overreact to stressors may be at risk of becoming overweight or obese, according to Penn State researchers. The study found that kids with poor cortisol recovery after a stress test consumed more calories even when hungry, increasing their BMI and obesity risk.
Researchers found that high-dose, school-based interventions increased active minutes during PE classes, after-school programs, and walking to school. Community initiatives also led to improvements in school cafeteria lunch menus offering fresh produce.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that obesity may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in children and teenage girls. The research, which analyzed data from over 913,000 children, found a significant association between obesity and MS in girls, but not in boys.
A new study found that low-income children's participation in regular high-quality family mealtimes made a difference in their weight status. Researchers observed 200 family mealtimes and noted the importance of shared meals, mealtime behaviors, and socioeconomic factors on childhood obesity.
A new UCLA study reveals that obese youngsters are at far greater risk of having three or more reported medical, mental, or developmental conditions compared to their non-overweight peers. The researchers found a nearly twice the risk of obesity, as well as a higher likelihood of poorer health, disability, and emotional problems.
A study published in Obesity found that New York State WIC's new food package and healthy lifestyle promotion led to a 6% decline in obesity among 1-year-olds and a 3% decline among 2-4 year-olds. The program increased consumption of low-fat milk, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing screen time.
National trends in extreme obesity among young children living in low-income families have shown a decline in recent years. Obesity rates among this age group decreased from 13.05% in 1998 to 14.94% in 2010, while extreme obesity rates also declined from 1.75% to 2.07% over the same period.
The study found that inpatient bariatric procedures among adolescents plateaued at around 1,000 procedures annually from 2003 onwards. The preferred type of operation changed to minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, replacing open procedures.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that bedroom TV viewing is associated with increased waist circumference and obesity risk in children. The research suggests that having a TV in the bedroom may disrupt healthy habits, such as sleep and regular family meals, contributing to weight gain and obesity.
Researchers found metformin improves body mass index (BMI) and fasting glucose levels in obese children at risk for type 2 diabetes. The study's results suggest a potential treatment option for preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes in childhood, offering hope for reducing long-term health risks.