Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that obesity intervention programs lowered children's blood pressure, with healthy eating and physical activity promoting the most effective results. The study suggests that early intervention can help prevent long-term health consequences.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can predict if a child will become obese based on epigenetic switches in the PGC1a gene. The study found that a rise in DNA methylation levels at age 5 was associated with up to 12% more body fat at age 14, regardless of physical activity or puberty timing.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can predict obesity levels in children based on epigenetic switches in the PGC1a gene. The test, conducted on 40 children aged 5, showed a 10% rise in DNA methylation levels was associated with up to 12% more body fat at 14 years.
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput, an Ottawa researcher, has won the International Journal of Obesity (IJO) New Faculty Award for Population Science and Public Health Research. He was recognized for his exceptional research in population health based on innovation and quality of science.
A new study by University College London researchers found that 16-month-old children sleeping less than 10 hours a day consumed an average of 105kcal more per day than those sleeping over 13 hours, contributing to weight gain in early childhood.
A study of 181 children with obesity aged eight to 17 years old found that up to a third could be classified as 'metabolically healthy,' meaning they're not at risk of developing insulin resistance or other obesity-related diseases. Lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity and diet played a crucial role in their health status.
Researchers found that children of authoritarian parents had a higher chance of being obese, with kids aged 2-5 having a 30% higher risk and those aged 6-11 having a 37% higher risk. A balanced parenting style, characterized by affection and limits, was associated with lower obesity rates.
Obese children are more likely to suffer from distal radius fractures and experience complications related to healing. Surgical pinning at the onset of fracture may ensure faster and more effective healing for these patients.
A new study by Universities of Strathclyde, Dundee, Georgia and Bristol found that obese teenage girls perform worse academically than their healthy-weight peers. The research examined data from over 6000 children and found a significant association between obesity and lower academic attainment in core subjects.
A new study found that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to become obese and sedentary teenagers. The research followed almost 7000 children in Finland and found those with ADHD symptoms at age eight had significantly higher odds of being obese at age 16.
Research suggests that having a bedroom television is associated with weight gain in children due to disrupted sleep patterns. On the other hand, a weight-management program combining active gaming resulted in increased physical activity and greater weight loss among overweight and obese children.
According to a national survey study, the US obesity prevalence has remained high, affecting approximately one-third of adults and 17% of children. The prevalence of obesity among youth and adults showed no significant change from 2003-2004 through 2011-2012.
Researchers found that a single session of attention modification training decreased overeating in obese children by training their brains to ignore food cues. The study used implicit training methods to distract the children's attention away from food words.
New research found that older children are more likely to be overweight when living in close proximity to a high density of unhealthy eating outlets. The study, which analyzed data from over 1 million children, suggests that planning policies can help tackle childhood obesity by reducing the availability of unhealthy food options.
A recent study published in Gerontology highlights the long-term effects of childhood obesity on late-life health, finding that obese children may be more predisposed to complications independent of adult obesity. Early exposure to obesity can alter metabolism during a critical developmental time frame, leading to increased risk of met...
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese children are at a higher risk of developing complex elbow fractures and experiencing postoperative complications. The study, which included over 350 patients aged 2-11, highlights the importance of early exercise and bone strengthening to prevent such issues.
A recent study found that exposure to Manga comics promoting fruit intake significantly improved healthy snack selection among minority students. The intervention resulted in a 26% increase in children choosing healthy snacks compared to those without the comic exposure.
A meta-analysis study found that more than half of parents underestimate the weight of their overweight or obese child, regardless of age or obesity rates in their area. Parents' perceptions about their children's weight become more accurate with age.
A study by the University of Illinois found that parents with an insecure attachment style are more likely to respond to their child's distress by becoming distressed themselves or dismissing their emotions. This can lead to unhealthy eating habits, including comfort feeding, fewer family mealtimes, and excessive TV viewing. The resear...
A recent study by Emory researchers found that kindergarten weight is a strong indicator of childhood obesity. Overweight kindergartners were four times more likely to become obese by the 8th grade, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that including waist circumference measurements in clinical practice can help identify children and adolescents at higher risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In Spanish children aged 6-17, 21.3% have abdominal obesity, with traditional screening methods missing 70% of cases.
A study published in Cell reveals that obesity in mothers can predispose their children to lifelong obesity and metabolic disorders due to abnormal neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus. Mothers who consume a large amount of fat during the third trimester may be putting their children at risk for these conditions.
A new study published in Cell found that mice offspring of mothers consuming a high-fat diet during lactation had abnormal neuronal circuits and altered insulin signaling, leading to lifelong obesity. The study suggests that proper nutrition during critical developmental periods can impact long-term metabolic health.
Research at Columbia University Medical Center found obese children are nearly three times as likely to develop asthma when exposed to high levels of air pollutants. Rates of childhood obesity and asthma have increased dramatically over the past 30 years, with urban minority populations disproportionately affected.
A systematic review of literature found narrow dietary interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in overweight children are unlikely to achieve long-term change. Broad public health strategies targeting nutritional education, parental support, and physical activity are necessary to tackle childhood obesity.
A study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that children's fast food consumption is only a small part of a larger problem: poor dietary habits fostered at home. The study highlights the importance of addressing these underlying habits to reduce childhood obesity.
A University of Illinois study found that inadequate sleep, parental BMI, and restrictive eating practices are the most significant risk factors for child obesity in preschoolers. The research suggests that addressing these risk factors can lead to a reduction in children's weight status.
A new study found that obese children have higher stress hormone levels than normal-weight peers, with elevated cortisol concentrations detected in hair samples from age 8. The observational case-control study analyzed hair samples from 20 obese and 20 normal weight children to measure long-term cortisol levels.
A recent study found that metformin can lead to a modest reduction in body mass index (BMI) in obese children when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. However, the benefits were relatively small and did not meet the desired threshold for long-term health benefits.
Research analyzed top-grossing children's movies from 2006-2010, finding 70% included weight-related stigmatizing content. The study also reveals that 26% of movie segments showed exaggerated portion sizes and 51% depicted unhealthy snacks.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.