Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
Research reveals obese children exhibit greater brain activation in reward regions when exposed to food logos compared to healthy weight peers. Healthy weight children show increased self-control and brain activity associated with controlling cravings.
A study found that Asian-Indian American children have the lowest rate of overweight or obesity (15.6%), while Vietnamese-American children have the highest rate (34.7%). This contrasts with other ethnic groups, highlighting the variability in obesity risk among different Asian-American communities.
Researchers developed a simple formula to predict a child's likelihood of becoming obese in childhood based on their birth weight, parents' body mass index, household size, mother's professional status, and smoking during pregnancy. The formula proved accurate in predicting obesity risk in infants born in Finland and other countries.
A study of children with psoriasis found a strong association between the condition and excess adiposity, including waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. Children with psoriasis are more likely to be overweight or obese, increasing their risk for metabolic complications.
A large international study shows that children with psoriasis are twice as likely to be overweight or obese as healthy children, and US children with severe psoriasis have four times the odds. Lifestyle interventions, such as increasing exercise and decreasing caloric intake, are crucial to reducing the risk of metabolic diseases.
A recent study published in Journal of Pediatric Health Care found a strong correlation between childhood obesity and dental cavities among homeless children. Researchers analyzed data from 157 children aged 2-17 years old at an urban homeless shelter, revealing that as body mass index increased with age, so did cavity counts.
A new study by Rice University sociologists reveals that children living in poorer neighborhoods are nearly 30% more likely to be obese than those in more affluent areas. The research found that neighborhood poverty and lower education levels are associated with increased child obesity risk, while a higher proportion of foreign-born re...
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that high birth weight, rapid weight gain, and maternal smoking are significant risk factors for childhood obesity. Conversely, breastfeeding and delayed introduction to solid food may reduce the risk.
A new study by pediatric researchers found that parents with higher stress levels are more likely to have obese children who eat fast food frequently and engage in less physical activity. The study suggests that interventions targeting parental stress and teaching coping skills may help address childhood obesity.
Grade 5 students who used electronics after bedtime were more likely to be overweight or obese. More sleep led to significantly more physical activity and better diet choices.
A University at Buffalo study found that obese teenage males have up to 50% less total testosterone than their lean peers, increasing their potential for infertility as adults. The researchers believe that lifestyle changes and weight loss may help restore testosterone levels in obese teen males.
Professor Fredrik Bäckhed and his team will study intestinal flora in newborn children to discover new methods for treating childhood obesity. The researchers aim to determine whether intestinal bacteria from non-obese children can be used to develop new prevention strategies.
Obese children with lower extremity pain have worse physical function and poorer psychological health compared to their obese peers without pain. Physical fitness levels also show a decline in those reporting lower extremity pain, suggesting potential impact on exercise regimes.
A study found that over a third of refugee children showed signs of malnutrition and 15% of women experienced nutritional deficiencies during development. The population's diet is suboptimal for health due to excessive sugar consumption, starchy foods, and lack of fresh produce.
A study of Western Sahara refugees found that obesity affects more households than acute malnutrition, stunting, and underweight in children. The double burden of obesity and malnutrition is a significant issue in refugee populations, emphasizing the need for targeted food assistance programs.
A new study reveals racial differences in how body mass index affects blood pressure in children, with black children showing a greater impact. Black children's blood pressure was 8% higher than white children's, suggesting targeted prevention strategies may be necessary.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that obese children have blunted ability to identify all five tastes. This may lead them to eat larger quantities of food to register same taste sensation.
A study by NYU School of Medicine found a significant association between higher urinary BPA concentrations and obesity in children and adolescents. Exposure to BPA, a synthetic chemical banned from sippy cups and baby bottles, was linked to increased body mass in white children and adolescents.
A nationally representative sample of nearly 3,000 children and adolescents found those with higher urinary bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations were more likely to be obese. The study suggests BPA exposure may contribute to obesity in humans, particularly among white children and adolescents.
A new feasibility study by Temple University researchers found that a 6-month clinic-based community program helped 10% fewer children overcome obesity. The program, which included weight loss and management lessons for kids and their parents, was successfully implemented in the community.
A study of 12,700 children across eight European countries found that only children have a 50% higher risk of obesity compared to their peers. The research controlled for various factors, such as gender and parental weight, but still showed a strong correlation between singleton status and overweight.
A study by UNC pediatrics researchers found that younger overweight children consume more calories per day than their healthy weight peers, but older overweight children consume fewer calories. This surprising finding suggests that different strategies may be needed to help children in both age groups reach a healthy weight.
A new study reveals that metabolic syndrome is associated with impaired brain function in adolescents, including lower math and spelling scores, decreased attention span, and reduced brain structure. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing childhood obesity to prevent long-term cognitive and brain impairments.
A new Johns Hopkins study found that early diet after birth plays a significant role in determining lifetime obesity risk, rather than prenatal nutrition. Rats exposed to high-fat diets post-birth were more likely to become obese and develop metabolic disorders.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that obese children and adolescents are twice as likely to have gallstone disease compared to those with a normal body mass index. Hispanic youth are more likely to develop gallstones than youth of other races and ethnicities.
Researchers found that early exposure to antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome, leading to increased fat mass and percent body fat in mice. The study suggests a potential link between antibiotic use in childhood and later development of obesity. Further research is needed to confirm this theory.
A survey of carers and pharmacists found that they often incorrectly calculated paracetamol doses for overweight children. The recommended dose should be adjusted according to the child's actual body weight, but many responders got it wrong. To prevent adverse consequences, simple evidence-based dosing guidelines must be developed.
A special issue of Childhood Obesity journal explores ways schools can improve food culture, practices, and nutrition standards to combat the obesity epidemic. The issue features articles on salad bars, Farm to School programs, and school lunch nutritional quality.
Researchers created the Caloric Calculator to help policymakers and others assess the impact of health policy choices on childhood obesity. The tool shows that certain interventions, such as increasing physical activity or restricting screen time, can make a significant difference in reducing obesity rates.
A recent study reveals a gap between Americans' opinions on obesity and the Institute of Medicine's report recommendations. While most believe personal decisions contribute to obesity, only 18% attribute environmental factors, highlighting the need for a research-driven communication strategy.
Childhood obesity may be linked to disruptions in pubertal development and reproductive capacity, particularly in females. Research suggests that excess fat can affect the secretion of key hormones, including kisspeptin, and disrupt circadian clocks, leading to problems with fertility and overall health.
Medical researchers at the University of Alberta found that parents prefer terms like 'large' or 'gaining too much weight' when discussing their child's weight, rather than the term 'obese'. This suggests that using more neutral and descriptive language can reduce stigma and improve the physician-patient relationship.
Researchers are using inactive, fat rats to study childhood obesity and its complex relationship with diseases. Studies show that children who are inactive in childhood are more likely to continue this habit into adulthood and develop consequences such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that two out of three severely obese children under the age of 12 have at least one cardiovascular risk factor. High blood pressure, high levels of low-density 'bad' cholesterol, and impaired fasting glucose were prevalent among this group.
A University of Georgia study found that only six states mandate sufficient physical education for elementary school students, while middle and high schools fall short. The lack of clear guidelines and mandates has led to reduced programs and elimination in many schools.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that community racial and ethnic composition affects obesity rates, with Hispanic communities associated with a 21% higher obesity rate and non-Hispanic whites with a 23% higher rate. In contrast, communities with high concentrations of non-Hispanic Asians saw lower obesi...
A Kaiser Permanente study found that tailored school nutrition programs led to a 30% decrease in unhealthy foods and a 26% increase in healthy food options. The Healthy ONES model emphasizes stakeholder engagement and community-driven process interventions to address childhood obesity.
Children with higher phthalate levels have nearly five times the odds of being obese compared to those with lower levels, according to a new study. The research found that elevated DEHP levels correlated with body mass index and percentage of fat mass, increasing obesity risk independently of physical activity and daily calorie intake.
Research published in BMJ Open found that over half of inner city school-kids in deprived areas consume fast foods/drinks at least twice a week. The most common reasons for buying fast food were taste and ready access, while peer influence played a significant role among frequent consumers.
A recent poll by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll found that childhood obesity was ranked highest, followed by bullying, drug abuse, and child abuse and neglect. These four priorities were chosen by over half of US adults, regardless of political party affiliation or race/ethnicity.
A University of Missouri researcher found that childhood obesity is associated with poorer math performance in both boys and girls. Persistent obesity throughout elementary grades can harm children's social and emotional well-being and academic success.
A new study found that children's weight is associated with their math performance. Boys and girls who were persistently obese performed worse on math tests, and emotional well-being played a role in this association. The researchers also discovered that feeling lonelier or more anxious contributed to poorer math performance.
A 38-year study found that children with higher genetic risk scores had higher BMIs from age 3 to 38, and were more likely to be obese in adulthood. Rapid childhood growth was also linked to increased obesity risk, regardless of family history.
New strategies targeting pregnancy, infancy, and toddlers are needed to combat rising childhood obesity rates. A community-wide approach that addresses behavioral and environmental factors is proposed to tackle the epidemic.
A Kaiser Permanente study found a strong association between childhood obesity and the development of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, particularly in non-Hispanic white teenage girls. The condition can result in blindness if left untreated, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Research finds that caesarean section delivery may double the risk of subsequent childhood obesity, with higher levels of Firmicutes bacteria and lower Bacteroides bacteria in the guts of children born via c-section. This association is thought to influence energy extraction from diets, insulin resistance, inflammation, and fat deposits.
A new study found that weight loss significantly improved both sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and metabolic dysregulation in obese children. After a six-month weight loss program, mean BMI was reduced to 29.2 kg/m2, leading to improvements in ASAT, ALAT, HDL-cholesterol levels.
A systems approach to preventing childhood obesity is proposed, beginning in pregnancy and continuing through early life. The strategy combines behavior change interventions with environmental changes to support healthy parents, infants, and toddlers.
A study by OU researcher Paul Branscum found that high-calorie snacks are the most accessible choice for kids, with females consuming more than males. The study also revealed that African-American children consumed fewer high-calorie snacks compared to Hispanic, Caucasian, and Asian children.
A new study examined what influences children's snack choices and found that intentions, attitude, social connections and behavioral control play a significant role. The researchers discovered that girls and African-American children tend to make healthier snack choices, while Hispanic and Asian children consume more fruits and vegetab...
A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found limited use of family theories in pediatric obesity research, but suggests that increased use could lead to better treatments. The researchers propose a new approach that incorporates the entire family into treatment, rather than just focusing on individual patients.
A study published in CMAJ found that WHO growth curves are not more effective than CDC curves in detecting cardiometabolic abnormalities in children aged 9 years. The WHO curves use older data, but did not offer a significant advantage in identifying overweight and obesity.
Obese and overweight children are more disliked by their classmates than healthy-weight peers, study finds. This negative social environment can lead to decreased physical activity and emotional eating, making childhood obesity worse over time.
A study of preschoolers reveals parents of both healthy-weight and overweight children are aware of dietary risk factors but undervalue physical activity. The researchers emphasize the need for pediatricians to provide tailored guidance on how to apply this knowledge in daily practice.
A Columbia University study finds pregnant women exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are more likely to have obese children. Children of mothers with high PAH exposure were nearly twice as likely to be obese at age 5 and 7, with an average weight gain of 2.4 lbs.
A new study found that neighborhoods with walkable environments and access to healthy food have a significant impact on childhood obesity rates. Children living in these neighborhoods had 59% lower odds of being obese compared to those in less favorable areas.
To meet childhood obesity prevention goals by 2020, US youth must eliminate an average of 64 excess calories per day through decreasing calorie intake or increasing physical activity. This reduction is crucial to prevent more than 20% of young people from becoming obese, up from 16.9% today.
Studies use GIS-based research to determine how geographic location affects physical health, finding connections between walkability, access to healthy food, and obesity rates. The findings suggest that addressing environmental factors through policy changes could be an effective way to prevent childhood obesity.
Researchers have identified two new gene variants linked to an increased risk of common childhood obesity, highlighting a genetic predisposition to the condition. The study analyzed data from over 5,500 cases of childhood obesity and found novel loci associated with the disease.
A new study suggests that improving or maintaining physical fitness helps obese and overweight children reach a healthy weight. The research found that students who were initially underfit became fit, leading to a healthier weight, with benefits seen in both boys and girls.