Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
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...
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study published by The Endocrine Society reveals that heavier female babies are more likely to develop diabetes and related metabolic risks when they grow up compared to their male counterparts. The study found a significant association between birth weight and body fat distribution in early childhood with future metabolic ris...
Research suggests that interventions targeting obesity in adolescents should be tailored to gender differences, with exercise and sports benefiting boys and drinking milk predicting healthier weight in girls. Regular physical activity and improved school lunches are also key predictors of obesity.
Research finds Patatin-like phospholipase domain containing protein-3 (PNPLA3) and glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) genetic variants contribute to fatty liver disease in obese children, explaining up to 39% of hepatic fat content.
A Purdue University study found that obese white teenage girls who lose weight still struggle with negative body perceptions and low self-esteem. The study suggests that addressing body image, identity, and self-esteem issues is crucial to maintaining weight loss.
Food-insecure mothers face increased weight gain due to skipping meals and eating cheaper, less nutritious foods to ensure their children are fed. This behavior is linked to metabolic responses that retain fat, exacerbating obesity risks.
A parent's weight change is the most important predictor of a child's weight loss in family-based treatment of childhood obesity. Parents can help their obese child lose weight by losing weight themselves and making changes to their home food environment.
A new study of three diets with obese children shows that all diets are effective in managing weight. The reduced glycemic load diet may be the most promising approach for pediatric weight management.
A new UC Davis study finds that the increase in childhood obesity among California school children has slowed from 2003 to 2008. The study suggests that expanded fitness testing and outreach efforts are needed to address the persistent obesity trend among younger children.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 681,000 children found that obesity is associated with asthma, but the link varies by race and ethnicity. Hispanic youth had the strongest association between body mass index and asthma, while African Americans had a weaker connection.
A national evidence-based paradigm for faith-based advocacy to prevent childhood obesity has been developed. The link between advocacy and policy is crucial in promoting healthy lifestyles and routine physical activity among children. The article highlights the importance of faith-based organizations in this campaign.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that computer-assisted decision tools in electronic health records substantially improve the identification and diagnosis of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased sharply, with at least 18 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds now considered obese.
A new parent-training program has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of low-income, preschool-age Latino children being overweight. The study found a 9% reduction in overweight and obese children after one year, compared to a 16% increase in the control group.
Research explores effective approaches to using gaming and interactive media for health promotion messages in children, including environment support, after-school programs, nutrition standards, and parent training. The Let's Move! initiative aims to address the social and environmental conditions influencing childhood obesity.
Dr. Melinda Sothern, a national authority on childhood obesity, emphasizes the importance of recess, free outdoor play, and healthy nutrition in preventing obesity. She suggests elevating the Let's Move! campaign into a policy to promote physical fitness and reduce barriers to prevention.
A 6-month program involving weekly peer meetings, consultations with primary care providers, and family meals resulted in less weight gain, improved body image, and healthier habits among teenage girls. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, showed modest but significant weight changes compared to usual care.
Researchers found that short therapy with Pioglitazone can prevent the long-term effects of maternal obesity on offspring. The study shows a potential role for drugs activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in preventing metabolic syndrome in adult offspring of obese mothers.
The Texas Obesity Research Center (TORC) has developed a research group to examine three childhood obesity programs, including MEND and CATCH. TORC is also partnering with the community to improve health and end obesity through community-based participatory research methods.
Research from the Colorado School of Public Health shows that breastfeeding can lower body mass index for children of diabetic pregnancies, reducing their risk of childhood obesity. Children who were breast-fed had a slower BMI growth as they grew older compared to those who nursed less than six months.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found that obese children are 74 percent more likely to sustain a fracture of the growth plate. The study looked at 224 children and found that those with a higher BMI were more likely to experience low-energy impact injuries.
A new study found that children who received family intervention during early childhood had significantly lower rates of obesity compared to those in the control group. The intervention, ParentCorps, helped parents develop more effective discipline strategies and increase positive interactions with their children.
Experts weigh the benefits and drawbacks of routine BMI screening in schools, considering data sharing with parents. The discussion aims to empower individuals, families, and educators to address childhood obesity through compassionate and constructive strategies.
Researchers at The Mount Sinai Hospital found an association between phthalate exposure and increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in young children. Greater than 97% of study participants had been exposed to phthalates, which are man-made chemicals that mimic the body's natural hormones.
According to the study published in JAMA Network, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among US adults remains at 35.7%, while children and teens show a higher prevalence of obesity, with significant increases in certain demographics, particularly among non-Hispanic black men and Mexican American women.
A recent study published by the American Sociological Association found that junk food sales in schools did not lead to an increase in weight gain among children between fifth and eighth grades. Despite a significant increase in junk food availability, obesity rates actually decreased during this period.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that a child's emotional relationship with their mother during toddler years may affect their risk of becoming obese as a teenager. The study found that children with poorer-quality early maternal-child relationships were more likely to be obese at age 15.
A recent study found that low vitamin D levels are significantly more prevalent in obese children and associated with risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Poor dietary habits such as skipping breakfast and increased soda and juice intake were also linked to lower vitamin D levels.
A new UK website aims to raise awareness about childhood obesity prevention and gather parents' opinions on identifying at-risk babies. Research found that healthcare professionals, particularly GPs, need more training on early signs of obesity and providing advice on feeding habits.
A new review of research into childhood obesity and metabolic disease in adulthood suggests that treating obesity during childhood can remove the risk of lasting harm. However, the study also found that being overweight or obese as a child may actually increase the risk of health problems later in life.
A new study found that low-income women with children who move from high-poverty to lower-poverty neighborhoods experience notable improvements in their health, including reductions in diabetes and extreme obesity. The study suggests that environments in low-income neighborhoods can contribute to poor health.
Obese family members who undergo bariatric surgery experience significant weight loss and improvements in healthy behaviors, including reduced uncontrolled eating and increased physical activity. Children of patients also benefit from adopting healthier habits after their parent's surgery.