Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A study published in Childhood Obesity found that peer mentoring programs, such as HealthCorps, can significantly improve teen diet and physical activity. The program reduced soda consumption by 25.7% among girls and increased physical activity by 45% among participants.
A study of over 1,100 healthy Indiana school children found that being overweight or obese nearly triples the risk of developing high blood pressure. Leptin, a protein hormone involved in body weight regulation, is also positively associated with increased blood pressure in these children.
A new study at the American Dietetic Association Conference shows that moving fruit into a colorful bowl increases fruit sales by 104% in schools. The Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs is working with the White House and food industry leaders to promote healthier school lunches.
A recent U-M study highlights the need for a shared emphasis on both obesity prevention and treatment strategies to achieve the White House's goal of eliminating childhood obesity. The study concludes that prevention programs alone cannot effectively address the epidemic affecting minority children, who are disproportionately affected.
Researchers found that stage 3 comprehensive, multidisciplinary intervention programs can lead to successful outcomes and cost savings. The investment in services is recovered in 6.5 years for privately insured patients and 3.5 years for Medicaid-insured patients.
A comprehensive review of research literature highlights the need for child-care facilities to support healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. The study suggests that significant improvements in these behaviors depend on combined strength of interventions and supportive policy changes.
The global obesity epidemic has grown over four decades, with high-income countries experiencing a rise in the 1970s and 80s. Low-income and middle-income countries are now also affected, particularly women from wealthy urban environments. The authors argue that policy-led solutions, such as government regulations and healthy public se...
A recent study by LSUHSC research team identified significant differences in metabolic markers between healthy and obese 7-to-9-year-old children. The findings suggest that obesity in this age group may disrupt normal metabolism, impairing glucose tolerance and increasing the risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.
A new paper calls for coordinated global effort to monitor and prevent childhood obesity, citing taxes on sugary drinks and marketing restrictions as effective cost-saving strategies. International organizations must work with governments and private sector to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity among children.
A nationwide study found that middle school students experienced similar reductions in BMI regardless of whether they received a public health intervention or not. The results suggest that increased awareness and policy changes may be starting to change the trend of rising childhood obesity.
A University of Cincinnati research project created comic books with healthy messages to curb childhood obesity in third, fourth, and fifth-grade students. The project showed significant increases in healthy behaviors like fruit consumption and physical activity, as well as increased confidence in selecting health-related behaviors.
A study by UC San Diego researchers found that convenience-driven choices account for 36-51% of a child's daily caloric needs, with meals providing over 50% of recommended sodium intake. The study highlights the need to educate families on making healthier decisions when dining at fast-food restaurants.
A study found that only 47% of parents consulted their GPs about their child's weight, and even fewer were referred to weight-management services. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals and families to work together to address childhood obesity.
A study of extremely low-birth-weight children found no increase in chronic health conditions and asthma between ages 8 and 14. However, obesity rates among these children increased during this period.
A study of extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) children found that chronic health conditions and asthma rates remained stable between ages 8-14. However, the obesity rate increased among ELBW children, mirroring the current obesity epidemic.
Research by Craig Gundersen, a University of Illinois economist, finds that strengthening the social safety net can lead to a decrease in childhood obesity. The study suggests that programs like SNAP play a vital role in reducing psychosocial stressors for low-income families.
A recent study of nine-year-old children in Ireland found that overweight youngsters are significantly more prone to being bullied than their slimmer peers. The research also revealed a stark correlation between childhood obesity and an increased risk of chronic illnesses.
Childhood obesity is a growing threat to child and adult health, according to former US Surgeon General David Satcher. Dr. Satcher proposes five target areas for investment to improve the health of children and adults, and identifies key factors contributing to childhood obesity.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that news sources shape perceptions of childhood obesity solutions. Television news focuses on individual behavior change, while newspapers emphasize system-level changes like food industry practices and school policies.
A new Texas AgriLife Research study reveals that fathers' role in childhood obesity is more significant than previously thought. Lenient dads are more likely to allow their kids frequent fast-food restaurant visits, which have been linked to obesity. Fathers need education on nutritional content and taking a responsible parenting role.
A new study found that overweight girls who consumed sugar-free, low-fat desserts several times a week lost more weight and had better blood pressure control compared to those who ate dessert once a week. The low-glycemic index desserts also improved appetite-suppressing hormone levels and insulin resistance markers.
The study examines various factors that contribute to childhood obesity, such as genetic predisposition, breastfeeding, TV watching, neighborhood environment, and cultural influences. The researchers have collected data from approximately 400 families and are beginning a third wave of data collection.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 711,000 children found that obese kids are almost 40% more likely to have psoriasis than normal-weight peers. Teens with psoriasis also had higher cholesterol levels, regardless of weight status.
A new study suggests that limiting prolonged bottle use in children may help prevent obesity. Children who continued to use bottles beyond 24 months were 30% more likely to be obese by age 5.5, even after accounting for other factors.
Penn State's Childhood Obesity Prevention Graduate Training Program aims to reduce child obesity rates through comprehensive training in ingestive behavior, nutrition education, and research methods. The five-year grant will support nine graduate students and provide on-the-job training in four career areas.
The University of Illinois has established an innovative research-based program, the Illinois Transdisciplinary Obesity Prevention Program (I-TOPP), to tackle child obesity prevention. I-TOPP combines a Ph.D. and master's in public health degree to develop novel hypotheses and approaches.
Overweight children and young adults are on the rise in Canada, with more than 60% of adults being overweight or obese. Legislative approaches, such as taxing junk food and improving nutritional labeling, are proposed to combat obesity.
A $4.8 million federal grant will help UC Davis discover ways to maintain healthy weights among Mexican-heritage children in California. The 'Ninos Sanos, Familia Sana' study aims to provide practical tools and education for families to adopt healthy eating habits.
The project, 'Texas Grow! Eat! Go!', aims to test the impact of several Extension programs on behaviors related to childhood obesity. AgriLife Extension's Junior Master Gardener program will be a key factor in engaging children and their families in healthy food choices.
A three-year study found no link between severe obesity and depressive symptoms among adolescents, but did identify a possible greater vulnerability among white teens. The study suggests that clinicians should be vigilant about assessing for depression in this group, regardless of weight status.
Toddlers with insecure attachment patterns have a 30% higher odds for obesity by age 4 ½, according to new research. Securely attached children are more likely to explore their environments freely and adapt to new people, reducing the risk of obesity.
A mother's nutrition during pregnancy can alter her child's DNA, leading to a higher risk of obesity later in life. The study found that epigenetic changes caused by the mother's diet at birth strongly predicted the degree of obesity at age six or nine.
Overweight parents are more likely to view school-time physical activity as inadequate due to academic and budget pressures. Parents overwhelmingly support the importance of daily physical activity for children's health and development.
The NIH Strategic Plan for Obesity Research aims to curb the growing obesity epidemic by investigating key processes, understanding contributing factors, and designing new approaches for achieving a healthy weight. The plan also emphasizes education and outreach to move proven strategies into community programs and medical practice.
A study found that obese mothers and their pre-adolescent children significantly underestimated their actual body weights. This underestimation poses a significant risk for the development of heart disease and diabetes.
Researchers found obese teens had higher C-reactive protein levels, insulin resistance, and homocysteine levels, indicating chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Poor dietary quality, low in fresh produce and dairy products, was common among both groups.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that feeding rats antioxidants during pregnancy prevented obesity and glucose intolerance in their offspring. The study suggests that preventing oxidative stress during pregnancy may lower the risk of childhood obesity.
A five-year grant will fund research on simple yet authoritative strategies to promote healthy food choices and portion sizes among low-income pre-schoolers. The study aims to reduce the risk of childhood obesity by providing mothers with straightforward feeding guidance.