Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
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 (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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The University of Michigan has received a $4.9 million grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop an obesity intervention program for Head Start preschoolers. The program aims to enhance children's ability to control emotions and behaviors, leading to healthier eating habits and reduced obesity rates.
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found that one in five children in Sweden is overweight, with urban areas experiencing lower rates of obesity compared to smaller towns and rural areas. The study also highlights the link between low levels of education and overweight children.
A new study published in Clinical Obesity reveals that bariatric surgery can result in significant weight loss in severely obese adolescents. The existing evidence suggests that bariatric surgery in older children results in significant weight loss and improvements in comorbidities and quality of life.
A new study found that calorie labeling had a minimal impact on the purchasing behavior of teenagers and their parents at fast-food restaurants. While teens noticed calorie information at the same rate as adults, they responded at a lower rate, with only 9% reporting it influenced their choices.
A University of Michigan study found that obese children tend to eat more school meals, watch more TV, and exercise less than their normal-weight peers. The researchers suggest increasing physical activity, reducing screen time, and improving school lunch nutrition can help reverse childhood obesity trends.
A US study analyzed 26 school-based nutrition interventions, revealing that classroom nutrition education and parental involvement were the most commonly used components. The study emphasizes the importance of synthesizing findings to inform research and program development for effective childhood obesity prevention.
A panel of experts identified key barriers to physician engagement in childhood obesity prevention and discussed strategies to overcome them, including the creation of 'community hubs' and incorporating nutrition education into medical student training. The panel emphasized the need for government reimbursement and financial resources ...
Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in adulthood, including hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance. Early intervention and prevention strategies are crucial to minimize this risk.
The seven-year project aims to reduce obesity and high blood pressure by increasing physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, and stress management in overweight and obese students. It will assess the effectiveness of three behavioral interventions within children's school and community environments.
A recent study found that overweight children in Norway consume more healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and fish, but also drink more juice and sugary soft drinks than their normal-weight counterparts. The research highlights the importance of balancing food choices with physical activity to manage weight gain.
A study found that obese children have stiff blood vessels similar to those of older adults with cardiovascular disease. The aortic stiffness is an early indicator of cardiovascular disease in obese children, suggesting accelerated aging.
The authors highlight the importance of mental health care providers in addressing eating and weight-related problems in young people. Family-based behavioral interventions are considered the first-line treatment for pediatric overweight, promoting small changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors.
A new study found that waist circumference is a better predictor of future cardiovascular disease and diabetes than body mass index (BMI) in children. Children with high waist circumferences were five to six times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome by early adulthood.
Researchers identified multiple genetic mutations associated with childhood obesity, including deletions and duplications of specific genes. The study reveals unique genetic profiles exclusive to two ethnicities, offering new insights into the complex biology underlying childhood obesity.
Researchers identified 17 copy number variations associated with childhood obesity, exclusive to obese children across two ethnicities. The study adds to the evidence that genes play a strong role in childhood obesity, highlighting potential genetic influences for prevention and treatment.
A GSU professor received a $225,000 USDA grant to explore the dynamics of childhood obesity from childhood to adolescence. The research aims to identify causal effects of prior weight gains on future weight outcomes and assess the impact of food assistance programs.
A cross-sectional study found that children exposed to a particular strain of adenovirus were significantly more likely to be obese. The researchers detected neutralizing antibodies specific to AD36 in 15% of the children, with those who tested positive weighing an average of 50 pounds more than their non-positive counterparts.
The childhood obesity epidemic among children and teenagers in the US is growing at an alarming rate, tripling over the past 30 years. Effective weight management requires a multidisciplinary approach drawing from medical evidence, best practices, and innovative initiatives.
The NIH is launching two major research efforts to combat childhood obesity, one focusing on long-term prevention and treatment approaches, the other evaluating community efforts to reduce rates. These studies aim to encourage healthy habits in children that can last a lifetime.
The premier issue of Childhood Obesity aims to provide physicians, nurses, and policymakers with actionable content on environmental and policy changes, patient education, and clinical advances in the field. The journal features an editorial by US Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin and a series of essays on addressing childhood obesity.
A study of over 1,900 children found that short nighttime sleep duration was associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity. The authors suggest that there is a critical window prior to age 5 when nighttime sleep may be important for subsequent obesity status.
Dr. Sothern provides three opportunities for change to prevent the obesity epidemic: intensive nutrition and physical activity counseling, free play opportunities, and high-quality weight-management programs. These interventions aim to protect future generations from health consequences by programming their metabolism at a young age.