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Success of community interventions for childhood obesity varies depending on the target age group

A recent study found that community-based interventions for childhood obesity were most effective in children under the age of five, slowing down unhealthy weight gain by an average of 1kg over three years. In contrast, primary school-aged children showed a smaller impact on overweight and obesity rates, while adolescents saw mixed res...

Inactivity 'no contributor' to childhood obesity epidemic

A new study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that physical activity has no impact on weight change in children, but weight loss can lead to reduced physical activity. This suggests that addressing childhood obesity through reducing caloric intake and portion size may be more effective than increasing physical activity.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 7, 2010

1 in 4 Palestinian children goes without breakfast

A recent study published in The Lancet finds that 26% of Palestinian children skip breakfast, leading to concerns over anaemia, stunting, and poor eating habits. The study suggests that comprehensive school nutrition programs are needed to address these issues and promote healthy eating habits among all age groups.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 1, 2010

Reducing niacin intake can prevent obesity

A recent study found that reducing niacin intake can lead to improved glucose metabolism and reduced appetite in individuals with obesity. The research team also discovered a significant correlation between increased per capita niacin consumption and rising obesity rates among US children and adolescents.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 20, 2010

The biggest winners: Summer campers

A Saint Louis University study shows that a residential summer weight-loss camp improves the health of obese children by reducing their weight, BMI, and blood pressure. The program also boosts their physical fitness and self-esteem, as they connect with peers who share similar struggles.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 6, 2010

Study documents geographic variation in childhood obesity

A study found significant geographic variation in childhood obesity rates across the US, with Southern states having higher rates than Western states. Obesity rates varied by state, with Mississippi and Arizona having the highest rates and Oregon and Utah having the lowest.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2010

Forecasting rates of overweight

A study published in Medical Decision Making predicts that adult US obesity rates will remain stable over the next 10 years. However, certain groups such as black young adults, children aged 6-9, and black children are projected to experience rising overweight rates.

SourceSAGE·JournalMedical Decision Making·DateApr 23, 2010

Getting heavier, younger: U-M study shows generational shift in obesity

A new study by the University of Michigan Health System shows that 20% of Americans born between 1966-1985 were obese by age 20-29, a significant increase from previous generations. This trend is expected to worsen racial disparities in health, with black Americans already experiencing a higher burden of obesity-related diseases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateApr 7, 2010

Community involvement important in fight against childhood obesity, according to UTHealth researchers

A study published in Obesity found that community involvement can significantly reduce childhood obesity rates, with a 8.3% decrease seen in low-income minority schools compared to 1.3% in traditional programs. Researchers emphasize the need for environmental and societal level changes to address this issue.

Breaking down barriers to prevent childhood obesity

A Temple University study found that leading early childhood education programs like Head Start face barriers to addressing childhood obesity, including lack of funding and knowledge. The researchers suggest increasing federal resources for healthy meals, staff training, and parent support to overcome these challenges.

SourceTemple University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 2, 2010

2 years old -- a childhood obesity tipping point?

A new study published in Clinical Pediatrics suggests that childhood obesity often starts before two years of age, with some children gaining weight as early as three months old. The research recommends starting healthy eating habits and weight loss programs for children as early as infancy to prevent obesity-related complications.

SourceSAGE·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateFeb 11, 2010

Diabetes medication may help decrease BMI in obese adolescents

A lifestyle intervention program combined with metformin XR significantly decreased BMI in non-diabetic obese adolescents, with a small but statistically significant impact observed over 48 weeks. The study suggests that metformin may have an important role in treating adolescent obesity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2010

Getting a 'Head Start' on obesity prevention

A Temple University study found that 70% of Head Start programs only serve non-fat milk, 94% offer vegetables daily, and 97% provide fruit daily. The program also provides over 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity per day.

SourceTemple University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 7, 2009

Study: Lap band surgery effective for morbidly obese children

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap band) surgery improves the health of morbidly obese adolescents. The procedure led to significant weight loss and reduced the risk of developing insulin resistance, a key indicator of obesity-related illnesses.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 3, 2009

Children with fatter midsections at increased risk for cardiovascular disease

Researchers found that obese children with larger waists are more likely to develop risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including high triglycerides and low HDL levels. Routine waist measurements may help identify which children are at a greater risk of developing the warning signs of cardiovascular disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Obesity·DateSep 10, 2009

Weight-loss surgery can break a family's cycle of obesity

A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that adolescent and young children of obese mothers who underwent weight-loss surgery prior to pregnancy have a lower prevalence of obesity and improved cardio-metabolic markers. The research suggests that the intrauterine environment ...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 1, 2009

Obesity is a poor gauge for detecting high cholesterol levels in children

A University of Michigan research suggests that using body mass index (BMI) to detect high cholesterol in children may not be effective. The study found that approximately 50% of children with abnormal cholesterol levels would be identified, but also up to 30% of healthy-weight kids would be tested unnecessarily.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 3, 2009