Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
A recent study found that consumers tend to choose healthier options when purchasing for themselves, but opt for less healthy choices when buying for others. This phenomenon may be contributing to public health issues such as obesity.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that 7.3% of boys and 5.5% of girls were extremely obese, with the heaviest children being black teenage girls and Hispanic boys. The percentage of extreme obesity peaked at 10 years in boys and 12 years in girls.
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.
A Cornell economist's study finds that programs like Coordinated Approach to Child Health offer the biggest bang for the buck, while others like walking school buses are ineffective. The researcher argues that government spending should focus on cost-effective initiatives to combat childhood obesity.
A San Francisco State University study found that eliminating sugary beverages and junk foods from schools significantly reduced the rate of overweight children among fifth-grade boys and seventh-grade students. The study showed that governmental policies can shape food behaviors and influence obesity trends in entire student populations.
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.
A recent UNC study found that obese children as young as 3 years old have elevated levels of C-reactive protein and other inflammatory markers, indicating a strong relationship between weight status and inflammation. The study suggests that obesity may be unhealthy for young children, even at a young age.
A new study found that obese teenage girls with a higher ratio of visceral fat to subcutaneous fat have lower bone density than their peers. Visceral fat may also increase the risk of fractures in some obese individuals, highlighting its negative impact on bone health.
The prevalence of any chronic condition among US children has significantly increased over two decades, with obesity being one of the most prevalent conditions. The study found that having a chronic condition was dynamic over time, and different groups had varying rates of new cases and remission.
A new study confirms rising rates of childhood obesity and chronic health problems in American children. However, the study also shows that many children's conditions will improve or resolve over six years.
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.
Researchers study how parents use feeding to soothe infant distress, exploring its relation to rapid weight gain in infancy and subsequent childhood obesity. The study examines the role of genetics and dopamine in the brain's reward system, potentially linking parent feeding practices to increased energy intake.
A new national study suggests that preschool-aged children with household routines of eating dinner as a family, getting adequate sleep, and limiting weekday TV viewing time have an almost 40% lower prevalence of obesity. Adopting these three routines could be an attractive obesity-prevention strategy for families with young children.
A UK-based randomized controlled trial evaluates the MEND Program's effectiveness in preventing and treating pediatric obesity. The study demonstrates improvements in weight loss, BMI, waist circumference, self-esteem, physical activity levels, and general health among participants.
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.
A study of over 800 parents and 439 children found that mothers and fathers of overweight and obese children were significantly heavier than those with normal-weight children. Parents also tended to underestimate their child's weight, with mothers of obese children being more concerned about their child's weight.
A new study found that childhood obesity can increase the risk of future heart disease and stroke as early as age 7, regardless of other health factors. Obese children had abnormal blood markers, including inflammation and clotting, compared to their lean counterparts.
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.
Researchers have identified a specific gene on chromosome 16 called SH2B1 that plays a key role in regulating weight and handling blood sugar levels. The study found large chromosomal deletions associated with severe early-onset obesity in 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.
A UT School of Public Health study found a 13 percent decrease in the prevalence of obesity among El Paso 4th graders after implementing several statewide policies and programs. The study demonstrates the importance of community and school health programs in preventing child obesity.
A new study found that obese children are more likely to experience major and minor respiratory complications after surgery to correct sleep disordered breathing. The likelihood of these complications increases with body mass index and in boys.
Research published in BMC Medicine reveals children with low self-esteem and emotional problems are more likely to gain weight over 20 years. Early intervention strategies may help improve long-term physical health.
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.
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 ...
A study of obese children found pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, and reduced HDL cholesterol levels, indicating impaired endothelial function. The degree of obesity correlated with vessel dysfunction, and self-healing capacity was compromised. These findings suggest a high risk of cardiovascular disease in young adults.
Parents play a crucial role in preventing childhood obesity, which has quadrupled over the last 40 years. By teaching healthy eating habits and encouraging physical activity, parents can significantly reduce their child's risk of developing weight-related problems.
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.
Researchers found that the prevalence of severe obesity in US children increased from 0.8% to 3.8% between 1976-80 and 1999-2004. The study highlights the significant health risks facing morbidly obese children, including metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
The July/August issue of Annals of Family Medicine explores the paradox of primary care, where primary care is associated with poorer quality care for individual diseases yet higher value health care at the level of the whole person. Chronic disease management was found to be superior in community health centers and practices with nurs...
New research reveals a significant link between same-gender parent relationships and childhood obesity. Girls with obese mothers are more likely to struggle with weight problems in childhood, while similar patterns exist between obese fathers and sons.
A new study connects abnormalities of cortisol with symptoms of depression in obese children, indicating a hormonal link between the two conditions. Cortisol levels in the afternoon and evening correlate positively with depressive symptoms, suggesting that obesity and depression may have a shared underlying cause.
Research found that obese children as young as 7 years old have abnormal blood markers predicting cardiovascular disease. Simple obesity can raise risk before the metabolic syndrome develops.
Researchers from USC's Keck School of Medicine have developed a Mobile Body Area Network that monitors obesity indicators in minority youth. The KNOWME device uses wearable wireless sensors to measure physical activity, stress, and body fat, providing immediate feedback for interventionists and health professionals.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center found that children as young as 7 can exhibit early signs of diabetes, including poor insulin sensitivity and high insulin resistance. The study identified fat oxidation, blood pressure, and lipids as key predictors of insulin sensitivity in this age group.
Research on Hispanic children in the US reveals a high prevalence of obesity, largely attributed to suboptimal diets and sedentary lifestyles. The VIVA LA FAMILIA Study found that even non-overweight participants had inadequate diets, with low levels of essential nutrients and excessive sugar consumption.
Researchers found that increased stress levels in adolescents are associated with a greater likelihood of being overweight or obese. The study also highlights the importance of reducing stress and food insecurity in households to prevent childhood obesity.
A study of 188 school children found that daily exercise reduced the prevalence of obesity by 29% and improved levels of HDL-cholesterol. Regular physical activity also increased exercise capacity and decreased systolic blood pressure in the children, with significant benefits observed even after just one year.
A new study found that taking probiotics during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of obesity in women, particularly central obesity and body fat percentage. The study involved 256 pregnant women who received either dietary counselling alone or with daily capsules of probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
A new study has found a positive association between obesity and allergies in children and adolescents, with obese kids being 26% more likely to have allergies. The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found that IgE levels were higher among obese children.
The American Dietetic Association and American Society of Nutrition recommend counseling on diet and physical activity to reduce health risks associated with excess weight in mothers and children. Infants born to obese mothers have a higher prevalence of congenital anomalies.
A Florida State University researcher is exploring the effect of school-based screening on student fitness and parent behavior as part of a $2.2 million NIH grant. The study aims to track children's health changes and assess the impact of wellness programs on obesity rates in ethnic-minority students.
Research finds that fast food and soft drinks contribute to childhood obesity, but paradoxically also reduce unhappiness. The study highlights the need for policies and programs that balance children's physical health with their emotional well-being.
Substituting water for sugar-sweetened beverages can eliminate an average of 235 excess calories per day among children and adolescents, potentially preventing childhood obesity. The study suggests that this simple replacement has no detrimental effects on nutrition.
A new study found that obesity prevalence differs among racial and ethnic groups in US children as young as 4, with American Indian/Native Alaskan children being twice as likely to be obese as white and Asian children. An estimated 18.4% of 4-year-olds are considered obese.
Researchers found that reducing sugary beverages consumption leads to a decrease in calorie intake in children and teens. An intervention program also showed promise in changing behaviors among Dutch schoolchildren.
Researchers found that parents are likely to misperceive their child's weight, especially those who are overweight themselves. This disconnect can lead to delayed intervention and increased risk of pediatric obesity-related complications. The study highlights the importance of accurate parental perception in addressing childhood obesity.
A new study by Queen's University researchers found that children who engage in longer periods of sustained physical activity are less likely to become obese. The study analyzed data from over 2,400 youth aged eight to 17 and confirmed the benefits of sustained, rather than sporadic, exercise.
Researchers found that children at high risk of obesity who live near parks are more likely to participate in walking activities. Parks within a half mile of their home showed the strongest association with girls walking to school and boys engaging in leisure walking, increasing by 60% for each additional park. The study suggests that ...
The LIFE research project is the world's largest study on children's health and well-being, focusing on a new Nordic diet to address obesity-related issues. The five-year project aims to strengthen public health by introducing a regional food concept in schools and families.
A new model for treating childhood and adolescent obesity involves a stepwise intervention strategy, increasing intensity from medical management to bariatric surgery. Family involvement is crucial for successful weight loss, with parents taking an active role in nutritional and lifestyle modifications.
A new study published in PLoS ONE found that children who carry the 'obesity gene' can offset its effects by eating a low energy density diet. The research, based on data from over 2,000 children, suggests that adopting a healthier diet with fewer calories per bite may help prevent weight gain and obesity.
A new three-year project aims to improve infant feeding practices and prevent childhood obesity by promoting responsive feeding styles and portion control. The study, funded by the US Department of Agriculture, will work with over 1,000 mothers of infants from birth to 4 months old.
A genome-wide association study has identified three genes associated with an increased risk of severe obesity in children and adults. The study, led by McGill scientists, found that these genes contribute to early-onset obesity in kids and morbid obesity in adults.
A new study reveals three genetic variations that increase the risk of severe obesity in children, with potential for early intervention and prevention. The gene variants may account for up to half of all cases of adult and child obesity.
A new study reveals that economic status in childhood affects the likelihood of obesity in later life for Mexican-American and white women. However, this relationship does not hold true for African-American women. The study found that higher education and income levels are associated with lower obesity rates among Mexican-American women.
A new study published in the Journal of Physiology found that an early childhood diet may have a profound influence on adult obesity and diabetes. The research, led by Dr. Raylene Reimer, suggests that the composition of an infant's diet can alter the expression of genes involved in metabolism and weight regulation.
Children participating in group weight-management programs showed significant decreases in BMI scores compared to control groups. The study found that families and group leaders worked together to set individualized dietary goals and promote physical activity, leading to a 4% decrease in overweight children in treatment groups.
A new study found that overweight and obese children are more likely to suffer injuries to their upper and lower extremities after a car crash. The study, published in Injury Prevention, analyzed data from over 9,000 children aged 9-15 who were involved in motor vehicle crashes.
The Obesity Institute at Children's National Medical Center gathered experts to discuss translational, clinical and community research successes in childhood obesity prevention and treatment. Key findings include successful community interventions for inner-city youth, emerging genomic research on high LDLs and type 2 diabetes risk.