Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
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Research found a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among English adolescents, from 22% to 33% between 2008-2010 and 2021-2023. Adolescents living with these conditions are at higher risk for developing comorbidities, including mental health issues, physical problems, and cardiometabolic diseases.
The study identified six modifiable factors associated with adiposity in South Asian children, including reduced screen time and extended breastfeeding. Targeted interventions such as subsidized nutrition programs and increased physical activity can support healthier life trajectories.
Dr. Leanne Redman, a leading authority on body weight regulation, has received the prestigious E.V. McCollum Award for her translational research on maternal nutrition and energy regulation, with significant impact on public health. The award recognizes her dedication to advancing research that improves women's and families' health.
A UK study found that children of obese mothers are more likely to become obese adults, suggesting that societal and early-life factors play a significant role in obesity. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 people born in the same week in 1958 and found that these early life factors persisted through adulthood.
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that breast milk from mothers with gestational diabetes has a unique composition that benefits their infant children. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes experience faster linear growth, lower fat percentages, and reduced weight gain.
Research suggests that having an overweight or obesity trajectory during childhood is associated with a higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. The study found that women with above-average childhood BMI trajectories had a 26% higher risk, while those with an obesity BMI trajectory had a 65% higher risk.
A USC study found proteins and pathways involved in inflammation are associated with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) over time. The research identified potential biomarkers that could serve as early indicators of a person's risk for bone health issues later in life.
A new study published in Liver International found that a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy can lead to liver stress and changes in the fetus's bile acid levels. This may be a key factor in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) later in life.
A new study found that waist-to-height ratio is more accurate than BMI in estimating body fat in children. The study included 7,600 children and found that 64% of those classified as BMI-overweight had normal fat according to waist-to-height ratio.
A new study published in Child Maltreatment found that adults who experienced childhood physical and sexual abuse had double the odds of developing health and mental health conditions. The presence of a protective adult in the home was associated with better long-term health outcomes among children who experienced abuse.
A responsive parenting intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in child weight outcomes from age 3 to 9 compared to a control group. The intervention's benefits were most pronounced among female participants, and its long-term effects may be sustained with a life-course approach.
Pacific children are not meeting daily recommended intakes for key micronutrients, leading to associations with childhood obesity and acanthosis nigricans. The study highlights excessive sodium intake across the region, posing cardiovascular health risks.
A third of children and adolescents will be overweight or obese within the next 25 years, according to a new study. The global obesity rate for those between 5-24 years old tripled from 1990 to 2021, rising by 244 per cent to 174 million.
A major new analysis predicts that over half the world's adult population (3.8 billion) and a third of all children and adolescents (746 million) will be living with overweight or obesity by 2050. The study forecasts a substantial rise in obesity among young people globally, with an additional 186 million cases predicted by 2050.
A study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis reveals most US infant formulas contain primarily added sugars, rather than naturally occurring lactose. This contradicts medical recommendations for babies under 2 years old, who require a diet closest to human breast milk.
The Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment Toolkit provides healthcare providers with practical guidance for preventing, evaluating, and treating childhood obesity. The toolkit is grounded in scientific evidence and offers actionable treatment approaches for children and adolescents dealing with overweight and obesity.
A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.
Researchers discovered that adolescents with higher body mass indexes consumed more calories later in the day than their peers of healthy weight. The study controlled for environmental and behavioral influences to isolate the role of the circadian system in shaping eating patterns.
Researchers found that teens with obesity consumed more calories in the late afternoon and early evening compared to their peers of healthy weight. The study, published in PNAS, demonstrates that the body's biological clock directly impacts food intake throughout the day.
Small increases were observed in childhood obesity rates and severe obesity among US adults between 2013 and 2023. The study found no significant changes in waist circumference or other obesity-related measures during this period.
Researchers at the University of Sydney recommend adopting a primarily plant-centric fibre-rich diet to enhance overall health and longevity. The plan involves incorporating more plant-based meals into one's diet, starting with two days a week and increasing to five days as recommended by Professor Luigi Fontana.
A study published in Appetite found that positioning main course options from lowest to highest calorie amounts increases the likelihood of adolescents choosing healthier meals. The experiment showed a significant reduction in calorie content when lower-calorie options were made more accessible.
Adolescents who perceive themselves as overweight face triple the risk of self-harm compared to those who do not, regardless of objective weight. The study also highlights the critical role of schools and communities in creating supportive environments.
McDonald's has won planning appeals against local authorities in deprived areas, citing healthier lifestyle benefits. The firm's tactics include deploying a GP to argue that obesity is caused by multiple factors, and threatening councils with bills for appeal costs.
A narrative review of over 1,700 papers found only seven papers addressing dexamphetamine addiction directly. The study raises questions about the evidence underpinning its restriction by regulatory agencies. Dexamphetamine is effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy but may have benefits in treating obesity.
A University of Toronto study found that Canadian preschoolers who consumed more ultra-processed foods were more likely to develop obesity at age five. The researchers also discovered sex-driven differences in the effects of ultra-processed food on obesity risk, with stronger effects seen in males.
A cohort study of Canadian children found that high ultraprocessed food consumption during early childhood is associated with obesity development, particularly in males. The study suggests that targeted public health initiatives can help reduce ultraprocessed food intake and prevent obesity.
The BP-CATCH trial found significant racial and ethnic disparities in pediatric counseling for children with high blood pressure, but no disparities were observed among those with or without obesity. The study highlights the need to address these disparities to provide equitable care to all patients.
A new clinical trial found that a self-guided family-based treatment approach is as effective as traditional clinician-led approaches in helping children with obesity. This approach requires fewer contact hours, is more flexible, and significantly reduces costs.
The American Heart Association's 2025 statistics report shows an increase of over 10,000 cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the US, with a slight decrease in age-adjusted death rates. Rising kidney disease, hypertension, and obesity are contributing to these trends.
Researchers found that new habits can begin forming within about two months, but can take up to 335 days to establish. The study also identified factors that influence successful habit formation, including frequency, timing, and enjoyment.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that childhood obesity treatment can reduce the risk of serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia in young adults. However, it did not have a lasting impact on depression and anxiety, which remained unchanged regardless of treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that most parents (78%) who worried about their child's weight were open to support and nearly all (98%) accepted a referral to relevant children's services. Parents preferred individualized support and focused on being healthy rather than just weight loss.
A cutting-edge molecular approach identifies three distinct clusters of children with metabolic complications, highlighting the importance of prenatal environment and exposure to industrial chemicals. The study provides a better understanding of biological pathways involved in metabolic health, beyond traditional clinical markers.
Exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy is associated with higher childhood obesity risk up to two years after birth. The study found that women with higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 had children with a higher BMI and related obesity risk factors.
A recent population-based study indicates that among children with cancer, those with obesity at the time of diagnosis may face an elevated risk of dying. The study found a significant negative impact of obesity on prognosis, particularly in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that placentas from fresh embryo transfers are smaller on average compared to those from frozen embryo transfers. The researchers also identified altered gene function and DNA methylation in ART-conceived children, particularly in relation to metabolism and growth.
The American Society for Nutrition Foundation and Novo Nordisk Foundation have launched two new awards to celebrate excellence in nutrition science, supporting mid-career researchers with groundbreaking discoveries. Early-career physicians are also recognized for innovative approaches to childhood obesity treatment.
Research found that infants given milk cereal drinks after six months old experience early rapid weight gain but not higher body mass index or waist-to-height ratio. Early rapid weight gain is predictive of later adiposity, regardless of supplement consumption.
Researchers from the University of Granada and the Public Health Agency of Canada identified the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents, with a degree of scientific agreement exceeding 85%. The top tests include the 20-meter shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, and body mass index.
Researchers discovered a novel combination of plasma-based biomarkers that can predict liver fibrosis in Latino adolescents with obesity. The study found that dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were significantly associated with fibrosis, suggesting a potential low-cost, noninvasive screening tool.
Researchers found no correlation between adenotonsillectomies and undesirable weight gain in children with mild sleep-disordered breathing. The study used data from a clinical trial involving 458 children and showed that adenotonsillectomy improved symptoms, blood pressure, and quality of life but not primary neurodevelopmental outcomes.
A new UK study analyzed data from three generations of adolescents and young adults to assess preconception health trends. The study found that while some unhealthy behaviors like smoking and soda consumption decreased over time, rates of overweight and obesity increased across the generations.
Summer holiday programs in Australia have been found to improve children's physical activity, fitness, and mental health, particularly among disadvantaged kids. These programs, delivered in semi-structured environments like school, help offset hours spent on screens and promote healthier behaviors.
Higher levels of satellite-based greenness and street-level green components are associated with lower adiposity in US children. The study suggests that increasing residential green space levels could be a viable urban planning strategy to combat childhood obesity.
A Brazilian study of 89 father-mother-baby triads found that paternal overweight is linked to lower birth weight and may influence the baby's health in adulthood. The research suggests that fathers should prioritize healthy habits during pregnancy to support fetal development.
A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that drinking enough water can help with weight loss and prevent kidney stones. Drinking eight cups a day significantly decreased the likelihood of getting another kidney stone, while six cups a day helped adults lose weight.
A new study found that a prenatal diet meeting USDA guidelines is linked to healthy birthweights, steady growth patterns, and potentially lower childhood obesity. Researchers also discovered mixed effects of low-inflammatory diets on infant growth.
The Greenlight Plus trial found that technological interventions and policies can help prevent childhood obesity at an early age. The study suggests that targeted prevention efforts can reduce the risk of obesity in children, setting a promising foundation for future prevention strategies.
A cohort study found that a prenatal diet aligned with US Dietary Guidelines was linked to slower infant growth rates and lower obesity risk. The study suggests that improving prenatal nutrition may also benefit children's growth trajectory in the long term.
The Lancet predicts devastating trends at the population level, with 43.1 million US children and adolescents and 213 million adults expected to have overweight or obesity by 2050. Without significant reform, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is set to continue and even increase in some states.
Metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, may increase risks of obesity and diabetes in newborns when given to pregnant women. The study found that the drug accumulated in the fetal kidneys, liver, and other organs, leading to growth restriction, which has been linked to an elevated risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.
A multicenter national clinical trial is being conducted to study whether giving antibiotics at the start of labor induction can decrease C-sections in pregnant women with obesity. The trial aims to enroll nearly 800 women and analyze infection rates, complications, and microbiome changes.
A recent study found that children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of lower birth weight, shorter stature, and smaller head circumference. The researchers believe that the placenta's inability to meet the baby's demands due to PCOS-related hormonal imbalances may be the cause.
A new NIH study found exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) during pregnancy may affect childhood obesity risk. Children exposed to higher levels of certain OPEs had a greater or lower risk of obesity compared to those with lower exposure.
A study by Uppsala University finds that childhood overweight is associated with socio-economic disadvantage, particularly in regions with high rates of single parenthood and low education levels. The prevalence of overweight among 4-year-olds has fallen to pre-pandemic levels, but regional disparities persist.
A Johns Hopkins study found that adding digital feedback to traditional health counseling for parents improves healthy growth in young children. The study, which used text messages and a web-based dashboard, reduced obesity rates in the first two years of life.
A digital health behavior intervention improved child weight-for-length trajectory and reduced childhood obesity at 24 months. The intervention was effective in a racially and ethnically diverse population, including groups at elevated risk for childhood obesity.
A study of 260 teens who underwent bariatric surgery at age 13-19 found that over half demonstrated sustained weight loss and resolution of conditions like type 2 diabetes. After 10 years, 55% of participants with type 2 diabetes remained in remission.
A UNC Greensboro study of 299 women and their infants found that obesogenic feeding practices, such as watching TV while feeding or formula-feeding, are strongly correlated with rapid infant weight gain. The researchers also found that mothers' prenatal psychological risk increases the likelihood they will engage in these unhealthy pra...