Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
A new study finds that pediatric obesity can alter thyroid function and structure, with a potential link between fat excess and thyroid tissue modification. Thyroid function returns to normal after weight loss, but the persistence of abnormalities in obese children may progress into chronic disease in early adulthood.
A ban on fast food TV advertisements during children's programming could reduce the number of overweight children by 18 percent, while also lowering the number of overweight adolescents by 14 percent. The study suggests eliminating tax deductibility for television advertising would produce similar declines in childhood obesity.
Obese women who undergo weight loss surgery before becoming pregnant have a lower risk of pregnancy-related health problems. Their children are also less likely to be born with complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, or excessive birth weight.
Research reveals that obese children's neck artery plaque thickness is comparable to that of 45-year-olds, indicating a high risk of heart disease and stroke. The study found that children with obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, and high triglycerides had advanced vascular ages.
A recent study found that living in areas with more green space is associated with slower increases in children's body mass over time, regardless of residential density or age. This suggests a long-term positive impact on children's health and weight.
A study of 46 parents found that less than 13% perceived their child as overweight, despite elevated BMI. This highlights a significant misperception among parents regarding their child's weight and obesity risk.
Researchers at George Mason University developed a nutrition education program called Color My Pyramid to teach students about healthy eating and physical activity. The program showed significant improvements in children's eating habits, physical activity levels, blood pressure, weight, and Body Mass Index percentiles.
A study by Duke researchers found that obese girls aged 9-13 who read an age-appropriate novel experienced a significant decrease in their BMI scores. The novel, Lake Rescue, included healthy lifestyle guidance and positive messages, leading to a -0.71% decrease in BMI compared to a control group.
New research suggests that surgical interventions for obese children with obstructive sleep apnea may alleviate symptoms but not eliminate the condition. The study found that removing tonsils and adenoids can reduce sleep apnea, but persistent cases require careful evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications.
A new study from Université de Montréal and McGill University found that kids surrounded by overweight peers or parents are more likely to underestimate their own weight. The study analyzed over 3,600 children and adolescents, finding that only 1.6% of kids perceived themselves as having excess weight.
School-based programs have been shown to be effective in reducing prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity through interventions such as physical activity education and nutritional education. The URMEL-ICE program demonstrates a significant reduction in body fat mass among children after one year of participation.
A National Institutes of Health study found that people with WAGR syndrome, a rare genetic condition, have low blood levels of the brain chemical BDNF and are more likely to become obese. The study suggests that BDNF plays a role in regulating appetite and body weight.
A possible link has been discovered between childhood middle ear infections and a tendency to be overweight later in life. Research suggests that prompt diagnosis and treatment of ear infections may help fight obesity in some people.
Research suggests a strong link between middle ear infections and obesity, with damaged taste nerves leading to a preference for fatty foods. Tonsillectomies may also contribute to weight gain in children and adults.
A new report reveals that recreation and park professionals are actively involved in health partnerships, with 88% of agencies involved in at least one partnership, and an average of four partnerships per agency. Successful partnerships depend on trust, collaboration and administrative support.
A new pilot project aims to understand the eating habits of Latino migrant children and develop culturally appropriate interventions to combat obesity. The study will survey families in Ohio and Michigan farms and provide data to inform healthy food choices.
A new study suggests that childhood obesity begins as early as age two, with over half of children reaching the overweight category by this age. Researchers found that obese children started gaining weight in infancy at a rapid rate, highlighting the need for early interventions to prevent future obesity.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that fatty liver disease in overweight and obese children is associated with higher levels of cardiovascular risk factors, including fasting glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. The research suggests that fat accumulation in the liver may play a more important role than obesity i...
A longitudinal study found that only 42% of boys and 11% of girls meet the recommended weekly physical activity levels. While children who met the guidelines showed progressive improvement in predictive health indicators, those who did not showed deterioration. The authors suggest re-evaluating the guideline measures to better encourag...
According to a study by the University of Granada, one out of every four obese school-aged children develops metabolic syndrome. The syndrome, typically associated with adults over 40, is caused by child obesity and can lead to arterial hypertension, insulin resistance, and type two diabetes.
A study published at SLEEP 2008 found that school-aged children who are obese have poorer sleep quality and higher rates of daytime sleepiness compared to their overweight or healthy weight peers. The researchers also discovered a significant association between increased weight and lower quality of life scores in children.
According to a study published in JAMA, the prevalence of obese children and teens in the US did not increase significantly between 1999-2006. The authors found that high BMI rates varied by age and racial/ethnic group, with certain groups having higher rates than others.
A study of 76 children and adolescents found that obesity negatively impacts vascular endothelial function, a key indicator of cardiac health. The findings suggest that early signs of cardiovascular disease may begin in childhood, highlighting the need for intervention.
A recent study published in the SLEEP journal found a consistent global link between short sleep duration and increased risk of obesity. The research analyzed data from over 630,000 participants across 29 countries, revealing that both children and adults who slept less than average had a higher likelihood of being obese.
A new study suggests that exceeding recommended physical activity levels and limiting screen time may increase a child's risk of becoming overweight. Caregivers can reduce this risk by encouraging physical activity and limiting screen time.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM) has found that obesity can predict upper airway obstruction among children. The research, conducted on 190 Australian children aged four to 12, suggests that body mass is a significant predictor of upper airway obstruction severity, but its impact varies by ethnicity.
A study found that children with fathers who were clinically obese at a young age had higher serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, indicating a potential genetic connection between early-onset paternal obesity and increased risk of liver disease. The results persisted among non-obese children, suggesting an independent association.
A recent study found that obese adolescents burn fat at lower intensities than their lean counterparts during exercise. The researchers identified the optimal intensity levels required to maximize fat oxidation in both groups, with the lean boys reaching a higher VO2 peak and burning more fat at higher intensities.
Children who gain weight rapidly after tonsil surgery may experience relapse or worsening of snoring, according to new research. African-American children are more likely to relapse, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up and monitoring of BMI gain.
The Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute has awarded Rush University Medical Center a grant to support a first-of-its-kind childhood obesity project. The 18-month pilot program aims to prevent childhood obesity by combining biomedical and psychosocial approaches, involving families and healthcare professionals.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that obese children are more likely to experience difficulties with airway obstruction and other breathing-related functions during surgery. The study also reveals a higher incidence of illnesses such as asthma, hypertension, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes among obese children.
Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine links Spanish-language TV ads to high rates of Latino children's obesity. Pediatricians advise restricting TV viewing to two hours a day and promoting healthy diets.
A panel discussion at the AAAS Town Hall Event features University of Pennsylvania School Medicine researchers exploring interactions between culture, social, and environmental factors influencing child and parent behaviors related to obesity. Nutrition experts also present on setting nutrition standards in schools.
A study published in Obesity found that children who slept less were more likely to be overweight or obese. The researchers analyzed data from 17 studies and found that for every additional hour of sleep, the risk decreased by 9%.
A recent Temple University study reveals that children who experience neglect are more likely to become obese. The research found that neglect can lead to increased stress levels in children, which may affect their eating habits and physical activity.
A community-based weight control program, Girls Health Enrichment Multisite Studies (GEMS), demonstrated a significant reduction in the prevalence of obesity among 8-10 year old African-American girls for up to two years. The program's success was attributed to changes in dietary intake and education.
A study by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that nearly one in four children with heart disease are overweight or obese, highlighting the need for doctors to counsel families on safe exercise routines. The researchers also noted that discussions about weight control were relatively uncommon during cardiology clinic visits.
A new Nordic study reveals a correlation between mothers' body mass index (BMI) and symptoms like hyperactivity in their children. The research, based on over 12,500 children in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, suggests that even moderate weight gain during pregnancy can increase the risk of ADHD-like symptoms in school-age children.
The UK faces a growing obesity crisis with alarming statistics showing a 30-50% increase in obesity rates over the past decade. Experts call for a comprehensive approach to tackle the epidemic, including promoting healthy eating and exercise, and investing in meaningful interventions.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found a positive correlation between TV time and the severity of obesity in children. The researchers determined that children watching more than 2 hours of TV per day were 2.5-3.3 times more likely to have hypertension compared to those watching less than 2 hours.
Research at Temple University found that obese and overweight children from diverse ethnic backgrounds experience similar levels of body dissatisfaction. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychological consequences of childhood obesity beyond weight management.
Research by Washington University School of Medicine found that obese children exhibit early heart disease symptoms, similar to those seen in obese adults. The study analyzed 168 children aged 10-18 and used a new imaging technique to track changes in the heart's muscular wall.
New studies show that soft drink contracts in schools contribute to childhood obesity rates, with low-income areas having more fast-food options. Minority students face greater exposure to junk food through advertising and school policies.
The University of Southern California has received a $7.5 million grant to establish a Comprehensive Center of Excellence in Minority Health, focusing on reducing type 2-diabetes and cardiovascular disease among minority youth. The center will analyze fitness activity, nutrition education, and body weight to develop preventive strategies.
The Shape Up Somerville program, a 3-year community intervention targeting first to third graders, successfully reduced BMI z scores in high-risk children. Dr. Christina Economos' research highlights the importance of environmental changes and community spirit in promoting healthy behaviors.
Children who had acquired high percentage body fat by age 3–1/2 were more likely to be obese at age 7. Rapid growth spurts, TV viewing time, and physical inactivity also contributed to obesity risk.
A Kaiser Permanente study shows that treating gestational diabetes during pregnancy lowers a child's risk of becoming obese, with children whose moms were treated having the same risk as those with normal blood sugar levels. High maternal sugar levels increase childhood obesity risk, but treatment reduces it.
A new study led by Professor Henry at Oxford Brookes University shows that low-GI breakfasts can lead to a reduction in calorie intake throughout the day. Children who ate low-GI breakfasts consumed approximately 60 kcal less during the day, equivalent to reducing calorie intake by 1800 kcal over a month.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found obese girls are half as likely to attend college as non-obese girls. The study attributes this disparity to mental health and behavioral issues such as increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, and negative self-image.
A Saint Louis University study finds that pediatricians' efforts to encourage lifestyle changes in obese patients and their families are often futile due to a lack of motivation. Doctors recognize the challenges of changing patterns of behavior in low-income households with limited access to healthy food and time for physical activity.
The study found that 75 percent of US adults will be overweight by 2015, with minority groups and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds facing the greatest disparities. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the growing obesity crisis in the United States.
A new protocol developed by Swedish researchers can identify preschool children at risk for obesity with high precision, using only weight and height data. The protocol has the potential to save significant societal costs and reduce suffering among affected individuals and their families.
A study of middle school students found that physical fitness gains made during the school year were lost after summer break. The study suggests that exercise interventions should be sustained throughout the year to improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.
A study by the University of Liverpool found that obese and overweight children increased their food intake by over 100% after watching food adverts on TV. The obese group consistently chose high-fat products, while the overweight group opted for lower-fat options.
A new study found that mothers' early menarche is associated with their children's fast growth tempo, leading to taller childhood stature but potentially shorter adult height. This pattern of rapid growth increases the risk of childhood-onset obesity.
New research questions the effectiveness of routine screening for overweight and obese schoolchildren, citing limited evidence that preventive approaches or current treatments drive down long-term obesity rates. Instead, weight monitoring is seen as useful for gathering information on obesity trends and informing resource allocation.
Research suggests a possible association between childhood obesity and otitis media with effusion, characterized by fluid buildup in the middle ear space. The study found higher body mass index (BMI) and total cholesterol levels among children with otitis media with effusion compared to those without the condition.
A 20-year study reveals a significant rise in childhood obesity, especially among girls, with four-year-olds being six times more likely to have a BMI over 30 than their counterparts 20 years ago. Young girls are also more likely to be overweight or obese than boys, with nearly a third of ten-year-old girls having a BMI over 25.
Up to 65% of Quebec Cree preschoolers are overweight or obese, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health. High waist circumferences and low physical fitness levels were also found among elementary school students.
The new guidelines recommend measuring waist circumference in all adults to assess risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Health professionals are advised to incorporate this measurement into their toolkit for managing overweight and obese patients.