Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
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...
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 ...
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.