Obese children less physically fit
Researchers found obese children had shorter treadmill times and lower endurance compared to non-obese peers. Obesity also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, joint problems, and atherosclerosis in adolescents.
Childhood Obesity
Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
Number of children linked to obesity for mom and dad
A recent study from Duke University Medical Center reveals that having children increases the risk of obesity for both mothers and fathers. The research, published in the Journal of Women's Health, analyzed data from over 9,000 Americans and found that each additional child raises the risk of obesity by 7% for women and 4% for men.
Sedentary lifestyle in early childhood identified as major risk factor for obesity
A study of 78 children aged three found low levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior significantly lower than recommended. Experts call for urgent public health interventions to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors in early childhood.
Childhood obesity and behavior problems linked
Children with significant behavior problems are nearly three times as likely to be overweight and five times more likely to become overweight later. The study highlights the need for parents, teachers, and physicians to consider both physical health and mental/behavioral health linked in a child's growth and development.
Childhood obesity? School food service personnel say NIMBY
A study by Penn State researchers found that school service personnel who participated in a Project PA workshop recognized the importance of nutrition education and healthy eating behaviors in addressing childhood obesity. The participants identified parental attitudes, peer pressure, and media as barriers to students' healthful eating...
New study of obesity, genes and socio-economic status uses individual growth curves
Researchers found five SNPs associated with differences in BMI, waist size, and skinfold totals, highlighting the interplay between genetics, SES, and family history of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that a combination of genetic makeup and behavioral environment is responsible for obesity development
Study links common indicator of early puberty to obesity and breast cancer
Researchers found that girls entering puberty with breast development are more likely to be obese by late adolescence. Additionally, earlier age of menarche is associated with increased risk of breast cancer.
Obesity in preschool? It's not unusual, UB study finds
A recent UB study found that childhood obesity is on the rise, associated with multiple medical consequences including type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that early intervention at preschool level can help prevent obesity-related issues.
Obese children and their parents report impaired quality of life
A recent study published in JAMA found that obese children and their parents experience significantly impaired quality of life. The study used the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) to assess physical, emotional, social, and school functioning.
New Cincinnati Children’s study reveals heart abnormalities in obese children
A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has identified heart abnormalities in obese children, revealing significant differences in the function of their hearts. The study used tissue Doppler imaging to assess diastolic function, finding that the hearts of obese children were stiffer and less able to fill with blood.
American Heart Association: obesity prevention begins in childhood
The American Heart Association's scientific statement highlights the importance of preventing childhood obesity to reduce adult heart disease risk. Studies show that obesity in children is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the need for early interventions.
Research shows less income, education not always top factors in child obesity
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that socioeconomic factors do not equally impact child obesity rates among different ethnic groups. The research suggests that focusing on social and environmental factors can lead to more effective weight management, particularly in minority populations.
Early sexual development, childhood obesity link is opposite for boys and girls, UIC study says
A new UIC study sheds light on the relationship between early sexual development and childhood obesity, revealing an opposite link for boys and girls. Early maturation is associated with increased height but not weight gain in boys, while early maturity in girls is linked to both increased height and weight.
Significantly lower physical activity levels in obese adolescents contribute to continued obesity
A study of 18 obese and 18 normal-weight adolescents found significantly lower physical activity levels in the obese group. The results suggest that intensity and duration of physical activity are important for maintaining energy balance in a society with unrestricted food consumption.
Five-year-old girls with high cholesterol are more likely to be overweight at age twelve
A study of 58 children with high cholesterol found that girls with hypercholesterolemia were more likely to become overweight or obese by age 11-12 compared to their peers. The researchers propose that abnormally high cholesterol may be a marker of an altered metabolism leading to excess adiposity.
A common-sense cure for obesity
The Lancet Seminar highlights the role of adverse environmental factors in childhood obesity and advocates for straightforward solutions. Comprehensive measures targeting energy intake and expenditure are necessary to prevent and treat obesity in children.
School program reduces risk of obesity, disease in border community
A school program called CATCH significantly increased moderate to vigorous physical activity, decreased fat in meals, and reduced sodium content. The program's effects were more pronounced than expected, with substantial increases in physical activity levels.
Study asks how clinicians treat overweight kids
A new study published in Pediatrics recommends screening for medical problems and addressing treatment barriers when treating overweight children. Healthcare providers face challenges such as parental resistance, patient lack of motivation, and insufficient support services, hindering effective treatment.
Breastfeeding associated with lower risk of childhood obesity
A large-scale study in Scotland found that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of childhood obesity, persisting even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. The relative reduction in risk was 30% when obesity was defined as the 98th percentile or higher for BMI.
Research shows older children, adolescents grew heavier in Brazil, China, U.S. over past 30 years
Research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found significant increases in obesity rates among older children and adolescents in Brazil, China, and the US between 1991 and 2017. The study highlights the growing global burden of nutritional problems and calls for revised nutrition programs to address energy excesses.
International study of children and adolescents reveals major trend toward overweight and obesity
The prevalence of overweight in children and adolescents tripled in Brazil, almost doubled in the US, and increased by one-fifth in China over 2-3 decades. Improved economic conditions led to more secure food supplies and inactive leisure time, contributing to childhood obesity.
Study: Higher energy intake, obesity affects all age groups, not just youths
Researchers found that higher energy consumption significantly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke across all age groups. The study also revealed that Americans of all ages are consuming more restaurant food, including fast food, than a generation ago.
Kids getting a steady diet of fast food on the tube
A study analyzing US commercials aired during children's shows found a surge in fast-food portion sizes since the 1970s. Researchers suggest this could contribute to childhood obesity and heart disease if combined with decreased physical activity.
Energy expenditure differs by race, sex, and weight among Louisiana school children
The study found energy expenditure differences between African American and white children, as well as differences in body composition and activity levels. Children with higher fat mass expended more energy, regardless of their race or sex.
Yale study shows 25 percent of obese children are at high risk for developing diabetes
A Yale study found that 25 percent of severely obese children are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The condition was more prevalent among girls and affected children from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Many obese youth have condition that precedes type 2 diabetes
Many obese children and adolescents have impaired glucose tolerance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that 25% of obese kids under 10 and 21% of teens between 11-18 had impaired glucose tolerance.
Obesity growing threat to world health
The global obesity epidemic is spreading rapidly, with an estimated 300 million obese adults and 22 million children worldwide. Scientists attribute the rise to industrialized lifestyles, urbanization, and decreased physical activity levels, particularly among developing countries.
Maternal feeding practices are linked to childhood obesity
Research by Spruijt-Metz et al. found that maternal feeding practices are a strong predictor of childhood obesity, with controlling feeding strategies potentially interfering with children's ability to self-regulate their food intake. The study suggests that future obesity prevention efforts should focus on improving parental feeding b...
Mothers’ attitudes toward children’s eating linked to children’s obesity
A new study links mothers' attitudes toward their child's eating habits with their child's obesity risk. Researchers found that mothers who pressure their children to finish everything on their plate have healthier, leaner children, while those who worry about their child's weight tend to have fatter kids.
AAAS speakers report worldwide 'epidemic' of obesity
Researchers discuss biological and cultural factors behind global obesity trend, citing rapid urbanization and technology as contributing causes. Childhood malnutrition and stunted growth are paradoxically linked to adult obesity in many places.
Why fat children are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease as adults
A study of severely obese children found abnormalities in their arteries, including stiffness and reduced elasticity, linked to heart disease and strokes. The authors warn that childhood obesity is a growing concern, translating to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality if left unchecked.
Unique UNC study confirms suspected worldwide epidemic of childhood obesity
The study confirms a suspected global epidemic of childhood obesity, with higher rates in the US compared to Russia and China. Obesity prevalence varies by socioeconomic status and geographic location, with urban areas and affluent families more likely to be affected.
Study links childhood obesity to maternal well-being
Researchers found that low-income mothers who experienced depression and/or obesity reported their preschool children watched an average of two hours of TV per day. Children exposed to these conditions spent less time outdoors. The study highlights the need for caregivers to examine how maternal well-being affects child activity levels.
Excessive pregnancy weight gain encourages obesity
A Cornell University study found that women who gained more than the recommended amount during pregnancy are four times more likely to be obese one year after giving birth. This excessive weight gain contributes significantly to the rising levels of obesity in the US.
Moms fail to recognize obesity in their preschoolers
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that only 21% of mothers of preschoolers feel their children are overweight, highlighting a significant misperception. Mothers with lower education levels were more likely to underestimate childhood obesity and have heavier children.
Are we breeding a culture of obesity?
The number of obese Canadian children has surpassed double since 1981, according to a study. The poor dietary habits learned in childhood come home to roost later in life, and physical inactivity is a major contributor to healthcare costs, with reducing it by just 10% potentially saving $150 million annually.
New study of NC children suggests upcoming epidemic of type II diabetes
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that 7% of healthy North Carolina schoolchildren already have three risk factors for heart disease and type II diabetes. Obesity is the sole significant predictor of these risk factors, with obese children 53 times more likely to develop insulin resistance syndrome.
Women and children face the music of the deadly quartet
Two studies found that women with the four risk factors had five times the risk of death as men, and children with metabolic syndrome risk factors were more likely to be obese. Researchers emphasize the need to prevent obesity in young people to reverse alarming trends in heart disease.
Researchers prevent obesity and diabetes in mice
Scientists have developed genetically-altered mice that resist diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance by producing uncoupling protein-1 in muscle tissue. This protein burns excess energy as heat instead of storing it as fat, mirroring the effects of exercise on weight loss.
Obese do not process vitamin D from sunlight as well as lean individuals
Researchers found that obese subjects showed an attenuated response to simulated sunlight, with serum vitamin D concentrations less than half those of lean individuals. Oral administration of vitamin D2 was more effective in raising serum concentrations, suggesting that obese individuals sequester vitamin D in body fat.
Racial differences in body composition require modified skinfold-thickness
A recent study found that most existing skinfold-thickness equations developed from white adults do not accurately measure body fat in adolescent minority populations. Researchers identified a new equation, but further refinement is needed for African American girls and women.
Study: crime, lack of PE, recreation programs lead U.S. adolescents to couch-potato lifestyles
A study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that US adolescents are physically inactive due to limited access to school physical education programs and community recreation centers. High-crime neighborhoods also contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of obesity and poor health.
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions - urgent need for research
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft conference highlighted the need for research into adiposity, which causes physical disorders and increases the risk of contracting illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Scientists called for guidelines to support doctors and patients in their struggle against obesity.
Holiday weight gain slight, but may last a lifetime
A new study suggests that Americans gain about a pound during the winter holiday season, which accumulates over time and contributes to obesity later in life. The researchers found that increasing physical activity may be an effective method for preventing weight gain during this high-risk time.
The West is in the grip of an obesity 'epidemic'
A recent study in the Netherlands found that children's obesity rates have almost doubled between 1980 and 1997. The researchers attribute this increase to factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and early maturation. Children from large cities with poorly educated parents are at greatest risk of obesity.
Drastic weight-reduction efforts by teens usually lead to weight gain
A new study found that adolescent girls who engage in drastic weight-loss efforts such as dieting, appetite suppressant use, and vomiting are at greater risk for obesity. The study also revealed that exercise for weight-control purposes can lead to increased growth in relative weight.
National study focuses on families of people with diabetes and obesity
A national research project will investigate how insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes and obesity, is inherited in three generations of family members. The study aims to identify specific genes responsible for these conditions.
Social factors play key role in teenage health
A study by Dr. Elizabeth Goodman found a significant association between socioeconomic status and depressive symptoms, obesity, and poorer ratings of overall health among teenagers. The research examined data from over 15,000 surveys and found that lower socioeconomic status was linked to higher rates of these chronic illnesses.
New Findings On Asthma And Breastfeeding, Obesity And Asthma And Snoring And Pre-eclampsia At ALA/ATS Meeting
Breastfeeding significantly reduces asthma risk in children, while obesity may increase risk. Snoring and high blood pressure in pregnancy are also linked to pre-eclampsia.
Obese Black Teens At High Risk For Diabetes, Study Suggests
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that obese Black teenagers have a significantly higher risk of developing type II diabetes as adults compared to their white counterparts. The study highlights the need for early aggressive weight management in Black teens, given racial and ethnic differences in glucose metabolism.
Fat In Spite Of Hard Farm Work - Tracking Down Obesity
A study by Dr. Petra Platte found that genetic predisposition plays a major role in obesity development, but environmental factors such as diet and exercise are also crucial. The Amish community was used as a control group to isolate genetic factors, revealing similarities between family members' body types and fat distribution patterns.
Obesity Bigger Turnoff Than Eating Disorder
A recent Cornell University study found that men are less accepting of obese partners compared to women with eating disorders. The study surveyed 752 university students and revealed that 74% of men would be uncomfortable dating someone who is obese, while only 59% said they wouldn't date a woman with an eating disorder. This disparity...
First Federal Obesity Clinical Guidelines Released
The new guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat overweight and obesity in adults. Key findings include the importance of assessing body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and risk factors for diseases associated with obesity, as well as recommending calorie reduction, increase...
New Study Shows Second Generation Immigrant Children Gaining Weight
A new study by UNC-CH researchers found that adolescent obesity rates among second- and third-generation immigrants to the US have increased significantly. The study, based on a nationally representative sample of 13,783 adolescents, suggests that less physical activity and a higher-fat diet are likely responsible for this trend.
Obesity Hinders Breast-Feeding
A Cornell University study found that overweight and obese women have significantly less success breastfeeding their babies than normal-weight counterparts. The researchers also discovered that mechanical difficulties and biological factors contribute to the lower success rates.
Will Your Child Become An Overweight Adult? Step On The Scale
A recent study found that children whose parents are obese have a significantly higher chance of becoming obese adults. The research examined over 800 young adults and showed that having an obese parent more than doubles the risk of obesity, while having normal-weight parents reduces the risk.
Trigger Prompts Obese To Become Highly Successful At Weight Loss
Researchers found that nearly 77% of participants reported a trigger event preceding their successful weight loss. The majority of participants made significant changes in their dietary intake and physical activity levels to achieve serious weight loss. On average, they expended calories equivalent to walking 28 miles per week.