Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new study reveals a higher prevalence of stunting and wasting among poor children, while overweight children live in richer homes. Researchers are calling for an integrated approach to tackle the 'double burden' of child malnutrition.
Researchers found that primary school children spend more time on screens, exercise less, and eat unhealthy food during the holidays. Adding structure to their days with regular activities and limited screen time can encourage healthier behaviours.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that existing associations between cognitive ability and body mass index may be due to confounding by family factors. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 siblings and found a significantly smaller association when comparing siblings within families.
The Obesity Society joins European, US, and Canadian organizations in promoting the use of people-first language for pediatric overweight and obesity. This approach aims to minimize negative bias, stigma, and discrimination while acknowledging individuals as more than their weight or disease.
A recent study by the University of Jyväskylä found that good physical fitness in children does not reduce low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in childhood obesity. Higher body fat percentage and waist circumference were strongly associated with higher low-grade inflammation levels.
High blood pressure in children is a significant health concern, potentially leading to cardiovascular problems in adulthood. The American Heart Association recommends monitoring blood pressure levels and implementing lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management.
A study found that prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants contributes to childhood obesity and metabolic disorders. However, the researchers discovered that high levels of vitamin B12 may enhance the obesogenic effect of certain pollutants, while β-cryptoxanthin from oranges or apples may protect against these effects.
A new study maps the pathways leading to childhood obesity, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions beyond diet and exercise. Factors such as socio-economic status, parental education, and social disadvantage play a significant role in determining a child's risk of developing obesity.
A new study found that girls born to obese mothers are at higher risk of developing obesity or overweight, with similar BMI and fat mass to their mothers. The association was not seen in boys or daughters from non-obese fathers.
A new study reveals that cross-sector coalitions can create effective policies, systems, and environments for change in addressing early childhood obesity. By bringing together individuals from government, public health, healthcare, and other arenas, coalitions can diffuse knowledge into social and professional networks, leading to inc...
A Rutgers University study found that excess calories during development can alter the brain and lead to adult overeating. Mice born to overweight mothers were more likely to become obese as adults when given access to unhealthy food. On the other hand, their offspring from lean mothers stayed slim on healthy food.
A new study found that a Food FARMacia program, which provided free and healthy foods to families in need, was associated with reduced childhood obesity outcomes and improved household food security. The program, which operated mobile pantries twice a month, showed a clinically significant decline in childhood obesity risk factors afte...
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 800,000 children aged 3-17 found that youth with higher BMI were at a 26% increased risk of developing hypertension. The study highlights the importance of preventing hypertension in young people to avoid irreversible organ damage.
A study from George Mason University found elevated insulin and hemoglobin A1C levels in early elementary-aged Latino youth with obesity, a risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases. The research aims to identify at-risk children and implement interventions earlier to mitigate the effects of childhood obesity.
A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.
A comprehensive study of 200,000 Swedish children found a significant increase in overweight and obesity rates between 2018 and 2020, with obesity rates rising by 30%. The greatest increase was seen in morbid obesity, highlighting the challenges faced by those who were already struggling before the pandemic.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends earlier and more intensive treatment of childhood and teen obesity, citing evidence that diet and exercise alone are insufficient. The ASMBS supports this guideline, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes.
A review of dozens of studies found a positive association between sugary drinks and weight gain in both adults and children, with increasing SSB intake linked to greater weight gain over time. Limiting SSB consumption is an effective way to prevent age-related weight gain.
A school-based wellness initiative led by MUSC's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness has been shown to reduce the average student BMI over time. The program, which targets policy, systems and environmental change, uses evidence-based strategies such as physical activity, nutrition and social-emotional wellness.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that childhood obesity is associated with a higher risk of four out of the five recently proposed subtypes of adult-onset diabetes. The study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the link between childhood body size and the risk of different diabetes subtypes occurring in adults.
A Slovenian population-scaled, school-based study found that providing additional physical education lessons to young children effectively prevents childhood obesity. The intervention increased BMI in both normal-weight and obese children, with maximal effects seen after three-to-four years of participation.
A new statistical analysis tool has uncovered the distribution and intermixing of Jomon hunter-gatherers and East Asian immigrant farmers in Japan. The study found that regions with higher Jomon ancestry are more prone to obesity, while those with higher East Asian ancestry are more susceptible to exacerbated asthma.
A recent study from the University of Toronto found that greater screen time is associated with more symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian young people. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 adolescents and young adults and found that social media use, texting, TV watching, and video chatting were linked to muscle dysmor...
The study, involving 14,000 youths aged 5-18, found a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) after the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act was implemented. This suggests that school meal programs are a crucial avenue for addressing childhood obesity.
A recent study by Crystal Lim found that obesity prevention programs combining nutrition and exercise components over an extended period had the most success in changing students' daily behaviors. Successful programs also included evidence-based strategies like goal setting, problem solving, and self-regulation techniques.
A new study found that high physical activity does not offset obesity risk among preteens with high screen time, highlighting the importance of limiting screen time. Parents are advised to encourage physical activities, such as sports and outdoor play, to help combat childhood obesity.
A UK government program aimed at tackling childhood obesity may be having negative effects on children's mental health and relationships with food. The study found that some families expressed concerns about the potential for weight-related teasing and stigma, which can lead to poorer self-perceptions and unhealthy dieting behaviors.
The UK comic Beano promotes unhealthy food brands through quizzes and games on its website, raising concerns among health experts. The company collects data on children's consumption preferences, which is sold to companies, contributing to the problem.
A new study found that UK soft drink taxes led to an 8% reduction in obesity among 10-11 year old girls, with greatest reductions seen in most deprived areas. The tax, introduced in 2018, was associated with a decrease in childhood obesity rates.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that the UK's soft drinks industry levy may have prevented 5,000 cases of obesity per year in year six girls due to an 8% relative reduction in obesity levels. However, there was no significant association between the levy and obesity levels in year six boys or younger children.
A new study from Uppsala University found that early introduction of solid foods to infants leads to an earlier end to breastfeeding and a shorter duration of breastfeeding. The research involved 1,251 infants and their mothers, with nearly half receiving tastings as early as four months.
Researchers at Iowa State University have identified a metabolic switch that can be modified to control fat production, which could lead to more effective treatments for childhood obesity and cancer. The discovery involves altering the acetylation levels of fatty acid synthase, an enzyme critical to de novo lipogenesis.
A study published in the European Journal of Public Health found a significant rise in body mass index (BMI) among Swedish children aged three to five during the pandemic. BMI rose in both boys and girls, with a notable increase in overweight and obesity rates among disadvantaged areas.
A new study found that living in neighborhoods with higher opportunity or lower vulnerability can lead to lower mean BMI trajectory and lower risk of obesity in children. The study suggests that investing in neighborhood environments could help mitigate future chronic disease risk, particularly for marginalized communities.
A large study of over 20,600 children found that living in higher-opportunity neighborhoods at birth was associated with a lower average body mass index trajectory and a lower risk of obesity from childhood to adolescence. Initiatives targeting neighborhood environments may help prevent excess weight in children.
Researchers have identified a rare gene mutation that causes severe childhood obesity, leading to a constant feeling of hunger and decreased sensation of satiety. The discovery provides a new understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying monogenic human obesity.
A recent study published in eLife found that childhood body mass index has a minimal effect on anxiety symptoms, but conflicting evidence about its impact on depressive and ADHD symptoms. The researchers suggest that policies targeting social and environmental factors may be more beneficial for improving child mental health.
A Baylor College of Medicine study reveals a connection between the serotonin 2C receptor and obesity, as well as maladaptive behaviors. The research findings suggest that rare mutations in the gene responsible for this receptor play a role in these conditions.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 53 studies found that obesity is not a universal phenotype in children with type 2 diabetes. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms driving this condition in children with type 2 diabetes.
A new study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that mice offspring from fiberolean mothers gained striking amounts of weight when fed a Western-style diet. The research suggests that microbial diversity plays a crucial role in obesity development, and that fiber is only beneficial if it's metabolized by beneficial bacteria.
Higher weight and BMI z-scores in pre-adolescence are associated with poor brain health, including structural changes and decreased connectivity. The findings provide an important mechanistic explanation for the link between childhood obesity and impaired cognitive function.
A randomized clinical trial of 8,800 school-age children with high vitamin D deficiency showed no impact on growth or pubertal development after 3 years of weekly oral vitamin D administration. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with stunting and obesity in children.
A new study from the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health found that certain weight-related words lead to emotional distress in adolescents. Preferred terms included 'healthy weight' and 'normal weight', while words like 'obese,' 'fat,' and 'extremely obese' elicited negative emotions.
Research at Aston University found a significant link between childhood deprivation and impulsive behavior, leading to addictions and unhealthy choices later in life. The study showed that children from deprived areas had a higher discount rate, indicating a preference for immediate gratification.
A new study from researchers at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy found that coalitions working to combat childhood obesity are more effective when members form close relationships with people in different organizations, learn new information rapidly, and share that knowledge with others. This can lead ...
A team of researchers from Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, and Northern Illinois University are developing an open source system called FLASH to objectively measure children's screen-viewing behaviors. The five-year grant includes funding for three long-term studies on the impacts of screen use on young children.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide, an approved obesity drug for adults, also helps adolescents with obesity lose weight and have healthier hearts. After 68 weeks, 72.5% of participants who received semaglutide had achieved at least 5% weight loss compared to just 17% on placebo.
A lifestyle intervention of diet and exercise in pregnant women with obesity reduced the risk of cardiac remodelling in 3-year-old children. The study found that these changes were associated with a lower risk of future cardiovascular disease.
A study published in Hypertension Research suggests that weight gain from childhood with an optimal muscle-to-fat mass ratio may indicate excellent vascular health. The researchers found that increasing muscle mass was associated with optimal vascular function, especially in males.
A US study found that mothers' consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity in their offspring. The study suggests refining dietary guidelines and removing financial and social barriers to improve nutrition for women of childbearing age.
A new international study found that maternal education levels and household income at birth are significant predictors of childhood overweight and obesity. Social inequalities were evident across seven high-income countries, with lower maternal education associated with higher risk of overweight and obesity.
A 12-month video-based weight loss programme has shown significant improvements in metabolic health and dietary behaviour among children with obesity. The study, presented at the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Meeting, found that participants lost weight and made better food choices.
Children with obesity who lose weight show increased hunger-related brain activity, despite changes in gut hormone levels. This disconnect may underlie why many people regain weight after a strict diet, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.
A new study found patterns of fetal abdominal growth associated with maternal lipid metabolites that track newborn growth, adiposity, and development into childhood. The study monitored over 3,500 babies from birth to 2 years of age, providing insights into the complex interaction between maternal and fetal nutrition early in pregnancy.
A study by Children's Hospital Colorado reveals a 77% surge in newly diagnosed youth-onset type 2 diabetes cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increasing prevalence of obesity and unhealthy habits since the pandemic's onset are thought to contribute to this rise.
Children are at risk of heat-related health problems due to obesity and physical inactivity. Fitter adults can better tolerate high temperatures, but research suggests children need daily physical activity to build fitness.
A study found eight classes of health conditions common among pediatric obese patients, including respiratory and sleep disorders. The researchers used a pattern mining algorithm on electronic health records of 49,694 patients to identify clinically similar subtypes.
New research finds junk food advertising restrictions have prevented 94,867 fewer obesity cases, 2,857 fewer diabetes cases, and 1,915 fewer cardiovascular disease cases. The policy is estimated to save the NHS £218 million over its lifetime.
A new study found that a fast food diet before pregnancy can negatively impact breast milk quality and baby's health, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Even short-term consumption of high sugar and fat diets affects women's health and fertility.
Researchers found that lactating mothers expose their pups to triclosan, leading to early signs of liver damage that can progress to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Exposure to triclosan in early life may lay the groundwork for future development of fatty liver disease.