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.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2022
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.
A new study estimates that exposure to PFAS chemicals may result in $5.5-63 billion in lifetime health costs due to conditions like low birth weight, childhood obesity, kidney cancer, and hypothyroidism. The study supports the EPA's decision to lower safe allowable levels of these substances.
The prevalence of obesity among US children and teens rose from 17.7% in 2011-12 to 21.5% in 2017-20, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. This increase reflects growing health concerns for the nation's youth.
A study by Imperial College London found that 64% of calories in school lunches come from ultra-processed foods, contributing to childhood obesity. The analysis revealed higher levels of processed foods in packed lunches and secondary school meals, with lower-income children more likely to consume them.
The proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed pounds in England has nearly tripled from around 1 in 20 to nearly 1 in 7 over 20 years. Reported slimming attempts among all children, particularly those who are overweight and obese, have shot up, surpassing the rise in excess weight gain and service provision.
A new study found that children's food choices are influenced by their emotional states, particularly during weekends. Children reported consuming more sweet foods and sugary beverages when stressed or sad.
A University of Alberta study reveals that stressful childhood environments can lead to a desire for high-energy-dense foods throughout life, contributing to higher obesity rates. Adults raised in harsh socioeconomic conditions were more food-motivated and preferred energy-dense foods.
Childhood obesity rates are increasing, with younger children affected and severe cases reported. The study found that despite public health efforts, the incidence of obesity in elementary school children has risen higher and earlier than previously thought.
A recent study from Penn State's Center for Childhood Obesity Research found that second-born children in families where mothers received responsive parenting training slept an average of 40 minutes longer per night. The training also promoted healthier feeding practices and lower body mass indices (BMIs) in infants.
A new pediatric obesity program, Guided Self-Help (GSH), was developed to provide a less intensive and more accessible way to treat childhood obesity. The study found that GSH was similarly effective as traditional Family-Based Treatment (FBT) in supporting pediatric weight loss, but with higher attendance rates.
A 30-year study of over 1200 participants found that children with higher levels of cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness had better midlife cognitive function. Conversely, those with higher waist-to-hip ratios were at increased risk for dementia later in life.
A new study found that children attending center-based childcare between 1 and 4 years old had a lower body mass index (BMI) and were less likely to be overweight or obese in later childhood. The associations were stronger for children from lower-income families.
Research in western Amazonia found that at least 150 minutes of exercise per week correlated with lower birth weight and reduced risk of childhood obesity and diabetes. The study also showed that physical activity during pregnancy may help prevent excessive weight gain, contributing to a reduced birth weight.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that a 12-week app program improved children's motor skills by an average of 15.5 percentage points. The app-based program focused on six motor skills, including hopping, throwing, and jumping, and was shown to be effective in preventing childhood obesity.
A new mobile app provides effective support for children with obesity by tracking their weight development in real-time and offering personalized care. The app achieved twice the weight loss results compared to conventional care, particularly benefiting adolescents who were previously difficult to reach with behavioral therapy.
A new study found that access to modernized supermarkets with fresh foods in NYC's poorest neighborhoods led to a 1% decline in obesity rates and reductions of 4-10% in BMI-z scores. The results suggest that supermarket subsidies could play an effective role in addressing childhood obesity, especially among Hispanic and Black children.
A recent study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that low-income US children and teenagers experienced significant weight gain during the first 3–6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend was particularly pronounced among younger children, girls, and ethnic-minority youth.
Researchers analyzed 364 social media posts by six German-speaking influencers and found that 75% of the featured food and drinks were high in salt, fat, or sugar, exceeding World Health Organization advertising standards for children. Chocolate and sweets were the most commonly posted about products.
A new study at the European Congress on Obesity found that toddlers who were rewarded for trying vegetables ate more of them. The study, which involved 598 children aged 1-4, showed that regularly offering vegetables increased recognition and willingness to try different types.
A RAND Corporation study found that strengthened school lunch standards were associated with less weight gain among free or reduced-price lunch participating school children. The findings suggest improving nutritional standards can help reduce the trajectory toward obesity among low-income children.
A review of over a decade of data from the HOLBAEK Study reveals wide range of obesity-related complications present at young age, including dyslipidaemia and sleep apnoea. The study also found family-based weight management programmes to have positive effects on overweight and related complications.
A Danish study of over 1,000 children found that changes in blood fats and markers of heart health and diabetes can be detected as early as age six in those with overweight. Routine dental check-ups provide a good opportunity to measure BMI.
A recent Rutgers University study has found that children in families struggling to provide diapers are more likely to have disrupted and shorter sleep periods. The researchers also discovered a strong association between diaper need and an increased risk of childhood obesity, emotional problems, and maternal mental health symptoms.