Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Canadian and German researchers have identified personalized prescriptions that combine drugs to treat obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The combination therapy shows higher effectiveness in some patients and fewer side effects compared to single drugs. Studies are now needed to understand why individuals respond differently to the treatment.
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.
A new study analyzed the UK's largest contemporary dietary dataset of toddlers, finding that only 16% met the recommended intake of free sugars. The majority of free sugars consumed by children come from pure fruit juices, yogurts, and processed foods.
Children's physical fitness and health-related quality of life decreased significantly after the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy weight and overall well-being.
A new Cambridge study has discovered that the sex of a fetus can affect placenta function, diet-induced maternal obesity, and stress. Designing sex-specific therapies and personalized lifestyle interventions could have lifelong health benefits for children.
A new study examines childhood obesity disparities within integrated and segregated schools, finding larger gaps between Latino, Black, and Filipino children compared to White children. The study suggests that school segregation fosters obesogenic conditions disproportionately affecting these groups.
A study at McMaster University found that brown adipose tissue (BAT) is less active in boys with obesity compared to their normal-weight peers. The research team used MRI scans to measure BAT activity in response to a cold stimulus, revealing reduced activity in obese boys.
A new study demonstrated that maternal exercise during pregnancy improves the metabolic health of offspring, even when the mother is obese or on a high-fat diet. The findings suggest that physical exercise by the mother induces the placenta to secrete SOD3, resulting in a lowered risk of diabetes for the offspring.
A new study published in Surgical Endoscopy found that adolescents with obesity who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy benefited from reduced obesity and concomitant organ damage, regardless of their age at the time of surgery. Additionally, adolescents with a family history of bariatric surgery had a higher weight prior to weig...
A study by TUM confirms that physically fit primary school pupils perform better in terms of concentration and health-related quality of life. The results show a positive correlation between physical fitness, concentration, and overall well-being.
A new study finds family-based behavioral treatment improves weight-related outcomes significantly more than usual treatment among children aged 6-18 years with severe obesity. The treatment model was delivered at an outpatient clinic and consists of 17 sessions over six months, involving school and leisure activities.
Researchers at the University of Bergen found that genes linked to extreme obesity, appetite, and energy consumption regulate child growth. The study, published in Nature Metabolism, provides insight into mechanisms controlling appetite and energy metabolism early in life, potentially leading to better treatment for obesity.
Scientists have identified a new immune process that regulates inflammation in human fat, which may help manage obesity. The research found that specific immune cells can work together in fat tissue to cause weight gain and obesity.
A recent commentary argues that treating obesity should prioritize compassionate care and focus on health rather than weight. The researchers aim to eliminate the false dichotomy between eating and weight disorders, promoting a patient-centered approach that screens for and addresses eating disorders throughout treatment.
A study by Brandi Rollins and Lori Francis found that early positive interactions with caregivers can reduce the risk of childhood obesity. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 mother-child pairs and discovered that children's early exposures to family psychosocial assets protect against obesity.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pictorial health warnings on sugary drinks reduced parental purchases of these beverages for their children by 17%. The warnings also led to a decrease in calories purchased from sugary drinks and increased parents' feelings of control over healthy eating decisions.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London found that a high BMI in mothers before and during pregnancy is not a major cause of childhood obesity. Instead, lifestyle factors play a more significant role in determining a child's weight.
The CHAMPS program, a multi-year quality improvement initiative in Mississippi, increased breastfeeding rates by 10 percentage points overall, with significant gains among Black mother-baby dyads. Rooming-in practices also improved, leading to reduced infant mortality and morbidity.
A new study from the University of Otago found that children are exposed to 554 brands per 10-hour day, or nearly a brand a minute. The majority of these exposures occurred in school, at home, and in-store, with most coming from brand labels, product packaging, and commercial signage.
A study in rats found that consuming sweeteners like aspartame or stevia during pregnancy can lead to changes in the offspring's gut microbiome and increased obesity risk. The findings suggest that a mother's diet during pregnancy plays an important role in determining her child's health later in life.