Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
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.
Researchers from King's College London discovered how obesity affects the heart's shape and structure in children, leading to potential future cardiovascular risks. The study used data from over 2,600 children aged 10, showing significant changes at a BMI of 19.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new risk score system that uses genetic data to predict obesity in young children. The scores, called polygenic risk scores, can be easily interpreted and have been shown to be effective in identifying children most at risk for developing obesity.
Research by Dr. Sarah Crozier found that children aged eight or nine were more likely to be obese if their mother had a poor diet during – and before – pregnancy. The study, which analyzed data from 2,963 mother-child pairs, suggests that intervening at the earliest possible stage in a child's life can help tackle childhood obesity.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that overweight youth are developing signs of artery stiffness, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Researchers measured visceral fat levels and arterial stiffness in over 600 children, adolescents, and young adults, revealing higher levels of visceral fat and arterial ...
The Medical University of South Carolina's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness offers a menu of wellness initiative options that schools can tailor to their needs. Schools with health professionals on the wellness committee implement 25% more initiatives, leading to a culture change and increased student participation.
Children with autism benefit from group-based weight management and family-centered nutrition education, which improves eating habits and exercise motivation. The program's success rate is higher among families who complete the entire program, indicating its potential as an adjunct or alternative to traditional interventions.
A recent study published in Hypertension suggests that adolescent arterial stiffness may increase the risk of systolic and diastolic hypertension by 20% and 2-fold, respectively, seven years later. Higher arterial stiffness levels were also associated with an increased risk of abdominal and whole-body obesity.
A new center will address individual, familial, societal and environmental factors contributing to health disparities in the Latino/a/x community. The center will support research projects and interventions aimed at reducing obesity and chronic disease risk in Latino/a/x families.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming whole fat milk has no negative impact on children's health. The research, which involved 49 healthy children aged four to six, showed that both groups consumed similar amounts of calories and fat.
A systematic review presents evidence that environmental obesogens, such as hormone-disrupting chemicals, play a significant role in childhood and adult obesity. Dr. Leonardo Trasande recommends simple policies to reduce exposure and suggests economic benefits of limiting public exposure.
A Cleveland Clinic-led research team found that statistically overweight children who followed a healthy eating pattern significantly improved weight and reduced various cardiovascular disease risks. The study also showed improvements in blood pressure, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels.
A pilot study at the University of Cincinnati found that young adults with ASD and ID can lose or maintain weight with a system of education and support in place. Participants and parents reported knowledge and behavior change, with two participants losing significant weight.
The study found that store-wide confectionery sales decreased and fruit and vegetable sales increased when unhealthy products were removed from checkouts and aisles, resulting in nearly 10,000 extra portions of fruit and vegetables being sold weekly.
Research suggests that overweight and obese asthmatic children are less likely to respond to inhaled steroid medication, leading to more frequent asthma attacks. The study used genetic variants linked to BMI to investigate this link, finding a correlation between higher BMI z-scores and poor ICS response.
Researchers at the University of Bath found that large food companies and advertisers opposed Transport for London's 2019 ban, challenging its effectiveness and attempting to undermine policy. The ban was implemented despite commercial opposition, and its success sets a positive precedent for other authorities planning similar bans.
A study of rural schoolchildren found that behaviors leading to obesity decreased on school days compared to non-school days, while activity levels increased. The researchers recommend structured programs or schedules for children on non-school days to combat obesogenic behaviors.
A Kaiser Permanente study of nearly 200,000 children found that those aged 5-11 gained more weight during the pandemic than teenagers. The result was a significant increase in overweight and obese children, highlighting the need for health-focused interventions to prevent long-term consequences.
A study of 4,661 Finnish children found that six hours of physical activity per week reduces the risk of being overweight at age 14 associated with heavy digital media use. Physical activity appears to reverse adverse effects of screen time.
A new study highlights the need for change in Malta's school curriculum to combat obesity, which affects 40% of primary and secondary school children. Introducing a more physically intense PE program improved BMI and overall health among children.
A study of over 2,000 children in Barcelona found that living in urban areas with high levels of air pollution, noise, and traffic was associated with higher body mass index and a higher likelihood of being overweight or obese. The researchers proposed several mechanisms, including air pollution's potential to disrupt molecular mechani...
A team of psychologists will study the relationship between children's appetite and parents' feeding practices to develop effective interventions for childhood obesity. The project aims to produce guidelines that can help support parents whose children have a strong motivation towards food.
Research found that spending cuts to children's support centres in England resulted in 4575 more obese children and 9174 more overweight/obese children between 2010/11 and 2017/18. The effects were worst in deprived areas, widening the 'obesity gap' between rich and poor kids.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that ultra-processed foods make up a high proportion of British children's diets, increasing the risk of obesity and long-term health damage. The research highlights the importance of reducing UPF consumption among children to protect their health.
Research reveals brain changes in obese children, similar to those seen in OCD and Prader-Willi syndrome, causing obsession with food and anxiety. The study suggests a multidisciplinary approach is needed for treatment.
A research team led by Jerica Berge will examine the effectiveness of real-time intervention methods, including ecological momentary intervention and home visiting, to improve family meal quality and reduce childhood obesity disparities. The five-year NIH grant aims to create a new model of treatment for primary care settings.
A study of 92 adolescents found that girls are more likely to develop high blood pressure and dyslipidemia associated with obesity. The researchers believe personalized treatment is needed due to differences in hormone and neuropeptide profiles between girls and boys, regardless of weight and age.
Research shows that severe obese children experienced negative impacts on physical activity, eating habits, and quality of life during the first Netherlands lockdown. Children with pre-existing psychosocial problems or high emotional eating scores were particularly at risk.
Research by Abigail Stewart and colleagues found that secondary school children in the UK consumed more free sugars outside of school hours, with a lower intake during snacking periods. The study suggests that environmental or physical factors at home may increase sugar consumption, contrary to expectations.
The latest WHO report reveals high rates of childhood obesity in Europe, with Mediterranean countries showing the highest prevalence. The pandemic is expected to negatively impact childhood obesity levels due to reduced access to school meals and physical activity.
A study by the University of Malaga found that children spending more time on screens are more likely to consume less healthy foods and more sweets. Parents' education level also plays a role, with lower levels associated with poorer dietary habits in children.
Research suggests Spanish as primary language is associated with higher childhood obesity rates among U.S. children, regardless of ethnicity. The prevalence of obesity among Spanish-speaking households was 24.4%, significantly higher than those from English-speaking households.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that mothers who consumed a low-quality diet high in inflammation-associated foods during pregnancy had children with lower levels of muscle mass and higher risk of obesity in late childhood. Promoting healthy diets during pregnancy may help prevent childhood obesity.
A Baylor University study finds that variation in consumption of market-acquired foods is reliably related to indigenous Amazonian children's body fat, while energy expenditure remains relatively stable. The study suggests that change in diet may be the dominant factor driving childhood obesity globally.
Researchers analyzed fast-food exposure near schools and found no association with childhood weight gain. Despite concerns about the role of fast food in obesity, the study suggests that simple exposure is not a primary driver of excess weight gain.
A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that exposure to small grocery stores with healthier inventories is associated with significant improvements in childhood obesity. In contrast, increased availability of convenience stores selling predominantly unhealthy foods was linked to a higher li...
A study of 1038 mother-child pairs found that cumulative early life risk factors cumulatively predict increased indicators of adiposity and metabolic risk markers. Children with more risk factors had a higher risk of overweight or obesity and metabolic risk in early adolescence.
Research in rural South Africa identifies socio-economic factors as key drivers of overweight and obesity among mothers. The study found that decision-making authority, income level, and family size significantly affect women's health, highlighting the need for evidence-based policies to tackle the region's obesity epidemic.
Researchers found that nearly 19% of US children and adolescents are obese, with severe obesity rates higher in Hispanic and Black youth. Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective option for treating these patients, but many are not being offered the treatment due to lack of access.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that restricting television advertising for food and beverages high in fat, sugar, and salt could lead to a significant reduction in childhood obesity rates. The research suggests that limiting ads between 5:30am and 9pm could result in a 4.6% decrease in obese children, equivalent to 40,000...
A recent NIH-funded study found that microstructural brain differences in the nucleus accumbens predict increases in indicators of obesity in children. The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study reveals a link between diet-related inflammation and unhealthy eating behaviors.
A study using MRI found a positive association between nucleus accumbens cellular density and waist circumference in childhood. Higher cellular density predicted greater increases in waist circumference over time, linking unhealthy eating to obesity.