Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study from the University of Guam's Children's Healthy Living Program found that over 27% of children aged 2-8 on Guam are obese or overweight, with factors including excessive screen time, processed foods, and poor sleep habits contributing to the high rate.
A novel taxonomic approach is introduced to break down and reaggregate study specifics, enabling a determination of effective obesity intervention strategies. The research was supported by the NIH under contract number GS-00F-0007M.
A study led by King's College London found that pregnant women with obesity who received a diet and exercise intervention showed improved cardiovascular function in their children at three years old. Mothers also maintained healthier diets three years after delivery.
A study found that obese children who took probiotics Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and B632 lost more weight and had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those on a diet only. The findings suggest that probiotic supplements and a calorie-controlled diet may help manage childhood obesity.
A UK-based survey of nearly 3,000 adults found that healthcare professionals using preferred terms like 'weight', 'unhealthy weight', and 'overweight' reduce negative emotions. Parents also prefer this terminology, but use of other terms elicits strong feelings of anger and disgust.
A study suggests that childhood obesity should be considered a child protection concern, but disagreements persist among professionals. The research highlights the need for professional guidelines to address the issue, as inconsistent threshold judgments and personal values influence decision-making.
A European study involving over 4,000 children found that excessive screen time and inadequate sleep duration are independently linked to excess weight. The study suggests that prevention strategies should prioritize adequate sleep and limit screen time to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity.
A new NYC study reveals a significant variation in obesity prevalence among Latino populations, with Mexicans and Puerto Ricans more likely to have obesity. The study suggests that standardised treatment may obscure unique risks among specific groups, highlighting the need for culturally tailored approaches.
Research published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that obesity in pregnant women can affect the developing brain, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making and behavior. The study used fetal brain activity measurements to identify potential links between maternal BMI and changes in brain connectivity.
A recent study published in Obesity found that children who are relatively tall for their age have a significantly higher risk of developing obesity. The study examined the health records of over 2.8 million children and found that taller individuals were more likely to have a higher body mass index than shorter children.
A Rutgers study found that schools with healthier food options and more physical activity facilities had students with lower body mass indexes. The research, published in Preventive Medicine Reports, used professional measures of students' height and weight to examine the effects of school environments on childhood obesity.
A new study found that overweight and obese fathers are more likely to receive nutrition or exercise counseling than men without children. This increased referral rate may be attributed to the father's commitment to their child's health, highlighting a potential opportunity for healthcare providers to positively influence family outcomes.
A major study finds associations between air pollution, smoking, and built environment characteristics with increased childhood BMI. Exposure to maternal smoking, air pollutants PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, and densely populated areas were linked to higher childhood BMI.
A new study led by Dr Melyssa Roy found that later bedtimes for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old aren't directly linked to an increased risk of obesity. The study revealed that these children slept for a longer duration, which may limit eating opportunities and reduce overall caloric intake.
Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age reduces body mass index by up to 1.53 kg/m2 in high-risk individuals. The World Health Organization's recommendation is reinforced, suggesting a longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding may have the greatest benefits for obesity prevention.
Researchers found parents with better communication and lower discouragement were more likely to participate in family meals, leading to healthier habits. The study also highlighted the importance of open communication about children's weight without promoting unhealthy body image.
Research suggests that COVID-19 lockdowns have a detrimental impact on the diet, sleep, and physical activity habits of children with obesity. Compared to pre-pandemic behaviors, these children consumed more junk food, watched more TV, and slept an extra half hour per day.
Very young children exposed to antibiotics from birth to 12 months are at higher risk of childhood obesity and increased adiposity. The study found that early life antibiotic exposure disrupts gut microbiota development, leading to weight gain and obesity.
A new study found that childhood obesity increases the risk of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes in adulthood, due to persistent effects of obesity over many years. Lowering weight in adulthood may reduce these long-term adverse effects.
A study of 922 oocytes from obese and overweight women found lower concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids. The findings suggest that poor lipid composition in the ova may contribute to childhood and adult obesity.
Excess weight in pre-schoolers is linked to a higher risk of lower limb fractures (42% increase) and upper limb fractures (19% increase) compared to normal-weight children. Overweight and obesity are associated with significantly higher fracture risks.
A new study published in Acta Paediatrica found that children who go to bed early experience greater weight gain than those who go to bed late. The study of 1,258 Indigenous Australian children aged 6 years revealed consistent early bedtime routines may reduce the risk of overweight or obesity.
A new study published in Jama Network Open found that childhood overweight and obesity rates have plateaued in many middle- and high-income countries, but prevalence rates remain high. The rates of both conditions have increased in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Catalonia, Spain.
Researchers examined the impact of antibiotics during pregnancy and infancy on childhood obesity and found no association. Additionally, a study investigated the effects of bariatric surgery on mental health and recommended managing challenges through evaluation and support.
Two new studies link childhood obesity to a higher risk of mortality in early adulthood, as well as increased rates of anxiety and depression. The research highlights the need for specific prevention tools and long-term treatment to address these risks.
A molecular marker in saliva is associated with childhood obesity emergence in preschool-aged Hispanic children. Salivary methylation of the NRF1 gene predicted childhood obesity three years later, even after controlling for maternal BMI and behavioral factors.
Use of antibiotics during infancy may increase children's risk of becoming overweight or obese, while prenatal antibiotic use does not appear to affect weight in subsequent years. Investigators analyzed 23 studies involving over 1.2 million participants and found no link between prenatal antibiotic use and childhood obesity.
Research reviewing 29 studies found no clear association between whole-fat dairy consumption and weight gain, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure in children. Full-fat dairy may actually play a role in a balanced diet for growing children due to its nutrient content.
A NIH study suggests that mothers who are obese before pregnancy may be more likely to report their child having ADHD symptoms. Nearly 2,000 children were analyzed, revealing that women of normal weight have a significantly lower risk of reporting these symptoms.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found significant reductions in body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference, and fat mass in children and adolescents treated with metformin. However, the treatment did not affect lean body mass or have a significant impact on those who were already overweight or obese.
A new study published by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found a strong link between fast food consumption and weight gain in pre-school age children. The research followed over 500 children for one year and showed that eating fast food independently contributes to excess weight gain at this young age.
A study published in Endocrine Connections found that mindfulness-based therapy can lead to greater weight loss and reduced stress in obese children compared to a calorie-restricted diet alone. The therapy was found to counteract the negative effects of anxiety on weight loss.
Treating childhood obesity is associated with improved psychological outcomes, including enhanced self-esteem and body image. Losing weight appears to be less crucial for improving self-esteem, but still important for bettering body image.
A study found The Daily Mile intervention has a smaller effect on body mass index of children than expected, with greater impact on girls. However, it's still a highly cost-effective option for them compared to boys.
The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act led to significant improvements in school meal quality, with increased whole grains, dairy, and fruits, while reducing refined grains. Participation rates rose in schools serving healthiest lunches, offsetting concerns about costs.
A study examining childhood weight and obesity in adolescence found that excess weight at age 3 was associated with a higher risk of being overweight or obese at age 15. Pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity in mothers was also a significant predictor of this outcome.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that children who consumed whole milk had a 40% lower odds of being overweight or obese compared to those who drank reduced-fat milk. This challenges current guidelines recommending reduced-fat cow milk for children.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children with higher BMI tend to have a thinner cerebral cortex, especially in the prefrontal area. This may help explain the correlation between obesity and decreased executive function, such as working memory.