Articles tagged with Childhood Obesity
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 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 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 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.
A new study found that over 24 routine blood tests are affected by childhood obesity, including liver function tests and inflammation markers. This discovery could help doctors better interpret test results and provide more accurate diagnoses.
Researchers are examining changes in children's diets and time use over the summer holidays to better understand factors affecting childhood obesity. The study aims to find effective ways to address the serious issue of childhood obesity by tracking the behavior of 300 Grade four students over three years.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found no evidence to support a link between C-section deliveries and offspring obesity. After accounting for maternal and prenatal factors, they concluded that the method of childbirth did not play a significant role in determining the risk of obesity.
A study of 1,480 children found that limited TV time and low ultra-processed food consumption are associated with lower obesity risks. High physical activity, sleep duration, and plant-based food consumption also contribute to a reduced likelihood of developing overweight or obesity.
A 12-month trial in Guangzhou found significant reduction in weight gain among children participating in a physical activity and healthy eating intervention. The CHIRPY DRAGON programme also improved fruit and vegetable consumption, less screen time, and more physical activity.
The CHIRPY DRAGON program, developed to prevent obesity in urban primary school-aged children in China, showed significant beneficial effects on healthy eating habits, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Children who received the program had a lower body-mass index compared to those in control schools.
Research suggests that impaired liver function during pregnancy can lead to altered gut bacteria composition in children, increasing the risk of obesity. Maintaining a healthy diet and targeting gut microbiome composition with pre-biotics or pro-biotics may help prevent childhood obesity.
A study of 71,892 children born between 2007-2011 found strong associations between pre-pregnancy obesity in mothers and their children's high body mass index between ages two and six. Modest links were also identified with maternal diabetes and excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
Researchers explored how high-palatable foods, physical activity levels, and socioeconomic changes impact BMI in US counties. Studies found associations between abdominal obesity, dementia, and childhood obesity with food environments.
A recent study published by Wake Forest Baptist Health suggests that the microbes living in our gut play a key role in childhood obesity. The review of existing studies reveals how a mother's health, diet, exercise level, and birth method can affect the risk of obesity in her children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends greater access to weight-loss surgery for children and adolescents with severe obesity. The ASMBS has endorsed the new policy, which aims to increase access to evidence-based treatments that reduce the burden of severe obesity-related diseases.
A new study by NYU researchers found that children living within a half-block of fast-food outlets were 20% obese and 38% overweight. The farther away from unhealthy food sources, the lower obesity rates, with significant reductions at just one or two blocks distance.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends increased access to metabolic and bariatric surgery for children and adolescents with severe obesity, citing the growing public health crisis. Studies show that surgery is safe and effective, but underutilized due to barriers such as insurance coverage and limited centers.
Research from the University of Cambridge found an association between increased BMI and significant reductions in cortical thickness, as well as poorer performance at tests measuring executive function. The study used data from 2,700 children aged 9-11 years and controlled for various factors, including age, sex, and parental education.
A report from the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity found that 62% of children's drink sales were dominated by fruit drinks and flavored waters with added sugars. Healthier drinks like 100 percent juice represented only 38% of sales, with companies spending $20.7 million to advertise sugar-sweetened drinks to children.
A new study has revealed three simple factors that predict whether a healthy weight child will be overweight or obese by adolescence. The research found that a child's and mother's Body Mass Index (BMI) and the mother's education level are key predictors of weight problems by age 14-15 years.
Children with autism spectrum disorders have a 41.1% higher risk of developing obesity compared to matched groups, with 22 out of 100 affected. Additionally, certain subgroups, such as non-Caucasian race and female children, are disproportionately affected by excess weight gain.
A multi-national study reveals that children of normal weight who later become severely obese are often girls or from black populations, highlighting the need for tailored monitoring and prevention efforts. The study provides a predictive tool for doctors to focus intervention on high-risk individuals.
A recent NIH-funded study reveals that children born to mothers with high blood lead levels are more likely to be overweight or obese. Folate intake after giving birth may help reduce this risk. The study analyzed data from the Boston Birth Cohort and found a significant association between maternal lead exposure and childhood obesity.
A Norwegian study by the University of Bergen found that obese boys between 8 and their voice break age have double the risk of having children with asthma compared to non-obese peers. The connection is attributed to the development of reproductive cells during this period.
A recent study published in Economics and Human Biology suggests that the current obesity epidemic in adults may have been caused by excessive sugar consumption in childhood. The researchers modeled the increase in US adult obesity rates since the 1990s as a legacy of increased excess sugar consumption measured among children in the 19...
A randomized controlled study suggests that probiotic supplements can help obese children lose body weight and reduce their risk of future metabolic conditions. The findings support the potential benefits of microbiome-based treatments for tackling childhood obesity.
Research found that genetic modifications reducing leptin levels were more common in formula-fed babies, associated with higher body weight and increased risk of obesity. Breastfed infants had lower rates of these modifications, suggesting epigenetic mechanisms may play a role in childhood obesity development.
A new University of Maryland School of Medicine study examines the impact of food insecurity among children from birth to age four, finding a steady rise in obesity rates as they grow. Despite food insecurity, toddlers are more likely to experience poor overall health and developmental problems.
A five-year WSU study is tracking 200 Seattle-area children to measure physical activity, body mass index, sleep, and gut microbiome in two groups: Tiny Trees outdoor preschool students and traditional preschool students. The goal is to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of outdoor preschools in preventing childhood obesity.
A new study by Cornell University reveals that growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods increases the risk of obesity in adulthood, with teens facing a 29% higher chance. The research, which controlled for genes and parental stress, shows that neighborhood disadvantage can have a lasting impact on health.
A large-scale study has identified a robust new signal and fine-mapped previously reported genetic variants associated with childhood obesity. The findings suggest that genetic influences on obesity operate across the lifespan and provide valuable insights into potential treatments.
A recent study found that excessive screen time in Finnish children is associated with both overweight and abdominal obesity. The research, based on data from over 10,000 children aged 9-12, suggests a strong link between sedentary screen use and weight gain.