Articles tagged with 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.
A comprehensive review of 103 studies involving nearly 478,000 European children aged 2-13 found that nearly 20% were obese and over 15% were overweight. The study highlights the urgent need for effective prevention strategies to address childhood obesity in Europe.
A collaborative project funded by the CDC improved healthy eating and physical activity standards in nearly 1,200 child care programs across ten states. The six-year initiative led to significant increases in best practices, particularly in outdoor play and learning, resulting in lower obesity risk among young children.
A study published by The Endocrine Society found that exposure to bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) in plastics and canned foods may contribute to childhood obesity. Children with higher levels of these chemicals in their urine were more likely to have obesity compared to those with lower levels.
A study by Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that the quantity and variety of snacks, not plate size, influence children's snacking behavior. The research suggests reducing snack food options and energy density may help combat obesity in children.
A single-center study of 453 children with multiple sclerosis found a significant association between obesity and increased risk of pediatric MS. The study also explored the response of first-line therapy in obese children with MS, but no conclusive findings were reported.
A recent study published in Pediatric Obesity found that Leeds, England has bucked the global trend by reducing childhood obesity by 6.4%. The decline coincided with a strategy targeting families with preschool children in poor areas, utilizing the Health Exercise Nutrition for the Really Young (HENRY) intervention program.
A large-scale study found elevated levels of a biomarker for uranium toxicity in Kuwaiti children who developed obesity and metabolic syndrome. The study suggests that uranium exposure may contribute to the country's high rates of obesity and diabetes.
Children with obesity participating in a fun-driven aerobic exercise program showed no significant improvement in mood compared to those in a sedentary after-school program. However, the sedentary group reported depressive symptoms decreased over time, possibly due to social interactions and friendships developed during the program.
A new study found that people who are obese from childhood through middle age face a higher risk of difficulty with daily tasks such as lifting and carrying shopping by the time they are 50. Those who become obese in early life have more than double the risk of difficulties compared to those who were never obese.
Overweight and obesity rates decreased significantly among low-income children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) between 2010 and 2016. The declines were seen across all age, sex, and racial/ethnic subgroups, with obesity rates dropping from 15.9% to 13.9%.
A study of nearly 800,000 NYC schoolchildren found that Black, Hispanic, and Asian students live closer to unhealthy food outlets than White students. The researchers used precise home and school address data to calculate distance to each student's closest food outlet.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity are up to three times more likely to have obese children. The study suggests that interventions targeting weight management in women of childbearing age could help prevent intergenerational obesity.
A large community-based study of over 25,000 Iranian youths found that obesity is correlated with depression among boys but not girls. Underweight boys have an increased risk of depression, while overweight girls do. The study suggests weight management interventions should anticipate potential depression in boys.
A new study reveals that obese adolescents are significantly more likely to experience bullying, with greater odds of depression, behavioral problems, and difficulty making friends. The study also found no link between obesity and being a perpetrator of bullying alone.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a home-based weight management program improved the health of both children and their parents. The Developing Relationships that Include Values of Eating and Exercise (DRIVE) curriculum led to modest reductions in body mass index for children and signif...
A study of over 3,000 children followed from age 9 to 17 found that those with persistent obesity experience increased arterial stiffness, a clear sign of atherosclerosis. The researchers emphasize the importance of normalizing fat mass and improving metabolic health in this age group.
Research found that children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, engage in less vigorous physical activity compared to their more advantaged peers. The study suggests that promoting vigorous physical activity can help reduce childhood obesity and its associated health risks.
A study of 41,399 children found socio-economic inequalities in BMI emerge by pre-school age and continue to widen as children age. Children from primary educated maternal backgrounds are more likely to be overweight or obese at any age compared to those from tertiary educated mothers.
Research found that pregnant women with high glucose blood levels are at increased risk of their children developing obesity in childhood. The study followed over 40,000 pregnancies and found a 13% higher risk of obesity if blood glucose levels were elevated on the screening test.
A new study found that a genetic variant of the FTO gene is associated with increased food intake in children who are at risk for obesity, even before they develop the condition. The study suggests that early identification of this behavior can inform best practices for intervention and prevention of obesity in children.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that children who regularly walk or cycle to school are less likely to be overweight or obese. The research measured body fat and muscle mass instead of using BMI, revealing a trend where inactive children were more likely to be obese.
New research reveals that obese children are over a third more likely to require a hospital emergency department visit than their normal weight counterparts. The study found a 36% increased risk of visiting the emergency department among obese children compared to healthy weight children.
Research from WHO Europe found that babies who were never or only partially breastfed have a higher risk of becoming obese as children compared to exclusively breastfed babies. The study suggests that promoting breastfeeding practices can help prevent childhood obesity in Europe, but adoption rates are still below global recommendations.
The study found a significant variation in the prevalence of severe child obesity across European countries, with Southern Europe showing the highest rates. Severe obesity is associated with worse health outcomes and limited treatment options, highlighting the need for effective policy measures to prevent obesity.
A nationally representative survey of UK children aged 4-10 years found no strong correlation between drinking sugar sweetened beverages and higher energy consumption or BMI. The study suggests that relying on a single-nutrient approach, such as a 'sugar tax', may not be effective in tackling childhood obesity.
A systematic review by Newcastle University researchers found that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy increases the risk of childhood obesity by over three times. The study also identified higher risks for children born to mothers with overweight BMI, emphasizing the need for early interventions focused on weight management.
A large nationally representative sample of over 17,000 UK children found that obesity and emotional problems tend to co-occur and develop together from mid-childhood onwards. This association remains after adjusting for socioeconomic status and other factors.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that over half of parents and one-third of children underestimated their own or child's weight status. Health professionals also shared this misperception, with factors such as ethnicity and cultural norms influencing parental accuracy.
A nationwide study published at the European Congress on Obesity found that children and adolescents with obesity are more likely to develop anxiety or depression compared to their peers. The study, which analyzed over 12,000 Swedish children, revealed a clear increased risk of anxiety and depressive disorders in those with obesity.
A new study by Tulane University researchers found that improved WIC food packages reduced obesity risk for 4-year-olds by 12% for boys and 10% for girls. The changes, made in 2009, added more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing juice, milk, and cheese.
Achieving sugar reduction targets could lead to a 5.5% reduction in obese children and adults, as well as significant decreases in type 2 diabetes cases and NHS costs. However, the potential benefits may be lost if goals are not fully met.
Research at Columbia University found that providing clear information on the sugar content and health risks of sugary drinks can help families make informed choices. The study's lead author recommends using visual aids and graphic warning labels to inform parents about healthy alternatives.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that children with obesity experience a range of health issues, including anxiety, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The research suggests that using a clinical staging system is more useful than BMI alone to identify these health concerns.
A new study from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity found that meal kits and recipe tastings in a food pantry increased the selection of whole grains and leafy greens by three times. The study also showed a spillover effect, where clients selected additional healthier options when meal kits were available.
Elevated soothability in infants was associated with increased likelihood of early childhood obesity and shorter breastfeeding duration. Infant temperaments of elevated soothability and activity also linked to early introduction of sugary drinks, contributing to obesity risk.
A 21-year longitudinal study found that family stress, maternal depression, and lack of active stimulation are significant risk factors for childhood obesity. The study, published in Childhood Obesity, identified four BMI trajectories through childhood, highlighting the importance of early intervention strategies.
A recent study from the University of South Australia found that watching TV is strongly associated with obesity in children, even more so than other types of sitting. The research also revealed differences between boys' and girls' sedentary behaviors, with boys spending more time playing video games and having higher body fat.
Exposure to air pollution at school is linked to a higher risk of childhood obesity and overweight. The study found that children exposed to medium or high levels of air pollution had a higher risk of obesity and overweight compared to those with lower exposure.
A Rutgers study found that early childhood obesity prevention interventions are needed beyond preschool education settings. The research emphasizes the importance of culturally adapted, bilingual nutrition and physical activity programs for children and their families.
A new study found that risk factors for obesity may vary between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white babies. The research suggests that genetic predispositions and epigenetic influences play a role in the development of obesity in different ethnicities.
A large study found that taking metformin reduced weekly pregnancy weight gain, but did not improve other pregnancy outcomes. The research supports the need for pre-pregnancy dietary and lifestyle interventions to break the cycle of intergenerational obesity.
A new study published in Obesity found that children and adolescents with common obesity gene variants can still lose weight through lifestyle interventions. The researchers examined 754 participants, aged 11.6 years, who underwent a series of behavioral lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, physical activity, and sleep habits....
A Swedish study of 64 children with obesity found that approximately 30% achieved a lower weight category, with some progressing from severe to normal weight over four years. The program included regular advice on diet, physical activity, and sleep, with detailed dietary guidance and follow-up calls.
Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 children, finding a significant association between obesity and increased asthma incidence. Obesity was identified as a modest risk factor for asthma, with 23-27% of new cases directly attributable to obesity.
Researchers at Texas Biomed are investigating the role of DNA methylation in Hispanic childhood obesity. The four-year grant aims to understand how changes in genes and proteins contribute to obesity and potentially develop targeted treatments.
A study analyzing health data for over 500,000 children in the US suggests that obesity is a likely cause of approximately one-fourth of asthma cases in children who are obese. The research found that nearly 1 million cases of childhood asthma may be preventable by maintaining a healthy weight.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that children born large for gestational age (LGA) and born to mothers with gestational diabetes are almost three times as likely to be obese as children born a normal size to diabetes-free mothers. Breastfeeding was associated with a reduced risk of obesity in most children.
Researchers found four groups of patients with unique characteristics, including disordered eating behaviors and varying levels of glucose in their blood. The study suggests personalized approaches to treating obesity may be more effective, as one-size-fits-all treatments may not work for all individuals.
New research shows that childhood exercise can counteract the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in offspring born to obese fathers. Early exercise training has been found to reverse low insulin sensitivity and improve muscle function, offering a potential long-term health benefit for these individuals.
A new study suggests that childhood obesity may affect a child's immediate well-being, including development of positive psychosocial and coping skills. Only 28.9% of parents with obese children reported all five flourishing markers compared to 38% for overweight and 40.5% for normal weight children.
Researchers identified SIRT1 as a key player in reducing the likelihood of obesity and related metabolic disorders in boys. Increased SIRT1 levels in male offspring prevented excessive weight gain, improved blood sugar regulation, and reduced liver fat content.
A large study of over 333,000 infants found that exposure to antibiotics and acid suppressants in early childhood may increase the risk of obesity by age 3. The research suggests an association between these drugs and altered gut microbiomes linked to weight gain.
A recent study suggests that infant gut microbiota composition at 2 years of life is associated with body mass index (BMI) at age 12. The researchers found a stronger relationship between gut microbiota taxa and BMI z-scores as the kids got older, indicating that gut microbiota may be an early warning sign for detecting obesity.
Researchers found that children obese at 5 years old had a 75% likelihood of remaining obese by age 12 and almost 20 times the risk of developing Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). Early recognition and treatment are crucial to minimize severity, as SCFE causes lifelong disability.