Activity In Obese Children Research Articles

Physical activity and exercise alter cognitive abilities, and brain structure and activity in obese children.

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing to such an extent that it has become a major global public health problem in the 21st century. Obesity alters children's brain structure and activity and impairs their cognitive abilities. On the basis of these findings, it is necessary for educational and healthcare institutions to combat childhood obesity through preventive and therapeutic strategies. In general, exercise and physical activity are considered common but effective methods for improving physical, psychological, and brain health across the life span. Therefore, this review article mainly focuses on existing neuroimaging studies that have used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)to assess children's brain anatomy and neural activity. We intended to explore the roles of physical activity and exercise in modulating the associations among childhood obesity, cognitive abilities, and the structure and activity of the brain.

The Effect of Information Placebo on Physical Activity in Overweight and Obese Children.

To assess the effect of 1 week of consuming a placebo "energy drink" compared with a week of drinking regular water on daily physical activity in obese children participating in a weight reduction multidisciplinary program. Seventeen prepubertal (age = 128.7 [26.6]m) overweight and obese children (7 females and 10 males) participated in the study. Participants received 7 bottles of mineral water per week for 2 weeks. Different types of information were randomly provided regarding the drink consumed in each week: standard (water) versus deliberate positive information (presumed energy drink and placebo). Daily step count was measured using pedometers and compared using paired t test. After consuming the placebo drink, children demonstrated a significantly higher average daily step number (10,452 [4107]) compared with the days they drank water (8168 [2928], P < .005). This difference was attributed mainly to male participants. The use of placebo in the form of deliberate positive information was associated with a significant increase in real-life physical activity in overweight and obese children, especially in boys. Positive information may be used to encourage children with obesity to enhance daily physical activity and energy expenditure.

The Relationship of Vitamin D Status, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and Physical Activity in Obese Children and Adolescents

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a range of chronic diseases, including childhood obesity. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in obese children and adolescents ranges from 6.5% to 57%. This cross-sectional study included 92 obese patients with body mass index z-score >2 and 39 subjects in the control group. Anthropometric and laboratory patient assessment were performed, including the fasting 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED index), while physical activity was evaluated by Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ). Serum levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in obese subjects compared to the control group (52.0 ± 17.93 vs. 64.09 ± 25.82 nmol/L, P = .003). The subgroup of obese patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) had significantly lower levels of serum vitamin D when compared to the subgroup of obese patients without MS and the control group (46.99 ± 17.11 vs. 54.58 ± 17.93 vs. 64.09 ± 25.82 nmol/L, P = .003). Obese patients with MS had lower PAQ score when compared to obese without MS and the control group (2.32 ± 0.55 vs. 2.49 ± 0.67 vs. 2.85 ± 0.63 nmol/L, P = .002), while no significant differences were observed in the KIDMED index (4.23 ± 1.81 vs. 4.21 ± 2.13 vs. 4.87 ± 2.29, P = .251), respectively. PAQ score was in positive correlation with serum levels of 25(OH)D (r = 0.305, P < .001). This study demonstrated that obese children and adolescents have significantly lower values of serum 25(OH)D. The positive correlation between vitamin D and PAQ score points to the importance of physical activity in the prevention of further cardiovascular complications and MS.

Significance of Myeloperoxidase in the Onset of Cardiovascular Disease among Obese Children and Adolescents

Obesity has become a serious health issue as it is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Studies in adults proved that serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a potent mediator for cardiovascular diseases. This study was planned to assess serum MPO activity in obese children and adolescents to elucidate if MPO is linked with cardiovascular risk parameters. This research work was conducted on 90 subjects (50 obese and 40 controls of matched age and sex). Each group was classified into 2 subgroups according to tanner stage into prepubertal and pubertal. Clinical examination and anthropometric measures were performed for all subjects. Also serum MPO, glucose, insulin, CRP, and lipid panel were analyzed. Significant rise (P&lt;0.05) in serum MPO, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and a significant drop (P&lt;0.01) in serum HDL values were recorded in the group of prepubertal, and pubertal obese individuals relative to controls. Serum MPO activity showed positive correlation with waist: hip ratio, body fat percentage, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR. While it revealed inverse correlation with basal metabolic rate. Linear regression indicated that serum MPO activity has a good association with cardiovascular risk parameters as BMI-z score, waist: hip ratio, serum insulin and HOMA-IR in both prepubertal, and pubertal obese subjects. The cut off value of MPO activity was 480 pg/ ml in pre-pubertal group with sensitivity of 85.8% and specificity of 71%, and 490 pg/ ml in pubertal group with sensitivity of 84.6 % and specificity of 59%. This study emphasized the elevated MPO activity in the serum of prepubertal, and pubertal obese individuals. Therefore, MPO could be considered as a potential link between obesity and cardiovascular complications in prepubertal, and pubertal population.

Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on Nutritional Status and Physical Activity of Obese Children

Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on Nutritional Status and Physical Activity of Obese Children

The relationship of vitamin D status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity in obese children and adolescents

The relationship of vitamin D status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity in obese children and adolescents

Proteomics reveals the effects of sustained weight loss on the human plasma proteome.

Sustained weight loss is a preferred intervention in a wide range of metabolic conditions, but the effects on an individual's health state remain ill‐defined. Here, we investigate the plasma proteomes of a cohort of 43 obese individuals that had undergone 8 weeks of 12% body weight loss followed by a year of weight maintenance. Using mass spectrometry‐based plasma proteome profiling, we measured 1,294 plasma proteomes. Longitudinal monitoring of the cohort revealed individual‐specific protein levels with wide‐ranging effects of losing weight on the plasma proteome reflected in 93 significantly affected proteins. The adipocyte‐secreted SERPINF1 and apolipoprotein APOF1 were most significantly regulated with fold changes of −16% and +37%, respectively (P < 10−13), and the entire apolipoprotein family showed characteristic differential regulation. Clinical laboratory parameters are reflected in the plasma proteome, and eight plasma proteins correlated better with insulin resistance than the known marker adiponectin. Nearly all study participants benefited from weight loss regarding a ten‐protein inflammation panel defined from the proteomics data. We conclude that plasma proteome profiling broadly evaluates and monitors intervention in metabolic diseases.

Efficacy of the prescription of physical activity in the obese child population.

To determine the effectiveness of prescribing physical activity to the population of overweight and obese children, in accordance with the levels of evidence. To find literature pertaining to the intervention of physical activity in overweight and obese children. four electronic databases were used: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and Lilacs. The search was conducted with a cut-off date of June 2012. Randomized controlled clinical trials of intervention programs involving physical activity for both overweight and obese children were selected. Two independent researchers reviewed and evaluated the quality of the studies, and extracted intervention and result data. A total of 204 studies were identified. 19 randomized controlled studies which complied with inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. These studies evaluated the impact of physical activity among obese children and compared different types of intervention based on exercise and diet or both with the objective of reducing weight in obese children. CONCLUSIONs: It is necessary to conduct studies on obese children with bigger sample sizes to determine the effects of the treatment, and more importantly, to devise comprehensive programs that include a structured exercise program complemented by a dietary program. Likewise, the development of public health policies that allow for the development of national programs for weight and obesity control in Colombian children and adults should be developed, taking into account that the causes of obesity are multiple, including social, familiar, metabolic, and dietary aspects.

Pediatric obesity and walking duration increase medial tibiofemoral compartment contact forces.

With the high prevalence of pediatric obesity there is a need for structured physical activity during childhood. However, altered tibiofemoral loading during physical activity in obese children likely contribute to their increased risk of orthopedic disorders of the knee. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of pediatric obesity and walking duration on medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces. We collected experimental biomechanics data during treadmill walking at 1 m•s(-1) for 20 min in 10 obese and 10 healthy-weight 8-12 year-olds. We created subject-specific musculoskeletal models using radiographic measures of tibiofemoral alignment and centers-of-pressure, and predicted medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces at the beginning and end of each trial. Obesity and walking duration affected tibiofemoral loading. At the beginning of the trail, the average percent of the total load passing through the medial compartment during stance was 85% in the obese children and 63% in the healthy-weight children; at the end of the trial, the medial distribution was 90% in the obese children and 72% in the healthy-weight children. Medial compartment loading rates were 1.78 times greater in the obese participants. The medial compartment loading rate increased 17% in both groups at the end compared to the beginning of the trial (p = 0.001). We found a strong linear relationship between body-fat percentage and the medial-lateral load distribution (r(2) = 0.79). Altered tibiofemoral loading during walking in obese children may contribute to their increased risk of knee pain and pathology.

Serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interlukin-6, and paraoxonase-1 in childhood obesity

Background/aim Obesity is becoming an epidemic health problem. Elevated cytokines and chemokines are prominent features in obesity, which play a main role in the development of other chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interlukin-6 (IL-6), and serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) in childhood obesity. Materials and methods The present study included 40 obese school-aged children (5-15 years) and 40 healthy children as controls. The patients were presented to the outpatient clinic in National Institute of Nutrition. MCP-1, IL-6, PON1, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured in all participants. Results The mean serum levels of MCP-1, IL-6, and total cholesterol were significantly higher in obese participants than in controls ( P P P P P 0.0001). Conclusion Childhood obesity is associated with increased serum MCP-1 and IL-6 and decreased PON1 and hypercholesterolemia suggesting an increase in adulthood disease risk. Measuring serum MCP-1, IL-6, PON1 activity in obese children may be a good predictor for future chronic disease development and complications.

The effect of lifestyle change and metformin therapy on serum arylesterase and paraoxonase activity in obese children

Obesity is known to be associated with many diseases in the long and short terms. Elevated oxidative stress contributes to the development of such obesity-related diseases as dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Levels of the endogenous antioxidants paraoxonase and arylesterase have been shown to decrease in such diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not changes in lifestyle and metformin therapy would affect serum paraoxonase and arylesterase levels. The study was performed with 25 overweight, 26 obese and 25 morbidly obese patients aged 6-15 years as well as 27 healthy children. Serum paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) activity levels and total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density protein, high-density protein, very low-density protein, glucose, aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase levels were measured. Enrolled patients were assessed at initial presentation and again at 6 months. No procedure was performed in the control group, while the overweight, obese and morbidly obese groups were recommended diet and exercise and given metformin therapy (insulin-resistant subjects only). Serum PON1 activity levels in patients with metabolic syndrome were significantly lower than those in individuals without metabolic syndrome (p<0.05), while lipid concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05). Metabolic syndrome patients had higher serum glucose, total cholesterol, low-density protein, very low-density protein and triglyceride values compared to those of the control group but significantly lower high-density protein values (p<0.05). No difference was determined between the groups in terms of PON1 and ARE levels following diet and exercise and metformin therapy. Measurement of PON1 and ARE enzyme levels may be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment aimed at reducing oxidative stress in obese children.

Importance of Physical Activity in Obese Children in Relation to Motor Skills: A Systematic Review

Background:&nbsp;Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and is associated with increased cardio vascular mortality and morbidity in adult life. In children, obesity correlates strongly with a progressive reduction in the level of physical activity and changes in food habits.Methods:&nbsp;This study is a qualitative research study. A secondary data collection technique was utilized and conducted through a search of articles published between 2005 and 2014 in PubMed and Google scholar databases. The objective of the present study is to provide a systemic review of the available literature and outline the factors in early life that are associated with an increased risk of obesity in children there by leading to poor gross motor skill performance with the help of Anthropometric assessment, Body composition and Motor skills proficiency.Results:&nbsp;Importantly recent studies have demonstrated that exercise training improves vascular endothelial function and stimulation of pressure receptors leading to increased vagal activity in obese children. The current literature highlights the importance of adding exercise programs to clinics, schools and families for the physical and psychological wellbeing of children.Conclusion:&nbsp;Overall findings from the present review showed that normal children with physical exercise are more superior in motor skills compared to other peers. Results of the previous studies indicated that normal children’s are more efficient in bilateral coordination in greater balancing, efficient upper limb coordination and greater strength.

Influence of a program of physical activity in children and obese adolescents; evaluation of physiological stress by compounds in saliva; study protocol

Different studies4, 5 relate that stress increases in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity, and consequently their salivary physiological responses (AEA salivary alpha-amylase, cortisol, cytokines, leptin), so in this study we relate these two parameters to see their progress through a program of physical activity. If we manage to reduce overweight or obesity, these physiological responses and stress should also be reduced, thus improving the overall health status of these children and adolescents. The overall objective of the study was to determine the influence of physical activity in obese children and adolescents in perceived stress. An observational, descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study will be carried out. The universe is made up of 60 overweight / obese children and adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years. The assessment will take place from September 2012 to September 2013. To collect saliva samples, the ELISA8 method will be used. Variables such as BMI, lifestyle and diet will also be collected Among the expected results are to lower overweight and obesity in children through physical activity program. To reduce stress and to normalize physiological salivary parameters.

Dogs motivate obese children for physical activity: key elements of a motivational theory of animal-assisted interventions

Background: There is empirical evidence that the presence of a companion animal can have a positive impact on performance. The available evidence can be viewed in terms of differing hypotheses that attempt to explain the mechanisms behind the positive effects. Little attention has been given to motivation as a potential mode of action with regards to human-animal interactions. First we give an overview of evidence that animals might promote motivation. Second we present a study to examine the effect of a therapy dog on exercise performance in children with obesity.Methods: Twelve children, aged 8–12 years old, were randomly assigned to two groups in a crossover design: dog-group and human confederate group. Several types of physical activities via accelerometer and subjective ratings of wellbeing, satisfaction, and motivation were assessed. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance for repeated measures on one factor.Results: The main effect of condition was significant for all performance variables. There was less passive behavior and more physical activity for all performance variables in the presence of the dog than in that of the human confederate. Between dog- and human- condition there was no difference in the subjective rating of motivation, wellbeing, or satisfaction.Discussion: The results demonstrate that the presence of a therapy dog has the potential to increase physical activity in obese children. Task performance as a declarative measure was increased by the presence of the dog in comparison to a human confederate, but self-report measures of motivation, satisfaction or wellbeing did not differ between the two conditions. Therefore, it stands to reason that a dog could trigger implicit motives which enhance motivation for activity. The results of our study indicate the potentially beneficial effect of incorporating dogs into outpatient training for obese children.

Interdisciplinary Aspects of Childhood Obesity and Physical Fitness

Interdisciplinary Aspects of Childhood Obesity and Physical Fitness

Performance indices of two different repeated sprint tests protocols in overweight children

We determined the relationship between aerobic fitness and a short and long repeated sprint test (RST) in pre pubertal overweight children (10.5±1.5 yrs). Aerobic fitness was evaluated by the 20m shuttle run. Two RST protocols with identical total running distance were performed to determine anaerobic capacities at random order (12×20 m run departing every 20s and 6×40m run departing every 40s). Performance decrement (PD) and total sprint time (TS) were significantly higher in the 12×20 m compared to the 6×40 m protocol. Significant negative correlations were found between the aerobic fitness and TS (r= –0.767) and the fastest sprint time (r= –0.738) of the 12×20 m protocol. Similarly, significant negative correlations were found between the aerobic fitness and TS (r= –0.803) and the fastest sprint time (r= –0.787) of the 6×40 m protocol. There were no significant correlations between PD in both RST's and aerobic fitness. Performance of high number of short repetitions with very short recovery time is more difficult for overweight children than fewer longer repetitions with longer recovery time. Aerobic fitness plays an important role in intense intermittent activity, but not in PD from intermittent activity in obese children.

Increased Coagulation in Childhood Obesity

Objective: This study aims to explore the relation between childhood obesity and procoagulant and anticoagulant systems. Method: Fifty-one obese children and 32 normal-weighted children with similar age and gender distribution and between ages of 5 and 16 years were recruited to the study. Antropometric measures of all subjects, existence of any accompanying disease, and medication histories had been recorded. Full blood count, procoagulant, and anticoagulant coagulation tests were run for all subjects. Results: When hematologic variables of obese children were compared with those of healthy controls, it was found that average erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte distribution width, and platelet count of obese children are significantly higher than healthy control group. It was also found that fibrinogen, thrombin time, factor (F) VIII, FIX, FX, and von Willebrand factor levels of obese children are higher than healthy control group. By contrast, antithrombin levels of obese children are found to be lower. Conclusion: In our study, we found that there is a procoagulant increase in the coagulation system activity of obese children compared to non-obese healthy children, whereas there is a significant decrease in anticoagulant system. These changes occurred in obese patients, especially higher levels of plasma procoagulant factors such as fibrinogen, FVIII, FIX, and von Willebrand factor, lead us to think that there is an activity in these patients at endothelial level. Further studies are needed on endothelial activity of obese children.

Childhood obesity and walking: guidelines and challenges

The development and maintenance of excess body mass in many children is partly attributable to levels of physical activity that are lower than the recommended 60 minutes/day. Walking is a recommended form of physical activity for obese children, due to its convenience and perceived ease of adoption. Unfortunately, studies that have used objective physical activity assessment continue to report low step counts and levels of physical activity in obese children. This may be due to physiological and/or biomechanical factors that make walking more difficult for obese children. The purpose of this review is to highlight the current recommended and measured levels of physical activity for children and to discuss the physiological and biomechanical challenges of walking for obese children that may help explain why these children are not meeting physical activity goals.

Altered xanthine oxidase and N‐acetyltransferase activity in obese children

It is well established that oxidative and conjugative enzyme activity differs between obese and healthy-weight adults. However, the effect of obesity on drug metabolism in children has not been studied extensively. This study examined whether obese and healthy-weight children vary with respect to oxidative enzyme activity of CYP1A2, xanthine oxidase (XO) and conjugative enzyme activity of N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2). In vivo CYP1A2, XO and NAT2 activity was assessed in obese (n= 9) and lean (n= 16) children between the ages of 6-10 years using caffeine (118.3 ml Coca Cola®) as probe. Urine samples were collected in 2-h increments over 8 h. Caffeine and metabolites were measured using LC/MS, and urinary metabolic ratios were determined based on reported methods. Sixteen healthy-weight and nine obese children were evaluated. XO activity was elevated in paediatric obese volunteers compared with non-obese paediatric volunteers (XO metabolic ratio of 0.7 ± 0.06 vs. 0.6 ± 0.06, respectively, 95% CI 0.046, 0.154, P < 0.001). NAT2 activity was fivefold higher in the obese (1 ± 0.4) as compared with non-obese children (0.2 ± 0.1), 95% CI 0.26, 1.34, P < 0.05. However, no difference was observed in CYP1A2 activity between the groups (95% CI -2.72, 0.12, P > 0.05). This study provides evidence that obese children have elevated XO and NAT2 enzyme activity when compared with healthy-weight controls. Further studies are needed to determine how this may impact the efficacy of therapeutic agents that may undergo metabolism by these enzymes.

Movement Skills and Physical Activity in Obese Children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Hunter Illawarra Kids Challenge Using Parent Support physical activity program in overweight children. A multisite randomized controlled trial was conducted with three intervention arms: 1) child-centered physical activity skill development program (Activity), 2) parent-centered dietary modification program (DIET), or 3) both programs combined (PA+DIET). Movement skill proficiency, perceived athletic competence, accelerometer-assessed physical activity, and parent-reported time spent in screen behaviors were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months in 165 prepubertal children aged 5.5-9 yr (59% girls, 78% obese). Differences in changes in outcomes between groups were assessed using linear mixed models. Compared with the diet group, the activity group (mean (95% confidence interval): +7.7 units (3.8-11.6 units)) and the activity + diet group (+6.7 units (2.9-10.5 units)) displayed 11%-13% greater improvement in overall movement skill proficiency (gross motor quotient) at 6 months. Perceived athletic competence increased across groups at follow-up (across groups: 6 months = +0.21 units (0.11-0.31 units), 12 months = +0.21 units (0.07-0.35 units)). Groups did not differ statistically for change in physical activity outcomes. Total screen time (min·wk(-1)) decreased in all groups at 6 months (across groups: -385.4 (-501.0 to -269.8)) and in the activity group (-261.8 (-470.5 to -53.1)) and activity + diet group (-340.5 (-534.6 to -146.4)) at 12 months. The diet group reported greater reductions in TV or DVD viewing time at 6 months compared with the activity group (248.6 (24.0-473.3)). The activity and the activity + diet programs were efficacious in improving overweight children's movement skill proficiency. All programs were efficacious in reducing time spent in screen behaviors. Other correlates may need to be targeted in addition to movement skills to increase physical activity among overweight children.