Healthy Weight Children Research Articles

Aortic valve function and aortic dimensions in obese and overweight patients with bicuspid aortic valve.

Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common CHD and commonly associated with activity restrictions that may lead to a sedentary lifestyle known to increase obesity risk. It is unknown whether obesity is associated with changes in aortic dimensions or aortic valve function in young people with bicuspid aortic valve. This study investigates whether overweight and obese children with bicuspid aortic valve have worse aortic valve function or increased aortic dimensions compared to healthy weight children with bicuspid aortic valve. This was a single centre retrospective cohort study comprised of patients 5 to 25 years old with a diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve between 1 January, 2019 and 31 December, 2020. Patients were classified as healthy weight or overweight/obese. Values for aortic dimensions as well as peak and mean aortic valve gradients were obtained from echocardiogram reports. About 251 patients were analysed. Demographics were similar between groups. When indexed to height, the aortic valve annulus (1.28 ± 0.14 vs. 1.34 ± 0.15, p = 0.001) and sinotubular junctions (1.44 ± 0.21 vs. 1.49 ± 0.24, p = 0.038) were larger in the overweight/obese group, with no differences in aortic root or ascending aorta sizes. The obese/overweight group had a higher peak aortic valve gradient (23.03 ± 1.64 mmHg vs. 16.17 ± 1.55 mmHg, p = 0.003) compared to the healthy weight group. Healthy weight patients did not have larger aortic dimensions compared to the overweight/obese patients. There was evidence of worsening aortic valve stenosis in overweight/obese patients compared to those at a healthy weight.

Clarifying main nutritional aspects and resting energy expenditure in children with Smith-Magenis syndrome

Our study aims to define resting energy expenditure (REE) and describe the main nutritional patterns in a single-center cohort of children with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS). REE was calculated using indirect calorimetry. Patients’ metabolic status was assessed by comparing measured REE (mREE) with predictive REE (pREE). Patients also underwent multidisciplinary evaluation, anthropometric measurements and an assessment of average energy intake, using a 3-day food diary, which was reviewed by a specialized dietitian. Twenty-four patients (13 M) were included, the median age was 9 years (IC 95%, 6–14 years), 84% had 17p11.2 deletion, and 16% had RAI1 variants. REE was not reduced in SMS pediatric patients, and the mREE did not differ from the pREE. In patients with RAI1 variants (16%, n = 3/24), obesity was more prevalent than those with 17p11.2 deletion (100% vs 38%). Lower proteins intake and higher total energy intake were reported in obese and overweight patients, compared to healthy weight children. No significant difference was found between males and females in energy or macronutrient intake. Conclusions: In SMS, the onset of obesity is not explained by REE abnormalities, but dietary factors seem to be crucial. Greater concern should be addressed to patients with RAI1 variants. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms causing obesity in SMS patients could set the basis for possible future targeted therapies.What is Known:• More than 90% of SMS patients after the age of 10 are overweight or obese.What is New:• Onset of overweight and obesity in SMS pediatric patients is not explained by abnormal resting energy expenditure.• The development of syndrome-specific dietary guidelines for SMS patients should be of utmost relevance and are highly needed.

1st International Conference on Sustainable Health and Nutrition During the Life Cycle, 19-21 March 2024: an introduction

The 1st Conference on Sustainable Health and Nutrition during the Life Cycle, held at Rio de Janeiro State University, was a great success, aiming to democratise knowledge and foster networking within the field. The conference featured diverse presentations, including keynote sessions highlighting critical issues such as childhood obesity prevention and the links between agroecology and nutrition. Discussions underscored the need for interventions targeting healthy-weight children and promoting sustainable food practices rooted in cultural heritage. The event embraced sustainability by adopting a paperless approach and incorporating community action initiatives promoting food sovereignty and security. The launch of a book on non-conventional edible plants further emphasised the importance of sustainable food systems. The coffee break sessions showcasing products from local farmers and nutritional education led by undergraduate students fostered active engagement with the audience. The success of this inaugural conference signals a promising future for international collaboration in sustainable health and nutrition. In conclusion, the conference provided a vital platform for dialogue, community engagement, and knowledge exchange, setting a high standard for future events in the field.

Evaluation of meniscal elasticity using shear wave elastography in obese children and adolescents: a preliminary cross-sectional study.

Musculoskeletal problems such as pain, joint pathology, increased risk of fracture, and the development of structural deformities are common in childhood obesity. Increased mechanical stress on the knee joint leads to degenerative changes in the cartilage and meniscus. Meniscal elasticity values increase in meniscal degeneration. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an ultrasound-based imaging technique based on the principle of measuring tissue elasticity. We aimed to investigate the changes in meniscal stiffness and thickness that can be caused by obesity in children and adolescents using SWE. In this prospective cross-sectional study, the menisci of obese (n=44) and age- and sex-matched healthy weight (n=44) children and adolescents were assessed by SWE. Meniscal elasticity was measured in kPa on the coronal plane. Independent samples t-test was used to compare meniscal elasticity values between groups. Additionally, Pearson's correlation test was used to examine the relationships between elasticity values and age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Meniscal elasticity values were significantly higher in the obese group than in the control group (P<0.001). In both groups, there was no significant difference in meniscal stiffness between the boys and girls or between the right and left sides. In the obese group, there were weak and moderate positive correlations between meniscal elasticity values and age, weight, and BMI (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in meniscal thickness between the obese and control groups. Meniscal stiffness is increased in obese children and adolescents.

Correlation of Body Mass Index with Blood Pressure in School Going Children Aged 6 To 14 Years in Ramdhuni Municipality of Eastern Nepal

Introduction: Children of school age groups in developing countries are facing the problem of overweight and obesity. Childhood obesity continues as obesity in adulthood. The chance of high blood pressure (BP) in overweight and obese children is more than healthy weight children. However, in Nepal, data on the relationship between hypertension and obesity, and disease burden in children at the national level are limited. To overcome these diseases and to develop effective prevention strategies, knowing the prevalence of the disease is a priority. Thus, this study aims to determine the prevalence and the relationship between overweight/obesity with BP in school going children aged 6-14 years, living in Ramdhuni municipality of eastern Nepal.&#x0D; Objective: To find prevalence and the association of BMI with blood pressure in school going children aged 6 to 14 years in Ramdhuni municipality of eastern Nepal.&#x0D; Methodology: This was a school based cross-sectional prospective study conducted at various schools in Ramdhuni municipality from February -March 2022. A total of 490 apparently healthy students of age group 6-14 years of both boys and girls were enrolled. Measurement of height and weight was done by standard procedure. The data was entered into Microsoft offices excel and analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 20.0).&#x0D; Results: In this present study, data of 490 students aged between 6 and 14 years were evaluated. Of them, 77.8% (n=381) were normal weight, 10.6% (n=52) were overweight and 5.9% (n=29) were obese. The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension was 0.8% (n=4) and 0.6% (n=3), respectively. The body mass index was statistically significant as an explanatory variable of hypertension for both genders.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study concludes that overweight and obese children are at a significantly higher risk for hypertension than are normal weight children. Blood pressure measurement should be routine and frequent in children, especially overweight and obese children.

A literature review of evidence for primary prevention of overweight and obesity in healthy weight children and adolescents: A report produced by a working group of the Danish Council on Health and Disease Prevention.

Primary prevention targets development of overweight in individuals with healthy weight and is a great challenge. This paper summarizes the main findings of a working group of the Danish Council on Health and Disease Prevention that reviewed the literature on primary prevention of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. The results were presented in a Danish report, in which a 2019 Cochrane review on childhood obesity prevention was complemented by searches in PubMed to include all relevant subsequent studies published from January 2018 until March 2020. In this paper, the review was updated until June 2023. Numerous childhood overweight prevention interventions have been developed during the past decades, primarily targeting diet and/or physical activity. Several of these interventions showed positive effects on diet and physical activity level but did not show effects on risk of developing overweight. The evidence foundation is inconsistent as four out of five interventions did not show positive effects. Previously observed intervention effects may not reflect excessive weight gain prevention among children with healthy weight but rather bodyweight reduction among those with overweight or obesity. We do not have sufficient knowledge about how to prevent children with healthy weight from developing overweight, and creative solutions are urgently needed.

Relationships between growth indicators, liver and kidney function markers, and blood concentrations of essential and potentially toxic elements in environmentally exposed young children

Environmental exposure to multiple metals and metalloids is widespread, leading to a global concern relating to the adverse health effects of mixed-metals exposure, especially in young children living around industrial areas. This study aimed to quantify the concentrations of essential and potentially toxic elements in blood and to examine the potential associations between multiple elements exposures, growth determinants, and liver and kidney function biomarkers in children living in several industrial areas in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The blood distribution of 20 trace elements As, Ag, Bi, Br, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, I, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Tl, V, U, and Zn, growth determinants such as body mass index and body fats, blood pressure, liver and kidney injury biomarkers including serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, serum calcium, and creatinine levels, blood urea nitrogen, and hemoglobin concentrations, and glomerular filtration rate were measured in 141 children, aged six to 16 years. Among these elements, blood concentrations of Ag, U, V, Cr, Cd, Sb, and Bi were measured below LOQs and excluded from subsequent statistical analysis. This comprehensive study revealed that blood concentrations of these elements in children, living in industrial areas, exceeded critical reference values to varying extents; elevated exposure to As, Pb, Br, Cu, and Se was found in children living in multiple industrial areas. A significant positive association between elevated blood Tl concentration and obesity (β = 0.300, p = 0.007) and an inverse relationship between lower As concentration and underweight (β = −0.351, p < 0.001) compared to healthy weight children indicate that chronic exposure to Tl and As may influence the metabolic burden and physical growth in children. Concentration-dependent positive associations were observed between the blood concentrations of Cu, Se, and Br and hepatic- and renal dysfunction biomarkers, an inverse association with blood Mo and I level, however, indicates an increased risk of Cu, Se, and Br-induced liver and kidney toxicity. Further in-depth studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the observed associations. Regular biomonitoring of elemental exposures is also indispensable to regulate pollution in consideration of the long-term health effects of mixed-elements exposure in children.

Longitudinal Associations Between Vitamin D Status and Cardiometabolic Risk Markers Among Children and Adolescents.

Vitamin D status has previously been associated with cardiometabolic risk markers in children and adolescents. In particular, it has been suggested that children with obesity are more prone to vitamin D deficiency and unfavorable metabolic outcomes compared with healthy-weight children. To conduct a longitudinal study assessing this association in children and stratify by body mass index (BMI) category. Children from the pan-European IDEFICS/I.Family cohort with at least one measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] at cohort entry or follow-up (n = 2171) were included in this study. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the association between serum 25(OH)D as an independent variable and z-scores of cardiometabolic risk markers (waist circumference, systolic [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure [DBP], high- [HDL] and low-density lipoprotein, non-HDL, triglycerides [TRG], apolipoprotein A1 [ApoA1] and ApoB, fasting glucose [FG], homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], and metabolic syndrome score) as dependent variables. After adjustment for age, sex, study region, smoking and alcohol status, sports club membership, screen time, BMI, parental education, and month of blood collection, 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with SBP, DBP, FG, HOMA-IR, and TRG. The HOMA-IR z-score decreased by 0.07 units per 5 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D. The 25(OH)D level was consistently associated with HOMA-IR irrespective of sex or BMI category. Low serum 25(OH)D concentrations are associated with unfavorable levels of cardiometabolic markers in children and adolescents. Interventions to improve vitamin D levels in children with a poor status early in life may help to reduce cardiometabolic risk.

Hepatálne zmeny obéznych pediatrických pacientov

Rationale: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging clinical issue in childhood and adolescent age. Present knowledge of NAFLD suggests an important role of genetic and environmental risk factors in the pathogenesis of the disease. Most of the patients are obese, however, NAFLD also occurs in the non-obese group and interestingly, in obese individuals it may be absent. The transabdominal ultrasound examination is the most widely used imaging method for NAFLD screening. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of paediatric obesity as the main risk factor in NAFLD development. Materials and methods: The degree of steatosis (represented by hepatorenal index) and hepatic parenchyma stiffness (represented by fibrosis liver index) were quantitatively evaluated using ultrasound device in a total of 240 paediatric and adolescent patients divided in subgroups according to age and weight criteria. Results from ultrasound examination were subsequently correlated with anthropometric and laboratory parameters. Results: Hepatorenal index (HRI) and liver fibrosis index (LFI) in healthy term neonates with normal birth weight was significantly lower compared to the control group of healthy normal weight children aged 10–18 years (p &lt;0.001). We did not observe an effect of gender on changes in HRI (p = 0.332) and LFI (p = 0.339) in teenage and adolescent controls. Regardless of gender, normal HRI values in paediatric heathy control group ranged from 1.02–1.23 (10th–90th percentile). The group of obese children aged 10–18 years had HRI and LFI values significantly higher in contrast with healthy normal weight controls. Obese individuals had liver stiffness proportional to BMI (p = 0.005, rs = 0.310), however, the steatosis degree remained unchanged (p = 0.357). Hepatic parenchyma stiffness also increased with waist circumference gain in corpulent patients (p &lt;0.01). Conclusion: Results of this study point to a significant association of obesity and NAFLD in paediatric population. The assessment of HRI and liver stiffness using ultrasound methods have been employed in the diagnosis of early stages of hepatic changes in obese children and adolescent patients at risk of NAFLD development. In addition to the early detection in these changes, ultrasound determination enables non-invasive and real-time assessment of dynamics of the disease and the effect of the administered therapy, which improves control over the disease. Keywords non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, hepatorenal index, real-time elastography, body roundness index, paediatric age, adolescent age

Children with lower ratings of executive functions have a greater response to the portion size effect

Deficits in executive functions (EFs), a set of cognitive processes related to self-regulation, are associated with the development of obesity. Prior studies from our group showed that lower food-cue related activation in brain regions implicated in self-regulation was related to a larger portion size effect. We tested the hypothesis that lower EFs in children would be positively related to the portion size effect. Healthy weight children aged 7–8 y (n = 88), who varied by maternal obesity status, participated in a prospective study. At baseline, the parent primarily in charge of feeding completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF2) to assess child EFs, including Behavioral (BRI), Emotional (ERI), and Cognitive (CRI) indices. At 4 baseline sessions, children consumed meals in which the portion sizes of foods (pasta, chicken nuggets, broccoli, and grapes) varied by visit (total meal weight of 769, 1011, 1256, or 1492g). Intake increased with increasing portions in a linear trajectory (p < 0.001). EFs moderated the portion size effect such that lower BRI (p = 0.003) and ERI (p = 0.006) were associated with steeper increases in intake as portions increased. As amount of food increased, children in the lowest functioning tertiles for BRI and ERI increased intake by 35% and 36%, respectively, compared to children in the higher tertiles. Increases in intake among children with lower EFs were for higher- but not lower-energy-dense foods. Thus, in healthy weight children who varied by obesity risk, lower parentally reported EFs were associated with a larger portion size effect, and these results were independent of child and parent weight status. Therefore, EFs may be target behaviors that could be strengthened to help children moderate excess intake in response to large portions of energy-dense foods.

Investigating family history of diabetes as a predictor of fasting insulin and fasting glucose activity in a sample of healthy weight adults.

Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem for the global community. Having a family history of diabetes significantly increases risk for diabetes development and understanding how family history contributes to diabetes risk could lead to more effective prevention efforts for at-risk individuals. In a previous study, we showed family history of diabetes is a significant predictor of fasting insulin in healthy weight children. The present study aimed to use the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2017) to apply similar multiple regression models to a population of healthy weight adults to determine if family history is a significant predictor of fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Fasting glucose (mg/dL) and fasting insulin (pmol/L) were used as dependent variables in each model, respectively, with family history of diabetes as the independent variable. Covariates for each model included age, gender, race/ethnicity, waist circumference, and macronutrient intake. The model significantly predicted the variance of fasting glucose [(F(11,364) = 34.80, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.2342] and fasting insulin [F(11,343) = 17.58, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.1162]. After adjusting for covariates, family history was a significant predicator of fasting glucose (p = 0.0193) as well as age, gender, non-Hispanic black ethnicity, waist circumference, and fat intake. Significant predictors of fasting insulin included gender and waist circumference, but not family history (p = 0.8264). In addition, fasting glucose was higher in individuals with a family history of diabetes (p = 0.033). These results add to the understanding of how family history influences the biomarkers that contribute to diabetes development. Knowledge of how family history of diabetes relates to fasting insulin and fasting glucose activity in healthy weight individuals can be used to design personalized screening and early prevention strategies.

Childhood obesity trends: Association with same-day hospital admission in a National Outpatient Surgical Population.

Although the prevalence of obesity in the general population and its perioperative implications among children undergoing inpatient surgeries are well known, little is known about obesity prevalence among children scheduled for ambulatory surgery. Here, we report the trends of obesity and severe obesity among children who underwent ambulatory surgery across multiple centers in the United States and explore the association of obesity status with admission following elective ambulatory surgery. Using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (2012-2019), we selected children 2-18 years old who underwent outpatient surgical procedures under general anesthesia and had documented height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) data. We estimated the prevalence of overweight, obesity (class 1), and severe obesity (class 2 and class 3) patients and explored their association with same-day hospital admission, defined as hospital length of stay ≥1day. Data from 152 918 children (mean age: 9.7 ± 4.7 years) were analyzed. Of these, 16.4% (n=25 007) were overweight, 13.8% (n=21 085) were class 1 obese, 5.2% (n=7879) were class 2 obese, and 3.0% (n=4623) were class 3 obese. From 2012 to 2019, class 2 or 3 obesity prevalence increased by 26.7% and 32.5%, respectively. Overweight and obese children had relatively higher odds of same-day hospital admission compared to healthy weight children (overweight odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.05 [1.02, 1.08]; class 1 obesity: 1.04 [1.00, 1.07]; class 2 obesity: 1.09 [1.02, 1.16]; class 3 obesity: 1.20 [1.11, 1.30]). The burden of obesity continues to increase in children scheduled for ambulatory surgery. Children with class 2 and class 3 obesity have higher rates of same-day hospital admission following elective ambulatory surgery compared to healthy weight children, a factor that should be considered in scheduling these patients.

Food Group, Macronutrient Intake, and Metabolic Status in the US-Affiliated Pacific’s Children’s Healthy Living (CHL) Program

The Children's Healthy Living study provided dietary intake information for understudied Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) young children. Our objective was to describe food group and macronutrient intakes of NHOPI children in the US-Affiliated Pacific region (USAP), overall and by jurisdiction, income level, and metabolic status. We evaluated 2-8-y-olds (n=3520) in a cross-sectional cluster sampled study using 2 d of dietary records completed by caregivers using provided tools, quantified by a specially developed food composition table and compared with US dietary recommendations. Overweight and obesity (OWOB) and acanthosis nigricans (AN) assessment (metabolic status) was completed by trained evaluators using standard tools. Demographic data were collected by questionnaire. Regression analysis identified differences in dietary component means by jurisdiction, World Bank income groups (WBIGs), and metabolic status, adjusted for age and sex. Few children met US recommendations for vegetable (2.4%) and milk (4.1%) food groups. US macronutrient recommendations were generally met. Food group and macronutrient intakes were significantly different by jurisdiction and WBIG. Means for food groups, except meats, and macronutrients, except protein, were higher in overweight/obese (OWOB) compared with healthy-weight children. Grain intake of 7.25 (SE: 0.08) oz was higher (P<0.05) and milk intake of 0.90 (SE: 0.05) cups was lower (P<0.05) in children with OWOB compared with those without OWOB [grains: 7.17 (SE: 0.07) oz; and milk: 0.96 (SE: 0.04) cups]. Monounsaturated fat intake of 11.68 (SE: 0.10) % energy was higher in those with OWOB, compared with healthy-weight children [11.56 (SE: 0.08) % energy, P<0.05]. Young children's diets in the USAP did not meet milk, vegetable, or fruit intake recommendations. There was variability in dietary patterns across the USAP and by WBIG. Grain intake and monounsaturated fat intake were lower and milk intake was higher in children with better metabolic status.

Analysis of spot urine biomarkers and association with body weight in Japanese elementary schoolchildren

Childhood obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide and is largely the consequence of adoption of unhealthy diets excessive in calories and salt (NaCl) as well as devoid in pivotal micronutrients such as potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg). Education-based programs aiming to encourage healthy food knowledge and behaviors are crucial at a young age, and for this purpose, convenient ways to assess daily dietary intake are warranted. We therefore attempted to evaluate the dietary intake of Okinawan schoolchildren in Japan by analyzing a series of biomarkers in morning spot urine samples and explore whether these biomarkers correlate with body weight and a series of metabolic parameters. We enrolled 98 third-grade elementary schoolchildren in Okinawa, Japan. Morning spot urine samples were collected and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to assess dietary intake. We found that estimated daily NaCl intake was higher in obese/overweight children as compared to healthy-weight children (p = 0.0001). There was also a significant positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and NaCl intake (Spearman) (ρ = 0.45, p < 0.0001) and a negative correlation between BMI and Mg/Cr (ρ = −0.27, p = 0.01). Furthermore, Na/K ratio was higher in samples collected on Monday (weekend) as compared to samples collected on Thursday or Friday (weekday) (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: Via the use of morning spot urine analyses, our results show that NaCl intake was associated with obesity, and Mg excretion negatively correlated with BMI in Japanese schoolchildren, highlighting the potential role of these micronutrients in maintaining a healthy body weight.What is Known:•Overweight and obesity are largely due to excessive consumption of calories and positively correlated with salt (NaCl) intake.•Spot urine methods are convenient for assessing the nutritional needs and targeting prevention programs in children.What is New:•Utilizing morning spot urine analyses, estimated NaCl intake is positively correlated and Mg/Cr negatively correlated with BMI in Okinawan schoolchildren.•As estimated via morning spot urine samples, a greater proportion of children likely exceeds the recommended NaCl intake on the weekend as compared to weekday.

Changes in body mass index during treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia with the Nordic ALL2008 protocol.

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have a tendency to gain weight during treatment. As overweight and obesity associate with health problems, prophylactic interventions are warranted. Therefore, it is important to identify the children most prone to gain weight. Patients aged 2.0-17.9 years at ALL diagnosis were identified from the NOPHO ALL2008 registry. Registry data was complemented with height and weight at the end of therapy from questionnaires. Body mass index (BMI) was classified according to international age- and sex-adjusted International Obesity Task Force BMI cut-offs. BMI values were transformed into standard deviation scores (SDS) to calculate the difference in BMISDS during treatment. Data on BMI change were available for 765 children. Overweight and obesity doubled during treatment: 9.7% were overweight and 2.1% obese at diagnosis and 21.8% and 5.4% at the end of therapy, respectively. The mean BMISDS change was +0.64. Younger (2.0-5.9 years) and healthy weight children were most prone to become overweight (mean change in BMI SDS +0.85 and +0.65, respectively). Younger children (2.0-5.9 years) with healthy weight at diagnosis were most prone to becoming overweight and therefore are an important group to target while considering interventions.

Multi-sector stakeholder's perceptions of determinants of successful implementation of a pediatric weight management intervention.

BackgroundMulti-sector stakeholder engagement is essential in the successful implementation, dissemination, and sustainability of pediatric weight management interventions (PWMI), particularly in low-income settings where sustainability relies on external policies and reimbursement. The objective of this study was to engage stakeholders (1) to inform the creation of the intervention with adaptations needed for a successful PWMI in a primary care and community setting and (2) to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation and dissemination.MethodsWe sought to examine the perspectives of local, state, and national clinic and community stakeholders during the pre-implementation period of a two-arm, randomized trial of a Health Weight Clinic PWMI conducted in two health centers and a modified—Healthy Weight and Your Child PWMI at two local YMCAs that serve a predominantly lower income, Hispanic community. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research interview guide served as a template for the study but was modified to fit the PWMIs and the various professional roles. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the framework analysis approach and themes were linked to the CFIR domains and constructs.ResultsTwenty-six stakeholders perceived the following as needed components of a PWMI: a formal curriculum with illustrative examples, a patient- and family-centered program, group visits, and high-quality multidisciplinary personnel. These findings led to the creation of a group visit curriculum, implementation trainings and cross-site collaborative technical assistance. Additionally, creating partnerships between community and clinical organizations, and addressing patient barriers and unmet social needs (i.e., transportation, food) were identified as facilitators to successful implementation. These results led to the creation of community resource guides, connections to community organizations, and screening and referring for unmet social needs. Perceived facilitators of dissemination included proving cost-effectiveness of the PWMI to inform insurance reimbursement for long-term sustainability. Therefore, we collected cost data and engaged with Medicaid officials to discuss reimbursement.ConclusionFindings highlight the importance of engaging multi-sector stakeholders pre-implementation to ensure the components valued are included, ensuring the program minimizes barriers to participation, considering how staff training can improve implementation and how collected outcomes can inform sustainability and dissemination of PWMIs in clinic and community settings.

Weight status and meeting the physical activity, sleep, and screen-time guidelines among Texas children: results from a population based, cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundEvidence suggests that the interactive effects of physical activity, screen-time and sleep are stronger than independent effects of these behaviors on pediatric obesity. However, this hypothesis has not been fully examined among samples of young school-aged children. The aim of this study is to determine the association of weight status with meeting the physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines, independently and concurrently, among 2nd grade children.MethodsThe Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition Project collected parent-reported physical activity, screen-time, and sleep, and measured body height and weight on a statewide representative weighted sample (n = 320,005) of children. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess associations of weight status (classified using age- and sex-specific body weight [kg]/height [m]2, based on International Obesity Task Force cutoffs) with meeting the physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines, while controlling for relevant covariates (age, sex, race/ethnicity, comorbidities etc.).ResultsA greater proportion of healthy weight children (9.9%) met the physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines concurrently compared to children who are thin (3.3%), or children with overweight (5.7%), obese (3.5%), and morbid obesity (1.0%). Children who were thin (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10, 1.50), overweight (aOR = 0.75, CI: 0.33, 1.70), obese (aOR = 0.53, CI: 0.15, 1.81), and morbidly obese (aOR = 0.10, CI: 0.02, 0.28) had lower odds of concurrently meeting the guidelines compared to children with healthy weight.ConclusionsAmong this representative sample of Texas children, weight status was associated with meeting physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines. Future studies should aim to evaluate causal relations between these behaviors and weight status.

Relationships between Body Weight Status and Serum Levels of Adipokine, Myokine and Bone Metabolism Parameters in Healthy Normal Weight and Thin Children.

Optimal body weight and body composition for age are relevant to child development and healthy life. Changes in lean mass and fat mass as well as its distribution are associated with alterations in the secretion of myokines and adipokines by muscle and adipose tissues. These factors are very important for bone health. The aim of the study was to assess serum leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin and omentin as adipokines and myostatin and irisin as myokines with regard to their associations with bone parameters in healthy normal weight and thin children. We studied 81 healthy prepubertal children (aged 5 to 9 years) divided into three groups: group A—35 children with a BMI z-score between +1 and −1 SD; group B—36 children with a BMI z-score between −1 and −2 SD; and group C—10 thin children with a BMI z-score of <−2 SD. We observed significantly (p < 0.001) lower fat mass, fat/lean mass ratio and bone mineral density (BMD) across weight status with the lowest values in the group of thin children. We noticed significantly (p < 0.05) lower concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, resistin and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin but higher levels of myostatin as the BMI z-score deceased. We found that BMI and leptin levels were directly correlated with fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD. Resistin levels were negatively associated with lean mass, while visfatin concentrations were positively related to total BMD. In healthy prepubertal children there were differences in body composition and in bone mineral density across decreasing BMI status. We suggest that changes in serum myostatin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels may play a role in bone status of thin children. Moreover, significant relations between adipokines and bone parameters may confirm crosstalk between fat tissue and bone in these children.

Associations between sleep, obesity, and asthma in urban minority children.

Although obesity, asthma, and sleep-disordered breathing are interrelated, there is limited understanding of the independent contributions of body-mass index and pulmonary function on polysomnography in children with asthma. We conducted a retrospective chart review on 448 7- to 18-year-old children with asthma who had undergone polysomnography testing between 1/2007-12/2011 to elucidate the association between spirometry variables, body-mass index, and polysomnography parameters, adjusting for asthma and antiallergic medications. Obese children had poorer sleep architecture and more severe gas exchange abnormalities compared to healthy weight children. Multivariate analysis revealed an independent association of body-mass index with sleep efficiency, with more light and less deep sleep in both obese and healthy-weight children, and with baseline oxygen saturation and oxygen nadir in obese children. In obese children, forced vital capacity was independently associated with less deep sleep (time in N3 sleep) as well as with oxygen nadir, while among healthy-weight children, forced expiratory volume directly correlated but forced vital capacity inversely correlated with deep sleep. In obese children, inhaled corticosteroid was associated with baseline oxygen saturation, and montelukast was associated with lower end-tidal carbon dioxide. In healthy-weight children, inhaled corticosteroid was associated with arousal awakening index, and montelukast was associated with light sleep. Antiallergic medications were not independently associated with polysomnography parameters. Pulmonary function, body-mass index, and asthma medications have independent and differing influences on sleep architecture and gas exchange polysomnography parameters in obese and healthy-weight children with asthma. Asthma medications are associated with improved gas exchange in obese children and improved sleep architecture in healthy-weight children with asthma. Conrad LA, Nandalike K, Rani S, Rastogi D. Associations between sleep, obesity, and asthma in urban minority children. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(10):2377-2385.

Impaired Brain Satiety Responses After Weight Loss in Children With Obesity.

ContextObesity interventions often result in increased motivation to eat.ObjectiveWe investigated relationships between obesity outcomes and changes in brain activation by visual food cues and hormone levels in response to obesity intervention by family-based behavioral treatment (FBT).MethodsNeuroimaging and hormone assessments were conducted before and after 24-week FBT intervention in children with obesity (OB, n = 28), or children of healthy weight without intervention (HW, n = 17), all 9- to 11-year-old boys and girls. We evaluated meal-induced changes in neural activation to high- vs low-calorie food cues across appetite-processing brain regions and gut hormones.ResultsAmong children with OB who underwent FBT, greater declines of BMI z-score were associated with lesser reductions after the FBT intervention in meal-induced changes in neural activation to high- vs low-calorie food cues across appetite-processing brain regions (P < 0.05), and the slope of relationship was significantly different compared with children of HW. In children with OB, less reduction in brain responses to a meal from before to after FBT was associated with greater meal-induced reduction in ghrelin and increased meal-induced stimulation in peptide YY and glucagon-like peptide-1 (all P < 0.05).ConclusionIn response to FBT, adaptations of central satiety responses and peripheral satiety-regulating hormones were noted. After weight loss, changes of peripheral hormone secretion support weight loss, but there was a weaker central satiety response. The findings suggest that even when peripheral satiety responses by gut hormones are intact, the central regulation of satiety is disturbed in children with OB who significantly improve their weight status during FBT, which could favor future weight regain.