Childhood Obesity Research Articles

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with impaired insulin clearance and hepatic insulin sensitivity in paediatric obesity.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects up to 40% of children and adolescents with obesity and is linked to hyperinsulinism. However, the mechanisms underpinning this association remain unclear. The study aims to assess the three key determinants of hyperinsulinemia: insulin clearance, secretion, and sensitivity in paediatric patients with OSA. We enrolled 70 Children with obesity and suspected OSA who performed a nocturnal polygraphy to confirm OSA diagnosis and a 3-hour OGTT to assess glucose homeostasis. Mild OSA was defined for 1 < AHI ≤ 5, moderate-severe OSA as AHI >5. Insulin secretion rate (ISR) was estimated using C-peptide deconvolution. Basal and total insulin clearance during OGTT were calculated. Whole-body insulin sensitivity was evaluated with the Matsuda Index (WBISI), while hepatic insulin resistance index (HIRI) was calculated based on the AUCs of plasma glucose and insulin during the initial 30 minutes of OGTT. A total of 36 children had mild OSA and 34 had moderate-severe OSA. The latter group showed reduced insulin clearance during OGTT (p = 0.008) and higher HIRI (p = 0.03). Basal insulin clearance (p = 0.07), ISR (p = 0.34), beta-cell glucose sensitivity (p = 0.53), and WBISI (p = 0.56) were similar between the two groups. OSA severity negatively correlated with fasting insulin clearance (r = -0.29, p = 0.01) and OGTT insulin clearance (r = -0.32, p = 0.007) and positively correlated with HIRI (r = 0.29, p = 0.02). Moderate-severe OSA in children with obesity is associated with impaired insulin clearance and hepatic insulin sensitivity. These factors may contribute to hyperinsulinism in paediatric OSA.

The association between weekend catch-up sleep and the reduction of obesity and overweight risk in adolescents with insufficient weekday sleep.

This study investigates the association between weekend catch-up sleep (CUS) and overweight/obesity in Korean adolescents, focusing on weekday sleep sufficiency. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted among 12,434 high school students in South Korea. Sleep patterns including total sleep duration and weekend CUS were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and categorized into overweight/obese and normal weight groups based on age- and sex-adjusted Z-scores. Logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the associations between sleep variables and overweight/obesity. Students with 3 or more h of CUS had lower odds of being overweight/obesity (odds ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.57-0.80) compared to those with non-CUS. This protective effect remained significant in the subgroup with perceived insufficient weekday sleep. Furthermore, students with 3 or more h of CUS had significantly lower BMI z-scores (β = -0.18, p < 0.001), an association that was also observed in those with perceived insufficient sleep (β = -0.16, p = 0.003). The analysis showed a dose-dependent pattern, with greater weekend CUS being associated with a stepwise reduction in BMI z-scores. Weekend CUS may serve as an important compensatory mechanism for adolescents to reduce the risk of being overweight or obese. However, no additional benefits of CUS were observed in adolescents with sufficient sleep quality.

Association Between Severe Obesity and Pediatric Obstructive Apnea-A Retrospective Case Series.

Association Between Severe Obesity and Pediatric Obstructive Apnea-A Retrospective Case Series.

Psychosocial factors and the development of childhood overweight and obesity: a UK cohort study.

We examined the role of psychosocial factors in overweight and obesity development. UK Millennium Cohort Study data of children with normal weight at baselinewere analysed. Weight changes were determined from baselines at ages 11 (n = 7979) and 14 (n = 6906) to follow-up at age 17. Baseline individual psychosocial factors were combined into two distinct indexes (caregiver-reported child mental health, child-reported psychosocial well-being). Regression models examined the associations between baseline indexes and individual psychosocial factors and overweight and obesity development (vs. nodevelopment) and body mass index (BMI) z-score changes. Worse child mental health, but not psychosocial well-being, at age 11 was associated with overweight and obesity development (OR = 1.14;95%CI = 1.02, 1.27) and increased BMI z-scores (β = 0.08;95%CI = 0.04, 0.12) to age 17. No psychosocial indexes at age 14 predicted the outcomes. Further analyses showed that child mental health at ages 11 vs. 14 was more likely to predict the outcomes. Based on individual factors, externalising symptoms and experiencing peer bullying at age 11 may be important contributors to overweight and obesity development. Poor child mental health at age 11 is associated with overweight and obesity development by age 17. Late childhood/early adolescence may be a sensitive period in which psychosocial factors predict body weight trajectories. Worse psychosocial factors, particularly poor mental health, at ages 11, but not 14, were associated with overweight and obesity development and increased BMI z-scores by age 17. Late childhood/early adolescence may be a sensitive period for mental health in predicting future weight change. Future research will benefit from exploring this potential sensitive period and understanding potential mechanisms.

Circulating adipokines in girls with central precocious puberty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to assess circulating adipokine levels in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) and compare them with those in healthy controls. An exhaustive literature search was conducted, using the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases, from the inception of the study to October 31, 2023, to identify relevant studies. Studies comparing the serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, irisin, apelin, omentin,chemerin, resistin, vaspin, and visfatin in girls with CPP and healthy girls of the same age were included. The findings were summarized in Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation evidence profiles and synthesized qualitatively. Eleven studies that included 701 girls with CPP and 590 healthy girls were analyzed after the selection process. Leptin levels were significantly increased, whereas adiponectin levels were decreased in girls with CPP. Irisin levels did not change significantly. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses indicated that the heterogeneity in the association of leptin with CPP might be due to factors such as the number of cases, diagnostic criteria for CPP, and measurement methods. Adipokines levels were altered in girls with CPP compared with those in healthy controls. Preventing obesity in children and adolescents with CPP is crucial. CRD42022371490. This meta-analysis is the first to explore the relationship between adipokines and central precocious puberty. The results of this systematic review provide evidence that adipokines levels are altered in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) compared with those in healthy controls. CPP in girls increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Preventing obesity in children and adolescents, especially in those with precocious puberty, is crucial.

Strength Training in Children: A Systematic Review Study

Background: With the increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and childhood obesity, physical activity and exercise have emerged as essential pillars of health promotion in childhood. In this context, schools play a fundamental role as key players in the implementation of interventions that promote healthy habits and a more physically active life. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the benefits of strength training in primary school students. Methods: The review was carried out using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, following the guidelines of the PRISMA statement and a PICO strategy. The studies were selected according to different inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 11 scientific articles published in English during the last 5 years (2020–2024). The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the STROBE checklist. Results: The results suggest that strength training with elementary school students improves physical and motor performance variables, as well as cognitive, psychosocial and health variables. Likewise, it can be observed that plyometric strength-training methods and unilateral and combined programs with aerobic and motor skills training are highly effective and favor adherence to physical exercise. This also demonstrates the importance and necessity of developing motor coordination skills from an early age, since they represent a determining factor in strength training as the exercises become more specific and complex. Conclusions: In conclusion, implementing strength training programs in primary education confers several benefits at an integral level for the students and is crucial to improving the lifestyle and quality of life of students.

Determining the interplay of prenatal parental BMI in shaping child BMI trajectories: the CHILD Cohort Study.

Obesity is a major public health concern affecting millions of people globally. Early identification of individuals susceptible to obesity is crucial for reducing the burden of obesity. Obesity is often defined based on body-mass-index (BMI), and tracking BMI trajectories from early childhood offers a valuable tool for risk stratification. Although the role of mothers in shaping these trajectories is well-recognized, the paternal influence on childhood obesity development remains a knowledge gap. We hypothesize that children of fathers with obesity have higher odds of being in the rapid BMI growth trajectory with stronger estimates when the mother is also with overweight or obesity. We analyzed data from the Canadian CHILD Cohort Study, a pregnancy cohort in which both parents were enrolled in early pregnancy when BMI was assessed. The child's BMI was repeatedly collected from birth to age five. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify offspring BMI z-score (BMIz) trajectory groups (age-and-sex standardized) and weighted multinomial logistic regression analysis to determine the associations between prenatal paternal BMI and offspring growth trajectories, stratified by maternal weight categories. Among 2 238 participants, the mean prenatal paternal BMI was 27.44 (SD = 4.77), and 22.83% of fathers were with obesity. The four identified offspring BMIz trajectories were: low stable (n = 220, 9.83%), normative (n = 1 356, 60.59%), high stable (n = 572, 25.56%), and rapid BMIz growth trajectory (n = 90, 4.02%). Children of normal-weight mothers and fathers with obesity had 1.86 higher odds (OR: 1.86; 95%CI: 1.22-2.84) of being classified in the rapid growth BMIz trajectory, compared to children of normal-weight fathers. The odds of being in the rapid growth BMIz trajectory were higher when both mothers and fathers were with obesity (OR: 4.35; 95%CI: 2.65-7.14). Children of fathers with obesity had higher odds of being in the rapid BMI growth trajectory, particularly when also the mother was with overweight or obesity. These results support the need for preconception advice and interventions for couples to optimize their offspring's health.

Hyperuricemia in Obese Children: Diagnostic Challenges, Pathophysiological Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Approaches - systematic review of current literature

Hyperuricemia in children with obesity is an increasingly common health issue, strongly associated with the development of various metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. It serves as a significant risk factor for conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the relationship between hyperuricemia and childhood obesity, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. The primary mechanisms leading to hyperuricemia in this context include insulin resistance, lipid disorders, and impaired renal function. This article discusses several risk factors contributing to elevated uric acid levels in obese children, including a diet high in purines, excessive fructose intake, and a lack of physical activity. Additionally, it presents available diagnostic methods, such as measuring serum uric acid concentration and supporting tests like lipid profiles and renal function assessments. The article also explores preventive interventions, which encompass dietary and lifestyle modifications, as well as the early implementation of pharmacological treatments, such as allopurinol or metformin. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity for ongoing clinical research to develop more effective strategies for the treatment and prevention of hyperuricemia in obese children.

Association of Gestational Age in a Full Range With Childhood Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Existing evidence shows inconsistent associations between preterm birth and childhood obesity. The impact of full gestational age on the risk of childhood obesity and overweight remains unclear. This systematic scoping review aims to comprehensively explore the relationship between gestational age at birth across the entire spectrum and childhood overweight and obesity. A thorough search of online databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Google Scholar) covering the period from January 2000 to September 2024 was conducted using selected keyword strings following the PRISMA-SCR guidelines. Studies investigating childhood overweight or obesity as either a primary or secondary outcome in association with various degrees of births were included. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Substantial evidence linked preterm births to childhood overweight/obesity. However, the available evidence for term-born and post-term-born children was limited, showing mixed results regarding their relationship with childhood overweight and obesity. The available evidence regarding the association between different gestational age categories and childhood overweight/obesity is limited. This review underscores the importance of implementing primary prevention strategies during early childhood and highlights the need for further research to enhance our understanding of the nuanced relationship between gestational age and childhood overweight/obesity.

The association between total, animal, and plant protein intake and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in overweight and obese children and adolescents

BackgroundDietary protein plays a crucial role in the growth and development of children and adolescents. However, recent evidence has shown inconsistent findings regarding the impact of dietary protein sources on health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between total, animal, and plant protein intake and the odds of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in overweight and obese children and adolescents.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 505 participants (52.9% males) aged 6–18 years, with a body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-score ≥ 1 based on WHO standards. MAFLD diagnosis followed established consensus definitions. Dietary intake of total, animal, and plant protein was assessed using a validated 147-item food frequency questionnaire. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MAFLD across protein intake and subtype quartiles.ResultsThe participants had a mean age of 10.0 ± 2.3 years and a mean BMI-for-age z-score of 2.70 ± 1.01. Higher animal protein intake was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of MAFLD (highest vs. lowest quartile OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.01–5.30). Conversely, higher plant protein intake was significantly associated with reduced odds of MAFLD (highest vs. lowest quartile OR:0.48;95% CI:0.23–0.96). No significant relationship was found between total protein intake and MAFLD odds.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the significance of dietary protein source in the odds of MAFLD among overweight and obese children and adolescents. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity Among Romanian Children Aged 5–17: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Overweight and obesity in children is a worldwide health concern, with a high prevalence and an increasing trend in recent years. The prevalence of pediatric overweight and obesity in Romania is unclear; some studies estimate the rate of overweight at 15–20% and the obesity rate at 8.7–10.7%. The objective of this study is to measure the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children in Romania and to highlight their risks and protective factors. Methods: A repeated cross-sectional study that included children between 5 and 17 years old was performed across 2 years. Anamnestic data regarding demographics, family, and child’s lifestyle was collected from the child’s parent, and some medical and anthropometric parameters of the child were measured. The BMI and z-scores were calculated using the WHO charts. Logistic regression models were verified for goodness-of-fit and used for estimating the prediction value of fast-food consumption, parents’ education, and the presence of parents with obesity in the case of increased weight in the child. Results: A total of 1231 children were included in the study, 25.1% of whom exhibited an excess of weight. The prevalences of overweight and obesity were 17.5% and 7.6%, respectively. In the multivariate model, the following variables significantly predicted the weight of children: days of fast-food consumption, parents’ education, parents with excess weight, and hours of physical activity (p &lt; 0.005) Conclusions: The prevalence of pediatric overweight and obesity in Romania is in accordance with the global prevalence. Considering fast-food consumption and the presence of parents with obesity as risk factors for children’s overweight or obesity and physical activity and a higher level of education of the parent as protector factors, we strongly emphasize the importance of public health initiatives directed towards these factors.

Overweight and Obesity in Adolescents in Kyrgyzstan: The Impact of Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: A Narrative Review

This review examined the prevalence and possible causes of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Kyrgyzstan. According to a national survey in Kyrgyzstan, the prevalence of overweight among adolescent girls is classified as “high” according to the WHO thresholds (14.5 %). The prevalence of overweight shows a slight upward trend with age and is classified as “very high” among adolescents aged 16-18 years (20.8 %). The review explores dietary habits, physical activity, socioeconomic consequences, and the impact of advertising unhealthy products.

The Prevalence and Predictive Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome Based on Health-Related Fitness Components in Omani Adolescents with Obesity

Background: Significant linear trends indicate that rising adolescent obesity rates will increase the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated health risks. We aimed to initially determine the prevalence of MetS among adolescents (aged 13-16 yr) with obesity in the South Al Batinah governorate in Oman (n=3404) based on data collected in 2024. Then to predict the risk factors of MetS criteria based on health-related fitness (HRF) components to identify the most significant risk factors among them (n= 512, with BMIile% ≥95%). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the MetS prevalence. MetS criteria and HRF components were measured to examine key risk factors. Then, the predictive value of HRF variables for MetS incidence was assessed using multiple regression analysis. Results: The descriptive results from screening adolescents with obesity indicated that 10.7% of them exhibited MetS. A notable correlation between fast blood glucose (FBG) and cardiorespiratory fitness; CRF (r=0.28, P=0.001), waist circumference; WC (r=0.39, P&lt;0.0001), and BMI (r=0.46, P&lt;0.0001) were revealed. There was a robust correlation between blood pressure; BP and CRF (r=0.19, P=0.025), WC (r=0.24, P=0.007), and BMI (r=0.43, P&lt;0.0001). Multiple regression analysis showed a significant model for the high FBG prediction using the HRF variables, while the models predicted for BP were not significant. Conclusion: Significant correlation between HRF level and MetS criteria revealed that field-based tests HRF components, can be used to recognize MetS criteria among adolescents with obesity.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1c - a rare cause of obesity in children- a case report

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1c - a rare cause of obesity in children- a case report

Maternal obesity and gestational weight gain: impact on childhood obesity - a 12 year retrospective cohort study

Maternal obesity and gestational weight gain: impact on childhood obesity - a 12 year retrospective cohort study

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Overweight and Obese Children: Factors Influencing Quality of Life.

There is a paucity of data regarding biological sex influence and the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the quality of life (QoL) of obese children with OSA. Thus, we aimed to assess the influence of biological sex on polysomnography (PSG) and evaluate the impact of OSA on obese children's QoL. Records of overweight or obese pediatric patients referred for sleep studies at the Jordan University Hospital between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Children underwent PSG and anthropometric measurements. OSA diagnosis and severity were determined per the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). QoL was determined by the OSA-18 tool. Across a sample of 136 children, biological sex did not influence PSG indices, but there were significant differences across the sleep disorder (p = 0.023) and daily functioning (p = 0.007) QoL domains. Age affected the non-REM sleep percentages and NADIR of O2 saturation (all p < 0.01). There were significant differences across the emotional distress and daytime function domains across age groups (all p < 0.05). Body mass index (BMI) did not significantly influence AHI strata, but was associated with worse daytime function (p < 0.05). Additionally, OSA severity was associated with poorer sleep disorder and concerns about caregivers' scores (all p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, gender predicted OSA-18 total score, but not age, BMI, or AHI. It appears that biological sex has no clinical impact on OSA among obese children. However, it appears that age significantly influences both OSA and its associated QoL.

Benefits of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring over office blood pressure in children and adolescents with severe obesity: findings from the bern obesity in childhood and adolescence biorepository

Benefits of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring over office blood pressure in children and adolescents with severe obesity: findings from the bern obesity in childhood and adolescence biorepository

GLP-1 agonist semaglutide for the treatment of acquired hypothalamic obesity in adolescents: efficacy, adverse effects and impact on quality of life and eating behaviours

GLP-1 agonist semaglutide for the treatment of acquired hypothalamic obesity in adolescents: efficacy, adverse effects and impact on quality of life and eating behaviours

Dietary factors contributing to overweight and obesity in children

Dietary factors contributing to overweight and obesity in children

Exploration of metabolic signatures or biomarkers associated with obesity in children and adolescents

Exploration of metabolic signatures or biomarkers associated with obesity in children and adolescents