Obesity In Preschool Children Research Articles

The association between metal exposure and body mass index of preschool children of Shaanxi, China

There are few studies on the association between polymetallic exposure and obesity in preschool children, and the conclusions are inconsistent. The study aimed to explore the association between urine metals and body mass index (BMI). For 342 preschool children in the industrial park of Shaanxi, China, uniformly trained investigators collected basic information of preschoolers and measured height and weight. Morning urine were collected, and BMI were calculated. We measured concentrations of 22 urine metals by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).The least absolute shrinkage and selective operator (LASSO) regression model was used to screen urine metals larger impact on BMI. In the polymetallic exposure model, generalized linear regression was used to explore the relationship between the selected urine metals and BMI. The overall relationship between urine metals and BMI was analyzed using restricted cubic spline (RCS). The interaction method was used to explore the influence of metal-metal interaction on BMI. After adjustment for covariates, ln-transformed urinary copper (Cu) levels and urinary molybdenum (Mo) levels were negatively associated with BMI, (Cu, β=−1.219, 95% CI: −2.047, −0.391, P<0.05; Mo, β=−0.797, 95% CI: −1.508, −0.087, P<0.05). Polymetallic model showed similar results. Both ln-transformed urinary Cu levels and urinary Mo levels were negatively correlated with BMI (Cu: β=−1.556, 95% CI: −2.488, −0.624, P<0.05; Mo: β=−0.915, 95% CI: −1.817, −0.013, P<0.05). The results of RCS visually demonstrate that Cu and BMI are non-linearly correlated (Ptotal < 0.001, Pnonliearity = 0.005), Mo and BMI are linearly correlated (Ptotal < 0.05, Pnonliearity = 0.099) Urinary Cu was negatively correlated with BMI nonlinearly in preschool children, and there was a borderline interaction between urinary Mo and Cu levels.Further researches are needed to validate these associations and reveal underlying mechanisms

Association of polymorphisms in SEC16B, DNAJC27, FTO and MC4R genes with overweight and obesity in Han preschool children

To investigate the association of polymorphisms in SEC16B rs633715, DNAJC27 rs713586, FTO rs11642015 and MC4R rs6567160 with overweight and obesity in Han Chinese preschool children. A total of 749 Han Chinese preschool children from Henan and Guizhou Province of Long-term Health Effects Assessment Project of Infants and Toddlers Nutritional Pack were selected for the study and divided into an overweight and obese group and a normal control group in 2022. rs633715, rs713586, rs11642015 and rs6567160 were genotyped using Kompetitive allele-specific PCR(KASP) technology. The distribution of genotypic polymorphisms was compared using the χ~2 test. The association between the four loci and overweight and obesity in preschool children was analyzed using a multifactorial logistic regression model. The statistical analysis revealed a significant disparity(P&lt;0.05) in the distribution of genotypic polymorphisms of rs633715 and rs6567160 among preschoolers in Henan and Guizhou Province. CC heterozygous mutant and recessive models at rs633715 locus were associated with susceptibility to overweight and obesity in preschool children [OR and 95% CI 2.915(1.163-7.305), and 2.997(1.226-7.323), respectively, both P&lt;0.05]. TC heterozygous mutant and dominant models at rs713586 locus were also associated susceptibility to overweight and obesity in preschool children(OR and 95% CI were 2.362(1.054-5.289)and 2.362(1.054-5.289), respectively, both P&lt;0.05). rs11642015 and rs6567160 loci were not associated with susceptibility to overweight and obesity in preschool children(P&gt;0.05). The result of the analysis of the cumulative effect of rs633715 and rs713586 showed that the number of genotypes carrying the risk genotype was positively associated with the risk of overweight and obesity in preschool children(P_(trend)&lt;0.01). Among Han Chinese preschool children, SEC16B rs633715 and DNAJC27 rs713586 were associated with susceptibility to overweight and obesity in preschool children. Moreover, rs633715 and rs713586 had a cumulative effect on susceptibility to overweight and obesity in preschool children, the number of risk genotypes carried was positively associated with childhood overweight and obesity risk.

Infant feeding practices and risk of preschool obesity in AlAin, UAE: A cross-sectional study

Early childhood obesity is serious public health problem, and poses a risk of obesity in later life. The study aimed to investigate whether infant feeding affects risk of overweight and obesity in preschool children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional study was carried out. Data was collected in a kindergarten in Al Ain, UAE. One hundred and fifty parents and preschool children aged 2 to 6 years participated in the study. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were used to investigate associations. A longer duration of breastfeeding and later introduction of complementary foods were associated with a lower BMI z-score in preschool children. Each month of any breastfeeding was associated with a lower BMI z-score in the unadjusted model (β = -0.03; 95% CI -0.05, -0.01; p = 0.01), and each month increase in the age of introducing complementary foods was associated with a lower BMI z-score in the unadjusted model (β = -0.43; 95% CI: -0.60 to—0.027; p&lt;0.001). These associations remained after adjustment for potential confounding factors (age, sex, maternal BMI, maternal education level, mother’s age, social class, father’s BMI) for duration of breastfeedinig (β = -0.02; 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.00; p&lt;0.001) and age of complementary feeding (β = -0.39; 95% CI: -0.57 to—0.21; p&lt;0.001). Poor infant feeding practices (shorter duration of breastfeedinig and early introduction of complementary foods) were found to be associated with higher BMI in preschool children. Promoting appropriate proper infant feeding practices in line with recommendations could be one strategy to help prevent childhood obesity in the UAE.

Novel Insights into Obesity in Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Obesity is present in 8-32% of the children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, most studies are performed in school-aged children from the USA. The current study compares obesity rates of Dutch preschoolers with ASD with children from the Dutch general population and explores which child- and parental factors are related to obesity in children with ASD. This cross-sectional study is part of the ongoing Tandem Study (Dutch Trial register: NL7534). Seventy-eight children with ASD aged 3-7 years and their parents (77 mothers, 67 fathers) participated. Child factors are: Body Mass Index (by physical measurement), child eating behavior (Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire), child problem behavior (Child Behavior Checklist), and ASD severity (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale 2). Parental factors are: BMI (by physical measurement), parental eating behavior (Dutch Eating Behavior Inventory), parenting stress (The Parenting Stress Questionnaire) and highest completed educational level (SES). Children with ASD were 8 times more often obese (16.8%) than children from the general population (2.0%). Child BMI correlated positively with child food approach behavior and maternal BMI, and correlated negatively with child 'Slowness in eating'. There was no correlation between child BMI and ASD severity, problem behavior, parental eating behavior, parental stress and SES. Thus, Dutch, preschool children with ASD have 8 times higher obesity rates than children from the general population. More attention to obesity risk in research and clinical care could contribute to the quality of life of individuals with ASD and their families. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial register, NL7534, https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NL7534 .

A 20-year Report on Physical Activity and Obesity among Preschool Children in Western Countries and China

Childhood obesity is a global public health issue. Physical activity (PA) plays an important role in the prevention of becoming obese and reducing the risk of obesity. This study aims to explore the trends of PA and its effects on obesity among preschool children (aged 3–7 years) in different cultural contexts (&lt;i&gt;i.e.&lt;/i&gt;, Western countries and China). Five databases (English database [PubMed] and four Chinese journal databases [CBM, CNKI, CQVIP, and Wanfangdata]) were searched for studies published between 2002 and 2022. Five Chinese studies were included in the article. These studies demonstrated that comprehensive intervention including PA can prevent and alleviate obesity in preschool children. Eleven English studies met the inclusion criteria, of which seven indicated that the intervention groups reduce obesity among preschool children, while four showed no significant difference. The findings suggest that PA has a discernible impact on obesity in preschool children, highlighting the need for future studies to focus on this specific population to prevent their health better.

Relationship of parental perception of children’s shape with nutritional status of children: a population-based study in 24–60-month-old vietnamese children

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of 24–60-month-old children in Hanoi, Vietnam, and explore parents’ perception of their child's body shape, as well as related factors. The study found that parents’ wishes had a significant impact on their children’s nutritional status, as reflected in the high percentage of parents dissatisfied with their child’s weight and shape. Malnutrition, overweight, and obesity were defined based on WHO 2006 standards, and children's anthropometric indices were measured. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect information on parents’ perception of their child’s health based on body shape and their satisfaction with it. The results showed highest dissatisfaction with the child's shape in malnourished children (86.8 %), then in the obese group (60.4 %), and lowest in overweight children (28 %). Correct parental perception about the child’s nutritional status and the healthiest shape was only 61.1 % and 34.5 %, respectively. Several related factors to parental correct perception about the child’s shape was found and it was higher 22.5 % with the parent living in suburban area than those living in urban area, 20 % with the parent of girls than those of boys, it decreased to 54 % in group of malnourished children, and 66 % in group of obese and overweight children. The findings of this study highlight the importance of parental education on healthy child development and the need for interventions to address the high prevalence of malnutrition, overweight, and obesity in preschool children.

The relationships between dietary patterns and socioeconomic status with anthropometric and body composition indices in Iranian preschool children: A cross-sectional study.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Iranian children is on the rise. Dietary patterns (DPs) and socioeconomic status ( socioeconomic status (SES)) may relate to children's excess weight as a predictor of the risk of obesity in adulthood that may vary by geographical regions. The relationship between DPs and the development of obesity in preschool children has not been adequately evaluated. The present study evaluates this relationship by considering SES. A total of 320 preschool children (4-6years) were randomly selected from three different areas of Mashhad based on economic status. Dietary intake was evaluated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire completed by the children's parents. Anthropometric and body composition variables were measured by means of valid tools and standard methods. socioeconomic status data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire. Three dominant DPs of 'healthy', 'unhealthy', and 'meat-free' were identified using factor analysis. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the children who followed meat-free DP was significantly higher than that of other children (p=0.004). The means and standard deviations of energy intake, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat-free mass, and fat mass were 1187.97±356.87Kcal/day, 16.23±2.28kg/m2, 54.28±6.49cm, 16.24±2.23kg, and 4.62±2.70kg respectively. Being in the higher levels of SES was significantly related to height (p=0.02), energy intake (p<0.001), BMI (p=0.003), waist circumference (p=004), and fat mass (p=0.002). Adherence to meat-free DP and being in the highest levels of SES may be associated with a greater chance of developing overweight and obesity. Therefore, meat consumption and SES can be used to predict childhood overweight and obesity.

The status and childcare management of overweight and obesity among preschool children in Hangzhou.

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool children in Hangzhou and assess the impact of childcare management. By examining the characteristics and predicting the trends of overweight and obesity, we hope to emphasize the significance of childcare management in primary community health service centers and the use of Electronic Health-care System in kindergartens. This study also seeks to provide evidence for intervention measures and effective prevention and control management of childhood obesity. From 2020 to 2022, kindergarten children aged 3-6 years old were selected as the research objects in kindergartens in Hangzhou. The Electronic Health-care System will be utilized to facilitate the management of childhood obesity and provide guidance and training to pediatricians and Primary Care Physicians. The overall detection rates of overweight and obesity were 7.27 % and 3.55 %, respectively, among children aged 3-6 years in Hangzhou. The rates of simple obesity in Hangzhou preschool children aged 3-6 years were 4.25 , 3.42, and 3.04 % from 2020 to 2022, respectively; the overweight detection rates of children were 8.27 , 7.28, and 6.34 %, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The detection rates of overweight and obesity in 2022 were significantly lower than those in 2020 (p<0.05). The prevalence of obesity in children increased with age. Boys had a significantly higher incidence rate of obesity than girls (p<0.05). The proportion of children with moderate and severe obesity showed a downward trend. Intervention measures for childhood obesity in primary community health service centers and kindergartens are constantly being implemented. The prevalence of obesity in preschool children aged 3-6 years in Hangzhou exhibited a decreasing tendency. This research has identified that child care administration, particularly the implementation of the Electronic Health-care System, demonstrates effectiveness in handling overweight and obesity amongst children.

Prevalence of Obesity in Preschool Children at Hilla/Babylon/Iraq 2020

Prevalence of Obesity in Preschool Children at Hilla/Babylon/Iraq 2020

Childhood Obesity and Essential Micronutrients: Insights from India's Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (2016-18).

Based on the long-term impact of childhood obesity, there is a compelling need to assess the burden of obesity and micronutrient deficiency and the interactions between the two. Thus, the aims of the study were to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obese children and adolescents to compare micro-nutrient levels in these children with normal and underweight categories and explore the factors affecting overweight and obesity in the presence of micronutrient deficiencies. Secondary data analysis of theComprehensive National Nutrition Survey-India (2017-2018) was done. The survey recorded information from 112,245 preschool children (6-60months), school age children (5-9years), and adolescents (10-19years). Half of these participants were invited for biochemical testing and were included in our analysis. The presence of overweight or obesity and micronutrient (serum erythrocyte folate; vitamin B12, A, and D; ferritin; zinc; and urinary iodine) deficiencies were the primary outcomes. The secondary outcome included the mean serum levels and predictors of overweight and obesity in the presence of micronutrient deficiencies. Of the 38,060, 38,355, and 35,830 preschool, school-age, and adolescent study participants, about 2.69, 4.18, and 4.99% were overweight or obese. We observed significant variations in the mean folate and vitamin B12 levels among the overweight and obese preschool and school-age children compared to the normal weight group. School-age children exhibited significant differences in all micronutrient levels. In contrast, adolescents only showed substantial differences in vitamin D and A and serum ferritin levels. The predictors of overweight and obesity included geographical locations, wealth quintiles, and societal castes. Iron, folate, vitamin D, and zinc levels significantly affect the odds of developing childhood overweight and obesity. It is vital to halt the growing burden of childhood overweight and obesity. Addressing micronutrient deficiencies can help us bring a sustainable and feasible approach to managing this menace.

Relationships between physical activity, fundamental motor skills, and body mass index in preschool children.

To investigate whether there is a potential relationship between physical activity (PA), fundamental motor skills (FMS), and Body Mass Index (BMI) in preschool children and to further explore the differences in PA and FMS between normal-weight and overweight/obese preschool children. Participants were 366 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years; 358 completed all tests (194 boys and 164 girls). PA, FMS, body weight, and height were measured by triaxial accelerometer, the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2), and anthropometry measurement, respectively. The overall rate of overweight/obesity was 17.0%, with no significant gender difference (χ 2 = 0.628, p = 0.428). Older children perform significantly better in both object control skills and locomotor skills. Independent samples t-tests were used to examine the difference between genders on FMS and PA: girls in the 5-year-old group display better locomotor skills (p = 0.012) than boys. Boys spent more time on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and less time on sedentary activity when compared to girls. Results of partial correlation analysis showed that PA was significantly and positively correlated with both locomotor skills and object control skills in preschool children (p < 0.01), while there was no correlation between FMS, PA level, and BMI. Results of ANCOVA revealed no significant difference in FMS between normal-weight and overweight or obese preschool children; normal-weight girls had significantly longer MPA and MVPA duration and significantly shorter sedentary periods than overweight or obese girls (p < 0.05). Overweight/obesity in preschool children requires effective measures. PA is positively associated with FMS, while BMI is not potentially related to FMS or PA in preschool years. Overweight or obese girls should develop healthier weight status by increasing MVPA hours and reducing sedentary time.

Ten-Year Differences in Nutritional Status and Obesity-Related Risk Factors in Polish Preschool Children.

The aim of this study was to assess ten-year differences in nutritional statuses and obesity prevalences between populations of preschool children from Katowice, Poland, examined in 2007 and 2017, and to determine factors associated with overweight and obesity in preschool children. A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted among parents and legal guardians of 276 preschool children in 2007 and 259 preschool children in 2017. Basic anthropometric measurements were performed. Overall, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among our sample of Polish preschool children (median age 5.25 year) was 16.82%, whereas 4.49% of children were obese. No significant differences in the number of overweight and obese children were observed when comparing the years 2017 to 2007. Overall body mass index (BMI) z-score was significantly lower in this group of children from 2017. However, median values of the BMI z-score were higher in two of the weight categories (overweight and obesity) in 2017. The child's BMI z-score was positively correlated with birth weight (r = 0.1, p < 0.05). The BMI z-score was positively correlated with maternal BMI, paternal BMI, and maternal pregnancy weight gain, r = 0.24 p < 0.01; r = 0.16 p < 0.01; r = 0.12 p < 0.05, respectively. A decrease in overweight and obesity prevalence over the past decade and higher median values of BMI z-scores in the group of children with excessive weight in 2017 were observed. Birth weight, maternal BMI, paternal BMI, and maternal pregnancy weight gain all correlate positively with a child's BMI z-score.

Social Challenges as a Consequence of the COVID-19 Pandemic among South Florida Preschool Children with Disability and Obesity

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the childcare industry over the past two years. This study examined how pandemic-related challenges impacted preschool-aged children by disability and obesity status. Participants were 216 children (80% Hispanic, 14% non-Hispanic Black) aged 2 to 5 years in 10 South Florida childcare centers. In November/December 2021, parents completed a COVID-19 Risk and Resiliency Questionnaire, and body mass index percentile (BMI) was collected. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association of COVID-19 pandemic-related social challenges (transportation, employment) and child BMI and disability status. As compared to normal-weight children, those families with a child who was obese were more likely to report pandemic-related transportation (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.03-6.28) challenges and food insecurity (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.05-6.43). Parents of children with disabilities were less likely to report that food did not last (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.07-0.48) and that they could not afford balanced meals (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.85). Spanish-speaking caregivers were more likely to have a child who was obese (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.19-8.52). The results suggest that COVID-19 impacts obese preschool children from Hispanic backgrounds, while disability was a protective factor.

Impact of Early Life Factors on Metabolic Phenotypes of Obesity in Preschool Children.

To investigate the impact of factors in the first 1,000 days of life on metabolic phenotypes of obesity in preschool children in a cohort study. We recruited 3-year-old children for the study. Early life factors included maternal age at delivery, maternal education, prepregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, gravidity, history of gestational diabetes mellitus, delivery mode, gestational age, family history of metabolic disorders, paternal education, annual family income, child sex, birth weight, and breastfeeding duration. According to BMI and metabolic status, children were classified as metabolically healthy (no metabolic risk factors) with normal weight (MHNW), metabolically unhealthy (one or more metabolic risk factors) with normal weight (MUNW), metabolically healthy with overweight or obesity (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy with overweight or obesity (MUO). We recruited 3,822 children for the study, with 3,015 analyzed. Accelerated BMI z score growth rate between 6 and 24 months was associated with MHO (β = 0.022; 95% CI 0.009, 0.036) and MUO (β = 0.037; 95% CI 0.018, 0.056). Maternal overweight (odds ratio [OR] 3.16; 95% CI 1.55, 6.42) and obesity (OR 8.14; 95% CI 3.73, 17.76) before pregnancy and macrosomia (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.32, 4.59) were associated with MHO, and maternal obesity before pregnancy (OR 6.35; 95% CI 2.17, 18.52) increased the risk of MUO. Early life factors, such as maternal obesity and accelerated BMI growth rate between 6 and 24 months, were related not only to MHO but also to MUO. Children with these early life factors should be given interventions for weight control to prevent metabolic abnormalities.

City features related to obesity in preschool children: a cross-sectional analysis of 159 cities in six Latin American countries

Childhood obesity is a rising global health problem. The rapid urbanization experienced in Latin America might impact childhood obesity through different pathways involving urban built and social features of cities. We aimed to evaluate the association between built and social environment features of cities and childhood obesity across countries and cities in Latin America. Cross-sectional analysis of data from 20,040 children aged 1-5 years living in 159 large cities in six Latin American countries. We used individual-level anthropometric data for excess weight (overweight or obesity) from health surveys that could be linked to city-level data. City and sub-city level exposures included the social environment (living conditions, service provision and educational attainment) and the built environment (fragmentation, isolation, presence of mass transit, population density, intersection density and percent greenness). Multi-level logistic models were used to explore associations between city features and excess weight, adjusting for age, sex, and head of household education. The overall prevalence of excess weight among preschool children was 8% but varied substantially between and within countries, ranging from 4% to 25%. Our analysis showed that 97% of the variability was between individuals within sub-city units and around 3% of the variance in z-scores of weight for height was explained by the city and sub-city levels. At the city-level, a higher distance between urban patches (isolation, per 1 SD increase) was associated with lower odds of excess weight (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.99). Higher sub-city education was also associated with lower odds of excess weight, but better sub-city living conditions were associated with higher odds of excess weight. Built and social environment features are related to excess weight in preschool children. Our evidence from a wide range of large Latin American cities suggests that urban health interventions may be suitable alternatives towards attaining the goal of reducing excess weight early in the life course. The SALURBAL project (Salud Urbana en América Latina, Urban Health in Latin America) is funded by Wellcome [205177/Z/16/Z].

Risk of Obesity Among Children Aged 2-6 Years Who Had Prolonged Screen Time in Taiwan: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

To evaluate the risk of obesity in preschool children with prolonged screen time in Taiwan. Using a nationwide survey with random sampling, we collected information on 8378 preschool children aged 2-6 years among 206 preschools in Taiwan from 2016 to 2019. Socioeconomic data, body mass index, and lifestyle of the preschool children and their caregivers were compared among the groups of preschool children who had moderate and prolonged daily screen time. We used multiple log-binomial regression models to calculate the adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of obesity associated with prolonged screen time. The prevalence of obesity in the preschool children was 13.1%, and the average screen time was 104.6 minutes. Children's age, sleep hours, outdoor play time, sugar intake, snack eating before dinner, sleep disturbance, and obesity, as well as caregiver's sex, age, education, screen time, exercise time and parent obesity were factors related to high screen time for preschool children. Compared with children with moderate screen time, children with prolonged screen time had a higher risk of obesity (PR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.18-1.79). With a 60-minute increase in screen time, the risk of obesity increased, with an PR of 1.10 (95% CI, 1.03-1.17). Preschool children with prolonged screen time had an increased risk of obesity in Taiwan. Interventions may be needed for this very susceptible population.

The roles of sleep and eating patterns in adiposity gain among preschool-aged children

Short sleep durations are related to risks for obesity in preschool children. However, the underlying mechanism or mechanisms are not clear. We evaluated the relationships between sleep characteristics and body composition, energetics, and weight-regulating behaviors in preschool-aged children, as well as the longitudinal associations between children's sleep and eating patterns and body composition at a 1-year follow-up. Data were drawn from a longitudinal study of 118 children aged 3-5 years. Sleep (duration, midpoint, regularity) and physical activity (PA) were measured by accelerometry over 6 consecutive days; total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured using the doubly labeled water method; body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, and percent body fat) was measured by DXA; and dietary intake (energy intake, timing) was measured using two 24-hour recalls. Multivariable regression was used to estimate interindividual associations of sleep parameters with body composition, PA, TEE, and dietary outcomes and to examine the relationships between sleep and dietary behaviors and body composition 1 year later. Cross-sectionally, later sleep midpoint is associated with having a greater fat mass (0.33; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.60) and a higher percent body fat (0.92; 95% CI: 0.15, 1.70). Later sleep midpoint was associated with delayed morning mealtimes (0.51; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.74) and evening mealtimes (0.41; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.53), higher nighttime energy intakes (45.6; 95% CI: 19.7, 71.4), and lower morning energy intakes (-44.8; 95% CI: -72.0, -17.6). Longitudinally, shorter sleep duration (-0.02; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.00) and later meal timing (0.83; 95% CI: 0.24, 1.42) were associated with higher percent body fat measurements 1 year later. Shorter sleep duration and later meal timing are associated with adiposity gains in preschoolers.

Time trends and disparities in combined overweight and obesity prevalence among children in China.

This study aims to examine the trends and disparities in the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in China by regions and specific groups over the last 30 years. PubMed, Wanfang, CNKI, VIP database, official websites of national governments and professional institutions/associations were systematically searched, for related reports and studies published up until December 2021. Reports based on nationally representative survey data were also examined and included. In mainland China, overweight and obesity decreased in pre-school children (≤6 years old) and increased in school-aged children (7-18 years old) between 2010 and 2013 to 2015 and 2017, but long-term trends predict future increases in both groups. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school students in Hong Kong dropped from 21.4% in 2007-2008 to 17.6% in 2016-2017. In Macao, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children aged 6-18 years was reported by age stratification; the lowest and highest prevalence was 13.4%, 29.3% and 9.2%, 21.7% for boys and girls in latest survey in 2015, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary, middle and high school students in Taiwan dropped from 28.2%, 27.1% and 31.1% in 2010 to 26.7%, 25.2% and 26.7% in 2013, respectively. Furthermore, in mainland China, the prevalence in rural left-behind boys and girls was 10.7% and 7.0%, respectively, in 2011, and the prevalence among migrant pre-school children was about 5.0% around 2010. In summary, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school-aged children has increased in mainland China and Macao, but decreased in Hong Kong and Taiwan prior to 2017. The projections suggest that the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in pre-school children will be in rural children in the future. These factors need to be considered when formulating and implementing national policies and programmes to fight overweight and obesity.

Associations of individual factors and early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres characteristics with preschoolers’ BMI in Germany

BackgroundThe number of obese children is rising worldwide. Many studies have investigated single determinants of children’s body mass index (BMI), yet studies measuring determinants at different potential levels of influence are sparse. The aim of this study is to investigate the independent role of parental socioeconomic position (SEP), additional family factors at the micro level, as well as early childhood education and care (ECEC) centre characteristics at the meso level regarding BMI.MethodsAnalyses used the baseline data of the PReschool INtervention Study (PRINS) including up to 1,151 children from 53 ECEC centres. Multi-level models first estimated the associations of parental SEP indicators (parental school education, vocational training, and household income) with the children’s standard deviation scores for BMI (SDS BMI, standardised for age and gender). Second, structural (number of siblings), psychosocial (strained family relationships), and nutrition behavioural (soft-drink consumption, frequency of fast-food restaurant visits) family factors at the micro level were included. Third, characteristics of the ECEC centre at the meso level in terms of average group size, the ratio of overweight children in the group, ECEC centre type (all-day care), and the location of the ECEC centre (rural vs urban) were included. All analyses were stratified by gender and adjusted for age, migration background, and parental employment status.ResultsEstimates for boys and girls appeared to differ. In the full model, for boys the parental SEP indicators were not related to SDS BMI. Factors related to SDS BMI in boys were: two or more siblings; B = -.55; p = 0.045 [ref.: no sibling]), the characteristics of the ECEC centre in terms of average group size (20 – 25 children; B = -.54; p = 0.022 [ref.: < 20 children]), and the ratio of overweight children (more overweight children B = -1.39; p < 0.001 [ref.: few overweight children]). For girls the number of siblings (two and more siblings; B = .67; p = 0.027 [ref.: no sibling]) and average group size (> 25 children; B = -.52; p = 0.037 [ref.: < 20 children]) were related to SDS BMI.ConclusionsThe BMI of preschool children appears to be associated with determinants at the micro and meso level, however with some gender differences. The identified factors at the micro and meso level appear largely modifiable and can inform about possible interventions to reduce obesity in preschool children.

Longitudinal Associations Between Sleep Habits, Screen Time and Overweight, Obesity in Preschool Children.

IntroductionDecreased sleep duration and increased screen time as early as preschool age may contribute to overweight and obesity. The effects of bedtime together with nocturnal sleep duration remain unclear with a paucity of data evaluating these associations longitudinally. We aim to evaluate the independent and joint effects of sleep duration, sleep bedtime, and screen time at 3 years of age on BMI status, particularly overweight and obesity by age 5 years.MethodsData from 2185 participants of the CHILD Cohort Study were analyzed longitudinally using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Models included changes in overweight/obesity status from 3 to 5 years of age as outcome, and nocturnal sleep duration, bedtime, and daily screen time at 3 years of age as explanatory variables. The joint effects of nocturnal sleep time and excess screen time, late bedtime on overweight/obesity were subsequently analyzed.ResultsThe median nocturnal sleep time at 3 and 5 years of age was 11.0 hours/night [IQR 10.5, 11.5]. A total of 14.5% children went to bed after 9PM at 3 years and 7.2% at 5 years. Median screen time was 1.0 hr/day [IQR 1.0, 2.0] at both ages. Longitudinal analyses showed that sleeping less than 10.5 hours at age 3 years was associated with 46% greater odds of overweight/obesity by age 5 years (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07, 2.00). The risk was higher when coupled with late bedtime after 9pm (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.12, 2.31). Children with both short nocturnal sleep duration and excess screen time (>1hr/day) had twice the associated risk of overweight/obesity by age 5 years (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.34, 2.88).ConclusionNocturnal sleep duration and screen time are modifiable risk factors in young children, which may have important implications for obesity prevention as early as infancy.