Obesity Prevention Programs Research Articles

Overweight and obesity among adolescents in Saudi Arabia: a multi-school cross-sectional study

BackgroundObesity in adolescence may track into adulthood. Understanding the multifactorial nature of obesity is necessary to curb the growing trends. This study aimed to provide updated estimates on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents and to scrutinize the associations with parental weight status and various lifestyle and socioeconomic factors.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, participants were recruited from 16 schools located in Jeddah and Madina, Saudi Arabia. Data of 522 adolescents (11–18 years of age) and their parents were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements of adolescents were assessed at the school sites. Logistic regression with complex sampling adjustments was conducted to examine the associations of adolescent overweight or obesity with various lifestyle and socioeconomic factors and parental weight status.ResultsOverweight and obesity was prevalent by 13.2% and 26.1%, respectively. Living in a single-parent household, maternal obesity, and the coexistence of parental obesity were associated with an increased likelihood of overweight or obesity in adolescents. Stratified analyses by adolescent sex revealed different associations for boys and girls.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the importance of the family environment and the necessity to enroll parents when implementing adolescence obesity prevention programs. Health promotion strategies that promote environmental changes related to healthy lifestyle and dietary practices are needed to eliminate the rising obesity trends.

Effects of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education Campaign on Campaign Awareness, Message Recall, and Behavior.

Obesity is linked to high morbidity and mortality and is particularly prevalent in the southeastern United States. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed), funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides nutrition education and obesity-prevention programs for individuals who qualify for nutrition assistance programs. This evaluation examines the effect of a statewide SNAP-Ed multimedia social marketing campaign in the southeastern United States on campaign awareness, message recall, and behavioral outcomes. The evaluation employed a cross-sectional design using a survey of the priority population. Participants included SNAP-eligible individuals (n = 671) meeting an income threshold and reporting children under 18 years of age living in the household. Compared to participants who were not aware of the campaign, participants who were aware of the campaign reported more frequent fruit and vegetable consumption and more physical activity, and Mann-Whitney tests of these differences were statistically significant. Mann-Whitney tests also demonstrated that recall of nutrition-related campaign messages (such as "cook healthy meals at home") was significantly and positively associated with frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption. These results provide additional evidence that multimedia statewide SNAP-Ed social marketing campaigns are associated with changes in nutrition and physical activity. These findings have implications for others planning health education campaigns related to nutrition and physical activity; this multimedia social marketing campaign shows promise for shaping behavioral outcomes.

Comparative efficacy and acceptability of interventions for universal, selective and indicated prevention of eating disorders: study protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundEating disorders (EDs) are severe psychiatric conditions, with prevalence rates ranging from 5.5 to 17.9% in women and 0.6 to 2.4% in men. EDs carry a high risk of chronicity and mortality, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies. Primary prevention can target the entire population (universal), high-risk groups (selective), or individuals with early signs (indicated). Despite substantial research, prior reviews often show limitations, such as single-author data extraction, lack of quality assessment, reliance on endpoint data, exclusion of obesity prevention programs, or outdated findings. No review has yet evaluated the comparative effectiveness of multiple interventions across risk groups. This article outlines a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) protocol to assess the comparative effectiveness of various ED preventive interventions across different prevention types and populations.MethodsEligible studies will include (cluster) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving children, adolescents, and adults across a range of settings. Databases to be searched include MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL. All prevention types (universal, selective, indicated) will be included. Interventions will encompass psychological, educational, physical, and nutritional approaches aimed at preventing EDs, disordered eating, or negative body image and/or reducing risk factors. Coprimary outcomes will be ED diagnostic symptoms, overall ED pathology, ED onset, and intervention all-cause discontinuation (acceptability). A frequentist NMA framework will be used for data synthesis, with sensitivity and subgroup analyses to identify effect modifiers.DiscussionThis first NMA on ED prevention aims to provide valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, policymakers and the public by identifying the most effective interventions and highlighting research gaps. The findings will inform intervention selection for specific populations and guide future prevention strategies to reduce the burden of EDs on affected individuals, their communities, and wider society.Clinical trial registration numberCRD42024498102.

Evaluation of a Fruit and Vegetable Voucher Program in a Prenatal and Pediatric Primary Care-Based Obesity Prevention Program.

Background: Maternal consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce future childhood obesity risk. Health Bucks, a fruit and vegetable voucher program redeemable at New York City (NYC) farmers' markets, supports access to fresh produce. Methods: In a cross-sectional analysis within a cohort study, we evaluated the integration of Health Bucks into the prenatal expansion of a primary care-based obesity prevention program. We analyzed data from 176 pregnant Latina participants at a NYC public hospital, with vouchers given to 114 (64.8%) participants. Later in infancy, we measured maternal outcomes (fruit and vegetable intake, stress) and food access (food environment, household food insecurity). We performed adjusted regression analyses to evaluate outcome differences between those who received vouchers and those who did not. Secondary analyses assessed whether voucher redemption or first-trimester timing of distribution were associated with outcomes. Results: Receipt of vouchers was associated with higher daily fruit and vegetable intake (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.3 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1, 1.6]), and lower stress (B = -1.9 [95% CI: -3.7, -0.1]). Voucher redemption was associated with higher daily fruit and vegetable intake (IRR = 1.3 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.6]). First trimester receipt was associated with a favorable view of the neighborhood food environment (adjusted odds ratio = 5.5 [95% CI: 1.04, 28.6]) and lower stress (B = -3.8 [95% CI: -7.5, -0.1). We did not detect associations with food insecurity. Conclusion: Integrating Health Bucks into a prenatal obesity prevention program was associated with favorable outcomes. Subgroup analyses showed that voucher redemption and first-trimester receipt were associated with positive outcomes, guiding strategies for fruit and vegetable voucher distribution.

Eating in the Absence of Hunger in Hispanic Preschoolers: Relationships with Child Sex, Food Preference, and Weight Status.

Background/Objectives: This study examines the relationship of eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) with child sex, food preference, and body mass index (BMI) percentiles in primarily Hispanic preschoolers, an understudied population. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from 211 children (79% Hispanic) aged 3 to 5 years from low-income families who completed a cluster randomized controlled trial from September 2017 to June 2020. Weight and height were used to calculate BMI percentiles. Sweet (animal crackers) and salty (pretzels) snacks were used to conduct a validated classroom-based EAH assessment. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach investigated associations between the grams of snacks consumed and BMI percentiles. A set of nested multivariable GEEs were estimated, while adjusting for potentially important covariates. Results: Boys significantly consumed more snacks than girls (13.34 ± 9.71 g vs. 8.13 ± 7.36 g; p < 0.001). Children who indicated greater preference for sweet snacks consumed more sweet snacks (r = 0.19; b = 2.05, p < 0.001) and total grams of total snacks (r = 0.18; b = 2.42, p = 0.004) but not salty snacks (pretzels). Consuming more sweet snacks was significantly associated with higher BMI percentiles (b = 0.55; p = 0.024). Conclusions: The findings suggest that a preference for sweet snacks is associated with EAH, and eating sweet snacks in the absence of hunger is related to higher BMI percentiles. Obesity prevention programs may focus on addressing eating sweet snacks in the absence of hunger starting in early childhood.

Child Obesity Prevention From Pregnancy: Long-Term Follow-Up ofthe Starting Early Program Trial.

Assess postintervention and dose effects of a child obesity prevention program, delivered from pregnancy through the age of 3years, on child weight outcomes at the ages of 4 and 5years among low-income Hispanic families. As postintervention follow-up of the Starting Early Program (StEP) randomized controlled trial, StEP enrolled pregnant people in the third trimester to standard care control or the StEP intervention, which provided 15 nutrition and parenting support sessions. We analyzed differences in weight-for-age z scores (WFAz) and obesity status by group within intervention group analyses of program dose and moderation by adverse social drivers of health (SDoH). Weight data were available for 312 and 264 children aged 4 and 5years, respectively. Mean WFAz (0.59 [1.08] vs 0.52 [1.16], P = .55; 0.60 [1.07] vs 0.58 [1.22], P = .86) and proportion with obesity (15.2% vs 15.6%, P = .90; 16.2% vs 19.5%, P = .47) were not different by intervention status at the ages of 4 and 5years. The mean (SD) number of sessions attended was 8.7 (4.2) with the highest tertile attending 11 sessions or more. Lower WFAz and obesity prevalence were found for families with top tertile attendance. In moderation analysis, impacts on weight in children aged 5years were greater for families with low social support compared high social support. Participation in StEP was not associated with postintervention differences in child weight. Higher attendance was associated with lower obesity prevalence, while treatment effects were greater for families with low social support. This highlights the need to evaluate program dose on long-term outcomes, especially for those with adverse SDoH.

A Scale-Out Study of an Evidence-Based Family Meals Program Delivered in the Head Start Setting: Results, Challenges, and Opportunities.

Background: There is need to identify evidence-based early childhood obesity prevention programs that are feasible and demonstrate cost-effectiveness for a broader health impact. This scale-out study leveraged community-engaged principles to compare the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of three delivery modes of a childhood obesity prevention family meals program (Simple Suppers) that demonstrated positive impacts on child and caregiver diet/nutritional health-related outcomes in a previous experimental trial tested among elementary-aged children. Methods: This three-arm (in-person, online, hybrid) pre-(T0) and post-(T1)-test study included families recruited from Head Start. Forty-five families (45 caregivers; 55 children) completed the study. The program was adapted to families with younger children (3-5 years). During the 8-week program, participants received weekly group education and meals through in-person, online, or hybrid format. Feasibility outcomes were attendance, acceptability (post-test survey; focus groups), fidelity, and cost (food; staff). Participant outcomes were related to diet/nutritional health. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare T0 to T1 differences in participant outcomes across delivery modes. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Cost-effectiveness was calculated as the net-cost of the program by changes in outcomes. Results: Overall attendance was 51.2%, and higher for in-person (72.0%) and hybrid (59.7%). Program satisfaction rate was highest for hybrid (93.0%), as well as program fidelity (96.7%). Focus group results revealed areas of program improvement, behavior change, and program approval. Cost was lowest for hybrid ($17.09/family). Children in the hybrid group had a reduced waist circumference (p = 0.02) versus in-person and online groups. Conclusion: The hybrid mode of Simple Suppers demonstrated the greatest scaling potential for a broader public health impact.

Exploring parental preferences for childhood obesity prevention program in China: a discrete choice experiment

BackgroundChildhood obesity has emerged as one of the most critical public health challenges in China. Despite its urgency, the existing research on parental preference for tackling childhood obesity remains insufficient. This study aimed to determine the factors that parents prioritise most when commissioning hypothetical programs that target childhood obesity prevention in China.MethodsA discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to assess parental preferences for a hypothetical childhood obesity prevention programme attributes. Recruitment occurred between 20th October 2022 and 30th December 2022, using snowball sampling facilitated through social media platforms. Eligibility criteria were limited to parents with at least one child aged between 5 and 17 years old. Relevant attributes of the childhood obesity prevention programme were identified through a literature review and expert consultation. The study encompassed six attributes, and the coefficient of these different attributes was analysed using multinomial logit models (MNL) and latent class models (LCM).ResultsThis study, involving 631 participants, demonstrates that in prioritizing attributes of childhood obesity prevention programs, parents place the greatest importance on additional costs (32.36%). This is followed by daily sleep duration (18.42%) and dietary choices (16.49%). A preference for a 9-hour sleep duration is evident (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.291; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.186–1.406; p < 0.05, reference: 7 h), as well as a tendency towards high-protein diets over low-fat ones (OR: 1.114; 95% CI: 1.034-1.200; p < 0.05, reference: low-fat diet). School-based exercise is favoured over fitness centres (OR: 0.837; 95% CI: 0.785–0.893; p < 0.001, reference: school-based). A latent class model (LCM) identifies two distinct groups: one preferring school-based exercise, 8-hour sleep, and minimal additional expenses; the other favouring 9-hour sleep and willingness to invest an additional RMB200 for weight control. Both groups prefer high-protein diets and early eating schedules.ConclusionsUnderstanding parental preferences and concerns is vital for crafting effective public health policies aligned with UN SDGs and the SDH framework. Key elements include promoting balanced diets, ensuring safe exercise spaces, and fostering parental engagement. Collaboration among policymakers, educators, and parents is essential to mitigate childhood obesity.

"It Should Be a Priority": Lessons Learned by Head Start Leaders, Staff, and Parent Facilitators Delivering a Multi-Site Parent-Centered Child Obesity Prevention Intervention.

Background: Head Start, a federally funded preschool for low-income families, offers a unique space for interventionists to equitably reach parents and children, and promote healthful behavior for chronic disease prevention. However, determinants of implementation in this context remain understudied, hindering opportunities for improvement. We aim to identify organization-level factors affecting implementation of an obesity prevention program, as relayed by implementation partners at Head Start. Methods: Communities for Healthy Living (CHL), designed and implemented with Greater Boston Head Start (n = 16 programs across n = 2 agencies), is a cluster-randomized obesity prevention trial offering enhanced nutrition support, media campaign, and a parenting program. The current study draws on two years (2017-19) of data collected from Head Start implementation partners. Pre-implementation, staff completed anonymous surveys: implementation readiness (n = 119), staff training evaluation (n = 166), and facilitator training evaluation (n = 22); response frequencies were tabulated. Mid-implementation, staff and leadership participated in focus groups (n = 3 groups with n = 16 participants) and interviews (n = 9); transcripts were analyzed using a deductive-inductive hybrid approach, grounded in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results: Most staff strongly agreed or agreed they understood their role (98.8%), planned on recruiting parents (98.2%), and reported commitment to implementation (92.5%); however, fewer identified CHL as a priority (69.7%) and were confident in their ability to coordinate efforts (84.9%), handle challenges (77.3%), and receive support (83.2%). Thematic analysis yielded implementation facilitators, including mission alignment, partner engagement in design, allocation of intervention-specific resources, and expressed leadership support. Barriers included strains imposed on staff workflow, a lack of shared responsibility, and challenges in coordinating CHL activities amidst competing Head Start programs. Conclusions: Responsive efforts to address deliverer-identified barriers to implementation may include reducing intervention impact on preexisting workflow, as well as clearly distinguishing intervention activities from preexisting Head Start programs.

The effectiveness of school-based obesity prevention interventions on the health behaviours of children aged 6-18years: A secondary data analysis of a systematic review.

The effectiveness of school-based obesity prevention interventions on the health behaviours of children aged 6-18years: A secondary data analysis of a systematic review.

Feasibility of an Obesity Prevention Program for Latino Families from First Trimester of Pregnancy to Child Age 18 Months and Predictors of Program Attendance.

Background: The high prevalence of obesity in Latino families with low income necessitates prevention beginning in pregnancy and continuing through infancy. Due to systemic inequities, adverse social determinants of health (SDoH) and mental health symptoms may limit program efficacy by presenting barriers to attendance. We sought to assess: (1) the feasibility of the Starting Early Program (StEP) Prenatal, a 17-session intervention beginning early in pregnancy and continuing to 18 months postpartum; and (2) the effects of adverse SDoH (material hardship, low social support) and mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress) on program attendance. Methods: We conducted a single-arm feasibility trial of StEP Prenatal, enrolling from December 2018 to February 2020 (n = 231). We assessed feasibility (recruitment, retention, fidelity, attendance) and direct and interactive effects of adverse SDoH and mental health symptoms on attendance. We used zero-inflated Poisson regression, adjusting for maternal age, marital status, nativity, education, and pandemic timing. Results: We recruited 57% of eligible participants, with 213 remaining eligible to receive the full program. Retention was 75%. Median fidelity for group format was 64%; median attendance per session was 69%; median number of program sessions attended was 13. Baseline material hardship and high perceived stress predicted approximately one additional session attended. Similar effects were seen for low social support in the absence of anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: Despite pandemic disruptions, StEP Prenatal was feasible to deliver and participants with adverse SDoH at baseline were particularly motivated to attend. Futures studies should tailor programs to baseline SDoH and test flexible implementation models.

The Influence of Peer Support on the Nutritional Status of Adolescents at Madrasah Tsanawiyah in Sleman Regency

Overnutrition or obesity is a condition of increased body weight due to the accumulation of body fat, which is not only experienced by adults, but also by children and adolescents. The prevalence of overnutrition in adolescents continues to increase every year. One of the contributing factors is changes in diet, which are strongly influenced by the social environment, especially peer support. This research aims to determine the relationship between the influence of peer support and the status of overweight in adolescents. This research uses an observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 20 students from the Sunan Pandanaran Sleman Madrasah Tsanawiyah who were taken using stratified random sampling. Data collection was carried out through the self-reported method to measure nutritional status and the peer support questionnaire to assess the influence of the social environment. The research was carried out in September 2024. The results of the analysis showed that 75% of the respondents were influenced by peer support in their nutritional status, while 25% were not. There is a significant relationship between peer support and overweight status in adolescents (p = 0.028). This research concludes that peer support plays a significant role in determining the nutritional status of adolescents. It is hoped that these findings will form the basis for the development of obesity intervention and prevention programs that consider aspects of the social environment, especially the role of peers.

The long-term effects of a school-based intervention on preventing childhood overweight: Propensity score matching analysis within the Generation R Study cohort.

This study investigated the long-term impact of the primary school-based multicomponent lifestyle intervention "Lekker Fit!" (LF) on obesity-related outcomes, and studied whether the impact differed between population subgroups. Children from the Generation R Study (Rotterdam, the Netherlands) were categorized into the LF group (6 years exposure, between the ages 6/7 to 12/13 years) or regular school group (no exposure). BMI and DXA-derived fat mass were assessed after 4 years of intervention (age 10 years), and 1.5 years post-intervention (age 14 years). A propensity score matching model was fitted to examine the intervention effect on BMI-z-score and percent fat mass, and we tested for differences by sex, pre-intervention weight status, ethnic background, and income. We found no effect on BMI-z-score [0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.04 to 0.17)] and percent fat mass (0.4%-point [95% CI: -0.2 to 1.1]) after 4 years of intervention. 1.5 years post-intervention and after 6 years of exposure, BMI-z-score (0.11 [95% CI: 0.00-0.22]) and percent fat mass (1.1%-point [95% CI: 0.2-1.9]) were significantly higher for children in the LF group. No subgroup differences were found. Findings suggest the need for obesity prevention programs that extend beyond primary education.

A pragmatic multi-setting healthy lifestyle intervention to improve BMI status in a middle-income population: A potential strategy for individuals at risk.

To evaluate a multi-setting lifestyle intervention's effect on body mass index (BMI) across the entire spectrum in a middle-income adult population over 15 years. This pragmatic interventional study included 5153 adults (≥20 years) from a middle-income community, followed for over 15 years with five follow-ups. A multi-setting intervention (school, family, community) aimed to promote healthy lifestyles. The lambda-mu sigma (LMS) method and quantile regression model were used to analyze changes in BMI percentiles (10th-90th) by sex and intervention group. The intervention showed modest effects on BMI percentiles. In men, it lowered BMI at the 40th and 70th percentiles (overweight/obesity onset) at the first follow-up (β=-0.16, 95% CI: -0.33, -0.001 and β=-0.21, 95% CI: -0.38, -0.04 respectively). In women, the effect emerged later (second follow-up) at the 20th (β=-0.39, 95% CI: -0.60, -0.18), 30th (β=-0.27, 95% CI: -0.49, -0.04), and 60th (β=-0.20, 95% CI: -0.39, -0.02) percentiles (overweight risk), extending to more overweight percentiles (20th-50th) in the third follow-up (βs ranged from -0.28 until -0.26). Our results indicated the effectiveness of a practical lifestyle intervention to control rising trend of BMI at the onset of overweight and obesity in a middle-income population. These findings can be useful for planning obesity prevention programs in communities with similar socioeconomic statuses.

Impact of child summertime obesity interventions on body mass index and weight-related behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Obesity during childhood is a critical public health issue. The summer break from school is a time when children are prone to accelerated weight gain. We aimed to investigate how obesity prevention or treatment programs implemented over the summer affect anthropometric measures or weight-related behaviors. Published studies examining the impact of obesity prevention/treatment interventions targeting the summer with anthropometric or weight-related behaviors in children (5-18 years old) were identified using systematic searches of Medline, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE until April 2024. The summarized effect estimate was computed by applying the random-effects approach. The evidence certainty was assessed using GRADE. Forty-seven studies were identified for inclusion. The majority of studies identified focused on physical activity and dietary habits. Only six studies that examined the effects of prevention interventions on weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were meta-analyzed. There was no evidence that prevention interventions impacted children's weight, BMI, and WC. However, most of the studies included in the systematic review indicated beneficial effects of interventions for anthropometric measures. There was no evidence that summertime obesity interventions targeting physical activity and dietary intake were effective in the prevention of obesity in children.

Effects of Responsiveness and Responsibility Parenting Factors on Family Mealtime Outcomes in Overweight African American Adolescents.

Family meals have been shown to be an important protective factor for positive health outcomes. This study assessed the associations of parenting factors with family mealtime among overweight African American adolescents over a period of 4 months. It was hypothesized that increases in warm and responsive parenting (parental responsiveness, parental responsibility) would be associated with increased frequency and quality of family mealtimes, while more demanding and controlling parenting (parental demandingness, parental monitoring) would be associated with a reduced frequency and quality of family mealtimes over time. Data from baseline to 16 weeks were collected from 241 African American adolescent-parent dyads (adolescent: Mage = 12.8 ± 1.7 years; 64% female; MBMI%= 96.6 ± 4.2) that participated in the Families Improving Together (FIT) for Weight Loss randomized controlled trial. Multilevel models revealed significant positive main effects of parental responsiveness and parental responsibility (p < 0.05) on the increased frequency of family meals (p < 0.01). Significant two-way interactions also showed that parental responsiveness (p < 0.05) predicted improved quality of family mealtimes, whereas parental demandingness (p < 0.01) predicted reduced quality of family mealtimes from baseline to 16 weeks. Results from this study have important implications for African American adolescent obesity prevention and future family-based intervention program guidelines.

Effectiveness of a health promotion program on overweight in vulnerable children from primary schools (BeE-school): A cluster-randomized controlled trial.

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease with rising global prevalence. Considering its significant association with lower socioeconomic status, implementing obesity prevention programs in vulnerable school-age children is particularly pertinent. This cluster-randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a health promotion program on overweight in vulnerable children from primary schools. The BeE-school study involved 735 children (51.7% boys, average age 7.7 (1.2) years old) from 10 primary schools in the Northern region of Portugal, identified as Educational Territories for Priority Intervention. After the initial assessment, the schools were randomized into two groups: one receiving the intervention (4 schools, n = 353) and the other not (6 schools, n = 382). The intervention included education and training teachers for 16 weeks, their implementation in the classroom, and giving families challenges every two weeks during this length of time. The program's effectiveness was assessed short-term, immediately post-intervention (for 95.5% of participants) and long-term, one year after (for 50.8%). We considered the difference in BMI z-scores (BMIz), waist-to-height ratio and waist-to-weight ratio, from baseline to post-intervention and follow-up assessment. In post-intervention, intervened children presented a significant reduction in all the three measures of adiposity: BMIz (B = -0.098, 95% CI: -0.156 to -0.040, p = 0.001), waist-to-height ratio (B = -0.007, 95% CI: -0.010 to -0.003, p < 0.001) and waist-to-weight ratio (B = -0.121, 95% CI: -0.193 to -0.048, p = 0.001). One year after the intervention ended the decrease in BMIz remained significant (B = -0.114, 95% CI: -0.213 to -0.015, p = 0.023). Conclusion: The school-based intervention, focusing on teacher training in health promotion and involving families, proved to be effective in improving body composition in socially vulnerable children.

Ожирение и депрессия у детей и подростков: проблема коморбидности и профилактики

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The relevance:&lt;/strong&gt; currently, scientists talk about the epidemic of obesity among children and adolescents, which is associated with significant risks and deterioration of mental and physical health of the young generation. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; to study association between depression and obesity in children and adolescents. The paper presents a literature review of the widely discussed problem of the relationship between depression and obesity, as well as the results of our own empirical study obtained on a sample of patients from the Center for Treatment and Prevention of Metabolic Diseases and Obesity, FGBU &amp;laquo;National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology&amp;raquo; of the Ministry of Health of Russia. &lt;strong&gt;Sample.&lt;/strong&gt; The study involved respondents aged 7 to 17 years (M=12,5, SD=2,5), a total of 153 people with SDS BMI from 1,2 to 4,2 (M=2,8, SD=0,5), of which 52% were female and 48% were male. The study included a diagnostic interview with the child and parents, each child was asked to fill out the Children's Depression Inventory (Maria Kovacs 1992). The &lt;strong&gt;results&lt;/strong&gt; suggest a high level of comorbidity of obesity and depressive symptoms among children and adolescents &amp;frac34; 52% of girls and 27% of boys who participated in the study have symptoms of depression of varying degrees of severity. Also, more severe forms of obesity were recorded in boys compared to girls at the initial application for specialized care, which indirectly indicates a greater concern for health and appearance on the part of girls and their families. The overwhelming majority of parents of children note unhealthy eating habits, low physical activity and sleep disorders in their children. It is &lt;strong&gt;concluded&lt;/strong&gt; that it is necessary to raise awareness of children, parents, teachers and child specialists of different profiles about the relationship between depressive symptoms and obesity, as well as the importance of appropriate diagnosis and the development of comprehensive treatment and prevention programs for both obesity and depression.&lt;/p&gt;

Factors influencing health-related quality of life of children with overweight and obesity in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Overweight and obesity among children may have psychological consequences, with potentially lasting effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aims of this study were to compare HRQOL across weight status among children and to determine the factors influencing HRQOL among children with overweight and obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved school children aged 9–16 years that were recruited from eight randomly selected primary and secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur. The validated Malay version of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was used to measure HRQOL. Complex sample general linear model was used to determine the significant factors associated with HRQOL among children with overweight and obesity. Results: From 928 students, 41.2% (n = 375) of them had either overweight or obesity. Children with obesity reported lower overall HRQOL, physical functioning, social functioning, and psychosocial health summary, compared to normal weight children. In the final model, children with obesity had significantly lower HRQOL and physical functioning compared to children who were overweight, while those who lived with a single parent reported poorer HRQOL compared to children who lived with both parents. Children with history of being bullied had lower HRQOL and psychosocial health. Whereas those with lower self-esteem reported significantly lower scores in all three domains. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity have negative impacts on HRQOL of children. Among children with overweight and obesity, factors such as degree of obesity, family structure, history of being bullied, and self-esteem were found to be significantly associated with HRQOL. Therefore, assessing and managing HRQOL should be included as a part of the obesity prevention programme.

A Systematic Review of Early General Parenting Interventions: Long-term Effects in Underrepresented Populations and Implications for Obesity Prevention.

While some parenting interventions designed for early-life obesity prevention have demonstrated short-term success, there is limited evidence of longer-term impacts and feasibility with underrepresented populations. The goal of this review was to examine existing general parenting programs for parents of children 0-5years that were not designed to target obesity but investigated long-term effects on parenting and/or were conducted with underrepresented populations to offer recommendations for the modification or development of parenting-focused obesity prevention programs. Most studies with sustained impacts on parenting in underrepresented populations were brief, group-based programs for parents of children 2-5years. Many effective interventions included guided practice of skills and cultural adaptations. Unique intervention approaches included remote or school-based delivery models and motivational interviewing. Brief, group-based programs for parents of young children may be a promising approach to achieving longer-term impacts of parenting interventions on obesity risk among underrepresented populations.