Obesogenic Factors Research Articles

Factors associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity in reproductive age Tanzanian women.

Underweight, overweight, and obesity are major public health challenges among reproductive-age women of lower- and middle-income countries (including Tanzania). In those settings, obesogenic factors (attributes that promote excessive body weight gain) are increasing in the context of an existing high burden of undernutrition. The present study investigated factors associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity among reproductive age women in Tanzania. This study used 2015-16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey data (n = 11735). To account for the hierarchical nature of the data (i.e., reproductive age women nested within clusters), multilevel multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between individual-level (socioeconomic, demographic and behavioural) and community-level factors with underweight, overweight, and obesity. Reproductive age women who were informally employed (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64, 0.96), those who were currently married (RRR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.82) and those who used contraceptives (RRR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.90) were less likely to be underweight. Reproductive age women who attained secondary or higher education (RRR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.96), those who resided in wealthier households (RRR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.78, 3.03) and those who watched the television (RRR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.50) were more likely to be overweight. The risk of experiencing obesity was higher among reproductive age women who attained secondary or higher education (RRR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.23, 2.61), those who were formally employed (RRR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.98), those who resided in wealthier households (RRR = 4.77; 95% CI: 3.03, 7.50), those who used alcohol (RRR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.82) and/or watched the television (RRR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.35, 2.13). Our study suggests that relevant government jurisdictions need to identify, promote, and implement evidence-based interventions that can simultaneously address underweight and overweight/obesity among reproductive age women in Tanzania.

Factors Affecting Canine Obesity Seem to Be Independent of the Economic Status of the Country—A Survey on Hungarian Companion Dogs

For a companion dog, the most important environmental factor is the owner, who is responsible for providing everything that is necessary for the health and welfare of the dog. Still, one of the most often compromised measures of an average companion dog is its body condition, with overweight and obese animals representing a growing welfare problem around the world. Using an extensive online survey that was distributed among Hungarian dog owners, we wanted to know whether those obesogenic factors that were identified mostly in high-GDP countries' pet dog populations would hold their relevance in a much lower average income country as well. We found several associations between the body condition of canine companions and various demographics, environmental and behavioral factors. Older dogs reportedly had an accelerating propensity for being overweight. Joint activity and performing dog sports both reduced the likelihood of being an overweight dog. Main food types also had significant associations with the body condition of dogs-meanwhile, the feeding of commercial dog food (kibble) and/or leftovers of human meals coincided with being overweight, dogs that were fed (fully, or at least partly) with raw food were less likely overweight. In the case of owner-reported behavioral problems, the food-related issues (stealing food, overeating, etc.) were clustered to a dimension together with problem behaviors such as excessive barking and overt aggression. Beyond showing a good agreement with earlier surveys on associated factors with canine obesity, our study revealed some interesting new details that could be used in the prevention of overweight problems in dogs.

Clusters of non-dietary obesogenic behaviors among adolescents in Brazil: a latent profile analysis.

To identify patterns of non-dietary obesogenic behaviors, and social and environmental factors associated with overweight and obesity (OWOB). A representative sample (n = 5520) of high school students (55.4% girls, 16.3 ± 1.0years) from Pernambuco State, Brazil. Latent profile analyses were performed using self-reported daily sleep duration, television use, computer use, videogame use, seated time during the week and weekend days, physical activity, and active commuting to school during the week. Social and environmental factors and body mass index were included to identify classes. Multinomial analysis explored differences in social, environmental factors, and BMI by classes. Five patterns were identified [Computer users (C1), Short sleepers (C2), Typical behaviors (C3), Techno-active-gamers (C4), and Lower screen engagement (C5)]. Three groups (C1, C3 and C4) included students from better social conditions and a more urbanized environments. The prevalence of OWOB was higher in C1 (34.5%; 95% CI 31.1-38.0) and in C2 (29.7%; 95% CI 26.1-33.5) compared to C5 (23.3% 95% CI 21.3-25.3). In one of the poorest regions of Brazil, different groups of social/environmental factors and behavior patterns emerged associated with OWOB.

Examining the Food Security Status, Weight, and Sociodemographic Factors of Pantry Clients

Abstract Objectives To examine the relationship between food security, weight, and sociodemographic factors of food pantry clients. Methods A cross-sectional study with clients from the largest food pantry in Alaska. Recruitment was February - March of 2018 over different times of the day, week, and month. A total of 148 clients filled out a sociodemographic questionnaire and the U.S. Adult Food Security Survey Module. Results Over half of the participants were over the age of 55 years (50.4%), were female (60%), not married or living with a partner (67%), and were a high school graduate/equivalent (72%). The main ethnic populations were Caucasian (37.8%), Alaska Native/American Indian (25.7%), and Asian/Pacific Islander (12.8%). The majority of participants were either overweight (31%) or obese (39%). Most were employed at least part time (72%), had an annual income of less than $25,000 per year (59%), and visited the food pantry monthly (65%). Over 88% % of participants were food insecure (45% low food security and 43% very low food security). Chi-square and a multivariate logistic regression determined associations between sociodemographic characteristics and stratified food security status or weight category. Analyses were performed using SPSS with a P-value of </=0.05, although no significant associations were found. Despite the non-significant findings, the pantry has made changes to aid in the high rates of food insecurity and obesity. The pantry is now providing information to their clients for other emergency food provisions across town. Staff have moved the nutrient-rich foods to eye level to encourage healthy choices. A table for extra produce is available where clients can chose up to double their allowable amounts. A limit has been set on the desserts to reduce the amount of sugar. The pantry is seeking donated foods that are high in fiber and low in sugar. Conclusions Food insecurity among food pantry clients is high at 88%, compared to the local rate of 12.3%. However, clients’ weight and food security status were not associated and by continuing to provide emergency food assistance while not addressing underlying causes of food insecurity or obesogenic factors, rates will likely not improve. Funding Sources A grant from the Center for Community Engagement and Learning at the local University.

Parent-based prevention after parental weight loss surgery: a pilot case-series trial.

Overeating and obesity are elevated in children of parents who have undergone weight loss surgery. Parents who have undergone weight loss surgery often report their personal history of obesity interferes with their knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in developing their children's healthy habits, thus reducing the likelihood of addressing obesogenic environmental factors. This study examines whether a 6-session parent-based prevention after bariatric surgery online intervention is feasible and acceptable for parents. The study also explores the program's signal of efficacy in improving short-term outcomes related to decreased long-term risks for obesity by examining short-term impact on targeted parental cognitions, feeding practices, and child eating behaviors and physical activity habits. University Hospital, United States. Parents were recruited using flyers, clinician referrals, and social media. Measures assessed parental feeding practices, children's eating behaviors, daily hours of screen time, and outdoor play. Ten families enrolled and 7 completed the study. Parents found the intervention relevant and suitable for addressing their parenting concerns. Parental feeding behaviors, such as restriction and pressure to eat, reduced while tracking of sweets and high-fat snacks increased. Children reduced both emotional overeating and undereating. Children's daily hours of screen time reduced as well as their outdoor play time. Parent-based prevention after bariatric surgery aimed at helping parents who have undergone weight loss surgery engineer healthier family lifestyles is feasible, acceptable, and associated with reduced obesogenic risk factors.

Prevention of Childhood Obesity: A Position Paper of the Global Federation of International Societies of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (FISPGHAN).

Global childhood obesity increased more than 8-fold over 40 years, inducing a very large personal, societal, and economic burden. Effects of available treatments are less than satisfactory; therefore, effective prevention is of high priority. In this narrative review, we explore preventive opportunities. The available evidence indicates large benefits of improving nutrition and lifestyle during early life, such as promoting breast-feeding and improving the quality of infant and early childhood feeding. Promoting healthy eating patterns and limiting sugar-containing beverage consumption from early childhood onwards are of great benefit. Regular physical activity and limited sedentary lifestyle and screen time alone have limited effects but are valuable elements in effective multicomponent strategies. The home environment is important, particularly for young children, and can be improved by educating and empowering families. School- and community-based interventions can be effective, such as installing water fountains, improving cafeteria menus, and facilitating regular physical activity. Reducing obesogenic risk factors through societal standards is essential for effective prevention and limiting socioeconomic disparity; these may comprise food, drink, and physical activity standards for day cares and schools, general food quality standards, front-of-pack food labeling, taxation of unhealthy foods, restriction of food advertisements to children, and others. Effective prevention of childhood obesity is not achieved by single interventions but by integrated multicomponent approaches involving multiple stakeholders that address children, families, and societal standards. Pediatricians and their organizations should be proactive in supporting and empowering families to support their children's health, and in promoting societal measures that protect children.

Obesogenic environmental factors of adult obesity in China: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

The prevalence of obesity is still rising among Chinese adults and may be attributed to environmental factors, which, however, has only been examined in western countries before. This study aimed to estimate associations between obesogenic environments and adult obesity in China, on the basis of the official 2013–4 nationally representative survey. General and abdominal obesity were defined by body mass index and waist circumference, respectively, according to both the Chinese and international criteria. The mean summer/winter temperature in provinces, the mean fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration, gross domestic product per capita, and education level in districts/counties, and the densities of fast-food restaurants, full-service restaurants, grocery stores, and supermarkets in subdistricts/towns were calculated. Five-level logistic regression models were used to estimate their associations with obesity, also in urban and rural regions separately. Both general and abdominal obesity in men were associated with the highest PM2.5 concentration, summer temperature, and density of full-service restaurants and grocery stores, as well as the lowest winter temperature. These associations were also observed in women except for summer temperature and density of full-service restaurants with abdominal obesity. Some associations varied by urban-rural regions. Also, the higher regional education level was associated with general and abdominal obesity in men. Additionally, obesity was associated with the increasing number of coexisting obesogenic environmental factors. Our findings call for more attention to citizens living in certain environments in China, such as cold winters and with more full-service restaurants and grocery stores. This is the first national, comprehensive obesogenic environment study in China, which generated evidence-based hypotheses for future longitudinal research and interventions on obesogenic environments in China.

Cluster and simultaneity of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in adolescents of Southeast Brazil

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the cluster of the five major modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and their associated factors and to identify patterns of concurrency of modifiable obesogenic risk factors associated with overweight in Brazilian adolescents. Methods: A survey was conducted (2015) with 1,055 (boys, n = 475; girls, n = 580) high school (public and private schools) adolescents (14-20 years old) in a medium-sized city in Southeast Brazil. The observed prevalence ratio (O) for the expected (E) risk factors (smoking, alcohol, insufficient physical activity, sedentary behavior, and poor diet) greater than one (O/E > 1) was considered as a cluster. We use multinomial and binary logistic regressions (stratified by sex) in the analyzes. Results: Almost 30% of adolescents had three or more risk factors (no factor = 5.4%). The five risk factors tended to cluster in boys (O/E = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.6-3.5). In both sexes, smoking and alcohol consumption persisted in O/E > 1 ratio. Conclusions: Boys showed a consistent pattern of association for risk factors. Overweight was associated with pairs of obesogenic risk factors in both sexes. The results indicate the need for health interventions that consider the cluster and the simultaneity of risk factors for CVD among Brazilian youth.

Path Analysis on Determinants of Childhood Obesity and Associated Risk Factors of Cardiovascular, Renal, and Hepatic Diseases: The CASPIAN-V Study

AbstractThe interaction between several lifestyle and obesogenic environmental factors is considered as the main underlying factor for the escalating trend of childhood obesity and its adverse consequences. In this study, we assessed the mutual influence of lifestyle habits and body mass index (BMI) as well as risk factors for cardiometabolic, hepatic, and renal disorders to define the causality power of each item. This nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted as the fifth round of a school-based surveillance program. Overall, 14,800 students living in Iran were studied, and blood samples were obtained from 4,200 of them. Demographic factors, anthropometric and biochemical measures were used to define lifestyle-related latent variables as well as cardiac, renal, and hepatic risk indicators. Total, direct, and indirect effects between factors were analyzed using the standardized regression weights for each pathway. Data from 14,274 students (participation rate of 99%) and 3,843 blood samples were included. All of the latent variables had a significant direct effect on BMI, with the most potent effect of unhealthy nutrition (β ≅ 0.63) in boys and girls. BMI has significant direct effects on risk indicators of cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic diseases with the most powerful effect on cardiovascular risk factors (β ≅ − 0.08). The most important predisposing factor for obesity was unhealthy nutrition, whereas increased activity, adequate sleep, and better hygiene had protective roles. BMI shows the strongest association with indicator of cardiovascular diseases. These findings underscore the importance of implementing public health programs for the prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases.

Environment and obesity

The aim of this review was to identify and, particularly, to classify all the numerous environmental factors that play a significant role in the environment-dependent body weight dysregulation. The main environmental obesogenic factors are related to build environment such as city plan, transport and school, inactivity, TV and screen-related immobility, smart-phone, video games; they are followed by agroalimentary factors such as imbalanced ingredients, pollutants, speed eating, portion size, sweet drinks, nibbling and junk foods supported by publicity, sociocultural and ethnic factors beside the global environmental changes and seasonal light/dark photoperiod. Beside the analytical examination of the obesogenic factors it is mentioned the cumulative effect that tends to coexist in the same population and thus magnify their pathogenic consequences. In addition, more than one obesogenic factors are present in the same population because they are the expression of another underlying common cause - poverty; such a recognition leads towards socio-economic considerations and consequently towards ‘political’ solutions that are beyond our scientific approach.The mechanism of action of the environmental influence includes the serotonergic system and insulin resistance. More recently, it was shown an environment dependent powerful microbiotic implication. Since obesity is influenced by genetically transmitted changes modulated by environment and lifestyle risk factors it is important to understand the genomic mechanism that allows these interactions. It was shown that obesity-predisposing gene variants that interact with environmental exposures use the DNA methylation epigenetic mechanism.

Back in the Day: Nostalgia Frames Rural Residents’ Perspectives on Diet and Physical Activity

ObjectiveTo observe and interpret cultural influences on health behaviors in a rural area with a high prevalence of obesity. DesignDescriptive, qualitative study. SettingLenoir County, NC, US. ParticipantsFour focus groups (n = 33) were conducted. Participants were 76% African American and with an average of 25 years of county residence. Phenomenon Of InterestDiet, physical activity, environment AnalysisContent analysis and thematic data analysis to identify key themes using qualitative analysis software. ResultsParticipants frequently evoked nostalgia to frame recurrent themes including decreased opportunities for physical activity and changing food access and preparation in the community, contrasting with memories of enjoying local produce and safe outdoor recreation. They interpreted present health behaviors in the context of these past losses. Conclusions and ImplicationsNostalgia is an important element in our participants’ cultural repertoires, revealing elements of place-based culture. Nostalgic narratives may foster a sense of reduced options for healthy eating and exercise by over-emphasizing loss. The incorporation of place-specific obesogenic cultural factors, including the way residents juxtapose past and present, may improve obesity interventions in rural settings.

Is there a correlation between GAD2 gene-243 A>G polymorphism and obesity?

Abstract Introduction: GAD2 gene encodes the glutamate decarboxylase enzyme which catalyses the transformation of glutamate into γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA. It is suggested that some polymorphic alleles of GAD2 gene, such as -243A>G, have an increased transcriptional effect compared with the wild type, which results in an increase of GABA in the hypothalamus with the subsequent increase of the neuropeptide Y, thus exacerbating the hunger centre and the appetite. The aim of this study was to observe an association between the -243A>G polymorphism with obesity, comparatively studying a group of obese patients and a group of patients with normal weight. Patients and method: 127 patients were clinically evaluated in the Genetic and Endocrine Department of Children’s Emergency Clinical Hospital, Cluj. The patients were included in two study groups, case group, with obesity (BMI higher than 97 kg/m2) and control group, with normal weight (BMI less than 97 kg/m2). Genotyping for GAD2-243A>G polymorphism was performed using PCR-RFLP technique, the two groups being compared regarding the genotypes and phenotypes. Results and conclusions: In the obesity group, there is a statistically significant difference in BMI (kg/m2) between the subgroups with different genotypes (p=0.01), the AA genotype being less severely affected than AG and GG genotypes. In the normal weight group there is no association between BMI and different genotypes (AA, AG or GG). Also, there is a greater distribution of GG genotypes and G allele in the obesity group compared with the control group, with an odds ratio which suggest that -243A>G polymorphism is a risk factor in obesity development (GG genotype OR=3.76, G allele OR=1.73, p=0.04). The finding of our study is important in explaining the multifactorial model of obesity, our research demonstrating that the GAD2-243 A> G variant could be a risk factor that added to other obesogenic factors would potentiate their effect.

Peer Status Position within School-Based Hierarchies and Excessive Fat Accumulation in Adulthood-A 30 Year Follow up of a Stockholm Cohort.

Disadvantaged socioeconomic status is arguably the one exposure that has most consistently been linked to obesity, even more strongly so than diet and physical inactivity, which are the two main perceived root causes of weight gain. However, we still know very little about the relationship between having a disadvantaged social position and excessive fat accumulation, particularly when it comes to whether the relationship in question can also be seen as a long-term one, i.e., spanning from childhood to adulthood. By making use of the unique Stockholm Birth Cohort Multigenerational Study, the present study uses generalized ordered logistic regressions to examine the association between sociometrically assessed peer status position in school at age 13 and excessive fat accumulation at age 32. The results suggest that the odds of having excessive fat accumulation are about 0.5 times lower among popular and accepted children (ORs = 0.52 and 0.56, respectively), compared to those with a marginalized peer status position, independent of other obesogenic risk factors measured both prior and subsequent to peer status position. Our results give support to the notion that improved weight status may be another positive consequence of policies aiming to increase social inclusion within schools.

Using data from online geocoding services for the assessment of environmental obesogenic factors: a feasibility study

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of obesity is a major public health problem in many countries. Built environment factors are known to be associated with obesity, which is an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Online geocoding services could be used to identify regions with a high concentration of obesogenic factors. The aim of our study was to examine the feasibility of integrating information from online geocoding services for the assessment of obesogenic environments.MethodsWe identified environmental factors associated with obesity from the literature and translated these factors into variables from the online geocoding services Google Maps and OpenStreetMap (OSM). We tested whether spatial data points can be downloaded from these services and processed and visualized on maps. True- and false-positive values, false-negative values, sensitivities and positive predictive values of the processed data were determined using search engines and in-field inspections within four pilot areas in Bavaria, Germany.ResultsSeveral environmental factors could be identified from the literature that were either positively or negatively correlated with weight outcomes in previous studies. The diversity of query variables was higher in OSM compared with Google Maps. In each pilot area, query results from Google showed a higher absolute number of true-positive hits and of false-positive hits, but a lower number of false-negative hits during the validation process. The positive predictive value of database hits was higher in OSM and ranged between 81 and 100% compared with a range of 63–89% for Google Maps. In contrast, sensitivities were higher in Google Maps (between 59 and 98%) than in OSM (between 20 and 64%).ConclusionsIt was possible to operationalize obesogenic factors identified from the literature with data and variables available from geocoding services. The validity of Google Maps and OSM was reasonable. The assessment of environmental obesogenic factors via geocoding services could potentially be applied in diabetes surveillance.

306-OR: Gene-Environment Interactions for Type 2 Diabetes in UK Biobank

Diet and lifestyle-related obesogenic environmental factors influence type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk, but there is little evidence that gene-environment (GxE) interactions underlie T2D susceptibility. We investigated whether obesogenic environmental factors (which, of course, are themselves partly genetic) interact with T2D-associated genetic variants to accentuate T2D risk using 375,736 unrelated European subjects from UK Biobank (16,430 T2D cases, 359,306 controls). We captured individual genetic risk of T2D with a weighted genetic risk score (T2D-GRS) based on 403 established T2D-associated variants from European-ancestry GWAS. We also constructed six distinct partitioned GRSs by classifying T2D-associated variants based on their likely pathophysiological mechanism (related to e.g., adiposity (T2D-GRSadiposity), beta-cell function, insulin action, mixed features). A logistic regression model was fitted to test for interactions between each GRS and environmental factor (duration and frequency of moderate/vigorous physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, MET, alcohol intake, dietary fat content, Townsend deprivation index (TDI), daytime nap and depression) on T2D, adjusted for age, sex, genotyping array and ethnic background (10 principal components). There was no evidence of statistically-significant interaction between any of the environmental factors and either the combined or partitioned T2D-GRS (p>0.0006, Bonferroni for 77 independent tests). There was suggestive interaction between frequency of alcohol intake and T2D-GRSadiposity on T2D risk (betainteraction=0.08 [95% CI=0.02-0.14]; pinteraction=0.008). These findings stand in contrast with strong interactions between the same environmental factors and T2D-GRSadiposity when using BMI as the outcome (e.g., for TDI, pinteraction=10-17). Our study finds little evidence of substantial interaction between individual T2D genetic risk profiles and obesogenic environmental factors with respect to T2D as the outcome. Disclosure A. Nag: None. A. Mahajan: None. M. McCarthy: Advisory Panel; Self; European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Pfizer Inc. Consultant; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Merck & Co., Inc. Consultant; Spouse/Partner; Merck & Co., Inc. Research Support; Self; AbbVie Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. Research Support; Spouse/Partner; Diabetes UK. Research Support; Self; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., National Institutes of Health. Research Support; Spouse/Partner; National Institutes of Health. Research Support; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Research Support; Spouse/Partner; Novo Nordisk A/S. Research Support; Self; Novo Nordisk Foundation, Roche Pharma, Sanofi-Aventis, Servier, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.

Rates of Obesity and Obesogenic Behaviors of Rural Appalachian Adolescents: How Do They Compare to Other Adolescents or Recommendations?

To better understand the unique challenges of Appalachians, community-based studies are needed to establish benchmark rates. This study compares obesity rates and obesogenic behaviors among Appalachian adolescents to other adolescent populations or clinical recommendations. This study was conducted in 11 Appalachian schools. Body mass index, body mass index percentile, and body fat percentage were measured using a Tanita DC-430U analyzer. Physical activity was measured using Actigraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers. Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was self-reported. Pearson's correlations, independent t tests, and multivariate analyses with tests of between-subject effects were conducted. Mean (n = 345) age was 15.23 (SD = 1.02) years. Appalachian adolescents were extremely obese (13.1%) by more than double that of national adolescent rates. Nearly 29% of males and over 55% of females were at increased cardiovascular risk. Only 15% were moderately active for at least 60 minutes a day, but only for 1 day per week. Mean afterschool sedentary time was 4.75 hours. Only 2.1% recorded vigorous activity for a minimum of 10 minutes at 1 day per week. Nearly all regularly consumed sugar-sweetened beverages. Obesogenic health disparities were evident in Appalachia. Rates of obesogenic factors among Appalachian adolescents exceed national rates. Appalachian adolescents were far less active, and extreme obesity is a major health concern.

Developing a Data-driven Approach to inform Planning in County Health and Human Services Departments in the Context of a Case Study on Obesity

Since the 1970s, the obesity rate has steadily increased due to growing availability of food and declining physical activity. The existing environments within a community, including active recreation opportunities, access to healthy food options, the built environment, and transportation options, can moderate obesity. In Virginia, Fairfax County Health and Human Services (HHS) system is interested in developing the capacity for data-driven approaches to gain insights on current and future issues, such as obesity, to characterize factors at the county and sub-county level, and to use these insights to inform policy options. In exploring these questions, we developed statistical methods to combined data from a multitude of different sources including local administrative data (e.g., tax assessments, land use, student surveys), place-based data, and federal collections. Using synthetic data methods based on imputation, we recomputed American Community Survey statistics for non-Census tract geographic regions for political districts and high school attendance areas. We combined this with environmental factors, such as land dedicated to parks and recreation facilities, as well as measures of the density of healthy and unhealthy food locations to create a map of potentially obesogenic factors. Finally, we combined these data sources with Fairfax County’s youth survey and trained a random forest model to predict the effects of the environment on healthy food consumption and exercise. Our analysis highlights the need for (administrative) data at a fine scale and recommends policy changes concerning the recording and sharing of local data to better inform the policy and program development.

New Insights Regarding Genetic Aspects of Childhood Obesity: A Minireview.

Introduction: Childhood obesity is occurring at alarming rates in both developed and developing countries. “Obesogenic” environmental factors must be associated with variants of different risk alleles to determine polygenic or common obesity, and their impact depends on different developmental stages.The interaction between obesogenic environment and genetic susceptibility results in the so-called polygenic forms of obesity. In contrast, monogenic and syndromic obesity are not influenced by environmental events. Therefore, this review aimed to underline the roles of some of the most studied genes in the development of monogenic and polygenic obesity in children.Results: Among the most common obesity related genes, we chose the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene, leptin gene and its receptor, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), the melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R), Ectoenzyme nucleotide pyrophosphate phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), and others, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) genes. The roles of these genes are complex and interdependent, being linked to different cornerstones in obesity development, such as appetite behavior, control of food intake and energy balance, insulin signaling, lipid and glucose metabolism, metabolic disorders, adipocyte differentiation, and so on.Conclusions: Genetic predisposition is mandatory, but not enough to trigger obesity.Dietary interventions and proper lifestyle changes can prevent obesity development in genetically predisposed children. Further studies are needed to identify the precise role of both genetic and obesogenic factors in the development of childhood obesity in order to design effective preventive methods.

Lower Body Mass Index Z-Score Trajectory During Early Childhood After the Birth of a Younger Sibling

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to examine differences in body mass index z-score (BMIZ) trajectory during early childhood among children with a younger sibling compared with those without and to test potential mediators. MethodsThis longitudinal cohort study included 6050 participants of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). Focal children's weight, height, sibship status, screen time, active play time, family dinner frequency, and diet quality were assessed at 9 months, 24 months, preschool, and kindergarten when available. A piecewise linear regression model was used to examine the association between sibling birth and focal child's subsequent BMIZ trajectory to kindergarten. Mediation by screen time, active play time, family dinner frequency, and diet quality was tested. ResultsBMIZ trajectory was lower among children who had a new sibling join the family before kindergarten compared to children who did not have a new sibling join the family by kindergarten. The association was strongest when new sibship occurred when the focal child was 48 to 66 months (b = –0.026, P = .044). The association was not mediated by screen time, active play time, family dinner frequency, or diet quality. ConclusionAmong a nationally representative cohort of US children, new sibship before kindergarten was associated with a lower BMIZ trajectory. Several common obesogenic risk factors did not explain the association.

Changes On Neuroendocrine Parameters (cortisol, Melatonin) And Anxiety Levels After A School-based Exercising And Nutrition Counseling Intervention In School-aged Obese Adolescents From Monterrey méXico.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies point to high prevalences of obesity in adolescent populations worldwide. Its implications derive in various disorders, among which are inflammatory processes, as well as disorders related to sleep-wake, both processes involved in stress situations. There are two neuroendocrine parameters (cortisol and melatonin) two hormones associated with the same sleep-wake process that lead to a certain level of anxiety in obese subjects. Both cortisol and anxiety have been evidenced in various investigations as obesogenic factors. For its part, the practice of physical exercise has been indicated as a factor associated with the increase in melatonin levels, which has anti-inflammatory and recovery functions. PURPOSE: To assess the changes in the levels of neuroendocrine parameters (cortisol, melatonin) and anxiety after an intervention of nutritional counseling and exercise in school age obese adolescents of Monterrey Mexico METHODS: Experimental study with a sample of 51 adolescents (13 ± 2) randomly assigned in three work groups had participation during 4 months. The control group (CG) did not receive any treatment; experimental group 1 (EG1) participated in a health program composed of 4 weekly sessions of 60 minutes of physical activity; Experimental group 2 (EG2) 4 weekly sessions of 60 minutes of physical activity sessions of nutritional guidance and 2 weekly sessions of light therapy of 45 minutes. The values of cortisol and melatonin were taken in saliva and for anxiety the questionnaire of state anxiety (STAI) was used. RESULTS: After comparing initial and final values, the results showed significative changes into EG2 increasing melatonin (p > 0.001). Salivary cortisol showed significant decreases into EG1 (p = 0.004) and also into EG2 (p =0.006). Anxiety state showed a significant increase into CG (p<0.001), and significant decreases into EG1 (p< 0.005) and into EG2 (p< 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: The School-based Exercising And Nutrition Counseling shows favorable effects in the reduction of cortisol levels y ansiedad, both factors associated with inflammation. The use of light therapy seems to help into the recovery processes increasing secretion of melatonin and recovery after exercise. we suggest analize sleep variables for further studies