Overweight Parents Research Articles

Intergenerational Transmission of Overweight and Obesity among Preschool Children in Sweden

Abstract Background Child overweight including obesity (OWOB) has quadrupled globally, since 1975. It affects a third of European children and even higher rates persist among expectant parents. Parental pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and health behaviours are known to influence offspring health. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the link between parental and children’s OWOB, alongside parental socio-economic and other factors. Methods This is a population-based repeated cross-sectional study utilized data from the Salut Programme in Västerbotten, Sweden, and Swedish national registers, including 5,937 of 3-year-olds and their parents. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association of child BMI with prenatal BMI and other factors. Further, the Relative Excess Risk due to Interaction (RERI) arising from the interplay between parent’s OWOB status in relation to their children’s OWOB was calculated. Results OWOB prevalence rates for 3-year-olds, expectant mothers, and their partners were 15.1%, 29.1%, and 53.5%, respectively. Both parent’s OWOB significantly affected children’s BMI (with strongest association for mothers). The Relative Excess Risk due to interaction (RERI) was positive for children’s OWOB if both parents were obese, showing an additive interaction effect of individual parental obesity status. The odds for a child to be OWOB was 2.88 (1.83-4.43) if both parents were obese compared to if none of them were obese. Conclusions OWOB among preschool children remain an important public health concern in Sweden. Based on the study findings, Sweden’s regional and national public health initiatives should prioritize targeting parental overweight and obesity as a key strategy to reduce the burden of OWOB among children. Furthermore, the resemblance of these results with comparable studies across the world, emphasizing the importance of initiating interventions with parents before pregnancy or even earlier. Key messages • Parental combined obesity status significantly increase the odds of childhood overweight and obesity. • The importance of initiating interventions with parents before pregnancy for better health outcomes related to child BMI.

Mediation by parent health literacy and behaviour of socioeconomic inequality in child overweight.

Socioeconomic inequalities contribute to childhood overweight. Identifying mediators could help reduce these inequalities. We assessed to what extent and how parental health literacy and health behaviours mediate the relationship between parental socioeconomic status and childhood overweight. Data were taken from the multigenerational prospective Dutch Lifelines Cohort Study. We included 6683 children, baseline age 9.8 years (SD = 2.6), with an average follow-up of 36.2 months (SD = 9.3). Overweight was defined using age- and sex-specific cut-offs. Three indicators of socioeconomic status were included: education, income and occupation. We assessed the mediating role of parental health literacy and health behaviours (smoking, diet, physical activity and alcohol) using causal mediation. Four additional years of education and an SD-increase in both income and occupation decreased the odds of childhood overweight by 42%, 12% and 20%, respectively. Only parental smoking independently mediated the relationship of both education (6.6%) and occupation (5.7%) with overweight. Parental health behaviours jointly explained 8.4% (education), 19.4% (income) and 9.8% (occupation) per relationship. Lastly, adding parental health literacy explained 10.8% (education), 27.4% (income) and 13.3% (occupation) of these relationships. We found large socioeconomic inequalities in childhood overweight. Remarkably, parental smoking was a key mediator. Therefore, prevention targeting smoking may reduce socioeconomic inequalities in childhood overweight.

Effect of paternal body mass index on maternal and child-health outcomes of singletons after frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: a retrospective study

The objective was to analyze the effect of paternal body mass index (BMI) on maternal and child-health outcomes of singletons after frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2019 and December 2021. Pregnancy, perinatal complications and neonatal outcomes were compared among different paternal BMI. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between different paternal BMI and pregnancy, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The paternal normal group was more likely to suffer from gestational hypertension than the paternal obesity group (3.59% vs. 2.42%), and paternal underweight group was more likely to suffer from preeclampsia than the other three groups (11.63% vs. 4.43%, 7.57%, 4.03%). Birthweight among infants in the paternal overweight categories was significantly higher than infants in the paternal normal weight categories. The rate of foetal macrosomia was higher among infants in the paternal overweight (12.36%) category, while lower among infants in the paternal underweight categories (2.33%). The incidence of macrosomia in the paternal overweight categories (aOR 1.527, 95% CI 1.078–2.163) was significantly higher than those normal controls after adjustment for known confounding factors. The rates of LGA babies were higher in the paternal overweight category (aOR 1.260, 95% CI 1.001–1.587) compared with those in the paternal normal weight category, before and after adjustment. The results suggest that parental pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity has an adverse effect on the perinatal complications and neonatal outcomes.

Association between Socioeconomic Position of the Family and Adolescent Obesity in Germany-Analysis of the Mediating Role of Familial Determinants.

Obesity's negative impact on young people's health has long been known. The family and its socioeconomic position (SEP) are key determinants in adolescent obesity. However, understanding which familial determinants explain the association remains limited. The analyses are based on data from the "German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents" (KiGGS) (1,384 females and 1,332 males aged 11 to 17 years). Logistic regression models explored how familial determinants (family stress, family cohesion, parental smoking, parental sporting activity, and parental overweight) mediated the association between family SEP (parental education, occupational status, and household income) and adolescent obesity. Significant total effects for the associations between family SEP in childhood and adolescent obesity were found. Splitting the total effect of the family SEP on obesity into direct and indirect effects, all direct effects turned out to be significant. However, all associations involved also indirect effects of familial determinants, except for household income for female adolescents. Parental smoking and overweight were the most relevant mediators for males and females. For male adolescents, parental sporting activity additionally mediated the association between SEP and obesity. A low SEP in childhood was associated with adolescent obesity. Parental health and health behaviors partly explained the association. For increasing health equality in adolescent health, the consideration of parental health behavior in the planning and implementation of health promotion programs seem to be important.

Exploring the Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown and School Closure on ‎Children's Dietary Patterns: A Multinational Study Across Middle Eastern Arab Nations

This study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Middle Eastern Arab ‎children’s eating habits, body weight, lifestyle, physical activity, sleeping hours, use of smart ‎electronic devices, and mental health. This exploratory study was conducted using a self-‎administered questionnaire and distributed to parents of children aged 4–12 years. Multinomial ‎logistic regression was performed to model the relationship between the predictors ‎and children’s ‎body weight changes during the pandemic. ‎A total of 891 responses were included from Bahrain, ‎Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Oman. The mean of the ‎children’s weight gained during the pandemic was 4.19 ± 3.08 Kg. A sedentary lifestyle has ‎significantly increased from 4% of children (pre-pandemic) to 17.9% during the pandemic (p < ‎‎0.001). Children’s sleeping hours have also significantly increased (> 9 hours/day) from 26.2% to ‎‎38.2%, respectively (p < 0.01). Emotional eating has increased from 72% to 91.5%, respectively. ‎Around 84% of parents reported increased use of smart electronic devices by children (‎5.48 ± ‎‎2.87 hours). A significant proportion of the children became more nagging (251, 44.2%), stressed ‎‎(192, 33.8%), lonely (153, 26.9%), and anxious (125, 22.5%). Increased body weight was more ‎associated with girls, children residing in Jordan and Bahrain, children with working mothers, ‎children of high-income or overweight parents, and children who were already overweight. The ‎findings demonstrate that the COVID-19 lockdown resulted in reduced physical activity, ‎increased food consumption, heightened use of smart electronic devices, and subsequently, ‎increased body weight among children. It is imperative for health authorities to implement ‎interventions, such as proper children's health education, to address these issues in the event of ‎future lockdowns.‎

Concurrent Undernutrition and Overnutrition within Indian Families between 2006 and 2021

BackgroundThe double burden of malnutrition (DBM), characterized by concurrent undernutrition and overnutrition, is a growing global concern. Families share resources and eating behaviors and programs often target households, yet evidence of the DBM at the family level is scarce. ObjectivesThis study examined trends and inequality in the intrahousehold DBM in India between 2006 and 2021. MethodsData were from 3 waves of India’s National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2006, 2016, and 2021). We examined 3 types of household member (with children aged <5 y) combinations: mother–child (N = 328,039 across 3 waves), father–child, and parent (mother and father)–child (N = 47,139 for each pair). The DBM was defined as one or more individuals with undernutrition (either wasting or stunting in children or underweight in adults) and one or more overweight individuals within the same household. DBM was examined over time, at national and subnational levels, and by residence and wealth. ResultsNearly all DBM was in the form of an overweight parent and an undernourished weight or stunted child. The prevalence of parent–child DBM increased from 15% in 2006 to 26% in 2021. Father–child pairs experienced the most rapid DBM increase, from 12% in 2006 to 22% in 2021, an 83% increase, driven by increasing overweight among men. In 2021, the DBM was highest in North-Eastern and Southern states, and among relatively rich households from urban areas. The increase in the DBM was faster in rural areas and among poor households compared with that in urban areas and rich households. Urban–rural and rich–poor inequalities in the DBM have decreased over time. ConclusionsThe intrahousehold DBM has increased over time, affecting 1 in 4 households in India in 2021. Family-based interventions that can simultaneously address child underweight and parent overweight are required to address India’s increasing intrahousehold DBM.

Comparing the use of food and physical activity parenting practices: Parents of children with overweight and obesity versus parents of children with a healthy weight

Paediatric overweight and obesity are caused by a complex imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Parents may influence this imbalance through energy balance-related parenting practices. This study aims to compare the use of energy balance-related parenting practices between parents of children with overweight and obesity and children with a healthy weight. This study compares energy balance-related parenting practices among a group of parents with children with overweight and obesity at the start of a lifestyle intervention (N=107) and children with a healthy weight (N=137). Specifically, it compares the feeding practices 'overt control' (open control over eating), 'encouragement', 'instrumental feeding', 'emotional feeding', and 'covert control' (hidden control over eating), as well as the physical activity parenting practice 'promoting physical activity'. Multiple regression analyses are used to calculate associations between child weight groups and parenting practices when corrected for children's characteristics. Parents of children with overweight and obesity reported significantly different scores on control over eating practices than parents of children with a healthy weight, namely a significantly higher score on covert control (B=0.397, S.E. 0.123, p=0.001) and a significantly lower score for overt control (B=-0.136, S.E. 0.068, p=0.046). Covert control is reported more, while overt control is reported less in parents of children with overweight and obesity compared to parents of children with a healthy weight, even after correction for the child's, family, and maternal characteristics. Future longitudinal research and intervention trials are recommended to determine whether and how the use of control over eating practices changes.

Lower abdominal adipose tissue cannabinoid type 1 receptor availability in young men with overweight.

Cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1R) modulate feeding behavior and energy homeostasis, and the CB1R tone is dysgulated in obesity. This study aimed to investigate CB1R availability in peripheral tissue and brain in young men with overweight versus lean men. Healthy males with high (HR, n = 16) or low (LR, n = 20) obesity risk were studied withfluoride 18-labeled FMPEP-d2 positron emission tomography to quantify CB1R availability in abdominal adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue, muscle, and brain. Obesity risk was assessed by BMI, physical exercise habits, and familial obesity risk, including parental overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. To assess insulin sensitivity, fluoro-[18 F]-deoxy-2-D-glucose positron emission tomography during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was performed. Serum endocannabinoids were analyzed. CB1R availability in abdominal adipose tissue was lower in the HR than in the LR group, whereas no difference was found in other tissues. CB1R availability of abdominal adipose tissue and brain correlated positively with insulin sensitivity and negatively with unfavorable lipid profile, BMI, body adiposity, and inflammatory markers. Serum arachidonoyl glycerol concentration was associated with lower CB1R availability of the whole brain, unfavorable lipid profile, and higher serum inflammatory markers. The results suggest endocannabinoid dysregulation already in the preobesity state.

Associations between parental psychological factors and overweight / obesity status in children with Autism or Autism Spectrum disorder

Associations between parental psychological factors and overweight / obesity status in children with Autism or Autism Spectrum disorder

Weighing up the future: a meta-ethnography of household perceptions of the National Child Measurement Programme in England

ABSTRACT The English National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) is a nationally mandated public health programme. It provides data for child excess weight indicators in the Public Health Outcomes Framework, part of the government’s approach to reducing childhood obesity. Drawing on a meta-ethnographic synthesis of household members’ experiences of the programme, we conceptualise the NCMP as a ‘technique of futuring’ to generate new insights into how it (re)shapes and (re)imagines past, present, and future responsibilities and practices for overweight children, parents, and carers, in potentially harmful ways. For children categorised by the NCMP as overweight, the NCMP is an emotionally significant event, driving new bodily practices, new food practices and changed relationships with peers. This paper outlines how parents come to resist and reframe the programme and its results, to protect their children from a weight-focused future. They consider the potential risks of bullying, dysfunctional eating, and mental health consequences more important than future risks of overweight. We show how parents of children categorised as overweight preserve their claim to ‘responsible’ and ‘good’ parenting amongst peers, whilst shifting the blame for childhood obesity to other, ‘irresponsible’ parents, thus reproducing moralising and responsibilising discourses inherent within the ‘behaviour change’ messaging of the NCMP and associated research. Finally, we consider a central paradox of this programme and the use of NCMP population level monitoring data to (re)shape lives at the individual and social level – the children it sets out to help are the most likely to experience harm as a result of it.

A cross-sectional exploratory study of food literacy among Saudi parents of adolescent children aged 10 to 19 years.

Parental food literacy is fundamental in laying a solid foundation for healthy eating among their children. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the current state of food literacy among Saudi parents of 10-19 years old adolescent children, and (2) determine the correlates associated with parental food literacy. This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2022, with a convenience sample of 1845 Saudi parents (mean age = 45.1 ± 11; mothers: 56%). A Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ) was used to meet the study aims. Findings showed that around 46% of parents had poor food literacy. Fathers were 2.4 times more likely than mothers to be food illiterate (OR = 2.4, CI = 1.9-3.0, p < 0.001). Parents residing in Riyadh, Northern borders, Jawf, or Ha'il had a three times higher risk of being food illiterate than those residing in other provinces (OR = 3.2, CI = 2.6-3.9, p < 0.001). Parental overweight or obesity increased their risk of being food illiterate by 60% (OR = 1.6, CI = 1.3-2.1, p < 0.001). Healthy parents, in contrast to those having a chronic disease (s), had a 60% higher probability of food illiteracy (OR = 0.4, CI = 0.3-0.6, p < 0.001). Educated parents had a three times higher risk of being food illiterate (vs. uneducated parents, OR = 3.0, CI = 1.6-5.8, p = 0.001). Parents making less than 3000 Saudi Riyal (SR) per month (<798 USD/779 EUR) were 40% more likely to be food illiterate than those who reported 3000-25000 SR (798-6652 USD/779-6499 EUR) (OR = 0.6, CI = 0.4-0.9, p = 0.02), and 70% more likely to be food illiterate than those making more than 25000 SR (>6652 USD/6497 EUR) (OR = 0.3, CI = 0.2-0.6, p < 0.001). Parents who lived in crowded households were twice as likely to be food illiterate as those who did not (OR = 1.9, CI = 1.5-2.4, p < 0.001). The current study findings should be employed in future programming and policy-making approaches to reach Saudi parents for necessary food literacy interventions. These interventions could include bolstering their confidence while cooking, buying groceries, reading nutrition labels, and integrating them into nutrition education lessons with their children in school settings.

Association between parental unhealthy behaviors and offspring's cardiovascular health status: Results from a cross-sectional analysis of parent-offspring pairs in China.

Cardiovascular health (CVH) in children and adolescents, which might be largely influenced by parental behaviors, may affect the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. However, few studies have been conducted to explore the associations between parental behaviors and CVH status of offspring in China. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-18 years old, with a total of 10,043 parent-offspring pairs included. Parental behaviors included moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), dietary behaviors, and weight status. The CVH status of offspring was consulted by The American Heart Association, including seven factors. The associations between parental behaviors and CVH status of offspring were evaluated by multilevel logistic regression. Stratified analyses were conducted to explore the potential modifying influence of sociodemographic factors. Most of the offspring had five ideal CVH factors; only 21.04% had six to seven ideal CVH factors. Parental unhealthy behaviors were associated with high odds of nonideal CVH status of offspring. Parental overweight/obesity, insufficient MVPA, and unhealthy dietary behaviors could increase the odds of owning one to three ideal CVH factors in offspring, with corresponding odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval) of 1.61 (1.32-1.96), 1.31 (1.10-1.56), and 2.05 (1.43-2.94), respectively. There was a dose-response relationship between parental single unhealthy behavior and the odds of nonideal CVH status in offspring (P-trend < 0.001). Offspring with overweight parents had ORs of 1.25 for nonideal CVH status, compared to offspring with normal-weight parents. Among offspring who had the same number of ideal CVH factors, the cumulative association between unhealthy behaviors of parents and offspring's nonideal CVH status increased if parents had more unhealthy behaviors (P-trend < 0.001). Parental overweight/obesity, insufficient MVPA, and unhealthy dietary behaviors were strongly associated with CVH status in offspring. With a cumulative association, more unhealthy parental behaviors were associated with higher odds of offspring's nonideal CVH status, suggesting that targeting parental behaviors might facilitate attainment of improving CVH status of children and adolescents.

Food consumption and weight status among students in the third cycle of basic education and their parents: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Eating behaviors acquired in childhood tend to be perpetuated in adulthood, so adherence to a healthy diet from an early age becomes important to prevent the onset of the occurrence of diet-related chronic non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the food consumption of students in the third cycle of basic education and their parents and its relationship with weight status. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study. Data from 358 students and 318 parents living on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal) were included in the study. A questionnaire was developed to collect sociodemographic, dietary habits and anthropometric data, this was applied between May and June 2015. A food frequency questionnaire was used, and weight and height were used to calculate the body mass index. A descriptive analysis of the variables under study was performed and the Mann–Whitney’s test was used to compare the means between groups. Results: A high prevalence of pre-obesity/obesity (students: 33.0%; parents: 62.4%) was found. Vegetables are consumed most often by parents while fruits, fast food and sweets are consumed more frequently by students. Normal weight students reported a higher frequency of soy, olive oil, sunflower oil, and sweets compared with overweight students, on the other hand overweight parents reported a higher frequency of consumption of milk, pork, fatty fish, potatoes, vegetables, citrus fruits, and sunflower oil, compared with normal weight parents. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of pre-obesity/obesity found, as well as the high frequency of consumption of unhealthy foods, it is recommended that health promotion measures be taken in these schools.

Effects of parental overweight and obesity on offspring's mental health: A meta-analysis of observational studies.

Children of parents who were overweight/obese prior to pregnancy face a variety of neurodevelopmental challenges. The goal of this meta-analysis is to compile evidence about the impact of parental overweight/obesity on their children's mental health. The databases Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Pubmed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched until May 2022. The pooled effect size was calculated using the fixed and random effect models. We also performed I2 index, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, quality assessment, and publication bias analysis. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022334408). For maternal exposure (35 studies), both maternal overweight [OR 1.14 (95% CI 1.10,1.18)] and maternal obesity [OR 1.39 (95% CI (1.33, 1.45)] were significantly associated with offspring's mental disorders. Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity increased the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [OR 1.55 (95% CI 1.42,1.70)], autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [OR 1.37 (95% CI 1.22,1.55)], cognitive/intellectual delay [OR 1.40 (95% CI 1.21,1.63)], behavioral problems [OR 1.50 (95% CI 1.35,1.66)] and other mental diseases [OR 1.30 (95% CI 1.23,1.37)]. For paternal exposure (6 studies), paternal obesity [OR 1.17 (95% CI 1.06, 1.30)] but not overweight [OR 1.03 (95% CI 0.95,1.11)] was significantly associated with offspring's mental disorders. Parental overweight/obesity might have negative consequences on offspring's mental health and pre-pregnancy weight control is advised.

Intergenerational Pathways Between Parental Experiences of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Child Weight: Implications for Intervention.

Prior research suggests an association between parental experiencing of 1 or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and increased risk for overweight/obesity in children. However, the pathways through which parental experiences of ACEs lead to child weight are unclear. Participants were parent and child dyads from racially/ethnically diverse and low-income households in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2015. Parents completed an online survey regarding their own adverse experiences in childhood, their height and weight, parenting practices, and mental health. Child height and weight were obtained from electronic medical records. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the extent to which parent mental health and parenting practices mediate associations between parental ACEs and child body mass index (BMI) percentile. The parent mental health pathway was statistically significant in explaining the intergenerational transmission of parental ACEs to child weight. Parent ACEs were positively associated with low parent mental health, parent low mental health was correlated with higher parent BMI > 25, and parent overweight was positively related to higher child BMI percentile. Study findings suggest that intervening on parent low mental health may be a key factor in reducing the intergenerational transmission between parental ACEs and child weight.

Determinants of dropout and compliance of children participating in a multidisciplinary intervention programme for overweight and obesity in socially deprived areas.

Children with overweight and obesity in socially deprived areas (SDAs) are less likely to complete and be compliant to a weight-loss programme. To identify factors associated with dropout and compliance of a multidisciplinary weight-loss programme in SDA. This prospective longitudinal cohort study included children (6-12 years) with overweight and obesity in a 12-week multidisciplinary intervention living in SDA in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Potential predictive variables for dropout and compliance included were age, sex, the weight of the child and parents, quality of life, and referral status (self-registration or referral). A Cox proportional hazards model was performed to study the association between dropout and its potential predictive variables, whereas logistic regression analyses were used for the potential predictors for compliance. A total of 121 children started the intervention programme. Forty-one (33.9%) children dropped out and 68 (56.2%) were compliant with the intervention. The risk of dropping out of the intervention was significantly lower for a child with overweight parents than for those with parents with normal weight (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.22 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.063-0.75]), and for those with parents with obesity (adjusted HR 0.18 [95% CI 0.060-0.52]). No other potential predictive variables were associated with dropout or compliance. Children from SDA participating in a weight-loss programme have a relatively high dropout and a low compliance rate. Parental weight seems to be an important predictor for dropout of children from SDA, where children with normal weight or obese parents have the highest risk of dropout compared with children of overweight parents.

Early rapid weight gain, parental body mass index and the association with an increased waist-to-height ratio at 5 years of age.

Background/ObjectivesObesity-related adverse health consequences are closely associated with abdominal obesity. Risk factors for overweight and obesity have been studied but there is a lack of information regarding risk factors for abdominal obesity, especially in the preschool population. The aim of the present study was to examine early life risk factors for an increased waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in children at five years of age and, in addition, to investigate if these risk factors also were associated with overweight or obesity.Subjects/MethodsThe study population comprised 1,540 children from a population-based longitudinal birth cohort study that included 2,666 Swedish children. The children were included if they had complete growth data for the analyses used in this study. Children were classified as having WHtR standard deviation scores (SDS) ≥ 1 or < 1 at five years of age, according to Swedish reference values, and as having body mass index standard deviation scores (BMISDS) for overweight/obesity, or normal weight/underweight according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria. Associations between child-related, socioeconomic status-related, parental health-related and nutrition- and feeding practice-related factors during the first two years and a WHtRSDS ≥ 1 or a BMISDS for overweight/obesity at five years were investigated with logistic regression analyses.ResultsAt five years of age, 15% of the children had WHtRSDS ≥ 1 and 11% had overweight or obesity. In multivariable analyses, rapid weight gain (RWG) during 0–6 months (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.23–2.95, p = 0.004), maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (1.06, 1.01–1.11, p = 0.019) and paternal BMI (1.11, 1.01–1.21, p = 0.028) were associated with WHtRSDS ≥ 1. RWG during 0–6 months (2.53, 1.53–4.20, p<0.001), 6–12 months (2.82, 1.37–5.79, p = 0.005), and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (1.11, 1.06–1.17, p<0.001) were associated with overweight or obesity.ConclusionsEarly risk factors, including rapid weight gain, are associated with increased WHtRSDS and overweight or obesity at 5 years of age. Preventive interventions should target early RWG and parental overweight and obesity.

Determinants of Double Burden of Malnutrition Among School Children and Adolescents in Urban Dhaka: A Multi-Level Analyses.

BackgroundBangladesh faces a double burden of malnutrition, with a rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents parallel to existing undernutrition.ObjectiveThe current study was designed to assess the determinants of double burden of malnutrition among urban school children and adolescents from Dhaka, Bangladesh.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,690 students from 14 schools in Dhaka city from January to June 2018. Anthropometric measurements were taken during school hours, and self-administered questionnaires were sent to the parents. We performed multi-level multiple logistic regression analyses to assess the determinants of underweight, overweight, and obesity.FindingsThe prevalence of overweight (33%) and obesity (23%) was highest among children and adolescents from high tuition schools but the prevalence of underweight (4%) was lowest compared to those from low (underweight 19%, overweight 17%, and obesity 6%) and medium (underweight 18%, overweight 15%, and obesity 6%) tuition schools. Children and adolescents from high-tuition schools had higher odds of being overweight/ obese (AOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.90, 4.49). Parental NCDs and overweight were negatively associated with underweight but positively associated with overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. Lack of physical activity inside schools was positively associated (AOR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.55) with overweight and obesity among school children and adolescents.ConclusionOur results point to opportunities in and outside schools to address the rising prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity among urban school children and adolescents.

Does Increasing Parental Knowledge of Healthy Behaviors Lead to Lifestyle Changes for Overweight or Obese Children? A Prospective Study

The prevalence of childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome have increased in the United States in recent decades, causing significant concern among experts and practitioners in kinesiology and medicine. However, exercise and dietetic science suggest that the risk factors and associated health concerns could be mitigated with regular physical activity and proper nutrition. However, many individuals face barriers to a healthier lifestyle due to misinformation and a lack of awareness. One group that may be especially susceptible to these obstacles is children, since they rely on parents or guardians for setting rules and boundaries, establishing routines and habits, and acting as role models. This prospective study was designed to determine if educating parents of overweight or obese children on healthy and unhealthy lifestyle choices would translate to changes in the reported behaviors of their children. An initial survey identified and addressed risk factors for metabolic syndrome in children, and a follow-up survey inquired about change in nutrition, physical activity, and screen time. While there was a moderate correlation between the intervention and reported changes in nutritional practices, there was little lifestyle change overall. These findings suggest that simply diagnosing risk factors or providing educational opportunities are not likely to be sufficient to elicit behavioral change in family units. Since the health behaviors of parents and children are intertwined, parents should be informed on issues relating to health. Interventions that are tailored to specific families or individuals may be more successful.

Influence of parental weight change on the incidence of overweight and obesity in offspring

BackgroundThere is limited information on the association of parental weight change with overweight and obesity in offspring. This study aimed to investigate the association between parental weight change and incident overweight and obesity in offspring.MethodsThis longitudinal cohort study included 2,963 parent–offspring trios who participated in at least two waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. The children without overweight and obesity defined by the International Obesity Task Force were included at the initial survey. Parental overweight and obesity were defined as body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2.ResultsThe incidence of overweight and obesity in offspring was 5.8% during a mean follow-up of 5.4 years. Paternal and maternal overweight and obesity at baseline were associated with this condition in offspring at follow-up (both Ps < 0.05). Compared with the persistent normal group, the persistent overweight and obesity group and incident overweight and obesity group (normal weight to overweight and obesity), but not the reversion group (overweight and obesity to normal weight), were more likely to report overweight and obesity in offspring at follow-up, regardless of father’s or mother’s condition. Additionally, compared with offspring whose both parents remained normal weight, those whose both parents changed from overweight and obesity to normal weight or whose one parent changed from overweight and obesity to normal weight while the other remained normal weight had no higher risks of overweight and obesity.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of parental weight management in the prevention of overweight/obesity in offspring.