Prevalence Rates Of Childhood Obesity Research Articles

Regional Variations in Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeon Availability: A Call for Action

IntroductionObesity is a significant public health concern in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in children with severe obesity, however; MBS remains underutilized in part due to lack of access. This study aims to characterize the prevalence of pediatric obesity and compare this to regional pediatric MBS provider availability. MethodsState-specific prevalence rates of childhood obesity in children aged 10-17 were obtained from the National Survey of Children's Health. The member directory provided by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons was used to identify all pediatric MBS providers and used to calculate the prevalence of MBS providers by state. ResultsThe five states with the highest prevalence rates of childhood obesity were Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Alabama. The five states with the highest prevalence (per 100,000 children with obesity) of MBS providers doing pediatric cases were North Dakota, New Jersey, Kansas, New York, and Utah. Notably, there was a negative correlation between the states with the lowest prevalence of pediatric MBS providers and states with the highest prevalence of childhood obesity (r −0.40, ∗P = 0.002). ConclusionsOur study demonstrates significant state-to-state variation in the prevalence of pediatric obesity and MBS provider availability by state as a proxy for access to surgical care for pediatric obesity. Further work to establish accessible multidisciplinary pediatric weight loss centers is needed to ensure that children and adolescents with obesity receive thorough evaluation and have access to MBS.

Obesity in the Pediatric Population of the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS), USA.

The incidence of childhood obesity has received a lot of attention lately, especially in the United States. The increased prevalence of pediatric obesity and its association with comorbidities has piqued the attention of more scientists in the epidemic's patterns. Our research examined the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) data set for hospitalized persons aged 18 years or younger with primary or secondary obesity between 2016 and 2019 to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and related diseases. We retrospectively examined individuals with primary or secondary obesity from 2016 to 2019 using the NIS database. To extract the weighted samples, we utilized the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 diagnostic codes E66, E660, E6601, E6609, E662, E668, and E669. Individuals with drug-related obesity or obesity caused by a recognized pathologic disease unrelated to high-calorie intake were excluded. First, we queried the total population, then separated them by age category and picked our population of interest, i.e., those aged 18 and under. The NIS is a deidentified database available to the public. It collects data on around 8 million hospitalizations annually, accounting for roughly 20% of all admissions in the United States. Results: The findings show that between 2016 and 2019, prevalence rates of childhood obesity were still on the rise and plateaued in 2019. There were 28,484,087 study subjects in this weighted sample between 2016 and 2019. Of these, 13.9% (3,946,889) were diagnosed with obesity. The sample population for those 18 years of age or under was 62,669 (1.5%) children with obesity with a mean age of 14 (SD = 4). Also, there was a 64.2% female preponderance. The obtained yearly showed a steady and significant rise from 2016 to 2018 (24% vs. 26%), with a slight decline in 2019 (25%; p < 0.001). Even though the white population had the highest overall prevalence of childhood obesity (40.9%), the Hispanic and black people had a higher prevalence per population, with a 0.5% and 0.33% prevalence, respectively, compared to 0.14% in the white population (p < 0.0001). When geographical regions were considered, south had the highest rate (36.40%), followed by the west (24.71%) and the midwest (23.56%). The analysis also showed that people with lower median household income (0-25th percentile) had the highest rate of childhood obesity (38.17%) compared to higher-income earners (13.19%). In our finding, obesity in the pediatric population is still increasing, continuing on its previously recorded trajectory. Various recommendations from health policymakers have bolstered efforts to tackle this escalating pandemic. However, additional information on the compliance, use, and adherence to these policies by healthcare professionals and members of the public, as well as the consequence of utilization or compliance to these guidelines, is needed. Nevertheless, given the continuous growth of childhood obesity, despite the avalanche of these recommendations, the issue of compliance arises, or other essential risk factors might have been overlooked. Additional studies may be needed to unmask this looming phenomenon.

Psychosocial Factors and Obesity in Adolescence: A Case-Control Study.

Introduction: The continuously increasing prevalence of childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions. Greece is among the countries with the highest childhood obesity prevalence rates. The present study aims to identify psychosocial factors associated with excess body weight of adolescents. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Athens, Greece, and included 414 adolescents aged 11–18 years. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, and an anonymous self-completed questionnaire captured the psychosocial background, family environment, peer relations, and school environment. Results: Of the total sample of adolescents, 54.6% had normal body weight and 45.4% were overweight or obese. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the factors related to the presence of overweight/obesity were adolescents’ age (OR = 0.416, p < 0.001), area of residence, presence of anxiety (OR = 4.661, p = 0.001), presence of melancholia (OR = 2.723, p = 0.016), participation in sports (OR = 0.088, p <0.001), smoking (OR = 0.185, p = 0.005), and mother’s occupation (OR = 0.065, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Psychological problems, maternal occupation, the absence of physical activity, and poor school performance were associated with adolescent overweight/obesity. It is important that screening for the presence of psychosocial issues is included in childhood obesity policies and treatment.

Proportion of Obesity and Presence of Risk Factors in Obese Children in Primary Schools in Rajshahi City

Background: The highest prevalence rates of childhood obesity have been observed in developed countries, however, its prevalence is increasing in developing countries as well. Early detection of obesity and identification of risk factors are the key to successful prevention of obesity.&#x0D; Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the proportion of obesity and presence of risk factors in obese children in primary schools of Rajshahi city.&#x0D; Methodology: This cross sectional study included total 225 children chosen from different primary schools of Rajshahi city during the school year 2016-2017. Data collection tool used for the study was an interview schedule and this predesigned questionnaire. The main outcome measures were obesity and risk factors prevalent in the obese school children. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 and ‘Chi square’ test was applied for the test of significance.&#x0D; Result: Among the total 225 respondent, 121 (53.8%) were male, while 104 (46.2%) were females, with a mean age of 7.9 ±1.1 years. The mean and standard deviation of anthropometric measurement were weight 22.7±5.3 kg, height 120±8.1 cm and BMI 15.5±2.1 kg/m. Out of 225 participants, 2.7% (total 6) were overweight, 5.3% (total 12 students) were obese, 83.6% (total 188 students) were normal weight and 8.4% (total 19 students) were underweight. The rate of obesity was highest at the age of 8-9 years (10.7%) and overweight were highest at the age of 9-10 years (5.5%). Playing, biking regularly was strongly associated with fewer incidence of overweight and obesity (p value -.001). Faulty dietary habit, having more fast food, chocolate, sugary juice lead to a higher BMI and more fresh fruit and vegetables had lower BMI (p value .001).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study shows that childhood obesity is on rise in our country. Addressing the problem at its earliest could be achieved through identifying high risk groups and planning early intervention. Effective interventions and preventive strategies should be instituted at local and national level to reduce the incidence and comorbidities associated with obesity.&#x0D; TAJ 2020; 33(2): 39-45

Waist‐to‐height Ratio as an Indicator to Determinate Obesity and Central Obesity in Pediatric Population

IntroductionIn school‐age children and adolescents, the obesity is a public health alarm that particularly has been increasing. The highest prevalence rates of childhood obesity have been observed in developed countries; still, its prevalence is increasing in developing countries as well. The best evidence to date suggests that measures of central adiposity should be used in order to best identify individuals at increased risk of obesity‐related ill health. In the clinical environment, techniques such as Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) have been used extensively, but the waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) could be a better tool to detect central obesity.ObjectiveThe objective was to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) and waist to height ratio in overweight and obese paediatric age group.MethodsIs a cross‐sectional study, schoolchildren in a Mexican population, ages from 9 to 18 years. The anthropometric variables measured were waist circumference, body mass index, waist‐to‐height ratio, Waist circumference at the midpoint between the last rib and the iliac crest. The use of The Center for Disease Control and Prevention growth tables classified overweight as at or above 85th percentile and obesity as at or above 95th percentile of BMI. The relationship between waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) and body mass index (BMI) was analyzed by X2, t‐test and ANOVA.ResultsA cross‐sectional study of 594 children and adolescents from 9 to 18 years of age. In the analysis the population was grouped by aged group of 9 to 11(23%), 12 to 14 (33%) and 15 to 18 years(44%). The body mass index (BMI) for age showed 18% for overweight and 13% for obesity. The waist to height ratio was 24% for higher cardiometabolic risk with a mean of 0.47 and a waist circumference of 73.9cm. A cardiometabolic risk by WtHR was 4% in normal BMI/age, in overweight 8% and in Obesity was 12% (p=0.01).ConclusionThe prevalence of overweigh and obesity was 31%. It is important to recognize the capacity of anthropometric measurements on identifying overweight and obesity diagnosis. A combined diet and physical activity intervention conducted in the community with a school component should be applied preventing obesity or overweight. The waist to height ratio was 24% for cardiometabolic risk. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, height and waist circumference are simple and effective as global indicator for health risks.Support or Funding InformationUPAEP UNIVERSITY Anthropometric measurements in the paediatric group AGE (yrs) Weight (kg) Height (cm) Waist circumference (cm) BMI (kg/m2) WHtR Mean 13.6 55.6 158.6 73.9 21.9 0.47 SD 2.34 14.4 11.6 10.3 4.1 0.06 Min 9.0 23.0 127.0 50.0 13.6 0.34 Max 18.0 115.0 195.0 125.0 40.5 0.74 Range 9.0 92.0 68.0 75.0 26.9 0.4 *Standard DeviationProportion categorized by WHtR Risk and BMITable 2

Emotion regulation training in the treatment of obesity in young adolescents: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe prevalence rates of childhood obesity are increasing. The current multidisciplinary treatments for (childhood) obesity are effective but only moderately and in the short term. A possible explanation for the onset and maintenance of childhood obesity is that it reflects a maladaptive mechanism for regulating high levels of stress and emotions. Therefore, the current RCT study aims to test the effectiveness of adding an emotion regulation training to care as usual (multidisciplinary obesity treatment) in young inpatients (10–14) involved in an obesity treatment program compared to care as usual alone.The research model for this RCT study states that when high levels of stress are regulated in a maladaptive way, this can contribute to the development of obesity.MethodsThe current study will recruit 140 youngsters (10–14 years) who are involved in an inpatient multidisciplinary obesity treatment (MOT) program. After giving consent to participate in the study, youngsters will be randomly assigned, during consecutive waves, to one of two conditions: care as usual (receiving MOT) or intervention (receiving MOT in addition to emotion regulation training). The training itself consists of 12 weekly sessions, followed by a booster session after 3 and 5 months. The participants will be tested pretraining, post-training, and at 6 months’ follow-up. We hypothesize that, compared to the control condition, youngsters in the intervention condition will (1) use more adaptive emotion regulation strategies and (2) report less emotional eating, both primary outcome measures. Moreover, on the level of secondary outcome measures, we hypothesize that youngsters in the intervention condition, compared with the control condition, will (3) report better sleep quality, (4) undergo improved weight loss and weight loss maintenance, and (5) experience better long-term (6-months) psychological well-being.DiscussionThis study will add to both the scientific and clinical literature on the role of emotion regulation in the development and maintenance of different psychopathologies, as emotion regulation is a transdiagnostic factor.Trial registrationThe RCT study protocol is registered at ISRCTN Registry, with study ID “ISRCTN 83822934.” Registered on 13 December 2017.

Identifying the relationship between biological, psychosocial and family markers associated with childhood obesity: Case-control “ANOBAS” study

The recent increase in childhood obesity prevalence rates illustrates the extreme relevance of biological, psychosocial and familial factors implicated in body weight status, which at the moment remain unclear. The study aims to compare biological, psychosocial and familial markers between preadolescents with obesity and their non-overweight peers, and explore the relationship with psychiatric diagnosis on these markers. Both groups were composed of 40% of males with a mean age of 10 years, and no differences in socio-demographic variables were found between groups. No sex differences were found on bio/psycho/family markers. While 48% (n = 24) of the preadolescents with obesity presented a DSM-IV diagnosis (OGD), only 2% (n = 1) of the non-overweight peers (NG) met diagnostic criteria. Significant differences were found for all bio/psycho/family markers among obese preadolescents with the exceptions of cortisol, peptide YY and maternal state-anxiety and depression. The preadolescents with obesity without a diagnosis (OGND) presented greater levels of leptin than NG (p = 0.01). For psychosocial markers, statistically significant differences were found between groups in the majority of the variables (p < 0.01), with the exception of trait anxiety where a tendency towards significance was revealed (p = 0.06). For family markers, we found statistically significant differences in emotional over-involvement (p = 0.01), with NG mothers presenting lower scores than OGD and OGND. Include psychosocial and family factors in obesity intervention programs is necessary. Also, health professionals working with children with obesity must take care to assess the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis amongst this population.

Diferencias antropométricas de escolares de 5 y 6 años en colegio público y privado, Chile 2015

Introducción: La obesidad infantil representa un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Chile presenta una de las tasas más altas de prevalencia de obesidad infantil de Latinoamérica. Localmente, hay pocos estudios que muestran las diferencias entre colegios públicos y privados en relación a parámetros de peso, talla y perímetro de cintura en escolares. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existen diferencias antropométricas de niños de 5 y 6 años según el tipo de colegio.Material y métodos: Se realizó una investigación cuantitativa, descriptiva y transversal. Se constituyó una muestra no probabilística de 195 niños de 5 y 6 años, los cuales 55 corresponden a colegio público y 140 a colegio privado. Resultados: En la valoración antropométrica de niños entre 5 y 6 años de colegios públicos y privados, los escolares en peso y talla en ambas edades no fueron estadísticamente significativas (p&gt;0,05), sin embargo, la población en conjunto, sin diferenciar en edades, fueron estadísticamente significativas en la talla (p&lt;0,05). Los valores de IMC para 5 y 6 años se encuentran bajo los puntos de corte de obesidad definidos internacionalmente y fueron estadísticamente significativas entre colegio público y privado (p&lt;0,05). En perímetro de cintura, los escolares de colegios públicos tuvieron más escolares sobre el Percentil 90, catalogado como obesidad abdominal. Sin embargo, estas diferencias encontradas no fueron estadísticamente significativas (p&gt;0,05). Conclusiones: Se evidenció menor talla (p&lt;0,05), mayor peso y mayor perímetro de cintura en escolares de colegio público en relación a privado, sin embrago dado la baja participación de colegios y diferencia de tamaño muestreal en ambos grupos, estas diferencias deben ser interpretadas con cautela.

Strengths and weaknesses of food and diet in the Spanish population of the 21st century

Introduction: at present, it is precisely the Mediterranean countries whose characteristic lifestyle was recognized as a health paradigm and promoted to the rest of the world, those who are at mostly at risk, in which it becomes necessary the immediate development of strategies based on education that may contribute to the adoption of a healthier diet and lifestyle. Objectives: to review the current dietary patterns in Spain, as well as its evolution in the last years. Methods: review of the studies that have been published in relation to the subject. Results: changes in the diet and lifestyle that have been introduced in recent years in Spain have led to a gradual decreased in the consumption of cereals and derivatives, potatoes and legumes, whereas an increase in the intake of meats and meat derivatives and non-alcoholic drinks has occurred. From the nutritional point of view, these trends resulted in an increase of the proportion of total fats (mainly saturated) and proteins (highly in those of animal origin) in the diet while complex carbohydrates have experienced a decrease (accompanied by a higher consumption of total sugars, including added ones). At the same time, the Spanish society should be considered as with a sedentary behavior. These facts have as one of the main negative consequences that Spain show one of the highest prevalence rates of childhood obesity in Europe, but also in adults. Conclusions: in this context, there is a need to promote the recovery of our culture (Mediterranean diet), and to return to feed and live according to patterns that have kept us protected during generations of many diseases. In fact, it should be important to try to answer the following question: If not so many years ago we had a food model that fulfilled all the recommendations of a healthy diet, which are the main barriers at present from returning to it?

Development and psychometric validation of the ‘Parent Perspective University of Rhode Island Change Assessment-Short’ (PURICA-S) Questionnaire for the application in parents of children with overweight and obesity

IntroductionHigh prevalence rates of childhood obesity urgently call for improved effectiveness of intervention programmes for affected children and their families. One promising attempt can be seen in tailoring interventions according...

Eating Behaviors and Weight Development in Obesity-Prone Children and the Importance of the Research of Albert J. Stunkard.

Albert J. Stunkard, MD, was an internationally recognized leader and pioneer in the field of obesity and eating disorders research. He was also among the first scientists to study eating phenotypes and early life risk factors for childhood obesity at a time when childhood obesity prevalence rates were still comparatively low. The aim of this review is to highlight select findings from the work of Albert J. Stunkard which significantly advanced our understanding of eating traits of children with a different familial predisposition to obesity and genetic and environmental influences on weight outcomes. Collectively, Stunkard's early work on childhood obesity had a significant impact on the field of ingestive behavior and obesity research in that he was one of the first investigators who pointed to genetic influences underlying behavioral eating traits and child weight status. His work also inspired numerous subsequent investigations on the relative contributions of specific genes (e.g., polymorphisms in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene) on individual differences in child eating traits (e.g., satiety responsiveness, eating in the absence of hunger) and body weight.

Child Obesity and Mental Health: A Complex Interaction.

Prevalence rates of childhood obesity have risen steeply over the last 3 decades. Given the increased national focus, the frequency of this clinical problem, and the multiple mental health factors that coexist with it, make obesity a public health concern. The complex relationships between mental health and obesity serve to potentiate the severity and interdependency of each. The purpose of this review is to create a contextual connection for the 2 conditions as outlined by the research literature and consider treatment options that affect both health problems.

Prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors among school children of Berhampur, Odisha, India

Background:The highest prevalence rates of childhood obesity have been observed in developed countries, however, its prevalence is increasing in developing countries as well. Objective was to study the prevalence of obesity among school children &amp; associated risk factors in Berhampur, Odisha, India.Methods: A cross sectional study in six schools of Berhampur, Odisha was carried out to determine the prevalence of obesity among school children aged 12 to 15 years and its relation to socioeconomic condition, duration of television viewing, dietary habits &amp; family type in Berhampur, Odisha, India. Results:Overall prevalence of obesity was 1.71% &amp; that of overweight and obesity combined was found to be 7.13% with no statistically significant difference between male and female students. The prevalence of under nutrition was 20.97%. Conclusions:The prevalence of obesity is quite less compared to that of under nutrition. Obesity detected among school students in this study is more prevalent in higher socioeconomic class. Dietary habits and duration of television viewing do not significantly have any impact on BMI. Statistically significant association was observed between family type and body mass index with normal weight students belonging more to nuclear families.

Diagnostic accuracy of different body weight and height-based definitions of childhood obesity in identifying overfat among Chinese children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundVarious body weight and height-based references are used to define obese children and adolescents. However, no study investigating the diagnostic accuracies of the definitions of obesity and overweight in Hong Kong Chinese children and adolescents has been conducted. The current study aims to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of BMI-based definitions and 1993 HK reference in screening excess body fat among Hong Kong Chinese children and adolescents.MethodsA total of 2,134 participants (1,135 boys and 999 girls) were recruited from local schools. The foot-to-foot BIA scale was applied to assess %BF using standard methods. The criterion of childhood obesity (i.e., overfat) was defined as over 25 %BF for boys and over 30 %BF for girls. Childhood obesity was also determined from four BMI-based references and the 1993 HK reference. The diagnostic accuracy of these existing definitions for childhood obesity in screening excess body fat was evaluated using diagnostic indices.ResultsOverall, %BF was significantly correlated with anthropometry measurements in both genders (in boys, r = 0.747 for BMI 0.766 for PWH; in girls, r = 0.930 for BMI 0.851 for PWH). The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity determined by BMI-based references were similar with the prevalence rates of obesity in the 1993 HK reference in both genders. All definitions for childhood obesity showed low sensitivity (in boys, 0.325–0.761; in girls, 0.128–0.588) in detecting overfat. Specificities were high for cut-offs among all definitions for childhood obesity (in boys, 0.862–0.980; in girls, 0.973–0.998).ConclusionsIn conclusion, prevalence rates of childhood obesity or overweight varied widely according to the diagnostic references applied. The diagnostic performance for weight and height-based references for obesity is poorer than expected for both genders among Hong Kong Chinese children and adolescents. In order to improve the diagnosis accuracy of childhood obesity, either cut-off values of body weight and height-based definitions of childhood obesity should be revised to increase the sensitivity or the possibility of using other indirect methods of estimating the %BF should be explored.

IV. The cognitive implications of obesity and nutrition in childhood.

The prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States has tripled since the 1980s and is strongly linked to the early onset of several metabolic diseases. Recent studies indicate that lower cognitive function may be another complication of childhood obesity. This review considers the research to date on the role of obesity and nutrition on childhood cognition and brain health. Although a handful of studies point to a maladaptive relationship between obesity and aspects of cognitive control, remarkably little is known regarding the impact of fat mass on brain development and cognitive function. Further, missing from the literature is the role of nutrition in the obesity-cognition interaction. Nutrition may directly or indirectly influence cognitive performance via several pathways including provision of key substrates for optimal brain health, modulation of gut microbiota, and alterations in systemic energy balance. However, in the absence of malnutrition, the functional benefits of specific nutrient intake on particular cognitive domains are not well characterized. Here, we examine the literature linking childhood obesity and cognition while considering the effects of nutritional intake. Possible mechanisms for these relationships are discussed and suggestions are made for future study topics. Although childhood obesity prevalence rates in some developed countries have recently stabilized, significant disparities remain among groups based on sex and socioeconomic status. Given that the elevated prevalence of pediatric overweight and obesity may persist for the foreseeable future, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive understanding of the influence of obesity and nutrition on cognition and brain health in the pediatric population.

Unexpected plateauing of childhood obesity rates in developed countries

Surveys performed in the past 10 to 15 years show a yet unexplained stabilization or decline in prevalence rates of childhood obesity in developed countries. The projected continuous increase in obesity prevalence throughout future decades seems not to occur at present. Apparently, saturation has been reached, which might be related to societal adjustments. Hence, we postulate a cumulative effect of public health programs for obesity prevention resulting, for example, in an increase in physical activity, and a decline in television viewing and in the consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks by children. Effective public health programs are urgently needed for developing countries, where obesity rates in children still continued to increase during the past decade.

Changing Times Call for Changing Methods: Introduction to the Special Issue on Innovative Treatments and Prevention Programs for Pediatric Obesity

According to recent survey results, approximately 17% of children and adolescents (ages 2 through 19) in the United States are obese (body mass index >95th percentile for sex and age) and about 32% are overweight (body mass index >85th percentile; Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2012). Ogden et al., also reported that the prevalence of ‘‘high weight-for-recumbent length’’ among infants (ages 0–2) was just under 10%. These data taken from the 2009– 2010 National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Survey reflect increasing rates of obesity over the past 12 years in boys (ages 2 through 19) and relatively stable rates of obesity among girls over this span. Overall, the prevalence of obesity is approximately three times greater than it was in 1980. Although alarming, these summary statistics mask important differences in obesity across demographic categories, including racial/ethnic group, sex, income range, and urbanicity. For example, among both African American girls (ages 2–19) and Mexican American boys (ages 2–19), the prevalence of obesity approaches 25% and the prevalence of overweight exceeds 40%. Further, emerging evidence indicates that childhood obesity is more prevalent in households with lower income, lower education, and higher unemployment, as well as among those in rural (vs. urban) settings (Hearst, Biskborn, Christensen, & Cushing, 2013; Lutfiyya, Lipsky, Wisdom-Behounek, & Inpanbutr-Martinkus, 2007; Singh, Siahpush, & Kogan, 2010, Voss, Masuoka, Webber, Scher, & Atkinson, 2013). Internationally, childhood obesity prevalence rates vary widely, but appear to be increasing among economically advantaged countries as well as in developing countries (Gupta, Goel, Shs, & Misra, 2012; Jackson-Leach & Lobstein, 2006; Knai, Lobstein, Darmon, Rutter, & McKee, 2012). It is well-known that pediatric obesity is associated with numerous health and mental health conditions, including insulin resistance, hypertension, abnormal glucose intolerance, sleep apnea, peer victimization, decreased health-related quality of life, and increased risk for internalizing problems (see Jelalian & Hart, 2009; Vivier & Tomkins, 2008; Zeller & Modi, 2008 for reviews). Further, obesity in childhood is associated with increased likelihood for sustained obesity and overweight (and their attendant health risks) into adulthood (Singh, Mulder, Twisk, van Mechelen, & Chinapaw, 2008). Because of these health risks, pediatric weight-related health—including active living and healthy eating—remains a priority area for Healthy People 2020 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010) as well as the National Prevention Council’s (2011) National Prevention Strategy. Recent reviews of the literature (Kitzmann et al., 2010; Oude Luttikhuis et al., 2009; Wilfley et al., 2007) indicate that behaviorally based individual and family interventions can be efficacious. Such therapies typically include behavior modification principles such as reinforcement for healthy behaviors, stimulus control, and modeling. However, effect sizes for such treatments remain relatively modest, and post-treatment outcome assessments frequently suggest poor maintenance of treatment effects over time (Epstein, Paluch, Roemmich, & Beecher, 2007). Further, issues such as nonor incomplete Defined as weight-for-recumbent length at or above the 95th percentile on the 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts.

Comparing the Effects of Teen Mentors to Adult Teachers on Child Lifestyle Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Appalachia

Childhood obesity prevalence rates in the United States are the highest in the rural Appalachian areas. Teens mentoring younger children to reverse obesity health risks are an understudied approach. This randomized-controlled trial compared the effects of two curriculum delivery methods and assessed the mediating effects of the number of sessions attended on the outcomes. The control group received the 8-week Just for Kids! curriculum via an adult teacher in a classroom and the experimental group received the same curriculum via individual teen mentoring. Data collected at baseline and postintervention were analyzed using multilevel linear models. Each of the outcomes (e.g., body mass index, blood pressure, current lifestyle behaviors) were modeled separately. Only the mentored children demonstrated improved current lifestyle behaviors (e.g., physical activity and dietary patterns) and health outcomes. Teen mentoring was an effective and efficacious approach to impact the lifestyle patterns and health outcomes of children in a school setting.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school children in Port Said city

BackgroundThe highest prevalence rates of childhood obesity have been observed in developed countries, however, its prevalence is increasing in developing countries as well. ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children, aged from 6 to 12years and to estimate risk factors of obesity and overweight, defined by body mass index (BMI). MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out at Port Said city during the second term of school year 2010/2011. The researcher took the anthropometric measurements inside the nurse’s room in the school and gave a questionnaire to the students to be answered by one of the child’s parents. The questionnaire included questions related to socioeconomic status, life style (physical activity and eating habits) and family history of overweight and obesity. ResultsEight hundred and fifty-two students participated in this study. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 17.7% and 13.5% respectively. The rate of obesity was the highest at the age of 7–8years (grade 2) and decreased with an increase in age, while overweight increased with an increase in age to be the highest at the age of 9–10 (grade 4) and 10–11 (grade 5). Socioeconomic class, faulty dietary habits, sedentary life, low level of physical activity and positive family history of overweight and/or obesity were significantly associated with student’s BMI. ConclusionThis study found a relatively high prevalence of overweight and obesity among children aged 6–12years in Port Said city. Decreased rate of obesity with an increase in age in our study, signifies that faulty feeding habits were the highest at lower ages.

Age-specific stabilization in obesity prevalence in German children: A cross-sectional study from 1999 to 2008

Trends of overweight (ov)/obesity (ob) prevalence among German children aged 4-16 years were studied between 1999 and 2008. Body mass index (BMI) data (>P90 [ov] and >P97 [ob]) from the national CrescNet database were analysed in three age groups: 4-7.99, 8-11.99, and 12-16 years. Trend analyses. Data from 272 826 children were analyzed. a) Whole study population aged 4-16 years old. A significant upward trend for ov/ob prevalence was found between 1999 and 2003, and a significant downward trend between 2004 and 2008. b) Subgroup analyses. Ov/Ob prevalence increased in most subgroups studied until 2004. Between 2004 and 2008, a downward trend for ov/ob prevalence was found in children, aged 4-7.99 years, whereas it stabilized in most other subgroups studied. Cross-sectional analyses. Data from 93 028 children were analyzed. Ov/ob prevalence was significantly higher in 2004 compared with 2000 in girls aged 12-16 years and in boys aged 8-16 years. Ov/ob obesity prevalence was significantly lower in 2008 compared with 2004 in children aged 4-7.99 years. Ov/ob prevalence increased between 1999 and 2003 in German children. Since 2004, this trend has been stabilizing or turning into a downward trend. Our data confirm the global trend of stabilizing prevalence rates of childhood obesity at a high level and add important information for individual age groups. Intervention programs targeted to prevent childhood obesity may have had beneficial effects, and a new balance between factors favouring obesity and those favouring leanness may have been reached recently. Age- and gender-specific differences found in trends of ov/ob prevalence may help optimise preventive and therapeutic measures.