Evaluation of a feasibility study addressing risk factors for childhood obesity through home visits

Aim:   This pilot study aimed to explore the feasibility of addressing risk factors for childhood obesity through a home-based early intervention program.
Method:   A pilot study was conducted with 56 first-time mothers, recruited through the antenatal and delivery units of an inner western Sydney hospital. The study offered five home visits by a community early childhood health nurse during the child's first year of life. At each visit, the intervention was tailored to the appropriate developmental stage of the child. One-to-one consultation was provided with a focus on sustained breastfeeding, appropriate introduction of solids, avoiding food rewards and promoting the drinking of water and the use of a cup. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were applied to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the program.
Results:   The results indicate that the program was very well received by the participating mothers, with a retention rate of 95%. Compared with the state population average, the rate of breastfeeding at 12 months was significantly higher (36% vs. 18%, χ²= 8.21, P < 0.01), there was a lower rate of the introduction of solids before 4 months (2% vs. 13%, χ²= 8.73, P < 0.01), and there was a high rate of cup usage at 12 months (98%).
Conclusions:   The early onset of childhood overweight and obesity requires health promotion intervention programs to commence as early as possible. A home-based intervention through multiple home visits is feasible in addressing the risk factors for childhood obesity.     

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??Children whose nutritional condition has been improved still face dual burden including malnutrition and overweight/ obesity in China. In early life??the nutritional status not only affects growth and development of children??but also has relation to disease and quality of life in adult period. Focusing on and investing in children nutrition??it is beneficial for not only individual development??but also public health and social improvement.     

出生体重与5至8岁儿童超重和肥胖关联的队列研究

目的以回顾性队列研究探讨出生体重与5~8岁儿童超重和肥胖的关系。方法利用上海市闵行区所辖的13家社区卫生服务中心3~12岁儿童的体格检查数据库,截取5~8岁儿童的身高和体重数据进行分析。体检时行问卷调查生育史、出生体重、妊娠情况和出生后喂养史。按照出生体重分为:2 500 g(低出生体重儿)、~3 000 g、~3 500 g、~4 000 g和≥4 000 g组(巨大儿)。采用多元logistics分析评估出生体重与5~8岁儿童超重和肥胖的关系,并调整相关因素的影响。结果 99 897名5~8岁儿童进入分析,超重发生率为10.1%,肥胖发生率为5.0%。11.4%的儿童为低出生体重,7.3%为巨大儿;出生体重2 500 g、~3 000 g、~3 500 g、~3 500 g、~4 000 g和≥4 000 g组超重检出率分别为8.4%、7.6%、9.2%、11.5%和14.5%;肥胖检出率分别为4.7%、3.9%、4.4%、5.9%和7.9%。2简单相关分析发现,~3 500 g、~4 000 g和≥4 000 g组出生体重与儿童体重呈正相关(P0.000 1),在调整了性别、年龄、身高、分娩史、孕周、喂养史和身高后,仍具有显著相关性。3与出生体重~3 500 g组相比,~4 000 g组超重和肥胖的发生率增加31%和43%,~4 500 g组超重和肥胖的发生率增加76%和103%;~3 000 g组发生超重和肥胖的风险最低(RR=0.80,95%CI:0.73~0.88,P0.000 1;RR=0.87,95%CI:0.77~0.98,P0.000 1),调整了年龄、性别、孕周和产式等因素后,仍具有相关性;5、6、7和8岁儿童~4 000 g和≥4 000 g组发生超重和肥胖的风险相近;2 500 g组肥胖的风险RR为1.07(95%CI:0.79~1.43),P=0.27。结论出生体重对5~8岁儿童超重和肥胖的影响呈非线性关系。出生体重3 500 g儿童5~8岁超重和肥胖的风险显著增高。     

Child and adolescent obesity

Obesity and overweight are a pandemic that has been building since the 1980s. The causes are multi-factorial, and the solutions are ultimately political. The consequences, however, are medical. Admissions to hospital with obesity-related illness increased 4-fold between 2000 and 2009, and paediatricians regularly see comorbidities in their clinics and on their wards. Broaching the subject of obesity and overweight when we are talking to young people and their families is difficult. Detailed history and examination, in a systemic and non-judgemental way can identify these comorbidities so that they may be treated. Not to do so is a missed opportunity. Interdisciplinary working can support the child and their family to manage their weight. This article offers some personal experience and practical advice for health care professionals who want to make a real difference to the children in their care.     

不同参考标准下重庆城区儿童超重／肥胖检出率比较

目的比较3种筛查标准下重庆城区儿童超重/肥胖现况,寻求适宜的儿童肥胖筛查标准。方法按照整群抽样原则抽取本市3个城区的12534名2～18岁儿童作为调查对象,测量其身高及体质量。并分别采用WHO的身高标准体质量法标准(标准1)、国际肥胖工作组(IOTF)的超重/肥胖体质量指数(BMI)标准(标准2)和国立卫生统计中心/疾病预防控制中心(NCHS/CDC)的BMI标准(标准3)评价儿童的超重/肥胖。结果按照标准1、2和3的规定,重庆城区儿童的超重检出率分别为13.0%、9.8%、9.8%;肥胖检出率分别为9.8%、2.9%、6.0%,均有显著性差异(Pa<0.001),且男童超重/肥胖检出率均高于女童。3种标准间,健康儿童、超重儿童或肥胖儿童的BMI均值均有显著性差异(Pa<0.001)。采用标准1和2得到的超重检出率,或采用标准1和3得到的超重检出率均在6岁前和14岁后2个年龄段存在统计学差异(Pa<0.01)。在2～6岁各年龄组,采用标准1和3得到的儿童肥胖检出率比较无显著性差异;在6～18岁各年龄组,采用标准1得到的肥胖检出率均显著高于采用标准2和3得到的肥胖检出率(Pa<0.01);在3～6岁、8～10岁、13岁组采用标准2和3得到的儿童肥胖检出率比较有显著性差异。结论儿童肥胖已经成为重庆城区重要的健康问题之一。采用3种标准筛查的儿童超重/肥胖检出率在2～18岁各年龄组均有所不同,应谨慎使用。     

High incidence of obesity co-morbidities in young children: a cross-sectional study

Aim: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is a public health problem because of future morbidity. However, the prevalence of medical complications in overweight and obese primary school children in Australia is not well documented. As part of the larger, prospective cohort Growth and Development Study, this report aimed to identify the medical complications of obesity in a population‐based community sample of primary school‐aged children. Methods: Two groups of primary school children were studied: a random community sample of overweight/obese children (not seeking treatment) and a matched community sample of normal weight children. Demographics, medical history, family history and symptoms of complications of overweight were collected. Children had a physical examination, oral glucose tolerance tests with insulins, fasting lipid profiles and liver function tests. Results: Data from 283 children are presented (6.1–13.4 years, mean 9.8 years). There were no differences in birth data, family composition, parental age or socio‐economic status between groups. Overweight and obese children were more likely to complain of musculoskeletal pain, depression, anxiety and bullying, and had more adverse examination findings than control children. They also had more abnormal investigations: overweight children: impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) 1.3%, hyperinsulinism 19.5%, dyslipidaemia 63.8%, raised alanine transaminase (ALT) 9.0%; obese children: IGT 5.3%, hyperinsulinism 38.9%, dyslipidaemia 73.7%, raised ALT 31.6%. Conclusion: Overweight and obese primary school‐aged children have significant medical complications of their weight status. Overweight children, in addition to obese children, should be screened for complications. A secondary finding is a high proportion of normal weight children with lipid levels outside desirable healthy ranges.     

Overweight and obesity among affluent Bengalee schoolgirls of Lake Town, Kolkata, India

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 431 Bengalee schoolgirls aged 6-9 years in Kolkata, India. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were made on 431 girls. The body mass index (BMI) was computed following the standard equation. Overweight and obesity was defined following the internationally accepted BMI cut-off points. Results revealed that the overall rates of overweight and obesity were 17.63% and 5.10%, respectively. A steady increase in number of overweight individuals was observed from 6 to 9 years. The prevalence of overweight among affluent Bengalee children was higher than those reported from other Asian countries.     

Epidemiology of childhood type 2 diabetes and obesity

Abstract:  Over the last decade, it has become apparent that type 2 diabetes extends not only into the young adult population but is also found in adolescents and even, occasionally, in children. The limited data that are currently available present a rather uncertain picture, with a rather wide range of prevalences and incidences of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. Not surprisingly, the majority of the cases, and the highest prevalences, have been found among ethnic groups known to be at high risk of adult type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, even in European populations, where the prevalence of type 2 diabetes remains very low among children and adolescents and certainly is considerably smaller than type 1 diabetes, there are several cases reported. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents are, as expected, similar to those seen in adults, with obesity being almost always present. In utero exposure to hyperglycemia now appears to be an additional risk factor to having a family history of diabetes and suggests that better management of diabetes in pregnancy and prevention of gestational diabetes may reduce the risk of diabetes developing in the offspring.     

A low fructose diet in the treatment of pediatric obesity: A pilot study

Background: Over the last three decades the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased dramatically among children and adolescents worldwide. As the results of animal and human studies suggest that a diet rich in fructose may be a risk factor for the development of overweight, the aim of the pilot study was to evaluate if a dietary counseling aimed at a moderate reduction of dietary fructose intake (?50% in comparison to intake at baseline) has a positive effect on the body mass index (BMI) of overweight and obese children. Methods: Fifteen overweight or obese children aged 5–8 years were included into the 3 month dietary intervention study. At baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks children and their parents were trained to reduce fructose in the children's diet. Anthropometric parameters for calculating BMI and BMI standard deviation scores (BMI‐SDS) as well as nutritional intake were assessed at baseline, after the 12‐week intervention and after 12 week of follow up. Results: After the 12‐week intervention children had significantly reduced their total energy, fructose, sucrose and glucose intake. BMI and BMI‐SDS were significantly reduced by 0.68 kg/m² and 0.21, respectively, at the end of the intervention. At follow up, the BMI‐SDS was significantly lower in comparison to baseline while the BMI was only decreased by trend (P= 0.08). Conclusions: The results of our pilot study indicate that counseling aimed towards a moderate reduction of dietary fructose and/or general sugar intake may have a positive effect on BMI in overweight and obese children.     

Understanding feeding practices of Latinx mothers of infants and toddlers at risk for childhood obesity: A qualitative study

Infancy and toddlerhood are critical stages for the development of habits that can lead to future obesity, and caregivers have an important influence on these habits. We conducted this qualitative semistructured interview study to explore the feeding practices of Latinx mothers of young children who are at risk for childhood obesity in order to identify targets for obesity prevention. We interviewed Latinx mothers (N = 14) of a child ages 6–18 months with a weight‐for‐length ratio > 85th percentile at the time of recruitment. Two researchers independently read through the interviews, identified sections of the interviews pertaining to feeding, and used constant comparative methods to identify the following common themes: mothers overwhelmingly reported permissive feeding styles, driving overfeeding and frequent night‐time feeding. Mothers expressed some difficulty with transitioning to solid foods and reported desiring to feed their child healthy foods by minimizing juice and giving vegetables. Paediatricians and WIC staff were viewed by mothers as trustworthy sources of nutrition information. Most identified a connection between their child's weight and diet, but many lacked the insight or capacity to change their current practices. The mothers in our study provide insight into factors that may predispose young children to obesity and thus potential avenues to support these families. Healthcare providers can better serve them by giving clear, actionable advice on healthy feeding practices for their child, while understanding constraints that may make healthy habits difficult to implement. Paediatricians should be honest about their child's weight status early on to allow time for intervention.     

Beverage consumption and anthropometric outcomes among schoolchildren in Guatemala

This analysis explores the clustering of beverage patterns in a single day in private vs. public school children in urban Guatemala. This study is based on measurements taken from 356 third- and fourth-grade pupils from the highland city of Quetzaltenango. Height, weight and body mass index were assessed, and one day's intake of all foods and beverages using a pictorial workbook and dietician assisted recall. Mean differences in beverage consumption were compared for private vs. public school children and by anthropometric outcomes (stunting, overweight and obesity). Plain water was consumed by 30.9% of the children on the day intakes were measured, with higher proportions of water drinkers among private school children. Children having reported water intake on that day consumed 154 fewer kcal (-7.7%) compared with the energy intake of children not having reported water intake (P = 0.02). Significantly more children of high socio-economic status (SES) consumed dairy, fruit juice, commercial fruit juice, fruit drink and soda whereas low SES children consumed thin gruels and infusions. A key result from this study is the finding of a lower energy intake shown by children reporting water intake.     

Associations between children's diet quality and watching television during meal or snack consumption: A systematic review

Studies have identified an association between watching television (TV) and childhood obesity. This review adds context to existing research by examining the associations between TV viewing, whilst eating, and children's diet quality. Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched from January 2000 to June 2014. Cross‐sectional trials of case control or cohort studies, which included baseline data, measuring the associations between eating whilst watching TV and children's food and drink intake. Quality of selected papers was assessed. Thirteen studies, representing 61,674 children aged 1–18 yrs, met inclusion criteria. Of six studies reporting overall food habits, all found a positive association between TV viewing and consumption of pizza, fried foods, sweets, and snacks. Of eight studies looking at fruit and vegetable consumption, seven identified a negative association with eating whilst watching TV (p < .0001). Four out of five studies identified a positive association between watching TV whilst eating and servings of sugar‐sweetened beverages (p < .0001). Four studies identified an association between low socioeconomic status and increased likelihood of eating whilst watching TV (p ≤ .01). Family meals did not overcome the adverse impact on diet quality of having the TV on at mealtimes. Eating whilst watching television is associated with poorer diet quality among children, including more frequent consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages and high‐fat, high‐sugar foods and fewer fruits and vegetables. Although these differences in consumption are small, the cumulative effect may contribute to the positive association between eating whilst watching TV and childhood obesity.     

Prevalence trends of obesity and overweight among 10-year-old children in western Sweden and relationship with parental body mass index

AIM: To determine the regional prevalence, secular and family-related trends of obesity and overweight among 10-y-old children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 10-y-old children, born in 1990, was performed during September 2000 to June 2001 at school health centres in three communities in the western part of Sweden. Evaluation was performed in 6311 children, or 81% of the target population. Data from a cohort of children, born in 1974, who form the national growth charts, were available for comparison. RESULTS: The mean body mass index was 17.9 kg/m2 in 10-y-old children born in 1990 and 17.0 kg/m2 for 10-y-olds born in 1974 (p < 0.0001). Of the 10-y-old children in 2000-2001, born in 1990, 18% were overweight and 2.9 % obese, which corresponds to a twofold increase in presence of overweight and a fourfold increase in presence of obesity among 10-y-old children from 1984 to 2000. There was a significant correlation between parental and child body mass index. The prevalence of obesity and being overweight appeared to be higher in children whose parents did not participate in the study. CONCLUSION: During a 16-y period, from 1984 to 2000, a twofold increase in being overweight and a fourfold increase in obesity were seen among 10-y-old children in the western part of Sweden. Parental ponderosity or reluctance to participate in the study was related to a higher prevalence of being overweight or obese in the children. There is a need for the healthcare system to recognize the threats to the health of the population of this new "epidemic" and initiate preventive measures and treatment programmes.     

Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among Cameroonian women in a national survey and relationships with waist circumference and inflammation in Yaoundé and Douala

Information on the distribution and predictors of obesity in Africa is needed to identify populations at risk and explore intervention options. Our objectives were to (a) examine the prevalence and geographic distribution of overweight and obesity among Cameroonian women; (b) evaluate change in anthropometric indicators among urban women between 2009 and 2012; (c) examine associations between household and individual characteristics and overweight and obesity; and (d) examine relationships between body mass index (BMI), abdominal obesity, and inflammation. We analysed data from a nationally representative survey conducted in 3 geographic strata (North, South, and Yaoundé/Douala) in Cameroon in 2009 and a survey in Yaoundé/Douala in 2012. Participants selected for this analysis were nonpregnant women, ages 15–49 years (n = 704 in 2009; n = 243 in 2012). In 2009, ~8% of women were underweight (BMI < 18.5) and 32% overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25.0). Underweight was most common in the North (19%) and overweight and obesity in the South (40%) and Yaoundé/Douala (49%). Prevalence of BMI ≥ 25.0 in Yaoundé/Douala did not differ in 2012 compared with 2009 (55.5% vs. 48.7%; P = 0.16). Residence in urban areas, greater maternal age, and TV ownership were independently related to overweight and obesity in national and stratified analyses. In Yaoundé/Douala in 2012, 48% (waist‐to‐hip ratio > 0.85) to 73% (waist circumference > 80 cm) had abdominal obesity. Body mass index was positively associated with abdominal obesity and inflammation. Though causal inferences cannot be drawn, these findings indicate population subgroups at greatest risk for overweight and associated health consequences in Cameroon.     

Physical activity promotion and obesity prevention in Girl Scouts: Scouting Nutrition and Activity Program+

Background: A previous version of Scouting Nutrition and Activity Program (SNAP) resulted in greater physical activity (PA) during troop meetings, but no impact on girls' body mass index (BMI) or overall PA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 6‐month intervention that coupled the evidence‐based program SNAP with a channel of communication to parents using health report cards. Methods: Thirty‐two Girl Scouts (mean age = 9.5, SD = 1.4 years) received the SNAP+ intervention. Girls were measured before and after the intervention on body composition, BMI, and 7‐day step counts. Troop leaders were trained to implement an interactive obesity‐prevention curriculum. Parents received health report cards designed to provide personalized information about their daughters' PA and weight status. Results: The full sample of participants took more steps per day after the intervention (mean difference = 1741, P= 0.007). Results showed that lower values for body fat percentage (P= 0.620), BMI percentile (P= 0.100) and BMI z‐scores (P= 0.055) at intervention end were not statistically significant. In the subsample of girls at risk for overweight and obesity, there were lower values for BMI z‐score (P= 0.010), BMI percentile (P= 0.027), and body fat percentage (P= 0.053). Conclusions: From this preliminary study, the SNAP+ intervention appears to be effective for Scout‐based promotion of PA, and for the prevention of overweight and obesity in at‐risk Girl Scouts, but further evaluation through a fully powered randomized controlled trial is warranted.