-
World Journal of Pediatrics : WJP Sep 2023To evaluate whether there is an association between the serum levels of the novel insulin-like adipokine isthmin-1 (ISM1) and obesity-related phenotypes in a population...
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate whether there is an association between the serum levels of the novel insulin-like adipokine isthmin-1 (ISM1) and obesity-related phenotypes in a population of Spanish children and to investigate the plausible molecular alterations behind the alteration of the serum levels of this protein in children with obesity.
METHODS
The study population is a sub-cohort of the PUBMEP research project, consisting of a cross-sectional population of 119 pubertal children with overweight (17 boys, 19 girls), obesity (20 boys, 25 girls), and normal weight (17 boys, 21 girls). All subjects were classified into experimental groups according to their sex, obesity, and insulin resistance (IR) status. They were counted anthropometry, glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation and cardiovascular biomarkers as well as isthmin-1 (ISM1) serum levels. This population was intended as a discovery population to elucidate the relationship between obesity and ISM1 levels in children. Furthermore, the study population had blood whole-genome DNA methylation examined, allowing deepening into the obesity-ISM1 molecular relationship.
RESULTS
Higher serum ISM1 levels were observed in boys with obesity than in normal weight (P = 0.004) and overweight (P = 0.007) boys. ISM1 serum levels were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) Z-score (P = 0.005) and fat mass (P = 0.058) and negatively associated with myeloperoxidase (MPO) (P = 0.043) in boys. Although we did not find associations between ISM1 serum levels and metabolic outcomes in girls, which may indicate a putative sexual dimorphism, fat mass was positively associated in all children, including boys and girls (P = 0.011). DNA methylation levels in two-enhancer-related CpG sites of ISM1 (cg03304641 and cg14269097) were associated with serum levels of ISM1 in children.
CONCLUSIONS
ISM1 is associated with obesity in boys at the pubertal stage, elucidating how this protein might be of special relevance as a new biomarker of obesity in children. Further studies including a longitudinal design during puberty are needed.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Male; Adipokines; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Overweight; Pediatric Obesity; Puberty; Thrombospondins
PubMed: 36595188
DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00665-8 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical... 2024Childhood obesity has emerged as a major global health issue, contributing to the increased prevalence of chronic conditions and adversely affecting the quality of life... (Review)
Review
Childhood obesity has emerged as a major global health issue, contributing to the increased prevalence of chronic conditions and adversely affecting the quality of life and future prospects of affected individuals, thereby presenting a substantial societal challenge. This complex condition, influenced by the interplay of genetic predispositions and environmental factors, is characterized by excessive energy intake due to uncontrolled appetite regulation and a Westernized diet. Managing obesity in childhood requires specific considerations compared with adulthood, given the vulnerability of the critical juvenile-adolescent period to toxicity and developmental defects. Consequently, common treatment options for adult obesity may not directly apply to younger populations. Therefore, research on childhood obesity has focused on genetic defects in regulating energy intake, alongside pharmacotherapy and dietary interventions as management approaches, with an emphasis on safety concerns. This review aims to summarize canonical knowledge and recent findings on genetic factors contributing to childhood obesity. Additionally, it assesses the efficacy and safety of existing pharmacotherapies and dietary interventions and suggests future research directions. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics of childhood obesity, this review aims to offer insights into more targeted and effective strategies for addressing this condition, including personalized healthcare solutions.
Topics: Humans; Pediatric Obesity; Child; Anti-Obesity Agents; Diet
PubMed: 38863827
DOI: 10.3389/jpps.2024.12861 -
Cadernos de Saude Publica 2023Habits and behaviors related to obesity risk are strongly associated with the family environment and are affected by socioeconomic factors. Structural equation modeling...
Habits and behaviors related to obesity risk are strongly associated with the family environment and are affected by socioeconomic factors. Structural equation modeling (SEM) allows us to hypothesize on how the relationships between these factors occur and measure their impact. This study aimed to explore the relationship between family socioeconomic indicators and childhood obesity, mediated by habits linked to energy balance, applying a SEM. A cross sectional study was performed on 861 Argentinian schoolchildren aged 6-12 years, from 2015 to 2016. The model included three latent variables: socioeconomic status, healthy habits, and obesity. Socioeconomic status indicators and healthy habits were surveyed by self-administered parental questionnaires, whereas obesity indicators were evaluated with anthropometry. The applied model showed an acceptable fit (NFI = 0.966; CFI = 0.979; RMSEA = 0.048). Socioeconomic status positively influenced parental education, health insurance, and car possession, while negatively influenced crowding (p < 0.001). Healthy habits significantly influenced physical activity, meals frequency, and sleep hours, while negatively influenced sedentary hours and mother's nutritional status (p < 0.001). Obesity factor positively influenced body mass index, body fat, and waist-to-height ratio (p < 0.001). Finally, socioeconomic status positively influenced health habits, which in turn negatively influenced obesity factor. Healthy habits (especially physical activity and mother's nutritional status) mediated the relationship between socioeconomic status and child obesity. Further research should include other indicators related to diet, eating habits, and physical activity like neighborhood characteristics.
Topics: Child; Humans; Pediatric Obesity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Latent Class Analysis; Brazil; Diet; Body Mass Index; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Feeding Behavior
PubMed: 37585902
DOI: 10.1590/0102-311XEN087822 -
Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Sep 2023Multicomponent community-based obesity prevention interventions that engage multiple sectors have shown promise in preventing obesity in childhood; however, economic... (Review)
Review
Multicomponent community-based obesity prevention interventions that engage multiple sectors have shown promise in preventing obesity in childhood; however, economic evaluations of such interventions are limited. This systematic review explores the methods used and summarizes current evidence of costs and cost-effectiveness of complex obesity prevention interventions. A systematic search was conducted using 12 academic databases and grey literature from 2006 to April 2022. Studies were included if they reported methods of costing and/or economic evaluation of multicomponent, multisectoral, and community-wide obesity prevention interventions. Results were reported narratively based on the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards. Seventeen studies were included, reporting costing or economic evaluation of 13 different interventions. Five interventions reported full economic evaluations, five interventions reported economic evaluation protocols, two interventions reported cost analysis, and one intervention reported a costing protocol. Five studies conducted cost-utility analysis, three of which were cost-effective. One study reported a cost-saving return-on-investment ratio. The economic evidence for complex obesity prevention interventions is limited and therefore inconclusive. Challenges include accurate tracking of costs for interventions with multiple actors, and the limited incorporation of broader benefits into economic evaluation. Further methodological development is needed to find appropriate pragmatic methods to evaluate complex obesity prevention interventions.
Topics: Humans; Child; Pediatric Obesity; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
PubMed: 37308321
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13592 -
BMC Pediatrics Sep 2023Globally, the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased considerably, including in Indonesia. Obesity results from multifactorial interactions at the personal,...
BACKGROUND
Globally, the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased considerably, including in Indonesia. Obesity results from multifactorial interactions at the personal, familial, and environmental levels. However, little is known about the factors associated with overweight/obesity among children in Indonesia. This study is intended to identify personal, familial, and environmental factors associated with overweight/obesity in children aged 6-12 years in Indonesia.
METHODS
Study design was a secondary data analysis using the Indonesia Family Life Survey in 2014/2015, focusing on 6,090 children aged 6-12 years. The questions covered the child's body mass index and potential personal, familial, and environmental factors. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the personal, familial, and environmental factors.
RESULTS
The mean age of participants was 8.9 years (SD = 2.0); 51.0% were boys; 9.4% were overweight; and 8.1% were obese. Overweight and obesity were associated with age [AOR 1.09 (95% CI 1.04-1.14)], having an overweight [AOR 1.93 (95% CI 1.58-2.36)] or obese [AOR 3.36 (95% CI 2.43-4.61)] father compared with a normal father, being of Chinese [AOR 9.51 (95% CI 1.43-79.43)] or Javanese [AOR 1.60 (95% CI 1.16-2.24)] ethnicity compared with Sundanese ethnicity, and residing in an urban area [AOR 1.36 (95% CI 1.10-1.70)]. A lower risk of child overweight/obesity was associated with the father's perception [AOR 0.56 (95% CI 0.38-0.80)] and mother's perception [AOR 0.66 (95% CI 0.43-0.98)] of the child's food consumption as being less than adequate compared with adequate.
CONCLUSIONS
Risk factors in children for overweight/obesity were older age, having an overweight/obese father, membership of certain ethnic groups, and urban residence. The main protective factor was parents' perception that a child's food consumption was less than adequate. Health promotion programs focused on these factors could help control or prevent childhood obesity in Indonesia.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Male; Asian People; Indonesia; Overweight; Pediatric Obesity; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37749512
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04321-6 -
Journal of Physiological Anthropology Dec 2023Overweight and obesity among children have become significant global health concerns. Previous studies have highlighted the potential role of genetic factors,...
FTO and MC4R polymorphisms, and selected pre-, peri- and postnatal factors as determinants of body mass index and fatness in children: a thorough analysis of the associations.
BACKGROUND
Overweight and obesity among children have become significant global health concerns. Previous studies have highlighted the potential role of genetic factors, particularly polymorphisms in the FTO and MC4R genes, as well as environmental factors in the development of childhood obesity. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between genetic, socioeconomic and perinatal factors, adverse childhood events (ACEs), and lifestyle, and their impact on overweight, obesity and body composition parameters in children. Additionally, we explored potential interactions between genetic factors and ACEs.
METHODS
Four hundred fifty-six children aged 6-12 years participated in our study. Information on the socioeconomic status, perinatal factors, ACEs and lifestyle of the children was collected with a questionnaire completed by their parents/guardians. We examined the children's body weight and conducted an electrical bioimpedance analysis. Overweight and obesity were diagnosed based on the International Obesity Task Force and McCarthy criteria. We genotyped two selected polymorphisms in the FTO and MC4R genes using the TaqMan SNP allelic discrimination method.
RESULTS
Higher BMI (Body Mass Index) z scores were related to higher paternal BMI and lower maternal age at the child's birth. Higher FMI (Fat Mass Index) z scores were associated with higher paternal BMI, increased gestational weight, lower maternal education and the presence of the FTO risk allele. Higher FatM (fat mass in kg) z scores were linked to lower maternal education, lower maternal age at the child's birth, higher maternal body weight gain, paternal BMI and the presence of the FTO risk allele. Moreover, interaction effects were observed on BMI z scores between ACE and FTO AA, and on FMI z scores and FatM z scored between ACE and MC4R CC.
CONCLUSIONS
The contribution of environmental factors is more strongly related to changes in body composition than genetic ones. Additionally, the presence of the risk allele combined with unfavourable environmental factors like ACEs leads to visible interaction effects, resulting in increased BMI z scores and FMI z scores in children.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO; Body Mass Index; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genotype; Overweight; Pediatric Obesity; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4; Adiposity
PubMed: 38066615
DOI: 10.1186/s40101-023-00344-1 -
World Journal of Pediatrics : WJP Apr 2024A more comprehensive assessment of growth and nutrition in children is required in China due to rapid socioeconomic processes. We aimed to investigate height and body...
Height and body mass index trajectories from 1975 to 2015 and prevalence of stunting, underweight and obesity in 2016 among children in Chinese cities: findings from five rounds of a national survey.
BACKGROUND
A more comprehensive assessment of growth and nutrition in children is required in China due to rapid socioeconomic processes. We aimed to investigate height and body mass index (BMI) trajectories from 1975 to 2015 and the prevalence of stunting and obesity in 2016 among children in Chinese cities.
METHODS
A total of 904,263 children from birth to 6.9 years were collected from a series of nationally representative surveys in China. Height and BMI trajectories and prevalence of stunting, underweight, overweight and obesity were assessed.
RESULTS
The average height level of Chinese urban children under 7 years presented a positive secular trend from 1975 to 2015; however, a slowing tendency occurred in 2005‒2015. An apparent increase was observed at the 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles of BMI in urban children aged 3 years and older, with a more prominent increase at the 95th percentile. The total prevalence of stunting and underweight under 7 years was 1.4% and 2.0%, respectively. The total prevalence of overweight and obesity under 7 years was 12.6% and 4.3%, respectively, with 12.7% and 4.9% for boys, 12.6% and 3.6% for girls, 12.1% and 4.0% in urban areas and 13.1% and 4.5% in suburban rural areas.
CONCLUSIONS
The average height level of Chinese urban children has reached World Health Organization child growth standards since 2005 and presented a slowing tendency in secular trend in 2005‒2015. More attention and efforts and public health interventions should be urgently made to combat overweight and obesity among preschool children. Video Abstract.
Topics: Humans; Male; China; Child, Preschool; Female; Body Mass Index; Prevalence; Thinness; Child; Infant; Pediatric Obesity; Growth Disorders; Urban Population; Body Height; Infant, Newborn; Health Surveys
PubMed: 37589945
DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00747-1 -
Nutrients Apr 2024(1) Background: Numerous elements of the Mediterranean diet (MD) have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. (2) Methods: We present a narrative review of the... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: Numerous elements of the Mediterranean diet (MD) have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. (2) Methods: We present a narrative review of the potential benefits of the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MD) in mitigating aging-related inflammation (inflamm-aging) associated with childhood obesity. The mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation in obesity are also discussed. A total of 130 papers were included after screening abstracts and full texts. (3) Results: A complex interplay between obesity, chronic inflammation, and related comorbidities is documented. The MD emerges as a promising dietary pattern for mitigating inflammation. Studies suggest that the MD may contribute to weight control, improved lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and endothelial function, thereby reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents with obesity. (4) Conclusions: While evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory effects of the MD in pediatric obesity is still evolving, the existing literature underscores its potential as a preventive and therapeutic strategy. However, MD adherence remains low among children and adolescents, necessitating targeted interventions to promote healthier dietary habits. Future high-quality intervention studies are necessary to elucidate the specific impact of the MD on inflammation in diverse pediatric populations with obesity and associated comorbidities.
Topics: Humans; Diet, Mediterranean; Pediatric Obesity; Child; Inflammation; Adolescent; Aging; Metabolic Syndrome
PubMed: 38732533
DOI: 10.3390/nu16091286 -
Annals of Behavioral Medicine : a... Jul 2023Currently, the effects of motivational interviewing (MI) on children's behavioral changes remain obscure. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Currently, the effects of motivational interviewing (MI) on children's behavioral changes remain obscure.
PURPOSE
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of MI on children's lifestyle behavioral changes (fruits and vegetables [F/V], dairy, sugary beverages, calories, snacks, fat intake, moderate vigorous physical activity [MVPA], and screen time).
METHODS
Six databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Sciences) from 2005 to 2022 were searched. Thirty-one intervention studies with a comparison group met the criteria. Random-effects models were performed to estimate the pooled effects; exploratory moderation analyses with mixed-effects models were used to explore potential intervention moderators.
RESULTS
The pooled effect size was 0.10 (p = .334) on ↑F/V, 0.02 (p = .724) on ↑dairy, -0.29 (p < .001) on ↓calories, -0.16 (p = .054) on ↓sugary beverages, -0.22 (p = .002) on ↓snacks, -0.20 (p = .044) on ↓fat, 0.22 (p = .001) on ↑MVPA, and -0.06 (p = .176) on ↓screen time. The effects of MIs were moderated by ↑MI sessions regarding ↓snacks (B = -0.04, p = .010). Multicomponent and clinical programs had greater effects on dairy intake than their counterparts (0.09 vs. -0.21, p = .034; 0.12 vs. -0.14, p = .027, respectively). Similarly, interventions with a fidelity check resulted in greater dairy intake than those without a check (0.29 vs. -0.15, p = .014). A few long-term follow-up assessments revealed effects on ↓F/V (-0.18; p = .143, k = 2), ↓dairy (-0.13, p = .399, k = 4), ↓MVPA (-0.04; p = .611, k = 6), and ↑screen time (0.12; p = .242, k = 4).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings support the short-term effects of MI on improving children's lifestyle behaviors. Additional investigations are needed to better sustain children's long-term behavioral changes.
Topics: Child; Humans; Pediatric Obesity; Motivational Interviewing; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Fruit; Vegetables
PubMed: 37195909
DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaad006 -
BMC Public Health Aug 2023There is an urgent need for innovative approaches to adolescent obesity treatment, particularly among individuals from racially and ethnically marginalized backgrounds,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
There is an urgent need for innovative approaches to adolescent obesity treatment, particularly among individuals from racially and ethnically marginalized backgrounds, who face increased risk of obesity and its associated morbidity and mortality. There is a particular dearth of research on the long-term efficacy of adolescent obesity treatments. Further, research and clinical practice guidelines consistently recommend parents' inclusion in their adolescents' obesity treatment, yet the most effective strategy to engage parents in adolescent obesity treatment remains unclear. Towards that end, this investigation will conduct a fully-powered, randomized clinical trial to examine the efficacy of two distinct approaches to involving parents in their adolescents' obesity treatment.
METHODS
Participants will be 210 12-16 year old adolescents (body mass index [BMI]≥85 percentile) and parents (BMI≥25 kg/m) with overweight or obesity. Dyads will be randomized to one of two 4-month treatments: 1) TEENS+Parents as Coaches (PAC), engaging parents as helpers in their child's weight management via parent skills training based on authoritative parenting, or 2) TEENS+Parent Weight Loss (PWL), engaging parents in their own behavioral weight management. All adolescents will participate in the TEENS+ protocol, which includes nutrition education with dietary goals, supervised physical activity, and behavioral support, and integrates motivational interviewing to enhance treatment engagement. Assessments of anthropometrics, dietary intake, physical activity, parenting and home environment variables will be completed at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 months with the primary endpoint at 12-month follow-up.
DISCUSSION
Results of this investigation have the potential to significantly advance science in this area and ultimately inform clinical practice guidelines related to the role of parents in adolescent obesity treatment.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03851796. Registered: February 22, 2019.
Topics: Child; Adolescent; Humans; Pediatric Obesity; Body Mass Index; Parents; Behavior Therapy; Overweight
PubMed: 37537548
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16421-0