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Environmental Health : a Global Access... Aug 2023Per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent organic pollutants and suspected endocrine disruptors. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Prenatal and childhood exposure to per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and its associations with childhood overweight and/or obesity: a systematic review with meta-analyses.
BACKGROUND
Per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent organic pollutants and suspected endocrine disruptors.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this work was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to summarise the associations between prenatal or childhood exposure to PFASs and childhood overweight/obesity.
METHODS
The search was performed on the bibliographic databases PubMed and Embase with text strings containing terms related to prenatal, breastfeeding, childhood, overweight, obesity, and PFASs. Only papers describing a biomonitoring study in pregnant women or in children up to 18 years that assessed body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), or fat mass in children were included. When the estimates of the association between a PFAS and an outcome were reported from at least 3 studies, a meta-analysis was conducted; moreover, to correctly compare the studies, we developed a method to convert the different effect estimates and made them comparable each other. Meta-analyses were performed also stratifying by sex and age, and sensitivity analyses were also performed.
RESULTS
In total, 484 and 779 articles were retrieved from PubMed and Embase, respectively, resulting in a total of 826 articles after merging duplicates. The papers included in this systematic review were 49: 26 evaluating prenatal exposure to PFASs, 17 childhood exposure, and 6 both. Considering a qualitative evaluation, results were conflicting, with positive, negative, and null associations. 30 papers were included in meta-analyses (19 prenatal, 7 children, and 4 both). Positive associations were evidenced between prenatal PFNA and BMI, between PFOA and BMI in children who were more than 3 years, and between prenatal PFNA and WC. Negative associations were found between prenatal PFOS and BMI in children who were 3 or less years, and between PFHxS and risk of overweight. Relatively more consistent negative associations were evidenced between childhood exposure to three PFASs (PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA) and BMI, in particular PFOS in boys. However, heterogeneity among studies was high.
CONCLUSION
Even though heterogeneous across studies, the pooled evidence suggests possible associations, mostly positive, between prenatal exposure to some PFASs and childhood BMI/WC; and relatively stronger evidence for negative associations between childhood exposure to PFASs and childhood BMI.
Topics: Male; Humans; Child; Female; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Pediatric Obesity; Environmental Pollutants; Overweight; Fluorocarbons; Alkanesulfonic Acids
PubMed: 37580798
DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01006-6 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2023The fecal microbiome of 55 obese children and adolescents (BMI-SDS 3.2 ± 0.7) and of 25 normal-weight subjects, matched both for age and sex (BMI-SDS...
The fecal microbiome of 55 obese children and adolescents (BMI-SDS 3.2 ± 0.7) and of 25 normal-weight subjects, matched both for age and sex (BMI-SDS - 0.3 ± 1.1) was analysed. Streptococcus, Acidaminococcus, Sutterella, Prevotella, Sutterella wadsworthensis, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Prevotella copri positively correlated with obesity. The inferred pathways strongly associated with obesity concern the biosynthesis pathways of tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and methionine pathways. Furthermore, polyamine biosynthesis virulence factors and pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathway showed higher abundances in obese samples, while the butanediol biosynthesis showed low abundance in obese subjects. Different taxa strongly linked with obesity have been related to an increased risk of multiple diseases involving metabolic pathways related to inflammation (polyamine and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis). Cholesterol, LDL, and CRP positively correlated with specific clusters of microbial in obese patients. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes-ratio was lower in obese samples than in controls and differently from the literature we state that this ratio could not be a biomarker for obesity.
Topics: Child; Adolescent; Humans; Pediatric Obesity; Lipopolysaccharides; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Microbiota; Algorithms
PubMed: 37438382
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36533-2 -
PloS One 2023The roles of minerals in obesity received increasing attention recently due to its oxidant or antioxidant functions and effects on insulin and glucose metabolism that...
BACKGROUND
The roles of minerals in obesity received increasing attention recently due to its oxidant or antioxidant functions and effects on insulin and glucose metabolism that may be associated with obesity. Herein, this study aims to explore the association between minerals and obesity and body mass index (BMI) in children with different ages, and hope to provide some references for prevention and management in children with high-risk of obesity.
METHODS
Data of children aged 2-17 years old were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in 2007-2014 in this cross-sectional study. Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression and liner regression analyses were used to screen covariates, and explore the association between minerals [including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), sodium (Na), potassium (K) and selenium (Se)] and childhood obesity and BMI. The evaluation indexes were β, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). These relationships were also investigated in age subgroups.
RESULTS
Among 10,450 eligible children, 1,988 (19.02%) had obesity. After adjusting for covariates, we found the highest quartile of dietary Fe [OR = 0.74, 95%CI: (0.58, 0.95)] and Zn [OR = 0.70, 95%CI: (0.54, 0.92)] intakes were associated with low odds of childhood obesity, while that of dietary Na intake seemed to be positively linked to childhood obesity [OR = 1.35, 95%CI: (1.05, 1.74)]. High dietary intakes of Ca, Na and K were positively associated with children's BMI, on the contrary, dietary Fe and Zn consumptions had a negative one (all P<0.05). Additionally, these associations were also found in children with different age (all P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Dietary Fe and Zn intakes played positive roles in reducing childhood obesity or BMI, while the intakes of Na should be controlled suitably.
Topics: Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nutrition Surveys; Pediatric Obesity; Minerals; Nutritional Status; Zinc; Selenium; Sodium; Calcium, Dietary
PubMed: 38150411
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295765 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Jun 2024The prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity has globally reached alarming dimensions and many adolescents affected by obesity already present one or more... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity has globally reached alarming dimensions and many adolescents affected by obesity already present one or more obesity-related comorbidities. In recent years, emerging evidence supporting the role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases has been reported and the use of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics as a strategy to manipulate gut microbiota has become popular. The aim of this review is to explore the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolic syndrome in adolescents and to discuss the potential use of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics for the prevention and treatment of this clinical picture in adolescence. According to the most recent literature, prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics have no clear effect on MetS, but a possible modulation of anthropometric parameters has been observed after synbiotic supplementation. Only one study has examined the role of postbiotics in alleviating metabolic complications in children with obesity but not in adolescents. More extensive research is needed to support the conclusions drawn so far and to develop effective microbiome-based interventions that may help improving the quality of life of children and adolescents exposed to the increasing prevalence of MetS.
Topics: Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Prebiotics; Probiotics; Synbiotics; Adolescent; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Pediatric Obesity; Child
PubMed: 38704983
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.04.032 -
Public Health Nutrition Jul 2023This study estimates the prevalence of, and associations between, family food insecurity and overweight/obesity among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI)...
OBJECTIVE
This study estimates the prevalence of, and associations between, family food insecurity and overweight/obesity among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) adolescents and explores socio-demographic factors which might have a moderation effect on the association.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study using 2014 NHPI-National Health Interview Survey data reported by a parent or guardian. Family-level food security was assessed by the US Department of Agriculture 10-item questionnaire. BMI for age and sex ≥ 85th and 95th percentiles defined overweight and obesity, respectively, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria.
SETTING
The USA, including all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
PARTICIPANTS
383 NHPI adolescents aged 12-17 in the USA.
RESULTS
A third (33·5 %) of NHPI adolescents aged 12-17 were overweight (19·1 %) or obese (14·4 %); 8·1 % had low food security; and 8·5 % had very low food security. Mean family food security score was 1·06, which corresponds to marginal food security. We found no association between family food insecurity and adolescent overweight/obesity or between any other covariates and overweight/obesity, except for family Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation. Odds of being overweight/obese were 77 % lower for adolescents in families participating in SNAP (OR: 0·23, 95 % CI: 0·08, 0·64, = 0·007). The association between SNAP participation and lower odds of overweight/obesity was particularly pronounced for adolescent girls in food-insecure families.
CONCLUSIONS
The association between SNAP participation and lower odds of overweight/obesity suggests potential benefit of research to determine whether interventions to increase SNAP enrollment would improve NHPI adolescents' health outcomes.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Food Assistance; Food Insecurity; Food Supply; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; Overweight; Pediatric Obesity; Poverty; Prevalence; Child; Male
PubMed: 37069046
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980023000769 -
Archivos Argentinos de Pediatria Oct 2023The incidence of overweight and obesity is alarming worldwide. In Argentina, multifactorial studies are scarce despite the high rates of childhood overweight and obesity...
The incidence of overweight and obesity is alarming worldwide. In Argentina, multifactorial studies are scarce despite the high rates of childhood overweight and obesity (OW/OB). In this study we assessed the prevalence of childhood OW/OB and the associated risk factors from a multicausal perspective: we analyzed sleep habits, screen use, chronic stress in children and their caregivers, social relationship problems, eating habits, and physical activity. Of the 397 first and seventh graders who completed the questionnaires, 41% had childhood OW/OB. In children with obesity, a lower level of physical activity, a lower consumption of protective foods, a higher risk for sleep disorders, higher levels of chronic stress (in both children and their caregivers), and higher rates of peer rejection were observed. Widespread use of screens before bedtime was noted in most children. This study evidences the diversity of factors associated with childhood OW/OB and highlights the convenience of a multidimensional approach to address it. In addition, the results of this study suggest the need to consider lifestyle habits as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for the management of OW/OB from early stages.
Topics: Child; Humans; Overweight; Pediatric Obesity; Argentina; Feeding Behavior; Exercise
PubMed: 36729411
DOI: 10.5546/aap.2022-02854.eng -
Indian Pediatrics Sep 2023American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have released their first comprehensive clinical practice guideline that outlines evidence-based evaluation and treatment of... (Review)
Review
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have released their first comprehensive clinical practice guideline that outlines evidence-based evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. This article reviews the same, along with implication in our setting and the need for updating our guideline, which is almost two decades old.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Pediatric Obesity; Overweight; Academies and Institutes
PubMed: 37705267
DOI: No ID Found -
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal =... Sep 2023Many countries are experiencing an increasing prevalence of childhood obesity and this needs to be carefully addressed.
BACKGROUND
Many countries are experiencing an increasing prevalence of childhood obesity and this needs to be carefully addressed.
AIMS
To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the sociodemographic factors and lifestyle risk behaviours associated with obesity among in-school children in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study among 714 male and female in-school children aged 6-17 years in 14 government schools in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman, from April to July 2019. Data were collected on the sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle of the students using a self-administered questionnaire. The students' height, weight and waist circumference were also measured. The BMI-for-age growth charts cutoff reference standards of the WHO were used to determine weight category. Central obesity was assessed by calculating the waist-to-height ratio, and the waist-toheight ratio cutoff of 0.50 was used to identify central obesity in both boys and girls. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21, involving both descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS
A total of 714 students were included. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 12.3% and 16.3% respectively, and 21.4% of the students had central obesity. Lifestyle risk behaviours were significantly associated with student's age, sex and mother's education (P < 0.05). Predictors of obesity were: unhealthy eating habits (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.20; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.50-10.70), sedentary screen-based activities (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.05-2.26), inadequate night-time sleep duration (AOR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.34-1.00), sibling obesity (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.55-3.25), paternal obesity (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.10-2.50) and maternal obesity (AOR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.10-2.45).
CONCLUSION
There is a need for effective health promotion programmes targeting in-school children in Oman, as well as regular monitoring of lifestyle behaviours associated with overweight and obesity among the younger populations. Larger studies are needed to understand the predictors of overweight and obesity among in-school children in Oman and to design relevant school-based interventions to prevent obesity among young Omanis.
Topics: Pregnancy; Child; Female; Male; Humans; Overweight; Pediatric Obesity; Obesity, Abdominal; Cross-Sectional Studies; Oman; Life Style; Body Mass Index; Prevalence
PubMed: 37776133
DOI: 10.26719/emhj.23.095 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Dec 2023Pediatric obesity affects endocrine conditions, which may alter growth.
CONTEXT
Pediatric obesity affects endocrine conditions, which may alter growth.
OBJECTIVE
This work aimed to investigate the effect of obesity severity and obesity treatment outcome on growth.
METHODS
This prospective cohort study included children (aged 3-18 years) enrolled in the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register (BORIS) (1998-2020). Obesity was categorized as class I and class II obesity. Obesity treatment outcome was measured as body mass index (BMI) z score changes and categorized into good (BMI z score reduction of ≥0.25), intermediate, and poor (increasing BMI z score). Height for age z score, final height, and growth velocity were compared between class I and class II obesity. Further, the effect of obesity treatment outcome on growth velocity during 2-year follow-up was assessed.
RESULTS
A total of 27 997 individuals (mean age 10.2 ± 3.6 years) were included. Individuals with class II obesity were on average taller than those with class I obesity during childhood. Among males, reduced growth spurt was observed in class I obesity, and even absent in class II obesity. Females exhibited a similar but less pronounced pattern. Good obesity treatment outcome yielded lower growth velocity at ages 3 to 9 years but higher growth velocity at ages 10 to 13 years compared to poor treatment outcome.
CONCLUSION
Obesity severity is positively associated with height and growth velocity in childhood. A hampered growth spurt during puberty should be anticipated, particularly in adolescents with severe obesity. Therefore no difference in final height between class I and class II obesity is expected. Successful obesity treatment does not harm, but rather normalizes, the growth velocity pattern.
Topics: Male; Female; Child; Humans; Adolescent; Prospective Studies; Pediatric Obesity; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Puberty
PubMed: 37453086
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad419 -
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism:... Jan 2024Exercise has systemic health benefits through effects on multiple tissues, with intertissue communication. Recent studies indicate that exercise may improve breastmilk... (Review)
Review
Exercise has systemic health benefits through effects on multiple tissues, with intertissue communication. Recent studies indicate that exercise may improve breastmilk composition and thereby reduce the intergenerational transmission of obesity. Even if breastmilk is considered optimal infant nutrition, there is evidence for variations in its composition between mothers who are normal weight, those with obesity, and those who are physically active. Nutrition early in life is important for later-life susceptibility to obesity and other metabolic diseases, and maternal exercise may provide protection against the development of metabolic disease. Here we summarize recent research on the influence of maternal obesity on breastmilk composition and discuss the potential role of exercise-induced adaptations to breastmilk as a kick-start to prevent childhood obesity.
Topics: Child; Infant; Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Milk, Human; Pediatric Obesity; Lactation
PubMed: 37735048
DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.08.019