Study shows early breastfeeding mitigates child obesity, regardless of maternal weight
A recent study funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program at the National Institutes of Health has revealed a significant correlation between early breastfeeding and reduced childhood obesity risks. This relationship holds true irrespective of the mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).
The ECHO Cohort study delved into the impact of breastfeeding practices in women who had overweight or obesity before pregnancy and its influence on their children’s BMIz scores. BMIz scores are used to compare a child’s height and weight against their peers, whereas BMI assesses body weight relative to height.
The research discovered that any consistent breastfeeding during the first three months of an infant’s life was linked with lower BMIz scores at ages 2 to 6, regardless of the mother’s pre-pregnancy BMI. This association was particularly pronounced in children whose mothers had obesity before pregnancy, compared to those whose mothers were merely overweight.
Dr. Gayle Shipp from Michigan State University, who led the study, emphasised the importance of each additional month of breastfeeding, whether exclusive or combined with other foods, in contributing to lower childhood weights. This effect was notably significant for mothers who had overweight or obesity before pregnancy.
The study analysed data from 8,134 mother-child pairs across 21 sites in 16 states and Puerto Rico. It examined BMI and BMIz scores obtained from study visits, medical records, or self-reported information. The research particularly focused on two aspects of breastfeeding: whether the mother ever breastfed and if she was exclusively breastfeeding at three months. The definition of continuous breastfeeding included any breastfeeding duration with the allowance of formula or other food, and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding without formula feeding or other food.
The study found that exclusive breastfeeding at three months was linked to a lower child BMIz score primarily among women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI. Each additional month of either any or exclusive breastfeeding correlated with a significantly lower child BMIz score, especially for mothers who had overweight or obesity before pregnancy.
Dr. Shipp highlighted the significance of this research for health professionals, suggesting it as an opportunity to promote breastfeeding among all women, particularly those with obesity. The study’s findings have been published in the journal Pediatrics.
Study confirms light exercise effectively counters childhood obesity
Childhood obesity, a growing concern worldwide, might have a surprisingly straightforward solution: light exercise. Recent research led by an international team of scientists from the Universities of Exeter, Eastern Finland, Bristol, and Colorado, underscores the profound impact of light physical activity in combating the rise of obesity in children.
Drawing from the University of Bristol’s Children of the 90s study, the research tracked 6,059 children (53% female) from age 11 to 24. Amid global reports revealing a worrying trend of inactivity among adolescents — with over 80% failing to meet the World Health Organization’s guidelines for daily physical activity — the study presents an urgent narrative. The lack of exercise is anticipated to contribute to 500 million new cases of noncommunicable diseases by 2030, costing an estimated $23 million annually.
What’s striking about the study is the revelation that light physical activity, rather than moderate-to-vigorous exertion, plays a crucial role in reducing fat mass gain in youth. Dr. Andrew Agbaje of the University of Exeter, a key contributor to the study, emphasises the overlooked benefits of light physical activities like walking, household chores, and leisurely swimming. He suggests shifting public health messages from an emphasis on 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity to encouraging at least three hours of light activity daily.
Participants were observed over 13 years, with physical activity levels and health markers meticulously monitored using waist-worn accelerometers and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The results were startling: each additional minute of sedentary behaviour correlated with a 1.3-gram increase in total body fat mass. In contrast, each minute of light physical activity corresponded to a 3.6-gram decrease in total body fat mass, amounting to a significant reduction of 950 grams to 1.5 kilograms over the study period.
In comparison, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity showed a minimal effect, reducing total body fat mass by only about 0.7 to 1.7 percent. This finding challenges the prevailing public health guidelines, which predominantly advocate for higher-intensity exercise.
The study, published in Nature Communications, calls for a reevaluation of health guidelines and policy statements, urging public health experts, policymakers, and parents alike to promote light physical activity as a key strategy in preventing childhood obesity. As Dr. Agbaje concludes, sustaining light physical activity can be the much-needed antidote to the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle in young populations.
Rates of severe obesity in young American children are escalating, study reveals
A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics presents alarming evidence that severe obesity is on the rise among young children in the United States.
This concerning trend was initially hoped to be an exception for children participating in a government food programme, as earlier research indicated a slight decline in obesity rates about a decade ago among these children. However, the updated findings from 2020 show a rebound in the rate, countering the previous optimism.
National data align with these findings, suggesting that approximately 2.5% of preschool-aged children across the U.S. were classified as having severe obesity during the same period.
“We were doing well and now we see this upward trend,” stated Heidi Blanck of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the authors of the study. “We are dismayed at seeing these findings.”
The study focused on children aged 2 to 4 who were enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programme, which offers healthy food and additional services to preschool-aged children from low-income families. Measurements and weights of the children were recorded for the study.
The researchers observed that 2.1% of children in the WIC programme had severe obesity in 2010. By 2016, this percentage had decreased slightly to 1.8%. However, by 2020, the rate had risen to 2%, equating to about 33,000 of the more than 1.6 million children in the WIC programme.
Twenty states recorded significant increases, with California exhibiting the highest rate at 2.8%. Notable rises were also seen in certain racial and ethnic groups, with the highest rate of approximately 2.8% found among Hispanic children.
Experts warn that severe obesity in early childhood is almost irreversible and is closely linked to chronic health issues and premature mortality.
The reasons for the increase in obesity rates remain unclear, according to Blanck. Some experts had previously attributed the decline in WIC obesity rates to policy changes in 2009, which included adjustments to food packages such as the removal of juice for infants, reduced saturated fat, and increased accessibility to fruits and vegetables.
Despite these policy changes remaining in effect, “the daily hardships that families living in poverty are facing may be harder today than they were 10 years ago, and the slight increases in the WIC package just weren’t enough,” suggested Dr. Sarah Armstrong, a Duke University childhood obesity researcher.
The study faced several challenges, including a decline in the number of children participating in the WIC programme over the past decade. Furthermore, the study period encompassed 2020, the year the COVID-19 pandemic began, leading to fewer parents taking their children for doctor visits and thus a reduction in the amount of complete data available.
Deanna Hoelscher, a childhood obesity researcher at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, commended the study despite its limitations, noting that “it gives you a hint of what’s going on.”
Post-2020 developments in childhood obesity rates are yet to be fully understood. Some smaller studies have indicated a significant increase in childhood obesity, particularly during the pandemic, when children were homebound from schools, experiencing disrupted eating and bedtime routines, and reduced physical activity.
“We are thinking it’s going to get worse,” Hoelscher added, highlighting concerns about the trajectory of childhood obesity in the wake of the pandemic.
Read MoreUS panel of health experts advocate early interventions for childhood obesity from age 6
A panel of U.S. health experts has put forth a draft recommendation advocating for children with obesity to begin receiving comprehensive counselling aimed at fostering healthy eating and exercise habits, starting at the age of 6. This guidance, issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), builds upon their 2017 recommendation which suggested that obesity screening should commence from the same age.
Recent research underscores the value of intensive behavioural interventions, defined as a minimum of 26 hours of counselling with one or more health professionals, in aiding children and adolescents to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and enhance their overall quality of life. However, the recommendation does not set a specific timeframe for these interventions.
The USPSTF’s updated advice does not delve into the use of weight-loss medications like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, approved for use in children aged 12 and above, nor does it address surgical options. The Task Force reviewed evidence surrounding weight-loss medications but noted that further research is needed to fully grasp the long-term health impacts of such treatments.
According to Dr. Katrina Donahue from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and a member of the Task Force, the proposed behavioural interventions encompass a combination of physical activity, behaviour change support, and education on healthy eating. Recognising that available resources vary by location, Donahue acknowledged that the implementation of these interventions might differ across cities.
The recommendation is backed by data from 58 randomised controlled trials involving over 10,000 children, which demonstrated the effectiveness of these interventions when a child engages in at least 26 hours of professional contact. The evidence for these intensive interventions received a “grade B” from the USPSTF, indicating high certainty of at least moderate benefit. The children in these trials lost an average of 4 to 6.5 pounds (approximately 2 to 3 kilograms), with the reductions being sustained for at least a year.
Childhood and adolescent obesity, through the age of 19, is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) – a weight-to-height ratio – higher than that of 95% of peers of the same age and gender. Nearly one in five U.S. children and teenagers are categorised as having obesity, based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines also endorse lifestyle support, including over 26 hours of face-to-face, family-based, multicomponent treatment spanning 3 to 12 months. Additionally, the AAP recommends paediatricians consider weight-loss drugs for children with obesity aged 12 and over and to refer adolescents aged 13 and older with severe obesity for metabolic and bariatric surgery evaluation.
The USPSTF’s draft recommendation is open for public comment until the 16th of January 2023, inviting a wider discourse on the proposed approach to tackle childhood obesity.
Read MoreUS study uncovers key gut metabolite’s role in combating obesity
Vanderbilt University researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of gut microbiota in obesity prevention. Published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, their study reveals that bacteria in the small intestines produce a compound crucial for guarding against obesity. This finding sheds light on how disruptions in the microbiota, such as those caused by early-life antibiotic exposure, can increase childhood obesity risks.
One of the study’s key insights is the potential for probiotic bacteria, or the compounds they produce, to serve as preventive measures against antibiotic-associated childhood obesity. “Previous studies have indicated that either antibiotics or a high-fat diet can lead to obesity later in life by disturbing the microbiota,” explained Mariana Byndloss, DVM, PhD, assistant professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at Vanderbilt. “Our aim was to investigate the combined effect of these risk factors, which children often face simultaneously.”
Under the guidance of graduate student Catherine Shelton, who is the first author of the paper, the research team developed a model using young mice exposed both to antibiotics and a high-fat diet. This dual exposure led to increased weight gain, adiposity, and metabolic dysfunction in the mice.
The team’s investigation pinpointed a disruption in the small intestine microbiota caused by the combination of antibiotics and a high-fat diet. This disruption led to decreased levels of beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria and a corresponding reduction in a metabolite they produce, known as phenyllactic acid. The researchers identified phenyllactic acid as a regulator of a fat metabolism pathway in intestinal epithelial cells — the cells lining the intestines.
Byndloss noted, “The absence of this specific microbe and its metabolite changes how intestinal epithelial cells process fat, leading to increased fat in the bloodstream. Normally, phenyllactic acid instructs these cells to limit fat packaging and secretion. When this microbial signal is lost, the cells behave differently, resulting in increased obesity in mice.”
This discovery opens up the possibility of using phenyllactic acid or Lactobacillus bacteria as interventions for obesity, particularly in children undergoing antibiotic treatment. Lactobacillus is commonly found in probiotic supplements and in fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi, and probiotic milk products popular in Asia.
“Some cultures already have a practice of giving children fermented milk, which might be inadvertently providing this protective compound,” added Byndloss.
In the study’s mouse model, exposure to antibiotics alone did not lead to weight gain; it was the combination of antibiotics and a high-fat diet that heightened obesity risk. Byndloss suggests a healthy diet with limited excess dietary fats as a way to mitigate the negative impact of antibiotics on the microbiota.
Surprisingly, the researchers found that intestinal epithelial cells play a significant role in weight gain. “We usually associate obesity with adipose tissue and the liver, not intestinal cells. It was unexpected that a single metabolite acting on these cells could have such a profound effect in preventing weight gain,” Byndloss remarked.
Ongoing studies by Byndloss and her colleagues are exploring the role of Lactobacillus and phenyllactic acid in early life, particularly during breastfeeding. Given the high fat content in breast milk, the team is investigating whether this pathway offers protective benefits against obesity from a very early age.
Read MoreTeachers could play a major role in combating childhood obesity
Recent scholarly insights have underlined a potentially transformative role that educators can play in combating the alarming rates of childhood obesity, particularly in the United States (US). As published in the reputable journal Nutrients, a meticulous study embarked on an exploratory journey to gauge the impact teachers could make in mitigating this health crisis among the younger generation.
The roots of childhood obesity have embedded themselves deep within the US, displaying a consistent upward trend, with a pronounced prevalence in disadvantaged regions. The escalating concern has drawn concerted interventions from health authorities at local, state, and federal levels, spotlighting schools as pivotal arenas for executing preventative measures.
At the heart of these initiatives lies an appreciable emphasis on the instrumental role of teachers. By being on the frontlines of programme delivery, they emerge as invaluable assets in recognising and diffusing obesity-curbing strategies among students. However, the pressing commitments inherent to the teaching profession pose a formidable challenge to prioritising their health – a dilemma exacerbated by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought to light the imperative of maintaining teacher well-being.
In 2022, a seminal report from the RAND Corporation shed light on a concerning level of job-induced stress among teachers, pointing towards a positive correlation between employer-facilitated wellness programs and reduced stress levels. Multiple strands of research echo a similar sentiment: a robust student-teacher rapport is a cornerstone for fostering student engagement, regular attendance, enhanced emotional well-being, and an overall conducive academic atmosphere.
An investigative team from the American University, Washington, orchestrated an elaborate five-year intervention venture beginning in 2017. The primary objective was to immerse educators in a milieu of nutrition literacy, aimed at equipping them with the requisite skill set to impart obesity-preventive knowledge among elementary scholars in Washington, DC. The study encapsulated four schools, two of which were designated as control while the others were intervention cohorts. Teachers, pivotal to this initiative, furnished demographic details and partook in Teacher Health Surveys before and subsequent to the intervention period.
Survey feedback, encapsulated through a Likert scale, facilitated an overall health score, amalgamated from various metrics including chronic conditions, self-efficacy, health education ideologies, and general health standings. The project’s crux was to evaluate the influence of a professional development scheme on augmenting teachers’ capacity to infuse nutrition-centric discourse into their pedagogical regimen.
Each intervention session commenced with a wellness-centric activity, transitioning into a demonstration lesson from “Serving up MyPlate: A Yummy Curriculum.” Teachers at the intervention forefront were required to integrate a minimum of three nutrition-dedicated lessons throughout the academic year. To measure the pedagogical impact, a Student Nutrition Literacy Survey was administered at both the outset and the conclusion of the intervention.
The data depicted a collective participation of 92 educators from both the control and intervention factions. The demographic backdrop of these teachers showcased a reasonable level of uniformity across the schools. An age average of 36 years, a predominant female representation (84.8%), and a significant Black demographic (68.5%) constituted the participant profile.
A cadre of 55 teachers from the intervention spectrum attended the professional development suite, orchestrating 71 nutrition-oriented lessons. A meticulous Poisson regression analysis unearthed a predictive association among job stress, professional development attendance, and self-efficacy towards the incorporation of nutrition lessons. An incremental self-efficacy score and each additional session attendance manifested a 25% and 48% increased likelihood, respectively, of infusing nutrition lectures into the curriculum. Interestingly, a stark inverse relation was observed between stress levels and self-efficacy scores.
The investigative lens also focused on the ripple effect of health scores, lesson implementations, and aggregate health scores. A noticeable inverse relationship emerged between lesson execution and stress levels, indicating that session attendance contributed to lower stress levels among teachers. Moreover, a higher aggregate health score was recorded for teachers who integrated three or more nutrition lessons compared to their counterparts. The student demographic, comprising both intervention and control schools, showcased a balanced representation concerning age, gender, and grade level.
The baseline knowledge levels didn’t exhibit significant discrepancies between the students of intervention and control schools. However, a commendable uptick in scores was observed among students of the intervention cohort who were recipients of nutrition education from session-attending teachers. Notably, students exposed to three or more nutrition lessons reflected a 10% enhancement in their scores compared to those receiving two or fewer lessons.
The observations evinced the practicability and sustainability of a short-term professional development module aimed at fostering teacher health while concurrently advancing nutrition education. It’s imperative to highlight that although the rise in healthful eating awareness is promising, it doesn’t necessarily translate to a behavioural modification. A holistic approach to enhancing student health necessitates a foundational support structure for teacher health, underscoring the necessity of workplace professional development.
Empowering teachers with a robust knowledge repository, a wealth of resources, and adeptness in managing their health not only transforms them into educational conduits but also as potent change agents in the classroom. By co-opting teachers as collaborative partners in the quest to curb childhood obesity, a more structured pathway towards attaining health equity is envisioned. The study, in essence, reinforces the potential of a professional development framework as a viable stratagem in advancing teacher well-being and fortifying the bulwark against childhood obesity.
Read MoreNew research links early adolescent weight gain to higher depression risks in teen years
Recent studies indicate a strong correlation between elevated body mass index (BMI) in children and increased instances of depression during their teenage years. This correlation, as pinpointed in the comprehensive research conducted by King’s College London, has flagged early adolescence as a critical period wherein weight gain can significantly influence the onset of depressive symptoms later on in life.
The King’s College London team analysed data from over 10,000 twins born from 1994 to 1996, charting their height and weight at ages 12, 16, and 21 to determine their BMI. Additionally, the young participants filled out questionnaires that helped monitor depression symptoms such as feelings of loneliness, low moods, and exhaustion.
The insights derived from the research underscored a higher tendency among children with overweight to develop depression, a risk amplified the earlier in life they started to experience weight issues. Particularly, the span between 12 and 16 years was identified as a “sensitive point,” with weight gains during this period more strongly linked to later depression compared to gains between the ages of 16 and 21.
Senior co-author of the study, Thalia Eley, Professor of Developmental Behavioural Genetics, highlighted the significant role of early adolescence in the co-evolution of obesity and depressive tendencies. She further underscored the urgency of adopting a proactive approach to fostering positive body image and wellbeing, as opposed to merely focusing on weight, to thwart the onset of depression in later years.
Echoing these sentiments, the study’s principal author, Dr. Ellen Thompson emphasised the imperative need to unravel the intricacies of the mental health-weight nexus in adolescence to devise timely and effective support mechanisms. While the current study did not delve into the underlying causes of the observed relationship, earlier studies have pointed to factors like body dissatisfaction and external weight-related stigma as potent triggers.
In light of the increasing concerns around obesity and mental health disorders amongst the UK’s youth — a demographic where one-third have overweight or obesity by the time they finish primary school — the researchers propose that educational institutions integrate positive body image narratives in their curriculum.
These recommendations come against a backdrop of an alarming rise in child mental health crises, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and sustained school closures which have put unprecedented demand on the NHS’s mental health services for young people. According to recent statistics, one in four older teenagers are grappling with “probable” mental health disorders, a spectrum that encompasses depression and anxiety symptoms.
Furthermore, the persistent pressures from social media and the bottleneck created by long waiting lists for accessing mental health services portray a grim landscape for the younger generation. The scholars behind the study press for urgent interventions to mitigate this rapidly spiralling crisis, urging for a renewed focus on promoting a healthy body image to stave off depression and foster mental wellbeing among youth.
Read MoreChild sleep apnea severity linked to obesity, finds new study
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Health have discovered that obesity and older age are substantial predictors of the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. The study, recently published in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, underscores the essential role of obesity in paediatric OSA. This new finding contributes to the increasing recognition of the association between childhood obesity and various negative outcomes including cognitive deficits, impaired academic performance, behavioural issues, excessive daytime sleepiness, and potential long-term effects on cardiovascular health.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterised by repeated obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to interruptions in both ventilation and sleep patterns. Diagnosis of OSA usually requires full-night polysomnography, an extensive sleep study that monitors brain waves, blood oxygen levels, and heart and breathing rates while the patient sleeps.
Traditionally, paediatric patients suffering from OSA have been treated with adenotonsillectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the adenoids and tonsils. However, this surgery does not always resolve the problem, and some children continue to experience what is known as residual OSA after the procedure.
The study was led by Romaine F. Johnson, M.D., M.P.H., Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at UT Southwestern, who emphasised that “OSA is typically considered a condition that affects adults.” But Dr. Johnson pointed out that the growing epidemic of childhood obesity has led to an increase in the number of paediatric patients diagnosed with OSA. He explained that “higher levels of obesity and advancing age are key contributors to this issue,” and suggested that targeting childhood obesity could substantially enhance sleep quality and mitigate the detrimental consequences of both OSA and residual OSA.
Dr. Johnson and his research team initially embarked on the study to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and paediatric OSA. They examined the medical records of 249 children aged 18 or younger who underwent both polysomnogram and adenotonsillectomy at Children’s Health over a one-year span. To evaluate the influence of SES on paediatric OSA, the researchers utilised the area deprivation index (ADI), a metric defining neighbourhood-level disadvantages through various social determinants such as education, employment, and poverty.
Contrary to expectations, the study revealed that neighbourhood-level deprivation, as indicated by the ADI ranking, did not predict OSA severity or residual OSA after surgery. Instead, the team found that severe OSA was significantly associated with obesity, and residual OSA was more commonly linked with older age, particularly among adolescents.
While the research did not establish a direct link between SES and OSA severity, Dr. Johnson emphasised the need for further investigation into the relationship. He highlighted the critical nature of understanding how socioeconomic status intersects with paediatric OSA, stating that “social disadvantages can further affect the consequences of poor sleep quality.” He also noted that children who experience both OSA and social disadvantages might be at increased risk and may require specialised interventions.
The significance of this study lies in its identification of childhood obesity as a key factor in the severity of sleep apnea, thereby opening the door to potential interventions targeting weight management. Supported by the Beth and Marvin C. “Cub” Culbertson Professorship in Pediatric Otolaryngology, the research also emphasises the complex interplay between obesity, age, and sleep disorders in children, and calls attention to the need for a multifaceted approach to address these interconnected health challenges.
Read MoreLuton Council takes action against childhood obesity by banning unhealthy food ads on municipal property
Luton Council has made a significant decision to combat the growing concern of childhood obesity in the town by implementing a ban on advertising for unhealthy food items on most of its council-owned property. As part of this determined initiative, advertisements featuring food products high in fat, salt, and sugar will no longer be permitted to be displayed on billboards, lampposts, screens, or roundabouts within the town’s jurisdiction.
This move, according to the council, aims to “protect children and adults” from the influence of marketing that promotes unhealthy eating habits. The situation has become particularly alarming in Luton, where childhood obesity rates have exceeded national levels. The latest figures from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) revealed that 11.4% of reception age children in Luton (ages four to five) were classified as having obesity, compared to the national rate of 10.1%. Similarly, obesity among children aged 10 to 11 (Year 6) in Luton stood at 29.2%, noticeably higher than the national rate of 23.4%.
Labour councillor Khtija Malik, who holds the portfolio for public health, declared the ban as a “start” in the town’s efforts to decrease its “high rates of obesity among young children.” Ms. Malik stressed the importance of fostering healthy eating habits early in life, acknowledging the considerable impact advertising has on shaping people’s food choices.
This ban, although extensive, will not encompass all advertising locations within the town. Unhealthy food adverts may continue to be seen on bus shelters until at least 2027, as the council’s current advertising contract for these spaces extends to that year. However, Ms. Malik reassured that the council, having “control of our assets,” would exercise control over “what is advertised” in areas under its jurisdiction.
The move by Luton Council has not only demonstrated a proactive approach to a pressing public health issue but has also been met with support from advocacy groups. Fran Bernhardt, the children’s food campaign coordinator at Sustain, a group dedicated to better food and farming, lauded the council’s efforts, stating, “Luton Council has stood up to the food and drinks industry on behalf of all their residents.” She further emphasised the importance of the decision, pointing out that those residing in the most deprived areas are the ones most affected by unhealthy food advertising and are consequently most at risk from diet-related diseases.
The decision by Luton Council signifies an important step in recognising and addressing the complex factors that contribute to childhood obesity. By limiting the exposure to advertising that encourages unhealthy food choices, the council is actively working to create an environment that supports healthier lifestyle decisions. This ban is a notable example of local governance taking decisive action to influence public behaviour and health, reflecting a growing awareness of the pivotal role advertising plays in shaping dietary habits and preferences. It serves as a landmark measure that could potentially inspire similar initiatives in other towns and cities, contributing to a broader societal shift towards prioritising public health.
Read MoreScientists call for government action on portion sizes to tackle childhood obesity
Leading scientists are urging the government to establish standard portion sizes for young children as part of efforts to combat the obesity epidemic. In a damning report, government scientific advisers have revealed that young children are consuming excessive amounts of salt and sugar while falling short on fruit, fibre, and vegetable intake.
Official data indicates that one in ten reception-age children in the UK now has obesity, with experts projecting that the obesity crisis will cost the NHS £10 billion annually by 2050. The report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) highlights the absence of formal guidance on appropriate portion sizes for young children and emphasises the need for policymakers to address this issue. Oversized servings are contributing to the rapid consumption of excessive calories.
According to the report’s authors, the current diet of young children in the UK fails to meet the recommended dietary guidelines for several nutrients. They note that larger portion sizes of snacks and meals provided in preschool settings are associated with higher food and energy intake in the short term. To address these concerns, the authors recommend that the government consider developing age-appropriate portion sizes for food and beverages, including vegetables, fruit, fruit juice, and milk, targeting children aged 1 to 5 years.
The SACN, known for its advocacy of the forthcoming ban on fast-food advertising before 9 pm from 2025 and the fortification of bread with folic acid, has identified excessive sugar consumption as a widespread issue, leading to dental problems that pose long-term health risks for individuals and place a persistent burden on the NHS.
The report reveals that nutritional imbalances are prevalent in the average diet, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds experiencing even worse dietary quality. Commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, the report provides the first update on recommended food and beverage consumption for children aged one to five in nearly two decades. Based on a comprehensive review of two decades of studies and data, the panel of nutrition experts and paediatricians who form the SACN made several recommendations, highlighting the urgency of addressing the “high prevalence” of overweight and obesity in children in the UK.
Official figures indicate that approximately 3% of reception-age children have severe obesity, and one in ten children at this age meet the threshold for obesity.
The report authors also suggest that repeated exposure to initially disliked vegetables can help children develop a preference for them. They recommend that parents persistently offer the vegetable to their child eight to ten times to increase acceptance.
Additional recommendations from the report include avoiding fizzy drinks for children under the age of five, consuming unsweetened yoghurt products, and making milk and water the primary beverage choices. Semi-skimmed cow’s milk is acceptable, but fully skimmed milk should be avoided until age 5.
Bridget Benelam, a Nutrition Scientist from the British Nutrition Foundation, highlighted the report’s findings, stating that the diets of 1-5-year-olds were inadequate, characterised by excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy energy-dense foods, and insufficient fibre, fruit, and vegetables.
The report also emphasises the importance of early childhood nutrition, not only for growth and development but also for establishing healthy habits that will benefit children later in life.
The report suggests several strategies for the government to consider, including promoting continued breastfeeding into the second year of life, ensuring children receive daily vitamin D and A supplements, and providing adequate vitamins and minerals for vegan families who may lack these nutrients commonly found in animal products.
A government spokesperson acknowledged that the report’s recommendations are being noted and considered. They highlighted the Start for Life resources, which provide expert NHS advice, helpful videos, and simple recipe ideas to support families in providing healthy meals for babies and young children.
Read MoreFamily-focused approach in paediatric primary care proves effective for child weight loss
A groundbreaking family-based treatment for childhood obesity, developed by researchers at the University at Buffalo (UB), has demonstrated significant success in a multicenter study conducted in paediatric primary care settings. Previously available only in specialised clinics, this evidence-based treatment has now been implemented for the first time in four U.S. cities, targeting children aged 6-12 and their parents.
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the study reveals that family-based treatment conducted in paediatricians’ offices leads to improved weight-loss outcomes not only for the treated child and parent but also for untreated siblings. The research, supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, emphasises that the healthy behaviours promoted during the treatment extend beyond the immediate family members, potentially improving the overall health of the entire family.
In the study, three times as many children in the treatment group (27%) experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in median body mass index (BMI) compared to the usual care group (9%). These improvements in weight correlated with enhanced cardiometabolic outcomes, such as blood pressure, lipids, and glucose regulation. The success of this novel family-focused treatment, pioneered by senior author Leonard H. Epstein, has significant implications for the long-term health and well-being of the treated children.
The family-based treatment program involves the implementation of eating and activity plans, education in parenting and behavioural techniques, and the facilitation of support for positive behaviour changes within both the family and peer environments. In individualised sessions, parents and children are seen together, reviewing self-monitored eating and activity levels, treatment manuals, handouts, and setting goals for weight and behaviour.
The randomised clinical trial enrolled 452 children aged 6 to 12, with one parent, in primary care practices across Buffalo, Rochester, Columbus, and St. Louis. Half of the children received family-based treatment, while the other half received usual care. Notably, the treatment demonstrated positive outcomes across racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Children receiving family-based treatment showed a significant difference in percent over median BMI compared to those receiving usual care, with a reduction of 6.48%. Furthermore, parents experienced a reduction of 3.97% in BMI, and untreated siblings who were overweight had a reduction of 5.38%. These changes in BMI among family members were interrelated, suggesting that the treatment fosters the modelling of healthy behaviours and facilitates real change in the shared family environment.
The success of this behavioural intervention underscores the growing need for similar treatments in paediatric primary care. The study authors emphasise the necessity for “coaches” in primary care settings who can provide support for obesity treatment and address various behavioural issues, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
The implementation of this family-focused approach not only ensures the immediate health of children but also equips them with lifelong healthy practices. The study’s positive outcomes highlight the potential for transforming paediatric primary care into a hub for comprehensive behavioural interventions, addressing a wide range of health-related concerns.
Read MoreNHS England to open 10 more clinics for children with obesity
In response to the alarming rise in childhood obesity, NHS England has announced plans to launch 10 additional clinics specifically tailored to the needs of children with obesity. This expansion comes as part of a concerted effort to combat the escalating numbers of children and young people struggling with obesity and its associated health complications.
According to recent data released by NHS England, hospital admissions for children with obesity have soared in the past decade, with 9,431 admissions recorded in the year 2021/22, compared to just 3,370 in 2011/12.
Targeting children as young as two, the specialised clinics will offer intensive support to children with severe obesity and their families. It is estimated that around 3,000 children and teenagers, ranging from 2 to 18 years of age, will benefit from these services.
These clinics are designed to address not just the physical aspects of obesity, but also the underlying psychological and social factors. The support provided will encompass tailored care packages which are developed in collaboration with the child’s family. These packages may include diet and nutrition plans, mental health support, and personalised coaching, among other services.
This expansion, backed by an £18 million investment, will bring the total number of specialised obesity clinics for children in England to 30. The project is set to be rolled out over the next two years.
Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, is slated to formally announce the opening of the new clinics at the NHS ConfedExpo conference in Manchester. In her address, she is expected to underscore the urgent need for such initiatives, stating, “Obesity can lead to a myriad of severe illnesses including cancer and diabetes, not only putting tremendous strain on the NHS but also exacting a devastating toll on individuals and their families. Inaction is not an option. These new clinics will offer a comprehensive, compassionate and tailored approach to support thousands of young individuals and their families.”
Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Children and Young People, emphasised the holistic approach of these clinics. He noted that obesity can have far-reaching effects on every organ system, leading to long-term complications like premature mortality, type 2 diabetes, strokes, early joint replacements, and mental health issues. “By addressing obesity and its root causes in a manner that respects and accommodates the unique circumstances of each child and young person, these clinics will play a pivotal role in helping them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Our commitment to supporting the physical and mental health of as many children and young people as possible is unwavering,” he added.
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