The difference between the two groups was noticeable. Approximately 16.2% of children who had no weight problems when enrolled in kindergarten in 2010 were obese by the end of fifth grade, compared to 15.5% of participants in the same BMI category that started in 1998. .. In addition, the children studied in 2010 became obese at a younger age than the group’s predecessor in 1998.
In both groups, researchers found that children who were overweight in their preschool years were at a significantly higher risk of obesity than their non-classmates.
“When you get on the train to gain weight gain, it’s very difficult to turn it around, so it’s very important to prevent overweight and obesity at a very early stage,” said the lead author of the study. , Said Solvay Argesea Nucaningham, an associate professor of global health. Epidemiology at Emory University in Atlanta.
“Without intervention, the prevalence and severity of obesity in younger children will continue to increase, which will have really bad consequences not only for these children, but for future offspring.” Dr. Jennifer Wu said. Vadal, Director of the Childhood Obesity Initiative at Columbia University in New York City. She was not involved in the study.
Risk factors for childhood obesity
Studies show that colored children, especially black and Hispanic children, were at greatest risk of developing childhood obesity. Non-Hispanic black children who were not overweight when they entered kindergarten in 2010 were 29% more likely to develop obesity by fifth grade than children who started in 1998.
Studies have shown that socioeconomic status was not a strong predictor of childhood obesity.
“It was unexpected, as we’ve seen children in wealthy families generally better protected from many health problems, especially obesity,” Cunningham said. “This really emphasized to me that obesity affects everyone across socio-economic status.”
Since this study is only for children up to grade 5, it is unclear how socioeconomic status and race affected obesity rates when participants entered grade 6 and beyond. However, based on previous studies on adult obesity, children with low socioeconomic status are more likely to have an increased rate of adult obesity, Emory, senior author of the study.
“Lack of access to health foods, lack of access to physical activity, higher unemployment rates, all of these factors can work together to increase the risk of illnesses such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.” Says Narayan.
Public health issues
Since 2010, many public health efforts have been undertaken to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity, including Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, Healthy and Hunger-Free Kids Act. Despite these efforts, the rate of childhood obesity is increasing and is a sign that these behaviors may not be as beneficial as people might expect, Cunningham said.
Experts believe that lowering childhood obesity could result in public policies such as improving schools’ nutritional packages and expanding supplemental nutrition support programs (SNAPs).
“There is some evidence that these types of policy changes can reduce food insecurity, improve nutrition, and, together in a fair way, improve the weight outcomes of children,” Baidar said. Told.
However, socio-economic status was not a major predictor of childhood obesity, so policy changes alone may not be sufficient, Narayan said.
He said more organized research is needed to find factors that lead to increased incidence and early onset of childhood obesity and to find strategies to effectively prevent obesity from becoming more “severe.” Added.
“Other countries have large registries and databases that allow us to timely monitor what is happening to individuals,” Baidar said. “This is just another sign of a lack of investment in child health and (obesity) prevention in the United States.”
Home intervention for childhood obesity
Traditional weight management methods, such as a strict diet, do not always work and can be unhealthy, Cunningham added.
There is more than one recommended method of prevention or intervention for childhood obesity. According to Baidar, the most useful thing parents and guardians can do is talk to their child’s pediatrician.
Teaching healthy habits such as physical activity, nutrition, good sleep, and stress relief is another way parents and caregivers can work towards reducing childhood obesity, she added. ..
“The literature shows that the most effective treatment is family-based behavioral therapy, which teaches families about behavioral strategies that can help change the home environment,” said a pediatric professor at the University of California, San Diego. One Dr. Kyung Lee said. I was not involved in the research.
It is helpful for parents and guardians to emphasize the importance of these habits to the whole family so that children do not feel ashamed or blamed for their weight.
Obesity can be a predictor of health problems, but emphasizing weight loss is not always a useful solution, said Lee, who works with patients with eating disorders and pediatric obesity. ..
“We will restructure the whole thing in terms of a healthier lifestyle and a healthier environment,” Narayan said. “Especially in poor socio-economic areas, it is better to talk about healthy and proper physical activity for children, proper play environment, and eating a safer play environment.”
Source: www.cnn.com
