New research has found that cumulative exposure to social risk factors in girls aged 1 and 3 years increases their odds of being obese by 5 years, with even higher odds if 2 or more risk factors are experienced at the same time.
Cumulative social risk scores were applied to 1,605 preschool-aged children in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study according to 6 risk factors: maternal mental health, maternal substance abuse, intimate partner violence, housing insecurity, food insecurity, and paternal incarceration. Researchers assessed each child at 1 year and again at 3 years. The child’s height and weight were measured at 5 years.
Among the study participants, 17% were obese at 5 years, with 57% having at least 1 social risk factor. Girls with 2 or more risk factors at 1 year only, or at 3 years only, were at increased odds of being obese compared with girls with no risk factors at either time point. Girls who experienced high cumulative risk at both 1 year and 3 years also were at increased odds of being obese, but the association was not statistically significant.
No significant associations between social stressors and obesity were noted among boys. The researchers suggested that this could be the result of differences in coping mechanisms, with girls perhaps more likely to respond to stress with emotional and binge eating.
Go back to the current issue of the eConsult.
Social risk factors increase odds of obesity in girls by age 5
New research has found that cumulative exposure to social risk factors in girls aged 1 and 3 years increases their odds of being obese by 5 years, with even higher odds if 2 or more risk factors are experienced at the same time. What are these risk factors, and how do you spot them during visits?
New research has found that cumulative exposure to social risk factors in girls aged 1 and 3 years increases their odds of being obese by 5 years, with even higher odds if 2 or more risk factors are experienced at the same time.
Cumulative social risk scores were applied to 1,605 preschool-aged children in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study according to 6 risk factors: maternal mental health, maternal substance abuse, intimate partner violence, housing insecurity, food insecurity, and paternal incarceration. Researchers assessed each child at 1 year and again at 3 years. The child’s height and weight were measured at 5 years.
Among the study participants, 17% were obese at 5 years, with 57% having at least 1 social risk factor. Girls with 2 or more risk factors at 1 year only, or at 3 years only, were at increased odds of being obese compared with girls with no risk factors at either time point. Girls who experienced high cumulative risk at both 1 year and 3 years also were at increased odds of being obese, but the association was not statistically significant.
No significant associations between social stressors and obesity were noted among boys. The researchers suggested that this could be the result of differences in coping mechanisms, with girls perhaps more likely to respond to stress with emotional and binge eating.
Go back to the current issue of the eConsult.
Obesity in the adolescent and young adult populations
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USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral interventions for children with high BMI
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Study: Ultraprocessed food increases cardiovascular risk in children
A recent study suggests that high ultraprocessed food consumption in preschool children is linked to increased cardiometabolic risk factors.
Obesity in the adolescent and young adult populations
Donna Hallas, PhD, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN, shares her thoughts on the July 2024 issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.
Addressing atypical anorexia: Part 1
Contemporary Pediatrics sat down with Dr. Erin Harrop, an assistant professor at University of Denver in Colorado and a licensed medical social worker to talk about atypical anorexia nervosa, including diagnostic challenges.
Pediatric nutrition notes: How to talk about weight with kids
Wondering what’s the best way to talk to children about their weight? Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, provides some clinical pearls you can incorporate into your practice.
Financial incentives improve dietary intervention outcomes in adolescents with severe obesity
Participants included adolescents aged 13 to 17 years with severe obesity, defined as at or greater than 120% of the 95th BMI percentile.
USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral interventions for children with high BMI
The USPSTF is encouraging providers to promote behavioral interventions as the primary effective intervention for weight loss in children and adolescents.
Study: Ultraprocessed food increases cardiovascular risk in children
A recent study suggests that high ultraprocessed food consumption in preschool children is linked to increased cardiometabolic risk factors.