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.
Setmelanotide demonstrates BMI reduction in patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity
In the phase 3 TRANSCEND trial, setmelanotide met the primary endpoint of a statistically significant and clinically meaningful BMI reduction compared to placebo.
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.
Reading between the lines: teaching teens to use nutrition facts labels
Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, emphasizes the importance of learning to spot added sugars, compare portion sizes, and recognize misleading marketing claims to give patients a practical tool to take ownership of their health.
Racial, ethnic disparities exist when counseling on nutrition, lifestyle, and weight
According to a new study, racial and ethnic disparities were evident when counseling on nutrition, lifestyle, and weight among children with high blood pressure measurements.
Pediatric obesity treatment yields lower morbidity, mortality risk in young adults
"The greatest risk reductions were demonstrated in those who experienced obesity remission during childhood," stated study authors.
CDC: 2013-2023 youth risk physical activity behavior report
Across all years in the report, the CDC rated each physical activity trend with a color of red, indicating that trends are going in the "wrong direction."
Setmelanotide demonstrates BMI reduction in patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity
In the phase 3 TRANSCEND trial, setmelanotide met the primary endpoint of a statistically significant and clinically meaningful BMI reduction compared to placebo.
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.
Reading between the lines: teaching teens to use nutrition facts labels
Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, emphasizes the importance of learning to spot added sugars, compare portion sizes, and recognize misleading marketing claims to give patients a practical tool to take ownership of their health.
Racial, ethnic disparities exist when counseling on nutrition, lifestyle, and weight
According to a new study, racial and ethnic disparities were evident when counseling on nutrition, lifestyle, and weight among children with high blood pressure measurements.
Pediatric obesity treatment yields lower morbidity, mortality risk in young adults
"The greatest risk reductions were demonstrated in those who experienced obesity remission during childhood," stated study authors.
CDC: 2013-2023 youth risk physical activity behavior report
Across all years in the report, the CDC rated each physical activity trend with a color of red, indicating that trends are going in the "wrong direction."