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Background: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) issues infant formula to infants who are not fully breastfed, and prior research found elevated obesity risk among children receiving lactose-reduced infant formula with corn syrup solids (CSSF) issued by WIC. This study was conducted to evaluate associations between a broader set of specialty infant formulas issued by WIC and child obesity risk, whether neighborhood context (e.g. neighborhood food environment) modifies associations, and whether racial/ethnic disparities in obesity are partly explained by infant formula exposure and neighborhood context. Methods: WIC administrative data, collected from 2013–2020 on issued amount (categorical: fully formula fed, mostly formula fed, mostly breastfed, fully breastfed) and type of infant formula (standard cow's milk formula, and three specialty formulas: any CSSF, any soy-based formula, and any cow's milk-based formula with added rice starch) and obesity at ages 2–4 years (defined as a Body Mass Index z-score ≥ 95th percentile according to World Health Organization growth standard) were used to construct a cohort (n = 59,132). Associations of infant formula exposures and race/ethnicity with obesity risk were assessed in Poisson regression models, and modification of infant feeding associations with obesity by neighborhood context was assessed with interaction terms. Results: Any infant formula exposure was associated with significantly higher obesity risk relative to fully breastfeeding. Receipt of a CSSF was associated with 5% higher obesity risk relative to the standard and other specialty infant formulas (risk ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.02, 1.08) independent of breastfeeding duration and receipt of other specialty infant formulas. The association between CSSF and obesity risk was stronger in neighborhoods with healthier food environments (10% higher risk) compared to less healthy food environments (null). Racial/ethnic disparities in obesity risk were robust to adjustment for infant formula exposure and neighborhood environment. Conclusions: Among specialty infant formulas issued by WIC, only CSSFs were associated with elevated obesity risk, and this association was stronger in healthier food environments. Future research is needed to isolate the mechanism underlying this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study explores the impact of maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI on infant neurodevelopment at 24 months in low‐income Latino families. It also investigates whether infant diet mediates this relationship. Methods: Latino mother‐infant pairs (n = 163) were enrolled at 1 month post partum and were followed for 2 years, with assessments at 6‐month intervals. Maternal pre‐pregnancy anthropometrics were self‐reported at baseline, and child neurodevelopment was assessed at 24 months using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Diet quality of infants was measured using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)‐2015 and HEI‐Toddlers‐2020 scores at multiple time points. Mediation and regression models that adjust for maternal factors were used to examine the associations. Results: Pre‐pregnancy BMI showed significant negative associations with child cognitive scores (β = −0.1, 95% CI: −0.2 to −0.06, p < 0.001) and language scores (β = −0.1, 95% CI: −0.2 to −0.03, p = 0.01) at 24 months. Infant HEI‐2015 scores at 24 months partly mediated these associations, explaining 23% and 30% of the total effect on cognitive and language subscales, respectively. No specific dietary components in infants mediated the relationship, except for the total HEI‐2015 score. Conclusions: Managing maternal obesity pre‐pregnancy is crucial for improving infant neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially in low‐income Latino families. Promoting healthy weight and enhancing infant diet quality can enhance neurodevelopment in these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise among youth. Identifying biomarkers of NAFLD progression/risk can aid in prevention efforts. Aims: This pilot study investigated associations of two endotoxin biomarkers—lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) and anti‐endotoxin core immunoglobulin G (EndoCab)—with markers of NAFLD among 99 Latino/Latina adolescents (11–19 years) with obesity. Materials & Methods: We used linear regression to examine associations of each endotoxin biomarker (per 1‐SD) with hepatic fat fraction (HFF), liver volume, and liver stiffness. Results: We found positive associations of LBP with HFF and liver volume. Each 1‐SD increment in LBP corresponded with 2.35% (95% CI: 0.46%, 4.23%) higher HFF and 0.14 (0.06, 0.23) L greater liver volume after adjusting for age, sex, and maternal education. Accounting for abdominal adiposity and Tanner stage did not change results. Excluding 72 participants with NAFLD attenuated associations of LBP with HFF but associations with liver volume persisted (0.11 [0.01, 0.21] L). EndoCab was not associated with any liver outcomes. Neither endotoxin biomarker predicted liver stiffness. Discussion/conclusion: While additional research is warranted, our results support LBP as a biomarker of NAFLD risk/progression in high‐risk youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess intermediary metabolic alterations that link sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake to cardiometabolic (CM) risk factors in youth. A total of 597 participants from the multi-ethnic, longitudinal Exploring Perinatal Outcomes among CHildren (EPOCH) Study were followed in childhood (median 10 yrs) and adolescence (median 16 yrs). We used a multi-step approach: first, mixed models were used to examine the associations of SSB intake in childhood with CM measures across childhood and adolescence, which revealed a positive association between SSB intake and fasting triglycerides (β (95% CI) for the highest vs. lowest SSB quartile: 8.1 (−0.9,17.0); p-trend = 0.057). Second, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select 180 metabolite features (out of 767 features assessed by untargeted metabolomics) that were associated with SSB intake in childhood. Finally, 13 of these SSB-associated metabolites (from step two) were also prospectively associated with triglycerides across follow-up (from step one) in the same direction as with SSB intake (Bonferroni-adj. p < 0.0003). All annotated compounds were lipids, particularly dicarboxylated fatty acids, mono- and diacylglycerols, and phospholipids. In this diverse cohort, we identified a panel of lipid metabolites that may serve as intermediary biomarkers, linking SSB intake to dyslipidemia risk in youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a prevalent class of persistent pollutants, may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: We examined associations between PFAS exposure and glucose metabolism in youth. METHODS: Overweight/obese adolescents from the Study of Latino Adolescents at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes (SOLAR; 푛=310) participated in annual visits for an average of 3.3±2.9 y. Generalizability of findings were tested in young adults from the Southern California Children's Health Study (CHS; 푛=135) who participated in a clinical visit with a similar protocol. At each visit, oral glucose tolerance tests were performed to estimate glucose metabolism and b-cell function via the insulinogenic index. Four PFAS were measured at baseline using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry; high levels were defined as concentrations >66th percentile. RESULTS: In females from the SOLAR, high perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) levels (=2.0 ng/mL) were associated with the development of dysregulated glucose metabolism beginning in late puberty. The magnitude of these associations increased postpuberty and persisted through 18 years of age. For example, postpuberty, females with high PFHxS levels had 25-mg/dL higher 60-min glucose (95% CI: 12, 39 mg/dL; 푝<0.0001), 15-mg/dL higher 2-h glucose (95% CI: 1, 28 mg/dL; 푝=0:04), and 25% lower b-cell function (푝=0.02) compared with females with low levels. Results were largely consistent in the CHS, where females with elevated PFHxS levels had 26-mg/dL higher 60-min glucose (95% CI: 6.0, 46 mg/dL; 푝=0.01) and 19-mg/dL higher 2-h glucose, which did not meet statistical significance (95% CI: –1, 39 mg/dL; 푝=0.08). In males, no consistent associations between PFHxS and glucose metabolism were observed. No consistent associations were observed for other PFAS and glucose metabolism. DISCUSSION: Youth exposure to PFHxS was associated with dysregulated glucose metabolism in females, which may be due to changes in b-cell function. These associations appeared during puberty and were most pronounced postpuberty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are naturally occurring glycans in human breast milk that act as prebiotics in the infant gut. Prebiotics have been demonstrated to suppress appetite in both adults and children. Therefore, HMOs may affect infant eating behaviour. Objective: To determine if HMOs in breast milk are associated with eating behaviour in Hispanic infants. Methods: Cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective cohort of Hispanic mother‐infant dyads (1‐month, n = 157; 6‐months, n = 69). Breast milk samples were screened for 19 HMOs using high pressure liquid chromatography, and eating behaviour was assessed using the Baby Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (BEBQ). We conducted multiple linear regressions to examine associations between HMOs and BEBQ scores, adjusted for maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI, infant sex, birthweight, delivery mode and number of breastfeedings per day. We stratified by HMO secretor status—a genetic determinant of the types of HMOs produced. Results: At 1 month, LNnT (lacto‐N‐neotetraose; P =.04) was negatively associated with food responsiveness in the total sample, while DFLNT (difucosyllacto‐N‐tetrose; P =.03) and DSLNT (disialyl‐LNT; P =.04) were negatively associated with food responsiveness in secretors only. At 6 months, LSTc (sialyllacto‐N‐tetraose c; P =.01), FLNH (fucosyllacto‐N‐hexaose; P =.03), LNH (lacto‐N‐hexaose; P =.006) and DSLNH (disialyllacto‐N‐hexaose; P =.05) were positively associated with food responsiveness in both the total sample and secretors only. Conclusions: We found several HMOs that were both positively and negatively associated with infant food responsiveness, which is a measure of drive to eat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that ambient air pollution (AAP) exposure may contribute to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine whether exposure to elevated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 (PM2.5) had adverse effects on longitudinal measures of insulin sensitivity (SI), β-cell function, and obesity in children at high risk for developing diabetes. Overweight and obese Latino children (8-15 years; n = 314) were enrolled between 2001 and 2012 from Los Angeles, CA, and followed for an average of 3.4 years (SD 3.1 years). Linear mixed-effects models were fitted to assess relationships between AAP exposure and outcomes after adjusting for covariates including body fat percent. Higher NO2 and PM2.5 were associated with a faster decline in SI and a lower SI at age 18 years, independent of adiposity. NO2 exposure negatively affected β-cell function, evidenced by a faster decline in disposition index (DI) and a lower DI at age 18 years. Higher NO2 and PM2.5 exposures over follow-up were also associated with a higher BMI at age 18 years. AAP exposure may contribute to development of type 2 diabetes through direct effects on SI and β-cell function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Circulating cytokines are frequently cited as contributors to insulin resistance in children with obesity. This study examined whether circulating adipocytokines, independent of adiposity, predicted pubertal changes in insulin sensitivity (SI), insulin secretion (AIR), and β-cell function in high-risk adolescents. Methods 158 Hispanic adolescents with overweight or obesity were followed for a median of 4 years. Adipocytokines were measured using Luminex technology. SI, AIR, and the disposition index were derived from an intravenous glucose tolerance test and minimal modeling. Total fat mass was measured by DXA and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by MRI. Results Surprisingly, mean IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α decreased between 5% and 6.5% per year from baseline ( P < 0.001). Despite the general temporal trends, gaining 1-SD of VAT was associated with a 2% and 5% increase in MCP-1 and IL-8 ( P < 0.05). In addition, a 1-SD higher MCP-1 or IL-6 concentration at baseline was associated with a 16% and 21% greater decline in SI during puberty vs. prepuberty ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Several adipocytokines decreased during adolescence and were weakly associated with VAT and lower SI during puberty. Circulating adipocytokines have relatively limited associations with pubertal changes in diabetes risk; however, the consistent findings with MCP-1 warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Obesity in childhood is associated with an inflammatory state in adipose tissue and liver, which elevates risk for diabetes and liver disease. No prior study has examined associations between pathologies occurring in adipose tissue and liver to identify elements of tissue damage associated with type 2 diabetes risk. This study sought to determine whether inflammation and fibrosis in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in obese/overweight children (BMI- z 2.3 ± 0.76) was related to the extent of observed liver disease or type 2 diabetes risk. Methods Biopsy samples of abdominal (SAT) and liver were simultaneously collected from 33 Italian children (mean BMI 28.1 ± 5.1 kg/m2 and mean age 11.6 ± 2.2 years) with confirmed NAFLD. Histology and immunohistochemistry were conducted on biopsies to assess inflammation and fibrosis in adipose tissue and fibrosis and inflammation in liver. Results Presence vs. absence of crown-like structures (CLS) in SAT was significantly related to liver fibrosis scores (1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 1.2 ± 0.7, P = 0.04) independent of BMI. SAT fibrosis was significantly correlated with a lower disposition index ( r = −0.48, P = 0.006). No other adipose measures were associated with liver disease parameters. Conclusion Markers of subcutaneous white adipose tissue inflammation are associated with greater extent of liver fibrosis independent of obesity and SAT fibrosis may contribute to diabetes risk through reduced insulin secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Genetic variation in six genes has been associated with elevated liver fat and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adults. The influence of these genes on liver fat and whether a genetic risk score (GRS) would improve upon the ability of common clinical risk factors to predict elevated liver fat content (ELF) in Hispanic children was determined. Design and Methods 223 obese Hispanic children were genotyped for six SNPs. MRI was used to measure liver fat. A GRS was tested for association with ELF using multivariate linear regression. Predictors were assessed via ROC curves and pair-wise analysis was used to determine significance alone and combined with clinical markers. Results Only variants in PNPLA3 and APOC3 genes were associated with liver fat ( P < 0.001, P = 0.01, respectively). Subjects with a GRS = 4 had ∼3-fold higher liver fat content than subjects with GRS of 0 (15.1 ± 12.7 vs. 5.1 ± 3.7%, P = 0.03). While the addition of the GRS to a model containing BMI and liver enzymes increased ROC AUC from 0.83 to 0.85 [95% CI, 0.79-0.89], ( P = 0.01), it does not improve detection of ELF from a clinical perspective. Conclusions Only PNPLA3 and APOC3 were related to ELF and a GRS comprised of these susceptibility alleles did not add to the discriminatory power of traditional biomarkers for clinical assessment of liver fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE - In adults, 1-h glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) predicts the d development of type 2 diabetes independent of fasting and 2-h glucose concentrations. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the utility of elevated 1-h glucose levels to prospectively predict deterioration in β-cell function and the development of prediabetes in high-risk youth. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Obese Latino youth with a family history of type 2 diabetes (133male and 100 female; age 11.1 ± 1.7 years) completed a baseline OGTT and were divided into two groups based upon a 1-h glucose threshold of 155 mg/dL (<155 mg/dL, n = 151, or ≥155mg/dL, n = 82). Youth were followed annually for up to 8 years for assessment of glucose tolerance, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and the disposition index by the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. RESULTS Over time, the ≥155 mg/dL group exhibited a significantly greater decline in β-cell function compared with youth with a 1-h glucose,155 mg/dL (β = -327.8 ± 126.2, P = 0.01). Moreover, this decline was independent of fasting or 2-h glucose and body composition. When the data were restricted to only participants with normal glucose tolerance at baseline, a 1-h glucose $155 mg/dL was independently associated with a 2.5 times greater likelihood of developing prediabetes during follow-up (95% CI 1.6-4.1, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that a 1-h glucose $155 mg/dL during an OGTT is an d independent predictor of β-cell deterioration and progression to prediabetes among obese Latino youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have examined the independent and additive effects of breastfeeding (BF) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake in early life on overweight and obesity prevalence. Objective: The objective was to assess the effects of BF and SSB intake on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Hispanic toddlers. Design: Nutrition data were collected via phone surveys with caregivers of 1483 Hispanic children (2-4 y of age) from the Los Angeles County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. BF history at 2-4 y of age was categorized as follows: no BF, >1 wk to <6 mo BF, 6 to <12 mo BF, and ≥12 mo BF. SSB intake at 2-4 y of age was categorized as follows: high SSB (≥2 SSBs/d), mid SSB (1 SSB/d), and no SSB. The height and weight of the children were measured by WIC staff and stored in the Integrated Statewide Information System. Binary logistic regressions assessed the effects of BF and SSB categories on overweight and obesity prevalence. Results: In comparison with the no-BF participants, the odds of obesity were lower in the ≥12-mo-BF participants (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.83; P = 0.004). In comparison with high-SSB participants, the odds of obesity were lower in the no-SSB participants (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.47, 1.00; P = 0.047). In comparison with the combined no-BF/high-SSB participants, the odds of obesity were lower in the ≥12-mo BF/no-SSB participants (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.80; P = 0.01). Conclusion: The results suggest that BF for ≥1 y and low SSB intake during the toddler years can have profound effects on reducing the prevalence of obesity in Hispanic toddlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the articles published in the "International Journal of Pediatric Obesity" (IJPO) in 2010. He argues that most of the trends from the news in 2010 were discussed in the 2010 issues of the journal. An overview of the articles published in IJPO in 2010 is offered. The author mentions the article in the third issue, which investigates the prevalence of overweight and underweight in public as well as private schools in Seychelles.

Background/Aims: The link between abdominal fat and bone mineral content (BMC), independent of weight, has not been extensively studied. In Latino children, the contributions of abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat to BMC have not been examined. Research on the effect of leptin on BMC has also been inconclusive. Methods: The present study included 256 overweight Latino children (111 girls, 145 boys; mean BMI 28.2; age 11.1 ± 1.7 years) from Los Angeles, California. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAAT) and intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) were determined by single-slice magnetic resonance imaging. BMC was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Independent of age, Tanner stage and weight, abdominal adipose tissue (SAAT + IAAT) was inversely correlated with BMC (r = –0.46, p < 0.0001; n = 256). In girls, there was an inverse correlation between SAAT and BMC (r = –0.38, p < 0.05), between IAAT and BMC (r = –0.32, p < 0.05) and between leptin and BMC (r = –0.39, p < 0.05). In boys, SAAT and BMC were inversely correlated (r = –0.26, p < 0.05), but the correlation between IAAT and BMC was not significant (p = 0.22). Leptin was also inversely correlated with BMC (r = –0.38, p < 0.05) in boys and contributed to the variances in BMC in both girls and boys. Conclusion: Total abdominal adipose fat and leptin are negatively associated with BMC in Latino children. The correlation between SAAT and BMC is stronger in girls than boys. IAAT and BMC are negatively associated in girls but not correlated in boys. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated the relationship between breakfast consumption and specific adiposity or insulin dynamics measures in children. The goal of this study is to determine whether breakfast consumption is associated with adiposity, specifically intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT), and insulin dynamics in overweight Latino youth. Participants were a cross-sectional sample of 93 overweight (≥85th percentile BMI) Latino youth (10–17 years) with a positive family history of type 2 diabetes. Dietary intake was assessed by two 24-h recalls, IAAT, and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAAT) by magnetic resonance imaging, body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and insulin dynamics by a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and minimal modeling. Participants were divided into three breakfast consumption categories: those who reported not eating breakfast on either day (breakfast skippers; n = 20), those who reported eating breakfast on one of two days (occasional breakfast eaters; n = 39) and those who ate breakfast on both days (breakfast eaters; n = 34). Using analyses of covariance, breakfast omission was associated with increased IAAT (P = 0.003) independent of age, Tanner, sex, total body fat, total body lean tissue mass, and daily energy intake. There were no significant differences in any other adiposity measure or in insulin dynamics between breakfast categories. Eating breakfast is associated with lower visceral adiposity in overweight Latino youth. Interventions focused on increasing breakfast consumption are warranted.Obesity (2009) 17 8, 1528–1533. doi:10.1038/oby.2009.127 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pubertal transition has been identified as a time of risk for development of type 2 diabetes, particularly among vulnerable groups, such as African Americans (AAs). Documented ethnic differences in insulin secretory dynamics may predispose overweight AA adolescents to risk for type 2 diabetes. The objectives of this longitudinal study were to quantify insulin secretion and clearance in a cohort of 90 AA and European American (EA) children over the pubertal transition and to explore the association of genetic factors and adiposity with repeated measures of insulin secretion and clearance during this critical period. Insulin sensitivity was determined by intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and minimal modeling; insulin secretion and clearance by C-peptide modeling; genetic ancestry by admixture analysis. Mixed-model longitudinal analysis indicated that African genetic admixture (AfADM) was independently and positively associated with first-phase insulin secretion within the entire group (P < 0.001), and among lean children (P < 0.01). When examined within pubertal stage, this relationship became significant at Tanner stage 3. Total body fat was a significant determinant of first-phase insulin secretion overall and among obese children (P < 0.001). Total body fat, but not AfADM, was associated with insulin clearance (P < 0.001). In conclusion, genetic factors, as reflected in AfADM, may explain greater first-phase insulin secretion among peripubertal AA vs. EA; however, the influence of genetic factors is superseded by adiposity. The pubertal transition may affect the development of the β-cell response to glucose in a manner that differs with ethnic/genetic background.Obesity (2009) 17 7, 1318–1325. doi:10.1038/oby.2008.648 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective.To develop, implement and test an innovative, theory-based classroom media intervention known as Get Moving! to increase physical activity and decrease sedentary behaviors in predominantly Latina middle school girls. Research methods and procedures.School-based intervention on five to seven consecutive school days in seven schools (four intervention and three control) with high Latino populations (above 60%). Intervention schools were matched to control schools by ethnic makeup and socioeconomic status (SES). Measures conducted 3 months before and 3 months after intervention included height, weight, percentage body fat (bioimpedance analysis), physical activity and psychosocial aspects of activity by questionnaire. Subjects were middle school girls, mean age 12.5 years old, 73% Latina (N=459 girls). Results.Get Moving! significantly reduced time spent on sedentary behavior (β± standard error, SE=-0.27±0.14, p<0.05) and significantly increased intrinsic motivation (β±SE=0.11±0.05, p<0.05). There was a trend for mediation effects of intrinsic motivation, but this did not reach significance. Discussion. Get Moving! is a promising school-based approach that specifically targets physical activity and sedentary behavior in Latina girls, a population at high risk for obesity and related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether breastfeeding is related to total adiposity, regional adiposity, and glucose and insulin dynamics in overweight Latino youth throughout puberty. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--The relation between breastfeeding and diabetes risk was determined in 240 overweight (BMI ≥85th percentile) Latino children (aged 8-13 years) with a positive family history of type 2 diabetes. Children were examined at baseline (Tanner pubertal stage 1) and for 2 more years as they advanced in pubertal maturation. Children were divided into the following categories: never breastfed (n = 102), breastfed 0-5.99 months (n = 61), breastfed 6-11.99 months (n = 24), and breastfed ≥12 months (n = 53). Tanner pubertal stage was determined by physical examination. Visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat were determined by magnetic resonance imagining, and total body fat, total lean tissue mass, and percent body fat were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasting and post-challenge glucose were assessed with a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. Insulin sensitivity (SI), acute insulin response (AIR), and disposition index ([DI] an index of β-cell function) were measured by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and minimal modeling. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects modeling. RESULTS--There were no significant effects of breastfeeding categories on adiposity (i.e., total fat mass, total lean tissue mass, percent body fat), fat distribution (visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat), fasting glucose or 2-h glucose, or insulin dynamics (SI, AIR, and DI) at Tanner pubertal stage 1 or on changes in these variables over pubertal transitions in overweight Latino youth. CONCLUSIONS--In this population of high-risk Latino youth, there were no significant protective effects of breastfeeding on adiposity or type 2 diabetes risk factors at Tanner pubertal stage 1 or across advances in maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. 1) Examine associations between visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAAT), and anthropometric and demographic variables; 2) generate and cross-validate prediction equations for estimating VAT and SAAT in overweight Latino children. Study design. Cross-sectional. Participants. 196 overweight 8–13-year-old Latino youth. Two-thirds (n&VeryThinSpace;=&VeryThinSpace;131) were randomly assigned to a development group to generate prediction equations for VAT and SAAT; one-third (n&VeryThinSpace;=&VeryThinSpace;65) was used as a cross-validation group. Methods and procedures. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, skinfold thicknesses, and circumferences) were performed. VAT and SAAT were measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results. The strongest univariate correlate for VAT was waist circumference (WC) (r&VeryThinSpace;=&VeryThinSpace;0.65, p&VeryThinSpace;<&VeryThinSpace;0.01) while the strongest correlate for SAAT was hip circumference (r&VeryThinSpace;=&VeryThinSpace;0.88, p&VeryThinSpace;<&VeryThinSpace;0.001). Regression analyses showed &nvsim;50% of the variance in VAT was explained by WC (43.8%), Tanner stage (4.2%) and calf skinfold (1.7%). Variance in the SAAT model was explained by WC (77.8%), triceps skinfold (4.2%) and gender (2.3%). Residual analyses showed no bias in either equation. Though mean differences between measured and predicted VAT and SAAT were small, there was a large degree of variability at the individual level especially for VAT. Conclusions. Both VAT and SAAT prediction equations performed well at the group level, but the relatively high degree of variability suggests limited clinical utility of the VAT equation. MRI is currently required to derive an accurate measure of VAT at the individual level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current data suggest that 20% of US children are overweight. An analysis of secular trends suggested a clear upward trend in body weight in children of 0.2 kg/y between 1973 and 1994. In addition, childhood obesity is more prevalent among minority subgroups, such as African Americans. Obesity that begins early in life persists into adulthood and increases the risk of obesity-related conditions later in life. Obesity is now considered a disease of epidemic proportions, not just in the United States but also worldwide. In the past 10 y there has been a tremendous increase in the number of studies examining the etiology and health effects of obesity in children. The major objectives of this article are to 1) review highlights in pediatric obesity research from 1990 to 1999; 2) summarize our research on the roles of energy expenditure, physical activity, and aerobic capacity in the etiology of pediatric obesity, and on ethnic differences in the relation between obesity and type 2 diabetes risk factors in children; and 3) discuss areas of future study that will require greater emphasis as the field of childhood obesity research evolves over future years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the etiology of childhood obesity, while discussing the regulation of prepubertal children's energy balance. Details on the usage of the doubly labeled water method technique; Increase in the incidence of obesity-related diseases in children; Estimation of the children's total energy expenditure and physical activity.

Evaluates whether children of obese parents have defects in energy expenditure. Resting energy expenditure as it relates to obesity in mothers or fathers; Energy imbalance as an explanation of obesity in children.

Presents a study that examined the role of energy expenditure and physical activity in the development of obesity and body weight regulation during prepubertal growth in children in the United States. Methodology used in the study; Results of the study; Conclusion.

Characterizes the total energy expenditure, body composition and fat distribution in Mohawk children. Prevalence of obesity and related disorders among Mohawk population; Comparison against Caucasian children; Etiology of the development of obesity during childhood; Likelihood of explaining the differences in the development of body fat content from differences in energy expenditure.

The author reflects on his goals for the "International Journal of Pediatric Obesity" as editor. He notes that his goals were to make the journal a go-to-place for the latest and best research in childhood obesity at the global level and publish more high impact and quality papers in a variety of field by encouraging submissions of shorter papers with reduced word counts, brief reports, and mini reviews. He will establish a group of Associate Editors to assist in the fulfillment of these goals.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article about the association between impaired glucose tolerance and obesity in children in the March 14, 2002 issue.

There are limited data on the influence of vegetable consumption on adiposity and metabolic health, specifically nonstarchy vegetables and vegetables that are dark green and deep orange/yellow (also known as nutrient-rich vegetables). Our study examines the relationship between vegetable intake and adiposity, liver fat, and insulin dynamics in overweight Latino youth. This cross-sectional study of 175 overweight (body mass index ≥85th percentile) Latino youth (aged 8 to 18 years), with data collected during 2006-2011, included the following: dietary intake via multiple 24-hour recalls, total body fat via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, adipose tissue distribution and liver fat via magnetic resonance imaging, and insulin dynamics via frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. Linear regression and analysis of covariance were used for analysis, with the following a priori covariates: age, sex, energy intake, and total body fat. Participants who consumed the most nonstarchy vegetables (mean intake=1.7±1.0 servings/day) compared with the least (mean intake=0.1±0.1 servings/day) had 44% less liver fat (10.0%±8.5% vs 5.6%±8.7%; P =0.01). Nutrient-rich vegetable intake was positively correlated with insulin sensitivity ( r =0.19; P =0.03). Consumers of nutrient-rich vegetables (mean intake=0.3±0.4 servings/day [n=107]), compared with nonconsumers (n=68), had 31% increased insulin sensitivity (1.6±1.6 vs 2.1±1.3×10 –4 /min/μU/mL; P =0.03) and 17% less visceral adipose tissue (2.3±0.9 vs 1.9±0.7 L; P =0.01). Consumption of specific vegetable types by overweight Latino youth is associated with positive metabolic outcomes, including reduced visceral and liver fat and risk factors for type 2 diabetes, even when consumed in small quantities. These may be relevant targets for interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the influence of persistence of the metabolic syndrome (Mets) and its individual components over a 3-year period on carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in overweight Latino children. Methods: Ninety-seven healthy male and female overweight Latino children (mean age at baseline: 11.0±1.8 years) were assessed for MetS on four annual evaluations and classified according to the persistence of MetS: NEVER (0 annual visits with the MetS, n =53), INTERMITTENT (1 or 2 visits with the MetS, n =28), and PERSISTENT (3 or 4 visits with the MetS, n =16). CIMT was measured with high-resolution B-mode ultrasound (7.9±0.7 months after the most recent MetS assessment; mean age: 14.6±1.8 years). Results: PERSISTENT MetS was associated with significantly higher CIMT (0.647±0.018mm compared to 0.600±0.007mm in those who NEVER had MetS, p <0.01). This difference remained significant after controlling for gender, baseline age, total fat mass, total lean tissue mass and insulin sensitivity. PERSISTENT high waist circumference and PERSISTENT high blood pressure were also significantly associated with higher mean CIMT, but these differences were no longer significant after controlling for total fat and lean tissue mass. Baseline systolic blood pressure and 2-h glucose were significantly related to CIMT independent of all other MetS components (p <0.05). Conclusions: Persistence of the MetS over a 3-year period was uniquely associated with increased CIMT during childhood. Children with hypertension, persistent abdominal adiposity or impaired glucose tolerance may also be at higher risk for elevated CIMT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]