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BACKGROUND No medications are currently approved for the treatment of nonmonogenic, non-syndromic obesity in children younger than 12 years of age. Although the use of liraglutide has been shown to induce weight loss in adults and adolescents with obesity, its safety and efficacy have not been established in children. METHODS In this phase 3a trial, which consisted of a 56-week treatment period and a 26-week follow-up period, we randomly assigned children (6 to <12 years of age) with obesity, in a 2:1 ratio, to receive either once-daily subcutaneous liraglutide at a dose of 3.0 mg (or the maximum tolerated dose) or placebo, plus lifestyle interventions. The primary end point was the percentage change in the body-mass index (BMI; the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters). The confirmatory secondary end points were the percentage change in body weight and a reduction in BMI of at least 5%. RESULTS A total of 82 participants underwent randomization; 56 were assigned to the liraglutide group and 26 to the placebo group. At week 56, the mean percentage change from baseline in BMI was -5.8% with liraglutide and 1.6% with placebo, representing an estimated difference of -7.4 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI], -11.6 to -3.2; P<0.001). The mean percentage change in body weight was 1.6% with liraglutide and 10.0% with placebo, representing an estimated difference of-8.4 percentage points (95% CI, -13.4 to -3.3; P = 0.001), and a reduction in BMI of at least 5% occurred in 46% of participants in the liraglutide group and in 9% of participants in the placebo group (adjusted odds ratio, 6.3 [95% CI, 1.4 to 28.8]; P=0.02). Adverse events occurred in 89% and 88% of participants in the liraglutide and placebo groups, respectively. Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in the liraglutide group (80% vs. 54%); serious adverse events were reported in 12% and 8% of participants in the liraglutide and placebo groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Among children (6 to <12 years of age) with obesity, treatment with liraglutide for 56 weeks plus lifestyle interventions resulted in a greater reduction in BMI than placebo plus lifestyle interventions. (Funded by Novo Nordisk; SCALE Kids ClinicaITrials.gov number, NCT04775082.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is insufficient evidence regarding the independent risk of childhood/adolescent obesity for morbidity and mortality in adulthood. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association of weight categories during adolescence with high-risk diseases determined by the Charlson Comorbidity Index in young adulthood. We also analyzed the association of weight categories with cumulative mortality at the age of 30. Methods: A retrospective cohort study, based on the central computerized database of a major health service organization, was conducted. The study population consisted of 80,853 adolescents. The study period was from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2022 and was divided into the exposure period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011 (ages 17–19) and the follow-up period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2022 (from the date of the defining BMI measurement up to the age of 30 years). Results: The five diseases with the highest cumulative incidence were chronic pulmonary disease (8.2%), mild liver disease (3.7%), cerebrovascular disease (2.8%), diabetes without end-organ damage (2.0%), and peptic disease (1.6%). When adjusted for socio-demographic variables and adult BMI, the relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for the increase in the Charlson Comorbidity Index were 1.11 (1.05–1.17), 1.17 (1.11–1.24), and 1.22 (1.09–1.35) for the "overweight", "obesity", and "class 2 obesity" categories, respectively, while the mortality for these categories were 1.60 (1.11–2.27), 1.71 (1.12–2.57), and 3.18 (1.48–6.35), respectively. Conclusions: Adolescent obesity is an independent risk factor for high-risk diseases and mortality in young adulthood. Interventions aimed at reducing the rate of adolescent overweight and obesity should be implemented as early as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It remains unclear how preoperative nutrition fortification impacts postoperative growth trajectories and nutritional status among infants with congenital heart disease. A single center retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate measures of growth among patients who underwent cardiac repair at 0–18 months of age for atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular septal defect, or tetralogy of Fallot. Cohorts were analyzed at 0–30 and 31–60 days post-repair as well as at 2, 5, and 10 years of age. Records of 24 patients who received fortified nutrition and 60 patients who received unfortified nutrition preoperatively were reviewed. Those with fortified nutrition had higher growth velocities in the first 30 days post-repair compared to those with unfortified nutrition: 28.4 (23.8–83.3) grams per day versus 16.7 (7.1–21.4) grams per day, p = 0.004. Weight percentile for age was higher in the unfortified group at 2, 5, and 10 years of age (p = 0.02, p = 0.045, and p = 0.01). Body mass index (BMI) percentile for age was higher in the unfortified group at 5 and 10 years of age (p = 0.045 and p = 0.02) with a trend toward higher prevalence of either overweight or obesity compared to the fortified group (p = 0.13). reoperative nutrition fortification among infants with congenital heart disease is associated with higher growth velocity in the first 30 days post-repair and lower BMI percentile for age at 10 years. Further studies are needed to evaluate the association between preoperative nutrition fortification and postoperative outcomes, nutritional status, and prevalence of obesity in adolescence and adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) decreases hepatic lipogenesis in animal models, and FGF21 analogues decrease serum triglycerides (TG) in adults in phase‐2 trials. On the other hand, serum FGF21 is associated with higher TG in observational studies of people with obesity, raising a sort of paradox. We tested the hypothesis that FGF21 is induced by TG in youth with obesity, as a compensatory mechanism. Materials and Methods: We recruited 159 children/adolescents with obesity (80 males, 12.7 ± 2.1 years). Besides serum FGF21 and lipid dosages, we genotyped the Pro446Leu variant at glucokinase regulator (GCKR) as a known marker of genetically increased hepatic de novo lipogenesis, and we used it as an instrumental variable to establish a cause‐and‐effect relationship between FGF21 and TG, according to a Mendelian randomization analysis. Results: The Pro446Leu variant increased circulating TG (β = +0.35, p < 0.001), which was positively associated with circulating FGF21 (β = +0.42, p < 0.001). The Pro446Leu variant increased FGF‐21 (β = +0.14, p = 0.031) with the expected slope (β‐coefficient) in case of association entirely mediated by TG: 0.35 (slope between Pro446Ala and TG) × 0.42 (slope between TG and FGF21) = 0.14. Conclusions: Hepatic lipogenesis, marked by GCKR‐modulated triglycerides, is significantly associated with increased serum FGF‐21 in children/adolescents with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Examining how overweight/obesity impacts thyroid nodule development in children and adolescents by sex and age allows speculation on the mechanism. Objective We examined whether overweight/obesity in children and adolescents is associated with thyroid nodule development by sex and age. Methods Approximately 300 000 participants who underwent thyroid ultrasonography in the Fukushima Health Management Survey after a nuclear accident were enrolled. Those without nodules in the initial 2 examinations (1-3 and 4-5 years postaccident) were prospectively assessed for nodule development in the third examination (6-7 years postaccident) relative to baseline overweight status, with an average follow-up of 4.2 years. This was a population-based prospective cohort study. The first and second thyroid examinations involved 299 939 and 237 691 participants, respectively, excluding those with thyroid nodules. After the third examination, 184 519 participants were finalized for analysis. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios of new detected thyroid nodules for overweight participants were compared with normal-weight participants. Results New thyroid nodules were detected in 660 participants. Being overweight was positively associated with thyroid nodules. The adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of thyroid nodules for overweight participants compared with other participants was 1.27 (1.04-1.57). Additionally, the multivariable adjusted odds ratios for overweight males and females were 1.21 and 1.32, respectively, and those for different age groups (0-9, 10-14, and 15-19 years) ranged from 1.17 to 1.75. Conclusion Being overweight was associated with thyroid nodules in children and adolescents, mostly adolescent females, regardless of their proximity to the nuclear power plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-communicable diseases in adulthood are reported to be strongly associated with adolescent obesity. The present study aimed to assess the effect of a comprehensive lifestyle modification intervention on the anthropometric indices, dietary intake, and physical activity of adolescent boys with overweight. Methods: This pragmatic trial was conducted on 126 adolescent boys with overweight. A comprehensive school-based intervention was carried out at two levels for four months: at the school level based on the Ottawa Charter framework and at the personal level including individualized diet and physical activity. Results: The percentage of mean difference of BMI and BF loss in the intervention group were 1.20% (P < 0.05) and 6.41% (P < 0.01), respectively. The intervention group had a lower intake of calorie (2350 ± 861 vs. 2634 ± 917 kcal/d), carbohydrate (255.68 ± 41 vs. 286.97 + 47 g/d), and fat (112.67 ± 78 vs. 217.72 ± 86 g/d) after the intervention compared to the control group (All P < 0.05). The intervention resulted in a significant increase in physical activity parameters including distance (3501 ± 287 vs. 614 ± 56 m/d), duration (203 ± 35 vs. 72 ± 10 min/d), and calorie expenditure (359.24 ± 62.4 vs. 46.74 ± 7.5 kcal/d) in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: A comprehensive lifestyle modification intervention which covers both school and individual levels may positively influence BMI, body fat, calorie intake, and distance and duration of physical activity in adolescents. Thus, adopting multifaceted strategies using the Ottawa Charter framework may be considered as an effective approach to managing obesity in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric obesity is a growing global health challenge, with long-term implications for individuals and healthcare systems. Existing studies on the association between pediatric obesity and healthcare use in adulthood are limited and often rely on mathematical simulation models. This study aims to provide real-world data on the impact of adolescent obesity on specialized healthcare utilization and costs in early adulthood. Methods: This study analyzed data from two longitudinal cohorts: a population-based cohort from Norway (Young-HUNT) and a clinical cohort from Sweden (BORIS), the latter with matched general population comparators. Individuals included were born between 1987 and 1994, with BMI measurements at ages 13–19, and follow-up data from ages 20 to 30 years. Healthcare utilization and costs were assessed using national patient registries. Results: A total of 7592 individuals from Norway (5.7% with adolescent obesity) and 1543 individuals from Sweden with adolescent obesity, accompanied with 7330 matched general population comparators, were included. Among females, adolescent obesity was associated with significantly higher specialized healthcare utilization and costs in young adulthood, e.g., in Sweden, females with adolescent obesity had a 57% probability of annual specialized healthcare visits at ages 25–29, compared to 49% among the general population, p < 0.0001. In Norway, a similar pattern was observed. Among males, the association between obesity and healthcare utilization/annual specialized visits was less prominent. Annual excess costs for females with a history of adolescent obesity ranged from €578 to €835, while males showed minimal or no annual excess costs. Conclusions: Analyses of real-world data cohorts from Norway and Sweden reveal that adolescent obesity is associated with increased healthcare utilization and costs in young adulthood, exceeding previous estimates. A distinct sex difference was evident, with females incurring higher costs compared to males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exercise is widely used for obesity management, but the optimal doses of exercise for improving body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the dose‒response effects of various exercises on BMI in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Web of Science (Core Collection), PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials on relevant studies, covering literature up to July 2024. Three independent reviewers assessed bias via the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The quality of evidence was assessed using Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis framework. A dose‒response network meta-analysis was used to evaluate the impact of various exercise interventions and explore dose‒response relationships. All outcomes were analyzed with the mean difference (MD) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs) calculated for combined statistics. Results: The study included 39 publications with 1,814 participants, 47.3% female and a median age of 14 years. The intervention involved six exercise modalities. High-intensity interval training demonstrated a significant reduction in BMI (MD = -1.33, 95% CrIs - 2.01 to -0.66), followed by combined exercise (MD = -1.25, 95% CrIs − 1.93 to -0.61), moderate-intensity continuous training (MD = -1.09, 95% CrIs - 1.73 to -0.45), and mixed aerobic exercise (MD = -1.05, 95% CrIs - 1.67 to -0.42). There was an 'L'-shaped nonlinear dose-response relationship between total exercise dose and BMI, with 200 METs-min/day identified as the minimum exercise dose required to achieve a clinically meaningful reduction in BMI. Conclusion: Low-quality evidence indicates that HIIT, CE, MAE, and MICT improve BMI in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity, with clarified exercise doses for clinical benefit. These findings are relevant for exercise prescription and public health policy. Trial registration: CRD42024566450. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, obesity trends are a serious public health concern. Adolescent obesity is associated with cardiometabolic risk and metabolic disorders in adolescence and may persist into adulthood. The current study was designed to explore the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) in adolescents and its relationship with obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and some inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: A total of 90 adolescents with obesity and 90 adolescents with normal weight, participated in the study. Data from a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire were used to calculate the DASH score. The association of DASH score with cardiometabolic risk factors was estimated using multivariable logistic regression models. To assess the correlation between the DASH score and dietary factor, the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used. Results: Adolescents with a high DASH score had significantly higher intakes of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin K and lower intakes of sodium compared with those with a low DASH score (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the DASH score and its components between adolescents with and without metabolic syndrome. Adolescents with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher concentrations of triglycerides, low HDL-C, and high blood pressure compared with those without metabolic syndrome (P < 0.05). There were no significant associations between DASH score and MetS and other cardiometabolic risk factors in crude and multivariate-adjusted models. In addition, the DASH score was positively associated with potassium, magnesium, sodium, vitamins D and C, docosahexaenoic acid, and soluble fiber (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In the current study, there was no significant association between adherence to the DASH diet and odds of metabolic syndrome, and other cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescent. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. Trial registration: Ethics approval was obtained from the research ethics committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (IR.TBZMED.REC.1397.179.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a major global public health issue globally and in Brazil. The impacts of childhood obesity include higher risk of disease during childhood and of obesity and non-communicable diseases in adulthood and represent an important epidemiological and economic burden to countries. This study aims to analyze the trends and to estimate the direct healthcare costs of childhood and adolescent obesity to the National Health System from 2013 to 2022. Methods: We used Prais-Winsten regressions for determining the trends in the prevalence of obesity and modeled the attributable to childhood and adolescent obesity in the Brazilian National Health System using previous meta-analysis of studies. Results: The hospitalizations of children and adolescents with obesity as a primary cause totaled Int$2.6 million to the Brazilian National Health System from 2013 to 2022, demonstrating that obesity is rarely considered as a cause of hospitalization especially among children and adolescents. The additional costs of hospitalizations attributable to childhood obesity totaled Int$101.5 million during the same period. The additional non-hospital, outpatient and medication cost attributable to childhood obesity in Brazil were estimated at Int$6.0 million, so the total estimated healthcare costs were of approximately Int$107.5 million in the last decade. Conclusion: This study highlights that childhood and adolescent obesity are increasing for most age-groups and that its costs are not limited to the economic impacts on adult health and represent a relevant economic burden to the Brazilian National Health System and to families because of additional costs during childhood and adolescence. Therefore, the prevention and control of childhood and adolescent obesity must be public health priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health ramifications of adolescent obesity are understudied in the Israeli Arab population, and the impact of ethnicity on the association of obesity with mental health problems is unclear. To examine the association of weight categories with Anxiety, Depression and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among Arab adolescents in Israel and to compare this association to a Jewish comparison group. A cross-sectional nationwide study of 313,936 Arab adolescents aged 14–19 years between the years 2007–2022, and 289,616 Jewish adolescents in a comparison group. The aORs for Anxiety, Depression and ADHD in Arab adolescents increased from a reference 'normal weight' category to 'class 3 obesity', reaching aORs (95 % CI) of 1.31 (1.16–1.47), 1.64 (1.31–2.02) and 1.51 (1.40–1.63) in 'class 2 obesity', and 1.51 (1.20–1.87), 2.81(2.00–3.84) and 1.69 (1.45–1.96) in 'class 3 obesity', respectively. The dose-dependent association between weight categories and psychiatric comorbidity was confirmed in sensitivity analyses with comorbidity with the purchase of medications serving as the dependent variable. The Jewish comparison group demonstrated a comparable increment in aORs with increase in weight category. The association between excessive weight categories and psychiatric comorbidities was stronger in Arab females, than in males. Relying on the recorded weight and height measurements and the diagnoses of psychiatric comorbidity could lead to bias. The study findings emphasize the need to relate to the mental health of adolescents with excessive weight, which can improve their overall quality of life and the success of adolescent weight loss intervention programs. • We studied the association of adolescent obesity with psychiatric comorbidity. • The outcomes were Anxiety, Depression and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder. • The association of weight categories with psychiatric comorbidity was dose-dependent. • The association with psychiatric comorbidity was stronger in Arab females. • This association was comparable for Arab and Jewish groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paediatric obesity is a global public health concern. While in most countries the incidence keeps rising, the need for effective and long‐term management for children and adolescents living with this chronic, relapsing disease is pressing. Health behaviour and lifestyle treatment (HBLT) is recommended as first‐line treatment. Methods: Narrative review. Results: A new generation of recently approved anti‐obesity medications (AOM) now has the potential to fill the gap between limited effects on body mass index (BMI) by HBLT alone and large effects by metabolic and bariatric surgery in adolescents with obesity aged 12 years and older. While, for semaglutide and phentermine/topiramate, effectiveness is substantial with relevant, but mostly mild to moderate adverse events, there is a gap in evidence regarding long‐term effects and safety, effects on outcomes beyond BMI reduction and data for certain groups of patients, such as children < 12 years and minority groups. When integrating AOM treatment into national healthcare systems it should be offered as part of a comprehensive patient‐centred approach. Conclusion: This article summarizes recent AOM developments, integration into paediatric obesity management, and identifies research gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin D (VD) deficiency and childhood obesity are a public health problem in Mexico. Both are related to the development of various chronic diseases. It is important to describe and identify the main risk factors involved in VD deficiency in this population. Objective: To describe VD intake in obese Mexican adolescents and evaluate its association with serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 80 obese adolescents from Mexico City. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary intake, sun exposure, and physical activity data were collected. A blood sample was taken to determine serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Results: VD deficiency and insufficiency occurred in 30% and 42.2% of adolescents. The median VD intake was 110.4 IU/day and the mean sun exposure score was 13 ± 7.5. Serum 25(OH)D levels were correlated with vitamin D intake (p = 0.010). Concentrations of 25(OH)D in serum were similar when compared between sex, sunscreen use, season, and skin type (p > 0.05). Conclusions: VD deficiency in adolescents with obesity is high. In contrast with its dietary intake and degree of sun exposure which are considerably low. A significant association was observed between dietary VD intake and serum 25(OH) D concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Central obesity (CO) leads to increased cardiovascular and metabolic risks in children and adolescents. The evidence on prevalence of central obesity and its correlates are lacking among adolescents in India. Objectives: (1) To estimate the prevalence of central obesity in school-going adolescents, (2) To determine the association between central obesity and generalized obesity (GO) among adolescents, and (3) To determine the correlates of central obesity. Methods: Totally, 660 adolescents, selected using systematic random sampling, in four urban schools in Aligarh were interviewed using pre-designed questionnaire and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. CO was defined as >90th age-and-sex-specific percentile of WC and GO by BMI-for-age-and-sex percentiles given by WHO Growth Reference 2007. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were done using IBM SPSS version 20.0. Results: Overall prevalence of central obesity was found to be 28.5% [CI: 25.2-32.0], almost double of generalized obesity (14.6%, 95%CI: 12.1-17.6). The prevalence was significantly higher among girls (33.6%, 95%CI: 28.3-39.3) than in boys (24.7%, 95%CI: 20.7-29.3) and in the affluent group (38.8%, 95%CI: 33.7-44.1) than in non-affluent (18.2%, 95%CI: 14.4-22.7). More than 1/4th of normal weight adolescents [27.2% (99/364)] also had CO. Increased fast food intake (OR: 4.1; 95% CI = 2.1-8.1), low Physical Activity Level (OR: 2.4; 95% CI = 1.3-4.3) and more than 10 hours sedentary time spent per day (OR: 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1-4.8) were independent determinants of CO. Conclusion: Central obesity among school-going adolescents of a non-metropolitan Indian city is alarmingly high and a burden even in one-fourth of normal weight adolescents. Screening for CO among adolescents by primary physicians, pediatricians, and through School Health Programme is recommended. Behavior change communication regarding risk factors for CO is advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Purpose Method Results Conclusıon The aim of this study was to examine the effect of motivational interview‐based training on nutrition exercise behavior, sedentary behavior duration, and anthropometric outcomes in adolescents.This randomized controlled single‐blind experimental study was conducted between January 2021 and March 2023. The research sample consisted of 76 adolescents with obesity (intervention: 38 and control: 38) determined by power analysis. The intervention group received a 6‐session motivational interview‐based training program. No intervention was applied to the control group. Data were collected using a personal information form, nutrition exercise behavior scale, adolescent sedentary activity questionnaire, and body mass ındex measurement form. Data collection tools were administered to both groups before the intervention, at the last session and at the 3rd month follow‐up. In the analysis of the data, chi‐square test, independent sample t‐test and two‐way mixed design ANOVA were used.There was no statistically significant difference between the pretest nutrition exercise behavior scale, sedentary activity questionnaire, and body mass index z‐scores of the intervention and control groups (p > 0.05). After the motivational interview‐based education program, nutrition exercise behaviors improved (p: 0.00), sedentary behavior duration and BMI decreased (p: 0.00) in the intervention group. No significant difference was observed in the control group. Nutritional exercise behavior, duration of sedentary behavior and BMI values of the intervention group showed a significant difference compared to the control group (p: 0.00).It was determined that motivational interviewing applied to adolescents with obesity created a positive change on nutritional exercise behavior, sedentary behavior durations, and anthropometric results. It is recommended that nurses should use motivational interviewing in the management of nutrition and exercise behaviors of adolescents with obesity.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials ID: NCT05268653. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence trends of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents with obesity by systematically analyzing global data. Additionally, it aimed to compare regional disparities and criteria used to identify at‐risk subpopulations among this demographic group. Methods: We searched three major databases, i.e., PubMed‐Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception to August 31, 2023, yielding 2432 articles. We included original research papers reporting MetS prevalence among children and adolescents with obesity, irrespective of their regions and MetS diagnostic criteria used. We aggregated prevalence estimates using random‐effects models to obtain the overall prevalence and conducted subgroup analyses for MetS criteria and study regions. Results: We included 57 studies, amounting to 27,923 participants. The overall prevalence of MetS in participants with obesity varied greatly across studies, ranging from 2.1% to 74.4%, with an average prevalence of 29.4%. This high prevalence of MetS was further supported by a meta‐analysis comprising 57 studies that further strengthened the observation of a high prevalence of MetS, revealing an overall prevalence of 26% (95% CI: 0.22–0.30; I2 = 98%). Conclusions: Children and adolescents with obesity face a heightened risk of developing MetS. There is a pressing need for heightened attention to this issue, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries such as those in sub‐Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiologic researches show that short sleep duration may affect feeding behaviors resulting in higher energy intake and increased risk of obesity, but the further mechanisms that can interpret the causality remain unclear. The circadian rhythm is fine-tuned by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) as the master clock, which is essential for driving rhythms in food intake and energy metabolism through neuronal projections to the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Results: We showed that chronic SD-induced aberrant expressions of AgRP/NPY and POMC attributed to compromised JAK/STAT3 signals and reduced energy expenditure in the mice, which can be rescued with AAV-genetic overexpression of BMAL1 into SCN. The potential mechanism may be related to the disruptions of SCN efferent mediated by BMAL1. Conclusions: Chronic SD impairs energy balance through directly dampening BMAL1 expression, probably in the transcription level, in the SCN, which in turn affects the neuron projections to ARC and PVN. Remarkably, we provide evidence that may explain the causal mechanisms associated with sleep curtailment and obesity in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background/Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of occurrence of a significant health problem—abdominal obesity (AO)—in children and adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) compared to children and adolescents without disabilities, examined in the period 2013–2014. Methods: The study group included 568 students with various ID degrees (n = 265 mild; n = 249 moderate; n = 54 severe) (age range 7–18 years) attending care and educational facilities. The comparison group (non-ID) was randomly selected based on the principle of matching the group (age and sex) among students without ID. Anthropometric measurements were taken: waist circumference (WC), height, and body mass. To classify WC and BMI values, percentile charts developed within the OLAF project were used. Analyses were performed using the independence chi-square test, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. The level of significance was assumed as α = 0.05. Results: The prevalence of AO in the ID group was not statistically significant (OR = 1.31; p = 0.056). The risk in the study group was significantly higher in the older age category (OR = 1.88; p < 0.001) and increased with the level of intellectual disability, amounting (OR = 3.71; p < 0.001) to moderate ID and (OR = 5.62; p < 0.001) for profound ID, respectively. Conclusions: Consideration should be given to the extension of preventive and therapeutic measures to defined subgroups of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities, who are particularly vulnerable to AO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents has been increasing steadily. This study aims to investigates the causal effect and underlying mechanisms between Internet use and body weight among Chinese adolescents. Using data from China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) spanning from 2004 to 2015, the analytical sample includes 3054 participants (aged 11–19, 48% females). We exploit ordinary least squares (OLS) and two-stage least squares (2SLS) models, obtained causal effect of Internet use on body mass index (BMI), overweight and obesity among adolescents. We find a significant positive effect of Internet use on BMI (β = 0.499, p < 0.05) and probability of overweight (β = 0.061, p < 0.05). Specifically, Internet use increases BMI by 2.56%, and increases the probability of being overweight by 6.1%. But no evidence shows that Internet use significantly increases the probability of obesity (p > 0.1). The mechanism is that Internet use increases sedentary activities (mainly screen time) and food consumption behavior, which results in an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure that in turn increases BMI and overweight. Furthermore, the longer the time spent playing games online, the greater the probability of adolescents being overweight (β = 0.012, p < 0.1), whereas time spent watching movies online, surfing online, and chatting online is not significantly associated with body weight. Heterogeneity analyses show that the adverse effects of Internet use on adolescents' body weight is more pronounced in rural areas and among the male group. This study suggests that reducing time spent playing games online, and increasing physical activity and cultivating healthy eating behaviour can reduce the risk of overweight and obesity in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Purpose Methods Results Conclusions Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly common in the pediatric population and may increase risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with MASLD. Oxidized high‐density lipoprotein (oxHDL) and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) are modified, pro‐atherosclerotic lipoproteins that are increased in adults with MASLD and CVD but have not been reported in adolescents with MASLD.To determine if oxLDL and oxHDL are increased in adolescents with MASLD.Fasting oxHDL and oxLDL were measured in adolescents (11–20 years) with obesity and biopsy‐confirmed MASLD (n = 47), and peers without MASLD but with obesity (Ob; n = 28), or normal weight (NW; n = 29).oxHDL was 27% higher (p < 0.05) in the MASLD group (mean ± SD: 11.9 ± 4.7 ng/mL) compared to the Ob group (9.3 ± 3.7 ng/mL, p < 0.05) but only 7% higher than the NW group (11.1 ± 3.8 ng/mL, p > 0.05). However, HDL‐C was 19% and 32% lower in the MASLD group than in the Ob and NW groups, respectively. Thus, oxHDL/HDL‐C ratio was 55% and 66% higher in MASLD compared to the Ob group (p < 0.004) and the NW group (p < 0.001), respectively. oxLDL (52.4 ± 16.0, 46.7 ± 10.1 and 47.1 ± 15.2 U/L for MASLD, Ob and NW, respectively), LDL‐C and the oxLDL/LDL‐C ratio did not differ among groups.The elevated oxHDL and oxHDL/HDL‐C in adolescents with MASLD compared to peers with Ob or NW suggests that there is some oxidative stress in MASLD independent of obesity and potential for increased CVD risk in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Over the past several decades, the overweight and obesity epidemic in the USA has resulted in a significant health and economic burden. Understanding current trends and future trajectories at both national and state levels is crucial for assessing the success of existing interventions and informing future health policy changes. We estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity from 1990 to 2021 with forecasts to 2050 for children and adolescents (aged 5–24 years) and adults (aged ≥25 years) at the national level. Additionally, we derived state-specific estimates and projections for older adolescents (aged 15–24 years) and adults for all 50 states and Washington, DC. In this analysis, self-reported and measured anthropometric data were extracted from 134 unique sources, which included all major national surveillance survey data. Adjustments were made to correct for self-reporting bias. For individuals older than 18 years, overweight was defined as having a BMI of 25 kg/m2 to less than 30 kg/m2 and obesity was defined as a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher, and for individuals younger than 18 years definitions were based on International Obesity Task Force criteria. Historical trends of overweight and obesity prevalence from 1990 to 2021 were estimated using spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression models. A generalised ensemble modelling approach was then used to derive projected estimates up to 2050, assuming continuation of past trends and patterns. All estimates were calculated by age and sex at the national level, with estimates for older adolescents (aged 15–24 years) and adults aged (≥25 years) also calculated for 50 states and Washington, DC. 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) were derived from the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles of the posterior distributions of the respective estimates. In 2021, an estimated 15·1 million (95% UI 13·5–16·8) children and young adolescents (aged 5–14 years), 21·4 million (20·2–22·6) older adolescents (aged 15–24 years), and 172 million (169–174) adults (aged ≥25 years) had overweight or obesity in the USA. Texas had the highest age-standardised prevalence of overweight or obesity for male adolescents (aged 15–24 years), at 52·4% (47·4–57·6), whereas Mississippi had the highest for female adolescents (aged 15–24 years), at 63·0% (57·0–68·5). Among adults, the prevalence of overweight or obesity was highest in North Dakota for males, estimated at 80·6% (78·5–82·6), and in Mississippi for females at 79·9% (77·8–81·8). The prevalence of obesity has outpaced the increase in overweight over time, especially among adolescents. Between 1990 and 2021, the percentage change in the age-standardised prevalence of obesity increased by 158·4% (123·9–197·4) among male adolescents and 185·9% (139·4–237·1) among female adolescents (15–24 years). For adults, the percentage change in prevalence of obesity was 123·6% (112·4–136·4) in males and 99·9% (88·8–111·1) in females. Forecast results suggest that if past trends and patterns continue, an additional 3·33 million children and young adolescents (aged 5–14 years), 3·41 million older adolescents (aged 15–24 years), and 41·4 million adults (aged ≥25 years) will have overweight or obesity by 2050. By 2050, the total number of children and adolescents with overweight and obesity will reach 43·1 million (37·2–47·4) and the total number of adults with overweight and obesity will reach 213 million (202–221). In 2050, in most states, a projected one in three adolescents (aged 15–24 years) and two in three adults (≥25 years) will have obesity. Although southern states, such as Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Kentucky, are forecast to continue to have a high prevalence of obesity, the highest percentage changes from 2021 are projected in states such as Utah for adolescents and Colorado for adults. Existing policies have failed to address overweight and obesity. Without major reform, the forecasted trends will be devastating at the individual and population level, and the associated disease burden and economic costs will continue to escalate. Stronger governance is needed to support and implement a multifaceted whole-system approach to disrupt the structural drivers of overweight and obesity at both national and local levels. Although clinical innovations should be leveraged to treat and manage existing obesity equitably, population-level prevention remains central to any intervention strategies, particularly for children and adolescents. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insulin resistance in children and adolescents with obesity is linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. The SPISE index, based on values of fasting triglycerides (mg/dL), HDL cholesterol (mg/dL), and BMI (kg/m2), shows promise in predicting insulin resistance in children. Methods: This study aimed to identify a SPISE cut-off for detecting insulin resistance and evaluate its relationship with pubertal development, anthropometrics, and glycometabolic profile in 232 children and adolescents, 105 males and 127 females (median age 13.2 years) with overweight (n=48) and obesity (n=184). SPISE index was calculated with the formula: 600 x HDL Cholesterol0,185/Triglycerides0,2x BMI1,338, and patients were categorized based on Tanner stages [(Group 1 (18.8%) Tanner 1, Group 2 (44.6%) Tanner 2-3-4, Group 3 (36.6%) Tanner 5)]. Results: A SPISE cut-off ≤ 6.92 or ≤ 6.13 (based on the method used for insulin resistance detection), in subjects with Tanner stages I and II, showed good sensitivity and specificity as a marker of insulin resistance. SPISE index decreased significantly with the advancement of pubertal status (P < 0.0001) and with worsening severity of obesity (P < 0.0001). While no significant differences in SPISE marker were observed between patients with normal and abnormal glucose tolerance during OGTT within any pubertal stage, SPISE values were significantly lower in patients with confirmed insulin resistance (total sum of insulin OGTT ≥ 535 µu/mL) in all three pubertal groups (Group 1: P=0.008; Group 2: P=0.0008 and Group 3: P=0.002, respectively). Conclusions: In children and adolescents with obesity the SPISE index can be proposed as an alternative to OGTT and other insulin-based methods for evaluating insulin resistance. Its advantage lies in using readily available and inexpensive laboratory tests, making it suitable for large-scale studies and follow-up monitoring across diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion Excessive weight gain in childhood has been associated with poor health outcomes throughout life span and has a strong tracking effect in adulthood. This study aimed to investigate trends in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and severe obesity among Chinese children from 2010 to 2020.A total of 42 982 Chinese children aged 2–18 years were included in the Chinese Family Panel Studies carried out every 2 years from 2010 to 2020. Height and mass were reported by them or by their guardians and body mass index was calculated. The prevalence was estimated according to the International Obesity Task Force cut‐offs.There was no significant trend in the prevalence of overweight. The prevalence of obesity and severe obesity for the total population decreased from 8.3% and 3.7% in 2010 to 7.1% and 2.6% in 2020, respectively (p < 0.001). However, these decreases were attributed mostly to children aged 2–6 years and the prevalence increased among children aged 13–18 years. Male, rural residential area and younger age were risk factors for overweight and obesity.A decrease in the prevalence of excessive weight was a positive finding, but strategies that promote the health and well‐being of priority populations were needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a consequence of multiple factors, including genetics, lifestyle and nutritional choices, physical activity, sleep duration, screen time, and mood disorders. These behavioral elements can impair the regulation of energy balance and obesity management that link obesity to a constellation of chronic conditions that lead to a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Multidisciplinary therapy is defined as an approach delivered by a multidisciplinary‐trained health team covering at least two components of behavior, physical activity/exercise, dietary habits, and/or psychological counseling associated with clinical interventions. This narrative review summarizes the effects of multidisciplinary therapy on neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance, inflammatory biomarkers, cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, behavior, and quality of life. We found that multidisciplinary therapy, including medical, nutritional, exercise, and behavioral counseling, and/or education, was useful for addressing outcomes such as visceral adiposity, neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance, inflammatory biomarkers, cardiometabolic risk factors, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. The effects were mediated by improvements in neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance, downregulation of the pro‐inflammatory states, and a reduction in comorbidities. Multidisciplinary therapy also improved mood disorders and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This systematic review and meta‐analysis synthesized evidence pertaining to consummatory and appetitive responses to acute exercise in children and adolescents with and without obesity (5–18 years). Articles reporting on supervised, controlled trials of any modality, duration, or intensity with laboratory‐measured food intake were found using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane up to July 2023. Differences between conditions in laboratory energy and macronutrient intake, appetite sensations, and food reward were quantitatively synthesized using random‐effects meta‐analyses. Thirty‐five studies were eligible for the systematic review of energy intake, consisting of 60 distinct intervention arms with lean (n = 374) and overweight/obesity participants (n = 325; k = 51 eligible for meta‐analysis). Study quality as indicated by the Effective Public Healthy Practice Project tool was rated as low and moderate risk of bias for 80% and 20% of studies, respectively. Acute exercise had no significant effect on energy intake during an ad libitum test meal (mean difference [MD] = −4.52 [−30.58, 21.54] kcal, p =.729). Whilst absolute carbohydrate intake was lower after exercise (23 arms; MD = −6.08 [−11.26, −0.91] g, p =.023), the proportion of carbohydrate was not (30 arms; MD = −0.62 [−3.36, 2.12] %, p =.647). A small elevation in hunger (27 arms; MD = 4.56 [0.75, 8.37] mm, p =.021) and prospective food consumption (27 arms; PFC; MD = 5.71 [1.62, 9.80] mm, p =.008) was observed post‐exercise, but not immediately prior to the test meal (Interval: Mdn = 30 min, Range = 0–180). Conversely, a modest decrease in explicit wanting for high‐fat foods was evident after exercise (10 arms; MD = −2.22 [−3.96, −0.47] mm, p =.019). Exercise intensity (p =.033) and duration (p =.013) moderated food intake only in youth with overweight/obesity, indicating lower intake at high intensity and short duration. Overall, acute exercise does not lead to compensation of energy intake or a meaningful elevation of appetite or food reward and might have a modest benefit in youth with overweight/obesity if sufficiently intense. However, conclusions are limited by substantial methodological heterogeneity and the small number of trials employing high‐intensity exercise, especially in youth with overweight/obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Adolescence is a high‐risk life stage for obesity. Digital strategies are needed to prevent and manage obesity among adolescents. We assessed if digital health interventions are contributing to disparities in obesity outcomes and assessed the adequacy of reporting of digital health equity criteria across four levels of influence within the digital environment. The systematic search was conducted on 10 major electronic databases and limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cluster‐RCTs for prevention or management of obesity among 10–19 year olds. Primary outcome was mean body mass index (BMI), or BMI z‐score change. The Adapted Digital Health Equity Assessment Framework was applied to all studies. Thirty‐three articles (27 unique studies with 8483 participants) were identified, with only eight studies targeting adolescents from disadvantaged populations. Post‐intervention, only three studies reported significantly lower BMI outcomes in the intervention compared to control. Of the 432 digital health equity criteria assessed across 27 studies, 82% of criteria were "not addressed." Studies are not addressing digital health equity criteria or inadequately reporting information to assess if digital health interventions are contributing to disparities in obesity outcomes. Enhanced reporting is needed to inform decision‐makers and support the development of equitable interventions to prevent and manage obesity among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine aspects of the home and neighborhood food environment as predictors of adolescent diet. Cross-sectional study. Research laboratory in Nebraska. Data drawn from the adolescent phase of a larger longitudinal study. Participants included 204 adolescents (mean age of 15.3 years) and caregivers. Independent variables included the home food environment assessed via a validated questionnaire and the neighborhood food environment assessed via geographic information system methods and in-person audits. Dietary outcome variables were assessed using the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating questionnaire and a 24-hour recall measure. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis. P < 0.05 indicated a significant predictor. Home fruit and vegetable availability predicted greater Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Healthy Eating Index score (P = 0.03), greater Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating-measured fruit and vegetable intake (P = 0.003), greater nutrient-dense food consumption (P = 0.01), and less fast-food intake (P = 0.02). Home fat and sweet availability positively predicted energy-dense, nutrient-poor food (P = 0.01), less healthful food (P < 0.001), and sugary food intake (P < 0.001). Convenience store counts positively predicted nutrient-dense food consumption (P = 0.04). Fast-food counts positively predicted sugary beverage consumption (P = 0.01). Findings suggest that, compared with the neighborhood food environment, the home food environment displays a greater number of associations with adolescent diet. Future research is needed to determine if the home food environment may act as a modifiable intervention target to address the elevated rates of adolescent obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Movement behaviors and abdominal obesity are associated with higher inflammatory biomarkers. However, the role of waist circumference as a mediating factor is still unknown. Thus, our aims were to (1) test the associations between 24-hour movement behavior variables (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep), abdominal obesity, and pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers; and (2) investigate whether abdominal obesity had a mediating effect between the investigated associations. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study included 3591 adolescents (aged 12–17 y) from 4 Brazilian cities. Waist circumference (in centimeters; at half the distance between the iliac crest and at the lower costal margin), 24-hour movement behaviors (validated questionnaire), high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and adiponectin (serum plasma) were evaluated. We used multiple mediation regression models (95% confidence interval) to determine if waist circumference mediated the association between 24-hour movement behaviors and pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers. Results: The results revealed that screen time and moderate to vigorous physical activity were not associated with pro- or anti-inflammatory biomarkers. However, sleep duration (in hours per day) was negatively associated with pro- (C-reactive protein, β = −0.08; 95% confidence interval, −0.38 to −0.02) and anti- (adiponectin, β = −0.31; 95% confidence interval, −2.13 to −0.12) inflammatory biomarkers. Our results also showed that waist circumference mediated the association between sleep duration and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (2.7%), and adiponectin (2.8%). Conclusion: Sleep duration was inversely associated with pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers, and these relations were mediated by abdominal obesity. Therefore, adolescents having healthy sleep can have implications for reducing waist circumference and inflammatory indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The benefits of plant essential oils (EO) on the health of animals have been frequently reported, but their alteration of lipid metabolism in obese pigs has yet to be explored. This study aimed to assess the impact of EO blends (oregano, cinnamon and lemon oils) on growth performance, meat physicochemical parameters, intestinal health and lipid metabolism in the small intestine of weaned Bamei (a kind of obese‐type pig) piglets. One hundred and forty‐four male 60‐day‐old weaned Bamei piglets were randomly assigned to three groups of six replicates each: CON (basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 250 mg/kg EO), and T2 (basal diet + 500 mg/kg EO) over 28 days. The results showed that T1 trended to improve the average daily gain and feed intake to body gain ratio (p < 0.1), reduced water loss (p < 0.05), and increased the redness of meat (p < 0.05) compared to the CON. In addition, a significant change in the proportion of C17:0 and C20:1 was observed in the meat of T1 (p < 0.05). Improved intestinal health was evidenced by the reduced crypt depth, improved villi‐to‐crypt length ratio, and better superoxide dismutase activity in T1 (p < 0.05). Further study on intestinal lipid metabolism showed that duodenal lipase activity and the mRNA expression levels of lipid transport‐related genes in the jejunum (FABPs, APOA1, APOB and ACSL3) were significantly reduced, alongside diminished serum lipid metabolites (Total protein and triglyceride) in the groups fed with EO (p < 0.05). In short, EO supplementation especially at 250 mg/kg improved intestinal health and inhibited lipid metabolism, which had a positive effect on the overall performance of Bamei piglets. This new evidence contributes to understanding the early regulatory role of EO in obese pigs and their potential to alleviate adolescent obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of parental lifestyles on the level of physical activity and nutritional status of students aged 11 to 16 in the city of Cáceres - Spain. A cross-sectional and observational study was carried out in schools in the cities of Cáceres-Extremadura-Spain, with students aged 11 to 16 years old, of both sexes, from private public schools, and their respective parents/guardians. Data were obtained from 360 students through questionnaires. The questionnaires covered personal data, eating habits, level of physical activity and sedentary behaviors. The results indicated a high incidence of obesity among adolescents, especially among boys. Lack of adequate physical activity and sedentary behavior were identified as contributing factors. Furthermore, parental obesity, maternal education and parents' self-perception of their health showed relevant associations with their children's obesity. Surprisingly, parental education emerged as a significant factor in the incidence of obesity, while other variables such as gender, parental alcohol and tobacco consumption did not show a statistically significant association. The results highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic factors in understanding adolescent obesity and provide insights for targeted intervention strategies. Based on the results obtained, this study highlights the complex interaction between parents' habits and their children's health, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent obesity in the adolescent population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent obesity continues to be a public health challenge with poor quality diets contributing to its etiology. As part of the process to plan health promotion and policy interventions, understanding adolescents perceived facilitators and barriers to healthful eating is important. An integrative convergent mixed‐methods systematic review was used to synthesize qualitative and quantitative evidence from studies among adolescents aged 10–19 years in high‐income countries. Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and Scopus were searched for peer‐reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2023 and exploring adolescents' perspectives on healthful eating and contemporary contextual factors. Transformed quantitative data were integrated with qualitative data. Text was coded into subthemes and themes using an inductive approach. Key facilitators included health and physical appearance; motivation; taste; nutrition knowledge, awareness, and skills; nutrition education access; availability and accessibility of healthful foods; family; and social influences and digital media. Key barriers included taste and cravings for unhealthful foods; mood; lack of motivation, awareness, knowledge, and skills; high availability and low cost of unhealthful foods; peers and social influences; ineffective school policies; high density of fast‐food outlets; unhealthful food advertising; digital influences; and time constraints. Social, behavioral, digital, and food environmental factors should be considered from an adolescent perspective in the design of education, health promotion, and policy interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This systematic review with meta‐analysis assessed the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) linked to overweight or obesity in adolescents. Twenty‐eight studies (cross‐sectional, case–control, or cohort) were included, which described individuals with a history of ACE or adverse family experiences, such as physical, emotional, or psychological abuses; neglect; exposure to domestic violence or peer violence; and sexual abuse. Body mass index (BMI) or BMI z score was used by the study to define adolescents with overweight or obesity. Adolescents who reported childhood experiences, mainly physical, sexual, and emotional abuses, were more associated with overweight/obesity, especially those who experienced four or more ACEs. Network meta‐analysis indicated that physical, sexual, and neglect were the most common ACEs associated with obesity in adolescents. Due to significant differences and imprecision among the studies, network meta‐analysis was inconclusive in determining the impact of other types of ACE on outcomes. However, evidence suggests that exposure to sexual and physical abuse, as well as neglect, is associated with adolescents who are obese or overweight, as well as with the number of ACE experienced. The study presented evidence suggesting that dealing with many ACEs may be a risk factor for overweight and obesity in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Nutrition & Food Security is the property of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Nutrition & Food Security Research Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The transition to adult health care (HCT, Health Care Transition), is the purposeful, planned movement of patients from paediatric to adult services. For the adolescent living with obesity (ALwO), the HCT represents a crucial window for effective intervention that can help improve body weight, adiposopathy, and metabolic complications. Nevertheless, no transition guidelines, models, and tools have been developed for these patients. The present statement of the Italian Society of Obesity examines the critical transition of ALwO from paediatric to adult healthcare. It synthesises current knowledge and identifies gaps in HCT of ALwO. Drawing on successful practices and evidence-based interventions worldwide, the paper explores challenges, including disparities and barriers, while advocating for patient and family involvement. Additionally, it discusses barriers and perspectives within the Italian health care scenario. The need for specialised training for healthcare providers and the impact of transition on healthcare policies are also addressed. The conclusions underscore the significance of well-managed transitions. The SIO recognises that without proper support during this transition, ALwOs risk facing a gap in healthcare delivery, exacerbating their condition, and increasing the likelihood of complications. Addressing this gap requires concerted efforts to develop effective transition models, enhance healthcare provider awareness, and ensure equitable access to care for all individuals affected by obesity. The document concludes by outlining avenues for future research and improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Obesity and related metabolic abnormalities in adults are associated with peripheral neuropathy. Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is associated with insulin resistance, fatty liver, hyperlipidemia and glucose intolerance, all of which are risk factors for neuropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate if obese adolescents with AN have evidence of small nerve fiber damage. Material and methods: Adolescents with obesity with and without AN underwent body composition analysis, assessment of vibration perception threshold (VPT), monofilament sensitivity and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) to quantify corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD), length (CNFL) and inferior whorl length (IWL). Results: Forty-six participants with obesity with (n = 31) and without (n = 15) AN aged 15(14–17) years were compared to 20 healthy controls aged 13(12–14) years. There was no difference in VPT, monofilament sensitivity and CCM measures between adolescents with obesity and controls. However, adolescents with AN had a significantly higher weight (P = 0.022), fat% (P = 0.029) and fat-muscle ratio (P = 0.012) with a lower CNFD (P = 0.045) compared to those with obesity without AN. Conclusion: Adolescents with obesity and acanthosis nigricans have a higher fat mass and small nerve fibre loss, indicative of a sub-clinical neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document "Global death and disability burden of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents, 1990-2019" analyzes the impact of high body mass index (BMI) on individuals under 20 years old. It presents data on deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost prematurely (YLLs) due to high BMI from 1990 to 2019, examining trends by sex, age group, geographical region, and sociodemographic index (SDI) region. The study includes information on various countries, such as Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, and others, detailing health indicators like mortality rates and disease prevalence. This data is valuable for researchers studying global health trends and disparities among young populations worldwide. [Extracted from the article]

Issue Addressed Methods Results Conclusions So What? Food environments surrounding schools have a strong influence on the adolescent's food choices. Moreover, the prevalence of diet‐related chronic diseases is higher in regional than metropolitan areas in Australia. Understanding school food environments in these different settings is crucial for informing future strategies to improve adolescent health.Google Street View was used to identify food outlets within 1.6 km around all secondary schools in Wagga Wagga and Blacktown in New South Wales which were selected as regional and metropolitan case study areas. Based on food outlet type, healthfulness categories were assigned, and Chi‐squared tests were performed. The Health Advisory Panel for Youth at the University of Sydney (HAPYUS) were engaged to obtain their perspectives on findings.Unhealthful food outlets were consistently most prevalent around schools in Wagga Wagga and Blacktown over 17 years. In 2023, these were predominantly restaurants (19.4% vs. 21.1%), cafés (16.8% vs. 11.1%), fast‐food franchise outlets (15.1% vs. 17.4%) and independent takeaway stores (14.1% vs. 9.6%). No significant difference in healthfulness between regional and metropolitan areas was found. Youth advisors recognised price and social reasons as major contributors to food choices.Google Street View was used as a novel resource to examine school food environments in regional and metropolitan areas which have remained consistently unhealthful for nearly two decades.Unhealthful school food environments may encourage poor diets and exacerbate rates of adolescent overweight and obesity. Critical government action is needed to improve school food environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous studies have focused on understanding the biopsychosocial implications of obesity stigma and have made proposals to minimize its negative consequences, as well as recommendations to eliminate or reduce this stigma; however, knowing which individuals stigmatize obesity and why will allow us to have a broader picture of stigmatization and thus help in planning interventions with greater impact. Objective: The aims were to describe the stigmatization toward obesity in preadolescents and adolescents and to determine whether there are differences in body dissatisfaction, abnormal eating behaviors and self-esteem among those with and without stigma toward obesity. Methods: A total of 307 preadolescents and 349 adolescents answered a set of questionnaires that evaluated abnormal eating behaviors, body dissatisfaction, self-esteem and stigma. Results: Fifty-nine percent of the participants stigmatized individuals with obesity, with preadolescents having the greatest stigma levels. Differences were observed only in body dissatisfaction, where the group of preadolescents who stigmatized individuals with obesity and the group of adolescents who did not stigmatize individuals with obesity reported higher levels of body dissatisfaction. Conclusion: Obesity is stigmatized at early ages, regardless of sex; however, preadolescents with stigma toward obesity and adolescents without stigma toward obesity have greater body dissatisfaction, indicating that body dissatisfaction plays a crucial role in the stigmatization of obesity. Level of evidence: Level V, cross-sectional analytical study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a pandemic of the 21st century. Increasing trends in the frequency of obesity is a worrying public health, psycho-social and clinical problem and consequently also an economic problem. Appearance of childhood obesity contributes to the adolescent and adult obesity and it is accompanied by a series of complications and comorbidities. Obesity is a risk factor for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, fertility disorder, weaker mobility, psychosocial deprivation affect the quality and length of an individual’s life and indirectly have an impact on society as a whole. The primary health care pediatrician is at the source of the problem, often the first specialist in contact with the obese child and parents who first need to recognize the problem, and then get involved in its systematic solution. Education and motivation of the parents and then of the child himself, members of the extended family as well as all non-health workers who encounter obesity problems through the upbringing and education system are crucial for successful prevention. Prevention of obesity must be approached in a complex, multidisciplinary, expertly coordinated manner, in which the primary health care pediatrician plays a key role. The paper analyzes the importance of primary health care pediatricians starting with recognition of family and personal risk factors, objective diagnostics, education of parents and children, and non-health workers as well as sensitizing the entire social community about the far-reaching effects of childhood obesity on the health of population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Overweight and obesity among adolescents are grave public health issues around the world. Although the conditions that contribute to obesity have been extensively researched, little is known about how multiple conditions interact to cause overweight and obesity. The current study intends to investigate the histomorphic configuration pathways of several conditions of adolescent overweight and obesity by gender. Method: The data came from a social survey conducted in June 2021 in Changchun, Jilin Province, China. The sample collected was 14‐year‐old adolescents, including 167 boys and 137 girls. The school physicians examined the participants' weight and height, and questionnaires were used to collect risk indicators from adolescents, such as sleep duration, electronic screens times, consumption of sugary drinks and fried foods, and physical activity. Simultaneously, a Fuzzy Qualitative Comparative Analysis will be performed to investigate the combinations of diverse conditions. Result: We found that there is no determining necessary condition that, once present, directly determines that an individual is in a state of overweight and obesity. Simultaneously, this study revealed nine alternative configurational paths of overweight and obesity in teenagers of different genders, with a concordance of 0.805 for six male groupings and 0.916 for three female groupings. The outcomes of overweight obesity in adolescents under different genders are similar but not identical. Conclusion: This study examined the interactions of a number of conditions from the individual, behavioral, learning and living environment that led to the same overweight obese outcome among adolescents of different genders. Our research will be useful to policymakers in that interventions should take into account the combined effects of a number of different aspects rather than focusing on a single factor that causes overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose- Obesity is a fast growing problem not only in developed countries but also in developing countries like India1 . Obesity is a risk factor in development of short stature, school teasing, precocious puberty, hypertension, diabetes, gall bladder disease and coronary heart disease, certain type of cancers and other comorbidities even at early age than usual² . Understanding the prevalence trend and factors contributing in developing obesity in adolescent children will be helpful in prevention of obesity and developing comorbidities in later life. Methods- A cross sectional analytical study conducted in 6 different schools of identified district of western India from 1st July 2022 to 31st June 2023 including school going adolescent children, of age between 10 to 16 years after taking necessary consent. Information regarding various predictors of obesity were taken by predesigned questionnaire, filled by participant along with his/her parentsand relevant anthropometric measurements were recorded. Detailed analysis of predictors which were present in obese and non- obese group was done and results interpreted. Results-Incidence of obesity in present study is 12.6%. Most common age of obesity is 16 years (46%) and most common age group is mid-adolescent (90.4%). Obesity and overweight is most common in upper middle class and in urbanc area. Positive correlation had been observed between adolescent obesity and parental obesity, calorie intake >2000kcal/day, eating >2 times snacks/day, >2 times junk food/week, sleeping > 8hrs/day and watching TV for >60 min, physical activity <30 min and light grade of physical activity. Conclusion-Restricting the calorie intake, food behavioural changes like restricting junk food and snacks consumption, daily physical activity could limit the development of obesity in adolescent age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents has been increasing worldwide and is a significant public health challenge. Obesity is linked to several non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity based on three growth references and described physical activities and dietary patterns among sixth graders in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). From 2018 to 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1375 students from 16 junior high schools in HCMC. We applied Probability Proportional to Size sampling to select schools. Anthropometric measurements, pubertal status assessment, and diet and physical activity data were collected through Food Frequency and Physical Activity Questionnaires. The study revealed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among grade 6 students, with ∼45%–56% of students classified as overweight or obese using various growth references. Moreover, most students did not meet the World Health Organization's physical activity and sedentary behavior recommendations. Most students spent <60 min/day on moderate to vigorous physical activity, and over 70% spent at least 120 min/day on sedentary activities during weekdays and weekends. The diet of the students was also imbalanced, with high intakes of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates and low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Nutritionists and policymakers should inform and encourage opportunities for healthier food and more daily activity for children, starting before the sixth-grade, so they can learn how to make healthier choices and change their behavior before they reach adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Obesity is predicted to affect approximately one‐quarter of children/adolescents in Saudi Arabia by 2030, but there is limited evidence regarding the perceptions, attitudes, behaviours, and barriers to effective obesity care for adolescents living with obesity (ALwO), caregivers of ALwO, and healthcare professionals (HCPs). We report data from 500 ALwO (aged 12–<18 years), 500 caregivers, and 200 HCPs surveyed in Saudi Arabia as part of the global, cross‐sectional ACTION Teens study (NCT05013359). Nearly all respondents recognized that obesity has a strong impact on overall health (ALwO 88%; caregivers 85%; HCPs 90%). Most ALwO and caregivers were aware of the ALwO's obesity status (95% and 99%, respectively) and worried about weight impacting the ALwO's future health (both ≥99%), and social media was their most commonly used source of weight‐management information (60% and 53%, respectively). Among ALwO and caregivers who had discussed weight with an HCP in the past year, most experienced ≥1 negative feeling following their most recent discussion (61% and 59%, respectively). Although 81% of HCPs felt motivated to help their ALwO patients lose weight, 57% believed weight loss was completely the ALwO's responsibility (compared with only 37% of ALwO and 35% of caregivers). This may reflect the finding that only 24% of HCPs had received advanced training in obesity/weight management after medical school. Overall, while respondents had similar perceptions of the impact of obesity, we found HCPs' attitudes towards weight loss were not aligned with those of ALwO and caregivers, suggesting a need for improved communication and obesity education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]