scholarly journals Prevention of overweight and obesity in early life

2018 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Lanigan

Childhood obesity is a serious challenge for public health. The problem begins early with most excess childhood weight gained before starting school. In 2016, the WHO estimated that 41 million children under 5 were overweight or obese. Once established, obesity is difficult to reverse, likely to persist into adult life and is associated with increased risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Preventing obesity is therefore of high importance. However, its development is multi-factorial and prevention is a complex challenge. Modifiable lifestyle behaviours such as diet and physical activity are the most well-known determinants of obesity. More recently, early-life factors have emerged as key influencers of obesity in childhood. Understanding risk factors and how they interact is important to inform interventions that aim to prevent obesity in early childhood. Available evidence supports multi-component interventions as effective in obesity prevention. However, relatively few interventions are available in the UK and only one, TrimTots, has been evaluated in randomised controlled trials and shown to be effective at reducing obesity risk in preschool children (age 1–5 years). BMI was lower in children immediately after completing TrimTots compared with waiting list controls and this effect was sustained at long-term follow-up, 2 years after completion. Developing and evaluating complex interventions for obesity prevention is a challenge for clinicians and researchers. In addition, parents encounter barriers engaging with interventions. This review considers early-life risk factors for obesity, highlights evidence for preventative interventions and discusses barriers and facilitators to their success.

Author(s):  
Mohammad Rahanur Alam ◽  
Mohammad Asadul Habib ◽  
A. K. Obidul Huq ◽  
Sumaiya Mamun ◽  
Sompa Reza ◽  
...  

Background: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is rising in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Obesity is one of the significant risk factors for many non-communicable diseases. This research aimed to investigate the current prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in selected schools in Dhaka City through anthropometric evaluation, as well as to assess the correlation of various environmental determinants such as physical activity, dietary behavior, lifestyle habits, are associated with increased risk of obesity in children.Methods: This school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 106 participants (50 male and 56 female participants) aged 6-14 years selected by convenience sampling from four randomly selected primary schools of different regions of Dhaka city. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data.Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-going children 24.5%, 68% respectively. Factors associated with being obese included type of game (χ2=34.036; p=0.001), total playtime (χ2=17.788; p=0.000), TV and computer watch time (χ2=27.321; p=0.007), spend money to buy fast food (χ2=26.451; p=0.002), eating days fast food in a week (χ2=24.825; p=0.003), type of tiffin (χ2=19.757; p=0.072).Conclusions: Less playtime, longer watching TV and computer, and eating more fast food are major risk factors for overweight and obesity among school-going children in Dhaka city. Interventions are needed to increase awareness of child overweight weight and obesity risk factors to decrease the prevalence of overweight and obesity.


Author(s):  
Caroline Fall ◽  
Kalyanaraman Kumaran

Sub-optimal nutrition during foetal and infant development is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adult life. Animal experiments show that this results from permanent effects on the structure and function of tissues and hormone systems (‘metabolic programming’), probably mediated by epigenetic changes. NCD risk is increased further by adiposity and/or unhealthy lifestyles in childhood or adulthood. Apart from nutrition, other early life environmental influences can programme later disease, including foetal ‘over-nutrition’ (maternal diabetes or obesity) and exposure to maternal smoking, environmental pollutants, and pregnancy complications. The concept that improving the nutrition and health of mothers pre-conceptionally and during pregnancy could prevent common NCDs has huge public health implications. However, unlike the robust demonstration of programming in experimental animals, the evidence in humans rests mainly on observational research. Intervention studies are ongoing to strengthen the evidence and to identify ways to improve early development and prevent NCDs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Njelekela ◽  
Alfa Muhihi ◽  
Akum Aveika ◽  
Donna Spiegelman ◽  
Claudia Hawkins ◽  
...  

Background. Elevated blood pressure has been reported among treatment naïve HIV-infected patients. We investigated prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors in a HAART naïve HIV-infected population in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Methods. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among HAART naïve HIV-infected patients. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg. Overweight and obesity were defined as body mass index (BMI) between 25.0–29.9 kg/m2and ≥30 kg/m2, respectively. We used relative risks to examine factors associated with hypertension.Results. Prevalence of hypertension was found to be 12.5%. After adjusting for possible confounders, risk of hypertension was 10% more in male than female patients. Patients aged ≥50 years had more than 2-fold increased risk for hypertension compared to 30–39-years-old patients. Overweight and obesity were associated with 51% and 94% increased risk for hypertension compared to normal weight patients. Low CD4+ T-cell count, advanced WHO clinical disease stage, and history of TB were associated with 10%, 42%, and 14% decreased risk for hypertension.Conclusions. Older age, male gender, and overweight/obesity were associated with hypertension. Immune suppression and history of TB were associated with lower risk for hypertension. HIV treatment programs should screen and manage hypertension even in HAART naïve individuals.


Author(s):  
Maarit Korkeila ◽  
Bengt Lindholm ◽  
Peter Stenvinkel

Overweight and obesity cause pathophysiological changes in renal function and increase the risk for chronic kidney disease in otherwise healthy subjects. This should not be a surprise as the risk factors for metabolic syndrome largely overlap with those for chronic kidney disease. Intentional weight loss has beneficial effects on risk factors, but long term effects are less clear. Bariatric surgery does seem to achieve rapid benefits on blood pressure and proteinuria as well as on other aspects of metabolic syndrome, but its long term implications for kidney function are less clear cut as there may be an increased risk of nephrolithiasis, and possibly AKI and other complications.Obesity in haemodialysis patients is one of those paradoxical examples of reverse epidemiology where a factor associated with negative outcomes in the general population is associated with better outcomes in dialysis patients. The same is true for high blood cholesterol values. Interpretation is complicated by complex competing outcomes and confounders.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrun Henjum ◽  
Victoria Telle Hjellset ◽  
Marte Karoline Raberg Kjollesdal ◽  
Merethe Flaaten ◽  
Eivind Andersen ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Economic development, globalization and urbanization has resulted in a shift in dietary consumption and energy expenditure in low- and middle-income countries, called the Nutrition Transition. At the same time, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated co-morbidities are rising worldwide. The Saharawi refugees have been living in refugee camps in the Algerian desert since 1975 and are totally dependent on food aid. High prevalence of overweight and obesity has been reported among Saharawi women. Limited knowledge about the prevalence of T2D and associated risk factors exists in this population; therefore, the aim with this study was to address this gap in the literature. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in five Saharawi refugee camps, in Algeria and 180 women and 175 men were randomly selected. Participants’ blood glucose levels was assessed by HbA1c measurements and diagnosed with diabetes if HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol and prediabetes if HbA1c was between 42–47 mmol/mol. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISK) was used to assess various risk factors for T2D. Results Mean HbA1c among the Saharawi refugees was 38 mmol/mol. Seven and 15% were diagnosed with T2D and prediabetes, respectively, and 26% and 19% were overweight and obese, respectively. According to FINDRISK, 9% of the participants had high risk of developing diabetes, 10% had moderate risk, 37% had some risk and 44% had low risk. In multiple logistic regression models, after controlling for age, gender, number of children, BMI and education, the strongest predictor for diabetes was waist circumference, OR (95% CI): 1.1 (1.0, 1.1). The strongest predictor for prediabetes was age and waist circumference OR (95% CI): 1.0 (1.0, 1.1) and OR (95% CI): 1.1 (1.0, 1.1), respectively. Conclusions We found moderate prevalence of diabetes among the Saharawi refugees; however a high proportion had prediabetes and were suffering from overweight and obesity. In light of this, the rates of T2D are likely to increase dramatically in the near future. The Saharawi health authorities should pay attention to the increased risk of diabetes in this in this vulnerable population. Funding Sources Oslo Metropolitan University.


1991 ◽  
Vol 159 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bifulco ◽  
G. W. Brown ◽  
Z. Adler

Sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence was studied in 286 working-class mothers living in Islington, who were contacted on three occasions over a two-year period. The sample was collected primarily to study current vulnerability factors in the onset of depression, but childhood measures were also included to look at longer-term risk factors. Twenty-five women – 9% of the sample – reported sexual abuse involving physical contact before age 17 and, of these, 64% had case depression in a three-year period (which included the year before first interview). While such abuse was related to other earlier stressful experiences such as parental indifference, violence to the child and institutional stay, it was associated with an increased risk of depression over and above these factors. Sexual abuse before age 17 also related to having been divorced/separated or never having married/cohabited.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2974-2974
Author(s):  
Anja B.U. MÄkelburg ◽  
Saskia Middeldorp ◽  
Karly Hamulyàk ◽  
Martin Prins ◽  
Harry R Büller ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2974 Poster Board II-951 Introduction: Arterial and venous thromboembolism (VTE) share or seem to share cardiovascular risk factors such as older age, overweight and obesity, and possibly also hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Little is known if subjects with common thrombophilia, (i.e. factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A or high factor VIII levels) are at higher risk of first or recurrent VTE due to cardiovascular risk factors. For subjects with rare thrombophilia (i.e. antithrombin, protein C or protein S deficiency), or non-carriers of thrombophilia no information is currently available whether contribution of cardiovascular risk factors increases the risk of first or recurrent VTE. Methods: In a multi-center retrospective cohort study of families with thrombophilia, we performed a post-hoc analysis to identify if relatives with rare thrombophilia, common thrombophilia, and relatives without one of these thrombophilic defects were at increased risk of first or recurrent VTE due to cardiovascular risk factors. Known cardiovascular risk factors were recorded: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, the presence of diabetes mellitus, smoking habits and overweight/obesity defined by body mass index (BMI) ≥25-30 kg/m2 or ≥30 kg/m2, respectively. Observation time for first VTE started at the age of 15, and for recurrent VTE on the date when initial anticoagulant treatment was withdrawn. Observation time ended on the date of first VTE or recurrence, respectively, or at date of enrollment. First, the absolute risk of first VTE for cardiovascular risk factors was calculated for the whole cohort. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the effect of idiopathic or provoked classification of initial thrombotic event and type of event (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism). When a positive association was found, a further stratification was subsequently made to analyze whether relatives with rare, common, or no thrombophilia influenced these risks. A Cox-proportional hazards model was used to evaluate risks between groups for adjustments of age and sex. Results: Of a total of 2097 relatives, 55% were female, 180 (12%) had first VTE at a median age of 35 years and 52 (2%) had a recurrence at a median age of 40 years. Of relatives, 20% had hypertension, 13% dyslipidemia, 5% diabetes mellitus, 22% were previous smokers, 35% were overweight and 15% were obese. Point estimates of adjusted hazard ratios in relatives with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus or previous smokers, compared to their reference groups ranged between 0.9 and 1.1 and were not statistically significant. Relatives with VTE were heavier than relatives without VTE (mean BMI 27.0 vs 25.5 kg/m2, P< 0.001); adjusted hazard ratio for each 1-point increase in BMI was 1.035 (95% CI, 1.010-1.066). Absolute risk of first VTE in normal weight, overweight or obese subjects was 0.16% (95% CI, 0.12-0.20), 0.20% (95% CI, 0.16-0.25), and 0.26% (95% CI, 0.19-0.36), respectively. Sensitivity analyses did not change these outcomes. Annual incidences of first VTE in non-carriers of thrombophilia, common thrombophilia carriers and rare thrombophilia carriers were 0.04%, 0.20% and 0.97%. In the non-carrier group, adjusted hazard ratios for first VTE in overweight or obese relatives were 6.1 (95% CI, 1.3-28.1) and 6.7 (95% CI, 1.2-37.6), compared to non-carriers of normal weight. In common thrombophilia carriers these risks were 1.7 (95% CI, 1.0-2.9) and 2.1 (95% CI, 1.2-3.8) fold increased. In rare thrombophilia carriers, overweight or obesity was not associated with an increased risk of first VTE (adjusted hazard ratios 0.8; 95% CI, 0.5-1.4 and 0.8; 95% CI, 0.4-1.7, respectively). For recurrence, overweight and obese relatives with common or rare thrombophilia seemed to have a slightly higher risk of recurrence than normal weight relatives, but the overall 10 year recurrence rate in both groups was similar. Conclusion: Venous thrombotic risk increases with increasing BMI in non-carriers and common thrombophilia carriers. This effect is overruled in carriers of rare thrombophilia, where a deficiency itself irrespective of BMI apparently is sufficient to generate very high risk of thrombosis. Overweight and obesity seemed to increase the risk of recurrence in carriers of both common and rare thrombophilia. Other cardiovascular risk factors did not increase the risk of VTE in this thrombophilic family cohort. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2019 ◽  
Vol 242 (1) ◽  
pp. T95-T104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan G Eriksson

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major, rapidly increasing global public health challenge. The major risk factors for T2D include overweight and obesity, lifestyle-related factors and genetic factors. Early life exposures shape the developmental trajectories and alter susceptibility to T2D. Based on epidemiological studies it has been suggested that fetal undernutrition plays a role in the etiology of T2D. A low birth weight has been considered a proxy for fetal undernutrition. A meta-analysis reported that a 1 kg increase in birth weight is associated with a roughly 20% lower risk of T2D. Although fetal life is of major importance for future health, the period spanning the first 1000 days of life, is characterized by great plasticity and largely influencing later health. Different growth trajectories during this time period have also been associated with an increased risk of T2D. Studies assessing the association between age at BMI rebound in childhood and later risk for T2D have reported a fivefold difference in T2D according to age at BMI rebound. Developmental and epidemiological cohort studies focusing on T2D have major public health implications supporting a paradigm shift; a shift from focusing upon risk factor modification in adult life to adopting a life course perspective when studying T2D. This paradigm shift will not only help us in getting a better understanding of the pathophysiology underlying T2D, but it will also open new possibilities and opportunities in the prevention of T2D and related disorders.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 1851
Author(s):  
Urmila K. V. ◽  
Divya Krishnan K. ◽  
. Sudakaran ◽  
Muralikrishnan Nambiar

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity have become an important public health problem. Life style approach is required, and requires political and social commitment in addition to medical management. We investigated the prevalence of obesity and the association with risk factors relating to physical activities, in higher secondary school children of government and private schools.Methods: In 2015, we surveyed higher secondary students in North Kerala both in government and private sector schools. We measured height, weight and plotted Body mass Index on CDC (Child Developement Centre) charts. Factors affecting obesity like physical and sedentary activities (using Bharathy et al questionnaire) and school-based risk factors were also studied.Results: Multivariate logistic regression was done to evaluate the significance of these risk factors for overweight and obesity. On the basis of measurements taken in 496 higher secondary school students, the estimated provincial prevalence of overweight was found to be 7%, obesity 3% and malnutrition 18%. Children who studied in private school was found to have increased risk of overweight p=0.02 with odds ratio (OR of 2.97 95% confidence interval CI 1.27-6.97), whereas those who went to school by walking were at decreased risk (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.16-6.65). Students involved in house hold chores for 4hours or more a week were associated with a decreased risk of overweight (OR 3.96, 95% CI 1.42-11.07) and those with less activity were at increased risk for obesity (OR 6.61, 95% CI 1.91-22.84).Conclusions: Home and schools provide important opportunities for public health initiatives for reducing childhood overweight and obesity. Children in private schools coming from higher socio-economic background are being less physically active and has thus susceptible to obesity and its consequences.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Li ◽  
Alice Saul ◽  
Leigh Blizzard ◽  
Bruce Taylor ◽  
Anne-Louise Ponsonby ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Risk factors in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have been identified in samples that contain predominantly cases with relapse-onset MS (ROMS). It is unknown whether the risk factors differ in people with a progressive-onset MS (POMS). Methods The case-control study included 147 POMS cases, 264 ROMS cases and 558 community controls. Questionnaires were used to collect information on smoking, infections, breastfeeding and vitamin use in early life. Logistic regression was used to examine associations. Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for age, sex and latitude band. Results Compared with controls, POMS cases were more likely to have smoked ≥20 pack-years (AOR 2.83, 1.53-5.24) and ROMS cases were more likely to have ever been a smoker (AOR 1.48, 1.09-2.01). POMS cases (AOR 1.75, 1.05-2.93) and ROMS cases (AOR 1.74, 1.21-2.49) were both more likely to have had infectious mononucleosis. In childhood, POMS cases were less likely to use vitamin supplements (AOR 0.52, 0.30-0.91) or being breastfed (AOR 0.49, 0.31-0.79). Conclusions Smoking and infectious mononucleosis are associated with increased risk of both POMS and ROMS. Vitamin supplements in early life and being breastfed are associated with reduced risk of POMS, but there is no association in ROMS. Key messages POMS and ROMS share some commonly known risk factors. Some protective factors were identified in POMS that were not observed in ROMS.


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