Obesity
Obesity Incidence in U.S. Children and Young Adults: A Pooled Analysis
Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has risen sharply, yet there is a limited understanding of the age-specific dynamics of obesity as there is no single nationally representative cohort following children into young adulthood. Investigators constructed a pooled data set of 5 nationally representative panels and modeled age-specific obesity incidence from childhood into young adulthood.U.S. Nutrition Assistance Program Participation and Childhood Obesity: The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study 2011
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Free/Reduced Priced Lunch Program; and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children reduce food insecurity for millions of Americans with lower incomes. However, critics have questioned whether they increase obesity. This study examined whether program participation was associated with BMI z-score from kindergarten to fifth grade.Obesity Prevalence Among U.S. Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, several studies collected small and relatively homogenous samples to track U.S. adult obesity rates and obesity-related risk factors. In this study, a much larger sample from a nationally representative survey was used to investigate changes in average BMI, obesity prevalence rates, and 4 obesity-related risk factors in the U.S. adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic.The Interplay of Race/Ethnicity and Obesity on the Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism
Factors predisposing asymptomatic individuals within the community to venous thromboembolism are not fully understood. This study characterizes the incidence and determinants of venous thromboembolism among the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort with a focus on race/ethnicity and obesity.Racial Inequities in Birth Weight by Maternal Age Among College-Educated Mothers: The Role of Early Disadvantage
Non-Hispanic Black infants experience disproportionately high risks of low birth weight compared with non-Hispanic White infants, particularly among mothers with high educational attainment and greater socioeconomic advantage. This study investigates how maternal early-life disadvantage contributes to ongoing racial birth weight inequities among U.S. college‒educated mothers, specifically declining birth weights with age among non-Hispanic Black mothers.Effects of a Digital Diabetes Prevention Program: An RCT
In light of the need to expand the reach and access of clinically proven digital Diabetes Prevention Programs (d-DPPs) and the need for rigorous evidence of effectiveness, the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a digital Diabetes Prevention Program for improving weight, HbA1c, and cardiovascular risk factors among people with prediabetes compared to enhanced standard care plus waitlist control.Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Treatment Among Hispanics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The rates of pediatric obesity in the U.S. are highest among Hispanics. There is no existing meta-analysis of the effects of obesity interventions among Hispanic youth. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the effects of obesity prevention and treatment interventions on Hispanic youth's weight status and lifestyle behaviors.A Theory of Change for Community-Based Systems Interventions to Prevent Obesity
Applying systems science in public health trials is a recent innovation in childhood obesity prevention. This paper aims to use systems science conventions to propose a theory of change for community-based interventions aiming to build capacity and use exemplars from systems science for obesity prevention to describe how this approach works.Advancing Measurement to Address Childhood Obesity: Results of 3 Workshops
This paper arises from a series of workshops held by the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR)1 and summarizes priorities and next steps for enhancing measurement tools and advancing the incorporation of high-quality measurement for surveillance, epidemiology, and intervention research aimed at accelerating progress in addressing the childhood obesity epidemic. It is intended to stimulate and inform new research on diverse aspects of childhood obesity among researchers and those who plan research initiatives.Childhood Abuse–Related Weight Gain: An Investigation of Potential Resilience Factors
Childhood physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are linked to adult obesity, and little is known about what protective factors might mitigate this association.Equitability of Individual and Population Interventions to Reduce Obesity: A Modeling Study in Mexico
Modeling studies have estimated the potential impact and cost effectiveness of interventions to reduce obesity; few have focused on their equity across socioeconomic groups. This study aims to compare the equitability of individual- and population-level interventions to reduce obesity in Mexico.Gestational Diabetes and Overweight/Obesity: Analysis of Nulliparous Women in the U.S., 2011–2019
The rates of gestational diabetes mellitus are increasing in parallel with the rates of overweight and obesity. This analysis examines nationwide trends in the population-attributable fraction for gestational diabetes mellitus associated with prepregnancy overweight and obesity.COVID-19 Leads to Accelerated Increases in Children's BMI z-Score Gain: An Interrupted Time-Series Study
The COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively impacted children's weight status owing to the closure of schools, increased food insecurity and reliance on ultraprocessed foods, and reduced opportunities for outdoor activity.The Impact of a Lifestyle Intervention on Postpartum Weight Retention Among At-Risk Hispanic Women
This study assesses the impact of a culturally modified, motivationally targeted, individually tailored intervention on postpartum weight retention among Hispanic women with abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy.Exposure to Weight Management Counseling Among Students at 8 U.S. Medical Schools
Clinical guidelines support physician intervention consistent with the Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange framework for adults who have obesity. However, weight management counseling curricula vary across medical schools. It is unknown how frequently students receive experiences in weight management counseling, such as instruction, observation, and direct experience.Seasonal Variability in Weight Gain Among American Indian, Black, White, and Hispanic Children: A 3.5-Year Study
Several studies have reported that children gain more weight during the summer season. Despite high obesity rates, little research has included American Indian/Alaskan Native children, and few studies have been longitudinal. This observational study examines seasonal weight variability over 3.5 years among ethnically diverse children, including 2,184 American Indian/Alaskan Native children.Use of Machine Learning to Determine the Information Value of a BMI Screening Program
Childhood obesity continues to be a significant public health issue in the U.S. and is associated with short- and long-term adverse health outcomes. A number of states have implemented school-based BMI screening programs. However, these programs have been criticized for not being effective in improving students’ BMI or reducing childhood obesity. One potential benefit, however, of screening programs is the identification of younger children at risk of obesity as they age.Effectiveness of a Group-Based Lifestyle Change Program Versus Usual Care: An Electronic Health Record, Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study
Translational lifestyle change programs for community and clinical settings have been available for a decade, yet there are limited data on their comparative effectiveness. This study examines the effectiveness of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–aligned lifestyle change program relative to usual care in clinical practice.Group Lifestyle Balance Adapted for Individuals With Impaired Mobility: Outcomes for 6-Month RCT and Combined Groups at 12 Months
This study examines the feasibility and effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle intervention adapted for people with impaired mobility.Smoking Cessation, Weight Change, Diabetes, and Hypertension in Korean Adults
This study investigates the association of smoking cessation and postcessation weight gain with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension.Results of a Family-Based Intervention Promoting Healthy Weight Strategies in Overweight Hispanic Adolescents and Parents: An RCT
Hispanic adolescents in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by overweight and obesity compared with their White, non-Hispanic counterparts. This study examines the efficacy of an evidence-based family intervention adapted to target obesity-related outcomes among Hispanic adolescents who were overweight/obese compared with prevention as usual.Identification of Measurement Needs to Prevent Childhood Obesity in High-Risk Populations and Environments
Children at highest obesity risk include those from certain racial/ethnic groups, from low-income families, with disabilities, or living in high-risk communities. However, a 2013 review of the National Collaborative for Childhood Obesity Research Measures Registry identified few measures focused on children at highest obesity risk. The objective is to (1) identify individual and environmental measures of diet and physical activity added to the Measures Registry since 2013 used among high-risk populations or settings and (2) describe methods for their development, adaptation, or validation.Measuring Structural Racism and Its Association With BMI
Structural racism has attracted increasing interest as an explanation for racial disparities in health, including differences in adiposity. Structural racism has been measured most often with single-indicator proxies (e.g., housing discrimination), which may leave important aspects of structural racism unaccounted for. This paper develops a multi-indicator scale measuring county structural racism in the U.S. and evaluates its association with BMI.Prevalence and Management of Adult Obesity in a Large U.S. Academic Health System
Both medication and surgical interventions can be used to treat obesity, yet their use and effectiveness in routine clinical practice are not clear. This study sought to characterize the prevalence and management of patients with obesity within a large U.S. academic medical center.Provider Advice and Patient Perceptions on Weight Across Five Health Systems
To improve the management of overweight and obesity in the primary care setting, an analysis of patient perceptions of weight status and predictors of weight loss attempts for those with overweight and obesity is needed.Adding Financial Incentives to Online Group-Based Behavioral Weight Control: An RCT
Internet-delivered behavioral weight control is promising for expanding the reach and availability of weight management, but online programs produce lower weight losses than typically achieved in person. Financial incentives have been shown to increase weight losses. This study examined whether adding financial incentives for self-monitoring and achieving target weight losses increases weight losses attained in a fully online, group-based behavioral weight management program compared with the same program alone.Recent Trends in Junk Food Intake in U.S. Children and Adolescents, 2003–2016
In the U.S., there is no consensus of how to define junk food. Strict regulations on what constitutes junk food denoted by front-of-package labels can serve as the basis for statutory actions. Chile was the first country to adopt this approach, and several countries have followed suit. This study examined the proportion of calories and nutrients of concern consumed by U.S. children and adolescents defined as junk food using the Chilean label criteria and the changes between 2003 and 2016.Obesity and Incident Prescription Opioid Use in the U.S., 2000–2015
Prior studies have identified associations between obesity and numerous conditions that increase risks for chronic pain. However, the impact of obesity on prescription opioid use is not well known. This study investigates the association between obesity and incidence of long-term prescription opioid use.Effect of an Intervention for Obesity and Depression on Patient-Centered Outcomes: An RCT
An integrated collaborative care intervention was successful for treating comorbid obesity and depression. The effect of the integrated intervention on secondary outcomes of quality of life and psychosocial functioning were examined, as well as whether improvements in these secondary outcomes were correlated with improvements in the primary outcomes of weight and depressive symptoms.Reducing Both Food Insecurity and Excess Body Weight in Costa Rican Women: A Cluster Randomized Trial
The coexistence of food insecurity and excess body weight has been well documented in women. Both food insecurity and excess body weight have multiple consequences for physical and mental health. Concerns have been raised about interventions aimed to reduce food insecurity because these interventions might contribute to excess body weight, particularly in adult women. The purpose of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention to simultaneously reduce food insecurity and body weight through alleviating discouragement—which women described as feeling sad, depressed, hopeless, and lacking drive to do important activities, such as finding a job or studying more—by increasing women's empowerment.Weight Gain of Service Members After Basic Military Training
Despite weight and fitness requirements, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the U.S. military approaches that in the general population. The purpose of this study is to assess trends in anthropometric measurements shortly after military enlistment.Early Weight Loss and Treatment Response: Data From a Lifestyle Change Program in Clinical Practice
The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a predictive model for the early identification of nonresponders to a 12-month lifestyle change program in clinical practice.Longitudinal Trends and Risk Factors for Obesity Among Immigrants in Massachusetts
Little is known about the longitudinal trends and factors associated with obesity and overweight among U.S. immigrants and ethnic minorities.A Methodologic Systematic Review of Mobile Health Behavior Change Randomized Trials
Mobile health helps providers offer accessible, affordable, tailored behavior change interventions. However, research assessing mobile health interventions may feature methodologic shortcomings and poor reporting. This review aims to summarize the characteristics, methods, and intervention reporting of RCTs evaluating mobile health behavior change interventions.Sugary Drink Consumption Among Children by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Status
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the largest U.S. federally funded nutrition assistance program, providing food assistance to more than 40 million low-income Americans, half of whom are children. This paper examines trends in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among U.S. children and adolescents by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation status.Trends in Preventive Visits Among U.S. Youth Where Weight and Height Were Recorded: 2005–2016
In the U.S., 18.5% of youth aged 2–19 years have obesity.1 Since 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended measurement of weight and height at each preventive visit for all children and adolescents to screen for obesity; current guidelines apply to those aged ≥2 years.2–4Sensitive Periods for the Association Between Childhood Maltreatment and BMI
Although previous research has suggested a positive association between child maltreatment and BMI over the life course, it is unclear when this develops.Cluster Randomized Trial for Hypertension Control: Effect on Lifestyles and Body Weight
Lifestyle modification, such as healthy diet habits, regular physical activity, and maintaining a normal body weight, must be prescribed to all hypertensive individuals. This study aims to test whether a multicomponent intervention is effective in improving lifestyle and body weight among low-income families.Alcohol Use Among U.S. Adults by Weight Status and Weight Loss Attempt: NHANES, 2011–2016
Past research examining the relationship between alcohol use and weight status has not differentiated among classes of obesity. There is limited research investigating whether adults trying to lose weight consume less alcohol.Association of Clinician Behaviors and Weight Change in School-Aged Children
This study uses clinical practice data to determine whether recommended weight management clinician behaviors are associated with weight status improvement in children aged 6–12 years who are overweight or obese.The Impact of Following Solid Food Feeding Guides on BMI Among Infants: A Simulation Study
There are several recommendations advising caregivers when and how to introduce solid food to infants. These complementary feeding guides vary in terms of the recommendations for timing and portions. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of following different guidelines on weight trajectories of infants.Frequent Nutritional Feedback, Personalized Advice, and Behavioral Changes: Findings from the European Food4Me Internet-Based RCT
This study tested the hypothesis that providing personalized nutritional advice and feedback more frequently would promote larger, more appropriate, and sustained changes in dietary behavior as well as greater reduction in adiposity.Mobile Health Applications in Weight Management: A Systematic Literature Review
Weight management is an effective strategy for controlling chronic disease and maintaining physical health, and research on this topic has risen dramatically over the past four decades. The present systematic literature review aimed to identify existing evidence on the efficacy of mobile health technology in facilitating weight management behaviors, such as healthy food consumption and physical activity.Accuracy of Self-Reported Height, Weight, and BMI Over Time in Emerging Adults
Self-reported height and weight may lead to inaccurate estimates of associations between BMI and health indicators. The purpose of this study is to assess anthropometric misreporting in emerging adults, compare weight classification by self-reported and direct measures, and examine associations of self-reported and direct measures with cardiometabolic biomarkers.The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Child Weight Status: A Review
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a food assistance program that helps Americans afford a healthy diet. However, its influence on children's weight status is unclear. This review examined the evidence of the relationship between SNAP participation and child weight.Long-Term Effectiveness of a Lifestyle Intervention: A Pragmatic Community Trial to Prevent Metabolic Syndrome
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a community-based lifestyle education on primary prevention of metabolic syndrome in a middle-income country.Associations Between Unhealthy Weight-Loss Strategies and Depressive Symptoms
There appears to be a link between weight loss and improved mental health, but less is known about how using unhealthy weight-loss strategies impacts the odds of reporting depression.BMI, Physical Inactivity, and Pap Test Use in Asian Women in the U.S.
In the U.S., limited epidemiologic studies have investigated associations between BMI and physical inactivity and Pap test use among Asian women. The aim was to disentangle associations using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System between 2014 and 2016.Systematic Review of Natural Experiments for Childhood Obesity Prevention and Control
The National Academy of Medicine recommends childhood obesity prevention efforts making healthier options the passive choice. This review evaluated the effectiveness of population-level policies and programs from natural experiments for childhood obesity prevention.Implementing School-Based Policies to Prevent Obesity: Cluster Randomized Trial
Healthier school environments can benefit students, and school wellness policies may result in meaningful enhancements. Schools participating in federal child nutrition programs must implement wellness policies as mandated by law. The primary study objective is to assess effectiveness of implementing school-based nutrition and physical activity policies on student BMI trajectories.
