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Children
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Identification of Factors Associated with Obesity in Children
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Identification of Factors Associated with Obesity in Children

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Pediatric Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 June 2025 | Viewed by 6165

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antonela Matana

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
Interests: genetics; Mediterranean diet; thyroid gland; children; adolescents; biostatistics; bioinformatics
Dr. Sanja Musić Milanović

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Croatian Institute of Public Health, Rockfellerova 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
2. School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: childhood obesity; epidemiology; socioeconomic determinants; behavioral risk factors; health promotion
Dr. Marko Šimunović

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Split, Spinciceva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Interests: obesity; children; adolescents; insulin resistance; metabolic syndrome; diet; obesity therapy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Obesity in children is a complex, multifactorial disorder resulting from genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors that all interact and contribute to its development. Its prevalence has increased at an alarming rate in all pediatric age groups, in both sexes, and in various ethnic and racial groups. It is considered a major public health issue, as it increases the risks for multiple diseases, such as hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, orthopedic problems, and impaired psychological health, among others. As the prevalence of overweight and obesity increases, these conditions are also becoming more common in terms of their early onset.

This Special Issue of Children aims to gather scientific contributions in the form of original articles or reviews to improve the understanding of factors (genetic, epigenetic, environmental, lifestyle, and dietary) associated with the development of obesity in children. Additionally, our goal is to contribute to the development of effective intervention programs that target these factors, ultimately aiding in the decline of the pediatric obesity epidemic.

Dr. Antonela Matana
Dr. Sanja Music Milanovic
Dr. Marko Šimunović
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • obesity in children
  • overweight
  • lifestyle
  • diet
  • genetics
  • intervention
  • obesity-related complications

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 707 KiB  
Article
Association Between Exposure to Particulate Matter Air Pollution with Risk of Obesity Among Children and Adolescents in Northern and Central Taiwan
by Shu-Wei Hu, Hueng-Chuen Fan and Chuan-Mu Chen
Children 2024, 11(12), 1545; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121545 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1336
Abstract
Introduction: The present study investigated the relationship between air pollution, specifically PM2.5 and PM10, and childhood and adolescent obesity in northern and central Taiwan. Previous research has shown a positive correlation between air pollution and pediatric obesity, but no study [...] Read more.
Introduction: The present study investigated the relationship between air pollution, specifically PM2.5 and PM10, and childhood and adolescent obesity in northern and central Taiwan. Previous research has shown a positive correlation between air pollution and pediatric obesity, but no study has been conducted in Taiwan. We used data from the K-12 Education Administration, Ministry of Education, and the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network to analyze the association between PM2.5 and PM10 exposures and obesity rates among elementary and junior high school students. Methods: Data on students’ height and weight were combined with air pollution data obtained from monitoring stations to assess exposure. A multivariable model estimated the relative risk and 95% confidence intervals of obesity linked to PM2.5 and PM10 exposures. Cities were categorized into quartiles (Q1–Q4) based on pollutant accumulation to compare the obesity rates. Results: Students living in areas with higher PM2.5 and PM10 exposures (Q4) had a significantly higher risk of obesity than those living in areas with lower exposures (Q1). The effect was more pronounced in girls and older students, with PM2.5 exhibiting a stronger relationship than PM10. Conclusions: PM2.5 and PM10 exposures are significantly associated with an increased obesity risk in children and adolescents, particularly in girls and older students. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and to control for socioeconomic and demographic factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Identification of Factors Associated with Obesity in Children)
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15 pages, 282 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity and Association with Risk Factors in Secondary School Children in Croatia
by Antonela Matana and Helena Krajinović
Children 2024, 11(12), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121464 - 29 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1200
Abstract
Background: Childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity represent significant global health concerns. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associations of some potential risk factors with overweight and obesity among Croatian adolescents aged 15 to 18. Methods: This [...] Read more.
Background: Childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity represent significant global health concerns. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associations of some potential risk factors with overweight and obesity among Croatian adolescents aged 15 to 18. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 344 secondary school students from Croatia’s Mediterranean region, with data collected through an anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered sociodemographic information, adherence to the Mediterranean diet of both children and their parents, and the children’s dietary habits and physical activity levels. Results: Weight status data revealed that 2.6% of participants were underweight, 82% had normal weight, 11% were overweight, and 4.4% were classified as obese. The results indicated that boys (p < 0.001), children who skip breakfast (p = 0.031), those with less active lifestyles compared to their peers (p = 0.001), children whose mothers have a higher BMI (p < 0.001), and children from smaller families (p = 0.034) are at greater risk of being overweight or obese. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in this age group, which can support the development of targeted strategies for this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Identification of Factors Associated with Obesity in Children)
15 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Multi-Strategy Nutrition Education Programs on Hedonic Hunger and Nutrition Status in Adolescents
by Osman Bozkurt and Hilal Yildiran
Children 2024, 11(10), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11101188 - 28 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1548
Abstract
Objective: Increasing the awareness of adolescents about hedonic hunger, understanding the difference between homeostatic hunger and hedonic hunger, and adolescents learning to control themselves to stop excessive food consumption are extremely important for a healthy adulthood. The study aimed to evaluate the effects [...] Read more.
Objective: Increasing the awareness of adolescents about hedonic hunger, understanding the difference between homeostatic hunger and hedonic hunger, and adolescents learning to control themselves to stop excessive food consumption are extremely important for a healthy adulthood. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of the multi-strategy nutrition education programs (MSNEP) on hedonic hunger, food addiction, nutrition literacy, and nutritional status in adolescents. Methods: This study was planned using a pre-test and post-test design. The MSNEP was conducted with 132 adolescents (11–15 years; 69 boys, 63 girls) for 4 weeks (45 min–1 h/session). Data were obtained using questionnaires with face-to-face interviews at pre-education (baseline) and post-education (week 4 and week 8). The survey form included sociodemographic information, nine item short version of Children’s Power of Food Scale (C-PFS-9), the Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children 2.0 (YFAS-C 2.0), the Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale (ANLS), anthropometric measurements, and 24-hour dietary recall. Results: A decrease in C-PFS-9 total scores was found compared to the baseline (p < 0.001). While the YFAS-C 2.0 score decreased in boys compared to the baseline (p < 0.05), no significant difference was found in girls (p > 0.05). A difference was found in the ANLS scores for girls (p = 0.01), but no difference was found in the scores for boys during the study (p > 0.05). At week 4, the consumption of dairy products, legumes, vegetables and fruits, bread and grains, nuts, and hard-shelled seeds increased compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). Also, daily protein and fiber intake increased (p < 0.05). Accordingly, a higher YFAS-C 2.0 score predicted greater hedonic hunger. A lower ANLS score was a predictor for higher food taste and food available scores. Conclusions: In conclusion, the MSNEP was found to have positive effects on hedonic hunger, food addiction, nutritional literacy, and healthy eating behaviors. The study revealed differences between girls and boys. In order to maintain healthy body weights in adolescents, it is recommended that the MSNEP be provided in schools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Identification of Factors Associated with Obesity in Children)
14 pages, 499 KiB  
Article
Risk Factors and 20-Year Time-Trend in Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Switzerland: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
by Robin Berli, Chantal Sempach and Isabelle Herter-Aeberli
Children 2024, 11(9), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091050 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1367
Abstract
Background/Objective: Even though global childhood obesity rates keep increasing, stabilization has been shown over the past decade in several countries, including Switzerland. We aimed to investigate the trends in childhood overweight and obesity over the past 21 years in Switzerland and to [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Even though global childhood obesity rates keep increasing, stabilization has been shown over the past decade in several countries, including Switzerland. We aimed to investigate the trends in childhood overweight and obesity over the past 21 years in Switzerland and to identify the associated risk factors. Methods: Using cluster sampling, we recruited a national sample of 6–12-year-old children in Switzerland (n = 1245). We conducted anthropometric measurements and assessed risk factors using a self-administered questionnaire. We investigated the time trend by including data from four comparable previous surveys conducted since 2002. Results: We found a prevalence of overweight, including obesity, of 16.1 (14.1–18.2)%, with a significantly higher proportion in boys (18.6 (15.5–21.6)%) compared to girls (13.7 (11.0–16.4)%). We found a small but significant reduction in the prevalence of overweight including obesity over time (p = 0.005), but not of obesity alone (p = 0.099). The most important risk factors for obesity were parental education, parental origin, media consumption, as well as several dietary factors. Conclusions: Despite a slight decreasing trend in childhood overweight in Switzerland, it remains a public health concern. Prevention programs should focus on migrant families and those with low education and emphasize the risks of sedentary behavior and the importance of a healthy diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Identification of Factors Associated with Obesity in Children)
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