Research

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14 pages, 439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptation and Validation of the MapMe Body Image Scales in Spanish Parents of Schoolchildren

by Patricia Inclan-Lopez, Maria Martinez-Andres, Angela R. Jones, Martin J. Tovée, Ashley J. Adamson and Raquel Bartolome-Gutierrez

Children 2024, 11(4), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11040448 - 08 Apr 2024

Viewed by 415

Abstract

Childhood overweight and obesity is a worldwide problem and to treat it parents’ detection has to be improved. The MapMe Body Image Scales (BIS) are a visual tool developed to improve parental perception of child weight in the United Kingdon (UK) based on [...] Read more.

Childhood overweight and obesity is a worldwide problem and to treat it parents’ detection has to be improved. The MapMe Body Image Scales (BIS) are a visual tool developed to improve parental perception of child weight in the United Kingdon (UK) based on British growth reference criteria. The aim of this study was to make a transcultural adaptation and validation of the MapMe BIS in Spain based on International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut offs A descriptive cross-sectional study was done. First, a translation and cultural adaptation was carried out. A total of 155 10–11-year-old children and their parents participated in this study. Children were measured to calculate their weight status, Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (BFP) and Waist Circumference (WC), and their parents completed a purpose designed questionnaire about their perception and satisfaction of child’s body weight status using the adapted BIS. Test-retest reliability, criterion validity and concurrent validity of the adapted BIS were analyzed. This study shows that the adapted MapMe BIS has good psychometric properties and is a suitable visual scale to assess parental perception of weight status in 10 and 11-year-old children in Spain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Adolescent Obesity and Weight Management: 3rd Edition)

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12 pages, 442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Treating Children and Adolescents with Obesity: Predictors of Early Dropout in Pediatric Weight-Management Programs

by Giovanni Luppino, Malgorzata Wasniewska, Celeste Casto, Chiara Ferraloro, Alessandra Li Pomi, Giorgia Pepe, Letteria Anna Morabito, Angela Alibrandi, Domenico Corica and Tommaso Aversa

Children 2024, 11(2), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11020205 - 05 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1018

Abstract

Background: Possible therapeutic failure of pediatric obesity is influenced by the high dropout rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of dropout and the rate of weight loss over the 24 months of follow-up. Methods: The retrospective, single-center study, [...] Read more.

Background: Possible therapeutic failure of pediatric obesity is influenced by the high dropout rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of dropout and the rate of weight loss over the 24 months of follow-up. Methods: The retrospective, single-center study, involved 489 patients followed for obesity in the period 2016–2020. Patients’ auxological data and blood samples were collected during the first (V1) and last visit (V2). Dropout was defined as a follow-up of less than 12 months and/or including less than one visit every 6 months. Patients were divided into two groups and compared: Group A of dropout (297 patients) and Group B of non-dropout (192 patients). Results: In the follow-up period, which had a mean duration of 24 months, the dropout rate was 60.7%. In Group A, the percentage of patients with BMI ≥ 3 SD at V2 was significantly higher than that in Group B. In Group B, the percentage of patients with pathological HOMA-IR and with fasting glucose >100 mg/dL was higher than group A. The probability of dropout was positively associated with pubertal stage and negatively with impaired fasting glycemia and pathological insulinemia at V1. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a high dropout rate during follow-up, mainly among adolescents and patients with no glucometabolic alterations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Adolescent Obesity and Weight Management: 3rd Edition)

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15 pages, 414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Saffron Kozanis (Crocus sativus L.) Supplementation on Weight Management, Glycemic Markers and Lipid Profile in Adolescents with Obesity: A Double-Blinded Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

by Eleni P. Kotanidou, Vasiliki Rengina Tsinopoulou, Styliani Giza, Stergianna Ntouma, Chrysanthi Angeli, Michail Chatziandreou, Konstantinos Tsopelas, Ioulia Tseti and Assimina Galli-Tsinopoulou

Children 2023, 10(11), 1814; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10111814 - 15 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1069

Abstract

Global rates of adolescent obesity have led the World Health Organization to consider the disease a pandemic that needs focus. In search of new anti-obesity agents, Crocus sativus, popularly known as saffron, is a nutraceutical agent, praised for its beneficial effects. The study [...] Read more.

Global rates of adolescent obesity have led the World Health Organization to consider the disease a pandemic that needs focus. In search of new anti-obesity agents, Crocus sativus, popularly known as saffron, is a nutraceutical agent, praised for its beneficial effects. The study aimed to investigate the possible effect of Kozanis saffron administration on weight management of obese prediabetic adolescents. Seventy-four obese prediabetic adolescents participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of three arms, randomly assigned to receive either Kozanis saffron (n = 25, 60 mg/day), metformin (n = 25, 1000 mg/day) or a placebo (n = 24), for twelve weeks. Anthropometry, glycemic markers and lipid profiles were investigated at baseline and post-intervention. Saffron supplementation significantly reduced the weight z-score, BMI, BMI z-score and waist circumference (WC) of obese adolescents; however, this reduction was less significant compared to the effect of metformin. Metformin administration offered a significantly more profound improvement in anthropometry compared to saffron administration. Saffron administration also provided significant improvements in weight, weight z-scores, BMI values, BMI z-scores and WCs compared to the placebo. Saffron supplementation failed to change any glycemic marker, but provided a significant reduction in fasting triglyceride levels and also a significant increase in fasting HDL levels. Saffron Kozanis constitutes a promising nutraceutical option for adolescents and children with obesity and prediabetes in need of weight management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Adolescent Obesity and Weight Management: 3rd Edition)

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11 pages, 585 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Randomised Control Trial Investigating the Efficacy of the MapMe Intervention on Parental Ability to Correctly Categorise Overweight in Their Child and the Impact on Child BMI Z-Score Change at 1 Year

by Angela R. Jones, Kay D. Mann, Laura R. Cutler, Mark S. Pearce, Martin J. Tovée, Louisa J. Ells, Vera Araujo-Soares, Bronia Arnott, Julie M. Harris and Ashley J. Adamson

Children 2023, 10(9), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10091577 - 21 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1071

Abstract

Research suggests parental ability to recognise when their child has overweight is limited. It is hypothesised that recognition of child overweight/obesity is fundamental to its prevention, acting as a potential barrier to parental action to improve their child’s health-related behaviours and/or help seeking. [...] Read more.

Research suggests parental ability to recognise when their child has overweight is limited. It is hypothesised that recognition of child overweight/obesity is fundamental to its prevention, acting as a potential barrier to parental action to improve their child’s health-related behaviours and/or help seeking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an intervention (MapMe) to improve parental ability to correctly categorise their child as having overweight one-month post-intervention, and reduce child body mass index (BMI) z-score 12 months post-intervention. MapMe consists of body image scales of known child BMI and information on the consequences of childhood overweight, associated health-related behaviours and sources of support. We conducted a three-arm (paper-based MapMe, web-based MapMe and control) randomised control trial in fifteen English local authority areas with parents/guardians of 4–5- and 10–11-year-old children. Parental categorisation of child weight status was assessed using the question ‘How would you describe your child’s weight at the moment?’ Response options were: underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and very overweight. Child weight status and BMI z-scores were calculated using objectively measured height and weight data and UK90 clinical thresholds. There was no difference in the percentage of parents correctly categorising their child as having overweight/very overweight (n = 264: 41% control, 48% web-based, and 43% paper-based, p = 0.646). BMI z-scores were significantly reduced for the intervention group at 12 months post-intervention compared to controls (n = 338, mean difference in BMI z-score change −0.11 (95% CI −0.202 to −0.020, p = 0.017). MapMe was associated with a decrease in BMI z-score 12 months post-intervention, although there was no direct evidence of improved parental ability to correctly categorise child overweight status. Further work is needed to replicate these findings in a larger sample of children, investigate mechanisms of action, and determine the use of MapMe as a public health initiative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Adolescent Obesity and Weight Management: 3rd Edition)

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11 pages, 749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between being Overweight in Young Childhood and during School Age and Puberty

by Genki Shinoda, Yudai Nagaoka, Fumihiko Ueno, Naoyuki Kurokawa, Ippei Takahashi, Tomomi Onuma, Aoi Noda, Keiko Murakami, Mami Ishikuro, Taku Obara, Hirohito Metoki, Junichi Sugawara and Shinichi Kuriyama

Children 2023, 10(5), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10050909 - 22 May 2023

Viewed by 2073

Abstract

To examine whether body type at birth, body weight, and obesity in early childhood are associated with overweight/obesity during school age and puberty. Data from maternal and child health handbooks, baby health checkup information, and school physical examination information of participants at birth [...] Read more.

To examine whether body type at birth, body weight, and obesity in early childhood are associated with overweight/obesity during school age and puberty. Data from maternal and child health handbooks, baby health checkup information, and school physical examination information of participants at birth and three-generation cohort studies were linked. Association between body type and body weight at different time intervals (at birth and at 1.5, 3.5, 6, 11, and 14 years of age) were comprehensively analyzed using a multivariate regression model adjusted for gender, maternal age at childbirth, maternal parity, and maternal body mass index, and drinking and smoking statuses at pregnancy confirmation. Children who are overweight in young childhood had a greater risk of being overweight. Particularly, overweight at one year of age during checkup was associated with overweight at 3.5 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 13.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.46–45.42), 6 years (aOR, 6.94; 95% CI, 1.64–33.46), and 11 years (aOR, 5.22; 95% CI, 1.25–24.79) of age. Therefore, being overweight in young childhood could increase the risk of being overweight and obese during school age and puberty. Early intervention in young childhood may be warranted to prevent obesity during school age and puberty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Adolescent Obesity and Weight Management: 3rd Edition)

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16 pages, 967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Obesity Risk Assessment for Spanish-Speaking Immigrant Families with Young Children in the United States: Reliability and Validity with Nutrient Values

by Marilyn S. Townsend, Mical K. Shilts, Louise Lanoue, Christiana Drake, L. Karina Díaz Rios, Nancy L. Keim, Dennis M. Styne and Lenna L. Ontai

Children 2023, 10(5), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10050868 - 12 May 2023

Viewed by 1180

Abstract

The purpose is to examine validity and reliability for an obesity risk assessment tool developed in Spanish for immigrant families with children, 3–5 years old using an 8-week cross-sectional design with data collected over 1 year at Head Start and Special Supplemental Nutrition [...] Read more.

The purpose is to examine validity and reliability for an obesity risk assessment tool developed in Spanish for immigrant families with children, 3–5 years old using an 8-week cross-sectional design with data collected over 1 year at Head Start and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children [WIC]. Parent/child dyads (206) provided a child obesity risk assessment, three child modified 24 h dietary recalls, three child 36+ h activity logs and one parent food behavior checklist. Main outcome measures were convergent validity with nutrients, cup equivalents, and diet quality and three assessments of reliability that included item difficulty index, item discrimination index, and coefficient of variation. Validity was demonstrated for assessment tool, named Niños Sanos. Scales were significantly related to variables in direction hypothesized [p ≤ 0.05]: Healthy Eating Index, fruit/vegetable cup equivalents, folate, dairy cup equivalents, vitamins D, β-carotene, fiber, saturated fat, sugar, time at screen/ sleep/physical activity and parent behaviors. Three measures of reliability were acceptable. The addition of nutrient values as an analytical validation approach adds strength and consistency to previously reported Niños Sanos validation results using children’s blood biomarkers and body mass index. This tool can be used by health professionals as an assessment of obesity risk in several capacities: (1) screener for counseling in a clinic, (2) large survey, (3) guide for participant goal setting and tailoring interventions, and (4) evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Adolescent Obesity and Weight Management: 3rd Edition)

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9 pages, 291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complementary Feeding Methods: Associations with Feeding and Emotional Responsiveness

by Carla Fernandes, Fátima Martins, Ana F. Santos, Marília Fernandes and Manuela Veríssimo

Children 2023, 10(3), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10030464 - 26 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1610

Abstract

Learning to eat complementary foods is a crucial milestone for infants, having implications across development. The most used method for introducing complementary foods is Traditional Spoon-Feeding (TSF). However, the alternative method Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is increasingly becoming used as it has been associated [...] Read more.

Learning to eat complementary foods is a crucial milestone for infants, having implications across development. The most used method for introducing complementary foods is Traditional Spoon-Feeding (TSF). However, the alternative method Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is increasingly becoming used as it has been associated with positive outcomes. Research analyzing associations between complementary feeding methods and responsive parenting is practically non-existent. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze differences in emotional and feeding responsiveness between caregivers who previously implemented traditional vs. non-traditional feeding approaches. Caregivers (mostly mothers) of 179 children between 3 and 5 years were asked about the complementary feeding method that they had followed previously (70.4% reported using the TSF, 16.8% said they used the BLW and 12.8% used both methods simultaneously). In addition, they reported on their feeding practices using the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire and on their responses to children’s distress using the Coping with Children’s Negative Emotions Scale. The results showed that parents who reported using a non-traditional (BLW or both) complementary feeding method reported less pressure to eat and minimization of reactions to children’s negative emotions, compared to parents who used a traditional method (although these reported using more problem-focused reactions). The findings suggest that complementary feeding methods and responsive parenting may be linked, leaving the question of which one sets the stage for the other. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Adolescent Obesity and Weight Management: 3rd Edition)

Review

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15 pages, 670 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Psychiatric Disorders and Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence—A Systematic Review of Cross-Sectional Studies

by Ioulia Kokka, Iraklis Mourikis and Flora Bacopoulou

Children 2023, 10(2), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10020285 - 01 Feb 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2963

Abstract

Obesity and psychiatric disorders have high prevalence and are both considered major health problems. Within the last decades, the rates of obesity have risen over 6%, while the prevalence of psychiatric disorders is over 12% for children and adolescents. The aim of this [...] Read more.

Obesity and psychiatric disorders have high prevalence and are both considered major health problems. Within the last decades, the rates of obesity have risen over 6%, while the prevalence of psychiatric disorders is over 12% for children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence regarding the relation of obesity and psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence. This review, based on the PRISMA guidelines, included cross-sectional studies published within the last decade, pertaining to the relation between psychiatric disorders and obesity in children and adolescents up to the age of 19 years. Studies on eating disorders were excluded. A total of 14 studies of 23,442 children and adolescents that investigated the relation of obesity with anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis were included in this systematic review. Nine of the included studies reported a significant relationship between the psychiatric disorder under investigation and obesity. Understanding the nexus between obesity and psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents is of great importance, given the alarming increase in both conditions in youth. Such findings could facilitate the development and implementation of targeted interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Adolescent Obesity and Weight Management: 3rd Edition)

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