Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-06-26DOI: 10.1089/chi.2024.0423
Maja Engsner, Iris Ciba, Banu Aydin, Rasmus Stenlid, Jani Söderhäll, Peter Bergsten, Anders Forslund
Introduction: Growth charts were not designed to monitor children and adolescents with severe obesity. We evaluate three commonly used international references and their implications for children with severe obesity and develop a BMI growth chart for children with severe obesity, which we call "Reference-point BMI from adjusted World Health Organization (WHO) population" (R-BMI). Method: Growth charts from the WHO, International Obesity Task Force, and CDC were reviewed regarding population, statistical method, and cut-offs. We created the R-BMI chart from the WHO population, with adapted adjustment and reference-point cut-offs, and the layout was updated for better readability. Moreover, an interactive web app was developed for this project at the following link https://child-bmi.serve.scilifelab.se/ with the purpose of visually comparing different BMI references for children with obesity. Results: Three different references for children with severe obesity, with corresponding adjustments, are presented to illustrate implications for researchers and clinicians. Furthermore, R-BMI is presented as a method attempting to address chart challenges related to the extreme BMI. The result is reference curves which share desirable features with established references, while avoiding undesirable curve behavior. Conclusions: Growth charts present challenges for children living with severe obesity, leading to varying approaches and implications of international references. The proposed R-BMI offers monitoring of children with severe obesity that can be used from birth to adulthood. It relates to adult BMI cut-offs and allows for a terminology, and it has a layout with the potential of highlighting changes which may otherwise go unnoticed.
{"title":"Evaluation of BMI Growth Charts for Children Living with Severe Obesity.","authors":"Maja Engsner, Iris Ciba, Banu Aydin, Rasmus Stenlid, Jani Söderhäll, Peter Bergsten, Anders Forslund","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0423","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2024.0423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Growth charts were not designed to monitor children and adolescents with severe obesity. We evaluate three commonly used international references and their implications for children with severe obesity and develop a BMI growth chart for children with severe obesity, which we call \"Reference-point BMI from adjusted World Health Organization (WHO) population\" (R-BMI). <b><i>Method:</i></b> Growth charts from the WHO, International Obesity Task Force, and CDC were reviewed regarding population, statistical method, and cut-offs. We created the R-BMI chart from the WHO population, with adapted adjustment and reference-point cut-offs, and the layout was updated for better readability. Moreover, an interactive web app was developed for this project at the following link https://child-bmi.serve.scilifelab.se/ with the purpose of visually comparing different BMI references for children with obesity. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Three different references for children with severe obesity, with corresponding adjustments, are presented to illustrate implications for researchers and clinicians. Furthermore, R-BMI is presented as a method attempting to address chart challenges related to the extreme BMI. The result is reference curves which share desirable features with established references, while avoiding undesirable curve behavior. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Growth charts present challenges for children living with severe obesity, leading to varying approaches and implications of international references. The proposed R-BMI offers monitoring of children with severe obesity that can be used from birth to adulthood. It relates to adult BMI cut-offs and allows for a terminology, and it has a layout with the potential of highlighting changes which may otherwise go unnoticed.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"629-639"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-06-06DOI: 10.1089/chi.2025.0022
Abubakr A Al-Shoaibi, Christiane K Helmer, Joan Shim, William Choi, Erin E Dooley, Holly C Gooding, Kelley Pettee Gabriel, Fiona C Baker, Jason M Nagata
Background: We examined the independent and joint prospective associations of screen time, sleep disturbance, and sleep duration with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) stratified by sex. Methods: Data are from 7445 participants (47.3% females) aged 9-10 years at baseline (2016-2018) in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Missing data were imputed, and weighted multivariable linear regression models estimated the independent and joint effects of screen time and sleep disturbance or sleep duration on BMI and WC after 2 years. Joint associations grouped participants by combinations of screen time and sleep, with low screen time and sufficient sleep or no sleep disturbance as the reference groups. Results: Screen time was significantly associated with higher BMI (B = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.45; p < 0.001) and WC (B = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.56; p < 0.001). Sleep disturbance was associated with higher BMI (B = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.14, 2.33; p 0.026) in males. Insufficient sleep (<9 hours) (B = 1.30; 95% CI: 0.53, 2.07; p < 0.001) was associated with higher BMI. Medium screen time without sleep disturbance or insufficient sleep, and medium and high screen time with either sleep problem were associated with higher BMI and WC. Low screen time with insufficient sleep and high screen time with sufficient sleep were associated with higher BMI. Associations were generally stronger among males, particularly with high screen time. Conclusion: Screen time and insufficient sleep were independently and jointly associated with higher BMI and WC 2 years later, especially when both were present.
{"title":"Independent and Joint Prospective Associations of Screen Time and Sleep Disturbance with Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference Among U.S. Adolescents.","authors":"Abubakr A Al-Shoaibi, Christiane K Helmer, Joan Shim, William Choi, Erin E Dooley, Holly C Gooding, Kelley Pettee Gabriel, Fiona C Baker, Jason M Nagata","doi":"10.1089/chi.2025.0022","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2025.0022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> We examined the independent and joint prospective associations of screen time, sleep disturbance, and sleep duration with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) stratified by sex. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data are from 7445 participants (47.3% females) aged 9-10 years at baseline (2016-2018) in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Missing data were imputed, and weighted multivariable linear regression models estimated the independent and joint effects of screen time and sleep disturbance or sleep duration on BMI and WC after 2 years. Joint associations grouped participants by combinations of screen time and sleep, with low screen time and sufficient sleep or no sleep disturbance as the reference groups. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Screen time was significantly associated with higher BMI (B = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.45; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and WC (B = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.56; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Sleep disturbance was associated with higher BMI (B = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.14, 2.33; <i>p</i> 0.026) in males. Insufficient sleep (<9 hours) (B = 1.30; 95% CI: 0.53, 2.07; <i>p</i> < 0.001) was associated with higher BMI. Medium screen time without sleep disturbance or insufficient sleep, and medium and high screen time with either sleep problem were associated with higher BMI and WC. Low screen time with insufficient sleep and high screen time with sufficient sleep were associated with higher BMI. Associations were generally stronger among males, particularly with high screen time. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Screen time and insufficient sleep were independently and jointly associated with higher BMI and WC 2 years later, especially when both were present.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"618-628"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12320422/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-06-09DOI: 10.1089/chi.2025.0003
Michelle J White, Madelynn Wellons, Javier Rodriguez, Janna Howard, Katelyn M Holliday, Sabina B Gesell, Eliana M Perrin, James Moody
Background: African American (AA) and Hispanic children are at high risk of developing obesity. Social networks are powerful drivers of health behaviors and outcomes. Parent social network characteristics may influence child health behaviors and obesity risk. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study of parents of AA and Hispanic children 2-4 years. The social network survey was adapted from The Important and Health Matters Social Network Battery (PhenX Toolkit). Child health behavior questions were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Child body mass index z-score (BMIz) was calculated based on measured height and weight at the child's most recent well-child visit. Linear regression models identified associations between parent network characteristics, BMIz, and child health behaviors. Participants included 44 parents of Hispanic children and 74 parents of AA children. Results: Parents of Hispanic children named fewer supportive alters (network members) than parents of AA children (3.7 vs. 5.0, p < 0.1). A higher number of stressful parent relationships was associated with higher child BMIz (β = 0.2, p < 0.05). For parents of AA children, a higher number of supportive alters was associated with more hours of child weekday (β = 0.2) and weekend sleep (β = 0.2) and less child weekday screen time (β = -0.2) (all p < 0.05). For parents of Hispanic children, a higher number of alters with whom the parent discusses important matters was associated with more hours of child weekday sleep (β = 0.3, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Parent social network characteristics are population-specific and associated with child health behaviors and BMIz. Augmenting supportive parent relationships and stress coping may reduce child obesity risk.
背景:非洲裔美国人(AA)和西班牙裔儿童患肥胖症的风险较高。社交网络是健康行为和结果的强大驱动力。父母社会网络特征可能影响儿童健康行为和肥胖风险。方法:这是一项横断面观察性研究,研究对象为AA和2-4岁西班牙裔儿童的父母。社会网络调查改编自重要和健康问题社会网络电池(PhenX工具包)。儿童健康行为问题来自国家健康与营养检查调查。儿童身体质量指数z-score (BMIz)是根据儿童最近一次健康儿童访问时测量的身高和体重来计算的。线性回归模型确定了父母网络特征、BMIz和儿童健康行为之间的关联。参与者包括44名西班牙裔儿童的父母和74名AA儿童的父母。结果:西班牙裔儿童的父母指出的支持改变者(网络成员)少于AA儿童的父母(3.7 vs. 5.0, p < 0.1)。父母关系压力越大,孩子的bmi越高(β = 0.2, p < 0.05)。对于AA儿童的父母,越多的支持性改变与儿童工作日(β = 0.2)和周末睡眠时间(β = 0.2)和儿童工作日屏幕时间(β = -0.2)减少相关(均p < 0.05)。对于西班牙裔儿童的父母来说,与父母讨论重要问题的人越多,孩子工作日睡眠时间越长(β = 0.3, p < 0.05)。结论:父母社会网络特征具有人群特异性,与儿童健康行为和bmi相关。增强支持性父母关系和压力应对可以降低儿童肥胖风险。
{"title":"Family Ties and Health: Exploring the Link Between Parents' Social Networks and Child Obesity.","authors":"Michelle J White, Madelynn Wellons, Javier Rodriguez, Janna Howard, Katelyn M Holliday, Sabina B Gesell, Eliana M Perrin, James Moody","doi":"10.1089/chi.2025.0003","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2025.0003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> African American (AA) and Hispanic children are at high risk of developing obesity. Social networks are powerful drivers of health behaviors and outcomes. Parent social network characteristics may influence child health behaviors and obesity risk. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a cross-sectional, observational study of parents of AA and Hispanic children 2-4 years. The social network survey was adapted from The Important and Health Matters Social Network Battery (PhenX Toolkit). Child health behavior questions were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Child body mass index <i>z</i>-score (BMIz) was calculated based on measured height and weight at the child's most recent well-child visit. Linear regression models identified associations between parent network characteristics, BMIz, and child health behaviors. Participants included 44 parents of Hispanic children and 74 parents of AA children. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Parents of Hispanic children named fewer supportive alters (network members) than parents of AA children (3.7 vs. 5.0, <i>p</i> < 0.1). A higher number of stressful parent relationships was associated with higher child BMIz (β = 0.2, <i>p</i> < 0.05). For parents of AA children, a higher number of supportive alters was associated with more hours of child weekday (β = 0.2) and weekend sleep (β = 0.2) and less child weekday screen time (β = -0.2) (all <i>p</i> < 0.05). For parents of Hispanic children, a higher number of alters with whom the parent discusses important matters was associated with more hours of child weekday sleep (β = 0.3, <i>p</i> < 0.05). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Parent social network characteristics are population-specific and associated with child health behaviors and BMIz. Augmenting supportive parent relationships and stress coping may reduce child obesity risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"569-579"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12670651/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144250387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-07-02DOI: 10.1089/chi.2025.0007
Courtney E Batt, Olivia C Puccio, Megan M Kelsey, Richard E Boles, Jaime M Moore
Background: National guidelines support adjunct anti-obesity medications to treat adolescent obesity. The combination of phentermine and topiramate is accessible and efficacious in controlled trials, but very little clinic-based data exist. We sought to describe prescribing characteristics, effectiveness, and safety of phentermine and/or topiramate in a clinical setting. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted among patients prescribed phentermine and/or topiramate for obesity in a pediatric obesity management program between 2019 and 2021. Patient and provider characteristics, percent BMI change, vital signs, laboratory tests, and discontinuation data were assessed. Results: Patients (n = 126) with mean age of 15.5 years, 50% Hispanic, 66% with public insurance, were included, of whom 83% had severe obesity and 51% had ≥3 comorbidities. Discontinuation at 12 months was observed in 58% of the sample, driven primarily by loss to follow-up. Patients who continued medication had significant BMI reductions at 3 (-3.1%), 6 (-4.7%), 9 (-5.2%), and 12 (-7.5%) months. Heart rate increased on phentermine by 5-10 beats per minute at 9 and 12 months only. Adverse effects were experienced by 25.8% at 3 months and most commonly included mood changes, fatigue, and paresthesias. Side effects and side effect-related discontinuation were most common with topiramate monotherapy. Conclusions: Phentermine and/or topiramate resulted in BMI reduction in most patients exposed for 3-12 months. Safety data support individualized monitoring of heart rate and neuropsychiatric side effects. High attrition and variables associated with differential BMI response require further study. Most patients had severe, complicated obesity at medication initiation and may benefit from earlier intervention.
{"title":"Real-World Use of Phentermine and Topiramate for Adolescent Obesity: Retrospective Effectiveness and Safety Analysis.","authors":"Courtney E Batt, Olivia C Puccio, Megan M Kelsey, Richard E Boles, Jaime M Moore","doi":"10.1089/chi.2025.0007","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2025.0007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> National guidelines support adjunct anti-obesity medications to treat adolescent obesity. The combination of phentermine and topiramate is accessible and efficacious in controlled trials, but very little clinic-based data exist. We sought to describe prescribing characteristics, effectiveness, and safety of phentermine and/or topiramate in a clinical setting. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective chart review was conducted among patients prescribed phentermine and/or topiramate for obesity in a pediatric obesity management program between 2019 and 2021. Patient and provider characteristics, percent BMI change, vital signs, laboratory tests, and discontinuation data were assessed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Patients (<i>n</i> = 126) with mean age of 15.5 years, 50% Hispanic, 66% with public insurance, were included, of whom 83% had severe obesity and 51% had ≥3 comorbidities. Discontinuation at 12 months was observed in 58% of the sample, driven primarily by loss to follow-up. Patients who continued medication had significant BMI reductions at 3 (-3.1%), 6 (-4.7%), 9 (-5.2%), and 12 (-7.5%) months. Heart rate increased on phentermine by 5-10 beats per minute at 9 and 12 months only. Adverse effects were experienced by 25.8% at 3 months and most commonly included mood changes, fatigue, and paresthesias. Side effects and side effect-related discontinuation were most common with topiramate monotherapy. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Phentermine and/or topiramate resulted in BMI reduction in most patients exposed for 3-12 months. Safety data support individualized monitoring of heart rate and neuropsychiatric side effects. High attrition and variables associated with differential BMI response require further study. Most patients had severe, complicated obesity at medication initiation and may benefit from earlier intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"580-588"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12677284/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545717","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-06-12DOI: 10.1089/chi.2024.0426
Matthew J Barenie, Erin K Howie, Christopher M Murphy, Deboleena Thakur, Ciara Jenkins, Stephanie M Lopez-Neyman, Amber R Kaufman, Michael R Thomsen, Kari A Weber
Background: This study aimed to compare recess physical activity, social behaviors, and social/school perceptions among children with obesity and severe obesity and those without obesity. Methods: Recess observations were done using the System of Observing Children's Activity and Relationships during Play. School climate surveys and anthropometric measurements were also completed. A total of 414 observations from 160 (52% female) children were collected at four schools in Little Rock, AR, during three semesters from 2023 to 2024. Children were in kindergarten through 5th grade. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate adjusted associations. Results: Thirteen percent of observations reflected children with severe obesity, 21% were from children with obesity, and 66% were from children with a BMI below the 95th percentile on the age- and gender-specific reference growth charts. Overall, children were engaged in moderate-vigorous physical activity 64% of the time and played alone 22% of the time. Positive play was observed 50% of the time. Children with severe obesity played alone 8% (p < 0.05) more than the reference group without obesity. There was no evidence of an inverse association between obesity and physical activity. Surveys from upper elementary children showed no differences in self-reports of being happy, having friends, or enjoying recess by weight status. Conclusions: While we observed more alone play at recess among children with severe obesity, we did not observe less physical activity or more negative play experiences among children with obesity or severe obesity. Recess appears to be beneficial regardless of weight status, both socially and for physical activity.
{"title":"Playing Alone: Recess Physical Activity and Social Interactions of Children with and Without Obesity and Severe Obesity.","authors":"Matthew J Barenie, Erin K Howie, Christopher M Murphy, Deboleena Thakur, Ciara Jenkins, Stephanie M Lopez-Neyman, Amber R Kaufman, Michael R Thomsen, Kari A Weber","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0426","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2024.0426","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> This study aimed to compare recess physical activity, social behaviors, and social/school perceptions among children with obesity and severe obesity and those without obesity. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Recess observations were done using the System of Observing Children's Activity and Relationships during Play. School climate surveys and anthropometric measurements were also completed. A total of 414 observations from 160 (52% female) children were collected at four schools in Little Rock, AR, during three semesters from 2023 to 2024. Children were in kindergarten through 5th grade. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate adjusted associations. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Thirteen percent of observations reflected children with severe obesity, 21% were from children with obesity, and 66% were from children with a BMI below the 95th percentile on the age- and gender-specific reference growth charts. Overall, children were engaged in moderate-vigorous physical activity 64% of the time and played alone 22% of the time. Positive play was observed 50% of the time. Children with severe obesity played alone 8% (<i>p</i> < 0.05) more than the reference group without obesity. There was no evidence of an inverse association between obesity and physical activity. Surveys from upper elementary children showed no differences in self-reports of being happy, having friends, or enjoying recess by weight status. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> While we observed more alone play at recess among children with severe obesity, we did not observe less physical activity or more negative play experiences among children with obesity or severe obesity. Recess appears to be beneficial regardless of weight status, both socially and for physical activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"600-607"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12677286/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144276384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-06-09DOI: 10.1089/chi.2025.0023
Cathy Kwok, Natalie B Lister, Eve T House, Louise A Baur, Sarah P Garnett, Hiba Jebeile
Background: Treatment-seeking adolescents with obesity may have diverse dietetic, psychological, or medical needs that require support during obesity treatment. Objectives: To characterize initial referral reasons, content, and outcome of support visits provided in addition to protocolized visits during an obesity treatment trial. Methods: The Fast Track to Health trial was a 52-week multi-site randomized trial conducted between 2018 and 2023 in Australia, comparing intermittent and continuous energy restricted dietary interventions delivered as part of an intensive behavioral intervention in adolescents with obesity and ≥1 obesity-related complications. Alongside protocolized mental health screening and medical and dietetic reviews, additional support was provided by the study dietitian, pediatrician or psychologist if needed or requested by families. Two reviewers independently coded deidentified clinical notes for each additional support visit to identify referral reasons, content and outcome of each visit. Results: Of 141 adolescents enrolled, 51 (36.2%) attended at least one additional support session, with most (n = 31) having one visit. Most referrals were initiated by a clinician (n = 34) and included requests for dietetic review (n = 16), motivation and/or support during COVID-19 lockdowns (n = 15), general psychological review (n = 14) and anxiety (n = 11). Conclusions: Understanding the diverse needs of adolescents with obesity is essential to inform obesity treatment interventions.
{"title":"Additional Support Needs of Adolescents with Obesity During an Obesity Treatment Trial: Fast Track to Health.","authors":"Cathy Kwok, Natalie B Lister, Eve T House, Louise A Baur, Sarah P Garnett, Hiba Jebeile","doi":"10.1089/chi.2025.0023","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2025.0023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Treatment-seeking adolescents with obesity may have diverse dietetic, psychological, or medical needs that require support during obesity treatment. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To characterize initial referral reasons, content, and outcome of support visits provided in addition to protocolized visits during an obesity treatment trial. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The Fast Track to Health trial was a 52-week multi-site randomized trial conducted between 2018 and 2023 in Australia, comparing intermittent and continuous energy restricted dietary interventions delivered as part of an intensive behavioral intervention in adolescents with obesity and ≥1 obesity-related complications. Alongside protocolized mental health screening and medical and dietetic reviews, additional support was provided by the study dietitian, pediatrician or psychologist if needed or requested by families. Two reviewers independently coded deidentified clinical notes for each additional support visit to identify referral reasons, content and outcome of each visit. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 141 adolescents enrolled, 51 (36.2%) attended at least one additional support session, with most (<i>n</i> = 31) having one visit. Most referrals were initiated by a clinician (<i>n</i> = 34) and included requests for dietetic review (<i>n</i> = 16), motivation and/or support during COVID-19 lockdowns (<i>n</i> = 15), general psychological review (<i>n</i> = 14) and anxiety (<i>n</i> = 11). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Understanding the diverse needs of adolescents with obesity is essential to inform obesity treatment interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"608-617"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144250454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-04-24DOI: 10.1089/chi.2024.0396
Carol Duh-Leong, Mary Jo Messito, Michelle W Katzow, Leonardo Trasande, Elise R Warda, Christina N Kim, Janneth V Bancayan, Rachel S Gross
Background: Maternal consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce future childhood obesity risk. Health Bucks, a fruit and vegetable voucher program redeemable at New York City (NYC) farmers' markets, supports access to fresh produce. Methods: In a cross-sectional analysis within a cohort study, we evaluated the integration of Health Bucks into the prenatal expansion of a primary care-based obesity prevention program. We analyzed data from 176 pregnant Latina participants at a NYC public hospital, with vouchers given to 114 (64.8%) participants. Later in infancy, we measured maternal outcomes (fruit and vegetable intake, stress) and food access (food environment, household food insecurity). We performed adjusted regression analyses to evaluate outcome differences between those who received vouchers and those who did not. Secondary analyses assessed whether voucher redemption or first-trimester timing of distribution were associated with outcomes. Results: Receipt of vouchers was associated with higher daily fruit and vegetable intake (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.3 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1, 1.6]), and lower stress (B = -1.9 [95% CI: -3.7, -0.1]). Voucher redemption was associated with higher daily fruit and vegetable intake (IRR = 1.3 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.6]). First trimester receipt was associated with a favorable view of the neighborhood food environment (adjusted odds ratio = 5.5 [95% CI: 1.04, 28.6]) and lower stress (B = -3.8 [95% CI: -7.5, -0.1). We did not detect associations with food insecurity. Conclusion: Integrating Health Bucks into a prenatal obesity prevention program was associated with favorable outcomes. Subgroup analyses showed that voucher redemption and first-trimester receipt were associated with positive outcomes, guiding strategies for fruit and vegetable voucher distribution.
{"title":"Evaluation of a Fruit and Vegetable Voucher Program in a Prenatal and Pediatric Primary Care-Based Obesity Prevention Program.","authors":"Carol Duh-Leong, Mary Jo Messito, Michelle W Katzow, Leonardo Trasande, Elise R Warda, Christina N Kim, Janneth V Bancayan, Rachel S Gross","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0396","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2024.0396","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Maternal consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce future childhood obesity risk. <i>Health Bucks</i>, a fruit and vegetable voucher program redeemable at New York City (NYC) farmers' markets, supports access to fresh produce. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In a cross-sectional analysis within a cohort study, we evaluated the integration of <i>Health Bucks</i> into the prenatal expansion of a primary care-based obesity prevention program. We analyzed data from 176 pregnant Latina participants at a NYC public hospital, with vouchers given to 114 (64.8%) participants. Later in infancy, we measured maternal outcomes (fruit and vegetable intake, stress) and food access (food environment, household food insecurity). We performed adjusted regression analyses to evaluate outcome differences between those who received vouchers and those who did not. Secondary analyses assessed whether voucher redemption or first-trimester timing of distribution were associated with outcomes. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Receipt of vouchers was associated with higher daily fruit and vegetable intake (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.3 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1, 1.6]), and lower stress (<i>B</i> = -1.9 [95% CI: -3.7, -0.1]). Voucher redemption was associated with higher daily fruit and vegetable intake (IRR = 1.3 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.6]). First trimester receipt was associated with a favorable view of the neighborhood food environment (adjusted odds ratio = 5.5 [95% CI: 1.04, 28.6]) and lower stress (<i>B</i> = -3.8 [95% CI: -7.5, -0.1). We did not detect associations with food insecurity. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Integrating <i>Health Bucks</i> into a prenatal obesity prevention program was associated with favorable outcomes. Subgroup analyses showed that voucher redemption and first-trimester receipt were associated with positive outcomes, guiding strategies for fruit and vegetable voucher distribution.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"555-563"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143991642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can progress to end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), albeit infrequently in childhood. Our objectives were to (1) investigate the prevalence of elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in children with advanced, MASLD-related, fibrosis (bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis) and (2) ascertain whether pediatric MASLD is associated with AFP elevations regardless of fibrosis severity. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients aged 6-18 years seen at a single center between 2000 and 2024. Demographics, anthropometrics, blood work, histological data, and relevant imaging studies were collected. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: Out of a cohort of 483 pediatric patients followed for MASLD with available AFP data, 161 had undergone liver biopsy, and of those, 22 had advanced fibrosis. Children with advanced fibrosis were predominantly male (82%) and non-Hispanic (55%), with a median age of 11 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 10-18) and severe obesity (median [IQR] body mass index z-score 2.56 [2.33-2.75]). No patients with advanced fibrosis had elevated AFP levels. Of the entire MASLD cohort, however, nine had elevated AFP levels. None were diagnosed with HCC or other tumors. Conclusions: In a pediatric cohort with MASLD, severe fibrosis was not associated with elevated AFP levels. AFP elevations were seen however in some patients with MASLD but were not associated with malignancies.
{"title":"Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in Children with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Liver Disease.","authors":"Jamie Klein, Ana Catalina Arce-Clachar, Kristin Bramlage, Stavra Xanthakos, Rachel Sheridan, Marialena Mouzaki","doi":"10.1089/chi.2025.0010","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2025.0010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can progress to end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), albeit infrequently in childhood. Our objectives were to (1) investigate the prevalence of elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in children with advanced, MASLD-related, fibrosis (bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis) and (2) ascertain whether pediatric MASLD is associated with AFP elevations regardless of fibrosis severity. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Retrospective cohort study of patients aged 6-18 years seen at a single center between 2000 and 2024. Demographics, anthropometrics, blood work, histological data, and relevant imaging studies were collected. Descriptive statistics were used. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Out of a cohort of 483 pediatric patients followed for MASLD with available AFP data, 161 had undergone liver biopsy, and of those, 22 had advanced fibrosis. Children with advanced fibrosis were predominantly male (82%) and non-Hispanic (55%), with a median age of 11 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 10-18) and severe obesity (median [IQR] body mass index <i>z</i>-score 2.56 [2.33-2.75]). No patients with advanced fibrosis had elevated AFP levels. Of the entire MASLD cohort, however, nine had elevated AFP levels. None were diagnosed with HCC or other tumors. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In a pediatric cohort with MASLD, severe fibrosis was not associated with elevated AFP levels. AFP elevations were seen however in some patients with MASLD but were not associated with malignancies.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"544-548"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144039863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-06-04DOI: 10.1089/chi.2025.0004
Robert Siegel, Thomas Borders, Kristin Stackpole, JangDong Seo, Deborah Wolff, Roohi Kharofa
Introduction: Prescribing glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) for pediatric patients with obesity is increasing. There are concerns that cost, insurance coverage, and/or provider prescribing practices will lead to inequities with GLP-1-RA use. Objective: Describing the GPL1-RA prescribing practices in a pediatric weight management program. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients treated from 7/1/2021 to 6/30/2023. The following was extracted from the medical record: demographic data, anthropometrics (percent of 95th percentile body mass index [BMI] for age/sex [p95%BMI] and BMI class), laboratory measures (hemoglobin A1C [HbA1c] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]), and whether patients were prescribed a GLP1-RA and/or metformin. Results: A total of 2,563 patients were seen in 2 years. Patients prescribed GLP1-RAs had higher HbA1c, 6.5% vs. 5.6% (p < 0.001); ALT, 79 IU vs. 37 IU (p < 0.001); and p95%BMI, 169 vs. 141 (p < 0.001), than others. There were no differences between the groups regarding race, sex, ethnicity, or insurance status. Conclusions: GLP1-RA prescribing was associated only with disease burden.
小儿肥胖患者使用胰高血糖素样肽受体激动剂(GLP1-RA)的情况越来越多。人们担心成本、保险覆盖范围和/或提供者处方实践将导致GLP-1-RA使用的不公平。目的:描述GPL1-RA在儿童体重管理项目中的处方实践。方法:我们回顾性回顾了2021年7月1日至2023年6月30日治疗的患者图表。从医疗记录中提取以下数据:人口统计数据、人体测量数据(年龄/性别体重指数[BMI]占第95百分位的百分比[95%BMI]和BMI类别)、实验室测量数据(血红蛋白A1C [HbA1c]和丙氨酸转氨酶[ALT]),以及患者是否服用GLP1-RA和/或二甲双胍。结果:2年内共观察2563例患者。服用GLP1-RAs的患者HbA1c较高,分别为6.5%和5.6% (p < 0.001);ALT, 79 IU vs 37 IU (p < 0.001);95% bmi为169比141 (p < 0.001)。各组之间在种族、性别、民族或保险状况方面没有差异。结论:GLP1-RA处方仅与疾病负担相关。
{"title":"GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Prescribing Practices in a Pediatric Weight Management Program.","authors":"Robert Siegel, Thomas Borders, Kristin Stackpole, JangDong Seo, Deborah Wolff, Roohi Kharofa","doi":"10.1089/chi.2025.0004","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2025.0004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Prescribing glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) for pediatric patients with obesity is increasing. There are concerns that cost, insurance coverage, and/or provider prescribing practices will lead to inequities with GLP-1-RA use. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> Describing the GPL1-RA prescribing practices in a pediatric weight management program. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients treated from 7/1/2021 to 6/30/2023. The following was extracted from the medical record: demographic data, anthropometrics (percent of 95<sup>th</sup> percentile body mass index [BMI] for age/sex [p95%BMI] and BMI class), laboratory measures (hemoglobin A1C [HbA1c] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]), and whether patients were prescribed a GLP1-RA and/or metformin. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 2,563 patients were seen in 2 years. Patients prescribed GLP1-RAs had higher HbA1c, 6.5% vs. 5.6% (<i>p</i> < 0.001); ALT, 79 IU vs. 37 IU (<i>p</i> < 0.001); and p95%BMI, 169 vs. 141 (<i>p</i> < 0.001), than others. There were no differences between the groups regarding race, sex, ethnicity, or insurance status. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> GLP1-RA prescribing was associated only with disease burden.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"564-567"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-05-07DOI: 10.1089/chi.2024.0419
Linda Koh, Patil Kavarian, Yann Le Guen, Matias Bruzoni, Janey S A Pratt, Marwa Abu El Haija
Background: Obesity is a prevalent medical condition among the pediatric population. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is recommended to treat severe obesity. Resting energy expenditure (REE) plays a vital role in weight homeostasis. This study aims to assess the impact of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on REE in pediatric patients with severe obesity while comparing REE values with body composition. Methods: Participants were recruited from the Pediatric Weight Management Clinic and Bariatric Surgery Clinic at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. REE was measured using indirect calorimetry. Body composition was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. Data were collected prospectively and analyzed using a generalized linear model and correlation analyses. Results: Thirty-six participants with severe obesity were included. Correlation analyses showed significant differences in baseline REE/kg between age groups, with higher REE/kg in participants <16 years. No significant correlations were observed between pre-SG REE/kg and degree of weight loss post-SG. Pre-SG %lean body mass positively correlated with REE/kg. There was no significant change in REE/kg following SG with weight loss. Conclusions: SG remains an effective intervention for managing severe obesity. This study found no significant changes in REE after SG. Future research should focus on larger longitudinal studies to enhance understanding of the metabolic effects of SG in pediatric patients while optimizing strategies for improved health outcomes.
{"title":"Resting Energy Expenditure Profiles in Pediatric Patients with Obesity Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy.","authors":"Linda Koh, Patil Kavarian, Yann Le Guen, Matias Bruzoni, Janey S A Pratt, Marwa Abu El Haija","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0419","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2024.0419","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Obesity is a prevalent medical condition among the pediatric population. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is recommended to treat severe obesity. Resting energy expenditure (REE) plays a vital role in weight homeostasis. This study aims to assess the impact of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on REE in pediatric patients with severe obesity while comparing REE values with body composition. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Participants were recruited from the Pediatric Weight Management Clinic and Bariatric Surgery Clinic at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. REE was measured using indirect calorimetry. Body composition was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. Data were collected prospectively and analyzed using a generalized linear model and correlation analyses. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Thirty-six participants with severe obesity were included. Correlation analyses showed significant differences in baseline REE/kg between age groups, with higher REE/kg in participants <16 years. No significant correlations were observed between pre-SG REE/kg and degree of weight loss post-SG. Pre-SG %lean body mass positively correlated with REE/kg. There was no significant change in REE/kg following SG with weight loss. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> SG remains an effective intervention for managing severe obesity. This study found no significant changes in REE after SG. Future research should focus on larger longitudinal studies to enhance understanding of the metabolic effects of SG in pediatric patients while optimizing strategies for improved health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"549-554"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}