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Obesity

Relationship of Child-Feeding Practices to Overweight in Low-Income Mexican-American Preschool-Aged Children

The purpose of the study was to understand the relationship between overweight status in low-income Mexican-American preschool-aged children and child-feeding practices, as well as other factors. The results indicated that birth weight, a mother's body mass index of 30 or above, and juice intake were positively related to overweight status. Children participating in the WIC Program were less likely to be overweight.

Feasibility and Benefits of a Parent-Focused Preschool Child Obesity Intervention

This study tested the feasibility and benefits of an intervention that promoted parental behaviors to prevent obesity in children enrolled in the WIC Program. The intervention was effective in increasing some of the behaviors. Results demonstrated that it was feasible to change parental behaviors through a multidimensional education intervention in a WIC clinic setting.

Counseling Latina Mothers of Preschool Children about Weight Issues: Suggestions for a New Framework

The authors ; aims were (1) to assess Latina mothers; health beliefs and attitudes regarding childhood weight issues and (2) to inform nutrition education methods. Among the findings were these key issues: The mothers found it difficult to acknowledge having an overweight child, and they believed that health and weight were not closely related. Results indicated that traditional nutrition counseling might be ineffective for Latina mothers. Reframing nutrition messages in terms of positive eating behaviors, rather than weight, might be more effective to improve health and weight status.

Childhood Overweight in a New York City WIC Population

The researchers estimated the prevalence of overweight in a population of young children enrolled in a New York City WIC Program. The findings showed that 40% of the children were overweight or at risk of overweight. In addition, Hispanic children were more than twice as likely to be overweight or at risk of overweight. Moreover, 2-year-olds were less likely to be overweight than were 3- and 4-year-olds. The researchers concluded that interventions should target young children and be culturally specific.

Does Overweight in Infancy Persist Through the Preschool Years? An Analysis of CDC Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System Data

The authors' goal was to determine whether overweight in infancy (birth to11 months) and young childhood (12 months to 35 months) continued through the preschool years. The following were among the research findings: Children who were overweight in younger years were at greater risk of being overweight in later childhood years. For example, 62.5% of overweight 3-year-olds were still overweight a year later, but only 4.1% of non-overweight 3-year-olds became overweight a year later. Low-birth weight children had the highest risk of remaining overweight after they became overweight, compared with normal-weight and high-birth weight children.

Dietary Composition and Weight Change Among Low-Income Preschool Children

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between dietary composition and weight change among a sample of children enrolled in the North Dakota WIC Program. No significant relationships were found between total intake of fat, fiber, fruits, or vegetables and weight change. The results indicated less weight change associated with an increased consumption of breads and grains and more weight change with an increased consumption of fatty foods.

The Challenge of Preventing and Treating Obesity in Low-Income Preschool Children: Perceptions of WIC Healthcare Professionals

The purpose of this study was to develop innovative ways to address the different perceptions about the challenges that exist in managing childhood obesity among WIC healthcare professionals. Based on the thoughts, perceptions, and suggestions from the healthcare professionals, the researchers concluded that WIC may benefit from (1) providing staff training in counseling skills that educate parents on child development and child rearing, (2) focusing more attention on counseling, and (3) developing collaborations with primary healthcare providers and community agencies that impact childhood obesity.