WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub

Health Impacts


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.


Growth Pattern of Overweight Preschool Children in the Siouxland WIC Program

This study analyzed the relationship between height and weight and several variables for preschool children enrolled in the Siouxland WIC Program. The children had a large average increase in weight between birth and 8 months and between 12 months and 30 months. Overweight children were different from their normal-weight peers in birth weight, monthly household income, number of people living in the household, and mother's education level. Variables influencing changes in weight included birth weight, sex of child, breastfeeding status, and household size.


Changing WIC changes what children eat

This study investigated dietary intake and obesity prevalence changes in WIC children after the implementation of the revised WIC food packages in 2009. Results showed increases in WIC mothers; breastfeeding initiation and in the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat/non-fat milk by young children. Weight for length and body mass index also decreased in young children.


Patient–Provider Communication and Counseling about Gestational Weight Gain and Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study of the Perceptions and Experiences of Latinas Pregnant with their First Child

Additionally, analysis revealed that although participants value information received from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program counselors, they would like to receive more information from their primary healthcare providers about adequate GWG.