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

Obesity


Fruit Juice Intake Predicts Increased Adiposity Gain in Children from Low-Income Families: Weight Status-by-Environment Interaction

The purposes of this study were to test (1) whether increased fruit juice intake and parental restriction of a child's eating were associated with increased adiposity and (2) whether nutrition counseling reduced adiposity gain in a population of WIC children ages 1 to 4 in New York State. Results indicated that children who were already overweight or at risk of becoming overweight who increased their fruit juice intake were associated with excess weight gain. These findings supported the Institute of Medicine recommendation to reduce juice intake in overweight and at-risk children.


Fit WIC: Attitudes, Perceptions and Practices of WIC Staff toward Addressing Childhood Overweight

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes, perceptions, and practices of WIC staff in Virginia, in educating WIC participants about topics related to childhood overweight. WIC staff reported a lack of comfort, practice, and confidence in addressing childhood overweight. researchers concluded that staff training, health promotion programs, and culturally relevant educational materials would help staff become knowledgeable and promote self-efficacy about childhood overweight-related topics.


Diet, Activity, and Overweight among a Sample of Preschool-Age Children Enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

This study investigated the associations between demographic, consumption, and activity variables and being overweight or at risk of becoming overweight for 2- to 4-year-olds enrolled in the WIC Program. The researchers found that 38% of the children were overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. Furthermore, race and ethnicity, increased non-juice drink consumption, and low levels of physical activity were associated with being overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.


Are American Children and Adolescents of Low Socioeconomic Status at Increased Risk of Obesity? Changes in the Association Between Overweight and Family Income Between 1971 and 2002

The researchers; goal was to determine trends in the relationship between overweight and socioeconomic status (SES), using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). According to the findings, the relationship between overweight and SES varied by race, sex, and age. In addition, the overall relationship between overweight and SES weakened over time. researchers concluded that interventions should also target race, not just SES.


Predictors of Fat Intake Behavior Differ Between Normal-Weight and Obese WIC Mothers

The purpose of the study was (1) to assess whether predictors of fat intake behavior were the same for normal-weight and obese WIC mothers, when applying the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model, and (2) to identify predictors for each group. researchers found that fat intake behavior differed between the normal-weight and the obese groups and that different messages were more likely to affect normal-weight or obese women. For example, obese women were more likely to be affected by information about the cost and accessibility of food and the time to prepare it.


Perceived Benefits and Barriers Related to Postpartum Weight Loss of Overweight/Obese Postpartum WIC Participants

The purposes of this study were (1) to understand perceived benefits and barriers related to weight loss in a group of overweight/obese postpartum WIC moms and (2) to identify intervention measures that the WIC Program could implement. researchers identified lack of support and finances, as well as low self-esteem, as barriers to weight loss. They concluded that a support group approach within a weight loss program would be beneficial.


Fit WIC: Programs to Prevent Childhood Overweight in your Community

FNS funded five state agencies through a competitive grant process to participate in Fit WIC. This report described the then-current childhood obesity epidemic, explained the Fit WIC assessment findings, outlined the five Fit WIC obesity prevention programs, and provided recommendations for future action.


Walking the Talk: Fit WIC Wellness Programs Improve Self-Efficacy In Pediatric Obesity Prevention Counseling

Using a pretest/posttest study design, the authors conducted a staff wellness pilot intervention program to improve staff self-efficacy in counseling WIC clients about childhood overweight in six sites of the California WIC Program. The results showed that intervention site staff were more likely to report that they felt their health habits were setting a good example for WIC clients. In addition, they were more motivated to eat healthy diets and be physically active. Furthermore, they felt more comfortable counseling WIC clients about how to improve their childs weight status and to be more physically active with their families.