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.
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.
This study investigated the association between beverage consumption and changes in body mass index and weight among preschool children participating in the North Dakota WIC Program. Results showed no association.
The authors tested the effectiveness of a home visiting obesity prevention intervention in a population of Native-American preschool children. Height-for-weight measures and dietary intake showed that a home visiting program that teaches parents about parenting skills might be a promising obesity prevention intervention.
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.
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 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.
The authors evaluated the television and video viewing habits of low-income preschool children and their relationship to a child's weight status. researchers found that TV viewing was associated with overweight in preschool children. The presence of a TV in the child's bedroom was even more strongly associated with an increased risk of being overweight.
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.
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.
