Association of childhood and adolescence obesity with incidence and mortality of adulthood cancers. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Causal link between childhood obesity and adult osteoporosis: An investigation through Mendelian randomization

The intricate link between childhood obesity and adult osteoporosis has been a subject of numerous clinical inquiries, yet the genetic underpinnings of this association remain enigmatic. Our research aims to unravel the association between adult osteoporosis and childhood obesity using genome-wide association study data for Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Utilizing a pool of single-nucleotide polymorphism data associated with childhood obesity obtained from a previous genome-wide association study report involving a study population of 13,848 people in Europe, alongside data of adult osteoporosis sourced from Neale Lab (5266 cases and 331,893 controls). Various methods for MR were used in our research, including weighted mode, simple mode, weighted median, MR-Egger, and the inverse-variance weighted (IVW). We also used Cochran Q test of IVW to assess for heterogeneity, MR-Egger intercept and MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) analysis for pleiotropy, and leave-one-out analysis for the result stability. The instrumental variables associated with 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were selected. MR analyses unveiled a noteworthy link between genetically forecasted childhood obesity and the onset of adult osteoporosis based on the odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, and P-value from the results of IVW, MR-Egger, weighted median: simple mode, and weighted mode analyses. No significant heterogeneity was found by the assessment using MR-Egger and IVW. Similarly, there was no indication of pleiotropy based on the MR-PRESSO and MR-Egger analyses. Leave-one-out analysis confirmed the stability of the results. Our research suggests that childhood obesity, as predicted by genetic factors, may pose a significant risk for the development of osteoporosis in adulthood.

Exploring the Link between Oxidative Stress, Selenium Levels, and Obesity in Youth

Obesity is a worldwide increasing concern. Although in adults this is easily estimated with the body mass index, in children, who are constantly growing and whose bodies are changing, the reference points to assess weight status are age and gender, and need corroboration with complementary data, making their quantification highly difficult. The present review explores the interaction spectrum of oxidative stress, selenium status, and obesity in children and adolescents. Any factor related to oxidative stress that triggers obesity and, conversely, obesity that induces oxidative stress are part of a vicious circle, a complex chain of mechanisms that derive from each other and reinforce each other with serious health consequences. Selenium and its compounds exhibit key antioxidant activity and also have a significant role in the nutritional evaluation of obese children. The balance of selenium intake, retention, and metabolism emerges as a vital aspect of health, reflecting the complex interactions between diet, oxidative stress, and obesity. Understanding whether selenium status is a contributor to or a consequence of obesity could inform nutritional interventions and public health strategies aimed at preventing and managing obesity from an early age.

Awareness and Support of Responsive Bottle Feeding Among WIC Counselors and Caregivers: A Formative Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE

To understand the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) counselor experiences discussing responsive bottle feeding during counseling and WIC participants' knowledge, understanding, and use of responsive bottle feeding.

METHODS

Qualitative descriptive, semistructured interviews with 23 participants (8 WIC counselors and 15 WIC participants) were conducted online via Zoom. The WIC counselors and mothers of WIC-enrolled bottle-fed infants were recruited through a network of WIC clinics in North Carolina. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and collaboratively analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

The WIC participants received responsive infant feeding support from WIC counselors but often in the context of breastfeeding. WIC counselors provided valuable support for families but were challenged by limited training on responsive bottle feeding, balancing promoting breastfeeding with supporting mothers' feeding decisions, and time constraints.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Findings provide preliminary support for the need to develop and pilot an intervention focused on promoting responsive feeding for parents of bottle-fed infants.

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Children: Current Practices and Outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review will examine the most current evidence for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) in the pediatric population, specifically in terms of weight loss outcomes and improvement in comorbid conditions and complications. Additionally, we compare surgical and non-surgical interventions, review current guidelines, and propose a stepwise evidence-based approach to the management of obesity in children.

RECENT FINDINGS

MBS is a safe option for appropriately selected pediatric patients which leads to significant and sustained weight loss. This weight loss is associated with improvement of related comorbid conditions. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has emerged as the procedure of choice with a better safety profile. Despite the evidence, very few adolescents undergo MBS. New pharmacologic agents specifically the GLP-1/GIP agents have shown early promise especially in patients under body mass index 40, but the long-term effects are unknown. MBS is an effective tool in the management of pediatric obesity, and its use has been recommended by professional societies. Early referral to a multidisciplinary obesity team can help identify appropriate patients.