Understanding Environment and Obesity in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Trasande Leonardo, Cronk Chris, Durkin Maureen, Weiss Marianne, Schoeller Dale A., Gall Elizabeth A., Hewitt Jeanne B., Carrel Aaron L., Landrigan Philip J., Gillman Matthew W.
Primary Institution: Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the environmental factors contributing to the development of obesity in children?
Conclusion
The National Children’s Study will explore how various environmental factors influence childhood obesity from preconception through adolescence.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of obesity in American children has tripled in the past 30 years.
- Obesity is linked to future health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
- The study will collect data on environmental exposures during pregnancy and early childhood.
- Access to safe play spaces can influence children's activity levels.
- Previous studies have not adequately addressed the role of community-level factors in obesity.
Takeaway
This study is like a big science project that looks at how things around us, like our homes and the food we eat, can make kids gain weight.
Methodology
The study will use a life-course approach, collecting data from 100,000 children at various stages of their development.
Potential Biases
There may be biases in how environmental factors are measured and reported.
Limitations
Previous studies have not fully explored the life-course approach or included diverse populations.
Participant Demographics
The study aims to include a diverse population, with over 20,000 Hispanic children.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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