Childhood Obesity

Question 1

Why is absolute energy intake poor predictor of childhood BMI

Answer 1

Heavier children will consume more energy simply because they are larger

Question 2

True drivers of obesity (3)

Answer 2

Meal frequency
Portion size
Energy density

Question 3

Breakfast skipping and childhood obesity (4)

Answer 3

Increases risk of obesity
Greater energy intake over whole days
Consume more carb rich snacks
Compensate with large lunch portions

Question 4

Sugar sweetened beverages (4)

Answer 4

Any beverage containing simple sugars
Provides energy with no nutritional value
Does not suppress appetitive
Consumption may deliver up to 10-15% of daily energy intake in children

Question 5

Reasons for reduced physical activity in children (4)

Answer 5

Transport networks favour motor vehicles
Parental perception of danger outside
School favour academic subjects over PE
Out of school activities not open to all

Question 6

TV watching and obesity risk (3)

Answer 6

Watching TV is associated with greater risk of obesity in children
Increases fat mass of pre school infants by a kilo
Increases risk of obesity in 6 year olds by 40%

Question 7

How tv watching increases obesity (3)

Answer 7

Most likely due to changes in food intake
More exposure to adverts of energy sense food
Greater consumption of energy dense snacks

Question 8

How may infant formula feeding lead to childhood obesity (3)

Answer 8

Formula milk promotes an earlier adiposity rebound
Formula fed infants have elevated plasma insulin
This promotes deposition of more fat cells

Question 9

Childhood obesity and health problems (3)

Answer 9

Skeletal defects
Hypertension
Asthma and respiratory problems

Question 10

Metabolic impact of childhood obesity (5)

Answer 10

Elevated LDL cholesterol 
Elevated TAGs
Glucose intolerance 
Insulin resistance 
T2D

Question 11

Intervention for food industry (3)

Answer 11

Improve marketing of healthier options
Clear labelling
Taxation

Question 12

Components of obesogenic environment for children (3)

Answer 12

Food easy available - energy dense
Low physical activity
Artificial feeds for infants

Question 13

How may breastfeeding protect against childhood obesity (2)

Answer 13

Breastfeeding is demand led

Leptin and other factors in human milk contribute to leaner body mass

Question 14

Role of schools (4)

Answer 14

Healthy eating messages
Daily physical activity in curriculum
Limiting access to energy dense snacks
Provide healthy meals