Obesity Risk In Youth Found To Be Revealing

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Obesity risk in youth was found by scientists by comparing the amount of gut bacteria among healthy youngster and those that were diagnosed as obese.

Obesity risk in youth becoming very alarming

This, after researchers from the Department of Pediatrics at Yale University, New Haven recently published findings in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, reveal that the research that obese children have certain types of gut bacteria that could not be found among healthy children.

In their study of 84 children and adolescents aged between seven to 20 years, composed of seven overweight, 15 who weighed normally, 27 obese and 35 severely obese.

Blood samples were taken from the participants to determine the population of gut bacteria in the intestines, as well as for assessing levels of short-chain fatty acids believed to be formed by certain types of gut bacteria.

“These data try to explain the physiopathology behind the relationship between gut flora and obesity. In future, the identification of species underlying this association might lead to targeted treatments,” says Dr. Nicola Santoro, who is the lead author for this study

Different groups of gut bacteria

The samples showed eight groups of bacteria associated with specific levels of body fat.

They also found that 4 of the 8 groups of gut bacteria thrived in the intestines of children found to be obese and up.

While their study served proof of a negative foreboding, still the researchers believe that this will help spur other research to find ways to combat obesity among children.

In a separate study published by the University of Kansas Medical Center, researchers documented that individual differences in brain stimulation among children through media advertising, especially with food products in relation to brands and logos.

Study author Dr. Amanda Bruce, assistant professor of behavioural paediatrics, points out that children are excessively exposed to food advertising- including junk food- and are directly influences their food choices and stimulated brain activity.

This includes the ‘wholesome’ images and youth-inspired enticing commercials that advertise these products. Marketing junk foods in this manner greatly impacts the choices of children and increases the risk of childhood obesity.

“Food commercials may prompt children to consider their liking and wanting of specific food items, irrespective of the lack of any health benefits. This increased emphasis on taste may make it even more difficult for relevant caregivers to encourage healthy food choices. This evidence has implications for policies related to food advertising to children,” says Bruce.

The Center for Disease Control reports that obesity rates among children more than doubled and an alarming four-fold increase among adolescents in the past 30 years.

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