A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health reveals that nearly one-third of American children aged 10-19 are pre-diabetic. The study emphasizes the link between childhood obesity and prediabetes, while also suggesting that waist-to-height ratio is a more accurate indicator than BMI. The research analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and highlights the rising prevalence of prediabetes in youth, attributed to factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and diet.
Study finds obesity top indicator of prediabetes as a third of American children afflictedAURORA, CO - NOVEMBER 13: A child sits on the gym floor during the Shapedown program for overweight adolescents and children on November 13, 2010 in Aurora, Colorado.
The 10-week family-centered program held by the Denver area Children's Hospital teaches youth and their parents ways to lead a healthier more active lifestyle, as a longer lasting weight-loss alternative to dieting. Nationally, some 15 percent of children are overweight or obese, as are some 60 percent of adults. Published in PLOS Global Public Health, the study affirmed previously findings discovered by the CDC last July that nearly 1 in 3 of American children between the ages of 12 to 17 are pre-diabetic or have type II diabetes, a disease in which a person’s body becomes resistant to insulin causing high blood sugar levels. University of Chicago PHd student Eric Peprah Osei, researcher of the new study, looked at data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between the years of 2021 and 2023. He examined health data of nearly 2,000 youth between the ages of 10 and 19, finding that 30.8% of them have blood sugar levels in the prediabetes range. Comparably, an analysis of NHANES data between 1999 and 2002 revealed that approximately 9% of adolescents between the ages of 12 to 19 are pre-diabetic or have diabetes. Osei attributed the rise in pre-diabetic children to rising rates of childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and diets. However, Osei determined that the best indicator that a person has pre-diabetes is not to look at their body mass index, which determines if they're at a. Instead, the study’s researcher is urging that doctors and healthcare professionals measure a child’s waist-to-height ratio, which divides a child’s waist circumference by their height. The study claimed that children with a ratio that met or exceeded a .5, which signified excessive body fat in their midsection, were 146 times more likely to have developed prediabetes or type two diabetes. And while the study recognized that unhealthy lifestyle likely contributed to a person’s weight gain; the study claimed a person’s weight had a greater effect on developing prediabetes than perpetuating unhealthy lifestyle choices. “Interestingly, lifestyle and dietary variables, including sedentary behavior, physical activity, total energy intake, and sugar consumption, did not persist as independent predictors of prediabetes/T2DM after multivariate adjustment,” the study stated. “This finding contrasts with prevailing narratives linking the global rise in obesity to adverse lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and the overconsumption of energy-dense, ultra-processed foods.” The study findings come as the Trump administration struck a deal with major drug manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk last November to make their weight loss drugs more affordable for Americans. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., who was previously skeptical of the use of GLP-1s, applauded Trump at the time for his work to fight obesity.“This is something no American president has ever done. If we want to solve the chronic disease crisis, we have to tackle obesity" Kennedy said.Trace the natural and cultural roots of some of the world's most enduring mythological creatures from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond!Mythic Creatures: DA new three-member crime reduction unit created by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office has been hitting the streets for the past six weeks, focusing on patrols,Task force seizes approximately 20 kilos of fentanyl in Madison County Two people are being held in jail on drug charges and immigration detainers after law enforcement says they seized 20 kilograms of fentanyl.A jury declined to indict a father who allegedly fatally shot his daughter in the chest following an argument about President Donald Trump.
Prediabetes Childhood Obesity Waist-To-Height Ratio NHANES Diabetes
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
American who served 11 years in prison for Bali 'suitcase murder' due in court in ChicagoAmerican who served 11 years for Bali 'suitcase murder' due in court in Chicago
Read more »
Study finds North American bird populations keep droppingA new study finds North American bird populations keep dropping, and that decline is speeding up for many species. Thursday's study in the journal *Science* finds that nearly half of 261 species show significant losses. More than half of the declining species are losing birds faster than with each year.
Read more »
Join The News in Red Bird in March for a panel on food and healthThe Dallas Morning News' health reporter will moderate a panel on food and health, featuring some of North Texas' health leaders.
Read more »
FOX10, Infirmary Health host free heart health screenings across Mobile, Baldwin countiesHundreds screened for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes at three locations.
Read more »
Eating for gut health: Simple, nutritious choices that help promote overall healthYou have to care for your gut biome so it can care for you
Read more »
Prediabetes on the Rise: Study Reveals Alarming Increase Among American AdolescentsA new study published in PLOS Global Public Health reveals a significant increase in prediabetes among American adolescents, emphasizing the need for proactive health measures and highlighting a key indicator for assessing risk.
Read more »