The science of childhood obesity: moving the field forward through the study of both individual behaviors and environmental factors

We've said it, and we'll say it again: approximately 32 percent of children ages 6 to 19 are overweight or obese in the United States; these rates are even higher in Texas, according to national data.

In our effort and mission to address child health issues through research, service and education, Center researchers published eight new articles this week as part of a special obesity issue of the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. The issue, titled “The Science of Childhood Obesity: An Individual to Societal Framework,” delivers insights into how to solve the child obesity epidemic and close the gap in our current understanding of its causes.

Below, our very own Dr Deanna M. Hoelscher reveals more about this research and the future of work in this field. This is a cross-post from the BioMed Central blog network.

Which came first – the chicken or the egg?

This age old question is always a good one to start a lively discussion. Another question which generates almost as much discussion – is child obesity due to environmental factors or to individual factors?

Unlike the chicken/egg dilemma, in which you have to choose a side, with childhood obesity, it looks like both individual behaviors and environmental factors contribute to the problem.

Researchers at the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living at the University of Texas School of Public Health (UTSPH), USA, have been working to address the issue of child obesity through traditional channels of research, education and community outreach, as well as a unique private-public partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

Our current work is highlighted in the eight articles that comprise a special issue of the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. The issue, titled “The Science of Childhood Obesity: An Individual to Societal Framework,” provides a research framework and further insights into solutions for child obesity, with a focus on diverse and low-income populations.

Although recent progress has been seen in obesity prevention efforts, childhood obesity is still a significant public health problem, with almost one-third of children ages 2 to 19 classified as overweight or obese in the United States.

These rates are even higher in Texas, USA, where much of our work is focused. Thus, it is imperative that we continue research efforts to elucidate more proximal determinants of childhood obesity, as well as intervention strategies to address them.

For the full article, including details on what our research shows, identified themes, and where we go from here, visit the BioMed Central blog network here.