WSU study finds possible link between childhood obesity and mothers' smoking pre-pregnancy
A study led by Washington State University (WSU) has identified possible links between childhood obesity and whether a mother smoked before pregnancy.
The study found body mass index (BMI) patterns that could predict obesity, with findings published in Jama Network Open.
The research analyzed the BMI trajectories of over 9,400 children, finding that while most children follow a typical BMI development path, 11% showed atypical patterns linked to factors before pregnancy.
'The most distinct finding is that we can identify children on a path to obesity as early as age 3.5 years,' said Chang Liu, an assistant professor of psychology at WSU and the corresponding author of the new paper.
The study used data from the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, covering from January 1997 to June 2024.
Children in the atypical BMI group were more likely to have mothers who smoked during pregnancy or had high pre-pregnancy BMI, according to a release from WSU.
The study said these children did not experience the typical BMI decline after their first year and began rapid weight gain by age 3.5, reaching an average BMI above the 99th percentile by age 9.
The study highlights the potential for early intervention, suggesting that identifying at-risk children by age 3.5 could help prevent obesity and its associated health risks.
The findings underscore the importance of early identification and intervention in preventing childhood obesity, with prenatal factors playing a significant role in determining BMI trajectories.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Portage Biotech Regains Full Compliance with Nasdaq Continued Listing Requirements
DOVER, Del., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Portage Biotech Inc. ('Portage' or the 'Company') (NASDAQ: PRTG), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands ('Portage'), announced today that on June 24, 2025, the Company received formal notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC that the Company has evidenced compliance with all applicable requirements for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. About Portage BiotechPortage Biotech is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company advancing a pipeline of novel biologics to transform the immune system's ability to fight cancer. For more information, visit Forward-Looking StatementsAll statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding the Company's business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations and those statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words 'believe,' 'expects,' 'anticipates,' 'intends,' 'estimates,' 'will,' 'may,' 'plans,' 'potential,' 'continues,' or similar expressions or variations on such expressions are forward-looking statements. As a result, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: the risk that the Company may not secure financing, the uncertainty of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, scientific results may not be as expected, and other factors set forth in 'Item 3 - Key Information-Risk Factors' in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2024 and 'Business Environment – Risk Factors' in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the Three and Six Months ended September 30, 2024, filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company's Form 6-K. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. For More Information:Portage BiotechAlexander Pickett, Chief Executive Officerir@ while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
CNN
2 hours ago
- CNN
New dog-sized dinosaur species discovered
Scientists have discovered a new species of dinosaur — one that was dog-sized and roamed what is now the United States around 150 million years ago alongside familiar dinosaurs like stegosaurus and diplodocus. The Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, as researchers named it, was about the same size as a Labrador retriever, with a tail that made up about half of its length, according to a study published in the Royal Society Open Science on Wednesday. Although many of its bones were unearthed from the Morrison Formation in Colorado in 2021-2022, its skull and parts of its vertebral column were missing, leaving scientists unsure of its precise length. 'These very small plant-eating dinosaurs are pretty rare (to find),' Professor Paul Barrett, a researcher at London's Natural History Museum who co-led the study, told CNN. 'Actually finding a substantially completed skeleton rather than a few bits and pieces of bones is not common and as a result they're fairly poorly known.' The skeleton will be displayed at the Natural History Museum from June 26. This dinosaur was quite 'lightly built' and weighed around the same as a collie, said Barrett. It was a herbivore and would have walked on its long hind legs, which 'suggests it was quite a speedy runner' allowing it to make a 'quick getaway' from predators, Barrett added. He and his colleague, Susannah Maidment, began investigating this specimen after a London art gallery, which was displaying the dinosaur, got in contact with them. They were eventually able to work with the gallery to find a donor who could help bring the skeleton to the museum. The species name honors that donor, Molly Borthwick, while the genus name is Latin for 'mysterious runner.' By carefully examining the bones, Maidment and Barrett concluded that this specimen had unique characteristics unlike any other previously known species. In particular, its thigh bone was particularly distinctive, with different sorts of muscle attachments than other dinosaurs, Barrett said. It is most closely related to Yandusaurus hongheenis, a three-meter- (9.8-foot) long dinosaur that has been found in China. This suggests the species was widely distributed, Barrett said, hypothesizing that other fossils of it simply haven't been found yet. Scientists believe this specimen was not yet fully grown as some of its vertebrae had not yet fused but, because of the way the fossil was prepared before it came to the Natural History Museum, they can't be certain. It is also not clear how the dinosaur died because there aren't any obvious signs of illness or injury in its bones. New species of dinosaurs are unearthed or identified relatively frequently, about once a week, said Barrett. But finding small dinosaurs like this is much rarer, partly because they're overlooked by fossil hunters searching for bigger, more impressive dinosaurs and partly because smaller skeletons are more likely to be ripped apart by predators and scavengers. Finding these smaller dinosaurs which are often left in the ground 'gives us a more complete idea of what those ecosystems were like,' Barrett said.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
6 Things to Avoid After 5 P.M. to Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Kelly Plowe, M.S., RDAge and genetics are risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, but lifestyle factors play a key role, too. Dietitians suggest avoiding alcohol, caffeine, heavy meals and sodium after 5 p.m to help reduce your risk. Regular exercise and eating a plant-based diet may also help prevent Alzheimer's it comes to protecting your brain health, what you do in the evening matters more than you might think. While you can't change risk factors like age or genetics, everyday habits can chip away at your brain's defenses or help strengthen them. Research shows that certain dietary choices and poor sleep may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The good news? A few simple changes to your evening routine can make an impactful difference. Some nighttime habits, like drinking sugar-sweetened beverages and consuming heavy meals, can disrupt sleep, increase inflammation and contribute to cognitive decline over time. Here's what experts recommend leaving out of your nightly routine to help lower your risk of Alzheimer's and support brain health. If you typically reach for a sweet tea or soda with dinner, it's worth reconsidering, especially if you want to support your brain health. 'Curbing sugary drinks in general, regardless of the time of day, is important for brain health and so much more,' says Sheri Gaw, RDN, CDCES. Gaw cites a study that found a considerably higher risk of dementia in participants who consumed seven servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per week. Excess added sugars have been linked to increased inflammation, insulin resistance and oxidative stress, all of which can negatively affect the brain over time. Instead of reaching for a sugary beverage, consider winding down with a glass of kefir. Along with being an excellent source of probiotics and protein, recent research suggests that drinking kefir may be beneficial for slowing Alzheimer's disease. Your nightly glass of wine could be interfering with one of the most important factors for brain health: sleep. 'Quality sleep is crucial to mental health and cognitive function, and drinking alcohol before bed can disrupt sleep quality,' explains Gaw. Alcohol interferes with the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Even small amounts of alcohol in the evening can fragment sleep cycles, reduce restorative deep sleep and lead to frequent nighttime awakenings., To support better sleep and long-term brain health, consider swapping that evening cocktail for a calming, alcohol-free alternative. Herbal teas like chamomile, rooibos and lavender can promote relaxation without disrupting sleep. And if you do choose to drink alcohol, limit how much you drink—no more than two drinks for men, one drink for women. Drinking caffeine too late in the day could prevent you from getting the sleep you need. 'Experts recommend at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night for brain health. Large doses of caffeine closer to bedtime impact sleep duration and quality,' says Gaw. 'Research shows that it's best to avoid coffee at least eight hours before bedtime, and steer clear of highly caffeinated pre-workout supplements at least 13 hours before sleep.' Since sleep plays a critical role in clearing waste products from the brain, including beta-amyloid proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, protecting your rest is one of the simplest ways to support long-term cognitive health. If you're craving something warm in the evening, consider a caffeine-free herbal tea to help you ease into a restful night. 'High sodium intake has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, with research suggesting that excess sodium can trigger inflammation, reduce blood flow to the brain and damage blood vessels,', says Sheila Patterson, RD, CDCES. It may also lower levels of nitric oxide, a compound that helps relax blood vessels and support healthy circulation. To cut back, be mindful of sodium-packed foods, like canned soups, frozen meals, processed snacks or takeout. Instead, opt for whole, minimally processed options, and season meals with fresh herbs, citrus and salt-free spice blends to keep flavor high and sodium low. While dark chocolate is usually considered a healthy option, consuming it after 5 p.m. may hinder your ability to get the quality sleep you need. 'Dark chocolate is a sneaky source of caffeine and theobromine, two stimulants that can sabotage your sleep,' says Katharine Rosenthal, RD, LD. 'And poor sleep isn't just exhausting, it's one of the biggest long-term risk factors for cognitive decline.' Instead of reaching for dark chocolate after dinner, choose options that promote better sleep. Our Tart Cherry Nice Cream is the perfect snack for a restful night's sleep due to its sleep-inducing ingredients. It's a great way too satisfy your sweet tooth while potentially helping yourself catch more zzz's and stave off neurodegenerative diseases. 'Try to avoid heavy meals at night for better sleep and optimal cognitive function,' Gaw recommends. 'Eating too close to bedtime may disrupt digestion, causing indigestion, discomfort and poor sleep quality.' To support better sleep and brain health, aim to finish your last substantial meal at least two to three hours before going to bed. In the evening, opt for lighter, balanced options. The best choices offer fiber, healthy fats and protein to help keep you satisfied without weighing you down. Eat more . 'Antioxidant-rich foods play a crucial role in promoting healthy aging and maintaining cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation—two factors linked to age-related diseases like Alzheimer's,' says Lindsay Fencl, RD, CD. 'Add more berries, walnuts and dark leafy greens to your diet,' she recommends. Eat a plant-forward diet. Consume a low-sodium, well-balanced and colorful diet, such as the MIND diet. 'The MIND diet (a combination of the Mediterranean and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diets) supports brain function with a focus on berries, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, beans and leafy greens,' says Gaw. Not sure where to start? Supplement with creatine. Numerous studies conducted over the past decade suggest that creatine supplementation can significantly enhance memory, attention and processing speed. 'A recent study in Alzheimer's patients found that supplementing with 20 grams of creatine was associated with improvements in cognition,' says Fencl. While these results are promising, the study was small, and more research is needed. Move your body often. Studies show that exercise may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. If exercise isn't currently part of your routine, start where you're at. Find something you enjoy and can stick to. Whether it's walking, bicycling or yoga, all movement is worthwhile. The best way to support brain health and help prevent Alzheimer's disease is through healthy, sustainable habits. To help lower your long-term risk of cognitive decline, skip the nightly sugar-sweetened beverages, evening alcohol, excess caffeine intake and heavy meals. Instead, focus on a plant-forward, antioxidant-rich diet, like the MIND diet, and regular exercise. You don't have to overhaul your current lifestyle habits completely. Small changes can lead to big results over time. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
