Adolescents facing violence: risks of obesity
Teens consume more food and sodas when they have been exposed to violence, according to a new study(1). These behaviors, especially increased soda consumption, are important predictors of weight gain.
More than 20% of American teens are categorized as obese. Obesity rates are higher among low-income children, and even higheramong Hispanic and African-American children ages 12 to 19.
The study
The conclusions of this new study, published on July 31, 2017 in the scientific journalSocial Science & Medicineare clear: children exposed to violence have an increased risk of obesity. However, the researchers say they do not know how to explain the causal link between violence and obesity.
The teens were given smartphones programmed to prompt them to conduct a survey three times a day for 30 days.
“The teens provided daily data on their lifestyle through the daily use of smartphones that had been loaned to them. We were able to retrieve information about their sleep and activities from these devices,” said Candice Odgers, a professor at Sanford School of Health and co-author of the study.
The study was based on a risk group of adolescents in California (miLife study). This group consisted of 151 adolescents aged 12 to 15 in low-income neighbourhoods. They compared this data to that of a similar study of 395 North Carolina public school students (who were more representative of the population as a whole, RISE study). At 546 adolescents participated in the studies, a rather representative sample.
Adolescents were supervised by at least one parent participating. The survey initially included a calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI). This BMI was also calculated again 18 months later (proof that once again BMI was used as a benchmark for measuring the evolution of overweight). The summary of the study does not indicate how BMI was calculated precisely, but it is important to note that below the age of 18, BMI is normally calculated differentlythan that of an adult (see our dedicated page accessible via the menu of the site).
Obesity and violence
The teenagers informed, via the smartphone that had been loaned to them, their exposure to violence every day, their consumption of fast food, drinks (including soda), their consumption of fruits and vegetables and their physical activity. They also recorded their sleep hours, sleep quality and fatigue. To assess exposure to violence, the surveys asked whether teens had witnessed physical combat at home, at school, in their neighborhoods or elsewhere.
In summary:
- California teens (those from low-income neighborhoods) reported unhealthy dietsat the time they were exposed to violence and reported having more fatigue in the days following exposure. Unhealthy food choices mostly included increased soda consumption.
- North Carolina teenagers also reported being more tired in the days following exposure to violence. However, they did not report an increase in unhealthy consumption of unhealthy diets.
- Both groups reported increased physical activity on days when they were exposed to violence, which the scientists did not necessarily expect .
This study provides evidence that exposure to violence is associated with unhealthy eating among at-risk adolescents.
Conclusions
Early adolescence is a key time for developing eating habits and coping strategiestag. Many children, especially those growing up in low-income neighborhoods, face violence on a daily basis. These findings may beparticularly useful in addressing health disparity issues in children.
As a reminder, the study was carried out in the United States. Nevertheless, the conclusions could apply in Europe.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.