With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
UCLA study points to immediate health risks posed by childhood obesity
Listen
• 0:56
A cafeteria worker supervises lunches at the Normandie Avenue Elementary School in South Central Los Angeles. A new study from UCLA links childhood obesity to numerous related health problems.
(
MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images
)
A new study from UCLA suggests that obesity among kids exposes them to a slew of childhood health problems that include medical problems, mental health issues and learning disabilities.
The survey from UCLA's Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities — the first large-scale national study if its kind — will appear online in the journal Academic Pediatrics.
Researchers analyzed data from 43,300 children aged 10-to-17 who participated in the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health.
After adjusting for social and economic factors, researchers found obese children to be almost twice as likely as kids of normal weight to suffer from three or more health problems that include asthma, headaches, ear infections, depression, joint and muscle problems and developmental delays.
Support for LAist comes from
Overweight children, the study found, are about 1.3 times as likely as those who aren’t overweight to experience those health problems in childhood.
The study suggests social and physical environments contribute to the rise in obesity and associated health problems. The authors say more study is needed to create effective preventative programs.
UCLA Childhood Obesity by scprweb
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist