October 12, 2006 – A team of researchers1 from all over Quebec launches a longitudinal study2 to try to better understand the factors underlying obesity in young people.
“So far, our interventions, whether clinical or public health, have had little long-term impact,” explains Dr.D Marie Lambert, from Sainte-Justine Hospital. We need to re-examine the question to better understand the relative importance of factors associated with obesity in order to better target our interventions. “
The new study will therefore focus on factors such as genetics, lifestyle and sedentary lifestyle. In the end, we will try to reformulate the public health messages conveyed in order to make them more effective with children and adolescents.
“We probably don’t have the best way to intervene,” continues the DD Lambert. Take the example of physical activity: should the emphasis be on a sedentary lifestyle or on intensity? “
High blood pressure at 16?
This study stems in part from the Social and Health Survey of Quebec Children and Adolescents, conducted in 1999, which determined that 23% of boys aged 9 to 16 were overweight, against 21% for boys. girls. One third of overweight youth also had at least two risk factors for cardiovascular disease. For example, borderline or elevated blood pressure was recorded in 30% of boys and 17% of 16-year-old girls.
And this is an aspect of the problem that the new study will also focus on, by trying to better understand the consequences of obesity on cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
In light of the data collected, the DD Lambert indicates, for example, that it would be possible to explain why a large number of young people who suffer from obesity do not present risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The researchers recruited for their study 800 families considered at risk – namely a family which includes a child aged between 8 years and 10 years, of which at least one parent suffers from obesity or overweight, or of which a parent presents factors risk of cardiovascular disease. Participants will be followed for 10 years.
Interested families can get more details on the study site3 or by contacting the research team at (514) 345-7751 or 1-877-326-8596.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
1. The research team is made up of members of the Center hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine, the University of Montreal, the Center hospitalier universitaire de Montréal, the Center hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, the University of Sherbrooke, the McGill University, the National Scientific Research Institute, Laval Hospital, Laval University, Concordia University, the National Institute of Public Health, the Montreal School Board and the Ministry of Health and of the Social Services of Quebec.
2. It is entitled “Family study on the prevention of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents”.
3. The study website: www.chu-sainte-justine.org [consulté le 12 octobre 2006]