Obesity is a major health challenge of the 21st century, putting nearly one-third of adults and one-fifth of children and adolescents in the United States at risk for a range of health problems, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Childhood obesity is now associated with a higher likelihood of obesity in adulthood, suggesting a vital role for early interventions. Research has identified a number of early life factors that affect childhood obesity; however, little is known about whether early childhood programs (i.e., preschool) affects childhood obesity. To address this critical evidence gap, this project builds upon an existing early childhood study ? in which nearly 1,500 3-4 year-old children were randomly assigned to early childhood programs or to a control group ? and measures the causal impact of preschool and parent programs on children?s diet, activity and obesity. Returning to the children who are now 6-10 years of age, we will compare early childhood program groups and control groups using data we will collect on diet, activity and obesity for up to 4 years. Our project will evaluate three new mediators underlying the effects of the programs, specifically children?s cognitive skills, their executive functions and related skills and parental involvement. Our study also examines whether there are differential effects by race, comparing the impact of the programs on Hispanic, African-American and Caucasian children. Understanding the causal impact of early childhood education on obesity is crucial for the development of public policies aimed at improving the health of the nation, particularly the widely debated policy on the public provision of preschool. Given the rise in childhood obesity and the disparities in health outcomes in the U.S., it is imperative to learn about whether such early childhood programs also have an impact on obesity.

Public Health Relevance

Obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, with childhood obesity on the rise and linked to adult obesity. This study uses a randomized control trial to investigate the effect of early childhood interventions with children and parents on childhood activity, diet, and obesity. Understanding the causal impact of early childhood interventions on obesity is crucial for the development of public policies aimed at improving the health of the nation.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK114238-03
Application #
9750669
Study Section
Social Sciences and Population Studies A Study Section (SSPA)
Program Officer
Unalp-Arida, Aynur
Project Start
2017-09-01
Project End
2022-06-30
Budget Start
2019-07-01
Budget End
2020-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Southern California
Department
Social Sciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
072933393
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90089