Compared with normal-weight children, obese youth have a higher chance of developing diseases like Type 2 diabetes. With 1 in 4 Australian children now being overweight or obese, effective treatment programs need to be developed alongside those aimed at prevention. This program of research aims to identify which overweight/obese children are most likely to develop diabetes, with a particular focus on how infant nutrition regulates important growth factors to alter long-term diabetes risk.
Contribution Of Systemic Inflammatory Response To Brain Injury In Growth Restricted Newborns
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$363,388.00
Summary
Growth restriction during pregnancy can damage the baby’s brain and result in poor outcomes such as learning and attention difficulties and cerebral palsy. Currently there is no treatment available to prevent brain injury in these babies. This study will explore the role of inflammation and brain injury in the growth restricted baby. We will also examine whether a readily available and safe anti-inflammatory treatment can reduce or prevent brain injury following growth restriction.
The Stunting Risk Assessment Tool: Identifying Infants At High Risk Of Impaired Growth And Development In Resource Poor Settings.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,644.00
Summary
Stunting is a neglected global health crisis. After the age of 2, irreversible health, developmental and economic consequences occur that are perpetuated across generations. Early risk prediction is key to more effective interventions. By determining the contribution of risk factors in pregnancy and early infancy, I propose to develop a tool that can be used by health workers to identify infants at high risk of stunting in early life, so that early preventive measures can be introduced.
Trabecular Architecture During Growth - Does It Determine Metaphyseal Peak Bone Strength In Adulthood?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$165,339.00
Summary
Skeletal fragility is common is elderly people but has its origin in childhood. Strong bone established during growth will provide more protection against occurrence of fragility fracture in old age. Identifying individuals during childhood who are at high risk of skeletal fragility, and early intervention is a strategic approach managing the burden of skeletal fragility on the ageing population.
Reducing Morbidities In Preterm Growth Restricted Neonates.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,214.00
Summary
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious complication of pregnancy and occurs when fetal growth is abnormal, resulting in a fetus that is smaller than it should be for its given gestational age. IUGR babies are at much greater risk of many short and long-term adverse outcomes. This study investigates the role that adverse cardiovascular development plays in the progression of lung, heart and brain disease in preterm IUGR newborns.
Family And Environment In The Development Of Obesity And Precursors Of Diabetes And Heart Disease In Adolescence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$284,770.00
Summary
Obesity is a serious public health problem in Australia. The rate of obesity appears to be rising. Currently 19-23% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Adolescence is a critical period for the development of obesity in both males and females. It is a time when new dietary habits, likely to promote fatness, are adopted and physical activity declines. Understanding the factors that drive these behaviours is essential for effective prevention of obesity and related diseases. In 199 ....Obesity is a serious public health problem in Australia. The rate of obesity appears to be rising. Currently 19-23% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Adolescence is a critical period for the development of obesity in both males and females. It is a time when new dietary habits, likely to promote fatness, are adopted and physical activity declines. Understanding the factors that drive these behaviours is essential for effective prevention of obesity and related diseases. In 1996-7, our research group studied a group of over 400 children who were aged 7-8 years, were living in western Sydney and were born at Nepean Hospital. In our new study, we plan to re-study this group of children, now in early adolescence. This will allow us to assess the family and environmental factors influencing physical activity and eating behaviour at the beginning of adolescence. The aims of our study are to: Measure changes during early adolescence in eating and physical activity behaviours that are likely to increase obesity risk Measure anthropometric and biochemical markers for future risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in both adolescents and their parents Identify factors in the family environment that influence changes in food intake and physical activity in early adolescence The study will be done in two phases, 18 months apart. The measurements will be done in the study centre at Nepean Hospital in western Sydney. We will measure the height, weight and skinfold thickness of the adolescents and, if possible, their parents. We will also ask the young people and their parents to complete questionnaires about the family food and activity environment and their level of physical activity and food intake. In addition, the adolescents will wear a light-weight activity monitor for 3 days ( to measure the level of activity), blood pressure will be measured and cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked.Read moreRead less