Childcare in infancy and later obesity: A narrative review of longitudinal studies

Purpose of Review The purpose of this review was to summarize the current literature on the longitudinal relationship between non-parental childcare during infancy and later obesity. Recent Findings Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 74 associations relevant to the review. Studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of defining childcare, categorizing different types of childcare, assessing obesity, and age at measurement of outcome and exposure. Most of the associations were either non-significant (42 associations, 57%) or showed a significant association between increased exposure to childcare and greater obesity (30 associations, 41%). There were very few examples of associations indicating that childcare was associated with lower obesity. Summary There is limited research on the longitudinal relationship between childcare in infancy and later obesity. Existing studies showed mixed results, similar to recent reviews reporting on cross-sectional studies and older ages. The different definitions of childcare and wide variety of measures of exposure make comparisons between studies challenging

Relationship between early childhood non-parental childcare and diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep: a systematic review of longitudinal studies

The rising prevalence of childhood obesity is a global public health concern. Evidence suggests that exposure to non-parental childcare before age six years is associated with development of obesity, diet, and activity behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep). However, findings are inconsistent and mostly from cross-sectional studies, making it difficult to identify the direction of causation in associations. This review identified and synthesised the published research on longitudinal associations between non-parental childcare during early childhood, diet, and activity behaviours. Seven databases were searched, and results were independently double-screened through title/abstract and full-text stages. Included studies were evaluated for risk of bias. Of the 18,793 references screened, 13 met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. These presented results on 89 tested childcare/outcome associations, 63 testing diet outcomes (59% null, remainder mixed), and 26 testing activity behaviour outcomes (85% null, remainder mixed). The scarce available literature indicates little and mixed evidence of a longitudinal association. This reflects a paucity of research, rather than clear evidence of no effect. There is an urgent need for studies investigating the longitudinal associations of non-parental childcare on diet and activity behaviours to assess potential lasting effects and mechanisms; whether and how effects vary by provider; and differences by intensity, duration, and population sub-groups

Key differences in study design, methods, and main findings between Nakamura et al. [4] and Caro et al. [5].

Key differences in study design, methods, and main findings between Nakamura et al. [4] and Caro et al. [5].</p

Summary of linear regression models comparing log transformed energy and nutritional content of 9605 menu items from 42 popular UK restaurants with and without voluntary menu labelling.

Summary of linear regression models comparing log transformed energy and nutritional content of 9605 menu items from 42 popular UK restaurants with and without voluntary menu labelling.</p

Food categories and descriptions.

Food categories and descriptions.</p

Distribution of energy and nutrients in 9605 menu items from 42 popular UK chain restaurants.

Distribution of energy and nutrients in 9605 menu items from 42 popular UK chain restaurants.</p

Distribution of energy and nutrients in 9605 menu items from 42 popular UK chain restaurants, stratified by whether or not restaurants provided voluntary menu labelling.

Distribution of energy and nutrients in 9605 menu items from 42 popular UK chain restaurants, stratified by whether or not restaurants provided voluntary menu labelling.</p

Summary of non-missing data on energy and nutritional content of 10,782 menu items.

Summary of non-missing data on energy and nutritional content of 10,782 menu items.</p

Total UK sales and UK units in 2013, presence of online nutritional information, and voluntary menu labelling in 100 popular UK chain restaurants.

Total UK sales and UK units in 2013, presence of online nutritional information, and voluntary menu labelling in 100 popular UK chain restaurants.</p

Results of a univariate GLM for the childhood adversity variables plus age on intended reproductive timing.

<p>ηp^{2 1}: Partial eta squared. This is the proportion of variation not accounted for by other variables captured by the named variable.</p