Insufficient sleep ‘can increase obesity risk in children’

A comprehensive new study has highlighted the increased risk of obesity among children who maintain poor sleeping habits.

Conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, the research analysed data from Project Viva, a long-term investigation of the health impacts of several factors during pregnancy and after birth.

It found that children who consistently received less than the recommended hours of sleep during infancy and early childhood had increases in both obesity and overall body fat at age seven, consistent across all ages.

Children from homes with lower incomes, less maternal education and among racial and ethnic minorities were at greater risk of poor sleep habits. Further trials will be needed to see whether improving sleep leads to reduced obesity.

Dr Elsie Taveras, chief of general paediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital, added that it is nevertheless recommended "that clinicians teach young patients and their parents ways to get a better night's sleep – including setting a consistent bedtime, limiting caffeinated beverages late in the day and cutting out high-tech distractions in the bedroom".

Childhood obesity can be a strong indicator of weight-related health problems in later life, with unhealthy lifestyle choices at young ages often continuing into adulthood.