Adverse Childhood Experiences in Infancy and Toddlerhood Predict Obesity and Health Outcomes in Middle Childhood

This week we’re highlighting an informative article from the journal Childhood Obesity 15(3):206-215. In “Adverse Childhood Experiences in Infancy and Toddlerhood Predict Obesity and Health Outcomes in Middle Childhood,” McKelvey and her colleagues expand on the knowledge derived from the well-known Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study, that indicated the “negative effects of childhood trauma on adult weight and health.” The authors specifically looked at the association between “ACEs in early childhood and their correlation to obesity and other health-related issues in middle childhood.”

Data came from 1335 demographically diverse families in an Early Head Start study, when children were ages 1, 2, 3, and 11. Analysis of these data indicated “significant associations between (ACEs) in infancy/toddlerhood and obesity, respiratory problems, taking regular nonattention-related prescriptions, and the parent’s global rating of children’s health at age 11.” Across all measures, “children with four or more ACEs had the poorest health,” and the odds of these children having poor health outcomes was over twice as high as children who experienced no ACEs.

Certainly, something to think about. Check out the article here, and feel free to share your comments below. We love hearing from you.

The ICC-Recommended Early Start Personnel Manual (ESPM) describes core knowledge and role-specific competencies needed for early intervention service provision, incorporating current research and evidence in the field of early intervention. To access the ESPM, CLICK HERE.

This resource is related to the following ESPM knowledge-level competencies:

  • Core Knowledge (CK):
    • CK1: The dynamics of family systems including cultural, linguistic and socio-economic factors influencing family function and care for all children.
    • CK4: The range of typical infant/toddler physiological factors such as:
  • Early neurological/brain development
  • Basic health and nutrition
  • Physical growth and maturation
    • CK9: The characteristics and influence of disabilities and risk factors on early development, learning, care giving, and relationships, such as socio-economic factors including poverty, abuse, and neglect.
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