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Updated: May 3, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Overeating phenotypes in overweight and obese children.
Kerri N Boutelle1, Carol B Peterson2, Ross D Crosby3
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0874, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0874, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
This study identified three distinct overeating phenotypes in children with overweight and obesity. These phenotypes, like high food responsiveness, are linked to higher BMI, aiding targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Obesity Research
- Behavioral Science
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- Overweight and obesity in children are significant public health concerns.
- Understanding the heterogeneity of eating behaviors is crucial for effective interventions.
- Existing research often treats overeating as a monolithic behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct overeating phenotypes in treatment-seeking overweight and obese children.
- To explore the correlates of these identified phenotypes.
- To inform targeted prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric obesity.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 117 overweight/obese children (8-12 years) and their parents.
- Utilized an eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) paradigm, clinical interviews, and questionnaires.
- Employed latent profile analysis to classify overeating phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Identified three phenotypes: High Satiety Responsive, High Food Responsive, and Moderate Satiety and Food Responsive.
- The High Food Responsive group exhibited significantly higher BMI and BMI-Z scores.
- No significant differences were found in demographics or nutritional intake across phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- Overeating in overweight/obese children is heterogeneous, not a single entity.
- Phenotypes like 'High Food Responsive' may indicate higher obesity risk.
- Findings support personalized approaches for pediatric obesity prevention and treatment.
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