Does inadequate sleep increase obesity risk in children?

Yes, a link has been established but not a cause-effect relationship. Shorter reported sleep duration in childhood is associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity years later (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, meta-analyses of prospective cohort trials with high heterogeneity). In toddlers, accelerometer documentation of short sleep duration is associated with elevation of body mass index (BMI) at 1-year follow-up (SOR: B, prospective cohort). Adequate sleep is recommended to help prevent excessive weight gain in children (SOR: C, expert opinion).