scholarly journals Less Animal-Based Food, Better Weight Status: Associations of the Restriction of Animal-Based Product Intake with Body-Mass-Index, Depressive Symptoms and Personality in the General Population

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Medawar ◽  
Cornelia Enzenbach ◽  
Susanne Roehr ◽  
Arno Villringer ◽  
Steffi Riedel-Heller ◽  
...  

Restricting animal-based products from diet may exert beneficial effects on weight status; however, less is known about such a diet and emotional health. Moreover, personality traits, for example high neuroticism, may contribute to restrictive eating habits and potentially confound diet-health associations. We aim to systematically assess if restrictive dietary intake of animal-based products relates to lower weight and higher depressive symptoms, and if differences in personality traits play a significant role. Cross-sectional data from the baseline LIFE-Adult study were collected from 2011–2014 in Leipzig, Germany (n = 8943). Main outcomes of interest were dietary frequency of animal-derived products in the last year measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), body-mass-index (BMI) (kg/m2), and the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Personality traits were assessed in a subsample of n = 7906 using the Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Higher restriction of animal-based product intake was associated with a lower BMI, but not with depression scores. Personality, i.e., lower extraversion, was related to lower frequency of animal product intake. Moreover, personality traits were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, i.e., higher neuroticism, lower extraversion, lower agreeableness, lower conscientiousness, and with higher BMI. These findings encourage future longitudinal studies to test the efficacy of restricting animal-based products as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for overweight and obesity.

2013 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M Malina ◽  
María Eugenia Peña-Reyes ◽  
Guillermo Bali-Chávez ◽  
Bertis B Little

Objective. To evaluate change in body mass index (BMI) and weight status of indigenous youth in Oaxaca between the 1970s and 2007. Materials and methods. Heights and weights were measured in cross-sectional samples of school children 6-14 years in the 1970s (2 897) and 2007 (4 305); BMI was calculated. International Obesity Task Force cutoffs for weight status were used. BMI and prevalence of severe and moderate thinness, overweight and obesity were compared by year. Results. BMI increased significantly across time. Primary change in weight status occurred in overweight, 1970s, <2%; 2007, 7 to 12%. Little change occurred in thinness (<2%) and obesity (≤1%) in both surveys, except in children 6-9 years (obesity=4% in 2007). Conclusion. BMI and prevalence of overweight increased across all ages from the 1970s to 2007, but children 6-9 years appeared to be more at risk for obesity than youth 10-14 years. Prevalence of thinness was unchanged.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Medawar ◽  
Cornelia Enzenbach ◽  
Susanne Röhr ◽  
Arno Villringer ◽  
Steffi G. Riedel-Heller ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundRestricting animal-based products from diet may exert beneficial effects on weight status, however whether this is also true for emotional health is unclear. Moreover, differential personality traits may underlie restrictive eating habits and therefore potentially confound diet-health associations. To systematically assess whether restrictive dietary intake of animal-based products relates to lower weight and higher depressive symptoms, and how this is linked to personality traits in the general population.MethodsCross-sectional data was taken from the baseline LIFE-Adult study collected from 2011-2014 in Leipzig, Germany (n = 8943). Main outcomes of interest were 12-month dietary frequency of animal-derived products measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), and the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Personality traits were assessed in a subsample of n = 7906 using the Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI).FindingsHigher restriction of animal-based product intake was associated with a lower BMI (age-, sex- and education-adjusted, n = 8943; ß = −.07, p < .001), but not depression score. Personality, i.e. lower extraversion (F (1,7897) = 9.8, p = .002), was related to frequency of animal product intake. Further, not diet but personality was significantly associated with depression, i.e. higher neuroticism (ß = .024), lower extraversion (ß = −.006), lower agreeableness (ß = −.001), lower conscientiousness (ß = −.007) and higher BMI (ß = .004) (all p < .001, overall model, R2 = .21). The beneficial association with lower weight seemed to be driven by the frequency of meat product intake and not secondary animal products. Likewise, the overall number of excluded food items from the individual diet was associated with a lower BMI (age-, sex- and education-adjusted, n = 8938, ß = −.15, p < .001) and additionally with lower depression scores (ß = −.004, t = −4.1, p < .001, R2 = .05, corrected for age, sex and education), also when additionally correcting for differences in personality traits (ß = −.003, t = −2.7, p = .007, R2 = .21).InterpretationHigher restriction of animal-based products in the diet was significantly associated with a lower BMI, but not with depressive symptoms scores in a large well-characterized population-based sample of adults. In addition, we found that certain personality traits related to restricting animal-based products – and that those traits, but not dietary habits, explained a considerable amount of variance in depressive symptoms. Upcoming longitudinal studies need to confirm these findings and to test the hypothesis if restricting animal-based products, esp. primary animal products ((processed) meat, wurst), conveys benefits on weights status, hinting to a beneficial relationship of animal-based restricted diets in regard to prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity.FundingWe thank all study participants. We very much appreciate the help of the physicians who performed the clinical examinations and data collection, in particular Ulrike Scharrer, Annett Wiedemann, Kerstin Wirkner and her team. This work was supported by LIFE—Leipzig Research Centre for Civilisation Diseases, University of Leipzig. LIFE is funded by means of the European Union, by means of the European Social Fund (ESF), by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and by means of the Free State of Saxony within the framework of the excellence initiative. This work was supported by a scholarship (EM) by the German Federal Environmental Foundation and by the grants of the German Research Foundation contract grant number CRC 1052 “Obesity mechanisms” Project A1 (AV) and WI 3342/3-1 (AVW). The corresponding author had full access to all the data in the included in the analysis and had final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication.Graphical abstract


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah E. Linder ◽  
Sasha Santiago ◽  
Eli D. Halbreich

Background and Aim: Obesity is a serious health issue in people and their pets, with a need for innovative and engaging prevention strategies. One possible strategy is a One Health approach incorporating dogs into prevention programs; however, little data exist in the U.S. about the association between weight status among dog owners and their dogs. The objective of this study was to determine if there was an association between body mass index of adult dog owners and corresponding weight status in their dogs.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional correlation study collected data from 38 adult dog owners aged 18 years and older and their dogs at three pet festivals throughout New England. Body mass index of dog owners and body condition scores of dogs were measured on site. Spearman correlation was used to compare weight status in dogs and their owners.Results: The median body mass index of dog owners was 26 (range of 17–53) and the median body condition score of dogs was 6 (range of 4–9). Frequency of overweight and obesity in dog owners was 31.6 and 26.3%, respectively, and 50.0 and 13.2% in dogs, also, respectively. Owner body mass index was positively correlated with dog body condition score (r = 0.60, p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: Our findings support a possible association between overweight status in dogs and their owners. These findings could be leveraged in future interventions to promote healthier and more active lifestyles for both dog owners and their dogs in an engaging and innovative obesity prevention approach.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Francis ◽  
Alicia Marie Hoke ◽  
Jennifer Lynn Kraschnewski

BACKGROUND Childhood overweight and obesity health concerns can affect a student’s academic performance, so it is important to identify resources for school nurses that would help to improve self-efficacy, knowledge, and confidence when approaching parents with sensitive weight-related information and influence overall obesity prevention efforts in the school setting. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to conduct a Pennsylvania (PA) state-wide 29-item survey addressing school nursing barriers and practices, supplementing information already known in this area. Although the survey covered a range of topics, the focus was body mass index (BMI) screening and its related practice within the schools. METHODS We conducted a state-wide Web-based survey of school nurses in PA to understand current areas of care, find ways to address child health through school BMI screenings and follow up, and identify current educational gaps to assist school nurses with providing whole child care within the realm of weight management. Chi-square test of independence was conducted to determine the relationship between BMI screening follow up and interest in a BMI toolkit. RESULTS Nurse participants (N=210), with a 42% (210/500) response rate, represented 208 school districts across PA. Participants were asked about their current process for notifying parents of BMI screening results. The majority (116/210, 55.2%) send a letter home in the mail, while others (62/210, 29.5%) send a letter home with students. A small number (8/210, 3.8%) said they did not notify parents altogether, and some (39/210, 18.6%) notify parents electronically. More than one-third (75/210, 35.7%) of nurses reported receiving BMI screening inquiries from parents; however, under half (35/75, 46.7%) of those respondents indicated they follow up with parents whose child screens overweight or obese. Overall, the vast majority (182/210, 86.7%) do not follow up with parents whose child screens overweight or obese. The majority (150/210, 71.4%) of the nurses responded they would benefit from a toolkit with resources to assist with communication with parents and children about BMI screenings. A significant association between respondent follow up and interest in a BMI toolkit was observed (P=.01). CONCLUSIONS Schools must start recognizing the role school nurses play to monitor and promote children’s health. This goal might include involving them in school-based preventive programs, empowering them to lead initiatives that support whole child health and ensuring opportunities for professional development of interest to them. Nonetheless, the first step in facilitating obesity prevention methods within schools is to provide school nurses with meaningful tools that help facilitate conversations with parents, guardians, and caregivers regarding their child’s weight status and health through a BMI screening toolkit.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Géssica Damares Garcia ◽  
Daniele Alcalá Pompeo ◽  
Letícia Palota Eid ◽  
Cláudia Bernardi Cesarino ◽  
Maria Helena Pinto ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify the presence of compulsive overeating disorder in patients with cardiovascular diseases and to verify its relation with sociodemographic, clinical variables and the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Method: cross-sectional, correlational study with a sample of 111 patients with cardiovascular diseases. The presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale instrument and compulsive overeating disorder was assessed through a likert instrument called the Periodic Eating Disorder Scale (Binge Eating Scale). Results: there was a predominance of patients without compulsive overeating disorder (n=91, 82%), followed by moderated compulsive overeating (n=15, 13.5%) and severe (n=5, 4.5%) associating to high levels of body mass index (p=0.010) and the presence of anxiety (p=0.017). Conclusion: Compulsive overeating disorder was present in 18% of the patients, being associated with body mass index and anxiety, suggesting that health professionals should pay attention to the comprehensive evaluation of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Important results emerged from this study, emphasizing the need to implement programs to improve the patients’ mental and physical health in both primary and specialized care services.


Diseases ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Sara Taleb ◽  
Leila Itani

(1) Background: Adolescence is a period of increased autonomy and independent decision making; it determines health behaviors that can persist into the future. Individual factors like food choices and unhealthy lifestyle have an essential role in the development and prevention of obesity among adolescents and are associated with the nutrition literacy of parents and other adults. While the association of parents’ nutrition literacy with adolescent BMI has been addressed, there is still a scarcity of studies that examine the effect of adolescents’ nutrition literacy on their eating habits and body mass index (BMI) status. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 189 adolescents (68 with overweight and obesity and 121 with normal weight) aged between 14–19 years from four private schools in Tripoli, Lebanon. A self-administered questionnaire that included the Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument (NLAI) and the Adolescent Food Habits Checklist (AFHC) was used. Anthropometrics were measured using standardized procedures. The association between nutrition literacy, food habits and BMI was assessed using a chi squared test for independence and Poisson regression analysis where suitable. (3) Results: Results indicated no association between all five components of nutrition literacy and body mass index categories. Furthermore, there was no association between the Adolescent Food Habits Checklist and overweight or obese BMI status (RR = 0.947, 95%CI: 0.629–1.426) (p = 0.796). No association was observed between nutrition literacy and food habits, except for an inverse association with macronutrients literacy. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, the study indicated that there was no association between the components of nutrition literacy with body mass index or with food habits, except for macronutrient literacy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameer Al-Ghamdi ◽  
Mamdouh M. Shubair ◽  
Abdulrahman Aldiab ◽  
Jamaan M. Al-Zahrani ◽  
Khaled K. Aldossari ◽  
...  

2007 ◽  
Vol 190 (6) ◽  
pp. 469-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katri Räikkönen ◽  
Anu-Katriina Pesonen ◽  
Eero Kajantie ◽  
Kati Heinonen ◽  
Tom Forsén ◽  
...  

BackgroundA non-optimal foetal environment, reflected in smaller birth size and shorter duration of gestation, is a risk factor for compromised health later in life.AimsTo examine whether smaller birth size and shorter gestation predict depressive symptoms.MethodA total of 1371 members of a cohort born between 1934 and 1944 at term (259–294 days' gestation) in Helsinki, Finland, completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES–D) at an average age of 61.5 years (BDI) and 63.4 years (BDI and CES–D).ResultsGestational length predicted depressive symptoms linearly and independently of gender and birth weight: per day decrease in gestational length, depressive symptoms scores increased by 0.8-0.9% (95% CI 0.2-1.4, P<0.009). Weight, length and head circumference at birth showed no linear association with depression, adjusted for gender and gestational length. The results did not change when further controlled for socioeconomic characteristics at birth and in adulthood, age and body mass index in adulthood.ConclusionsSusceptibility to depressive symptoms may relate to shorter length of gestation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Borgman ◽  
Ida Ericsson ◽  
Eva K. Clausson ◽  
Pernilla Garmy

Pain and depressive symptoms are common reasons for adolescents to contact the school nurse. The aim was to describe the prevalence of pain (headache, abdominal pain, and back pain) and depressive symptoms among adolescents and to examine whether there is an association between pain and depressive symptoms. This cross-sectional survey included students ( N = 639) in Sweden (median age: 16 years). Over half of the female participants (56%) and one third of male participants (33%) had weekly headaches, abdominal pain, or back pain. Almost every second girl (48%) and one in four boys (25%) had depressive symptoms (as measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, scores ≥ 16). There was a significant association between having pain (headache, abdominal pain, or back pain) and having depressive symptoms. It is of great importance for school nurses to adequately identify and treat the cause of pain and other factors contributing to depression.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenjie Wang ◽  
Hanmo Yang ◽  
Zhanyuan Guo ◽  
Bei Liu ◽  
Shen Geng

Abstract Background: The aim of the current study is to assess the cross-sectional association of chronic non-communicable diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and cerebrovascular) with depressive symptoms among older adults in China. Methods: Data was obtained from the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey (CLASS) conducted in 2014. A total of 7505 participants were included. Depressive symptoms status was assessed by 9-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) Associations between depressive symptoms and chronic diseases, adjusting for so, demographics and chronic diseases risk factors were assessed by using logistic regression model. Results: We found negative associations between depressive symptoms and several socioeconomic factors, including education attainment and economic level. Widowed/divorced/ unmarried individuals are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms. Hypertension (Odds ratio:1.29 [95%CI:1.16, 1.42]), diabetes (1.41 [95%CI:1.19,1.67]), arthritis (1.72 [1.52, 1.96]), and cerebrovascular disease (1.69 [1.41, 2.02]) were found to be associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Most depressive symptoms cases were found to be significantly associated with chronic diseases. Our findings have provided evidence for understanding co-morbid depressive symptoms with chronic diseases, which could help clinicians to evaluate, diagnose and manage depression promptly.


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