scholarly journals A Diet for Healthy Weight: Why Reaching a Consensus Seems Difficult

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2997
Author(s):  
Moul Dey ◽  
Purna C. Kashyap
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
System Level ◽  
World Health ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Nutrition Research

Overweight and obesity are global health problems that contribute to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The World Health Organization recognizes obesity as a primarily diet-induced, preventable condition, yet losing weight or keeping weight loss permanent is a universal challenge. In the U.S., formal dietary guidelines have existed since 1980. Over the same time-period, the incidence of obesity has skyrocketed. Here, we present our perspective on why current dietary guidelines are not always supported by a robust body of scientific data and emphasize the critical need for accelerated nutrition research funding. A clear understanding of the interaction of dietary patterns with system-level biological changes in a precise, response-specific manner can help inform evidence-based nutrition education, policy, and practice.

scholarly journals The Food and Nutrition Environment at Secondary Schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa as Reported by Learners

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 4038
Author(s):  
Alice P. Okeyo ◽  
Eunice Seekoe ◽  
Anniza de Villiers ◽  
Mieke Faber ◽  
Johanna H. Nel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Nutrition Environment ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
The Government

Overweight and obesity are growing concerns in adolescents, particularly in females in South Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the food and nutrition environment in terms of government policy programs, nutrition education provided, and foods sold at secondary schools in the Eastern Cape province. Sixteen schools and grade 8–12 learners (N = 1360) were randomly selected from three health districts comprising poor disadvantaged communities. Based on age and sex specific body mass index (BMI) cut-off values, 13.3% of males and 5.5% of females were underweight, while 9.9% of males and 36.1% of females were overweight or obese. The main food items purchased at school were unhealthy energy-dense items such as fried flour dough balls, chocolates, candies, and crisps/chips. Nutrition knowledge scores based on the South African food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) were poor for 52% to 23.4% learners in Grades 8 to 12, respectively. Female learners generally had significantly higher nutrition knowledge scores compared to their male counterparts (p = 0.016). Questions poorly answered by more than 60% of learners, included the number of fruit and vegetable portions required daily, food to eat when overweight, foods containing fiber, and importance of legumes. It was noted that the majority of teachers who taught nutrition had no formal nutrition training and their responses to knowledge questions were poor indicating that they were not familiar with the FBDGs, which are part of the curriculum. Nutrition assessment as part of the Integrated School Health Program was done on few learners. Overall however, despite some challenges the government national school meal program provided meals daily to 96% of learners. In general, the school food and nutrition environment was not conducive for promoting healthy eating.

scholarly journals Department of Health Research Initiative on Nutrition Phase 2: overview of findings and recommendations

2003 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce M Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Research Funding ◽  
Iron Status ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Final Report ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
Research Initiative

Objective:The purpose of this overview is to synthesise and summarise the findings and recommendations of all 14 projects funded between 1997 and 2002 under Phase 2 of the Department of Health's Policy Research Programme Nutrition Initiative. This is aimed at end users, including policy makers, practitioners, researchers and research funding bodies.Design:The main findings and recommendations for policy and practice, as well as for future research, contained in the peer-reviewed final report of each project are summarised under headings identified as being useful for policy groups and practitioners: Maintenance of a healthy weight; Functional outcomes related to different markers of iron status; Nutritional aspects of bone health in humans; and Dietary interventions.Results:The overview draws together the key findings and recommendations for current and future policy and practice from the second phase of the research programme and identifies research gaps.Conclusions:The findings and recommendations of the Department of Health's Nutrition Research Initiative have contributed to the scientific evidence base for policy development, policy evaluation, and will inform practitioners as well as researchers and research funding bodies.

scholarly journals Tipping the Scales: Population Estimates and Risk Factors for Severe Thinness, Thinness, Overweight and Obesity Among Pregnant Women and Mothers in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 975-975
Author(s):  
Konsam Dinachandra Singh ◽  
Tashi Choedon ◽  
Arti Bhanot ◽  
Naman Kaur ◽  
Mansi Chopra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Wealth Quintile ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Factors Associated

Abstract Objectives Thinness and overweight/obesity are prevalent among women of reproductive age in India but there is limited evidence on the burden and predictors of this during pregnancy and post-partum. We estimated prevalence and risk factors for thinness and overweight among pregnant and recently delivered women (RDW). Methods We used India's National Family Health Survey (2015–2016), including 16,153 pregnant women <20 weeks of gestation and 19,430 RDW of 2–6-month-old infants. All women were classified as severe thin (ST), thin (TH), overweight (OV) or obese (OB) (body mass index, BMI <16, <18.5, ≥23 and ≥25 kg/m2, respectively), using cutoffs for Asian populations. Logistic regression was used to examine associated factors (including socio-demography, hygiene and sanitation, antenatal health services and diet) with those outcomes. Results Barely 40% of women were of normal BMI. ST, TH, OV/OB and OB were seen in 2%, 20%, 25% and 13% respectively among pregnant women, and for RDW, they were 2%, 21%, 24% and 13%. Factors associated with a lower odds of ST and TH among pregnant women and RDW included higher wealth quintile (adjusted odds ratios, AORs ranging from 0.58–0.63 for highest quintile), higher education (AORs: 0.64–0.81), age group ≥25 y (AORs: 0.58–0.83), and improved toilet facility (AOR 0.81). Multiparous pregnant women had higher odds of TH compared to primiparas (AORs: 1.24–1.31). Factors associated with OV and OB among pregnant women and RDW were belonging in higher socio-economic group (AORs: 1.34–1.53), higher wealth quintile (AORs: 1.56–8.49), age group ≥25 y (AORs: 2.73–5.09), urban residence (AOR 1.16–1.36), and having higher education (AORs: 1.44–1.60). Among RDW, receiving supplementary food and health and nutrition education increased odds of TH (AORs: 1.15) and reduced odds of OV and OB (AORs: 0.83–0.87), but this is likely attributable to selection bias in program use. Conclusions TN and OV/OB affect 1 in 5 pregnant women and 1 in 4 RDW in India. Socio-economic factors, sanitation, parity, education and age influence TN and OV/OB. Better diet and physical activity estimates are needed to understand OV and OB in this population. Given the high burden of both forms of malnutrition, a policy focus on healthy weight gain is essential. Funding Sources UNICEF; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (via POSHAN).

Nutrition for Pregnant and Lactating Women: The Latest Recommendations From the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 and Practice Implications

2021 ◽  
pp. 155982762110040
Author(s):  
Monica Kazlausky Esquivel
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
High Body Mass Index ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Processed Meat ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Weight Retention ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
Obesity And Diabetes ◽  
Dietary Guidelines For Americans

The influence of maternal nutrition and dietary intake is intergenerational. In recognizing that diet-related chronic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, especially during conception and pregnancy, are associated with childhood obesity and diabetes risk, the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 includes an emphasis on lifespan nutrition. Research supports the need to achieve a healthy weight preconception, as women with a high body mass index before pregnancy are at risk for excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, hypertension, caesarian section delivery, and excessive postpartum weight retention, which sets the stage for subsequent risk in future pregnancies. The Dietary Guidelines committee emphasized that key components to healthy dietary patterns include higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, lean meat and seafood, dairy, and unsaturated vegetable oils and lower consumption of processed meat, foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, and foods and drinks with added sugar. The guidelines offer health care providers, individuals, and other stakeholders with a framework of strategies that can help individuals achieve optimal health. This framework can be utilized to develop individualized approaches for implementing culturally relevant interventions.

scholarly journals Stability of body mass index in Australian children: a prospective cohort study across the middle childhood years

2004 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kylie Hesketh ◽  
Melissa Wake ◽  
Elizabeth Waters ◽  
John Carlin ◽  
David Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Prospective Cohort Study ◽  
Middle Childhood ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Healthy Weight

AbstractObjective:To investigate the prevalence and incidence of overweight and obesity, the frequency of overweight resolution and the influence of parental adiposity during middle childhood.Design:As part of a prospective cohort study, height and weight were measured in 1997 and 2000/2001. Children were classified as non-overweight, overweight or obese based on standard international definitions. Body mass index (BMI) was transformed into age- and gender-specific Z-scores employing the LMS method and 2000 growth chart data of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parents self-reported height and weight, and were classified as underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese based on World Health Organization definitions.Setting:Primary schools in Victoria, Australia.Subjects:In total, 1438 children aged 5–10 years at baseline.Results:The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased between baseline (15.0 and 4.3%, respectively) and follow-up (19.7 and 4.8%, respectively; P < 0.001 for increase in overweight and obesity combined). There were 140 incident cases of overweight (9.7% of the cohort) and 24 of obesity (1.7% of the cohort); only 3.8% of the cohort (19.8% of overweight/obese children) resolved to a healthy weight. The stability of child adiposity as measured by BMI category (84.8% remained in the same category) and BMI Z-score (r = 0.84; mean change = −0.05) was extremely high. Mean change in BMI Z-score decreased with age (linear trend β = 0.03, 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.05). The influence of parental adiposity largely disappeared when children's baseline BMI was adjusted for.Conclusions:During middle childhood, the incidence of overweight/obesity exceeds the proportion of children resolving to non-overweight. However, for most children adiposity remains stable, and stability appears to increase with age. Prevention strategies targeting children in early childhood are required.

Breakfast Skipping Is an Independent Predictor of Obesity but not Overweight Among Children in a Southeastern European Population

2016 ◽  
Vol 86 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 242-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genc Burazeri ◽  
Jolanda Hyska ◽  
Iris Mone ◽  
Enver Roshi
Keyword(s):  
Task Force ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
European Population ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Communist Country ◽  
Western Balkans ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breakfast Skipping

Abstract.Aim: To assess the association of breakfast skipping with overweight and obesity among children in Albania, a post-communist country in the Western Balkans, which is undergoing a long and difficult political and socioeconomic transition towards a market-oriented economy. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out in Albania in 2013 including a representative sample of 5810 children aged 7.0 – 9.9 years (49.5% girls aged 8.4 ± 0.6 years and 51.5% boys aged 8.5 ± 0.6 years; overall response rate: 97%). Children were measured for height and weight, and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Cut-off BMI values of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) were used to define overweight and obesity in children. Demographic data were also collected. Results: Upon adjustment for age, sex, and place of residence, breakfast skipping was positively related to obesity (WHO criteria: OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.3–1.9; IOTF criteria: OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.5), but not overweight (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.3 and OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.4, respectively). Furthermore, breakfast skipping was associated with a higher BMI (multivariable-adjusted OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07). Conclusions: Our findings point to a strong and consistent positive relationship between breakfast skipping and obesity, but not overweight, among children in this transitional southeastern European population. Future studies in Albania and other transitional settings should prospectively examine the causal role of breakfast skipping in the development of overweight and obesity.

The functionality and quality of nutrition-related mobile applications in China (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Li ◽  
Jingmin Ding ◽  
Yishan Wang ◽  
Chengyao Tang ◽  
Puhong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Disease Management ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Diet Analysis ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Food Record

BACKGROUND There are an increasing number of mobile applications that provide dietary guidance in supporting healthy lifestyle and disease management. However, the characteristics of these nutrition-related apps are not well analyzed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the functionality and quality of nutrition-related apps in China. METHODS Mobile apps providing dietary guidance were screened in Chinese iOS and android app stores using stepwise searching criteria in November 2017. Primary review was conducted by extracting information from the description of apps. Free apps that contain all the information of diet and nutrition, with the last update after 1st Jan 2016 were downloaded for further analysis on the nutritional functionality features based on the framework of Chinese Dietary Guidelines and on the market related features as well. The user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) was used to assess the quality of apps. RESULTS Among the 44 downloaded nutrition-related apps screened from 628 apps with dietary guidance content, only 11(25%) were aimed exclusively for dietary guidance, the others were aimed for fitness guidance (17, 39%), disease management (11, 25%) and maternal health (5, 11%) respectively. The nutritional functionalities of the 44 apps included nutritional information enquiry (40, 91%), nutrition education (35, 80%), food record (34, 77%), diet analysis (34, 77%), and personalized recipes (21, 48%). Twelve out of 44 apps contained all of the above five nutrition related functionalities. The diet analysis and suggestions were mainly focused on energy (33/44, 75%), less on other factors like dietary structure (10/44, 23%). About 96% (42/44) of the apps provided social communication functionality and 59% (26/44) of the apps supported user incentives. Eight out of 44 apps (18%) also applied intelligent recognition technology. Using 5-point uMARS as scales of quality, the median scores of the 44 apps was 3.6 (IQR = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS Most nutrition-related apps are developed in the service of health management other than for dietary guidance exclusively. Although basic energy balance theory was generally applied, the nutritional functionality of the nutrition-related apps is relatively limited and not individualized. More efforts should be taken to integrate with the scientific nutritional knowledge and innovative technology in developing an app followed with complete and personalized dietary guidance.

scholarly journals Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome among Polish Nurses

Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 267
Author(s):  
Anna Bartosiewicz ◽  
Edyta Łuszczki ◽  
Małgorzata Nagórska ◽  
Łukasz Oleksy ◽  
Artur Stolarczyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Professional Group ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Obesity Class ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
The World

The metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X or the insulin resistance, is defined by the World Health Organization as a pathologic condition characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Both all over the world and in Poland, there is a shortage of nurses; most of those employed are in the pre-retirement age. However, the requirements in this profession and the patient’s right to care at the highest level remain unchanged and do not take into account the poor condition or age of working nurses, so special attention should be paid to the state of health in this professional group. There is an emphasis on the importance of the adopted attitude toward health and the resulting behaviors, such as regular weight control, following dietary recommendations, regular physical activity and participation in preventive examinations. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of the occurrence of the metabolic syndrome, its individual components and determining the factors influencing its development in Polish nurses. The research conducted among the nurses in question included DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) measurements, assessment of glucose concentration, lipid profile, blood pressure and a questionnaire survey. Almost half of the surveyed nurses have metabolic syndrome, which significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. After multivariate analysis, it was found that being overweight and obesity were significant factors influenced the MS (metabolic syndrome) occurrence among Polish nurses. Being overweight increases the chances of MS occurrence 8.58 times in relation to BMI (Body Mass Index) <25, obesity increases the chances of MS occurrence 8.085 times in relation to BMI <25, and obesity class II/III increases the chances of MS occurrence 16.505 times in relation to BMI <25. Preventive and supportive measures for this professional group are needed.

scholarly journals Secular Trends of Underweight, Overweight, and Obesity in Children and Adolescents from Ukraine

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3302
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Dereń ◽  
Justyna Wyszyńska ◽  
Serhiy Nyankovskyy ◽  
Olena Nyankovska ◽  
Marta Yatsula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
The Body ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Obesity In Children

Overweight and obesity, as well as underweight in children and adolescents, pose a significant public health issue. This study aimed to investigate the secular trend of the incidence of underweight, overweight, and obesity in children from Ukraine in 2013/2014 and 2018/2019. The studies were conducted in randomly selected primary and secondary schools in Ukraine. In total, 13,447 children (6468 boys and 6979 girls) participated in the study in 2013/2014 and 18,144 children (8717 boys and 9427 girls) participated in 2018/2019. Measurements of body weight and height were performed in triplicate. Underweight, overweight, and obesity were diagnosed according to the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). In the group of girls, a significant difference between 2013/2014 and 2018/2019 measurements was found only among 7-year-olds. The percentage of girls at this age exceeding the body mass index (BMI) norm was lower in the 2018/2019 study. In boys, a significant difference was also found in 7-year-olds, and, as in girls, a lower share of overweight and obesity was found in 2018/2019. But for the ages of 12, 13, and 15, the significant differences had a different character—more overweight or obese boys were found in the 2018/2019 study. The proportion of underweight children was similar for the majority of age groups in both genders and did not differ in a statistically significant way.

scholarly journals A living WHO guideline on drugs to prevent covid-19

BMJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. n526
Author(s):  
François Lamontagne ◽  
Thomas Agoritsas ◽  
Reed Siemieniuk ◽  
Bram Rochwerg ◽  
Jessica Bartoszko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Guideline Development ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Assessment Development ◽  
Research Priority ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Drug Interventions

Abstract Clinical question What is the role of drugs in preventing covid-19? Why does this matter? There is widespread interest in whether drug interventions can be used for the prevention of covid-19, but there is uncertainty about which drugs, if any, are effective. The first version of this living guideline focuses on the evidence for hydroxychloroquine. Subsequent updates will cover other drugs being investigated for their role in the prevention of covid-19. Recommendation The guideline development panel made a strong recommendation against the use of hydroxychloroquine for individuals who do not have covid-19 (high certainty). How this guideline was created This living guideline is from the World Health Organization (WHO) and provides up to date covid-19 guidance to inform policy and practice worldwide. Magic Evidence Ecosystem Foundation (MAGIC) provided methodological support. A living systematic review with network analysis informed the recommendations. An international guideline development panel of content experts, clinicians, patients, an ethicist and methodologists produced recommendations following standards for trustworthy guideline development using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Understanding the new recommendation The linked systematic review and network meta-analysis (6 trials and 6059 participants) found that hydroxychloroquine had a small or no effect on mortality and admission to hospital (high certainty evidence). There was a small or no effect on laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (moderate certainty evidence) but probably increased adverse events leading to discontinuation (moderate certainty evidence). The panel judged that almost all people would not consider this drug worthwhile. In addition, the panel decided that contextual factors such as resources, feasibility, acceptability, and equity for countries and healthcare systems were unlikely to alter the recommendation. The panel considers that this drug is no longer a research priority and that resources should rather be oriented to evaluate other more promising drugs to prevent covid-19. Updates This is a living guideline. New recommendations will be published in this article and signposted by update notices to this guideline. Readers note This is the first version of the living guideline for drugs to prevent covid-19. It complements the WHO living guideline on drugs to treat covid-19. When citing this article, please consider adding the update number and date of access for clarity.

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