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Al-Bisher MM, Al-Otaibi HH. Is Adherence to the Saudi Healthy Plate Dietary Guidelines Associated with Eating Concerns Symptoms among Saudi Young Females? Nutrients 2024; 16:1931. [PMID: 38931285 PMCID: PMC11206548 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) offer broad recommendations based on scientific evidence, focusing on food groups rather than nutrients that should be included in the diet. Emerging adulthood (18-30 years) is a critical period for poor dietary quality and mental health. Eating habits (EHs) are formed early in life and are influenced by various factors, such as emotional state, which can lead to either binge or restricted eating, ultimately increasing the risk of eating disorders (EDs). This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the extent of adherence to the Saudi Healthy Plate Dietary Guidelines (SHPDGs) and its potential association with Eating Concerns (ECs) among Saudi females (aged 18-30 years) from all provinces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS A validated online questionnaire was used to assess eating behaviors (EBs) using the Starting The Conversation (STC) instrument and EC symptoms using the Eating Disorders Screen for Primary Care (ESP) screening tool. RESULTS The total sample size was 1092 participants with a mean age of 23.02 ± 3.47. Only 0.7% of the participants adhered to the SHPDGs and were free of EC symptoms. Conversely, 50.4% of participants who exhibited EC symptoms had poor adherence to the SHPDGs. Across Saudi Arabian provinces, high adherence to the SHPDGs was more prominent in both the Eastern and Western provinces (37.5%) than in the Central and Southern provinces (0%). The most striking result was that the Central province exhibited a high percentage of poor adherence to the SHPDGs (25.6%). Moreover, high adherence to SHPDGs was not associated with the probability of ECs. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed a trend of poor adherence to SHPDGs among Saudi females, with a large proportion also experiencing EC symptoms. Accordingly, the authors recommend increasing awareness within the Saudi community about SHPDGs using educational campaigns on social media platforms to enhance the importance of adopting a healthy diet, especially among females, and demonstrate that the impact on their health and well-being is that they are experiencing multiple phases that involve pregnancy and giving birth involves specific nutritional requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hala Hazam Al-Otaibi
- Department of Food and Nutrition Science, College of Agricultural and Food Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
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2
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Deeb N, Naja F, Nasreddine L, Kharroubi S, Darwiche N, Hwalla N. Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, and Lifestyle Practices That May Lead to Breast Cancer Risk Reduction among Female University Students in Lebanon. Nutrients 2024; 16:1095. [PMID: 38613128 PMCID: PMC11013092 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Research has identified both nonmodifiable and modifiable risk factors for breast cancer (BC), with accumulating evidence showing that adopting adequate dietary practices could decrease the risk of this disease. This study aimed to assess nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and lifestyle practices (KAP) that may lead to BC risk reduction among female university students in Lebanon and examine the determinants of their practices. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sampling method, comprising 356 (response rate: 71.2%) female students at the American University of Beirut aged 18 to 25 years with no history of BC. Participants completed a pre-tested questionnaire addressing the objectives of the study. The modified Bloom's cut-off of 75% was used to categorize knowledge and practice scores as poor or good and attitudes as negative or positive. Large proportions of students had poor knowledge (68.3%), negative attitudes (65.4%), and poor practices (98.0%) scores. Pursuing a health-related major and having a higher GPA were associated with better knowledge and attitudes while being older and having a lower degree of stress were associated with positive attitudes only. Having a lower body mass index (BMI) was associated with better practice scores. Better knowledge significantly predicted higher intake of fruits and vegetables. Overall knowledge and attitudes were significantly correlated with each other, but neither was significantly correlated with overall practice. These findings underscore the importance of implementing public health programs geared towards improving nutrition KAP that may lead to BC risk reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Deeb
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (N.D.); (L.N.); (S.K.)
| | - Farah Naja
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Lara Nasreddine
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (N.D.); (L.N.); (S.K.)
| | - Samer Kharroubi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (N.D.); (L.N.); (S.K.)
| | - Nadine Darwiche
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Nahla Hwalla
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (N.D.); (L.N.); (S.K.)
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Rousset S, Angelo A, Hamadouche T, Lacomme P. Weight Status Prediction Using a Neuron Network Based on Individual and Behavioral Data. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081101. [PMID: 37107935 PMCID: PMC10137379 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The worldwide epidemic of weight gain and obesity is increasing in response to the evolution of lifestyles. Our aim is to provide a new predictive method for current and future weight status estimation based on individual and behavioral characteristics. METHODS The data of 273 normal (NW), overweight (OW) and obese (OB) subjects were assigned either to the training or to the test sample. The multi-layer perceptron classifier (MLP) classified the data into one of the three weight statuses (NW, OW, OB), and the classification model accuracy was determined using the test dataset and the confusion matrix. RESULTS On the basis of age, height, light-intensity physical activity and the daily number of vegetable portions consumed, the multi-layer perceptron classifier achieved 75.8% accuracy with 90.3% for NW, 34.2% for OW and 66.7% for OB. The NW and OW subjects showed the highest and the lowest number of true positives, respectively. The OW subjects were very often confused with NW. The OB subjects were confused with OW or NW 16.6% of the time. CONCLUSIONS To increase the accuracy of the classification, a greater number of data and/or variables are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Rousset
- University Clermont Auvergne, UNH, UMR1019, INRAE, 63000 Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Aymeric Angelo
- University Clermont Auvergne, UNH, UMR1019, INRAE, 63000 Clermont Ferrand, France
- University Clermont Auvergne, LIMOS UMR CNRS 6158, 63000 Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Toufik Hamadouche
- University Clermont Auvergne, UNH, UMR1019, INRAE, 63000 Clermont Ferrand, France
- University Clermont Auvergne, LIMOS UMR CNRS 6158, 63000 Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Philippe Lacomme
- University Clermont Auvergne, LIMOS UMR CNRS 6158, 63000 Clermont Ferrand, France
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Nassif E, Davies A, Bente KB, Wellard-Cole L, Jung J, Kay J, Hughes C, Koprinska I, Watson WL, Yacef K, Chapman K, Rangan A, Bauman A, Ni Mhurchu C, Allman-Farinelli M. The Contribution of Nutrients of Concern to the Diets of 18-to-30-Year-Old Australians from Food Prepared Outside Home Differs by Food Outlet Types: The MYMeals Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14183751. [PMID: 36145127 PMCID: PMC9503572 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Young adults are frequent consumers of food prepared outside the home (FOH). In a cross-sectional survey, the MYMeals study, we showed FOH provided one-third of meals and snacks for young Australian adults, yet it contributed higher proportions of energy and nutrients of concern, such as saturated fat and sodium. This study aimed to determine the detailed proportional contribution of nutrients of concern from the nine food outlet types captured in the MYMeals study. Young adults residing in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, (n = 1001) used a validated smartphone app to report all types and amounts of food and beverages consumed for three consecutive days, as well as their preparation location. The proportions of daily energy, macronutrients, sodium, total sugars, and saturated fat were calculated for each of the nine following outlet types: bakeries or patisseries, coffee chains, cold-drink chains, fast-food chains, ice creamery or frozen yoghurt outlets, independent cafes or restaurants, pubs (hotels) and clubs, service stations or convenience stores, and others not fitting the above categories. Of all FOH outlet types, independent cafes or restaurants contributed the most energy (17.5%), sodium (20.0%) and saturated fat (17.8%) to the total diet, followed by fast-food chains (12.0% energy, 15.8% sodium, and 12.0% saturated fat) and other outlets, with smaller proportions. For males, the proportion of energy and nutrients contributed by fast-food outlets was higher than for females (14.8% versus 9.8% energy). Menu labelling at independent cafes and restaurants is recommended, comprising, in addition to the energy labels already in use in fast-food restaurants, the labelling of nutrients of concern. The feasibility of this recommendation warrants further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Nassif
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Alyse Davies
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Kim B. Bente
- School of Computer Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Lyndal Wellard-Cole
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Cancer Prevention and Advocacy Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW 2011, Australia
| | - Jisu Jung
- School of Computer Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Judy Kay
- School of Computer Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Clare Hughes
- Cancer Prevention and Advocacy Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW 2011, Australia
| | - Irena Koprinska
- School of Computer Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Wendy L. Watson
- Cancer Prevention and Advocacy Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW 2011, Australia
| | - Kalina Yacef
- School of Computer Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Kathy Chapman
- Macular Disease Foundation of Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Anna Rangan
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Prevention Research Centre, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Cliona Ni Mhurchu
- National Institute for Health Innovation, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Margaret Allman-Farinelli
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Ogundijo DA, Tas AA, Onarinde BA. Age, an Important Sociodemographic Determinant of Factors Influencing Consumers' Food Choices and Purchasing Habits: An English University Setting. Front Nutr 2022; 9:858593. [PMID: 35634371 PMCID: PMC9132226 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.858593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purchasing behaviors of university staff (n = 188) and their use of nutrition labels in making food choices were investigated by an online survey. The age of the participants significantly impacted their purchasing behaviors. This effect was not observed with other sociodemographic characteristics studied (level of education, gender, employment status and ethnicity). The impact of age on the extrinsic factors affecting food choice (personal preference, previous knowledge, convenience, religion/beliefs) and intrinsic factors (quantity, country of origin, method of preparation/serving, fat, salt, protein and added sugar contents) were further explored. The use of nutrition labels among different age groups when buying for the first time was significant for breakfast cereals and fruit juices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Ogundijo
- National Centre for Food Manufacturing, University of Lincoln, Holbeach, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Daniel A. Ogundijo
| | - Ayten A. Tas
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Bukola A. Onarinde
- National Centre for Food Manufacturing, University of Lincoln, Holbeach, United Kingdom
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Baratta F, Cammisotto V, Tozzi G, Coronati M, Bartimoccia S, Castellani V, Nocella C, D’Amico A, Angelico F, Carnevale R, Pignatelli P, Del Ben M. High Compliance to Mediterranean Diet Associates with Lower Platelet Activation and Liver Collagen Deposition in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14061209. [PMID: 35334864 PMCID: PMC8952322 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet (Med-Diet) is considered the most effective dietary patterns to obtain weight loss in NAFLD patients. Previous evidence suggested that Med-Diet adherence could reduce cardiovascular risk and have a beneficial effect on NAFLD severity. Aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between Med-Diet adherence, platelet activation (PA), and liver collagen deposition. The study was performed in 655 consecutive NAFLD outpatients from the PLINIO study, a prospective observational cohort study aimed to identify non-conventional predictors of liver fibrosis progression in NAFLD. PA was measured by the serum thromboxane B2 (TxB2), and liver collagen deposition by N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (Pro-C3). Adherence to the Med-diet was investigated by a short nine-item validated dietary questionnaire. Patients with high Med-Diet adherence were older and had less metabolic syndrome and lower serum triglycerides, GGT, TxB2, and Pro-C3. At multivariate regression analyses, in the linear model, the Med-Diet score negatively correlated with both TxB2 (Beta = −0.106; p = 0.009) and Pro-C3 (Beta = −0.121; p = 0.002) and in the logistic model high adherence inversely correlated with higher TxB2 tertiles (II tertile: OR = 0.576, p = 0.044; III tertile: OR = 0.556, p = 0.026) and Pro-C3 tertile (III tertile: OR = 0.488, p = 0.013). Low consumption of red meat inversely correlated with higher TxB2 tertile (II tertile: OR = 0.448, p < 0.001, III tertile: OR = 0.567, p = 0.004). In conclusion, NAFLD patients with high adherence to the Med-Diet show lower PA and liver collagen deposition, suggesting a protective role of the Med-Diet against NAFLD progression and cardiovascular risk. In addition, the correlation between TxB2 and Pro-C3 suggests a link between NAFLD severity and cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Baratta
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (P.P.); (M.D.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vittoria Cammisotto
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (P.P.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Giulia Tozzi
- Division of Metabolism and Research Unit of Metabolic Biochemistry, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mattia Coronati
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (P.P.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Simona Bartimoccia
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (S.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Valentina Castellani
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical Speciality “Paride Stefanini”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Cristina Nocella
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (P.P.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Alessandra D’Amico
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Angelico
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Carnevale
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (S.B.); (R.C.)
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80122 Napoli, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pignatelli
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (P.P.); (M.D.B.)
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80122 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Del Ben
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (P.P.); (M.D.B.)
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Kombanda KT, Margerison C, Booth A, Worsley A. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Australian Adults' Food Practices. Curr Dev Nutr 2022; 6:nzac009. [PMID: 35310618 PMCID: PMC8926808 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Young Australian adults exhibit poor food behaviors. These include increased consumption of Energy-Dense, Nutrient-Poor (EDNP) foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and low consumption of fruit and vegetables. However, little is known about how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected young Australian adults' pre-existing adverse food behaviors. Objectives The present study aimed to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food practices by exploring views of young adults living in Australia. Methods Through qualitative descriptive methods, data gathered through individual interviews were thematically analyzed. Participants included 38 young adults aged 18-30 y with a mean age of 24.1 y (76% female). Results Five themes emerged: 1) disruption of routines, 2) increased flexibility, 3) changes in food practices, 4) heightened psychological distress, and 5) impact on future behaviors. Disruption of routines and increased flexibility associated with working/learning from home resulted in both positive and negative changes in food practices. Negative changes included increased consumption of EDNP foods, increased consumption of foods prepared outside of home, decreased purchases and consumption of fresh foods, meal skipping, and a lack of meal planning. Positive changes included an increase in home cooking; consistent weekly eating patterns; decreased consumption of EDNP foods; smaller, more frequent meals; and decreased consumption of foods prepared outside of home. Conclusions Young Australian adults reported more negative and fewer positive changes in food practices. The observed negative changes in food practices are likely to have accentuated young Australian adults' previously known poor food behaviors. This study adds to the international literature by reporting ways that young adults implemented positive changes during the pandemic and future directions of their food practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krupa Thammaiah Kombanda
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Claire Margerison
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Alison Booth
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Anthony Worsley
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Du C, Adjepong M, Zan MCH, Cho MJ, Fenton JI, Hsiao PY, Keaver L, Lee H, Ludy MJ, Shen W, Swee WCS, Thrivikraman J, Amoah-Agyei F, de Kanter E, Wang W, Tucker RM. Gender Differences in the Relationships between Perceived Stress, Eating Behaviors, Sleep, Dietary Risk, and Body Mass Index. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14051045. [PMID: 35268020 PMCID: PMC8912409 DOI: 10.3390/nu14051045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Obesity is a growing epidemic among university students, and the high levels of stress reported by this population could contribute to this issue. Singular relationships between perceived stress; engagement in restrained, uncontrolled, and emotional eating; sleep; dietary risk; and body mass index (BMI) have been reported in the current body of literature; however, these constructs interact with each other, and the complex relationships among them are infrequently examined. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the complex relationships between these constructs using mediation and moderation analyses stratified by gender. Methods: A cross-sectional study, enrolling university students from the United States (U.S.), the Netherlands, South Korea, Malaysia, Ireland, Ghana, and China, was conducted between October 2020 and January 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived stress; maladaptive eating behaviors including restrained, uncontrolled, and emotional eating; sleep duration and quality; dietary risk; and BMI were assessed using validated questionnaires, which were distributed through an online platform. Results: A total of 1392 students completed the online survey (379 male, 973 female, and 40 who self-identified as “other”). Uncontrolled and emotional eating mediated the relationship between perceived stress and dietary risk for both males and females; higher sleep quality weakened this relationship among female students but not males. Emotional eating mediated the relationship between perceived stress and BMI for both males and females, but higher sleep quality weakened this relationship only among females. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that students in higher education are likely to benefit from interventions to reduce uncontrolled and emotional eating. Programs that improve sleep quality, especially during highly stressful periods, may be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Du
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.D.); (J.I.F.); (W.W.)
| | - Mary Adjepong
- Department of Biochemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana; (M.A.); (F.A.-A.)
| | - Megan Chong Hueh Zan
- Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (M.C.H.Z.); (W.C.S.S.)
| | - Min Jung Cho
- Global Public Health, Leiden University College, 2595 DG The Hague, The Netherlands; (M.J.C.); (J.T.); (E.d.K.)
| | - Jenifer I. Fenton
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.D.); (J.I.F.); (W.W.)
| | - Pao Ying Hsiao
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705, USA;
| | - Laura Keaver
- Department of Health and Nutritional Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland;
| | - Heesoon Lee
- Department of Human Services, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA;
| | - Mary-Jon Ludy
- Department of Public and Allied Health, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA; (M.-J.L.); (W.S.)
| | - Wan Shen
- Department of Public and Allied Health, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA; (M.-J.L.); (W.S.)
| | - Winnie Chee Siew Swee
- Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (M.C.H.Z.); (W.C.S.S.)
| | - Jyothi Thrivikraman
- Global Public Health, Leiden University College, 2595 DG The Hague, The Netherlands; (M.J.C.); (J.T.); (E.d.K.)
| | - Felicity Amoah-Agyei
- Department of Biochemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana; (M.A.); (F.A.-A.)
| | - Emilie de Kanter
- Global Public Health, Leiden University College, 2595 DG The Hague, The Netherlands; (M.J.C.); (J.T.); (E.d.K.)
| | - Wenyan Wang
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.D.); (J.I.F.); (W.W.)
| | - Robin M. Tucker
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (C.D.); (J.I.F.); (W.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-517-353-3408
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Tan YWB, Lau JH, AshaRani PV, Roystonn K, Devi F, Lee YY, Whitton C, Wang P, Shafie S, Chang S, Jeyagurunathan A, Chua BY, Abdin E, Sum CF, Lee ES, Subramaniam M. Dietary patterns of persons with chronic conditions within a multi-ethnic population: results from the nationwide Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices survey on diabetes in Singapore. Arch Public Health 2022; 80:62. [PMID: 35189947 PMCID: PMC8862351 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-022-00817-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic conditions are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and respective data on dietary patterns remain scant. The present study aimed to investigate dietary patterns and identify sociodemographic factors associated with Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) scores within a multi-ethnic population with various chronic conditions. Methods The present study utilised data from the 2019-2020 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices study on diabetes in Singapore – a nationwide survey conducted to track the knowledge, attitudes, and practices pertaining to diabetes. The study analysed data collected from a sample of 2,895 Singapore residents, with information from the sociodemographic section, DASH diet screener, and the modified version of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) version 3.0 checklist of chronic physical conditions. Results Respondents with no chronic condition had a mean DASH score of 18.5 (±4.6), those with one chronic condition had a mean DASH score of 19.2 (±4.8), and those with two or more chronic conditions had a mean DASH score of 19.8 (±5.2). Overall, the older age groups [35– 49 years (B = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.23 – 2.33, p <0.001), 50–64 years (B = 2.86, 95% CI: 22.24 – 3.47, p <0.001) and 65 years and above (B = 3.45, 95% CI: 2.73 – 4.17, p <0.001)], Indians (B = 2.54, 95% CI: 2.09 – 2.98, p <0.001) reported better diet quality, while males (B = -1.50, 95% CI: -1.87 – -1.14, p <0.001) reported poorer diet quality versus females. Conclusion Overall, respondents with two or more chronic conditions reported better quality of diet while the sociodemographic factors of age, gender and ethnicity demonstrated a consistent pattern in correlating with diet quality, consistent with the extant literature. Results provide further insights for policymakers to refine ongoing efforts in relation to healthy dietary practices for Singapore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeow Wee Brian Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Jue Hua Lau
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - P V AshaRani
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kumarasan Roystonn
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fiona Devi
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Ying Lee
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Clare Whitton
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Western Australia, 6102, Bentley, Australia
| | - Peizhi Wang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Saleha Shafie
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sherilyn Chang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anitha Jeyagurunathan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Yiang Chua
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chee Fang Sum
- Admiralty Medical Centre, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 676 Woodlands Drive 71, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eng Sing Lee
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Fusionopolis Link. Nexus@One-North, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
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10
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Kaur S, Ming NC, Lli YW, Ai Ni T, Ling CW. Identifying dietary pattern associated with adiposity among Malaysian young adults. MEDITERRANEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2021. [DOI: 10.3233/mnm-211541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recognizing food groups consumption in young adults offers an opportunity to improve dietary pattern in early adulthood. OBJECTIVE: Hence, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine food groups’ intake of young adults and to identify food groups associated with adiposity. METHODS: Youths aged 18–25 years old from private universities in Klang Valley, Malaysia, participated in the study (n = 294). Three days 24-hour dietary recall assessed youths’ food groups intake. Adiposity (BMI, body fat percentage, visceral fat level, waist circumference) was determined based on standard protocol. Height was measured using SECA 206 body meter, while weight, body fat percentage, and visceral fat level were measured using the Omron HBF-356 Body Fat Analyzer. Waist circumference was determined using a measuring tape. RESULTS: In total, 49.3% and 34.7% of youths were overweight/obese and abdominally obese, respectively. The median visceral fat level was 4 (6). Youths consumed 214 (247) kcal of ultra-processed foods daily and exceeded the sugar [32.43 (41.20) g] and sodium recommendation [2425.26 (1455.18) mg]. Fruits [0.29±0.72 servings/day], vegetables [0.95±0.77 servings/day] and milk [0.24±0.38 servings/day] were below recommendations. Increased intake of meat and sodium were associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and visceral fat (p < 0.001). Greater intake of ultra-processed food was associated with high BMI (p = 0.009), waist circumference (p = 0.046), and visceral fat (p = 0.014). Besides, high sugar intake was associated with greater BMI (p = 0.003), body fat percentage (p = 0.020), and visceral fat (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Meat, sugar, sodium, and ultra-processed foods were high-risk foods associated with adiposity among young adults. There is a need to improve education and support to promote healthy eating for chronic disease prevention related to metabolic abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satvinder Kaur
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ng Choon Ming
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, South Lagoon Road, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yap Wern Lli
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Teoh Ai Ni
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chew Wan Ling
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Effectiveness of price-reduced meals on purchases among university young adults. J Nutr Sci 2021; 10:e94. [PMID: 34804515 PMCID: PMC8596072 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2021.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
University food environments influence dietary behaviours of attending young adults (aged 18–35 years). The present study aimed to determine if price-reduced meals are associated with high purchase volumes at food outlets (n 5) in a large urban university. The university food outlet customers: university staff and students (n 244) were surveyed about their food choice determinants and their awareness of a price-reduced meal initiative called ‘Budgie Meals’. Itemised sales of ‘Budgie Meals’ and other meals across 3 years were collected. The ‘Budgie Meals’ were nutritionally analyzed. The χ2 and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to analyze quantitative survey responses. An open-ended item was thematically analyzed. Itemised sales of ‘Budgie Meals’ were measured across 3 years and were analyzed using the analysis of variance. The ‘Budgie Meals’ were nutritionally analyzed and categorised as ‘green,’ ‘amber’ or ‘red’ using the National Healthy Food and Drink Policy. Price was considered the most significant barrier to healthy food purchases. The awareness of the ‘Budgie Meal’ initiative was poor. The ‘Budgie Meal’ had higher sales volumes at each outlet than other items, but the sales showed a downward trend across the years. Nutritional analyses revealed that ‘Budgie Meals’ could be improved. The researchers suggested nutritional improvements to food retailers. Further research is required to assess the viability of implementing such nutritional improvements across food outlets. Specifically, collaboration with retailers and customers is needed to establish the economic feasibility, any potential revenue losses and testing taste acceptability of recipe alterations to these price-reduced meals.
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Souza LPSE, Hermsdorff HHM, Miranda AEDS, Bressan J, Pimenta AM. Alcohol consumption and overweight in Brazilian adults - CUME Project. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2021; 26:4835-4848. [PMID: 34787179 DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320212611.3.20192019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This is a cross-sectional study with 2,909 participants (aged ≥18 years) from the baseline of the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais [CUME - Coorte de Universidades Mineiras] which verified the association between alcohol consumption and overweight. Data on sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, eating habits, anthropometric factors and clinical conditions were collected through an online questionnaire. Body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m² was considered an indicator of overweight. The daily consumption of alcohol was evaluated in grams (alcohol) and according to type in milliliters (beer, wine, hard liquor). The prevalence of alcohol consumption and overweight was 73.6% and 40.8%, respectively. There was a significant tendency of an increase in overweight with higher beer consumption (tendency p value of 0.038), which was not observed for the other types of alcohol. After sensitivity analyses, alcohol consumption was associated to overweight, with a tendency of increase in prevalence with higher daily consumption. There is a crucial need to curb the widely accepted idea that a low or moderate alcohol consumption is not harmful to one's health, and to be cautious of such a proposition. The influence of alcohol consumption regarding weight gain must be considered in public health policies and policies of alcohol consumption control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Paulo Souza E Souza
- Departamento de Medicina, Instituto de Saúde e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Amazonas. Estrada Coari/Mamiá 305, Espírito Santo. 69.460-000 Coari AM Brasil
| | | | - Aline Elizabeth da Silva Miranda
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição e Saúde, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte MG Brasil
| | - Josefina Bressan
- Departamento de Nutrição e Saúde, Universidade Federal de Viçosa. Viçosa MG Brasil
| | - Adriano Marçal Pimenta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição e Saúde, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte MG Brasil.,Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte MG Brasil.
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How Does Food Addiction Relate to Obesity? Patterns of Psychological Distress, Eating Behaviors and Physical Activity in a Sample of Lebanese Adults: The MATEO Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010979. [PMID: 34682724 PMCID: PMC8535988 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Food addiction is currently not an official diagnosis (as a standalone disorder substance-related and addictive disorder) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). To best of our knowledge, there is no previous research on differences between addictive-like eating behavior regarding its associations with psychological distress, eating behaviors and physical activity among individuals with obesity. The objective of the present study was to distinguish psychological and behavioral patterns of individuals with obesity concerning food addiction using a cluster analysis. We determined the profiles of the participants in terms of psychological distress, eating behaviors and physical activity and evaluated their association with food addiction. A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2020, during the lockdown period imposed by the government for the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 507 individuals with obesity aged between 18 and 65 years participated in the present study by filling in the online questionnaire, including the validated Arabic version of the modified version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale, the Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A cluster analysis was performed using the K-mean method to identify and group participants according to their patterns/profiles. A stepwise linear regression was conducted, taking the food addiction score as the dependent variable. Higher levels of uncontrolled eating, emotional eating and stress were significantly associated with higher food addiction score. Belonging to cluster 2 (psychological well-being and cognitive restraint) (B = 14.49) or cluster 3 (moderate psychological distress and cognitive restraint) (B = 6.67) compared to cluster 1 (psychological well-being, appropriate physical activity levels and eating behaviors) was significantly associated with higher food addiction score. The present research revealed that food addiction is significantly associated with higher psychological distress and maladaptive eating behaviors. Higher levels of uncontrolled eating, emotional eating and stress as well as belonging to clusters 2 and 3 were found to be predictors of food addiction in individuals with obesity in the present study. This knowledge could be useful in regard to psychological treatment of obesity and addictive-like eating behavior.
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Delicado-Soria A, Serrano-Urrea R, Cervera-Burriel F, Daouas T, García-Meseguer MJ. Food consumption in Tunisian university students and its association with sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviours. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:4949-4964. [PMID: 33317661 PMCID: PMC11082808 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020004942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterise food consumption among students at the University of Carthage (Tunisia), assessing quality of diet and main dietary patterns, and their association with potential conditioning factors. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. Participants self-reported food consumption in two 24-h recalls and information about sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics such as BMI, birthplace, physical activity, eating places or kitchen appliances. Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and the Nutrient Rich Foods (NRF) index (NRF9.3) were used to assess diet quality. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify eating patterns. Linear regression models were used to test the association of dietary patterns with the diet quality markers. SETTING Students at the University of Carthage, Tunisia. PARTICIPANTS 132 students. RESULTS Almost 96 % of participants need shifts towards healthier food. Four main food patterns were identified 'Traditional food', 'Transitional food', 'European breakfast' and 'Western food'. 'Traditional food' was the first dietary model, positively associated with MDS and NRF9.3. Women showed higher adherence to 'European breakfast' and higher quality of diet by NRF9.3. Students eating out of home showed higher adherence to 'Western food', those who never kept a regular schedule of meals consumed lower amount of vegetables and tubers, and sedentary or low active students had a higher intake of ready-to-eat products. CONCLUSIONS Diet quality of the participating Tunisian students is inadequate, but traditional Mediterranean diet remains the main pattern in spite of the advanced transitional nutrition. Some lifestyle risk behaviours affecting quality of diet were identified in this work, which supports the youth's particular vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Delicado-Soria
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Avda. España s/n. Campus Universitario, 02071Albacete, Spain
| | - Ramón Serrano-Urrea
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain
| | | | - Thouraya Daouas
- Institut des Hautes Études Commerciales de Carthage (IHEC), Carthage, Tunisia
| | - María-José García-Meseguer
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Avda. España s/n. Campus Universitario, 02071Albacete, Spain
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Ushula TW, Lahmann PH, Mamun A, Wang WYS, Williams GM, Najman JM. Lifestyle correlates of dietary patterns among young adults: evidence from an Australian birth cohort. Public Health Nutr 2021; 25:1-12. [PMID: 34486516 PMCID: PMC9991692 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021003864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies of sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of dietary patterns among young adults have primarily focused on physical activity and smoking, with inconclusive results. This study aims to examine the associations between a broader range of lifestyles of young adults and their patterns of food consumption. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Brisbane, Australia. PARTICIPANTS The data set are from a long running birth cohort study which commenced in 1981. Details of dietary intake and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were from the 21-year follow-up of the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy (MUSP) birth cohort. The effective cohort (n 2665, 57 % women) is of young adult offspring. Usual dietary intake was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Data on sociodemographic and lifestyle variables were obtained from self-reports. RESULTS Western and prudent dietary patterns were identified for the combined cohort of women and men using principal components analysis. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the associations between lifestyle variables and dietary patterns adjusting for potential confounders. Results from multivariable adjusted models showed that physical activity, watching TV and smoking were strongly associated with each dietary pattern; alcohol consumption and BMI showed weaker associations (P < 0·05 for all). CONCLUSIONS Our study describes a clustering of unhealthy lifestyles in young adults. Young adults with unhealthy lifestyles less often adhere to a healthy prudent dietary pattern and more often an unhealthy Western pattern. Dietary preferences are enmeshed in a lifestyle matrix which includes physical activity, sedentary activity, smoking and alcohol consumption of young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolassa W Ushula
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Petra H Lahmann
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Abdullah Mamun
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- The Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- The Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - William YS Wang
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jake M Najman
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Ramírez-Contreras C, Farrán-Codina A, Izquierdo-Pulido M, Zerón-Rugerio MF. A higher dietary restraint is associated with higher BMI: a cross-sectional study in college students. Physiol Behav 2021; 240:113536. [PMID: 34303713 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND College students tend to have eating and lifestyle habits that can lead to weight gain. Paradoxically, weight gain could also lead to calorie restriction, a practice that is common among those who are concerned about their body weight. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between habits related to overweight and obesity and dietary intake, physical activity, and BMI among college students. METHODOLOGY One hundred ninety-two participants (18-26 years; 75% female) were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed the 'habits related to overweight and obesity questionnaire' which evaluates five dimensions: the concern about caloric intake, healthy eating, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and eating for psychological well-being. Additionally, anthropometric parameters, dietary intake, and physical activity were evaluated. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between outcome and exposure variables. RESULTS Higher concern about caloric intake was associated with higher BMI (1.05 kg/m2 [95%CI: 0.58, 1.51]), but lower energy (-312.2 kcal/day [95%CI: -404.6, -219.8]) and fat intake (-1.88% [95%CI: -2.94, -0.83]). Furthermore, healthy eating was related to better diet quality 0.96 [95%CI: 0.47,1.44] and lower energy intake (-231.4 kcal/day [95%CI: -367.7, -95.2]). Meanwhile, higher scores in the physical activity dimension were associated with better diet quality (0.41 [95%CI: 0.16,0.66]). CONCLUSIONS College students with the highest dietary restraint had the greatest BMI and the lowest energy and fat intake. Our results highlight the importance of promoting healthy behaviors among college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Ramírez-Contreras
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Food Science Torribera Campus, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; INSA-UB, Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreu Farrán-Codina
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Food Science Torribera Campus, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; INSA-UB, Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Izquierdo-Pulido
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Food Science Torribera Campus, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; INSA-UB, Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Fernanda Zerón-Rugerio
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Food Science Torribera Campus, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; INSA-UB, Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
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Diet Quality According to Mental Status and Associated Factors during Adulthood in Spain. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13051727. [PMID: 34069704 PMCID: PMC8160880 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Common mental disorders (CMD) are characterized by non-psychotic depressive symptoms, anxiety and somatic complaints, which affect the performance of daily activities. This study aimed to analyze prevalence of diet quality among adults with and without CMD from 2006 to 2017, to study the frequency of food consumption and diet quality according to mental status and age, and to determine which sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related factors are associated with poor/moderate diet quality, according to mental status. A nationwide cross-sectional study was performed in adults with (n = 12,545) and without CMD (n = 48,079). The data were obtained from three Spanish National Health Surveys (2006, 2011/2012 and 2017). Two logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with diet quality in people with and without CMD. Among those with CMD, the probability of having poor/moderate diet quality was significantly lower for overweight or obese people and those who took part in leisure-time physical activity. Among those without CMD, university graduates were less likely to have a poor/moderate diet quality. Good diet quality was observed more in older adults (≥65 years old) than in emerging (18–24 years old) or young adults (25–44 years old), regardless of mental status.
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Impact of a Scalable, Multi-Campus "Foodprint" Seminar on College Students' Dietary Intake and Dietary Carbon Footprint. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092890. [PMID: 32971829 PMCID: PMC7551495 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dietary patterns affect both human health and environmental sustainability. Prior research found a ten-unit course on food systems and environmental sustainability shifted dietary intake and reduced dietary carbon footprint among college students. This research evaluated the impact of a similar, more scalable one-unit Foodprint seminar taught at multiple universities. Methods: We used a quasi-experimental pre-post nonequivalent comparison group design (n = 176). As part of the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, research was conducted at three university campuses in California over four academic terms. All campuses used the same curriculum, which incorporates academic readings, group discussions, and skills-based exercises to evaluate the environmental footprint of different foods. The comparison group comprised students taking unrelated one-unit courses at the same universities. A questionnaire was administered at the beginning and end of each term. Results: Students who took the Foodprint seminar significantly improved their reported vegetable intake by 4.7 weekly servings relative to the comparison group. They also reported significantly decreasing intake of ruminant meat and sugar-sweetened beverages. As a result of dietary shifts, Foodprint seminar students were estimated to have significantly decreased their dietary carbon footprint by 14%. Conclusions: A scalable, one-unit Foodprint seminar may simultaneously promote environmental sustainability and human health.
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Using wearable cameras to monitor eating and drinking behaviours during transport journeys. Eur J Nutr 2020; 60:1875-1885. [PMID: 32886147 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-020-02380-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Young adults are vulnerable to weight gain and dietary behaviours such as 'eating on the run' are likely contributors. The objective of this study was to examine eating and drinking behaviours during transport journeys in a sample of young adults using wearable cameras that take continuous images every 30 s. METHODS Seventy-eight 18-30 year olds wore an Autographer wearable camera for three consecutive days. Image coding schedules were designed to assess physical activity (included transportation) and diet. For the general description of data, frequency analysis was calculated as image number (percentage) and mean (± SD) or median (IQR) when appropriate. RESULTS A total of 281,041 images were coded and 32,529 (14%) of images involved transport. The median (IQR) camera wear time was 8 h per day (7-9 h). The camera images identified 52 participants (67%) either eating or drinking during transport (excluding water). A total of 143 eating and drinking occasions were identified, averaging 3 occasions per person over the three study days. Fifty five (38%) eating episodes were identified by the camera images of which 27 (49%) were discretionary and 88 (62%) drinking episodes were identified of which (45%) were discretionary. CONCLUSION This study confirms that transport is a potential setting for intervention. Young adults are consuming discretionary food and beverages during transport which may contribute to energy-dense diets and compromise diet quality. Substituting unhealthy with healthy food advertising and potentially prohibiting eating and drinking whilst on public transport is suggested.
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Roy R, Alassadi D. Does labelling of healthy foods on menus using symbols promote better choices at the point-of-purchase? Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:1-9. [PMID: 32854800 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020002840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Take-away foods account for a significant proportion of dietary intake among young adults (18-35 years). Young adults want nutrition information at the point-of-purchase (POP); however, it is either unavailable, perceived as ineffective or difficult to use. The present study examined whether symbols on university food outlet menus identifying healthier options would increase their sales and consumer's awareness of these symbols, purchasing factors and barriers to eating healthy foods. DESIGN Repeated-measures, comparison group, quasi-experimental study. SETTING Two carefully matched university food outlets were analysed to determine the targeted items. Tick symbols ✓ were placed next to the targeted items in the experimental outlet. No changes were made at the comparison outlet. Customers were surveyed at the experimental outlet. Food sales were collected for 4 weeks from both outlets at baseline and during the intervention. Food sales were also collected from the experimental outlet 10 weeks later. PARTICIPANTS Food outlet patrons. RESULTS Significant increases in food sales were observed during observation 3 compared with observation 1 (P = 0·0004) and observation 2 (P = 0·0002). Sixty-eight per cent of respondents noticed the symbols, and of that, 30 % reported being influenced. Taste was the most common purchasing factor, and people were less likely to select taste as a factor if they were influenced by the symbols (P = 0·04). CONCLUSIONS Identifying healthier options with a symbol at the POP increased sales over time. Several purchasing factors (price, taste and healthy food availability) need to be addressed to improve the food selection of young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajshri Roy
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Auckland, Auckland1011, New Zealand
| | - Deema Alassadi
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Auckland, Auckland1011, New Zealand
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21
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Okeyo AP, Seekoe E, de Villiers A, Faber M, Nel JH, Steyn NP. Dietary Practices and Adolescent Obesity in Secondary School Learners at Disadvantaged Schools in South Africa: Urban-Rural and Gender Differences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5864. [PMID: 32823510 PMCID: PMC7460370 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
South Africa has a high prevalence of obesity in black female adolescents and a paucity of knowledge regarding contributing dietary practices. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary practices and weight status of male and female adolescents at secondary schools in the Eastern Cape province in urban and rural areas. Sixteen schools and grade 8-12 learners (N = 1360) were randomly selected from three health districts comprising poor disadvantaged communities. A short unquantified food frequency questionnaire was used to collect data on learners' usual eating practices with regards to weekly meal pattern, breakfast consumption, foods taken to school, takeaways, and snacks eaten while watching television (TV). Body mass index measurements were determined for each learner. Prevalence of combined overweight and obesity differed significantly between genders, 9.9% in males versus 36.1% in females (p < 0.001). Significant gender differences were noted regarding eating practices. Females had a higher frequency of eating sugary snacks (p < 0.001) and a lower frequency of eating breakfast (p < 0.01) than males. Females ate significantly more fried fish (p < 0.05), pizza (p < 0.05) fat cakes (fried dough balls) (p < 0.05), hotdogs (p < 0.01), candy (p < 0.001), cake (p < 0.01), and crisps (p < 0.001). Compared to urban areas, the frequency of eating breakfast (p < 0.01) and sugary snacks (p < 0.05) was significantly higher in rural areas. Significantly more learners in urban areas consumed boerewors (beef sausage) rolls (p = 0.027), hamburgers (p = 0.004), and soft drinks (p = 0.019), while more learners in the rural areas consumed cordial (p = 0.001). In conclusion, a high prevalence of combined overweight and obesity was found in black female adolescents and a high prevalence of poor dietary practices was observed, with significant gender and urban-rural differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice P. Okeyo
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Fort Hare, Ring Road, Alice 5700, South Africa;
| | - Eunice Seekoe
- Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa;
| | - Anniza de Villiers
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (A.d.V.); (M.F.)
| | - Mieke Faber
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (A.d.V.); (M.F.)
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Private Bag X1290, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Johanna H. Nel
- Department of Logistics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa;
| | - Nelia P. Steyn
- Division Human Nutrition, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, UCT Medical Campus, Anzio Road, Anatomy Building, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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22
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Allman-Farinelli M, Nour M. Exploring the role of social support and social media for lifestyle interventions to prevent weight gain with young adults: Focus group findings. J Hum Nutr Diet 2020; 34:178-187. [PMID: 32519384 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adults gain more weight annually than other adults and may be destined for future obesity. Effective interventions are needed, and social support may be a key element for success. The present study explores how best to leverage social media to support young adults with their health goals in a healthy lifestyle programme. METHOD Young adults aged 18-25 years were recruited from the community to a series of four focus groups led by an experienced facilitator who used a discussion guide developed a priori. The discussion explored their opinions regarding which social media platforms were appropriate for providing social support, the types of support that were relevant (family and friends versus strangers) and factors that would encourage peer-to-peer communication in a healthy lifestyle intervention. Sessions were audio-taped, transcribed and analysed using the qualitative software, nvivo, version 11 (QSR International Pty Ltd., Melbourne, VIC, Australia). Themes were generated using an inductive approach informed by the Theory of Social Identity and Social Influence Model of Consumer Participation. RESULTS Thirty-three people (12 male) participated. Facebook was the most popular platform for facilitating social support as a result of its private group capabilities and already being embedded into their daily routines. The preference was to be grouped with strangers who shared similar goals in smaller groups of participants. The discussions highlighted the integral role of a credible and relatable health coach to serve as a mentor, mediator and role model. CONCLUSIONS The learnings from this research will be applied to optimise engagement within social media support groups in lifestyle interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Allman-Farinelli
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M Nour
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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23
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McNaughton SA, Pendergast FJ, Worsley A, Leech RM. Eating occasion situational factors and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in young adults. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2020; 17:71. [PMID: 32493366 PMCID: PMC7271392 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-020-00975-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Young adulthood represents an influential transitional period marked by poor dietary habits and excess weight gain. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are a major source of excess caloric intake among young adults, yet little is known about the correlates of SSB consumption. This study examines the individual and situational correlates of SSB consumption, using real-time assessment of Australian young adults’ eating occasions. Methods Dietary, sociodemographic and health behaviour data were collected during the Measuring EAting in Everyday Life (MEALS) study (n = 675 adults, 18–30 y). Participants reported all foods and beverages consumed over 3–4 non-consecutive days using a real-time Smartphone food diary application (“FoodNow”). For every eating occasion, food and beverage intake was recorded along with situational characteristics (eating location, purchase location, presence of others and activities while eating). A beverage occasion was defined as any eating occasion where a beverage was consumed and a SSB occasion was defined as any eating occasion where a SSB was consumed. Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine individual and situational characteristics with SSB intake at beverage occasions (i.e. factors associated with choosing a SSB over other non-alcoholic beverages) and to examine factors associated with consuming a SSB at any occasion where food and/or beverages were consumed. Results Thirty-five percent of participants consumed SSBs during the recording period (n = 237). Of the 2185 beverage eating occasions reported by SSB consumers, 481 (20%) contained a SSB. SSB were rarely consumed on their own (i.e. other foods were present). Having a lower than tertiary education (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.53 [1.16, 2.01]; p < 0.01); eating in a café/restaurant, compared to at home (3.02 [1.58, 5.78]; p < 0.001), and purchasing beverages from a convenience outlet, compared to a supermarket/grocery store (4.58 [2.85, 7.38]; p < 0.001) were associated with SSB intake at beverage eating occasions. Similar associations were also found when all food and/or beverage eating occasions were examined. Conclusion In this study, SSB were often consumed with other foods and intake was associated with individual and situational factors. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore how SSB are consumed in relation to their accompanying foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A McNaughton
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Felicity J Pendergast
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Anthony Worsley
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Rebecca M Leech
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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24
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Lung T, Baur LA, Bauman A, Hayes A. Can Reducing Childhood Obesity Solve the Obesity Crisis in Australia? Obesity (Silver Spring) 2020; 28:857-859. [PMID: 32320143 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood obesity prevention has been identified as a key strategy to address the obesity crisis, with considerable investment by governments internationally. This study modeled the implications of entering adulthood at a lower or higher BMI (a consequence of changes in childhood obesity) and modeled how this would influence future numbers of adults with obesity in Australia. METHODS In this study, a dynamic population model was used to investigate how obesity prevention in children could impact the future number of adults with obesity in Australia from 2015 to 2040. The base population was a nationally representative data set of 14,256 individuals (representing approximately 17 million adults) from the Australian Health Survey 2014-2015. Each year, a new 20-year-old cohort was added to the simulated population, reflecting the transition to adulthood under scenarios of stable, increasing, or decreasing childhood obesity. RESULTS Targeting and reducing childhood obesity will have only a small and delayed effect on adult obesity levels, with approximately 280,000 fewer adults with obesity by 2040. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of investing in and implementing obesity prevention programs across all ages, particularly in young adults, to successfully reduce the prevalence of adult obesity in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lung
- Health Economics and Process Evaluation, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise A Baur
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alison Hayes
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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25
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Allman-Farinelli M, Rahman H, Nour M, Wellard-Cole L, Watson WL. The Role of Supportive Food Environments to Enable Healthier Choices When Eating Meals Prepared Outside the Home: Findings from Focus Groups of 18 to 30-Year-Olds. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11092217. [PMID: 31540273 PMCID: PMC6769704 DOI: 10.3390/nu11092217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Young adults are the highest consumers of food prepared outside home, which has been linked to weight gain. The aim of this qualitative research was to gather opinions from young adults about what influences their food choice when eating out and if they so desired, what might enable healthy choices. Thirty-one adults aged 18 to 30 years participated in four focus groups (females = 24). Predetermined questions were used to guide discussions which were audiotaped then transcribed. The content was organized into themes and sub-themes using NVivo software. Two broad groupings arose—personal behaviors and changes to physical and social food environments. For many, eating out was viewed as a special occasion so that healthy food was not a priority and despite understanding health consequences of poor diets this was not an immediate concern. Price discounts and menu-labelling were suggested and trust in credible organizations and peers’ endorsement of meals and venues expressed. The role of smartphones in the modern food environment emerged as a tool to enable immediate access to many restaurants to order food and access reviews and social media as a source of persuasive food imagery. Current menu-labelling initiatives should continue, food pricing be explored and influence of smartphones on diet further researched. However, these findings may be limited by the high proportion of women and higher socioeconomic status and urban residence of many participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Allman-Farinelli
- The University of Sydney, Nutrition and Dietetics Group, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Hassan Rahman
- The University of Sydney, Nutrition and Dietetics Group, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Monica Nour
- The University of Sydney, Nutrition and Dietetics Group, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Lyndal Wellard-Cole
- The University of Sydney, Nutrition and Dietetics Group, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
- Cancer Prevention and Advocacy Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW 2011, Australia.
| | - Wendy L Watson
- Cancer Prevention and Advocacy Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW 2011, Australia.
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26
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van Woerden I, Bruening M, Montresor-López J, Payne-Sturges DC. Trends and disparities in urinary BPA concentrations among U.S. emerging adults. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 176:108515. [PMID: 31195292 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging adulthood (ages 18-25 years) is a key turning point in the life course characterized by particularly poor eating behaviors (e.g., low in fruits and vegetables, and high in fast food) and weight gain. Emerging adults are also prime consumers of personal care and other consumer products that may result in differential exposures to environmental contaminants, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), compared to adults aged 26+ years. This is of concern given BPA has been associated with adverse health outcomes such as obesity, metabolic disorders, miscarriage, infertility and breast cancer. However, no research has examined exposure to BPA among emerging adults. OBJECTIVE To assess trends of exposure to urinary BPA among a representative sample of emerging adults compared to adults aged 26+ years. Secondarily, we aimed to identify differential associations between BPA concentrations and sociodemographic characteristics and BMI by age group. METHODS This study uses National Health and Examination Surveys (NHANES) over 2003-2014 to test differences in BPA concentrations comparing emerging adults to adults aged 26+ years. Generalized linear models predicting log BPA by age group and sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, and food security status, and generalized linear models predicting BMI by log BPA, both age group and age as a continuous variable, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, and food security status were conducted. Interactions with age group (i.e., age group x sex) were examined for the mutually adjusted models. All models controlled for survey year, month, and time of day, and were run with, and without, an adjustment for urinary creatinine. RESULTS In models adjusted, and not adjusted, for urinary creatinine, emerging adults had a higher log BPA concentration than adults aged 26+ years (β=0.153, p=0.004; β=0.544, p<0.001), and a significantly steeper decline in BPA concentration between 2003-2004 and 2013-2014 than adults aged 26+ years (ß=-0.051, p=0.002; ß=-0.071, p=0.001). Males' log BPA concentration were lower than that for females when urinary creatinine was included in the model, and higher when urinary creatinine was excluded from the model (ß=-0.188, p<0.001; β=0.203, p<0.001). Higher income was significantly associated with lower log BPA concentration (ß=-0.220, p<0.001; ß=-0.166, p<0.001). A significant interaction between emerging adult age group and food security status was observed, which was associated with higher BPA exposures. Log BPA concentration was associated with BMI only when urinary creatinine was excluded from the models (urinary creatinine included: β=0.031, p=0.747; β=0.022, p=0.815, urinary creatinine excluded: β=0.528, p<0.001; β=0.552, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Findings indicate that emerging adults had higher BPA exposures than adults aged 26+ years in 2003-2004, and that emerging adults' exposure level has decreased faster than that of adults aged 26+ years. There were suggestions that the BPA concentration of emerging adults in 2013-2014 was lower than that for adults aged 26+ years, and that BPA exposure is associated with higher BMI. Our results highlight the need for additional research to identify the sources and routes of exposure to BPA and BPA replacements among emerging adults and to better characterize the variability in exposure. Intervention studies are needed to assist emerging adults in limiting their exposure to BPA, and potentially also the BPA alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene van Woerden
- College of Nursing, Idaho State University, 921 South 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID, 83209, USA
| | - Meg Bruening
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, 550 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Jessica Montresor-López
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 255 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Devon C Payne-Sturges
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 255 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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27
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Roy R, Soo D, Conroy D, Wall CR, Swinburn B. Exploring University Food Environment and On-Campus Food Purchasing Behaviors, Preferences, and Opinions. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 51:865-875. [PMID: 30981657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cross-sectional observation of a university food environment and a survey of food purchasing preferences, behaviors, and opinions of students and staff to formulate strategies for interventions. DESIGN A modified food environment-quality index was used to assess food outlets. A cross-sectional survey with closed (n = 42) and open-ended (n = 2) questions assessing students and staff purchasing, choice determinants, and opinions about the food environment. SETTING Six campuses of 1 large urban university. PARTICIPANTS Food outlets (eg, convenience stores, restaurant and café, takeout, vending machines) (n = 57). University students and staff (n = 1,954). ANALYSIS The researchers calculated descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square tests to compare the percentages of healthy and/or unhealthy products in high- vs low-scoring outlets. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to determine differences in healthiness between outlet types. Pearson chi-square tests were used to examine the influence of gender, and student and staff differences in survey responses. RESULTS Median food environment-quality index was 79 out of 199 (interquartile range = 7). Six food outlets were categorized as healthy and 2 as unhealthy; the rest were intermediate. Overall, healthy items were less available, accessible, and promoted and cost more than unhealthy items. The majority of respondents in the survey (79%) purchased food and beverages on campus; males consuming them more frequently than did females (P = .001) and students consumed them more frequently than did staff (P = .001). Value for money, healthfulness, and taste determined the choice. Respondents suggested increasing value for money and healthy options. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Interventions that improve food availability, accessibility, prices, and promotions through policies are warranted and would be well-received among both university students and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajshri Roy
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Danielle Soo
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Denise Conroy
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Clare R Wall
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Boyd Swinburn
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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28
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Shi Y, Grech AL, Allman-Farinelli M. Changes in the nutritional quality of products sold in university vending machines since implementation of the health star rating in 2014; an environmental audit. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1255. [PMID: 30428873 PMCID: PMC6234540 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Snacking is a prevalent dietary behaviour among young adults, which could independently contribute to weight gain. Vending machines provide easy access to unhealthy snacks and beverages for young adults in universities. A voluntary front-of-pack labelling, named the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, has been implemented nationally by the Australian government as one strategy to address obesity since 2014. The primary aim of this study was to detect changes in the availability, pricing and advertising of healthy and unhealthy snacks and beverages in university vending machines after introduction of the HSR. Methods The study design was two cross-sectional audits of university vending machines one before (in 2014) and another after (in 2017) the implementation of the HSR. Data collections were conducted in a large urban university (> 60,000 students). Every machine was assessed; the product’s name, price, portion sizes and advertisements were recorded. Products were assigned an HSR to classify as healthy (≥3.5 stars) or unhealthy (< 3.5 stars). To compare the differences of product availability between 2014 and 2017, the Chi-square test was used. Results A total of 1836 and 2458 slots were audited in 2014 and 2017, respectively. The proportion of healthy snacks and beverages increased from 7 to 14% (p < 0.001) and 38 to 44% (p < 0.05) since 2014, respectively. The mean costs of unhealthy snacks and healthy beverages increased after three years. Healthy food and drink options were more expensive than unhealthy choices in 2017. Advertisements on vending machines for unhealthy foods and drinks remained prevalent. Conclusion Only small changes have been observed in the availability of healthy snacks and beverages in vending machines since implementation of the HSR system. Policy directives are indicated to encourage further improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Shi
- Nutrition and Dietetics Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Level 4 East, Building D17, John Hopkins Drive, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Amanda Lee Grech
- Nutrition and Dietetics Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Level 4 East, Building D17, John Hopkins Drive, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Margaret Allman-Farinelli
- Nutrition and Dietetics Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Level 4 East, Building D17, John Hopkins Drive, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
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29
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Vadiveloo M, Principato L, Morwitz V, Mattei J. Sensory variety in shape and color influences fruit and vegetable intake, liking, and purchase intentions in some subsets of adults: a randomized pilot experiment. Food Qual Prefer 2018; 71:301-310. [PMID: 31105386 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dietary variety increases food intake, but it is unclear if sensory differences elicit increases in eating-related behaviors. Using a 4×3 between-subject pilot experiment, we examined if increasing sensory variety (control, color, shape, both color and shape) and priming individuals to notice differences or similarities in the foods (positive, neutral, negative) influenced ad libitum proximal intake, liking, and willingness to purchase pears and peppers among 164 Greater Boston adults >18y/o. MANOVA was used to examine associations between sensory variety (independent variable) and six dependent measures. We tested for interactions between sensory variety condition and individual-level factors that may influence food intake. There was no main effect of sensory variety condition for any dependent measure. However, interactions between sensory variety condition and age, overweight status, and prime were detected. Adults with overweight (vs. adults of normal weight) ate more pear with color variety (7.2 vs. 4.4 oz, p=0.01). Pear intake was also higher among adults with overweight in the color variety (7.2 oz) vs. combination variety (4.4 oz) condition. Adults ≥36y/o ate more peppers (3.5 oz) in the color variety condition versus other conditions (2.1-2.2 oz, p=0.04). Participants primed to notice differences were more willing to purchase pears in the color variety (5.0 ± 0.5) versus control (3.7 ± 0.5) condition. Color variety may modestly increase proximal intake, liking, and purchase intentions for fruits and vegetables in some subsets of adults. Our preliminary findings encourage more research to determine if color variety can be used to improve diet quality of targeted populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Vadiveloo
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition, 665 Huntington Ave, Bldg 2, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ludovica Principato
- Rome Tre University, Department of Business Studies, Via Silvio D'Amico, 77, 00145 Rome, Italy
| | - Vicki Morwitz
- New York University, Stern School of Business, 40 West 4th Street, Room 807, New York, NY 10012, USA
| | - Josiemer Mattei
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition, 665 Huntington Ave, Bldg 2, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Schliemann D, McKinley M, Woodside JV. The Impact of a Policy-Based Multicomponent Nutrition Pilot Intervention on Young Adult Employee's Diet and Health Outcomes. Am J Health Promot 2018; 33:342-357. [PMID: 30004248 DOI: 10.1177/0890117118784447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evaluate the effect of a policy-based, multicomponent workplace diet intervention on young adult employees' diet and health. DESIGN A 6-month, single-armed pilot study with before and after assessments. SETTING Insurance company in Belfast, Northern Ireland. PARTICIPANTS Employees who worked at the company throughout the intervention period were included. Employees were excluded if pregnant, breast-feeding, or following a strict diet. INTERVENTION Multicomponent diet intervention: ban of unhealthy foods brought into the premises, free fruit, education, individual advice, and further support. MEASURES Mixed-methods approach: Diet-, health-, and work-related measures were assessed quantitatively. The campaign was evaluated quantitatively (via questionnaire) and qualitatively (via semistructured interviews). ANALYSIS Changes in measures were analyzed using paired samples t tests. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Sixty (75.9%) staff completed all assessments. Males reduced their sugar intake on working days (-8.7% of total energy standard deviation [SD]: 20.1; P value <.01). Systolic blood pressure reduced in males and females (-3.3 SD: 9.9; P value <.05 and -8.0 SD: 7.7; P value <.001, respectively); 85.2% of staff strongly agreed/agreed that they appreciated the healthy eating ethos. This was supported by the qualitative analysis which furthermore suggested that the education, team support, individual advice, and free fruit were beneficial. CONCLUSION Influencing workplace policies and offering additional dietary support could lead to meaningful changes in employees' diet and health and may change workplace culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Schliemann
- 1 Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle McKinley
- 1 Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Jayne V Woodside
- 1 Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Zeidan B, Partridge SR, Balestracci K, Allman-Farinelli M. Congruence of stage-of-change for fruit, vegetables and take-out foods with consumption. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1108/nfs-05-2017-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Young adults frequently engage in sub-optimal dietary behaviours, such as inadequate intakes of fruits and vegetables and excessive consumption of take-out meals. Theory-based interventions are suggested to promote dietary change. The transtheoretical model is an example that stages an individual’s readiness to change behaviours as precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance, and includes a series of processes that help people move between stages. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether self-reported usual dietary intakes of fruits and vegetables and take-out foods differ by reported stage-of-change.
Design/methodology/approach
Cross-sectional data from 250 overweight young adults, aged 18-35 years, who enrolled in a lifestyle intervention to prevent weight gain are analysed. Participant’s stage-of-change for increasing fruit and vegetable intakes and reducing take-out foods is determined using staging algorithms. This is compared with self-reported dietary intakes over the past month using a food frequency questionnaire. Differences in intakes and variety by stage-of-change are compared for fruits, vegetables and take-out foods.
Findings
Take-out foods differed between stages (p < 0.0001), with lower weekly intakes in action (309 g) and maintenance (316 g) compared with preparation (573 g). Daily fruit intakes and variety scores varied by stage-of-change (p < 0.0001), being highest for action and maintenance (261 g and 263 g, respectively, and variety scores of 1 and 2) compared with precontemplation, contemplation and preparation (all = 100 g and 0 for variety). Daily vegetable consumption and variety scores differed by stage (p = 0.009 and p = 0.025, respectively) being highest for action/maintenance (204 g and 2 for variety) versus precontemplation and preparation (<110 g daily and Variety 1).
Practical implications
The finding of no differences in intakes between precontemplation, contemplation or preparation stages implies that the adoption of the dietary behaviours is not a continuum but a move from pre-action to actioning the target intakes. This means that for planning health promotion and dietary counselling, assigning people to the three different pre-action stages may be unnecessary.
Originality/value
This study is the first to examine the congruence of self-reported readiness to change behaviour with dietary intakes of take-out foods as well as variety of fruit and vegetables in overweight young adults.
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Baratta F, Pastori D, Polimeni L, Bucci T, Ceci F, Calabrese C, Ernesti I, Pannitteri G, Violi F, Angelico F, Del Ben M. Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Effect on Insulin Resistance. Am J Gastroenterol 2017; 112:1832-1839. [PMID: 29063908 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2017.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is increasing in western countries, because of changes in lifestyle and dietary habits. Mediterranean Diet (Med-Diet) is effective for cardiovascular prevention, but its relationship with NAFLD has been scarcely investigated. METHODS We included 584 consecutive outpatients presenting with one or more cardiovascular risk factor such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), arterial hypertension, overweight/obesity, and dyslipidemia. Liver steatosis was assessed using ultrasonography. Med-Diet adherence was investigated by a validated semiquantitative nine-item dietary questionnaire; patients were divided into low, intermediate, and high adherence. Insulin resistance was defined by the 75th percentile of homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; ≥3.8). RESULTS The mean age was 56.2±12.4 years and 38.2% were women. Liver steatosis was present in 82.7%, and its prevalence decreased from low to high adherence group (96.5% vs. 71.4%, P<0.001). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, hypertriglyceridemia (odds ratio (OR): 2.913; P=0.002), log (ALT) (OR: 6.186; P<0.001), Med-Diet adherence (intermediate vs. low OR: 0.115; P=0.041, high vs. low OR: 0.093; P=0.030), T2DM (OR: 3.940; P=0.003), and high waist circumference (OR: 3.012; P<0.001) were associated with NAFLD. Among single foods, low meat intake (OR: 0.178; P<0.001) was inversely significantly associated with NAFLD. In 334 non-diabetic NAFLD patients, age (OR: 1.035, P=0.025), high waist circumference (OR: 7.855, P<0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 2.152, P=0.011), and Log (ALT) (OR: 2.549, P=0.002) were directly associated with HOMA-IR, whereas Med-Diet score was inversely associated (OR: 0.801, P=0.018). CONCLUSIONS We found an inverse relationship between Med-Diet and NAFLD prevalence. Among NAFLD patients, good adherence to Med-Diet was associated with lower insulin resistance. Our findings suggest that Med-Diet may be a beneficial nutritional approach in NAFLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Baratta
- I Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Pastori
- I Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Licia Polimeni
- I Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bucci
- Department of Medical Specialties, Salerno University of Medicine, Salerno, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ceci
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, "La Sapienza" University, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Calabrese
- I Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ernesti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Pannitteri
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrologic, Anaesthesiologic and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Violi
- I Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Angelico
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Del Ben
- I Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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García-Meseguer MJ, Delicado-Soria A, Serrano-Urrea R. Fiber Patterns in Young Adults Living in Different Environments (USA, Spain, and Tunisia). Anthropometric and Lifestyle Characteristics. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9091030. [PMID: 28927012 PMCID: PMC5622790 DOI: 10.3390/nu9091030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Benefits of dietary fiber go beyond its effect on chronic diseases associated with development. Consequently, the pattern of fiber intake has been considered an indicator for diet quality. Young adults are especially vulnerable to a food environment that drives an increase in chronic diseases linked to economic development. The aim of this work was to characterize patterns of fiber intake among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 730 students enrolled at the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), the University of Carthage (Tunisia), and Florida International University (USA). Mean age was 21.2. Food consumption was self-reported in two 24-h recalls. Mean dietary fiber intake was 17.8 g, not reaching the adequate intake. Contrary to expectations, American participants were the highest consumers (p < 0.001), and also exhibited the highest BMI. Cereals, legumes, vegetables and fruit were the main food sources of fiber. Fiber from appetizers, prepared and precooked meals, sauces, spices and condiments accounted for 16.7% in American participants, 7.4% in Spanish participants and 2.6% in Tunisian participants. Total fiber intake increased with energy intake but did not depend on smoking habits and physical activity in any country. It is essential to improve consumers’ interpretation of guidelines on fiber intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José García-Meseguer
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España, s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
| | - Amalia Delicado-Soria
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España, s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
| | - Ramón Serrano-Urrea
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España, s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
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Does a grill menu redesign influence sales, nutrients purchased, and consumer acceptance in a worksite cafeteria? Prev Med Rep 2017; 8:140-147. [PMID: 29034148 PMCID: PMC5635243 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Worksite cafeterias are compelling venues to improve diet quality through environmental changes. We conducted a pre-post study to evaluate how a cafeteria-initiated grill menu redesign influenced sales, revenue, and nutrient content of foods purchased. Secondly, we evaluated consumer opinions about menu changes to inform practices for worksite environment interventions. Monthly sales data (2012–2015) were used to compute gross sales and revenue of entrées and side dishes pre-post menu changes. Alternative protein sources replaced red meat; nutrient composition and nutrients purchased were compared using Food Pro software. Consumer responses were queried using online surveys; open-ended responses were analyzed using NVivo. Differences in sales and nutrient content pre-post menu redesign were tested with Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. Gross sales of entrées (61 vs. 222 servings/month; p = 0.01) and side dishes (120 vs. 365 servings/month; p = 0.001) increased more than three-fold post-menu changes. Revenue from entrées (312 vs. 1144 USD/month; p = 0.01) and side dishes (238 vs. 914 USD/month; p = 0.001) also increased; per entrée, consumers purchased significantly more unsaturated fat (5 g), and less saturated fat (3 g) and sodium (100 mg). For side dishes, they purchased fewer calories (48 kcal) and unsaturated fat (2.9 g), but more fiber (1.8 g), and sodium (260 mg). Four themes emerged from consumer responses: the importance of 1) variety, novelty, choice; 2) cost, affordability, value; 3) health; and 4) food quality, taste. Menu redesign can improve nutrient content, while also increasing sales and revenue. Multi-dimensional assessment of the nutritional, consumer, and retailer implications is desirable practice for enacting similar environmental changes. Redesigning menus may improve nutrient content and promote sales. Consumers value variety even when well-liked offerings are available. Sodium use requires scrutiny when redesigning menu items.
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Finley JW, Dimick D, Marshall E, Nelson GC, Mein JR, Gustafson DI. Nutritional Sustainability: Aligning Priorities in Nutrition and Public Health with Agricultural Production. Adv Nutr 2017; 8:780-788. [PMID: 28916578 PMCID: PMC5593112 DOI: 10.3945/an.116.013995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition science-based dietary advice urges changes that may have a great impact on agricultural systems. For example, the 2016 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommends greatly increased fruit and vegetable consumption, but the present domestic production is insufficient to accommodate large-scale adoption of these guidelines. Increasing production to the extent needed to meet the DGA will necessitate changes in an already stressed agriculture and food system and will require nutrition and agriculture professionals to come together in open and collegial discourse. All involved need to understand the stress placed on the food system by increasing populations, changing diets, and changing environments, and recognize the major diet-based public health challenges. Furthermore, there is a need to understand the intricate interplay of the myriad parts of the food system and the vast amount of work necessary to make even small changes. New systems approaches are needed, especially at the research level, where nutrition, public health, agriculture, and the food industry work together to solve interconnected problems. Future well-being depends on a sustainable food system that continues to deliver optimal health with minimal impact on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gerald Charles Nelson
- Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
| | - Jonathan R Mein
- Vegetable Seeds Division, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, MO; and
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Heavy Drinking in Young Adulthood Increases Risk of Transitioning to Obesity. Am J Prev Med 2017; 53:169-175. [PMID: 28365088 PMCID: PMC5522652 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heavy episodic alcohol use during young adulthood may contribute to excess weight gain and transition from healthy weight to overweight/obesity. This study is the first to evaluate the association between heavy episodic drinking during early adulthood and transition to overweight/obese status 5 years later using data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. METHODS The study used data from Waves III and IV, when participants were aged 18-26 and 24-32 years, respectively. The final sample consisted of 7,941 participants with measured height/weight who reported ever drinking alcohol. Multinomial logistic regression models tested the association between heavy episodic drinking and risk of transitioning to an unhealthy weight class. RESULTS Heavy episodic drinking was associated with 41% higher risk of transitioning from normal weight to overweight (relative risk ratio, 1.41; 95% CI=1.13, 1.74; p=0.002) and 36% higher risk of transitioning from overweight to obese by Wave IV (relative risk ratio, 1.36; 95% CI=1.09, 1.71; p=0.008), compared with individuals not drinking heavily, while accounting for covariates. Heavy episodic drinking was associated with 35% higher risk of maintaining obesity (relative risk ratio, 1.35; CI=1.06, 1.72; p=0.016) and gaining excess weight (OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.03, 1.39, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Regular heavy episodic drinking in young adulthood is associated with higher risk of gaining excess weight and transitioning to overweight/obesity. Obesity prevention efforts should address heavy drinking as it relates to caloric content and risk of transitioning to an unhealthy weight class.
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Pickett S, McCoy TP. Effect of Psychosocial Factors on Eating Behaviors and BMI Among African American Women. Clin Nurs Res 2017; 27:917-935. [PMID: 28618835 DOI: 10.1177/1054773817713420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Psychosocial stress and negative emotions have been associated with the consumption of highly palatable foods and excess weight. Few studies have examined these variable relationships among young African American women. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship of perceived stress, depressive symptoms, eating behaviors, and body mass index (BMI) among 191 African American women who were 18 to 40 years old. Multivariate analysis indicated that depressive symptoms had a greater impact on highly palatable eating behaviors compared with perceived stress. This study extends understanding of depressive symptoms on eating behaviors among young African American women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas P McCoy
- 1 The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC, USA
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Raskind IG, Woodruff RC, Ballard D, Cherry ST, Daniel S, Haardörfer R, Kegler MC. Decision-making processes shaping the home food environments of young adult women with and without children. Appetite 2017; 113:124-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Roy R, Rangan A, Hebden L, Yu Louie JC, Tang LM, Kay J, Allman-Farinelli M. Dietary contribution of foods and beverages sold within a university campus and its effect on diet quality of young adults. Nutrition 2016; 34:118-123. [PMID: 28063506 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tertiary education institutions have been linked with excessive weight in young adults. However, few data are available on the effect of foods from the university food environment on the diet quality of young adults. The aim of this study was to describe the association of a number of foods and beverages consumed at university food outlets with the diet quality of young adults. METHODS This was a cross-sectional survey in which the 103 university student participants, aged 19 to 24 y, contributed 5 d of dietary data. A purposely designed, validated smartphone application was used to collect the data. Diet quality was assessed by adherence to the 2013 dietary guidelines for food groups and nutrients, and the validated Healthy Eating Index for Australians (HEIFA-2013) was applied. Individual HEIFA-2013 scores were compared with the frequency of food purchase and consumption from university outlets to assess a dose-response effect of the food environment. Comparisons by tertiles of diet quality for body mass index, waist circumference, and takeaway food consumption (university and other) were computed using a one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference between the number of university foods and beverages consumed in 5 d and the HEIFA-2013 scores: More on-campus purchases resulted in a poor-quality diet (P = 0.001). As the HEIFA-2013 tertile scores increased, there was a significant decrease in the number of university campus and other takeaway foods consumed; body mass index and waist circumference showed a decrease in trend. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to improve the diet quality of young adults attending university may benefit from approaches to improve the campus food environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajshri Roy
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Anna Rangan
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lana Hebden
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jimmy Chun Yu Louie
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lie Ming Tang
- Computer Human Adapted Interaction Research Group, School of Information Technologies, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Judy Kay
- Computer Human Adapted Interaction Research Group, School of Information Technologies, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Margaret Allman-Farinelli
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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