Obesity as a "self-regulated epidemic": coverage of obesity in Chinese newspapers

Assigning Responsibility for Depression and Diabetes: Frame Building Factors in Health Coverage

Although frame building is a crucial part of framing in health communication, it is much less understood than media frames or their effects on audiences (i.e. frame setting). To address this research gap, we analyzed the individual, organizational, and external factors of influence contributing to the media's portrayal of responsibility for two major health issues: depression and diabetes. To identify relevant factors, we conducted 23 semi-structured interviews with German journalists who regularly report on these health issues. Our findings indicate that the way in which media coverage portrays responsibilities in depression and diabetes is affected by a variety of factors. These include individual (journalist role perception, journalistic routines, academic background and personal experiences with depression, diabetes-related knowledge, and personal values and beliefs), organizational (editorial lines, space limits, time limitations and payment, and newsroom structures), and external (health news sources, audience interest, newsworthiness, and social norms) factors. Notably, there are differences between depression and diabetes coverage - especially regarding individual factors - confirming that frame building, similar to framing in general, should be examined with regard to specific issues. Nevertheless, some factors that seem important across different topics could be identified.

Elucidation of Anti-Obesity Mechanisms of Phenolics in Artemisiae argyi Folium (Aiye) by Integrating LC-MS, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking

The global prevalence of obesity is a pressing health issue, increasing the medical burden and posing significant health risks to humans. The side effects and complications associated with conventional medication and surgery have spurred the search for anti-obesity drugs from plant resources. Previous studies have suggested that Artemisiae argyi Folium (Aiye) water extracts could inhibit pancreatic lipase activities, control body weight increase, and improve the plasma lipids profile. However, the exact components and mechanisms were not precisely understood. Therefore, this research aims to identify the chemical profile of Aiye and provide a comprehensive prediction of its anti-obesity mechanisms. The water extract of Aiye was subjected to LC-MS analysis, which identified 30 phenolics. The anti-obesity mechanisms of these phenolics were then predicted, employing network pharmacology and molecular docking. Among the 30 phenolics, 21 passed the drug-likeness screening and exhibited 486 anti-obesity targets. The enrichment analysis revealed that these phenolics may combat obesity through PI3K-Akt signaling and MAPK, prolactin, and cAMP signaling pathways. Eight phenolics and seven central targets were selected for molecular docking, and 45 out of 56 docking had a binding affinity of less than -5 kcal/mol. This research has indicated the potential therapy targets and signaling pathways of Aiye in combating obesity.

The effects of a low carbohydrate diet combined with partial meal replacement on obese individuals

OBJECTIVE

We explored the dietary effects of replacing normal dietary staple foods with supplementary nutritional protein powder, dietary fiber, and fish oil on several metabolic parameters. We examined weight loss, glucose and lipid metabolism, and intestinal flora in obese individuals when compared with individuals on a reduced staple food low carbohydrate diet.

METHODS

From inclusion and exclusion criteria, 99 participants (28 kg/m² ≤ body mass index (BMI) ≤ 35 kg/m²) were recruited and randomly assigned to control and intervention 1 and 2 groups. Physical examinations and biochemical indices were performed/gathered before the intervention and at 4 and 13 weeks post intervention. After 13 weeks, feces was collected and 16s rDNA sequenced.

RESULTS

After 13 weeks, when compared with controls, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure values in intervention group 1 were significantly reduced. In intervention group 2, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and hip circumference were significantly reduced. Triglyceride (TG) levels in both intervention groups were significantly reduced. Fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, glycosylated albumin, total cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B levels in intervention group 1 were decreased, while high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) decreased slightly. Glycosylated albumin, TG, and total cholesterol levels in intervention group 2 decreased, while HDL-c decreased slightly, High sensitive C-reactive protein, MPO, Ox-LDL, LEP, TGF-β₁, IL-6, GPLD1, pro NT, GPC-4, and LPS levels in both intervention groups were lower when compared with controls. Adiponectin (ADPN) levels in intervention groups were higher when compared with controls. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in intervention group 1 were lower when compared with controls. There is no obvious difference in α diversity and β diversity between intestinal flora of 3 groups. Among the first 10 species of Phylum, only the control group and the intervention group 2 had significantly higher Patescibacteria than the intervention group 1. Among the first 10 species of Genus, only the number of Agathobacter in intervention group 2 was significantly higher than that in control group and intervention group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that an LCD, where nutritional protein powder replaced some staple foods and dietary fiber and fish oil were simultaneously supplemented, significantly reduced weight and improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in obese individuals when compared with an LCD which reduced staple food intake.

Relationships among Physical Self-Concept, Physical Activity and Mediterranean Diet in Adolescents from the Province of Granada

The aim of the present research was to analyse the relationships among physical self-concept, physical activity engagement and Mediterranean diet adherence in a sample of 1650 secondary school students from the province of Granada. The study design was descriptive-exploratory, cross-sectional and ex post facto. Measurements were taken from a single group. The PSQ, PAQ-A and KIDMED questionnaires were used to measure diet quality. Results showed the presence of a positive relationship among all dimensions of physical self-concept and physical activity engagement, with better outcomes being achieved in this self-perception with increasing engagement in sport. With regard to diet quality and its repercussions on physical self-concept, it was highlighted that the dimensions of the general self-concept, physical attractiveness and strength tended to be more positive as quality improved. In contrast, worse outcomes were produced in those with a low-quality diet. In this way, it was deemed necessary to continue investigating psychosocial factors with the aim of clarifying the relationships with psychological factors and health indicators. This would enable the development of prevention and intervention programs focused on promoting wellbeing in adolescents.

A systematic literature review on obesity: Understanding the causes & consequences of obesity and reviewing various machine learning approaches used to predict obesity

Obesity is considered a principal public health concern and ranked as the fifth foremost reason for death globally. Overweight and obesity are one of the main lifestyle illnesses that leads to further health concerns and contributes to numerous chronic diseases, including cancers, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization also predicted that 30% of death in the world will be initiated with lifestyle diseases in 2030 and can be stopped through the suitable identification and addressing of associated risk factors and behavioral involvement policies. Thus, detecting and diagnosing obesity as early as possible is crucial. Therefore, the machine learning approach is a promising solution to early predictions of obesity and the risk of overweight because it can offer quick, immediate, and accurate identification of risk factors and condition likelihoods. The present study conducted a systematic literature review to examine obesity research and machine learning techniques for the prevention and treatment of obesity from 2010 to 2020. Accordingly, 93 papers are identified from the review articles as primary studies from an initial pool of over 700 papers addressing obesity. Consequently, this study initially recognized the significant potential factors that influence and cause adult obesity. Next, the main diseases and health consequences of obesity and overweight are investigated. Ultimately, this study recognized the machine learning methods that can be used for the prediction of obesity. Finally, this study seeks to support decision-makers looking to understand the impact of obesity on health in the general population and identify outcomes that can be used to guide health authorities and public health to further mitigate threats and effectively guide obese people globally.

The relationship between body weight and dietary restraint is explained by body dissatisfaction and body image inflexibility among young adults in China

OBJECTIVE

Eating disorders and obesity are commonly recognized as key public health concerns worldwide. Although rates of obesity and disordered eating have traditionally been lower in China than Western countries, these rates are on the rise. As such, interest is growing in identifying mechanisms that may address these conditions. While associations between body weight and dissatisfaction are well established, burgeoning research aims to examine how these factors are related to dietary restraint and body image inflexibility. This study aimed to explore the possible mediation effect of body dissatisfaction and body image inflexibility between body weight (body mass index) and dietary restraint. Furthermore, we explored how these relationships differed across men and women.

METHODS

A sample of 1068 young adults (563 females and 505 males) in China participated in the study. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire as well as the Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Results showed that: (1) body dissatisfaction and body image inflexibility fully mediated the relationship between body mass index and dietary restraint; (2) this model fit both genders, although differences were found in the regression coefficients between the mediation model for men and women.

CONCLUSION

These findings support body image dissatisfaction and inflexibility as mediators of the relationship between body weight and dietary restraint, highlighting these as potential mechanisms for treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case-control analytic study.

The association between body appreciation and body mass index among males and females: A meta-analysis

To date, a number of studies have reported an association between body appreciation and body mass index (BMI), but the findings are not consistent. Using a meta-analytic approach, the current study aimed to clarify this association as well as to explore what factors might have contributed to the inconsistency across previous studies. By searching and screening potential studies published up to June 2019 in four databases, we identified 26 articles that reported an association between body appreciation and BMI among males, and 59 articles among females. Under a random-effects model, among males the overall estimate of the association between body appreciation and BMI was negative and small, with the pooled r = -.20 (95 % CI: -.25, -.14) and an adjusted (for publication bias) pooled r = -.11 (95 % CI: -.16, -.06). Among females, the overall estimate of the association was negative and small (but close to moderate), with r = -.27 (95 % CI: -.30, -.24). A mixed-effects model identified several moderators that contributed to the inconsistency across previous studies. These results indicate that the overall negative association between body appreciation and BMI is weak among males, and slightly larger among females. Potential explanations, implications, and future research directions are discussed.