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Nicolaou M, Toumba M, Kythreotis A, Daher H, Skordis N. Obesogens in Adolescence: Challenging Aspects and Prevention Strategies. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:602. [PMID: 38790597 PMCID: PMC11120186 DOI: 10.3390/children11050602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Childhood obesity has become a global epidemic, with significant increases in prevalence over recent decades. While excessive calorie consumption and physical inactivity are known factors, emerging research highlights the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), particularly obesogens, in obesity's pathogenesis. This review explores the historical context of the environmental obesogens hypothesis, their sources, mechanism of action, impact on prenatal and postnatal development, and epigenetics. Additionally, it discusses the long-term consequences of childhood obesity and proposes prevention strategies that will mitigate negative health effects. Obesogens were found to disrupt hormonal balance and metabolic processes through various mechanisms such as altering gene expression, hormonal interference, and inflammation. Especially significant was exposure during critical windows of development, which correlates with an increased risk of obesity in childhood or adolescence. Long-term effects of childhood obesity include chronic health conditions and psychosocial issues. A comprehensive approach is necessary to address childhood obesity encompassing genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Prevention strategies should focus on reducing obesogen exposure, promoting healthy lifestyles, and implementing regulatory policies. Future research should investigate obesogens-diet interactions, microbiome impacts, and combined obesogens effects. Long-term human studies are also crucial for validating findings from animal models and allowing for informed decision-making to combat the obesity pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Nicolaou
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (M.N.); (A.K.)
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Paediatric Endocrinology Clinic, Department of Paediatrics, Aretaeio Hospital, 2024 Nicosia, Cyprus;
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, 2414 Nicosia, Cyprus;
| | - Alexandros Kythreotis
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (M.N.); (A.K.)
| | - Habib Daher
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, 2414 Nicosia, Cyprus;
| | - Nicos Skordis
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, 2414 Nicosia, Cyprus;
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Paediatrics, 2025 Nicosia, Cyprus
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2
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Godbharle S, Kesa H, Jeyakumar A. Processed food consumption and risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa: evidence from Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) VII. J Nutr Sci 2024; 13:e19. [PMID: 38572366 PMCID: PMC10988147 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2024.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to analyse the association between processed food consumption and the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa. In this empirical study, we analysed nationally representative secondary data obtained from the South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) VII. The survey included 13,288 occupied households, of which 11,083 were interviewed. In the interviewed households, 12,717 eligible adults aged 15 and older were identified and 10,336 were successfully interviewed. The study included four processed food groups (i.e. fried foods, takeaway foods/fast foods, salty snacks/packed chips, and processed meats) and eight NCDs (i.e. hypertension, cardiac arrest, cancer, stroke, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, and asthma). As per the logistic regression results following adjustment, none of the disease states showed association with all four processed food groups. However, at least three processed food groups showed a significant positive association with hypertension, cardiac arrest, and diabetes. Two processed food groups showed significant positive association with stroke, and chronic bronchitis; one with hypercholesterolaemia and asthma; and cancer was not associated with any food groups. Processed meat and salted snacks/packed chips were each associated with five chronic conditions. In summary, we found that the consumption of any of the processed food groups increased the risk of NCDs in the South African population. Enabling policy and regulatory efforts in the production and distribution of processed foods, combined with improved awareness among the population need to be prioritised for immediate action. Facilitating the populations to choose traditional healthy diets would be a sustainable strategy for the prevention of NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapnil Godbharle
- Food Evolution Research Laboratory (FERL), School of Tourism and Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Hema Kesa
- Food Evolution Research Laboratory (FERL), School of Tourism and Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Angeline Jeyakumar
- Food Evolution Research Laboratory (FERL), School of Tourism and Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Nutrition, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
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Ali-Alsaadi AA, Cabeza-Ramírez LJ, Sántos-Roldán L, Loor-Zambrano HY. Digital Marketing and Fast-Food Intake in the UAE: The Role of Firm-Generated Content among Adult Consumers. Foods 2023; 12:4089. [PMID: 38002147 PMCID: PMC10670300 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224089] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the contemporary digital marketing context, this study aimed to investigate the influence of firm-generated content and social media advertising on fast-food consumption patterns among the adult population. Utilizing a questionnaire distributed to customers of a restaurant in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, convenience sampling was employed. The findings underscored a significant positive relationship between firm-generated content and social media engagement, as well as between the latter and online shopping behavior. However, it was determined that word of mouth did not significantly moderate the relationship between attitudes towards social media advertisements and fast-food consumption patterns. From a theoretical perspective, these results enrich the understanding of how digital dynamics shape consumer behavior in specific contexts. Practically speaking, they prompt a critical reflection on the ethics of marketing in promoting products potentially detrimental to health, urging both companies and policymakers to reconsider their strategies and regulations, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed Ali-Alsaadi
- Department of Statistics, Econometrics, Operations Research, Business Organization and Applied Economics, Faculty of Law, Business and Economic Sciences, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain; ali--- (A.A.A.-A.); (L.S.-R.)
| | - L. Javier Cabeza-Ramírez
- Department of Statistics, Econometrics, Operations Research, Business Organization and Applied Economics, Faculty of Law, Business and Economic Sciences, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain; ali--- (A.A.A.-A.); (L.S.-R.)
| | - Luna Sántos-Roldán
- Department of Statistics, Econometrics, Operations Research, Business Organization and Applied Economics, Faculty of Law, Business and Economic Sciences, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain; ali--- (A.A.A.-A.); (L.S.-R.)
| | - Halder Yandry Loor-Zambrano
- Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas y Económicas, Universidad Técnica de Manabí (UTM), Portoviejo 130105, Manabí, Ecuador;
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Danpanichkul P, Ng CH, Muthiah MD, Duangsonk K, Yong JN, Tan DJH, Lim WH, Wong ZY, Syn N, Tsusumi T, Takahashi H, Siddiqui MS, Wong VWS, Mantzoros CS, Huang DQ, Noureddin M, Loomba R, Sanyal AJ, Wijarnpreecha K. The silent burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the elderly: A global burden of disease analysis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:1062-1074. [PMID: 37694808 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a significant health threat worldwide. The growing trend towards an aging population, along with an alarming rise in obesity and diabetes, may have significant implications for the burden of NAFLD. AIM To assess the impact of NAFLD on the elderly. METHODS We utilised data from the Global Burden of Disease study between 2010 and 2019 to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with NAFLD in the elderly (65-89 years), stratified by region, nation, sociodemographic Index and sex. RESULTS Globally, there were an estimated 228 million cases, 87,230 deaths and 1.46 million DALYs attributed to NAFLD in the elderly. Geographically, the Western Pacific region had the highest burden of NAFLD in the elderly. From 2010 to 2019, there was an increasing prevalence rate in all areas, with the most pronounced change observed in the Western Pacific region (annual percentage change (APC) +0.95%, p < 0.001). Over the study period, there was a more rapid increase in NAFLD prevalence in men (APC +0.74%, p < 0.001) than in women (APC +0.63%, p < 0.001). In most regions, death and DALYs rates have declined, with the exception of the Americas, where there was a slight increase (APC +0.25%, p = 0.002 and 0.38%, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Over the past decade, the burden of NAFLD in the elderly has been increasing, necessitating immediate and inclusive measures to tackle the rising burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pojsakorn Danpanichkul
- Immunology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mark D Muthiah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Kwanjit Duangsonk
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jie Ning Yong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Darren Jun Hao Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Hui Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhen Yu Wong
- Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nicholas Syn
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tsubasa Tsusumi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Takahashi
- Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Mohammad Shadab Siddiqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Internal Medicine, Boston VA Healthcare System, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | | | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Karn Wijarnpreecha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Danpanichkul P, Kongarin S, Permpatdechakul S, Polpichai N, Duangsonk K, Manosroi W, Chaiyakunapruk N, Mousa OY, Kim D, Chen VL, Wijarnpreecha K. The Surreptitious Burden of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Elderly in the Asia-Pacific Region: An Insight from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6456. [PMID: 37892594 PMCID: PMC10607093 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a significant health threat worldwide. The aging population and a rise in metabolic syndrome in Asia might influence the epidemiology of NAFLD among the elderly. However, there is a lack of understanding of the burden and recommendations for NAFLD in this group. Our study sought to investigate the trends in the NAFLD burden among the elderly in the Asia-Pacific region. We employed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study for an in-depth analysis of the prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) along with age-standardized rate (ASR) associated with NAFLD in elderly populations (age 65-89 years) across the Asia-Pacific region, including the Southeast Asia (SEA) and Western Pacific (WP) regions, from 2010 to 2019. This study also examined the trends and disparities in NAFLD burden across different nations and sexes. In 2019, there were over 120 million cases of NAFLD in the elderly in the Asia-Pacific region. The ASR of prevalence was higher in SEA compared to WP (36,995.37 vs. 32,821.78 per 100,000). ASR of prevalence increased with annual percentage change (APC) +0.95% in the WP while it increased by +0.87% in SEA. During the study period, the ASR of DALYs decreased in SEA (APC -0.41%) but remained stable in the WP region. The burden of NAFLD in the elderly population in Asia-Pacific has increased, underscoring the timely intervention to tackle this high and rising burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pojsakorn Danpanichkul
- Immunology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Siwanart Kongarin
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | | | - Natchaya Polpichai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Weiss Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60640, USA;
| | - Kwanjit Duangsonk
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Worapaka Manosroi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Clinical Epidemiology and Clinical Statistics Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
- IDEAS Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Omar Y. Mousa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Mayo Clinic Health System, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Donghee Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Vincent L. Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 41809, USA
| | - Karn Wijarnpreecha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
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The Interplay of Dietary Fibers and Intestinal Microbiota Affects Type 2 Diabetes by Generating Short-Chain Fatty Acids. Foods 2023; 12:foods12051023. [PMID: 36900540 PMCID: PMC10001013 DOI: 10.3390/foods12051023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Foods contain dietary fibers which can be classified into soluble and insoluble forms. The nutritional composition of fast foods is considered unhealthy because it negatively affects the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Dietary fiber is resistant to digestive enzymes in the gut, which modulates the anaerobic intestinal microbiota (AIM) and fabricates SCFAs. Acetate, butyrate, and propionate are dominant in the gut and are generated via Wood-Ljungdahl and acrylate pathways. In pancreatic dysfunction, the release of insulin/glucagon is impaired, leading to hyperglycemia. SCFAs enhance insulin sensitivity or secretion, beta-cell function, leptin release, mitochondrial function, and intestinal gluconeogenesis in human organs, which positively affects type 2 diabetes (T2D). Research models have shown that SCFAs either enhance the release of peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) from L-cells (entero-endocrine), or promotes the release of leptin hormone in adipose tissues through G-protein receptors GPR-41 and GPR-43. Dietary fiber is a component that influences the production of SCFAs by AIM, which may have beneficial effects on T2D. This review focuses on the effectiveness of dietary fiber in producing SCFAs in the colon by the AIM as well as the health-promoting effects on T2D.
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7
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Chai D, Meng T, Zhang D. Influence of Food Safety Concerns and Satisfaction with Government Regulation on Organic Food Consumption of Chinese Urban Residents. Foods 2022; 11:foods11192965. [PMID: 36230045 PMCID: PMC9564008 DOI: 10.3390/foods11192965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to study the impact of food safety concerns and government regulation on Chinese urban residents’ organic food consumption willingness and behavior, an “online + offline” survey of 799 urban residents in Beijing has been conducted. Based on the theory of planned behavior, a structural equation model (SEM) was established and the government’s food production support regulation (GP) and sales guarantee regulation (GC) were incorporated separately into the SEM as moderator variables. The path influence coefficients of respondents’ food safety concerns, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on organic food consumption willingness were 0.065 (p < 0.05), 0.174 (p < 0.01) and 0.574 (p < 0.01), respectively. The influence of GP on organic food consumption willingness was 0.243 (p < 0.01), but its moderating effect on the promotion effect of food safety concerns and attitude to organic food consumption willingness was −0.001 (p < 0.01). The moderating effect of GC on the transformation from consumption willingness to behavior was 0.083 (p < 0.05). The results show that respondents attach the most importance to the comparison of costs and the benefits of organic food. Although the government’s food production regulation will weaken the driving effect of food safety concern and benefit perception of organic food consumption willingness, it will still promote organic food consumption willingness on the whole. The government’s supervision of food processing and sales is conducive to the occurrence of organic food consumption behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Chai
- School of Government, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ting Meng
- Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy, Beijing Food Safety Policy and Strategy Research Base, College of Economics and Management, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
- Correspondence:
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Estimation of Sodium Availability and Food Sources from 2018 to 2019 and Its Trends during the 2004-2019 Period in Costa Rica. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153200. [PMID: 35956376 PMCID: PMC9370525 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium availability and food sources in 2018−2019 were estimated and trends analyzed for 15 years (2004−2019) in Costa Rica. Food purchase records from the National Household Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH) 2018−2019 were converted to energy and sodium using food composition tables measuring “apparent consumption”. Foods were classified by sodium content. ENIGH is a probabilistic, stratified, two-stage and replicated national survey, carried out regularly by the national statistics institution. Results from the 2004−2005 and 2012−2013 ENIGHs came from previous analysis. Differences between periods were determined through descriptive and inferential statistics. The available sodium adjusted to 2000 kcal/person/day was 3.40, 3.86, and 3.84 g/person/day (g/p/d) for periods 2004−2005, 2013−2014, and 2018−2019, respectively. In this last period, this was 3.94 urban and 3.60 g/p/d rural (p < 0.05), with a non-linear increase with income. During 2004−2019 sodium from salt and salt-based condiments increased from 69.5 to 75.5%; the contribution of common salt increased, from 60.2 to 64.8% and condiments without added salt from 9.3 to 10.7%. From 2012−2013 to 2018−2019, processed and ultra-processed foods with added sodium intake increased from 14.2 to 16.9% and decreased in prepared meals (7.2 to 2.8%). Costa Rica has been successful in reducing salt/sodium available for consumption; after a 12% increase of salt consumption between 2004−2005 and 2012−2013, to a level almost twice as high as recommended, it has stabilized in the last period.
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9
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Popkin BM. Does excessive fast-food consumption impair our health? Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 116:11-12. [PMID: 35679428 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Barry M Popkin
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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10
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School Food Environment in Urban Zambia: A Qualitative Analysis of Drivers of Adolescent Food Choices and Their Policy Implications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127460. [PMID: 35742706 PMCID: PMC9224334 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Identifying context specific points for reforming policy to promote healthier food environments and consumer behavior in critical life stages like adolescence is crucial in addressing the double burden of malnutrition. Using a qualitative study design, we conducted 20 focus group discussions with grade 10 pupils from ten secondary schools in Lusaka. Turner’s framework which conceptualizes the food environment into two domains—the external domain (availability, pricing, vendor and product properties, and marketing and regulation of food) and the internal domain (accessibility, affordability, convenience, and desirability of food)—was used to guide thematic data analysis and results interpretation. Adolescents stated their food choices are largely based on personal preference linked to the need for social acceptability among peers. Adolescents felt their food choice is limited to ‘cheap junk foods’ which are affordable and readily available at school. Healthy foods like fruits were said to be inaccessible and unaffordable by the majority of adolescents. Some adolescents stated they were attracted to certain foods by adverts they see on TV and social media. School food environments in urban Lusaka do not support healthy food choices. Policy reforms are required to increase access to affordable healthy food options in schools, and to curb the indiscriminate marketing of unhealthy foods to adolescents.
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11
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Bauer JM, Nielsen KS, Hofmann W, Reisch LA. Healthy eating in the wild: An experience-sampling study of how food environments and situational factors shape out-of-home dietary success. Soc Sci Med 2022; 299:114869. [PMID: 35278829 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Across many parts of the world, people increasingly eat out-of-home. Simultaneously, many people strive to eat a healthier diet, but it remains unclear to what extent and how eating out helps or hinders people in achieving their dietary goals. The present study investigated how characteristics of the physical micro-environment in out-of-home food outlets (e.g., cafeterias, supermarkets, and restaurants) influence the healthiness of food choices among a sample of German adults with a goal to eat healthier. We used an experience sampling method to obtain detailed information about people's motivation for selecting a specific food outlet and the outlet's micro-environment. We further asked for people's mood, visceral state, and thoughts during their food choice and obtained evaluations of food choices reported near their occurrence and in externally valid conditions. The data was collected via a mobile app over a period of six to eleven days between November and December of 2018 in Germany with a sample of 409 participants (nobs = 6447). We find that even health-conscious people select food outlets and their respective micro-environments based on short-term goals, such as ease, taste, and speed of a consumption episode rather than long-term health outcomes. Using multiple regression, we show that micro-environments that promote healthy food, make such food more appealing and easier to select facilitate healthy food choices. We further identify some of the psychological mechanisms through which the micro-environment can affect food choices, as well as how individual characteristics moderate the relationship between specific micro-environmental factors and goal success. Taken together, our findings suggest the opportunity for, and arguably also necessity of, reshaping food environments to better facilitate healthier choices and support public health in the face of increasing out-of-home food consumption and the adverse consequences of unhealthy diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M Bauer
- Department of Management, Society and Communication, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Lucia A Reisch
- El-Erian Institute for Behavioural Economics and Policy, Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK.
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12
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Wolfson JA, Willits-Smith AM, Leung CW, Heller MC, Rose D. Cooking at Home, Fast Food, Meat Consumption, and Dietary Carbon Footprint among US Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:853. [PMID: 35055675 PMCID: PMC8775624 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Shifting consumer behavior towards more sustainable diets can benefit environmental sustainability and human health. Although more frequent home cooking is associated with a better diet quality and fast-food consumption with worse diet quality, the environmental impact of diets based on frequency of cooking or eating fast food is not well understood. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the frequency of cooking dinner at home or eating fast food is associated with dietary greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). We linked 24-h dietary recall data from adult respondents in the 2007-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (N = 11,469) to a database of GHGE factors to obtain a measure of dietary GHGE (kgCO2-eq/2000 kcal) (the sum of emissions released in the production of food for an individual's diet), adjusted by energy intake (kgCO2-eq/2000 kcal). We examined associations between frequency of cooking dinner (the only meal for which cooking frequency was measured), frequency of eating fast food, and dietary GHGE and protein sources (beef, pork, poultry, other meat, and fish and seafood (g/2000 kcal)) using generalized linearized regression models that controlled for age, sex, and other socio-economic characteristics. Greater cooking frequency was associated with higher dietary GHGE. In fully adjusted models, cooking 5-6 times/week was associated with an additional 0.058 kgCO2-eq/2000 kcal (SE 0.033) and cooking 7 times/week was associated with an additional 0.057 kgCO2-eq/2000 kcal (SE 0.027) when compared to cooking 0-2 times/week. Individuals in households who cooked dinner more frequently consumed significantly more meat, poultry, and fish (cooking 7 times/week: 148.7 g/2000 kcal vs. cooking 0-2 times/week: 135.4 g/2000 kcal, p-trend = 0.005), which could explain the association with a higher carbon footprint diet. There were few associations of note between fast-food frequency and GHGE. Policies and interventions that reduce consumption of meat and increase consumption of plants when both cooking meals at home and eating meals out are needed to shift toward diets that will be beneficial for both human health and the health of the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Wolfson
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Amelia M. Willits-Smith
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.M.W.-S.); (D.R.)
| | - Cindy W. Leung
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Martin C. Heller
- Center for Sustainable Systems, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Donald Rose
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.M.W.-S.); (D.R.)
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Edney SM, Park SH, Tan L, Chua XH, Dickens BSL, Rebello SA, Petrunoff N, Müller AM, Tan CS, Müller-Riemenschneider F, van Dam RM. Advancing understanding of dietary and movement behaviours in an Asian population through real-time monitoring: Protocol of the Continuous Observations of Behavioural Risk Factors in Asia study (COBRA). Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221110534. [PMID: 35795338 PMCID: PMC9251970 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221110534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases, including eating an unhealthy diet and being physically inactive, are influenced by complex and dynamic interactions between people and their social and physical environment. Therefore, understanding patterns and determinants of these risk factors as they occur in real life is essential to enable the design of precision public health interventions. Objective This paper describes the protocol for the Continuous Observations of Behavioural Risk Factors in Asia study (COBRA). The study uses real-time data capture methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of eating and movement behaviours, including how these differ by socio-demographic characteristics and are shaped by people's interaction with their social and physical environment. Methods COBRA is an observational study in free-living conditions. We will recruit 1500 adults aged 21-69 years from a large prospective cohort study. Real-time data capture methods will be used for nine consecutive days: an ecological momentary assessment app with a global positioning system enabled to collect location data, accelerometers to measure movement, and wearable sensors to monitor blood glucose levels. Participants receive six EMA surveys per day between 8 a.m. and 9.30 p.m. to capture information on behavioural risk factors including eating behaviours and diet composition movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep), and related contextual factors. The second wave of ecological momentary assessment surveys with a global positioning system enabled will be sent 6 months later. Data will be analysed using generalised linear models to examine associations between behavioural risk factors and contextual determinants. Discussion Findings from this study will advance our understanding of dietary and movement behaviours as they occur in real-life and inform the development of personalised interventions to prevent chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Martine Edney
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Su Hyun Park
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Linda Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xin Hui Chua
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Borame Sue Lee Dickens
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Salome A Rebello
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nick Petrunoff
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andre Matthias Müller
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheun Seng Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Falk Müller-Riemenschneider
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rob M van Dam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Departments of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Epidemiology, Milken Institute of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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14
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Popkin BM, Barquera S, Corvalan C, Hofman KJ, Monteiro C, Ng SW, Swart EC, Taillie LS. Towards unified and impactful policies to reduce ultra-processed food consumption and promote healthier eating. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2021; 9:462-470. [PMID: 33865500 PMCID: PMC8217149 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(21)00078-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The global surges in obesity and nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have created a need for decisive new food policy initiatives. A major concern has been the impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and ultra-processed drinks on weight gain and on the risk of several NCDs. These foods, generally high in calories, added sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats, and poor in fibre, protein, and micronutrients, have extensive negative effects on human health and on the environment (due to their associated carbon emission and water use). There is a growing tendency worldwide, and especially in South America, for food companies to add micronutrients to UPFs to make health claims regarding these products, to which food-regulating authorities refer to fake foods. Although more than 45 countries and smaller subregional or urban entities have created taxes on ultra-processed drinks, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, only a few have adopted taxes on snacks and other UPFs, and none have added major subsidies for truly healthy, fresh or minimally processed food for people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Another major focus has been on developing effective package labelling. A smaller number of countries have selected the most impactful warning labels and linked them with other measures to create a mutually reinforcing set of policies; a few other countries have developed effective school food policies. We herein present in-depth results from key countries involved in all these actions and in comprehensive marketing controls, and conclude with our recommendations for the future. This field is quite new; progress to date is substantial, but much more is left to learn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry M Popkin
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Simon Barquera
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Camila Corvalan
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karen J Hofman
- South African Medical Research Council Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science (PRICELESS SA), Faculty of Health Sciences School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Carlos Monteiro
- Center for Epidemiological Studies in Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Shu Wen Ng
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Swart
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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15
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Healthy Food on the Twitter Social Network: Vegan, Homemade, and Organic Food. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073815. [PMID: 33917406 PMCID: PMC8038714 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Online social networks have become an everyday aspect of many people’s lives. Users spend more and more time on these platforms and, through their interactions on social media platforms, they create active and passive digital footprints. These data have a strong potential in many research areas; indeed, understanding people’s communication on social media is essential for understanding their attitudes, experiences, behaviors and values. Researchers have found that the use of social networking sites impacts eating behavior; thus, analyzing social network data is important for understanding the meaning behind expressions used in the context of healthy food. This study performed a communication analysis of data from the social network Twitter, which included 666,178 messages posted by 168,134 individual users. These data comprised all tweets that used the #healthyfood hashtag between 2019 and 2020 on Twitter. The results revealed that users most commonly associate healthy food with a healthy lifestyle, diet, and fitness. Foods associated with this hashtag were vegan, homemade, and organic. Given that people change their behavior according to other people’s behavior on social networks, these data could be used to identify current and future associations with current and future perceptions of healthy food characteristics.
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