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Wood B, Karouzakis C, Sievert K, Gallasch S, Sacks G. Protecting whose welfare? A document analysis of competition regulatory decisions in four jurisdictions across three harmful consumer product industries. Global Health 2024; 20:70. [PMID: 39358716 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01076-2] [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: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND METHODS Competition regulation has a strong influence on the relative market power of firms. As such, competition regulation can complement industry-specific measures designed to address harms associated with excessive market power in harmful consumer product industries. This study aimed to examine, through a public health lens, assessments and decisions made by competition authorities in four jurisdictions (Australia, South Africa, the United States (US), and the European Union (EU)) involving three harmful consumer product industries (alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, tobacco). We analysed legal case documents, sourced from online public registers and dating back as far as the online records extended, using a narrative approach. Regulatory decisions and harms described by the authorities were inductively coded, focusing on the affected group(s) (e.g., consumers) and the nature of the harms (e.g., price increases) identified. RESULTS We identified 359 cases published by competition authorities in Australia (n = 202), South Africa (n = 44), the US (n = 27), and the EU (n = 86). Most cases (n = 239) related to mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Competition authorities in Australia, the US, and the EU were found to make many decisions oriented towards increasing the affordability and accessibility of alcohol beverages, soft drinks, and tobacco products. Such decisions were very often made despite the presence of consumption-reduction public health policies. In comparison, South Africa's competition authorities routinely considered broader issues, including 'Black Economic Empowerment' and potential harms to workers. CONCLUSION Many of the competition regulatory decisions assessed likely facilitated the concentration of market power in the industries we explored. Nevertheless, there appears to be potential for competition regulatory frameworks to play a more prominent role in promoting and protecting the public's health through tighter regulation of excessive market power in harmful consumer product industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wood
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia.
| | - Chrissa Karouzakis
- Deakin Law School, Deakin University, Burwood, 221 Burwood Highway, Victoria, 3125, Australia
| | - Katherine Sievert
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia
| | - Sven Gallasch
- Deakin Law School, Deakin University, Burwood, 221 Burwood Highway, Victoria, 3125, Australia
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia
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de Vos ES, Mulders AGMGJ, Koning AHJ, Smit HS, Rossem LV, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. Periconceptional maternal intake of ultra-processed foods, energy and macronutrients the impact on imaging markers of early utero-placental vascular development: The rotterdam periconception cohort. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:46-53. [PMID: 39321745 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.09.033] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The quantity and quality of maternal nutrition in the periconception period is an important determinant for embryonic and foetal development and subsequent pregnancy course and outcome. The intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has increased worldwide and adverse health outcomes have been reported. However, the impact of UPF intake on the placenta, essential for prenatal nourishment, is unknown. Therefore, we aim to investigate associations between the periconceptional maternal intake of UPF, energy and related macronutrients, and first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. METHODS We included 214 ongoing pregnancies in the Virtual Placenta study, a subcohort of the Rotterdam periconception cohort. At enrollment, participants filled out a food frequency questionnaire from which we calculated the average daily energy from UPF, total energy intake and macronutrient intake from UPF. At 7-9-11 weeks of gestation, we performed sequential three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasounds of the first-trimester utero-placental vasculature. Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) software, Virtual Reality segmentation and a skeletonization algorithm were applied to measure placental volume (PV), utero-placental vascular volume (uPVV) and generate the utero-placental vascular skeleton (uPVS). Absolute vascular morphology was quantified by assigning a morphologic characteristic to each voxel in the uPVS (end-, bifurcation-, crossing- or vessel point) and used to calculate density of vascular branching. Linear mixed models adjusted for confounders were used to investigate associations between maternal intake of UPF, total energy and macronutrients from UPF and PV, uPVV and uPVS characteristics. RESULTS Energy intake from UPF and total energy intake were not consistently associated with imaging markers of utero-placental vascular development. Higher carbohydrate intake of 10 g/day from UPF was associated with increased uPVS trajectories (end points (β = 0.34, 95%CI = 0.07; 0.61), bifurcation points (β = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.05; 0.70), vessel points (β = 0.957, 95%CI = 0.21; 1.71). No associations were observed with PV. CONCLUSIONS Against our hypothesis, periconceptional maternal intake of UPF and total energy were not convincingly associated with impaired first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. Remarkably, the increased intake of carbohydrates from UPF, which is often considered 'unhealthy', is positively associated with first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. Given the complexity of diet, further research should elucidate what underlies these findings to be able to interpret how nutrition may impact utero-placental vascular development in early pregnancy. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER This study is registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NTR6854).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline S de Vos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annemarie G M G J Mulders
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anton H J Koning
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hilco S Smit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lenie van Rossem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Régine P M Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Haneberg J, Molin M, Gjeitung Byfuglien M, Garnweidner-Holme L. Vegetarians' and vegans' experiences with and attitudes towards ultra-processed foods (UPF): a qualitative study. BMC Nutr 2024; 10:121. [PMID: 39267198 PMCID: PMC11396134 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00925-y] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is increasing in many countries. Simultaneously, there is a growing number of consumers that follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, many due to its possible positive impact on sustainability and food waste. However, little is known about attitudes towards and experiences with UPF among vegetarians and vegans. Thus, this study investigates vegetarians' and vegans' experiences with and attitudes towards UPFs. METHODS We conducted semi-structured, individual interviews with 14 participants between September and December 2021. The participants were from different areas in Norway. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke. RESULTS In general, participants appeared to have diverse knowledge of and divergent attitudes towards UPFs. However, participants mainly associated substitute products (e.g. meat substitutes, dairy substitutes) as UPFs. They appreciated the increased availability of vegetarian and vegan UPF which made it easier for them to follow a plant-based diet. They enjoyed the taste and consistency of vegetarian and vegan UPF. However, participants expressed concerns about the effects that industrial processing has on the products' nutritional content. CONCLUSION This study indicated that there was a diverse knowledge of and various attitudes towards UPFs among the participating vegetarians and vegans. Public information and guidelines about using UPF (e.g. meat substitutes, dairy substitutes) in vegetarian and vegan diets are needed, as well as information about their possible impact on health and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Haneberg
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, Oslo, 0130, Norway
| | - Marianne Molin
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, Oslo, 0130, Norway
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, PB 1190 Sentrum, Oslo, PB, 0107, Norway
| | | | - Lisa Garnweidner-Holme
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, Oslo, 0130, Norway.
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Wahnschafft S, Spiller A, Graciano BA. How can advocates leverage power to advance comprehensive regulation on ultra-processed foods? learning from advocate experience in Argentina. Global Health 2024; 20:68. [PMID: 39252038 PMCID: PMC11385800 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01069-1] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of corporate power to undermine public health policy processes is increasingly well understood; however, relatively little scholarship examines how advocates can leverage power to promote the successful adoption of public health policies. The objective of this paper is to explore how advocates leveraged three forms of power - structural, instrumental and discursive - to promote the passage of the Promotion of Healthy Eating Law (Ley 27,642) in Argentina, one of the most comprehensive policies to introduce mandatory front-of-package (FOP) warning labels and regulate the marketing and sales of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) adopted to date. METHODS We conducted seventeen semi-structured interviews with advocates from different sectors, including civil society, international agencies, and government. Both data collection and analysis were guided by Milsom's conceptual framework for analyzing power in public health policymaking, and the data was analyzed using hybrid deductive and inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Advocates harnessed structural power through the leveraging of revolving doors, informal alliances, and formal coalitions, enabling them to convene discussion spaces with decision-makers, make strategic use of limited resources, and cultivate the diverse expertise (e.g., research, nutrition science, advocacy, law, political science, activism and communications) needed to support the law through different phases of the policy process. Advocates wielded instrumental power by amassing an armada of localized evidence to promote robust policy design, building technical literacy amongst themselves and decision-makers, and exposing conflicts of interest to harness public pressure. Advocates exercised discursive power by adopting a rights-based discourse, including of children and adolescents and of consumers to transparent information, which enabled advocates to foster a favorable perception of the law amongst both decision-makers and the public. Key contextual enablers include a political window of opportunity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ability to learn from the regional precedent of similar policies. CONCLUSIONS Public health policymaking, particularly when encroaching upon corporate interests, is characterized by stark imbalances of power that hinder policy decisions. The strategies identified in the case of Argentina provide important insights as to how advocates might harness and exercise structural, instrumental, and discursive power to counter corporate influence and promote the successful adoption of comprehensive UPF regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Wahnschafft
- Research Training Group in Sustainable Food Systems, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Heinrich-Düker-Weg 12, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
- Marketing for Food and Agricultural Products, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Georg- August-Universität Göttingen, Platz der Göttinger Sieben 5, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Achim Spiller
- Marketing for Food and Agricultural Products, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Georg- August-Universität Göttingen, Platz der Göttinger Sieben 5, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Beatriz Andrea Graciano
- Free Chair of Food Sovereignty, School of Nutrition of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Marcelo Torcuato de Alvear 2202, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Wang S, Xie J, Zhai D, Wang Z, Qi H, Deng M. Association between ultra-processed food and osteoporosis: a cross-sectional study based on the NHANES database. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2024; 21:69. [PMID: 39180053 PMCID: PMC11342598 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-024-00843-7] [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: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM Nutritional characteristics and additives in ultra-processed foods (UPF) are directly related to bone health. Physical activity as a modifiable lifestyle intervention also plays a possible role in bone mineral density (BMD), but effect of physical activity on association between UPF and osteoporosis is not fully understood. Herein, this study aims to explore the association of UPF with osteoporosis, and assess the potential mediating effects of some related factors on this pathway. METHODS Data of adults were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in this cross-sectional study. Associations of unprocessed/minimally processed food (MPF), processed culinary ingredient (PCI), processed foods (PF) and UPF with femur neck BMD, total femur BMD and osteoporosis were investigated using linear regression and weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses respectively. Subgroup analyses of age, gender, physical activity, poverty income ratio (PIR), hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and dyslipidemia were performed. The potential mediating and interaction effects of physical activity and related factors on association of UPF with osteoporosis were also assessed. The evaluation indexes were β, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Among 10,678 eligible persons, 454 had osteoporosis. After adjusting for covariates, elevated UPF intake was associated with decreased demur neck and total femur BMD (β=-0.003). A higher UPF intake level (> 57.51%) was linked to higher odds of osteoporosis (OR = 1.789). These relationships were also significant in different subgroups. Physical activity had a potential mediating effect on the association between UPF and osteoporosis (OR = 0.47, mediating proportion = 21.54%). CONCLUSION UPF intake levels were associated with BMD and osteoporosis. Physical activity had an interaction effect with UPF, and had a potential mediating effect on relationship between UPF and osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songfeng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, P.R. China
| | - Jiasi Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, P.R. China
| | - Zhou Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, P.R. China
| | - Huixuan Qi
- Department of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, P.R. China
| | - Muhong Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, P.R. China.
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Hargovan M, London L, Orgill M. The influence of crisis on policy formulation: the case of alcohol regulation in South Africa during COVID-19 (2020-21). Health Policy Plan 2024; 39:753-770. [PMID: 38938168 PMCID: PMC11308613 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czae055] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study contributes to a neglected aspect of health policy analysis: policy formulation processes. Context is central to the policy cycle, yet the influence of crises on policy formulation is underrepresented in the health policy literature in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper analyses a detailed case study of how the COVID-19 crisis influenced policy formulation processes for the regulation of alcohol in South Africa, as part of COVID-19 control measures, in 2020 and 2021. It provides a picture of the policy context, specifically considering the extent to which the crisis influenced the position and power of actors, and policy content. Qualitative data were collected from nine key informant interviews and 127 documents. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. A policy formulation conceptual framework was applied as a lens to describe complex policy formulation processes. The study revealed that the perceived urgency of the pandemic prompted a heightened sense of awareness of alcohol-related trauma as a known, preventable threat to public health system capacity. This enabled a high degree of innovation among decision-makers in the generation of alternative alcohol policy content. Within the context of uncertainty, epistemic and experiential policy learning drove rapid, adaptive cycles of policy formulation, demonstrating the importance of historical and emerging public health evidence in crisis-driven decision-making. Within the context of centralization and limited opportunities for stakeholder participation, non-state actors mobilized to influence policy through the public arena. The paper concludes that crisis-driven policy formulation processes are shaped by abrupt redistributions of power among policy actors and the dynamic interplay of evolving economic, political and public health priorities. Understanding the complexity of the local policy context may allow actors to navigate opportunities for public health-oriented alcohol policy reforms in South Africa and other LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mumta Hargovan
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Leslie London
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Marsha Orgill
- The Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
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Abbas H, Guarnizo-Herreño CC, El Tantawi M, Tsakos G, Peres MA. Challenges and way forward for implementation of sugar taxation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2024; 52:375-380. [PMID: 38587110 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12955] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over consumption of added sugar beyond the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level of 10% of daily energy intake has well-established negative health consequences including oral diseases. However, the average consumption of added sugar in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA-World Bank's regional classification) is 70% higher than the WHO recommended level. Imposing taxes on added sugar has been proposed by the WHO to decrease its consumption. Yet, only 21.6% of the total MENA population are covered by taxation policies targeting added sugar. CHALLENGES Well-recognized challenges for the implementation of sugar taxation in MENA include the tactics used by the food and beverage industry to block these type of policies. However, there are also other unfamiliar hurdles specific to MENA. Historically, there have been incidents of protest and riots partially sparked by increased price of basic commodities, including sugar, in MENA countries. This may affect the readiness of policy makers in the region to impose added sugar taxes. In addition, there are also cultural, lifestyle and consumption behavioural barriers to implementing added sugar taxation. Ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened-beverages (SSBs) rich in added sugar are perceived by many in MENA as essential treats regardless of their health risks. Furthermore, some countries even provide subsidies for added sugar. Also, (oral) healthcare providers generally do not engage in policy advocacy mainly due to limited training on health policy. WAYS FORWARD Here, we discuss these challenges and suggest some ways forward such as (1) support from a health-oriented political leadership, (2) raising public awareness about the health risks of over consumption of sugar, (3) transparency during the policy-cycle development process, (4) providing a free and safe environment for a community dialogue around the proposed policy, (5) training of (oral) healthcare professionals on science communication and policy advocacy in local lay language/dialect, ideally evidence informed from local/regional studies, (6) selecting the appropriate political window of opportunity to introduce a sugar tax policy, and (7) clear and strict conflict of interest regulations to limit the influence of commercial players on health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Abbas
- Department of International and Community Oral Health, Tohoku University, Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Maha El Tantawi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Georgios Tsakos
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, WHO Collaborating Centre of Oral Health Inequalities and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marco A Peres
- National Dental Research Institute Singapore, National Dental Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Oral Health ACP, Health Services and Systems Research Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Rimányi E, Quick JD, Yamey G, Immurana M, Malik VS, Doherty T, Jafar Z. Dynamics of combatting market-driven epidemics: Insights from U.S. reduction of cigarette, sugar, and prescription opioid consumption. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003479. [PMID: 39047013 PMCID: PMC11268728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Misuse and overconsumption of certain consumer products have become major global risk factors for premature deaths, with their total costs in trillions of dollars. Progress in reducing such deaths has been slow and difficult. To address this challenge, this review introduces the definition of market-driven epidemics (MDEs), which arise when companies aggressively market products with proven harms, deny these harms, and resist mitigation efforts. MDEs are a specific within the broader landscape of commercial determinants of health. We selected three illustrative MDE products reflecting different consumer experiences: cigarettes (nicotine delivery product), sugar (food product), and prescription opioids (medical product). Each met the MDE case definition with proven adverse health impacts, well-documented histories, longitudinal product consumption and health impact data, and sustained reduction in product consumption. Based on these epidemics, we describe five MDE phases: market expansion, evidence of harm, corporate resistance, mitigation, and market adaptation. From the peak of consumption to the most recent data, U.S. cigarette sales fell by 82%, sugar consumption by 15%, and prescription opioid prescriptions by 62%. For each, the consumption tipping point occurred when compelling evidence of harm, professional alarm, and an authoritative public health voice and/or public mobilization overcame corporate marketing and resistance efforts. The gap between suspicion of harm and the consumption tipping point ranged from one to five decades-much of which was attributable to the time required to generate sufficient evidence of harm. Market adaptation to the reduced consumption of target products had both negative and positive impacts. To our knowledge, this is the first comparative analysis of three successful efforts to change the product consumption patterns and the associated adverse health impacts of these products. The MDE epidemiological approach of shortening the latent time to effective mitigation provides a new method to reduce the impacts of harmful products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Rimányi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jonathan D. Quick
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Gavin Yamey
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mustapha Immurana
- Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Vasanti S. Malik
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tanya Doherty
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zain Jafar
- Trinity College, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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Tapsoba VA, Compaore EWR, Zeba AN, Some JW, Manga JS, Diouf A, Moubarac JC, Vandevijvere S, Dicko MH. Food environment in Burkina Faso: priority actions recommended to the government using Food-EPI tool. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1420323. [PMID: 39091684 PMCID: PMC11293057 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1420323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The food environment is an important factor in the efforts of countries worldwide to achieve a transition to sustainable food systems. The objective of this study is to formulate and prioritize actions to be addressed to the government of Burkina Faso for the creation of a healthy food environment, which will contribute to reducing malnutrition in all its forms and non-communicable diseases. Methods National experts were brought together to identify and prioritize actions to fill the gaps identified through a multi-step assessment process following the methodology of the Healthy Food and Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI). Results Up to 20 priority policy actions were recommended to the Burkina Faso government. Actions in the policy component focused mainly on regulation of food promotion and marketing, particularly to children, and others in the infrastructure support component focused largely on political leadership, i.e., strong and visible political support from the government to improve the food environment, population nutrition, diet-related non-communicable diseases and their inequalities. Conclusion The priority actions to be recommended to the government will strengthen advocacy for government decisions to create a healthier food environment in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Aurelie Tapsoba
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Food Technology and Nutrition (LABIOTAN), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Ella W. R. Compaore
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Food Technology and Nutrition (LABIOTAN), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | - Adama Diouf
- Laboratory for Research into Human Nutrition and Food (LARNAH), Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Mamoudou Hama Dicko
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Food Technology and Nutrition (LABIOTAN), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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Bulaj G, Coleman M, Johansen B, Kraft S, Lam W, Phillips K, Rohaj A. Redesigning Pharmacy to Improve Public Health Outcomes: Expanding Retail Spaces for Digital Therapeutics to Replace Consumer Products That Increase Mortality and Morbidity Risks. PHARMACY 2024; 12:107. [PMID: 39051391 PMCID: PMC11270305 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12040107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
United States healthcare outcomes, including avoidable mortality rates, are among the worst of high-income countries despite the highest healthcare spending per capita. While community pharmacies contribute to chronic disease management and preventive medicine, they also offer consumer products that increase mortality risks and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and depression. To resolve these contradictions, our perspective article describes opportunities for major pharmacy chains (e.g., CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens) to introduce digital health aisles dedicated to prescription and over-the-counter digital therapeutics (DTx), together with mobile apps and wearables that support disease self-management, wellness, and well-being. We provide an evidence-based rationale for digital health aisles to replace spaces devoted to sugar-sweetened beverages and other unhealthy commodities (alcohol, tobacco) that may increase risks for premature death. We discuss how digital health aisles can serve as marketing and patient education resources, informing customers about commercially available DTx and other technologies that support healthy lifestyles. Since pharmacy practice requires symbiotic balancing between profit margins and patient-centered, value-based care, replacing health-harming products with health-promoting technologies could positively impact prevention of chronic diseases, as well as the physical and mental health of patients and caregivers who visit neighborhood pharmacies in order to pick up medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Melissa Coleman
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Blake Johansen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Sarah Kraft
- Independent Researcher, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Wayne Lam
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Katie Phillips
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Aarushi Rohaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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11
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Baumann S, Leão T. Industries, citizens, and non-governmental organizations' positioning and arguments used in European Union initiatives for alcohol taxation and cross-border regulation. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 129:104475. [PMID: 38971018 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104475] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European region has the highest daily alcohol consumption per capita and a high alcohol-related burden of disease. Policymaking at the European Union level is open to participation by interest groups, from public health organizations to alcohol industry representatives. This study aimed to map the interest groups present in the alcohol taxation and cross-border regulation initiatives and identify which arguments were used to support positions in favor or against them. METHODS We used qualitative content analysis on the comments submitted on the official European Commission website during the 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022 participation periods. Interest groups were characterized considering their positioning, and arguments were identified and compared by position and type of initiative. RESULTS Opponents of changes to the structures of alcohol excise duties and cross-border regulations were mostly representatives of the alcohol and agricultural industries, and the proponents were mostly health-related nongovernmental organizations. Opponents of these initiatives used a wide variety of arguments, from economic and trade to health arguments, while proponents focused mainly on health arguments, such as the effectiveness of alcohol taxation in preventing alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION This study highlights the wide range of arguments used by opponents around alcohol control policies, contrasting with the health-centered arguments of proponents. It further shows that there is a lobbying network at the European Union level, combining national and international representatives of industry and non-governmental organizations. These findings provide an opportunity for better preparation for upcoming discussions on alcohol control at national and regional levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Baumann
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses, e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200 Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Leão
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses, e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200 Porto, Portugal.
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12
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Logan AC, D'Adamo CR, Pizzorno JE, Prescott SL. "Food faddists and pseudoscientists!": Reflections on the history of resistance to ultra-processed foods. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:470-476. [PMID: 38176973 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.12.014] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The term 'ultra-processed food' emerged in the 1980s, mostly used in reference to highly-processed convenience foods and snacks, often energy-dense, poor in nutrients, and inclusive of various synthetic additives such as emulsifiers, colors, artificial sweeteners, and/or flavor enhancers. Concern over such foods was part of the growing holistic and environmental health movements of the 1970-80s; yet, those who raised alarm about the encroachment of ultra-processed foods were often labeled, especially by industry and their powerful allies, as 'food faddists' and 'pseudoscientists'. Today, the topic of ultra-processed foods is generating massive personal, public, and planetary health interest. However, other than discussing the history of the NOVA food classification system, a useful tool that has allowed researchers to more accurately separate foods based on processing, most lay media and academic articles are ahistorical. That is, there is a tendency to present the term ultra-processed food(s) as a relatively new entrance into the lexicon, and by default, the idea that health-related pushback on ultra-processed foods is a relatively new phenomenon. This omission overlooks decades of determined advocacy and clinical work, much of it by pioneers within the holistic medicine (now integrative, functional, and lifestyle medicine) movement. Here in this reflection paper, the authors will use historical research and reporting to fill in the historical gap and articulate the saliency of why it matters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Logan
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
| | - Christopher R D'Adamo
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | - Susan L Prescott
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; The ORIGINS Project, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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13
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Lin W, Alfheeaid HA, Alasqah I, Alqarawi N, Alotaibi SA, Alribdi FF, Almutairi S, Lima MJ, Teixeira-Lemos E, Raposo A. Dietary Patterns among Smokers and Non-Smokers: Findings from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. Nutrients 2024; 16:2035. [PMID: 38999783 PMCID: PMC11243715 DOI: 10.3390/nu16132035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Diet behavior and nutrition are critical for maintaining health and improving quality of life. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Poor dietary choices, such as excessively frequenting restaurants, consuming ready-to-eat foods from grocery stores, and ingesting ultra-processed foods (like frozen meals and pizzas), can adversely impact health. Despite this, research comparing dietary behaviors between smokers and non-smokers is limited. Using data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2017-2018, we analyzed diet behavior based on smoking status. Our findings reveal that smokers had a significant increase (90%) in the frequency of consuming frozen meals/pizzas in the past 30 days compared to non-smokers (coefficient: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.6; p-value < 0.001). Additionally, over 70% of participants, regardless of their smoking status, were unaware of MyPlate, a nutritional guide created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage Americans to make healthier food choices. There is an urgent need to increase public awareness of MyPlate and promote a better understanding of healthy dietary behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Hani A. Alfheeaid
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Food, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ibrahim Alasqah
- Department of Community, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.)
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Nada Alqarawi
- Department of Community, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.)
| | - Saad Abdullah Alotaibi
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Sulaiman Almutairi
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Maria João Lima
- CERNAS Research Centre, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (M.J.L.); (E.T.-L.)
| | - Edite Teixeira-Lemos
- CERNAS Research Centre, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (M.J.L.); (E.T.-L.)
| | - António Raposo
- CBIOS (Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
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14
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Wiss DA, LaFata EM. Ultra-Processed Foods and Mental Health: Where Do Eating Disorders Fit into the Puzzle? Nutrients 2024; 16:1955. [PMID: 38931309 PMCID: PMC11206753 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121955] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like pastries, packaged snacks, fast foods, and sweetened beverages have become dominant in the modern food supply and are strongly associated with numerous public health concerns. While the physical health consequences of UPF intake have been well documented (e.g., increased risks of cardiometabolic conditions), less empirical discussion has emphasized the mental health consequences of chronic UPF consumption. Notably, the unique characteristics of UPFs (e.g., artificially high levels of reinforcing ingredients) influence biological processes (e.g., dopamine signaling) in a manner that may contribute to poorer psychological functioning for some individuals. Importantly, gold-standard behavioral lifestyle interventions and treatments specifically for disordered eating do not acknowledge the direct role that UPFs may play in sensitizing reward-related neural functioning, disrupting metabolic responses, and motivating subsequent UPF cravings and intake. The lack of consideration for the influences of UPFs on mental health is particularly problematic given the growing scientific support for the addictive properties of these foods and the utility of ultra-processed food addiction (UPFA) as a novel clinical phenotype endorsed by 14-20% of individuals across international samples. The overarching aim of the present review is to summarize the science of how UPFs may affect mental health, emphasizing contributing biological mechanisms. Specifically, the authors will (1) describe how corporate-sponsored research and financial agendas have contributed to contention and debate about the role of UPFs in health; (2) define UPFs and their nutritional characteristics; (3) review observed associations between UPF intake and mental health conditions, especially with depression; (4) outline the evidence for UPFA; and (5) describe nuanced treatment considerations for comorbid UPFA and eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Wiss
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, 650 Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Nutrition in Recovery LLC, 1902 Westwood Blvd. #201, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Erica M. LaFata
- Center for Weight Eating and Lifestyle Science, Drexel University, 3201 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
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15
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Fox NJ. Capitalism and the 'commercial determinants of health': A more-than-human micropolitics. Soc Sci Med 2024; 350:116925. [PMID: 38718438 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
This paper argues that studies of the 'commercial determinants of health' (CDoH) need to acknowledge fully the part the capitalist mode of commodity production and exchange plays in producing negative health outcomes. This proposition is supported by recourse to a recent development in political economy that has established a more-than-human, relational and monist (or 'flat') ontology of capitalism, in place of the more conventional neo-Marxist perspective. This ontology reveals a dynamic to capitalism that operates beyond human intentionality, driven by the supply of, and demand for the capacities of commodities. This dynamic determines the production and consumption of all commodities, some among which (such as tobacco, alcohol and processed foods) contribute to ill-health. A case study of food consumption reveals how these supply and demand affects drive 'unhealthy' food choices by consumers. Ways to undermine this more-than-human dynamic are offered as an innovative approach to addressing the effects of commerce and capitalism upon health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick J Fox
- Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK.
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16
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Skivington K, Matthews L, Simpson SA, Craig P, Baird J, Blazeby JM, Boyd KA, Craig N, French DP, McIntosh E, Petticrew M, Rycroft-Malone J, White M, Moore L. A new framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions: update of Medical Research Council guidance. Int J Nurs Stud 2024; 154:104705. [PMID: 38564982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The UK Medical Research Council's widely used guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions has been replaced by a new framework, commissioned jointly by the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health Research, which takes account of recent developments in theory and methods and the need to maximise the efficiency, use, and impact of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Skivington
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Lynsay Matthews
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sharon Anne Simpson
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter Craig
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Janis Baird
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane M Blazeby
- Medical Research Council ConDuCT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research and Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - Kathleen Anne Boyd
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - David P French
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma McIntosh
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mark Petticrew
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Martin White
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laurence Moore
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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17
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Backholer K, Huse O, Brooks R, Martino F, Chung A, Zorbas C, Driessen C, Sartori A, Browne J. The rise and fall of the Queensland Government policy to restrict unhealthy food and alcohol advertising on publicly owned assets. Aust N Z J Public Health 2024; 48:100148. [PMID: 38839474 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100148] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the strategies employed by opponents of the Queensland Government's policy to restrict unhealthy food and alcohol advertising on publicly owned assets and identify which of the opposing arguments appeared to influence the policy outcomes. METHODS Retrospective qualitative policy analysis case study informed by the Policy Dystopia Model of corporate political activity. We used qualitative content analysis to examine data from stakeholder submissions to the 'Advertising content on Queensland Government advertising spaces' policies (v1 and 2), and Minister for Health's diaries. RESULTS Stakeholders from the food, beverage, alcohol and advertising industries and several not-for-profit health organisations opposed the policy. Industry actors used discursive strategies, coalition management (including co-option of not-for-profit health organisations), information management and direct involvement with policy makers to communicate their arguments against the policy. The second version of the policy was weaker regarding scope and key policy provisions, reflecting the arguments of industry actors. CONCLUSIONS Influence from industries with a clear conflict of interest should be minimised throughout policy development to ensure public health is prioritised over corporate gain. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Our findings can support other jurisdictions to prepare for industry opposition when designing policies to restrict unhealthy food and alcohol marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Backholer
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Oliver Huse
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia
| | - Ruby Brooks
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia
| | - Florentine Martino
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia
| | - Alexandra Chung
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christina Zorbas
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia
| | - Christine Driessen
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia
| | | | - Jennifer Browne
- Deakin University, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia
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18
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Terada M, Okuhara T, Nishiie Y, Kiuchi T, Murakami K. Misinformation surrounding sodium reduction for blood pressure: content analysis of Japanese posts on X. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daae073. [PMID: 38934479 PMCID: PMC11208930 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This content analysis aimed to assess misinformation themes regarding sodium reduction and blood pressure on X with the goal of providing strategies to address and debunk such misinformation. A total of 531 posts were manually coded into sodium-related misinformation themes, with inclusion criteria for posts asserting no association between sodium reduction and hypertension or claiming consuming sodium is beneficial for health. Numbers and post frequencies per misinformation theme were calculated. Post characteristics, including information sources, advertisements and narratives, were coded, and a correlation analysis was conducted to assess their association with each misinformation theme. Fourteen sodium-related misinformation themes were identified and consistently disseminated on X. The predominant theme, 'Natural Salt', accounted for 37.7% (n = 200), reaching 1.6 million followers, followed by 'Reducing salt could be bad for my health' theme, comprising 28.6% (n = 152) and reaching 1.5 million followers. There was a statistical correlation between the natural salt misinformation theme and advertisements. Many of the most frequent misinformation themes identified in this study have not been systematically debunked by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and analysis of sodium-related misinformation on social media platforms and their underlying commercial interests. Such monitoring has the potential to identify prevalent misinformation themes that may pose harm to the public and to inform public health organizations, enabling them to proactively address potential issues through debunking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Terada
- Department of Health Communication, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Okuhara
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yuriko Nishiie
- Department of Health Communication, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kiuchi
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kentaro Murakami
- Department of Social and Preventive Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Park H, Lee Y, Hwang J, Lee Y. Ultra-processed food consumption and increased risk of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults: A cross-sectional analysis of the KNHANES 2016-2020. Nutrition 2024; 122:112374. [PMID: 38430845 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112374] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and the risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean adults. METHODS The study consisted of 22 688 Korean adults ≥19 y of age from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2016-2020. The NOVA classification categorizes foods according to the nature, extent, and purpose of industrial processing. MetS was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and a modified waist circumference cut-off for Korean adults. We estimated the usual percent total food intake from UPFs. We used multivariate logistic regression to assess the association between UPFs and risk for MetS, adjusted for age, sex, education level, income level, smoking status, alcohol drinking, physical activity, and total energy intake. We further analyzed the association of UPFs with each component of MetS. RESULTS The median usual percent total food intake from UPFs was 22%, and the midpoint of intake ranged from 3% (quartile 1) to 48% (quartile 4). The group with the highest UPF consumption had a 19% higher risk for developing MetS than the lowest quartile of UPF consumption (odds ratio [OR],1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.33; Ptrend = 0.006). In analysis of the relationship between UPF intake and MetS components, a higher UPF was associated with an increased risk for hypertension (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.26; Ptrend = 0.037) and abdominal obesity (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.07-1.33; Ptrend = 0.001), but had no significant association with other components (hyperglycemia, hypertriacylglycerolmia, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Higher UPF contribution to total daily food intake is associated with an increased risk for MetS, particularly with a higher risk for hypertension and abdominal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansol Park
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Myongji University, Yongin, Korea
| | - Youngmi Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Myongji University, Yongin, Korea
| | - Jinah Hwang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Myongji University, Yongin, Korea
| | - Yujin Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Myongji University, Yongin, Korea.
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Kermani-Alghoraishi M, Behrouzi A, Hassannejad R, Sarrafzadegan N, Nouri F, Boshatam M, Roohafza H, Haghighatdoost F, Sadeghi M. Ultra-processed food consumption and cardiovascular events rate: An analysis from Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS). Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 34:1438-1447. [PMID: 38555244 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The contribution of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to daily energy intake and, therefore, their health effects may vary between countries. We aimed to investigate the association between UPFs and the incidence risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs) and cardiovascular mortality in the Isfahan cohort study. METHODS AND RESULTS In 2001, 6504 participants aged ≥35 years were enrolled and followed until 2017. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and the NOVA system was applied for UPF classification. Any new case of CVE, including fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke, unstable angina (UA), and CVD death, was recorded. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated through Cox proportional hazards regression models. A total number of 819 CVE, 164 MI, 348 UA, 172 strokes, and 181 cardiovascular deaths were recorded during 61352.5 person-years of follow-up. The median (IQR) of UPF consumption was 2.47 (1.00-5.23) times/week. In the fully adjusted model, individuals in the fourth quartile of UPFs had no higher risk for incident MI and UA (HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.46; P for trend = 0.364), stroke (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.58, 1.46; P for trend = 0.601), cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.61, 1.47; P for trend = 0.596), and CVE (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.88,1.34; P for trend = 0.515) in comparison with those in the first quartile. CONCLUSION This mid-term prospective cohort study provides no evidence for a significant association between UPF and CVE risk. Longer studies are required to confirm this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Kermani-Alghoraishi
- Interventional Cardiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amin Behrouzi
- Interventional Cardiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Razieh Hassannejad
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nizal Sarrafzadegan
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nouri
- Pediatric Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Boshatam
- Heart Failure Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Roohafza
- Hypertension Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Haghighatdoost
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Masoumeh Sadeghi
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Dai S, Wellens J, Yang N, Li D, Wang J, Wang L, Yuan S, He Y, Song P, Munger R, Kent MP, MacFarlane AJ, Mullie P, Duthie S, Little J, Theodoratou E, Li X. Ultra-processed foods and human health: An umbrella review and updated meta-analyses of observational evidence. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:1386-1394. [PMID: 38688162 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.04.016] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ultra-processed food (UPF) intake has increased sharply over the last few decades and has been consistently asserted to be implicated in the development of non-communicable diseases. We aimed to evaluate and update the existing observational evidence for associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and human health. METHODS We searched Medline and Embase from inception to March 2023 to identify and update meta-analyses of observational studies examining the associations between UPF consumption, as defined by the NOVA classification, and a wide spectrum of health outcomes. For each health outcome, we estimated the summary effect size, 95% confidence interval (CI), between-study heterogeneity, evidence of small-study effects, and evidence of excess-significance bias. These metrics were used to evaluate evidence credibility of the identified associations. RESULTS This umbrella review identified 39 meta-analyses on the associations between UPF consumption and health outcomes. We updated all meta-analyses by including 122 individual articles on 49 unique health outcomes. The majority of the included studies divided UPF consumption into quartiles, with the lowest quartile being the reference group. We identified 25 health outcomes associated with UPF consumption. For observational studies, 2 health outcomes, including renal function decline (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.33) and wheezing in children and adolescents (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.34, 1.49), showed convincing evidence (Class I); and five outcomes were reported with highly suggestive evidence (Class II), including diabetes mellitus, overweight, obesity, depression, and common mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS High UPF consumption is associated with an increased risk of a variety of chronic diseases and mental health disorders. At present, not a single study reported an association between UPF intake and a beneficial health outcome. These findings suggest that dietary patterns with low consumption of UPFs may render broad public health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Dai
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Judith Wellens
- Translational Gastro-Intestinal Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK; KU Leuven Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Doudou Li
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Unit of Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yazhou He
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Peige Song
- School of Public Health and Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ron Munger
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Patrick Mullie
- International Prevention Research Institute, Lyon, France; Belgian Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan Duthie
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Julian Little
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evropi Theodoratou
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Springfield-Trice S, Joyce C, Wu YH, Hsing AW, Cunanan K, Gardner C. Diet Quality and Resilience through Adulthood: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the WELL for Life Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:1724. [PMID: 38892657 PMCID: PMC11174593 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite evidence suggesting the importance of psychological resilience for successful aging, little is known about the relationship between diet quality and resilience at different ages. Our study aims to examine the association between diet quality and resilience across the stages of adulthood. Using Stanfords' WELL for Life (WELL) survey data, we conducted a cross-sectional study of diet quality, resilience, sociodemographic, perceived stress, lifestyle, and mental health factors among 6171 Bay Area adults. Diet quality was measured by the WELL Diet Score, which ranges from 0-120. A higher score indicates a better diet quality. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the WELL Diet Score and overall resilience and within the following age groups: early young (18-24), late young (25-34), middle (35-49), and late adulthood (≥50). To test whether these associations varied by age groups, an age group by resilience interaction term was also examined. In the fully adjusted model, the WELL Diet Score was positively and significantly associated with overall resilience (all ages (β = 1.2 ± sd: 0.2, p < 0.001)) and within each age group (early young (β = 1.1 ± sd: 0.3, p < 0.001); late young (β = 1.2 ± sd: 0.3, p < 0.001); middle (β = 0.9 ± sd: 0.3, p < 0.001); and late adulthood (β = 1.0 ± sd: 0.3, p < 0.001)). Young adults demonstrated the strongest associations between diet quality and resilience. However, there were no significant age-by-resilience interactions. Diet quality may be positively associated with resilience at all stages of adulthood. Further research is needed to determine whether assessing and addressing resilience could inform the development of more effective dietary interventions, particularly in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sparkle Springfield-Trice
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Parkinson School of Public Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Cara Joyce
- Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, USA;
| | - Yi-Hsuan Wu
- Stanford Prevention Research Center School of Medicine, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (Y.-H.W.); (A.W.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Ann W. Hsing
- Stanford Prevention Research Center School of Medicine, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (Y.-H.W.); (A.W.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Kristen Cunanan
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA;
| | - Christopher Gardner
- Stanford Prevention Research Center School of Medicine, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (Y.-H.W.); (A.W.H.); (C.G.)
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Nguyen NTA, Jiang Y, McQuade JL. Eating away cancer: the potential of diet and the microbiome for shaping immunotherapy outcome. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1409414. [PMID: 38873602 PMCID: PMC11169628 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1409414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome (GMB) plays a substantial role in human health and disease. From affecting gut barrier integrity to promoting immune cell differentiation, the GMB is capable of shaping host immunity and thus oncogenesis and anti-cancer therapeutic response, particularly with immunotherapy. Dietary patterns and components are key determinants of GMB composition, supporting the investigation of the diet-microbiome-immunity axis as a potential avenue to enhance immunotherapy response in cancer patients. As such, this review will discuss the role of the GMB and diet on anti-cancer immunity. We demonstrate that diet affects anti-cancer immunity through both GMB-independent and GMB-mediated mechanisms, and that different diet patterns mold the GMB's functional and taxonomic composition in distinctive ways. Dietary modulation therefore shows promise as an intervention for improving cancer outcome; however, further and more extensive research in human cancer populations is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer L. McQuade
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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24
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Hartwell G, Gill M, Zenone M, McKee M. Smartphones, social media, and teenage mental health. BMJ 2024; 385:e079828. [PMID: 38806185 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2024-079828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Greg Hartwell
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maeve Gill
- Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Marco Zenone
- Health Law Institute, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Martin McKee
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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25
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Burton R, Sharpe C, Bhuptani S, Jecks M, Henn C, Pearce-Smith N, Knight S, Regan M, Sheron N. The relationship between the price and demand of alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food, sugar-sweetened beverages, and gambling: an umbrella review of systematic reviews. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1286. [PMID: 38730332 PMCID: PMC11088175 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18599-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WHO highlight alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food, and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes as one of the most effective policies for preventing and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases. This umbrella review aimed to identify and summarise evidence from systematic reviews that report the relationship between price and demand or price and disease/death for alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food, and SSBs. Given the recent recognition as gambling as a public health problem, we also included gambling. METHODS The protocol for this umbrella review was pre-registered (PROSPERO CRD42023447429). Seven electronic databases were searched between 2000-2023. Eligible systematic reviews were those published in any country, including adults or children, and which quantitatively examined the relationship between alcohol, tobacco, gambling, unhealthy food, or SSB price/tax and demand (sales/consumption) or disease/death. Two researchers undertook screening, eligibility, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the ROBIS tool. RESULTS We identified 50 reviews from 5,185 records, of which 31 reported on unhealthy food or SSBs, nine reported on tobacco, nine on alcohol, and one on multiple outcomes (alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food, and SSBs). We did not identify any reviews on gambling. Higher prices were consistently associated with lower demand, notwithstanding variation in the size of effect across commodities or populations. Reductions in demand were large enough to be considered meaningful for policy. CONCLUSIONS Increases in the price of alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food, and SSBs are consistently associated with decreases in demand. Moreover, increasing taxes can be expected to increase tax revenue. There may be potential in joining up approaches to taxation across the harm-causing commodities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Burton
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 39 Victoria Street, London, England.
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health UK, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK.
| | - Casey Sharpe
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 39 Victoria Street, London, England
| | - Saloni Bhuptani
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 39 Victoria Street, London, England
| | - Mike Jecks
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 39 Victoria Street, London, England
| | - Clive Henn
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 39 Victoria Street, London, England
| | - Nicola Pearce-Smith
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, England
| | - Sandy Knight
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 39 Victoria Street, London, England
| | - Marguerite Regan
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 39 Victoria Street, London, England
| | - Nick Sheron
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 39 Victoria Street, London, England
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Kings College London, London, England
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26
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Dumbili EW. Alcohol industry-sponsored music festivals, alcohol marketing and drinking practices among young Nigerians: Implications for policy. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 127:104384. [PMID: 38492330 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104384] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global alcohol industry sponsors social/music events targeting young people; however, existing literature focuses on Westernised contexts. Given the decline in young people's drinking in many Western countries, it appears that multinational alcohol companies are importing the strategies they have used in high-income countries to the Global South countries like Nigeria to recoup profits. This study aims to examine the Guinness Show- a free one-month annual music festival, alcohol marketing at the festival and the extent to which the event encourages diverse drinking practices among its attendees. METHODS We observed the music festival before collecting data through 53 interviews and 3 focus groups (N = 26). Data were analysed to generate themes with the aid of NVivo 12 software. FINDINGS Over 6000 participants attend the Guinness Show daily, and participants gave detailed descriptions of the music festival, alcohol marketing activities that occur in it and the drinking practices of attendees, indicating that they were highly knowledgeable of the event. The Guinness Show attracts famous music artistes and other entertainers. Therefore, young people attend to see them perform free of charge. However, diverse alcohol promotions (e.g., quantity deals, low prices, giveaways) that happen daily, the strategic use of young women as 'beer promoters', and the pleasure the event induces by fusing music/entertainment into alcogenic environments, encourage drinking and drunkenness. All the attendees drank alcohol, and some engaged in impulse buying, while many consumed excessively due to promotions (e.g., buy-two-get-one free), which facilitated intoxication and the loss of control. CONCLUSIONS Guinness Nigeria organises the event for strategic brand communication, generating brand capital, and encouraging alcohol purchases and consumption among young people. Policymakers should reconsider self-regulation and implement national alcohol control policies and other public health interventions to restrain the alcohol industry from sponsoring such events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeka W Dumbili
- School of Sociology, College of Social Sciences and Law, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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27
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Khoury N, Martínez MÁ, Garcidueñas-Fimbres TE, Pastor-Villaescusa B, Leis R, de Las Heras-Delgado S, Miguel-Berges ML, Navas-Carretero S, Portoles O, Pérez-Vega KA, Jurado-Castro JM, Vázquez-Cobela R, Mimbrero G, Andía Horno R, Martínez JA, Flores-Rojas K, Picáns-Leis R, Luque V, Moreno LA, Castro-Collado C, Gil-Campos M, Salas-Salvadó J, Babio N. Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2411852. [PMID: 38758555 PMCID: PMC11102022 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance High intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has been associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in adults; however, the evidence in children is limited. Objective To investigate the association between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS). Design, Setting, and Participants This baseline cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the data of CORALS participants recruited between March 22, 2019, and June 30, 2022. Preschool children (aged 3-6 years) were recruited from schools and centers in 7 cities in Spain. Inclusion criteria included informed consent signed by parents or caregivers and having a completed a set of questionnaires about the child's prenatal history at home. Exclusion criteria included low command of Spanish or unstable residence. Exposure Energy-adjusted UPF consumption (in grams per day) from food frequency questionnaires and based on the NOVA food classification system. Main Outcomes and Measures Age- and sex-specific z scores of adiposity parameters (body mass index [BMI], fat mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference) and cardiometabolic parameters (diastolic and systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) were estimated using linear regression models. Results Of 1509 enrolled CORALS participants, 1426 (mean [SD] age, 5.8 [1.1] years; 698 boys [49.0%]) were included in this study. Mothers of children with high UPF consumption were younger, had a higher BMI, were more likely to have overweight or obesity, and had lower education levels and employment rates. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of energy-adjusted UPF consumption, those in the highest tertile showed higher z scores of BMI (β coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), waist circumference (β coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), fat mass index (β coefficient, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.00-0.32), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.37) and lower z scores for HDL cholesterol (β coefficient, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.02). One-SD increments in energy-adjusted UPF consumption were associated with higher z scores for BMI (β coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.17), waist circumference (β coefficient, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.15), fat mass index (β coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-1.18), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.17) and lower HDL cholesterol (β coefficient, -0.07; 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.00). Substituting 100 g of UPFs with 100 g of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with lower z scores of BMI (β coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01), fat mass index (β coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.00), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that high UPF consumption in young children is associated with adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, highlighting the need for public health initiatives to promote the replacement of UPFs with unprocessed or minimally processed foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Khoury
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Martínez
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tany E. Garcidueñas-Fimbres
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Pastor-Villaescusa
- Metabolism and Investigation Unit, Maimónides Institute of Biomedicine Research of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosaura Leis
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Unit of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Pediatric Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Pediatric Nutrition Research Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Unit of Investigation in Nutrition, Growth and Human Development of Galicia-Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Sara de Las Heras-Delgado
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María L. Miguel-Berges
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Santiago Navas-Carretero
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Nutrition Research, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Medical Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Olga Portoles
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Karla Alejandra Pérez-Vega
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Jurado-Castro
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Metabolism and Investigation Unit, Maimónides Institute of Biomedicine Research of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rocío Vázquez-Cobela
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Unit of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Pediatric Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Pediatric Nutrition Research Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Unit of Investigation in Nutrition, Growth and Human Development of Galicia-Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gisela Mimbrero
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Centre d’Atenció Primària, Institut Català de la Salut, Reus, Spain
| | - Raquel Andía Horno
- Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J. Alfredo Martínez
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Nutrition Research, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Katherine Flores-Rojas
- Metabolism and Investigation Unit, Maimónides Institute of Biomedicine Research of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rosaura Picáns-Leis
- Pediatric Nutrition Research Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Unit of Investigation in Nutrition, Growth and Human Development of Galicia-Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Verónica Luque
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Pediatrics, Nutrition, and Development Research Unit, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Luis A. Moreno
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Castro-Collado
- Metabolism and Investigation Unit, Maimónides Institute of Biomedicine Research of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mercedes Gil-Campos
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Metabolism and Investigation Unit, Maimónides Institute of Biomedicine Research of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nancy Babio
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Théodore FL, González-Ángeles LR, Reynales-Shigematsu LM, Saenz-de-Miera B, Antonio-Ochoa E, Llorente B. The Challenges of Tobacco Fiscal Policy Implementation in Mexico From the Perspective of Key Actors. Nicotine Tob Res 2024; 26:444-451. [PMID: 37782763 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Raising tobacco taxes is considered the most effective strategy to avoid smoking initiation and discourage its use, especially among vulnerable groups. However, few low- and middle-income countries have adopted high tobacco taxes. Raising taxes is, therefore, an opportunity to strengthen and accelerate tobacco control. The objective of this study is to analyze the barriers and facilitators to the tobacco tax increase in Mexico. AIMS AND METHODS Based on the Governance Analytical Framework, data were generated through 17 in-depth interviews with key intersectoral actors for fiscal policy. The interviews were transcribed and coded according to Hufty's theory of governance. RESULTS Robust scientific evidence, intersectoral coordination, and the presence of "champions" boosted progress in tobacco control (facilitators). The main barriers were the incomplete implementation of the World Health Organization-Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) and MPOWER package and lack of commitment ("political will") by government decision makers and legislators, misinformation about the effects of tobacco taxes, and strong tobacco industry interference. CONCLUSIONS Robust evidence is necessary but not sufficient to advance the implementation of the MPOWER (WHO-FCTC) actions. To achieve tobacco tax increases and public policies that protect people from unhealthy products in general, the implementation of policies or legal frameworks against industry interference in the development of public policies is imperative. IMPLICATIONS By analyzing the barriers and facilitators to increasing the tobacco tax in Mexico, this study identifies two key messages: (1) The need to sensitize legislators and the general population to the problem of smoking not only through epidemiological data but also through testimonies that highlight the life experiences and adversities faced by people who smoke. (2) The need for a regulatory framework to prevent industry interference in public affairs and conflicts of interest. The same framework could be very useful for public health policies to control the consumption of ultra-processed food products or alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence L Théodore
- Centro de Investigación de Nutrición y Salud (CINyS), Instituto Nacional de salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | | | - Belen Saenz-de-Miera
- Departamento Académico de Economía, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur, Baja California, Mexico
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Rahimikazerooni S, Rahman M, Rahman M, Raitakari O, Raj M, Rajabov T, Rakhmatulloev S, Rakovac I, Ramachandra Rao S, Ramachandran A, Ramadan OPC, Ramires VV, Ramirez-Zea M, Ramke J, Ramos E, Ramos R, Rampal L, Rampal S, Ramsay SE, Rangelova LS, Rarra V, Rascon-Pacheco RA, Rashidi MM, Rech CR, Redon J, Reganit PFM, Regecová V, Renner JDP, Repasy JA, Reuter CP, Revilla L, Reynolds A, Rezaei N, Rezaianzadeh A, Rho Y, Ribas-Barba L, Ribeiro R, Riboli E, Rigo F, Rigotti A, Rinaldo N, Rinke de Wit TF, Risérus U, Rito AI, Ritti-Dias RM, Rivera JA, Roa RG, Robinson L, Roccaldo R, Rodrigues D, Rodriguez-Perez MDC, Rodríguez-Villamizar LA, Rodríguez AY, Roggenbuck U, Rohloff P, Rohner F, Rojas-Martinez R, Rojroongwasinkul N, Romaguera D, Romeo EL, Rosario RV, Rosengren A, Rouse I, Rouzier V, Roy JGR, Ruano MH, Rubinstein A, Rühli FJ, Ruidavets JB, Ruiz-Betancourt BS, Ruiz-Castell M, Ruiz Moreno E, Rusakova IA, Rusek W, Russell Jonsson K, Russo P, Rust P, Rutkowski M, Saamel M, Saar CG, Sabanayagam C, Sabbaghi H, Sacchini E, Sachdev HS, Sadjadi A, Safarpour AR, Safi S, Safiri S, Saghi MH, Saidi O, Saieva C, Sakata S, Saki N, Šalaj S, Salanave B, Salazar Martinez E, Salhanova A, Salmerón D, Salomaa V, Salonen JT, Salvetti M, Samoutian M, Sánchez-Abanto J, Sánchez Rodríguez I, Sandjaja, Sans S, Santa-Marina L, Santacruz E, Santos DA, Santos IS, Santos LC, Santos MP, Santos O, Santos R, Santos TR, Saramies JL, Sardinha LB, Sarrafzadegan N, Sathish T, Saum KU, Savva S, Savy M, Sawada N, Sbaraini M, Scazufca M, Schaan BD, Schaffrath Rosario A, Schargrodsky H, Schienkiewitz A, Schindler K, Schipf S, Schmidt B, Schmidt CO, Schmidt IM, Schneider A, Schnohr P, Schöttker B, Schramm S, Schramm S, Schröder H, Schultsz C, Schultz G, Schulze MB, Schutte AE, Sebert S, Sedaghattalab M, Selamat R, Sember V, Sen A, Senbanjo IO, Sepanlou SG, Sequera G, Serra-Majem L, Servais J, Ševčíková Ľ, Sewpaul R, Shalnova S, Shamah-Levy T, Shamshirgaran SM, Shanthirani CS, Sharafkhah M, Sharma SK, Sharman A, Shaw JE, Shayanrad A, Shayesteh AA, Shengelia L, Shi Z, Shibuya K, Shimizu-Furusawa H, Shimony T, Shiri R, Shrestha N, Si-Ramlee K, Siani A, Siantar R, Sibai AM, Sidossis LS, Silitrari N, Silva AM, Silva CRDM, Silva DAS, Silva KS, Sim X, Simon M, Simons J, Simons LA, Sjöberg A, Sjöström M, Skoblina EV, Skoblina NA, Slazhnyova T, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Slusarczyk P, Smeeth L, So HK, Soares FC, Sobek G, Sobngwi E, Sodemann M, Söderberg S, Soekatri MYE, Soemantri A, Sofat R, Solfrizzi V, Solovieva YV, Somi MH, Sonestedt E, Song Y, Soofi S, Sørensen TIA, Sørgjerd EP, Sossa Jérome C, Soto-Rojas VE, Soumaré A, Sousa-Poza A, Sovic S, Sparboe-Nilsen B, Sparrenberger K, Spencer PR, Spinelli A, Spiroski I, Staessen JA, Stamm H, Stang A, Starc G, Staub K, Stavreski B, Steene-Johannessen J, Stehle P, Stein AD, Steinsbekk S, Stergiou GS, Stessman J, Stevanović R, Stieber J, Stöckl D, Stokwiszewski J, Stoyanova E, Stratton G, Stronks K, Strufaldi MW, Sturua L, Suárez-Medina R, Suarez-Ortegón MF, Suebsamran P, Sugiyama M, Suka M, Sulo G, Sun CA, Sun L, Sund M, Sundström J, Sung YT, Sunyer J, Suriyawongpaisal P, Sweis NWG, Swinburn BA, Sy RG, Sylva RC, Szponar L, Tabone L, Tai ES, Takuro F, Tambalis KD, Tammesoo ML, Tamosiunas A, Tan EJ, Tang X, Tanrygulyyeva M, Tanser F, Tao Y, Tarawneh MR, Tarp J, Tarqui-Mamani CB, Taxová Braunerová R, Taylor A, Taylor J, Tchibindat F, Te Velde S, Tebar WR, Tell GS, Tello T, Tessema M, Tham YC, Thankappan KR, Theobald H, Theodoridis X, Thomas N, Thorand B, Thrift AG, Tichá Ľ, Timmermans EJ, Tjandrarini DH, Tjonneland A, Tolonen HK, Tolstrup JS, Tomaszewski M, Topbas M, Topór-Mądry R, Torheim LE, Tornaritis MJ, Torrent M, Torres-Collado L, Toselli S, Touloumi G, Traissac P, Tran TTH, Tremblay MS, Triantafyllou A, Trichopoulos D, Trichopoulou A, Trinh OTH, Trivedi A, Tshepo L, Tsigga M, Tsintavis P, Tsugane S, Tuitele J, Tuliakova AM, Tulloch-Reid MK, Tullu F, Tuomainen TP, Tuomilehto J, Twig G, Tynelius P, Tzala E, Tzotzas T, Tzourio C, Udoji N, Ueda P, Ugel E, Ukoli FAM, Ulmer H, Unal B, Usupova Z, Uusitalo HMT, Uysal N, Vaitkeviciute J, Valdivia G, Vale S, Valvi D, van Dam RM, van den Born BJ, Van der Heyden J, van der Schouw YT, Van Herck K, Van Lippevelde W, Van Minh H, Van Schoor NM, van Valkengoed IGM, Vanderschueren D, Vanuzzo D, Varbo A, Varela-Moreiras G, Vargas LN, Varona-Pérez P, Vasan SK, Vasques DG, Vatasescu R, Vega T, Veidebaum T, Velasquez-Melendez G, Velika B, Verloigne M, Veronesi G, Verschuren WMM, Victora CG, Viegi G, Viet L, Vik FN, Vilar M, Villalpando S, Vioque J, Viriyautsahakul N, Virtanen JK, Visser M, Visvikis-Siest S, Viswanathan B, Vladulescu M, Vlasoff T, Vocanec D, Vollenweider P, Völzke H, Vourli G, Voutilainen A, Vrijheid M, Vrijkotte TGM, Vuletić S, Wade AN, Waldhör T, Walton J, Wambiya EOA, Wan Bebakar WM, Wan Mohamud WN, Wanderley Júnior RDS, Wang C, Wang H, Wang MD, Wang N, Wang Q, Wang X, Wang YX, Wang YW, Wannamethee SG, Wareham N, Wartha O, Weber A, Wedderkopp N, Weghuber D, Wei W, Weres A, Werner B, Westbury LD, Whincup PH, Wichstrøm L, Wickramasinghe K, Widhalm K, Widyahening IS, Więcek A, Wild PS, Wilks RJ, Willeit J, Willeit P, Williams J, Wilsgaard T, Wirth JP, Wojtyniak B, Woldeyohannes M, Wolf K, Wong-McClure RA, Wong A, Wong EB, Wong JE, Wong TY, Woo J, Woodward M, Wu FC, Wu HY, Wu J, Wu LJ, Wu S, Wyszyńska J, Xu H, Xu L, Yaacob NA, Yamborisut U, Yan L, Yan W, Yang L, Yang X, Yang Y, Yardim N, Yasuharu T, Yépez García M, Yiallouros PK, Yngve A, Yoosefi M, Yoshihara A, Yotov Y, You QS, You SL, Younger-Coleman NO, Yu YL, Yu Y, Yusof SM, Yusoff AF, Zaccagni L, Zafiropulos V, Zainuddin AA, Zakavi SR, Zamani F, Zambon S, Zampelas A, Zamrazilová H, Zapata ME, Zargar AH, Zaw KK, Zayed AA, Zdrojewski T, Żegleń M, Zejglicova K, Zeljkovic Vrkic T, Zeng Y, Zentai A, Zhang B, Zhang L, Zhang ZY, Zhao D, Zhao MH, Zhao W, Zhecheva YV, Zhen S, Zheng W, Zheng Y, Zholdin B, Zhou M, Zhu D, Zimmet P, Zins M, Zitt E, Zocalo Y, Zoghlami N, Zuñiga Cisneros J, Zuziak M, Ezzati M. Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population-representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults. Lancet 2024; 403:1027-1050. [PMID: 38432237 PMCID: PMC7615769 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02750-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Underweight and obesity are associated with adverse health outcomes throughout the life course. We estimated the individual and combined prevalence of underweight or thinness and obesity, and their changes, from 1990 to 2022 for adults and school-aged children and adolescents in 200 countries and territories. METHODS We used data from 3663 population-based studies with 222 million participants that measured height and weight in representative samples of the general population. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate trends in the prevalence of different BMI categories, separately for adults (age ≥20 years) and school-aged children and adolescents (age 5-19 years), from 1990 to 2022 for 200 countries and territories. For adults, we report the individual and combined prevalence of underweight (BMI <18·5 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). For school-aged children and adolescents, we report thinness (BMI <2 SD below the median of the WHO growth reference) and obesity (BMI >2 SD above the median). FINDINGS From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity in adults decreased in 11 countries (6%) for women and 17 (9%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 that the observed changes were true decreases. The combined prevalence increased in 162 countries (81%) for women and 140 countries (70%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. In 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity was highest in island nations in the Caribbean and Polynesia and Micronesia, and countries in the Middle East and north Africa. Obesity prevalence was higher than underweight with posterior probability of at least 0·80 in 177 countries (89%) for women and 145 (73%) for men in 2022, whereas the converse was true in 16 countries (8%) for women, and 39 (20%) for men. From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of thinness and obesity decreased among girls in five countries (3%) and among boys in 15 countries (8%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80, and increased among girls in 140 countries (70%) and boys in 137 countries (69%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. The countries with highest combined prevalence of thinness and obesity in school-aged children and adolescents in 2022 were in Polynesia and Micronesia and the Caribbean for both sexes, and Chile and Qatar for boys. Combined prevalence was also high in some countries in south Asia, such as India and Pakistan, where thinness remained prevalent despite having declined. In 2022, obesity in school-aged children and adolescents was more prevalent than thinness with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 among girls in 133 countries (67%) and boys in 125 countries (63%), whereas the converse was true in 35 countries (18%) and 42 countries (21%), respectively. In almost all countries for both adults and school-aged children and adolescents, the increases in double burden were driven by increases in obesity, and decreases in double burden by declining underweight or thinness. INTERPRETATION The combined burden of underweight and obesity has increased in most countries, driven by an increase in obesity, while underweight and thinness remain prevalent in south Asia and parts of Africa. A healthy nutrition transition that enhances access to nutritious foods is needed to address the remaining burden of underweight while curbing and reversing the increase in obesity. FUNDING UK Medical Research Council, UK Research and Innovation (Research England), UK Research and Innovation (Innovate UK), and European Union.
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Salehi Z, Malmir H, Ghosn B, Onvani S, Ardestani ME, Feizi A, Esmaillzadeh A, Azadbakht L. Exploring the association between ultra-processed foods and COPD: a case-control study. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:124. [PMID: 38459450 PMCID: PMC10924350 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-02903-3] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While it is known that the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with a heightened risk of respiratory ailments, the specific effects of UPF intake on COPD remain unclear. This study was designed to explore the potential link between COPD and the consumption of UPFs among adult individuals in Iran. METHODS In this hospital-based case-control study conducted at Alzahra University Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, we enrolled 84 patients newly diagnosed with COPD, along with 252 healthy controls matched for age and sex. COPD was defined based on the results of spirometry tests, specifically when the forced expiratory volume per second (FEV1) was less than 80% or the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FVC) was less than 70%. To evaluate the dietary intake of the participants, we utilized a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 168 items. Additionally, we gathered data on potential confounding factors using a pre-tested questionnaire. RESULTS The mean ages for the case and control groups were 57.07 and 55.05 years, respectively. Our study found no significant association between the intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the likelihood of COPD, with an odds ratio (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.34-1.77). This lack of association persisted even after adjusting for factors such as energy intake, sex, and age (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.19-1.21). Further controlling for potential confounders like body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and smoking status did not alter this finding (OR: 0.367; 95% CI: 0.123-1.1008, P = 0.074). CONCLUSIONS In our study, we observed no significant association between the intake of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) and the odds of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This finding remained consistent even after adjusting for factors such as energy intake, sex, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity, and smoking status. Therefore, within the scope of our study, it appears that the consumption of UPFs does not significantly impact the likelihood of developing COPD. However, we recommend further research to deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between dietary habits and respiratory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Salehi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, P.O. Box 14155-6117, Iran
| | - Hanieh Malmir
- Obesity and Eating Habits Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Batoul Ghosn
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, P.O. Box 14155-6117, Iran
| | - Shokouh Onvani
- Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Emami Ardestani
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Awat Feizi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Esmaillzadeh
- Obesity and Eating Habits Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Azadbakht
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, P.O. Box 14155-6117, Iran.
- Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Heenan M, Hart AC, Cullerton K, Jan S, Shanthosh J. Legal and regulatory instruments for NCD prevention: a scoping review and descriptive analysis of evaluations in OECD countries. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:641. [PMID: 38424545 PMCID: PMC10903077 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18053-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Public health law is an important tool in non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. There are different approaches available for achieving policy objectives, including government, co-, quasi- and self-regulation. However, it is often unclear what legal design features drive successes or failures in particular contexts. This scoping review undertakes a descriptive analysis, exploring the design characteristics of legal instruments that have been used for NCD prevention and implemented and evaluated in OECD countries. METHODS A scoping review was conducted across four health and legal databases (Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, HeinOnline), identifying study characteristics, legal characteristics and regulatory approaches, and reported outcomes. Included studies focused on regulation of tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy foods and beverages, and environmental pollutants. FINDINGS We identified 111 relevant studies evaluating 126 legal instruments. Evaluation measures most commonly assessed implementation, compliance and changes to the built and lived environment. Few studies evaluated health or economic outcomes. When examining the design and governance mechanisms of the included legal instruments, government regulation was most commonly evaluated (n = 90) and most likely to be reported effective (64%). Self-regulation (n = 27) and quasi-regulation (n = 5) were almost always reported to be ineffective (93% and 100% respectively). There were few co-regulated instruments evaluated (n = 4) with mixed effectiveness. When examining public health risks, food and beverages including alcohol were more likely to be self- or quasi-regulated and reported as ineffective more often. In comparison, tobacco and environmental pollutants were more likely to have government mandated regulation. Many evaluations lacked critical information on regulatory design. Monitoring and enforcement of regulations was inconsistently reported, making it difficult to draw linkages to outcomes and reported effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS Food and alcohol regulation has tended to be less successful in part due to the strong reliance on self- and quasi-regulation. More work should be done in understanding how government regulation can be extended to these areas. Public health law evaluations are important for supporting government decision-making but must provide more detail of the design and implementation features of the instruments being evaluated - critical information for policy-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddie Heenan
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Level 5/ 1 King St Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia.
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Level 3, 30C Wentworth Street, Glebe, NSW, 2037, Australia.
- Australian Human Rights Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Ashleigh Chanel Hart
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Level 5/ 1 King St Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Katherine Cullerton
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Stephen Jan
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Level 5/ 1 King St Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Janani Shanthosh
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Level 5/ 1 King St Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
- Australian Human Rights Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Slater S, Lawrence M, Wood B, Serodio P, Baker P. Corporate interest groups and their implications for global food governance: mapping and analysing the global corporate influence network of the transnational ultra-processed food industry. Global Health 2024; 20:16. [PMID: 38388413 PMCID: PMC10882744 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01020-4] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A major challenge to transforming food systems to promote human health and sustainable development is the global rise in the manufacture and consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). A key driver of this dietary transition is the globalization of UPF corporations, and their organized corporate political activity (CPA) intended to counter opposition and block government regulation. UPF industry CPA and the corporate interest groups who lobby on their behalf have been well described at the national level, however, at the global level, this network has not been systematically characterized. This study aims to map, analyse, and describe this network, and discuss the implications for global food policy action on UPFs, global food governance (GFG), and food systems transformation. METHODS We conducted a network analysis of the declared interest group memberships of the world's leading UPF corporations, extracted from web sources, company reports, and relevant academic and grey literature. Data on the characteristics of these interest groups were further extracted for analysis, including year founded, level, type, and headquarter location. RESULTS We identified 268 interest groups affiliated with the UPF industry. The UPF manufacturers Nestlé (n = 171), The Coca-Cola Company (n = 147), Unilever (n = 142), PepsiCo (n = 138), and Danone (n = 113) had the greatest number of memberships, indicating strong centrality in coordinating the network. We found that this network operates at all levels, yet key actors now predominantly coordinate globally through multistakeholder channels in GFG. The most common interest group types were sustainability/corporate social responsibility/multistakeholder initiatives, followed by branding and advertising, and food manufacturing and retail. Most corporate interest groups are headquartered where they can access powerful government and GFG decision-makers, nearly one-third in Washington DC and Brussels, and the rest in capital cities of major national markets for UPFs. CONCLUSIONS The UPF industry, and especially its leading corporations, coordinate a global network of interest groups spanning multiple levels, jurisdictions, and governance spaces. This represents a major structural feature of global food and health governance systems, which arguably poses major challenges for actions to attenuate the harms of UPFs, and to realising of healthy and sustainable food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Slater
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.
| | - Mark Lawrence
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Benjamin Wood
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Paulo Serodio
- Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, UK
| | - Phillip Baker
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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McKenzie BL, Pinho-Gomes AC, Woodward M. Addressing the global obesity burden: a gender-responsive approach to changing food environments is needed. Proc Nutr Soc 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38351635 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665124000120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Obesity is a leading cause of death and disability globally. There is a higher proportion of women living with obesity than men, with differences in prevalence rates between women and men particularly staggering in low- and middle-income countries. The food environments that most people live in have been defined as 'obesogenic', characterised by easy access to energy dense, highly palatable foods with poor nutritional value. There is an established need to intervene to change food environments to prevent obesity. However, minimal successes are evident with no country set to meet the WHO goal of reducing obesity prevalence to 2010 numbers by 2025. In this review, we provide a narrative around the sex (biological)- and gender (sociocultural)-related considerations for the relationship between nutrition, interactions with the food environment and obesity risk. We provide an argument that there are gendered responses to food environments that place women at a higher risk of obesity particularly in relation to food industry influences, due to gendered roles and responsibilities in relation to paid and unpaid labour, and due to specific food security threats. This review concludes with hypotheses for addressing the obesity burden in a gender-responsive manner, with a call for gender equity to be a key component of the development, implementation and monitoring of obesity prevention focused policies going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briar L McKenzie
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Level 18, International Towers 3, 300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, NSW2000, Australia
| | - Ana-Catarina Pinho-Gomes
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark Woodward
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Level 18, International Towers 3, 300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, NSW2000, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Peng W, Zhang L, Wen F, Tang X, Zeng L, Chen J, Galea G, Wen D, Wang Y. Trends and disparities in non-communicable diseases in the Western Pacific region. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 43:100938. [PMID: 38456093 PMCID: PMC10920054 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The WHO Western Pacific region bears disproportionate deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with increased overall NCD proportional mortality over the past two decades. The disease burden of mental health increased, resulting from rapid ageing, enhanced stress, and the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was largely neglected. The highly diverse cultures, religions, political systems, socioeconomic contexts, lifestyles, and environmental factors probably have led to massive disparities across countries in NCD mortality, risk factors, and NCD management. Geographically, East Asia had the lowest NCD mortality whilst Pacific islands had the highest. Economic booms, ageing, nutrition transition, social stress, prevalent tobacco use, and fast-increasing obesity and hyperglycaemia are important drivers of NCDs. Men tended to have more adverse behavioural and metabolic risk factors. Rural residents are catching up with their urban counterparts in metabolic risk factors and conditions. Sustainable strategies tailored to NCD patterns are needed to fight the NCD epidemic and related disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Peng
- Nutrition and Health Promotion Center, Department of Public Health, Medical College, Qinghai University, People's Republic of China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16 Kunlun Road, Xining 810008, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, No. 10 Xitoutiao, Youanmenwai, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuyuan Wen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, No. 10 Xitoutiao, Youanmenwai, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Tang
- Nutrition and Health Promotion Center, Department of Public Health, Medical College, Qinghai University, People's Republic of China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16 Kunlun Road, Xining 810008, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingxia Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Public Health Institute, Global Health Institute, School of Public Health, International Obesity and Metabolic Disease Research Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiapeng Chen
- China Population and Development Research Center, No. 12 Dahuisi Road, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Gauden Galea
- WHO China Representative Office, No. 23 Dongzhimenwai Street, Beijing 100600, People's Republic of China
| | - Deliang Wen
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Youfa Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Public Health Institute, Global Health Institute, School of Public Health, International Obesity and Metabolic Disease Research Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China
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Bartolomé-Moreno C, Córdoba R, Melús-Palazón E. [Social, commercial and environmental determinants of health: The challenge of promotion and prevention]. Aten Primaria 2024; 56:102852. [PMID: 38241855 PMCID: PMC10825482 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2023.102852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cruz Bartolomé-Moreno
- Medicina de familia del Centro de Salud Parque Goya, Servicio Aragonés de Salud. Unidad Docente Multiprofesional de Atención Familiar y Comunitaria del sector Zaragoza 1. Grupo cáncer del PAPPS, Zaragoza, España.
| | - Rodrigo Córdoba
- Medicina de familia, Servicio Aragonés de Salud. Grupo estilos de vida del PAPPSS, Zaragoza, España
| | - Elena Melús-Palazón
- Medicina de familia del Centro de Salud Actur Oeste, Servicio Aragonés de Salud. Unidad Docente Multiprofesional de Atención Familiar y Comunitaria del sector Zaragoza 1. Grupo cáncer del PAPPS, Zaragoza, España
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Severi K, Hawkins B. Policy Actors' Perceptions of Conflicts of Interest and Alcohol Industry Engagement in UK Policy Processes. Int J Health Policy Manag 2024; 13:8068. [PMID: 38618829 PMCID: PMC11016281 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2024.8068] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol industry organisations occupy a prominent position in UK alcohol policy, but their involvement has been contested by public health bodies on the basis that a conflict of interest (COI) exists between their economic objectives and those of public health. There are ongoing debates in the research literature about how to conceptualise COI and mitigate this in health research and practise. However, less attention has been paid to these issues in relation to the alcohol industry specifically. This article explores similarities and differences in beliefs among alcohol policy actors regarding COI and the implications of engagement with the alcohol industry in the context of UK public health policy. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with a range of policy actors (n=26) including medical professionals, parliamentarians, civil servants, academic researchers, health campaigners, and alcohol industry representatives. Interviews with alcohol industry representatives were supplemented with an analysis of industry responses to a public consultation. All data was thematically coded using NVivo software. RESULTS Two competing "coalitions" were identified, expressing beliefs about COI linked to alcohol industry engagement. Both divergent and convergent beliefs were expressed by the two coalitions in relation to the type of industry actor, form of engagement, the policy issue under discussion and the stage of policy process. CONCLUSION Alcohol policy is a complex and contested space in which policy actors have differing, nuanced and contingent understandings of COI and identify varying risks associated with alcohol industry engagement. In identifying the areas of convergence and diversion in both understanding and evaluation of COI in alcohol-specific settings, these findings will assist both decision-makers and non-governmental actors in developing policies and guidelines to manage potential COI in future.
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Frank T, Ng SW, Lowery CM, Thow AM, Swart EC. Dietary intake of low-income adults in South Africa: ultra-processed food consumption a cause for concern. Public Health Nutr 2024; 27:e41. [PMID: 38204376 PMCID: PMC10882538 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002811] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given the rapidly changing food environment and proliferation of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in South Africa (SA), this study aimed to critically evaluate dietary quality and adequacy of low-income adults using the Nova classification system and WHO and World Cancer Research Fund dietary guidelines. DESIGN Secondary household data and 1-d 24-h recalls were analysed from two cross-sectional studies conducted in 2017-2018. Foods consumed were classified according to the Nova classification system. Compliance with WHO dietary guidelines and UPF consumption trends were evaluated. SETTING Three low-income areas (Langa, Khayalitsha and Mount Frere) in SA were included. PARTICIPANTS In total, 2521 participants (18-50 years) were included in the study. RESULTS Participants had a mean energy intake of 7762 kJ/d. Most participants were within the acceptable WHO guideline range for saturated fat (80·4 %), total fat (68·1 %), Na (72·7 %) and free sugar (57·3 %). UPF comprised 39·4 % of diets among the average adult participant. Only 7·0 % of all participants met the WHO guideline for fruit and vegetables and 18·8 % met the guideline for fibre. Those within the highest quartile of share of energy from UPF consumed statistically higher amounts of dietary components to limit and were the highest energy consumers overall. CONCLUSIONS Low-income adults living in SA are consuming insufficient protective dietary components, while UPF consumption is prevalent. Higher UPF consumers consume larger amounts of nutrients linked to increased chronic disease risk. Policy measures are urgently needed in SA to protect against the proliferation of harmful UPF and to promote and enable consumption of whole and less UPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamryn Frank
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, Cape Town7535, South Africa
| | - Shu Wen Ng
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health and the Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Caitlin M Lowery
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health and the Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Thow
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Swart
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
- DSI/NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Fazzino TL, Jun D, Chollet-Hinton L, Bjorlie K. US tobacco companies selectively disseminated hyper-palatable foods into the US food system: Empirical evidence and current implications. Addiction 2024; 119:62-71. [PMID: 37682074 DOI: 10.1111/add.16332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS US tobacco companies owned leading US food companies from 1980 to 2001. We measured whether hyper-palatable foods (HPF) were disproportionately developed in tobacco-owned food companies, resulting in substantial tobacco-related influence on the US food system. DESIGN The study involved a review of primary industry documents to identify food brands that were tobacco company-owned. Data sets from the US Department of Agriculture were integrated to facilitate longitudinal analyses estimating the degree to which foods were formulated to be hyper-palatable, based on tobacco ownership. SETTING AND CASES United States Department of Agriculture data sets were used to identify HPF foods that were (n = 105) and were not (n = 587) owned by US tobacco companies from 1988 to 2001. MEASUREMENTS A standardized definition from Fazzino et al. (2019) was used to identify HPF. HPF items were identified overall and by HPF group: fat and sodium HPF, fat and sugar HPF and carbohydrates and sodium HPF. FINDINGS Tobacco-owned foods were 29% more likely to be classified as fat and sodium HPF and 80% more likely to be classified as carbohydrate and sodium HPF than foods that were not tobacco-owned between 1988 and 2001 (P-values = 0.005-0.009). The availability of fat and sodium HPF (> 57%) and carbohydrate and sodium HPF (> 17%) was high in 2018 regardless of prior tobacco-ownership status, suggesting widespread saturation into the food system. CONCLUSIONS Tobacco companies appear to have selectively disseminated hyper-palatable foods into the US food system between 1988 and 2001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tera L Fazzino
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
- Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Daiil Jun
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
- Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Lynn Chollet-Hinton
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Kayla Bjorlie
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
- Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
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Thout SR, Yu J, Santos JA, Hameed M, Coyle DH. Dietary intakes of hypertensive patients in rural India: Secondary outcomes of a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2023; 2:100109. [PMID: 38515467 PMCID: PMC10953904 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2023.100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Background Hypertension is highly prevalent in India; however, little is known about the dietary intakes of those living with hypertension, particularly in rural areas. The primary aim was to assess the dietary intakes of individuals living in rural India with self-reported history of hypertension. As secondary analyses, we explored the dietary impact of a salt substitute in this population group. Materials and methods This study used data from a large randomised controlled trial conducted in seven villages across rural India. Participants received either regular salt (100% sodium chloride) or the salt substitute (70% sodium chloride/30% potassium chloride) to replace all home salt use. Dietary intake at baseline and end-of-trial was assessed using 24-h dietary recalls. A range of dietary outcomes were assessed including energy intake, macronutrient intake and overall diet quality according to the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). Results A total of 454 participants were included in the analysis. At baseline, mean (SE) energy intakes in regular salt group and salt substitute group were similar at 5240 (110) kJ/day and 5120 (106) kJ/day, respectively. This was largely attributable to intakes of carbohydrates (74.4% of total energy intakes for regular salt group vs 75.4% for the salt substitute group) followed by total fat (15.8% vs 15.4%) and protein (10.4% vs 10.3%). Both groups also had similar AHEI scores at baseline, with mean (SE) total scores equating to 33.0 (0.4) (out of a total 90) for the regular salt group and 32.7 (0.4) for the salt substitute group. Both groups received lowest AHEI scores across the following components: vegetables, fruit and wholegrains. At baseline, the mean (SE) intakes of sodium across the regular salt and salt substitute groups were similar at 2349 (67) mg/day and 2396 (64) mg/day, respectively. In the salt substitute group, there was a significant reduction in total sodium intakes over time (-264 mg/day, 95% CI, -442 to -85), driven by the use of the salt substitute. Conclusion This study found individuals with hypertension living in rural India had poor dietary intakes, including low intakes of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains, and high intakes of sodium. Salt substitutes may be an effective strategy for reducing sodium intake in this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Raj Thout
- The George Institute for Global Health India, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, India
| | - Jie Yu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Joseph Alvin Santos
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Md Hameed
- The George Institute for Global Health India, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, India
| | - Daisy H. Coyle
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Marshall K, Beaden P, Durrani H, Tang K, Mogilevskii R, Bhutta Z. The role of the private sector in noncommunicable disease prevention and management in low- and middle-income countries: a series of systematic reviews and thematic syntheses. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2156099. [PMID: 36591948 PMCID: PMC9815432 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2022.2156099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Conduct six systematic reviews investigating for-profit private sector roles in NCD prevention and management in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through our a priori framework's pillars. METHODS Six systematic reviews and thematic syntheses were performed between March-August 2021, Six databases, websites of relevant organizations, and references lists of included studies were comprehensively searched. Studies published in English from 2000 onwards involving the pillar of interest, for-profit private sector, NCD prevention/management, and LMIC context were included. Results were synthesized using an inductive thematic synthesis approach. RESULTS Ultimately, 25 articles were included in the PPP review, 33 in Governance and Policy, 22 in Healthcare Provision, 15 in Innovation, 14 in Knowledge Educator, and 42 in Investment and Finance. The following themes emerged: PPPs (coordination; financial resources; provision; health promotion; capacity building; innovation; policy); Governance/Policy (lobbying; industry perception; regulation); Healthcare Provision (diagnosis/treatment; infrastructure; availability/accessibility/affordability); Innovation (product innovation; process innovation; marketing innovation; research; innovation dissemination); Knowledge Educator (training; health promotion; industry framework/guideline formation); Investment and Finance (treatment cost; regulation; private insurance; subsidization; direct investment; collaborative financing; innovative financing; research). CONCLUSION These findings will be instrumental for LMICs considering private sector engagement. Potential conflicts of interest must be considered when implementing private sector involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Marshall
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,CONTACT Keiko Marshall University of Toronto
| | - Philippa Beaden
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hammad Durrani
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kun Tang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Roman Mogilevskii
- Institute of Public Policy and Administration, University of Central Asia, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Zulfiqar Bhutta
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada,Centre for Excellence in Women and Child Health and Institute of Global Health and Development, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan,Zulfiqar Bhutta Zulfiqar BhuttaCentre for Global Child Health Hospital, Sick Children 686 Bay Street, 11th Floor, Suite 11.9805 Toronto, ON M5G 0A4 Canada ext. 328532 Aga Khan University
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Otekunrin OA, Ayinde IA, Sanusi RA, Onabanjo OO. Dietary diversity, nutritional status, and agricultural commercialization: evidence from adult men of rural farm households. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2023; 2:100121. [PMID: 38515478 PMCID: PMC10953912 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2023.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Access to healthy and affordable diet hinged on the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 2, higher productivity and, economic prosperity while it is difficult for a poorly nourished people to achieve optimum production of goods and services. This study assessed whether dietary diversity (DD) and nutritional status of adult men are associated with crop commercialization index (CCI) levels of agricultural households in two states of Southwestern Nigeria. This research utilized 352 farm households, comprising 277 adult male members. The individual version of dietary diversity score (DDS) of 9 food groups was used to calculate adult men's DDS over a 24-h recall. Anthropometric data was obtained using body mass index (BMI) while CCI levels was estimated for each agricultural household. Logistic regression and ordered logit models were used to examine the determinants of adult men's dietary diversity and nutritional status respectively. Hundred percent of adult men consumed starchy staples, with 11.2% consuming egg, 5.8% milk and milk products and 0.4% consuming organ meat over 24-h recall. Adult men of CCI 2 and CCI 4 agricultural households recorded overweight prevalence of >20% in Ogun state while the association between DDS and CCI was statistically insignificant suggesting that being a member of any of the CCI households may not guarantee the consumption of healthy diets among adult men. From Logit regression analysis, it is more likely for adult men with higher farm size to attain the minimum DDS of 4 food groups than those with smaller size of farmland (OR = 4.78; 95% CI: 1.94, 11.76; p = 0.001). The age, farm experience, and cassava marketing experience were positively related to the likelihood of obtaining the minimum DDS. For adult men to achieve a healthy diet, their diet pattern must incorporate a more diversified intake of food from different food groups capable of improving their nutritional status. This study emphasized the need for relevant stakeholders to provide adequate nutrition knowledge intervention programmes capable of improving the diets and nutrition of adult men and other members of farm households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olutosin Ademola Otekunrin
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria
| | - Idris Akanbi Ayinde
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria
| | - Rahman Akintayo Sanusi
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria
| | - Oluseye Olusegun Onabanjo
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria
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McKevitt S, White M, Petticrew M, Summerbell C, Vasiljevic M, Boyland E, Cummins S, Laverty AA, Millett C, de Vocht F, Junghans C, Vamos EP. Characterizing restrictions on commercial advertising and sponsorship of harmful commodities in local government policies: a nationwide study in England. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:878-887. [PMID: 37608490 PMCID: PMC10687598 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commercial advertising and sponsorship drive the consumption of harmful commodities. Local authorities (LAs) have considerable powers to reduce such exposures. This study aimed to characterize local commercial policies across all English LAs. METHODS We conducted a census of all English LAs (n = 333) to identify local commercial policies concerning advertising and sponsorship of tobacco, alcohol, less healthy foods and gambling, through online searches and Freedom of Information requests. We explored policy presence, commodity frequency and type, and associations with LA characteristics (region, urban/rural and deprivation). RESULTS Only a third (106) of LAs in England had a relevant policy (32%). These included restrictions on tobacco (91%), gambling (79%), alcohol (74%) and/or less healthy foods (24%). Policy prevalence was lowest in the East of England (22%), North East (25%) and North West (27%), higher in urban areas (36%) than rural areas (28%) and lower in the least (27%) compared with the most (38%) deprived areas. Definitions in policies varied, particularly for alcohol and less healthy foods. CONCLUSIONS English LAs currently underutilize their levers to reduce the negative impacts of harmful commodity industry marketing, particularly concerning less healthy foods. Standardized guidance, including clarity on definitions and application, could inform local policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah McKevitt
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Martin White
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark Petticrew
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carolyn Summerbell
- Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Fuse, Newcastle, UK
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Milica Vasiljevic
- Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Fuse, Newcastle, UK
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Steven Cummins
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anthony A Laverty
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher Millett
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Frank de Vocht
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London (NIHR ARC), London, UK
| | - Cornelia Junghans
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London (NIHR ARC), London, UK
| | - Eszter P Vamos
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Canhada SL, Vigo Á, Levy R, Luft VC, da Fonseca MDJM, Giatti L, Molina MDCB, Duncan BB, Schmidt MI. Association between ultra-processed food consumption and the incidence of type 2 diabetes: the ELSA-Brasil cohort. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2023; 15:233. [PMID: 37968763 PMCID: PMC10647077 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-023-01162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in various high-income countries, with some variation in the magnitude across studies. Our objective was to investigate the association of UPF consumption and specific subgroups with incident type 2 diabetes in Brazilian adults. METHODS The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) is a multicenter cohort study of 15,105 adults (35-74 years) enrolled in public institutions in Brazil (2008-2010). We followed participants with two clinic visits (2012-2014; 2017-2019) and annual telephone surveillance. After excluding those with diabetes at baseline, who died or were lost in the follow-up, with missing data, with implausible energy food intake, or reporting bariatric surgery, there were 10,202 participants. We used the NOVA classification to assess UPF consumption based on a food frequency questionnaire. We defined type 2 diabetes by self-report, medication use, or comprehensive laboratory tests. We estimated relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using robust Poisson regression. RESULTS Median UPF consumption was 372 g/day. Over 8.2 (0.7) years of follow-up, we detected 1799 (17.6%) incident cases. After adjustment for socio-demographics, family history of diabetes, and behavioral risk factors, comparing the fourth (≥ 566 g/day) with the first (< 236 g/day) quartile of UPF distribution, RR was 1.24 (1.10-1.39); every 150 g/day increments in UPF consumption resulted in a RR of 1.05 (1.03-1.07). Reclassifying natural beverages with added sweeteners as UPF increased risk (RR 1.40; 1.25-1.58). Among UPF subgroupings, consumption of processed meats and sweetened beverages increased diabetes risk, while yogurt and dairy sweets decreased the risk (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS UPF consumption increased the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Brazilian adults, with heterogeneity across specific food items. These findings add to previous evidence for the role of UPFs in the development of diabetes and other chronic diseases, supporting recommendations to avoid their intake in diabetes prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scheine L Canhada
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600 sala 519, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Vigo
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600 sala 519, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Renata Levy
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vivian C Luft
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600 sala 519, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Food, Nutrition and Health, UFRGS; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Luana Giatti
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health and School of Medicine & Clinical Hospital, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Del Carmen B Molina
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Bruce B Duncan
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600 sala 519, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Inês Schmidt
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2600 sala 519, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Zwierczyk U, Kobryn M, Duplaga M. The Awareness of the Role of Commercial Determinants of Health and the Readiness to Accept Restrictions on Unhealthy Food Advertising in Polish Society. Nutrients 2023; 15:4743. [PMID: 38004137 PMCID: PMC10674888 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The negative consequences of commercial determinants of health (CDoH) have become a major challenge for public health systems, especially in terms of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). CDoH are defined as profit-driven factors that influence health. In this study, we assessed the awareness of CDoH and the attitudes toward potential restrictions on advertising, as well as fiscal interventions targeting food products with harmful effects on health in Polish society. Our analysis is based on data from a computer-based web interviewing (CAWI) survey performed in May 2022 among 2008 adult internet users from Poland. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed for variables derived from three items exploring the respondents' understanding of the relationship between CDoH and NCDs, as well as three items asking about their acceptance of a prohibition of advertising unhealthy products during sports events, a general ban on unhealthy food advertising, and their attitudes toward sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Food (FL) and e-health literacy (eHL) levels were consistently positive predictors of both awareness of CDoH and acceptance of the proposed actions. Both higher FL and eHL were significantly associated with the opinion that advertising unhealthy food is associated with the prevalence of NCDs (OR, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.02-1.05, and 1.04, 1.02-1.06, respectively). Health literacy was less frequently a significant predictor of the dependent variables. Among sociodemographic factors, a respondent's level of education and age showed a significant relationship with their awareness and acceptance of countermeasures against CDoH. Respondents with a university master's level of education were more likely to agree with the statement on the relationship between big industry profits and harm to society's health (OR, 95% CI: 1.96, 1.42-2.69) and to support a ban on advertising unhealthy food similar to that for tobacco products (OR, 95% CI: 1.66, 1.21-2.27). Respondents suffering from chronic diseases were also consistently more likely to show a greater understanding of the harmful impact of CDoH and support proposed restrictions. For example, they were more likely to agree with restrictions on advertising harmful products during sports events (OR, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.02-1.50) and the introduction of a sugar tax (OR, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.03-1.54). Our study revealed that more than 50% of the Polish population is conscious of the problem of the harmful effects of big industries producing and selling processed food, sugar-sweetened beverages, and alcoholic beverages. Interestingly, slightly more than half of the respondents supported the introduction of restrictions on advertising such products. Still, only approximately 30% of them accepted a sugar tax to counter the obesity epidemic. The results of our study indicate that Polish society is open to the introduction of regulations aimed at limiting the impact of commercial determinants of health. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to assess the awareness of CDoH and the acceptance of restrictions to limit their impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariusz Duplaga
- Department of Health Promotion and e-Health, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawińska Str. 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland; (U.Z.); (M.K.)
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Zapata ME, Cediel G, Arrieta E, Rovirosa A, Carmuega E, Monteiro CA. Ultra-processed foods consumption and diet quality among preschool children and women of reproductive age from Argentina. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2304-2313. [PMID: 36522679 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022002543] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and diet quality among preschool children and women of reproductive age from Argentina. DESIGN Cross-sectional and nationally representative survey. The food items were classified according to the NOVA system. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and wholegrains was estimated, and the energy and nutrients related to non-communicable disease (NCD) intake. Linear regression was used to assess the associations. SETTING Argentina. PARTICIPANTS Children aged 2-5 years (n 7022), female adolescent aged 10-19 years (n 2165) and women aged 20-49 years (n 4414). RESULTS UPF represented more than a quarter of total energy intake, 27 % in children, 31 % in female adolescents and 26 % in women. Across all age groups, the major contributors to UPF consumption were cookies and pastries (about 6·0-7·0 %), soft drinks (about 2·7-3·7 %), candies (about 1·8-4·6 %), and juices (about 1·3-1·7 %). The consumption of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and legumes was negatively associated with UPF consumption. A significant positive association was found between the dietary share of UPF and the dietary content of NCD-promoting nutrients such as free sugars and total saturated and trans-fats. In contrast, a significant negative association was found with the content of NCD-protective such as fibre and protein. CONCLUSIONS UPF were associated with lower consumption of healthy foods and higher intake of nutrients related to NCD in children and women of reproductive age in Argentina. It is necessary to design food policies that simultaneously reduce the consumption of UPF while promoting the intake of fresh and whole foods to improve the dietary quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Elisa Zapata
- Center of Studies in Child Nutrition Dr. Alejandro O´Donnell (CESNI), Cerrito 1136 1° Floor, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 1010, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Cediel
- University of Antioquia, School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Ezequiel Arrieta
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Plant Biology (IMBIV), CONICET and National University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Alicia Rovirosa
- Center of Studies in Child Nutrition Dr. Alejandro O´Donnell (CESNI), Cerrito 1136 1° Floor, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 1010, Argentina
| | - Esteban Carmuega
- Center of Studies in Child Nutrition Dr. Alejandro O´Donnell (CESNI), Cerrito 1136 1° Floor, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 1010, Argentina
| | - Carlos A Monteiro
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lebon L, Diethelm P, Ballmer V, Molineaux H, Zürcher K, Cornuz J. Why did Swiss citizens vote to ban tobacco advertising? Tob Control 2023:tc-2023-057986. [PMID: 37890995 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-057986] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
In February 2022, Swiss citizens agreed to modify the Swiss Constitution to ban tobacco advertising reaching children and adolescents. This case study analyses the arguments used by both opponents and supporters of the constitutional amendment. Opponents argued that the proposed regulation went too far, threatened the economy, restricted personal freedom, was superfluous as the current law already protected youth and that it opened the door to marketing bans of other harmful products. Proponents focused on youth protection and invoked the burden of smoking on public health and the fact that advertising bans are an effective evidence-based measure. A comparison with previous campaigns to ban tobacco advertising that had failed suggests factors accounting for the positive vote in 2022. These include the strategic framing of youth protection, the separation of tobacco from other issues (such as alcohol advertising), the deteriorating image of the tobacco industry and the ability of the proponents to mobilise a broad coalition of health and youth organisations, with improved funding and communication. The lessons may be instructive for other campaigns seeking to regulate commercial determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Lebon
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Valentine Ballmer
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Karin Zürcher
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jacques Cornuz
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Townsend B, Johnson TD, Ralston R, Cullerton K, Martin J, Collin J, Baum F, Arnanz L, Holmes R, Friel S. A framework of NGO inside and outside strategies in the commercial determinants of health: findings from a narrative review. Global Health 2023; 19:74. [PMID: 37817196 PMCID: PMC10565967 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00978-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health scholarship has uncovered a wide range of strategies used by industry actors to promote their products and influence government regulation. Less is known about the strategies used by non-government organisations to attempt to influence commercial practices. This narrative review applies a political science typology to identify a suite of 'inside' and 'outside' strategies used by NGOs to attempt to influence the commercial determinants of health. METHODS We conducted a systematic search in Web of Science, ProQuest and Scopus. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they comprised an empirical study, explicitly sought to examine 'NGOs', were in English, and identified at least one NGO strategy aimed at commercial and/or government policy and practice. RESULTS One hundred forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight industry sectors were identified: extractive, tobacco, food, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, weapons, textiles and asbestos, and a small number of general studies. We identified 18 types of NGO strategies, categorised according to the target (i.e. commercial actor or government actor) and type of interaction with the target (i.e. inside or outside). Of these, five NGO 'inside' strategies targeted commercial actors directly: 1) participation in partnerships and multistakeholder initiatives; 2) private meetings and roundtables; 3) engaging with company AGMs and shareholders; 4) collaborations other than partnerships; and 5) litigation. 'Outside' strategies targeting commercial actors through the mobilisation of public opinion included 1) monitoring and reporting; 2) protests at industry sites; 3) boycotts; 4) directly engaging the public; and 5) creative use of alternative spaces. Four NGO 'inside' strategies directly targeting government actors included: 1) lobbying; 2) drafting legislation, policies and standards; 3) providing technical support and training; and 4) litigation. NGO 'outside' strategies targeting government included 1) protests and public campaigns; 2) monitoring and reporting; 3) forum shifting; and 4) proposing and initiating alternative solutions. We identified three types of NGO impact: substantive, procedural, and normative. CONCLUSION The analysis presents a matrix of NGO strategies used to target commercial and government actors across a range of industry sectors. This framework can be used to guide examination of which NGO strategies are effective and appropriate, and which conditions enable NGO influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Townsend
- Australian Research Centre for Health Equity, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Timothy D Johnson
- Australian Research Centre for Health Equity, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Rob Ralston
- Global Health Policy Unit, Social Policy, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Jane Martin
- Obesity Policy Coalition, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeff Collin
- Global Health Policy Unit, Social Policy, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Fran Baum
- Stretton Health Equity & School of Social Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Rodney Holmes
- Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sharon Friel
- Australian Research Centre for Health Equity, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Mukanu MM, Thow AM, Delobelle P, Mchiza ZJR. Mapping of food environment policies in Zambia: a qualitative document analysis. BMC Nutr 2023; 9:112. [PMID: 37784146 PMCID: PMC10544488 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-023-00766-1] [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: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The food environment in which people exercise food choices significantly impacts their dietary patterns. Policies that limit the availability, affordability, and access to unhealthy food while increasing that of healthier alternatives help build healthy food environments, which are required to address the double burden of malnutrition. This study aimed to assess the availability of food environment policies in Zambia. METHOD We applied a two-step qualitative document analysis to identify policy content relating to healthy food environments from global and Zambia-specific nutrition-related policy documents. In the first step, global policy documents were analyzed to develop a reference point for globally recommended policies for healthy food environments. In the second step, Zambia's nutrition-related policies were analyzed to identify content relating to healthy food environments. The identified policy content was then mapped against the global reference point to identify food environment policy gaps. RESULTS Our analysis of global policy recommendations identified five broad categories of policy provisions: information and education based; regulatory and legislative tools; strategies to promote production and access to healthy food production; social protection-based strategies and guiding principles for governments relating to multisectoral collaboration and governance. Our analysis found that Zambian Government policy documents in the health, agriculture, education, and national planning and development sectors have policy provisions for healthy food environments. While these policy provisions generally covered all five reference categories, we found policy gaps in the regulatory and legislative tools category relative to global recommendations. CONCLUSION Zambia's food environment policy landscape must include globally recommended regulatory and legislative policy measures like restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children. Nutrition policy reforms are required to facilitate the introduction of regulatory and legislative policy measures that effectively address the double burden of malnutrition in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulenga Mary Mukanu
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa.
| | - Anne Marie Thow
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Peter Delobelle
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
- Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Zandile June-Rose Mchiza
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
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Springmann M, Kennard H, Dalin C, Freund F. International food trade contributes to dietary risks and mortality at global, regional and national levels. NATURE FOOD 2023; 4:886-893. [PMID: 37814079 PMCID: PMC10589094 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00852-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Food trade is generally perceived to increase the availability and diversity of foods available to consumers, but there is little empirical evidence on its implications for human health. Here we show that a substantial proportion of dietary risks and diet-related mortality worldwide is attributable to international food trade and that whether the contributions of food trade are positive or negative depends on the types of food traded. Using bilateral trade data for 2019 and food-specific risk-disease relationships, we estimate that imports of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improved dietary risks in the importing countries and were associated with a reduction in mortality from non-communicable diseases of ~1.4 million deaths globally. By contrast, imports of red meat aggravated dietary risks in the importing countries and were associated with an increase of ~150,000 deaths. The magnitude of our findings suggests that considering impacts on dietary risks will become an important aspect of health-sensitive trade and agriculture policies, and of policy responses to disruptions in food chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Springmann
- Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - H Kennard
- UCL Energy Institute, Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, University College London, London, UK
- Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Dalin
- UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources, Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, University College London, London, UK
- Laboratoire de Géologie de l'ENS, UMR8538 du CNRS, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - F Freund
- Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Institute of Market Analysis, Braunschweig, Germany
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50
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Koon AD, Marten R. Framing health taxes: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012055. [PMID: 37813439 PMCID: PMC10565303 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Health taxes are increasingly positioned as effective policy instruments for curbing non-communicable disease, improving health and raising government revenues. Their allure has caused many health advocates to look beyond tobacco and alcohol to other harmful products such as sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), salty foods, fatty foods and fossil fuels. These efforts, however, directly conflict with commercial actors' interests. Both pro-tax health advocates and anti-tax industry representatives seek to frame health tax policy in favourable ways. Yet, little is known about which types of frames resonate in which settings, or how they deploy morals and values in their attempts to persuade. To fill this gap, we conducted a scoping review on framing health taxes using six databases in 2022. A total of 40 peer-reviewed empirical research articles, from 2006 to 2022, were identified from 20 different countries. Most research was conducted in high-income countries, published in the last 4 years and increasingly focused on excise taxes for SSBs. Studies captured multiple actors constructing context-specific frames, often tied to broader economic, health and administrative considerations. Actors also engaged in a range of political activities in addition to framing. We found some evidence that anti-tax framing strategies potentially incorporated a broader array of morals and social values. More in-country comparative research, particularly from low/middle-income countries, is needed to understand the politics of framing health taxes. We argue that these insights can improve efforts to advance health taxes by constraining corporate power, improving population level health and promoting greater social harmony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Koon
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert Marten
- Secretariat, WHO Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, Geneva, Switzerland
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