Nutrition, movement and sleep behaviours: their interactions in pathways to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases

Prospective evaluation of 24-hour movement behaviors among adolescents recovering from a sport-related concussion

This study aimed to describe the 24-hour composition of movement behaviors, including sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity (PA), among pediatric sports-related concussion (SRC) patients over their recovery period, assess the association between movement compositions and recovery time, and understand feasibility of 24-hour accelerometry in the study population. A cohort of 50 pediatric SRC patients were asked to wear a wrist-worn accelerometer continuously for the duration of their recovery. Among all enrolled participants, the sample was primarily 14 or 15 years of age (65%), female (55%), and recovered in under 28 days (88%). Accelerometer compliance was moderate; 35 participants (70%) were compliant with the protocol. Compositional analysis was used to address time-use objectives in 33 participants who provided adequate data for inclusion. Overall, participants spent an average of 50% of their 24-hour day sedentary, 33% sleeping, 11% in light intensity PA, and 6% in moderate or vigorous intensity PA. The 24-hour composition of movement behaviors was not associated with recovery time (p = .09-.99). However, the limited sample size may have contributed to null findings. Given recent evidence supporting the effects of sedentary behavior and PA on concussion recovery, future studies should aim to further validate these findings in a larger sample.

Peer effects in weight-related behaviours of young people: A systematic literature review

Individual preferences and beliefs are perpetually shaped by environmental influences, with peers playing a key role in this dynamic process. Compelling evidence from qualitative and quantitative studies has highlighted the significant impact of peer influence on health-related decisions. This systematic literature review critically synthesises findings from 45 studies published between 2011 and 2022, providing a comprehensive understanding of the nature of peer effects on dietary, physical activity and sleep behaviours during youth. The majority of studies indicated that social norms drive directional changes in eating and physical activity. Yet, our analysis revealed a notable gap in exploring alternative mechanisms, including social comparison and social identity, despite their potential relevance. Studies, generally classified as moderate to high quality, predominantly relied on self-reported data, potentially affecting the validity and reliability of measures. Meta-regression analyses suggest a small, but significant association of sample size with the magnitude, sign and significance of the reported peer effects. Moreover, studies focusing on physical activity are more likely to report significant outcomes, whereas findings on peer influence on sleep-related studies tend to reveal less pronounced effects, compared to studies on dietary behaviours. Experimental designs do not appear to increase the likelihood of finding significant effects when compared to other study designs. In conclusion, this synthesis emphasises the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms on peer effects to better inform policy-makers in designing effective policies for improving weight-related behaviours in young people.

Lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors in the ethnic and non-ethnic population > 15 years of age: results from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017

BACKGROUND

lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors information is scarce regarding youth and adults of Latin-American ethnics.

OBJECTIVE

the primary aim was to describe the lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors for arterial hypertension (HTN) and diabetes in ethnic Latin-American groups (Mapuche and Aymara) and other non-ethnics > 15 years of age in the Chilean population. A secondary aim was to determine the association between physical activity 'intensity' with HTN and diabetes markers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

a representative sample from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017, included Mapuche (EG-Map; women n = 166, men n = 300; total n = 466), Aymara (EG-Aym; women n = 96, men n = 55; total n = 151), and a non-ethnic population group (No-EG; women n = 2057, men n = 3445; total n = 5502). The main outcomes were; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and fasting plasma glucose (GL), and secondary outcomes were other anthropometric, lipid profile, and lifestyle parameters.

RESULTS

the GL was significantly associated with nutrition (0.9 %, p < 0.0001), and tobacco and alcohol habits (0.6 %, p < 0.0001). SBP was significantly associated with nutrition (whole-grains 0.04, p = 0.001; water consumption 0.07, p < 0.0001), sleep hygiene (week 0.04, p = 0.030; on weekends -0.04, p = 0.026), and alcohol consumption (-0.06, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

in conclusion, lifestyle differences among Mapuche and Aymara ethnic groups in comparison with non-ethnic Chilean peers > 15 years are significantly associated with blood pressure and glycemia.

Weight status and meeting the physical activity, sleep, and screen-time guidelines among Texas children: results from a population based, cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that the interactive effects of physical activity, screen-time and sleep are stronger than independent effects of these behaviors on pediatric obesity. However, this hypothesis has not been fully examined among samples of young school-aged children. The aim of this study is to determine the association of weight status with meeting the physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines, independently and concurrently, among 2nd grade children.

METHODS

The Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition Project collected parent-reported physical activity, screen-time, and sleep, and measured body height and weight on a statewide representative weighted sample (n = 320,005) of children. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess associations of weight status (classified using age- and sex-specific body weight [kg]/height [m]², based on International Obesity Task Force cutoffs) with meeting the physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines, while controlling for relevant covariates (age, sex, race/ethnicity, comorbidities etc.).

RESULTS

A greater proportion of healthy weight children (9.9%) met the physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines concurrently compared to children who are thin (3.3%), or children with overweight (5.7%), obese (3.5%), and morbid obesity (1.0%). Children who were thin (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10, 1.50), overweight (aOR = 0.75, CI: 0.33, 1.70), obese (aOR = 0.53, CI: 0.15, 1.81), and morbidly obese (aOR = 0.10, CI: 0.02, 0.28) had lower odds of concurrently meeting the guidelines compared to children with healthy weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Among this representative sample of Texas children, weight status was associated with meeting physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines. Future studies should aim to evaluate causal relations between these behaviors and weight status.

Efficacy of a Multi-Component m-Health Diet, Physical Activity, and Sleep Intervention on Dietary Intake in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Trial

This three-arm randomised controlled trial evaluated whether (1) a multi-component weight loss intervention targeting diet, physical activity (PA), and sleep was effective at improving dietary intake over six months and 12 months, compared with a control, and (2) the enhanced diet, PA, and sleep intervention was more effective at improving dietary intake than the traditional diet and PA intervention. A total of 116 adults (70% female, 44.5 years, BMI 31.7 kg/m²) were randomised to either traditional diet and PA intervention; enhanced diet, PA, and sleep intervention; or wait-list control. To examine between-group differences, intervention groups were pooled and compared with the control. Then, the two intervention groups were compared. At six months, the pooled intervention group consumed 1011 fewer kilojoules/day (95% CI −1922, −101), less sodium (−313.2 mg/day; 95% CI −591.3, −35.0), and higher %EI from fruit (+2.1%EI; 95% CI 0.1, 4.1) than the controls. There were no differences in intake between the enhanced and traditional groups at six months. At 12 months, the pooled intervention and control groups reported no significant differences. However, compared to the traditional group, the enhanced reported higher %EI from nutrient-dense foods (+7.4%EI; 95% CI 1.3, 13.5) and protein (+2.4%EI; 95% CI 0.1, 4.6), and reduced %EI from fried/takeaway foods (−3.6%EI; 95% CI −6.5, −0.7), baked sweet products (−2.0%EI; 95% CI −3.6, −0.4), and packaged snacks (−1.1%EI; 95% CI −2.2, −0.3). This weight loss intervention reduced total energy and sodium intakes as well as increased fruit intake in adults at six months. The enhanced intervention group reported improved dietary intake relative to the traditional group at 12 months.

Behavioural mediators of reduced energy intake in a physical activity, diet, and sleep behaviour weight loss intervention in adults

Reduced energy intake is a major driver of weight loss and evidence suggests that physical activity, dietary, and sleep behaviours interact to influence energy intake. Energy restriction can be challenging to sustain. Therefore to improve intervention efficacy, evaluation of how changes in physical activity, diet, and sleep behaviours mediate reduced energy intake in adults with overweight/obesity who participated in a six-month multiple-behaviour-change weight loss intervention was undertaken. This was a secondary analysis of a 3-arm randomised controlled trial. Adults with body mass index (BMI) 25-40 kg/m² were randomised to either: a physical activity and diet intervention; physical activity, diet, and sleep intervention; or wait-list control. Physical activity, dietary intake, and sleep was measured at baseline and six-months using validated measures. The two intervention groups were pooled and compared to the control. Structural equation modelling was used to estimate the mediated effects (AB Coefficient) of the intervention on total energy intake. One hundred and sixteen adults (70% female, 44.5y, BMI 31.7 kg/m²) were enrolled and 70% (n = 81) completed the six-month assessment. The significant intervention effect on energy intake at six-months (-1011 kJ/day, 95% CI -1922, -101) was partially mediated by reduced fat intake (AB = -761.12, 95% CI -1564.25, -53.74) and reduced consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods (AB = -576.19, 95% CI -1189.23, -97.26). In this study, reducing fat intake and consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods was an effective strategy for reducing daily energy intake in adults with overweight/obesity at six-months. These strategies should be explicitly targeted in future weight loss interventions.

Pathogenesis of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases: From the legacy of Ancel Keys to current concepts

Several areas of research into the prevention and treatment of obesity today can be traced to one or more of the scientific works pioneered by Ancel Keys between the 1930s to 1970s in fields that cut across the physiology of extremes and public health nutrition. These range from his classical studies into how body and mind respond to chronic exposure to hypoxia in "The Physiology of Life at High Altitudes" or to simulated famine under controlled laboratory conditions in "The Biology of Human Starvation", the impact of diet and lifestyle on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in "The Seven Countries Study," to the "Indices of Relative Weight and Obesity" in which he identified what has since been the most widely utilized diagnostic tool to monitor obesity across populations worldwide and which he coined as the body mass index. The contribution of Ancel Keys to medical sciences through his observations, analytical approaches, and research output of his classic studies, and how these have (and continue) to impact on a plethora of current concepts in obesity research today, are embodied in the eight review articles that constitute this supplement reporting the proceedings of the 10th Fribourg Obesity Research Conference. The aim of this introductory paper is to put into perspective the legacy of Ancel Keys to current concepts that are encapsulated in these review articles that cover research areas that include (i) the diagnosis of obesity for health risks; (ii) the role of dietary fat types in the pathogenesis of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases; (iii) the rationale, efficacy and safety of low carbohydrate ketogenic diets, or the therapeutic potential of hypoxic conditioning, in weight management programs; (iv) the psychological and physiological basis of the "famine reaction" that counters therapeutic dieting and facilitates weight regain; and (v) the potential impact of weight cycling and yoyo dieting on risks for later obesity and cardiometabolic diseases.

Combined effects of weight change trajectories and eating behaviors on childhood adiposity status: A birth cohort study

Previous studies have suggested that infant rapid weight change can be associated with an increased weight later in life. However, the weight change trajectory in early life over time and which childhood lifestyle behaviors may modify the risk of rapid weight change have not been characterized. Using our ongoing birth cohort study, we have addressed these issues. Nine follow-up time points (birth, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months) were used to calculate the change between two adjacent weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ-change), and then WAZ-change trajectories were defined via group-based trajectory modeling. The solitary, independent and combined effects of WAZ-change trajectories and each lifestyle factor (eating behaviors, physical activity, media exposure time and total sleep duration) on childhood adiposity measures at age 4 years were determined using multivariate regression analysis. Overall, 84 (38%) children had a steady growth trajectory from birth to 4 years, while the other 137 (62%) children had an early infancy rapid growth trajectory, particularly in the first three months. Compared to children with steady growth, children with early infancy rapid growth had a significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, and subcutaneous fat. Moreover, weight change trajectory and three eating behaviors (i.e. food responsiveness, satiety responsiveness and food fussiness), not only had independent effects, but also combined (synergistic) effects on the majority of adiposity measures. Our results extend the current literature and provide a potentially valuable model to aid clinicians and health professionals in designing early-life interventions targeting specific populations, specific ages and specific lifestyle behaviors to prevent childhood overweight/obesity.

Bidirectional Day-to-Day Associations of Reported Sleep Duration With Accelerometer Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Among Dutch Adolescents: An Observational Study

Objectives

To examine the bidirectional association of sleep duration with proportions of time spent in physical behaviors among Dutch adolescents.

Methods

Adolescents (n = 294, 11-15 years) completed sleep diaries and wore an accelerometer (ActiGraph) over 1 week. With linear mixed-effects models, the authors estimated the association of sleep categories (short, optimal, and long) with the following day's proportion in physical behaviors. With generalized linear mixed models with binomial distribution, the authors estimated the association of physical behavior proportions on sleep categories. Physical behavior proportions were operationalized using percentages of wearing time and by applying a compositional approach. All analyses were stratified by gender accounting for differing developmental stages.

Results

For males (number of observed days: 345, n = 83), short as compared with optimal sleep was associated with the following day's proportion spent in sedentary (-2.57%, p = .03, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-4.95, -0.19]) and light-intensity activities (1.96%, p = .02, 95% CI [0.27, 3.65]), which was not significant in the compositional approach models. Among females (number of observed days: 427, n = 104), long sleep was associated with the proportions spent in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (1.69%, p < .001, 95% CI [0.75, 2.64]) and in sedentary behavior (-3.02%, p < .01, 95% CI [-5.09, -0.96]), which was replicated by the compositional approach models. None of the associations between daytime activity and sleep were significant (number of obs.: 844, n = 204).

Conclusions

Results indicate partial associations between sleep and the following day's physical behaviors, and no associations between physical behaviors and the following night's sleep.

Comparing the Trail Users with Trail Non-Users on Physical Activity, Sleep, Mood and Well-Being Index

Background: The current study sought to understand whether trail users reported better wellness and health status compared to the non-users, and to recognize the associated factors. Methods: Eight trails from different locations and settings within Indiana were selected to sample trail users for the study. Additionally, areas surrounding these eight trails were included in the study as sample locations for trail non-users. Trail users and non-users were intercepted and asked to participate in a survey including demographics, socioeconomic status, physical activity, mood, smoking, nutrition, and quality of sleep. Information was collected and compared between the trail users and the non-users. Association of self-rated health, age, sex, race, marital status, employment, income, education, smoking, nutrition, sleep, and mood with trail use was evaluated by multivariable linear regression model. Results: The final sample size included 1299 trail users and 228 non-users. Environmental factors (access to nature and scenery) were important incentives for 97% and 95% of trail users, respectively. Age, sex, mood, and sleep quality were significantly associated with using the trail. Mean (SD) self-rated wellness and health out of 10 was 7.6 (1.4) in trail users and 6.5 (1.9) in non-users (p < 0.0001). Importantly, trail users were significantly more physically active outside of the trail compared to the non-users (207 vs. 189 min/week respectively, p = 0.01) and had better sleep qualities and mood scores. Using the trails was significantly associated with higher self-rated wellness and health score. The longer the use of trails, the higher the self-rated wellness and health index (β = 0.016, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Compared to not using the trails, trail use was significantly associated with more physical activity, better sleep quality, and higher self-rated wellness and health.

Impact of the occupational environment of a submerged submarine on cardiometabolic health of Royal Navy submariners

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of prolonged exposure to a submarine environment on biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in Royal Navy (RN) submariners.

METHODS

Serum lipids (cholesterol (C), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-HDL-C), glucose, insulin and anthropometrics were compared within three RN submarine crews before and after submerged patrols of 12 or 6 weeks, and with a crew that remained ashore (SUB-HOME). Dietary intake and activity patterns were self-reported during each patrol. Differences were assessed in crew characteristics using one-way analysis of variance and in serum lipids using paired t-tests.

RESULTS

Postpatrol, the mean body weight of submerged crews decreased (-1.4±4.2 kg, p=0.0001), but increased in SUB-HOME (1.9±1.8 kg, p=0.0001). Modest improvements in serum lipids (mean individual change (mmol/L); C=-0.3±0.7, p=0.0001; TG=-0.3±0.7, p=0.0001; HDL-C=-0.1±0.3, p=0.0001; non-HDL-C=-0.2±0.6, p=0.012), glucose (-0.2±0.5, p=0.0001) and insulin (-1.5±4.6 mU/L, p=0.001) were observed in submerged crews. Changes in serum lipids were positively associated with changes in body weight within crews combined. Energy intake was maintained during submerged patrols but was lower compared with non-submerged (11 139±2792 vs. 9617±2466 kJ, p=0.001; 11 062±2775 vs. 9632±2682 kJ, p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The environment of a submerged submarine produced no adverse effects on serum biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in crew. Conversely, modest improvements in these biomarkers were associated with a decrease in body weight.

The Impact of BMI Categories on Metabolic Abnormality Development in Chinese Adults Who are Metabolically Healthy: A 7-Year Prospective Study

PURPOSE

To determine what metabolic abnormalities develop frequently among metabolically healthy adults over time according to different baseline body mass index (BMI) categories.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective cohort study was performed on 10,805 adults, who were metabolically healthy at the time of the 2008 survey. Participants were divided into four groups: metabolically healthy obese (MHO), metabolically healthy overweight (MHOW), metabolically healthy normal-weight (MHN), and metabolically healthy underweight (MHU). Modified Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the relationship of BMI with the development of metabolic abnormalities. Association rule mining was used to identify the most frequent abnormalities that developed over time.

RESULTS

Compared with the MHN group, the adjusted relative risks of the MHO group were 1.57 (95% CI: 1.09-2.27) and 2.08 (95% CI: 1.59-2.73) for developing elevated fasting glucose and elevated blood pressure, respectively, after adjusting for lifestyle behaviours and dietary factors. At the end of follow-up, 33 (19.1%) MHO subjects and 342 (16.6%) MHOW subjects had elevated blood pressure as the predominant metabolic syndrome component, whereas 236 (9.0%) MHU subjects had elevated plasma glucose. The results were similar after stratification by sex.

CONCLUSION

MHO and MHOW subjects developed elevated blood pressure most frequently, and MHU subjects developed elevated blood glucose most commonly, regardless of sex.

Improving Cardiometabolic Health with Diet, Physical Activity, and Breaking Up Sitting: What about Sleep?

Cardiometabolic disease poses a serious health and economic burden worldwide and its prevalence is predicted to increase. Prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and short sleep duration are ubiquitous behaviors in modern society, and all are independent risk factors in the development of cardiometabolic disease. Existing evidence demonstrates that breaking up prolonged periods of sitting is beneficial for cardiometabolic health, however, studies have not controlled for prior sleep duration. This article examines how prolonged sitting and short sleep duration independently contribute to cardiometabolic risk, and how breaking up sitting and obtaining adequate sleep may reduce this risk. We suggest that as prolonged sitting and short sleep duration influence the same cardiometabolic parameters, there is potential for short sleep to attenuate the positive impact of breaking up prolonged sitting with physical activity. Likewise, breaking up prolonged sitting and obtaining adequate sleep together could improve predictors of cardiometabolic disease, i.e., the combined effect may be stronger than either alone. To explore these perspectives, we propose a research agenda to investigate the relationship between breaking up prolonged sitting with physical activity and short sleep duration. This will provide an evidence-base for informing the design of interventions to reduce the burden of cardiometabolic disease on communities worldwide.