1
|
López-Gil JF, Ezzatvar Y, Ojeda-Rodríguez A, Galan-Lopez P, Royo JMP, Gaya AR, Agostinis-Sobrinho C, Martín-Calvo N. Is family meal frequency associated with obesity in children and adolescents? A cross-sectional study including 155 451 participants from 43 countries. Pediatr Obes 2024; 19:e13124. [PMID: 38798042 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.13124] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study tried to examine the association between the frequency of family meals and excess weight using large and representative samples of children and adolescents from 43 countries. METHODS This cross-sectional study used data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC), which included nationally representative samples of children and adolescents aged 10-17 years, involving a total of 155 451 participants (mean age = 13.6 years; standard deviation [SD] = 1.6; 51.4% girls). Family meal frequency was gauged through the following question: 'How frequently do you and your family typically share meals?' The possible responses were: 'never', 'less often', 'approximately once a week', 'most days' and 'every day'. The body weight and height of the participants were self-reported and utilized to calculate body mass index (BMI). Subsequently, BMI z-scores were computed based on the International Obesity Task Force criteria, and the prevalence of excess weight was defined as +1.31 SD for boys and + 1.24 SD for girls, with obesity defined as +2.29 SD for boys and + 2.19 SD for girls. Generalized linear mixed models were conducted to examine the associations between the frequency of family meals and excess weight or obesity. RESULTS The lowest predicted probabilities of having excess weight and obesity were observed for those participants who had family meals every day (excess weight: 34.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 31.4%-37.5%; obesity: 10.8%, 95% CI 9.0%-13.0%). CONCLUSIONS A higher frequency of family meals is associated with lower odds of having excess weight and obesity in children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasmin Ezzatvar
- Department of Nursing, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Ojeda-Rodríguez
- Lipids and Atherosclerosis Unit, Internal Medicine Unit, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Galan-Lopez
- Department of Communication and Education, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Anelise Reis Gaya
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cesar Agostinis-Sobrinho
- Polytechnic Institute Of Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
- Health Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health Science, Klaipeda University, Klaipėda, Lithuania
| | - Nerea Martín-Calvo
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Serrano-Fuentes N, Rogers A, Portillo MC. Beyond individual responsibility: Exploring lay understandings of the contribution of environments on personal trajectories of obesity. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302927. [PMID: 38718062 PMCID: PMC11078422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reversing the upward trajectory of obesity requires responding by including the multiple influences on weight control. Research has focused on individual behaviours, overlooking the environments where individuals spend their lives and shape lifestyles. Thus, there is a need for lay understandings of the impact of environments as a cause and solution to obesity. This research aimed to understand the influence of environments on the adoption of health practices in adults with obesity and to identify lay strategies with which to address environmental barriers to behaviour change. METHODS Nineteen adults with a history of obesity living in the United Kingdom were interviewed through video conferencing between May 2020 and March 2021. Semi-structured interviews and socio-demographic questionnaires were used, and data analysed through hermeneutic phenomenology informed reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three main themes were created: living with convenience and normalcy: the increased accessibility of unhealthy food, people interacting with digital media for positive practice change, and the need to prioritise prevention in schools, the National Health Service and the food industry. CONCLUSIONS The food environment was the major barrier, while interactions with social media was the most important opportunity to adopt healthy practices. The National Health Service was considered an obesogenic environment, something relevant since it has been traditionally recognised as an obesity management system. The perceptions from individuals with a history of obesity provide new suggestions on the influence of previously overlooked environments to design more adequate and effective interventions and policies that consider, more than in the past, the environments where people spend their lives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nestor Serrano-Fuentes
- NIHR ARC Wessex, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Rogers
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mari Carmen Portillo
- NIHR ARC Wessex, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Henney AE, Gillespie CS, Alam U, Hydes TJ, Boyland E, Cuthbertson DJ. Ultra-processed food and non-communicable diseases in the United Kingdom: A narrative review and thematic synthesis of literature. Obes Rev 2024; 25:e13682. [PMID: 38204299 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13682] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The social and economic constructs of the United Kingdom (UK) provide a fertile food environment for the dramatic expansion in the ultra-processed food (UPF) market, driving increased UPF consumption. This has coincided with the significant increase in the incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, with an inherent impact on morbidity and mortality. Our review aims to assess the current epidemiological and public health trends in the United Kingdom, specifically examining consumption of UPFs and subsequent development of NCDs, summarizing existing meta-analytical and experimental approaches. First, we address important socioeconomic and psychosocial domains that may contribute to increased availability and consumption of UPF. Additionally, we explore the putative mechanistic basis for the association between UPFs and NCDs: partly attributable to their energy density, the macro- and micronutrient composition (including high refined carbohydrate, saturated, and trans fats composition, in addition to low fiber and protein content), and artificially engineered additives and other compounds that adversely affect health in inadequately researched pathophysiological pathways. This review highlights the importance of promoting minimally processed diets to both clinical and political decision makers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex E Henney
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Conor S Gillespie
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Theresa J Hydes
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel J Cuthbertson
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Siddiqui SA, Azmy Harahap I, Suthar P, Wu YS, Ghosh N, Castro-Muñoz R. A Comprehensive Review of Phytonutrients as a Dietary Therapy for Obesity. Foods 2023; 12:3610. [PMID: 37835263 PMCID: PMC10572887 DOI: 10.3390/foods12193610] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a complex medical condition mainly caused by eating habits, genetics, lifestyle, and medicine. The present study deals with traditional diets like the Mediterranean diet, Nordic diet, African Heritage diet, Asian diet, and DASH, as these are considered to be sustainable diets for curing obesity. However, the bioavailability of phytonutrients consumed in the diet may vary, depending on several factors such as digestion and absorption of phytonutrients, interaction with other substances, cooking processes, and individual differences. Hence, several phytochemicals, like polyphenols, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, etc., have been investigated to assess their efficiencies and safety in the prevention and treatment of obesity. These phytochemicals have anti-obesity effects, mediated via modulation of many pathways, such as decreased lipogenesis, lipid absorption, accelerated lipolysis, energy intake, expenditure, and preadipocyte differentiation and proliferation. Owing to these anti-obesity effects, new food formulations incorporating these phytonutrients were introduced that can be beneficial in reducing the prevalence of obesity and promoting public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Department of Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Prof.-von-Klitzing Str. 7, 49610 Quakenbrück, Germany
| | | | - Priyanka Suthar
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan 173230, Himachal Pradesh, India;
| | - Yuan Seng Wu
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Nibedita Ghosh
- Department of Pharmacology, Girijananda Chowdhury University, Guwahati 781017, Assam, India;
| | - Roberto Castro-Muñoz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Toluca, Av. Eduardo Monroy Cárdenas 2000, San Antonio Buenavista, Toluca de Lerdo 50110, Mexico
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St. 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pulker CE, Aberle LM, Butcher LM, Whitton C, Law KK, Large AL, Pollard CM, Trapp GSA. Development of the Menu Assessment Scoring Tool (MAST) to Assess the Nutritional Quality of Food Service Menus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3998. [PMID: 36901008 PMCID: PMC10001456 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Preventing the rise in obesity is a global public health priority. Neighbourhood environments can help or undermine people's efforts to manage their weight, depending on availability of nutritious and nutrient-poor 'discretionary' foods. The proportion of household food budgets spent on eating outside the home is increasing. To inform nutrition policy at a local level, an objective assessment of the nutritional quality of foods and beverages on food service menus that is context-specific is needed. This study describes the development and piloting of the Menu Assessment Scoring Tool (MAST), used to assess the nutritional quality of food service menus in Australia. The MAST is a desk-based tool designed to objectively assess availability of nutrient-poor and absence of nutritious food and beverages on food service menus. A risk assessment approach was applied, using the best available evidence in an iterative way. MAST scores for 30 food service outlets in one Local Government Authority in Perth, Western Australia highlight opportunities for improvements. MAST is the first tool of its kind in Australia to assess the nutritional quality of food service menus. It was practical and feasible to use by public health nutritionists/dietitians and can be adapted to suit other settings or countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Elizabeth Pulker
- East Metropolitan Health Service, Kirkman House, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | | | - Lucy Meredith Butcher
- East Metropolitan Health Service, Kirkman House, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Clare Whitton
- East Metropolitan Health Service, Kirkman House, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Kristy Karying Law
- East Metropolitan Health Service, Kirkman House, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia
| | - Amy Louise Large
- East Metropolitan Health Service, Kirkman House, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
| | - Christina Mary Pollard
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
- Enable Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Georgina S. A. Trapp
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Moore S, Butler T. UK government delays restriction of promotions on less-healthy foods: Serious implications for tackling obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2022; 30:1722-1723. [PMID: 35899320 PMCID: PMC9546114 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Regulations ensuring that the promotion and advertising of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt were restricted from October 2022 are now to be delayed by the UK Government. The delay of this policy is to be condemned because it will set back the anticipated improvement to population diets and obesity levels by postponing the expected transformation of retail food environments in-store and online. Governmental justifications for delaying these policies, the implementation of which was the responsibility of the UK food industry, can be perceived to reflect a short-sighted willingness to use the current economic circumstances to push the responsibility for obesity and dietary choices back into the court of the consumer. Delaying these polices will, yet again, leave public health and clinical practitioners tackling obesity with less-effective approaches focused on individual willpower and information provision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Moore
- School of Food Science and NutritionUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Tom Butler
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and MedicineEdge Hill UniversityOrmskirkLancashireUK
- CardioRespiratory Research CentreEdge Hill UniversityOrmskirkLancashireUK
| |
Collapse
|