Television viewing time in Hong Kong adult population: associations with body mass index and obesity

Sedentary and 21 gastrointestinal disorders: A Mendelian randomization study

Sedentary behavior (SB) has been linked in the past by observational studies to gastrointestinal illnesses, although the exact cause of the link is still unknown. To deal with this problem, we carried out a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to thoroughly examine the connection between SB and common gastrointestinal illnesses. We selected instrumental variables representing the SB from the UK Biobank study, including watching television viewing, playing computer, and driving. In addition, we obtained genetic associations of 21 common gastrointestinal disorders from the FinnGen research. After adjusting for common risk factors associated with gastrointestinal diseases, we analyzed the independent association between genetic. Furthermore, we used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method in conjunction with complementing techniques like MR-Egger (Mendelian randomization based on Egger Regression) and weighted median to assure the accuracy and dependability of the results. Our findings suggest that genetic susceptibility to prolonged television viewing is significantly associated with an increased risk of 9 out of 21 gastrointestinal disorders. Specifically, these disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic gastritis, cholelithiasis, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, gastroduodenal ulcer, fatty liver, irritable bowel syndrome, and acute appendicitis. These associations remained significant even after correcting for potential confounding factors. The replication analysis confirms the same conclusion. The results of this study demonstrate a causal relationship between cachexia and genetically predicted SB. To further understand the underlying pathogenic mechanisms at play, more study is required.

Effects of Synbiotic Supplementation on Metabolic Syndrome Traits and Gut Microbial Profile among Overweight and Obese Hong Kong Chinese Individuals: A Randomized Trial

In view of the limited evidence showing anti-obesity effects of synbiotics via modulation of the gut microbiota in humans, a randomized clinical trial was performed. Assessment of the metabolic syndrome traits and profiling of the fecal gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in overweight and obese Hong Kong Chinese individuals before and after dietary intervention with an 8-week increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and/or synbiotic supplementation was conducted. The selected synbiotic contained two probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019) and a prebiotic (polydextrose). Fifty-five overweight or obese individuals were randomized and divided into a synbiotic group (SG; n = 19), a dietary intervention group (DG; n = 18), and a group receiving combined interventions (DSG; n = 18). DSG showed the greatest weight loss effects and number of significant differences in clinical parameters compared to its baseline values-notably, decreases in fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and triglycerides and an increase in HDL-cholesterol. DSG lowered Megamonas abundance, which was positively associated with BMI, body fat mass, and trunk fat mass. The results suggested that increasing dietary fiber consumption from fruits and vegetables combined with synbiotic supplementation is more effective than either approach alone in tackling obesity.

Multiple trajectories of any intensities of physical activity are better than sustained sedentary time on improving waist circumference and body mass index among Chinese adults: China Health and Nutrition Survey, 2004-2018

Higher levels of physical activity (PA) may be associated with more favorable measures of adiposity, and sedentary time (ST) is associated with adverse health outcomes independent of PA. We hypothesized that multiple routes of different PA intensities PA combined with ST would be associated with coexisting latent waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) trajectories among Chinese adults. Thus, we aimed to determine multiple routes of PA and ST and their associations with trajectories of WC and BMI. We used data from 13 137 adults in the China Health and Nutrition Survey between 2004 and 2018. Using group-based multitrajectory modeling, we determined multiple trajectories of light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity PA (LPA, MPA) and ST (PA trajectories) and concurrent WC and BMI trajectories. Then, we explored logit regressions between them. We identified 4 PA trajectories. The majority (high LPA, 43.5%) exhibited decreasing high LPA levels. The rest were high ST (9.0%), decreased MPA (15.8%), and high vigorous-intensity PA (31.7%). People with high ST showed higher odds of having abdominal obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23) or severe abdominal obesity (OR = 1.73) than those with decreased MPA (OR = 1.85 and 1.71) and high LPA (OR = 1.43 for abdominal obesity). They also showed higher odds of being overweight (OR = 1.73) than those with decreased MPA (OR = 1.58) and high LPA (OR = 1.39). Any level of PA is better than sustained ST for improving adiposity indicators among Chinese adults.

Trends in television viewing and overweight /obesity among Nepalese women: Findings from 2006, 2011 and 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Associations between overweight/obesity and television (TV) viewing have been identified in high-income countries, but little evidence is available from low- and middle-income countries. This study examined the trends and correlates of television viewing and overweight/obesity among Nepalese women between 2006 and 2016.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed the data from 22,161 women aged 15-49 years who took part in Nepal Demographic Health Surveys 2006 (n = 10,115), 2011 (n = 5,881) or 2016 (n = 6,165). Trained staff collected data on TV viewing and sociodemographic attributes from a face-to-face survey while height and weight were measured objectively to determine body mass index. Around 38% of the study participants watched TV at least once a week in 2006, which increased to 49% in 2011 and 46% in 2016. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 8% in 2006 to 14.6% in 2011 and 19.8% in 2016. Compared to those who did not watch TV at all, those watching it at least once a week were at 1.54 (95% CI: 1.02-2.33), 1.79 (95% CI: 1.23-2.60) and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.13-1.88) times higher odds of being overweight/obese in 2006, 2011 and 2016 respectively.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of TV viewing rose among women in Nepal between 2006 and 2016 and was associated with overweight/obesity, which also increased dramatically over this period. Future studies examining the use of multiple screen devices, daily usage duration and content viewed are recommended to understand better the health impacts of transitions to more sedentary living in Nepal and similar settings.

Analyzing the Influence of Wine and Beer Drinking, Smoking, and Leisure Time Screen Viewing Activity on Body Weight: A Cross-Sectional Study in Germany

The increasing global prevalence of overweight and obesity highlights an urgent need to explore modifiable obesogenic factors. This study investigated the impact of lifestyle factors, such as beer and wine drinking, cigarette smoking, and leisure time screen viewing activities, on body weight and the development of obesity. Individual level data were selected from a random sample of 3471 German adults using a two-stage disproportionate random sampling procedure. The empirical analysis employed a two-stage equations system and combined the endogenous treatment effects model with the quantile regression technique. Our estimations showed that the decisions to smoke and consume wine and beer were positively interrelated, especially in women. Frequent beer/wine drinkers of normal weight were found to have a lower BMI in the male subsample. Quantile regression estimates indicated a significant influence of smoking on BMI in both genders, with smokers’ BMI following an upward trend, especially in the upper quantiles of the distribution. Leisure time screen activity was found to have a major impact on females’ BMI. Prolonged television viewing and regular computer gaming had a strong relationship with weight increase in overweight women, whereas internet surfing was inversely correlated with the BMI of normal weight and slightly overweight female participants. Nutrition and health policies should direct individuals toward alternative recreational activities in order to substitute screen usage and reduce sedentary time. This study also raised doubts about the general belief that smokers have a lower body weight. As unhealthy behaviors usually co-occur or cluster together, obesity prevention interventions might also contribute to a decrease in smoking.

Electronic Media Device Usage and Its Associations With BMI and Obesity in a Rapidly Developing City in South China

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the television (TV) viewing and computer and mobile phone usage duration in a community sample of Chinese adults and examine their associations with BMI and obesity. Methods: We conducted a community-based health needs assessment study from February to December 2018 among 2,873 Chinese adults in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, China. We used self-administered questionnaires to collect the data from 24 community health service centers in Nanshan District. The participants individually recorded the time they spent watching TV and using computers and mobile phones. They also answered questions about their sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. We measured their height and weight by using ultrasonic height and weight scales. Then, we calculated and categorized their BMI in accordance with the standards prescribed by the World Health Organization for Asians. Results: Most of the participants were young adults (aged 18-44 years, 74.2%). The overall prevalence of obesity was 15.30%. The prevalence of TV, computer, and mobile phone usage was 75.5, 71.2, and 93.8% in females and 71.1, 75.7, and 94.2% in males, respectively. The youth (18-24 years) and the elderly (65 years or older) had the longest time using mobile phones (3.78 ± 2.51 h) and watching TV programs (2.12 ± 1.38 h), respectively. Longer usage of computers and mobile phones was evident in males (p < 0.05) and participants with a high education level (p < 0.01). The univariate analysis results showed an association between high BMI and obesity and short duration of using computers and mobile phones (all p < 0.05). By contrast, no significant associations were found between the length of TV program viewing and mobile phone usage and BMI (p > 0.05). After we adjusted for potential confounders, we found that computer usage time and the overall usage time of the three electronic devices had an inverse association with BMI (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Mobile phones were the most popular electronic device in Nanshan residents of Shenzhen. Unlike most previous studies, we found an inverse association between screen time and BMI. Nevertheless, scholars should conduct further studies to explore this association. Overall, we strongly encourage the appropriate use of electronic devices.

Sedentary Behavior Research in the Chinese Population: A Systematic Scoping Review

Background: The negative effects of sedentary behavior (SB) on public health have been extensively documented. A large number of studies have demonstrated that high prevalence of SB is a critical factor of all-cause mortality. Globally, the frequency of SB research has continued to rise, but little is known about SB in the Chinese population. Therefore, this review was conducted to scope the research situation and to fill the gaps related to the effects of SB in the Chinese population. Methods: Using a scoping review based on York methodology, a comprehensive search of published journal articles and grey literature was carried out through 12 databases. The literature research was conducted by two authors in July 2019, and included journal articles that targeted on the Chinese population were published between 1999 and 2019. The two authors screened the records independently and included those research topics related to SB in the Chinese population. Results: The number of included studies increased from 1 to 29 per year during the analyzed period, during which, a remarkable climb happened from 8 in 2013 to 19 in July 2019. Out of the 1303 screened studies, a total of 162 studies (81 English and 81 Chinese journal articles) met the inclusion criteria in this review. Most of the included studies (66.0%) reported the overall estimated prevalence of SB, in which, 43.2% of studies reported the average time of SB, and 40.0% of studies reported the cutoff point of SB. Besides this, 54.9% and 23.5% of studies focused on the outcomes and correlates/determinants of SB, and the proportions of studies based on testing the validation of measurement tools and on interventions were 3.7% and 4.9%, respectively. Nearly all of the reviewed articles used data from cross-sectional studies (75.9%) and longitudinal studies (13.6%), while intervention trials are less developed. The majority of the studies (64.8%) used self-reported surveys, and only 3.7% studies used device-based measurement tools. Furthermore, 35.8% of the included studies were focused on children and adolescents, while only a few studies investigated infants/toddlers and older adults. Both female and male were examined in most studies, and non-clinical populations were investigated in the context of SB in a relatively large number of studies. Conclusions: The number of research articles on SB in the Chinese population published per year has increased year by year, indicating a growing interest in this research area. More studies using population subgroup samples are needed, particularly among infants/toddlers, older adults, and clinical populations. To provide stronger evidence of the determinants and outcomes of SB, longitudinal studies using device-based measures of SB are required.

Association of total sedentary behaviour and television viewing with risk of overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension: A dose-response meta-analysis

AIMS

To explore the quantitative dose-response association of total sedentary behaviour and television viewing with overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension in a meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched three databases to identify English-language reports that assessed the association of total sedentary behaviour or television viewing with the aforementioned health outcomes. Restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate possible linear or non-linear associations of total sedentary behaviour and television viewing with these health outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 48 articles (58 studies) with a total of 1 071 967 participants in the meta-analysis; 21 (six cohort and 15 cross-sectional) studies examined the association of total sedentary behaviour with overweight/obesity, 23 (13 cohort and 10 cross-sectional) studies examined the association with type 2 diabetes and 14 (one cohort and 13 cross-sectional) studies examined the association with hypertension. We found linear associations between total sedentary behaviour and type 2 diabetes (P_{non-linearity} = 0.190) and hypertension (P_{non-linearity} = 0.225) and a non-linear association between total sedentary behaviour and overweight/obesity (P_{non-linearity} = 0.003). For each 1-h/d increase in total sedentary behaviour, the risk increased by 5% for type 2 diabetes and 4% for hypertension. We also found linear associations between television viewing and type 2 diabetes (P_{non-linearity} = 0.948) and hypertension (P_{non-linearity} = 0.679) and a non-linear association for overweight/obesity (P_{non-linearity} = 0.007). For each 1-h/d increase in television viewing, the risk increased by 8% for type 2 diabetes and 6% for hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of total sedentary behaviour and television viewing were associated with overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Examining total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour using the socio-ecological model - a cross-sectional study of Irish adults

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behaviour (SB) has been linked with detrimental effects on morbidity and mortality. This study aims to identify the individual, social and environmental correlates of total sedentary behaviour and the contexts in which sitting time accumulates in an Irish adult cohort.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of data from 7328 adults of the nationally representative Healthy Ireland Survey. Ordinal regression analyses were used to examine participants' socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, physical and mental health status, perceived neighbourhood environmental factors, and their association with total daily sitting times and sitting times across the domains of occupation, leisure screen-time and transportation/leisure.

RESULTS

Overall median of sitting time per day was 450 min (7.5 h). Male gender, and living in an urban location were associated with increased total-, occupational, and screen-time sitting (p < 0.001). Younger age was associated with increased total and occupational sitting times (p < 0.001), while being older was associated with increased screen-time and transportation/leisure sitting (p < 0.001). Insufficient physical activity levels were associated with increased sitting across all domains (p < 0.001). Higher socio-economic classification and education levels were associated with increased total, occupational, and transportation/leisure SB (p < 0.001), while lower socio-economic classification and education levels were associated with increased screen-time sitting (p < 0.001). Alcohol consumption was associated with screen-time and transportation/leisure sitting (p < 0.01), while smoking was associated with increased screen-time sitting (p < 0.001). Being married was associated with less screen-time (p < 0.001) and transportation/leisure sitting (p = 0.02), while those with a caring role had less total (p = 0.04) and screen-time sitting (p = 0.01). A significant negative association between neighbourhood attributes and total (p = 0.04), and transportation/leisure sitting times (p < 0.001) was found.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide a starting position for development of targeted interventions aimed at the most sedentary, such as males with sedentary occupations in higher socio-economic groups and education levels, those with insufficient levels of physical activity and who live in an urban location.

Factors Affecting Obesity and Waist Circumference Among US Adults

Introduction

Physical activity, sedentary activity, and food intake affect waist circumference and obesity among adults; however, the relationship is unclear. The objective of our study was to explore how these factors affect waist circumference and obesity prevalence among adults.

Methods

We used cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014 on 4,118 adults, 49% men and 51% women, aged 20 to 64 (mean age, 42). Weighted logistic regression models were fitted for abdominal obesity or obesity status and adjusted for variables of demographic characteristics, food intake, types of physical and sedentary activity, television and video viewing, and computer use. Analyses were stratified by sex.

Results

Of the 4,118 people studied, 39% were obese (body mass index ≥30) and 55% had a high-risk waist circumference (hereinafter, abdominal obesity: men, ≥120 cm; women, ≥88 cm). People who watched television or videos 2 hours or more per day had increased odds of being abdominally obese (men, odds ratio [OR], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29%–2.98%; women, OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.06%–2.59%) or obese (men, OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.18%–4.02%; women, OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.12%–2.48%). After adjusting for types of physical activity, associations remained significant only among men. Moderate recreational physical activity for 150 minutes or more a week versus 149 minutes or less was associated with reduced odds of abdominal obesity for both men (OR, 0.44; 95% CI. 0.22%–0.89%) and women (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.23%–0.67%). Consuming meals prepared away from home was associated with high odds of obesity among women (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.08%–2.58%).

Conclusion

Watching television and videos was positively associated with prevalence of abdominal obesity and obesity among men and women. Prevalence remained significant only among men with inclusion of physical activity. Further study is needed of the differences between the sexes in how physical and sedentary activity and food consumption are associated with obesity.

Prolonged Screen Viewing Times and Sociodemographic Factors among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey in China

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of prolonged television, computer, and mobile phone viewing times and examined related sociodemographic factors among Chinese pregnant women. Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey was implemented among 2400 Chinese pregnant women in 16 hospitals of 5 provinces from June to August in 2015, and the response rate of 97.76%. We excluded women with serious complications and cognitive disorders. The women were asked about their television, computer, and mobile phone viewing during pregnancy. Prolonged television watching or computer viewing was defined as spending more than two hours on television or computer viewing per day. Prolonged mobile phone viewing was watching more than one hour on mobile phone per day. Results: Among 2345 pregnant women, about 25.1% reported prolonged television viewing, 20.6% reported prolonged computer viewing, and 62.6% reported prolonged mobile phone viewing. Pregnant women with long mobile phone viewing times were likely have long TV (Estimate = 0.080, Standard Error (SE) = 0.016, p < 0.001) and computer viewing times (Estimate = 0.053, SE = 0.022, p = 0.015). Pregnant women with long TV (Estimate = 0.134, SE = 0.027, p < 0.001) and long computer viewing times (Estimate = 0.049, SE = 0.020, p = 0.015) were likely have long mobile phone viewing times. Pregnant women with long TV viewing times were less likely to have long computer viewing times (Estimate = -0.032, SE = 0.015, p = 0.035), and pregnant women with long computer viewing times were less likely have long TV viewing times (Estimate = -0.059, SE = 0.028, p = 0.035). Pregnant women in their second pregnancy had lower prolonged computer viewing times than those in their first pregnancy (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.56, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.42-0.74). Pregnant women in their second pregnancy were more likely have longer prolonged mobile phone viewing times than those in their first pregnancy (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.55). Conclusions: The high prevalence rate of prolonged TV, computer, and mobile phone viewing times was common for pregnant women in their first and second pregnancy. This study preliminarily explored the relationship between sociodemographic factors and prolonged screen time to provide some indication for future interventions related to decreasing screen-viewing times during pregnancy in China.

Mode of physical activity participation by body mass index: 2015 behavioural risk factor surveillance system

Body mass index (BMI) continues to be used as a marker of health due its strong correlation with adiposity and health. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to be favourably associated with a desirable BMI. Few studies have examined mode of PA participation across BMI indices with a mutually exclusive underweight BMI range. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between modes of PA and BMI. Data from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System was analysed. Underweight, overweight, and obese BMI categories possessed 35, 20, and 46% lower odds of meeting current PA guidelines. The obese BMI group was found to have lower odds of meeting the aerobic only and strength only guidelines. Underweight, overweight, and obese groups possessed 63, 18, and 76% greater odds of meeting neither PA guideline, respectively.

Association between overweight/obesity and eating habits while watching television among primary-school children in the city of Shiraz, Iran

OBJECTIVE

It has been reported that television (TV) viewing is associated with childhood obesity in Western countries. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity and eating habits while watching TV among primary-school children in the Middle East.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

Children were recruited from primary schools of four educational districts in Shiraz, Iran. Anthropometric indices of mass (kg) and height (m) were measured, and BMI (percentile) was calculated. Demographic characteristics, TV viewing behaviours and physical activity data were collected from parents during face-to-face interviews and a 3d dietary record was completed. Subject Children (n 607) aged 6-10 years.

RESULTS

Mean (sd) age of children was 8·16 (1·37) years, of whom 9·1 and 8·4 % were overweight and obese, respectively. Children who spent ≥2 h watching TV on weekdays (OR=1·99; 95 % CI 1·09, 3·60) and weekend days (OR=1·86; 95 % CI 1·01, 3·43) had higher odds of being obese, even after adjusting for physical activity. Children who ate breakfast while watching TV had higher odds of being overweight v. those who did not watch TV while eating breakfast (OR=2·70; 95 % CI 1·02, 7·60). There were no associations between TV viewing during other meals (lunch and dinner) and overweight/obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

TV viewing for ≥2 h daily increases the risk of being obese in Iranian children aged 6-10 years, independent of physical activity. Further, breakfast consumption while watching TV may increase the risk of overweight/obesity, independent of total TV viewing time.

The sedentary profile of primary care patients

Background

Primary care is one of the key environments in which to target public health and sedentary behaviours are increasing being linked to several adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of sedentary behaviour in an adult primary care population.

Methods

The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to collect data on the weekday sitting of participants. Stratified random sampling based on urban/rural location and deprivation was used to identify three primary care centres from which the sample was drawn.

Results

Data were collected from 885 participants (96.7% response rate) of whom 64% (n = 565) were female and 36% (n = 320) were male. The mean age was 42 (SD 14.2). Overall 48% (n = 418) of participants sat for >4 h daily with a median sitting time of 240 min (IQR 150-480). Attendance at the urban non-deprived primary care centre (B = 0.237, P < 0.001), male gender (B = 0.284, P < 0.001), overweight/obesity (B = 0.081, P = 0.048) and having a disability or injury limiting physical activity (B = 0.093, P = 0.028) were associated with higher sitting times.

Conclusion

This study established the factors that influence sedentary behaviours in the primary care population which can help inform the development and targeting of promotional strategies.

Social correlates of leisure-time sedentary behaviours in Canadian adults

Research on the correlates of sedentary behaviour among adults is needed to design health interventions to modify this behaviour. This study explored the associations of social correlates with leisure-time sedentary behaviour of Canadian adults, and whether these associations differ between different types of sedentary behaviour. A sample of 12,021 Canadian adults was drawn from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey, and analyzed using binary logistic regression to model the relationships that marital status, the presence of children in the household, and social support have with overall time spent sitting, using a computer, playing video games, watching television, and reading during leisure time. Covariates included gender, age, education, income, employment status, perceived health, physical activity level, body mass index (BMI), and province or territory of residence. Extensive computer time was primarily negatively related to being in a common law relationship, and primarily positively related to being single/never married. Being single/never married was positively associated with extensive sitting time in men only. Having children under 12 in the household was protective against extensive video game and reading times. Increasing social support was negatively associated with extensive computer time in men and women, while among men increasing social support was positively associated with extensive sitting time. Computer, video game, television, and reading time have unique correlates among Canadian adults. Marital status, the presence of children in the household, and social support should be considered in future analyses of sedentary activities in adults.

Investigating the influence of eating habits, body weight and television programme preferences on television viewing time and domestic computer usage

Background:

The present study explored the influence of eating habits, body weight and television programme preference on television viewing time and domestic computer usage, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and home media environment indicators. In addition, potential substitution or complementarity in screen time was investigated.

Methods:

Individual level data were collected via questionnaires that were administered to a random sample of 2,946 Germans. The econometric analysis employed a seemingly unrelated bivariate ordered probit model to conjointly estimate television viewing time and time engaged in domestic computer usage.

Results:

Television viewing and domestic computer usage represent two independent behaviours in both genders and across all age groups. Dietary habits have a significant impact on television watching with less healthy food choices associated with increasing television viewing time. Body weight is found to be positively correlated with television screen time in both men and women, and overweight individuals have a higher propensity for heavy television viewing. Similar results were obtained for age groups where an increasing body mass index (BMI) in adults over 24 years old is more likely to be positively associated with a higher duration of television watching. With respect to dietary habits of domestic computer users, participants aged over 24 years of both genders seem to adopt more healthy dietary patterns. A downward trend in the BMI of domestic computer users was observed in women and adults aged 25–60 years. On the contrary, young domestic computer users 18–24 years old have a higher body weight than non-users. Television programme preferences also affect television screen time with clear differences to be observed between genders and across different age groups.

Conclusions:

In order to reduce total screen time, health interventions should target different types of screen viewing audiences separately.

Role of adiponectin gene variants, adipokines and hydrometry-based percent body fat in metabolically healthy and abnormal obesity

OBJECTIVE

Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) subjects have better metabolic parameters than metabolically abnormal obesity (MAO) subjects, but the possible mechanisms underlying this remain unknown. Our study was designed to investigate the interrelationships among genes, adipokines, body fat and its distribution in MHO and MAO.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2009, 103 males and 131 females aged 18-50 years were enrolled by an intention-to-treat design in a weight management clinic. Participants were divided into MHO and MAO groups. Percent body fat (PBF) was measured by a deuterium oxide dilution method. Four polymorphic variants, including PPARγ2 (Pro12Ala and C1431T) and adiponectin (T45G and G276T) genes, and three adipokines (adiponectin, leptin and resistin) were obtained.

RESULTS

Of the 234 obese subjects, 130 (55.6%) were MHO. In the univariate analysis, the MAO group has significantly higher anthropometric, metabolic indices and leptin levels than the MHO group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, male gender, the T allele of adiponectin T45G polymorphism, leptin and PBF were positively associated with MAO. ANCOVA analysis revealed that the T allele of adiponectin T45G polymorphism was associated with higher fasting and postprandial glucose levels. We further found that TT genotype has a lower high molecular weight (HMW)/low molecular weight (LMW) adiponectin ratio than GG genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The factors associated with MAO are age, male gender, the T allele of adiponectin T45G polymorphism, leptin, and PBF. The net effects of T45G polymorphism on the MAO phenotype may be achieved by changes in the adiponectin oligomer ratio and glucose levels.

The relationship between new media exposure and fast food consumption among Chinese children and adolescents in school: a rural–urban comparison

Background:

In recent decades, China has experienced an exponential growth in the number of internet users, especially among the youngest population, as well as a rapid proliferation of Western-type fast food restaurants. The health consequences of internet availability and fast food consumption among youth have been largely studied in Western countries, but few studies have focused on China.

Objectives:

This paper has two goals. The first is to evaluate the differences in new media exposure and preferences for fast foods between rural and urban areas. The second goal is to test the association between new media exposure and fast food consumption. The targets of this analysis are Chinese children and adolescents aged 6–18 attending school at the time of the interview.

Methods:

Research hypotheses were tested using mean-groups comparisons for differences between rural urban sub-samples, and logistic regressions with odds ratios to estimate the relationship between media exposure and preferences towards fast foods. Cross-sectional data from the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey were employed.

Results:

Watching online videos and playing computer games are behaviors associated with higher probabilities of eating at fast food restaurants in both rural and urban young residents, with higher odds in rural areas. Surfing the internet is associated with higher odds of being overweight in both rural and urban settings. Results also show that children living in rural areas spend significantly more time playing computer games, watching TV and videotapes, but less time doing homework than their urban peers.

Conclusions:

This paper suggests that monitoring the nutritional effects of new media exposure in China is of key importance in order to develop adequate health promotion policies, in both rural and urban areas.

The relationship between new media exposure and fast food consumption among Chinese children and adolescents in school: a rural-urban comparison

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, China has experienced an exponential growth in the number of internet users, especially among the youngest population, as well as a rapid proliferation of Western-type fast food restaurants. The health consequences of internet availability and fast food consumption among youth have been largely studied in Western countries, but few studies have focused on China.

OBJECTIVES

This paper has two goals. The first is to evaluate the differences in new media exposure and preferences for fast foods between rural and urban areas. The second goal is to test the association between new media exposure and fast food consumption. The targets of this analysis are Chinese children and adolescents aged 6-18 attending school at the time of the interview.

METHODS

Research hypotheses were tested using mean-groups comparisons for differences between rural urban sub-samples, and logistic regressions with odds ratios to estimate the relationship between media exposure and preferences towards fast foods. Cross-sectional data from the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey were employed.

RESULTS

Watching online videos and playing computer games are behaviors associated with higher probabilities of eating at fast food restaurants in both rural and urban young residents, with higher odds in rural areas. Surfing the internet is associated with higher odds of being overweight in both rural and urban settings. Results also show that children living in rural areas spend significantly more time playing computer games, watching TV and videotapes, but less time doing homework than their urban peers.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper suggests that monitoring the nutritional effects of new media exposure in China is of key importance in order to develop adequate health promotion policies, in both rural and urban areas.

A systematic review of correlates of sedentary behaviour in adults aged 18-65 years: a socio-ecological approach

Background

Recent research shows that sedentary behaviour is associated with adverse cardio-metabolic consequences even among those considered sufficiently physically active. In order to successfully develop interventions to address this unhealthy behaviour, factors that influence sedentariness need to be identified and fully understood. The aim of this review is to identify individual, social, environmental, and policy-related determinants or correlates of sedentary behaviours among adults aged 18–65 years.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched for articles published between January 2000 and September 2015. The search strategy was based on four key elements and their synonyms: (a) sedentary behaviour (b) correlates (c) types of sedentary behaviours (d) types of correlates. Articles were included if information relating to sedentary behaviour in adults (18–65 years) was reported. Studies on samples selected by disease were excluded. The full protocol is available from PROSPERO (PROSPERO 2014:CRD42014009823).

Results

74 original studies were identified out of 4041: 71 observational, two qualitative and one experimental study. Sedentary behaviour was primarily measured as self-reported screen leisure time and total sitting time. In 15 studies, objectively measured total sedentary time was reported: accelerometry (n = 14) and heart rate (n = 1). Individual level factors such as age, physical activity levels, body mass index, socio-economic status and mood were all significantly correlated with sedentariness. A trend towards increased amounts of leisure screen time was identified in those married or cohabiting while having children resulted in less total sitting time. Several environmental correlates were identified including proximity of green space, neighbourhood walkability and safety and weather.

Conclusions

Results provide further evidence relating to several already recognised individual level factors and preliminary evidence relating to social and environmental factors that should be further investigated. Most studies relied upon cross-sectional design limiting causal inference and the heterogeneity of the sedentary measures prevented direct comparison of findings. Future research necessitates longitudinal study designs, exploration of policy-related factors, further exploration of environmental factors, analysis of inter-relationships between identified factors and better classification of sedentary behaviour domains.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-2841-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Association Between Television Viewing Time and All-Cause Mortality: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies

Findings on the association between television (TV) viewing and all-cause mortality in epidemiologic studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of data from prospective cohort studies to quantify this association. Relevant articles were identified by searching MEDLINE (PubMed; National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland) and EMBASE (Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands) from inception to March 1, 2015, and reviewing the reference lists of retrieved articles. Study-specific results were pooled using a random-effects model. Of 2,578 citations identified by the search strategy, 10 cohort studies (61,494 deaths among 647,475 individuals) met the inclusion criteria. The summary relative risk of all-cause mortality for the highest category of TV viewing time versus the lowest was 1.33 (95% confidence interval: 1.20, 1.47), with heterogeneity among studies (I(2) = 66.7%, P(heterogeneity) = 0.001). In dose-response meta-analysis, TV viewing time was statistically significantly associated with all-cause mortality risk in a J-shaped fashion (P(nonlinearity) = 0.001). These results indicate that prolonged TV viewing time might increase the risk of all-cause mortality. Given the high prevalence of excessive TV viewing, public health recommendations or interventions aimed at decreasing the amount of TV viewing time in modern societies are warranted.

Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Body Appreciation Scale among adults in Hong Kong

Previous research has suggested that the factor structure of Body Appreciation Scale (BAS), a widely-used measure of positive body image, may not be cross-culturally equivalent. Here, we used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the conceptual equivalence of a Chinese (Cantonese) translation of the BAS among women (n=1319) and men (n=1084) in Hong Kong. Results showed that neither the one-dimensional nor proposed two-dimensional factor structures had adequate fit. Instead, a modified two-dimensional structure, which retained 9 of the 13 BAS items in two factors, had the best fit. However, only one of these factors, reflective of General Body Appreciation, had adequate internal consistency. This factor also had good patterns of construct validity, as indicated through significant correlations with participant body mass index, self-esteem, and (among women) actual-ideal weight discrepancy. The present results suggest that there may be cultural differences in the concept and experience of body appreciation.

Socio-demographic, clinical and health behavior correlates of sitting time in older adults

BACKGROUND

Identifying correlates of sedentary behavior in older adults is of major importance to healthcare. To our knowledge, there are no population studies in Latin America examining which factors are associated to high sitting time in older adults. Thus, the purpose of this study is to identify socio-demographic, clinical, and health behavior correlates of sitting time in a representative sample of older adults living in Southeastern Brazil.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in twenty-four municipalities of the Triangulo Mineiro region in the State of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. A structured questionnaire was applied to obtain information on socio-demographic, clinical, and health behavior factors. Overall sitting time was assessed using a self-report instrument. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis was used to verify the association of sitting time with socio-demographic, clinical, and health behavior factors.

RESULTS

3,296 older adults (61.5% women and 38.5% men) were included in the analysis. The overall median was 240.0 minutes of sitting time/day. The Multiple Correspondence Analysis showed that the group with the highest sitting time presented the following characteristics: women, age greater than 70 years, unschooled status, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, use of medication, poor self-rated health, dependence in basic activities of daily living, and absence of regular physical activity.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that socio-demographic, clinical, and health behavior factors are associated with high sitting time in older adults from Southeastern Brazil. The results may help to identify older adults that should be targeted in interventions aiming at reducing sitting time.

Self-reported physical activity is associated with cognitive function in lean, but not obese individuals

Convergent evidence demonstrates that greater physical activity is associated with better cognitive functioning across many patient and healthy samples. However, this relationship has not been well examined among obese individuals and remains unclear. The present study examined the relationship between performance-based measures of attention/executive function and self-reported physical activity, as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, among lean (n = 36) and obese (n = 36) college students. Lean individuals performed better than obese individuals on measures of attention/executive function. No significant differences in self-reported physical activity emerged between weight groups. Higher self-reported physical activity was related to faster reaction time in lean individuals but slower reaction time in obese individuals. Additionally, in lean individuals, higher levels of self-reported physical activity were related to more errors on a task of speeded inhibitory control. The results are consistent with previous research demonstrating that greater physical activity is associated with faster attention and executive function abilities in healthy samples and highlight the importance of examining reaction time and accuracy indices separately on these measures. The lack of association among obese individuals may be due in part to inaccurate self-report in the current study. Additionally, the cognitive consequences of obesity may outweigh the benefits of physical activity in this group. Future work should investigate these associations in obese individuals using physical activity interventions, as well as a combination of self-report and objective measures to investigate discrepancies in reporting.