Incorporating an Increase in Plant-Based Food Choices into a Model of Culturally Responsive Care for Hispanic/Latino Children and Adults Who Are Overweight/Obese

Adherence to plant-based dietary patterns and anthropometric indices among primary school girls in Kerman: A cross-sectional study

The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between adherence to plant-based dietary patterns and anthropometric indices among primary school girls in Kerman. This cross-sectional study included 330 girls aged 6-12. A reliable and validated dish-based food frequency questionnaire was used to collect dietary data. Weight, height, and mid-arm circumference were measured, and z-score charts from the World Health Organization for girls between the ages of 5 and 19 were utilized. We used Satija et al. method to calculate plant-based diet index scores. After adjusting for age and energy, participants in the higher tertile of the overall plant-based diet index (PDI) had a lower height-for-age z score (HAZ) (0.38±0.12 vs. 0.59±0.12 kg; P = 0.033). Higher unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI) scores were significantly associated with decreased HAZ in models 2 (p = 0.028) and 3 (p = 0.035). A higher PDI score was associated with lower odds of being underweight and overweight, respectively (Model 1: P trend = 0.007, <0.001; Model 2: P trend = 0.010, 0.001). A significant inverse association was found between healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) scores and underweight risk in the crude and adjusted models. (Model 1: P trend = 0.021; model 2: P trend = 0.018; Model 3: P trend = 0.031). Higher uPDI scores were associated with increased odds of being overweight and obese in all three models (Model 1: p trend<0.001; Model 2: p trend<0.001; Model 3: p trend = 0.001). We concluded that children who followed a plant-based diet had lower odds of being overweight and obese. Higher scores on the hPDI were linked to a decreased risk of being underweight, while higher scores on the uPDI were associated with an increased risk of being overweight and obese. The study suggests healthy plant-based diet may benefit children's weight and growth.

A remotely accessible plant-based culinary intervention for Latina/o/x adults at risk for diabetes: lessons learned

Introduction

Little research has examined how community-engaged and -participatory dietary interventions adapted to remotely-accessible settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

To identify lessons learned in design, implementation, and evaluation of a remotely-accessible, community-based, nurse-led approach of a culturally-tailored whole food plant-based culinary intervention for Latina/o/x adults to reduce type 2 diabetes risk, delivered during a pandemic.

Methods

A mixed methods quasi-experimental design consisting of a pre-post evaluation comprised of questionnaires, culinary classes, biometrics, and focus groups.

Lessons learned

Community partnerships are essential for successful recruitment/retention. To optimally deliver a remotely-accessible intervention, community leadership and study volunteers should be included in every decision (e.g., timeframes, goals). Recommendations include managing recruitment and supply chain disruption of intervention supplies.

Conclusion

Future research should focus on increasing accessibility and engagement in minoritized and/or underserved communities, supply chain including quality assurance and delivery of services/goods, study design for sustainable, remotely-accessible interventions, and health promotion.

Protein Intake, Source and Effect on Children's Weight Status: An Epidemiological Study in Greece

The development of overweight and obesity during late childhood and early adolescence is one of the most critical issues in public health. Additionally, over the past few years, the consumption of protein has tended to increase in both children and adults. The present study aimed to evaluate whether the protein type, either plant- or animal-sourced, as well as the quantity consumed, could potentially have a relationship with excess body weight in children. A total of 47 primary schools were selected, and 1728 students, aged 10-12 years, were enrolled for the purposes of this study, leading to our final sample of 712. Physical measurements, such as weight and height, were measured, and children were separated into two weight status categories according to their Body Mass Index, which was obtained through the International Obesity Task Force criteria. Students' diets were assessed through a questionnaire, and total, plant- and animal-derived protein intakes were calculated. Unadjusted analysis showed a statistically significant association between body weight and plant protein. After adjustment for overall energy intake, sex, age, and exercise, there was a statistically significant negative association between plant protein and excess body weight in children (OR: 0.964, 95% CI: 0.936; 0.992), but a lack of association for animal-sourced protein (OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 0.991; 1.013). Dietary plant-derived protein seems to have a positive effect on weight status in children, independently of total energy intake and physical activity; nevertheless, additional research is required in order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

What makes a plant-based diet? a review of current concepts and proposal for a standardized plant-based dietary intervention checklist

Within the last decades, plant-based diets have received increasing interest for their potential benefits to human and environmental health. The concept of plant-based diet, however, varies widely in its definition. Current definitions range from the exclusion of all animal products to diets that include meat, fish, and dairy in varying quantities. Therefore, the main objectives of this review were twofold: (a) to investigate how researchers use the term plant-based diet in nutrition intervention studies and (b) what types of food a plant-based diet may include. Searching two databases, we found that the term “plant-based diet” evokes varying ideas to researchers and clinicians. Fifty percent of the retrieved studies that included a plant-based dietary intervention completely proscribed animal products and used the term plant-based diet interchangeably with a vegan diet. In contrast, an ~33% of trials included dairy products and 20% of dietary interventions emphasized a semi-vegetarian dietary pattern. Based on specific examples, we point out how the usage of the umbrella term “plant-based diet” may cause significant ambiguity. We often encountered incomplete descriptions of plant-based dietary interventions, which makes comparison and reproducibility of studies difficult. As a consequence, we urge others to use the term “plant-based diet” only in conjunction with a detailed dietary description. To facilitate this process, we provide a template of a standardized plant-based intervention reporting checklist. Finally, the present review also highlights the urgent need for a consensus definition of the term plant-based diet and its content.