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Gender Difference In Obesity And Preventive Health Behaviors In A Us-Mexico Border Hispanic Cohort, Jing Wang, Belinda M. Reininger, Stanley Cron, Deidra Carroll, Susan P. Fisher-Hoch

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Overweight and obesity is a prevalent chronic disorder in Mexican Americans, however, obesity-related behaviors and the role of gender remain unclear. This study examined gender difference in obesity-related health behaviors among Mexican Americans. Methods: A sample (n=1439) was drawn from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort, a prospective cohort sample of Mexican American adults aged 18 years and older living in a large and poor city along the Texas / Mexico border. The participants’ baseline demographic, behavioral, and clinical measures were used for this analysis. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were conducted to analyze the data. Results: The sample had …

Negative Body Image Is Related To Overeating Among Overweight Pregnant Women, Tracey Ledoux, Najmus Saher, Mcclain Sampson, Martina R. Gallagher, Pamela D. Berens

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Background: Overeating and pre-pregnancy obesity increase risks for complications during pregnancy. According to Social Cognitive Theory, individual and environmental factors influence health behaviors. Purpose: This study’s purpose was to determine whether social norms (environmental factor) and body image (individual factor) regarding pregnancy weight control were related to overeating behaviors among overweight/obese (OW/Ob) pregnant women.

Methods: Baseline data from an ongoing prospective study to identify predictors of excess gestational weight gain were used in this study. Pregnant women are being recruited from an obstetric clinic to complete a questionnaire, and research assistants are obtaining gestational weight gain data from …

Evaluation Of Comadres De Salud-A Culturally Sensitive Obesity Prevention Intervention For Latinas, Martina R. Gallagher

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Title: EVALUATION OF COMADRES DE SALUD-A CULTURALLY SENSITIVE OBESITY PREVENTION INTERVENTION FOR LATINAS

Authors: Martina R. Gallagher, PhD, MSN1, RN, Tracey Ledoux, PhD, RD2,

McClain Sampson, PhD3

Affiliations: 1School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 2Texas Obesity Research Center, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, 3College of Social Work, University of Houston

Purpose: The aim was to conduct a formative assessment of a community-based obesity prevention intervention, “Comadres de Salud” (Kin Sisters in Health). Based on the Social Cognitive Theory, Comadres de Salud is a multicomponent intervention aimed at improving diet and physical …

Struggling With The Freshman Fifteen: College Students’ Recollections Of Parents’ Memorable Messages About Weight, Charee M. Thompson, Sarah T. Zaitchik

Kaleidoscope: A Graduate Journal of Qualitative Communication Research

Considering the college years are considered a critical time in one’s life for changes in diet and exercise behavior and an increase in weight gain, this study explored the significant and impactful communication between college students and their parents during this transitional period. Using open-ended responses to an online questionnaire (N = 222), we explored the Memorable Messages (Knapp, Stohl, & Reardon, 1981) college students recall receiving from their parents about overweight and obesity. Students’ responses demonstrate that not only is weight a difficult topic to talk about, but it is also a difficult issue for people to manage on …

Biomechanical Effects Of Obesity On Balance, Hannah Del Porto, Celia Pechak, Darla Smith, Rebecca Reed-Jones

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(4) : 301-320, 2012. The objective of this review was to analyze the current literature related to the effects of obesity on balance. These effects were observed during conditions of static balance, perturbed balance and dynamic balance during gait. The literature review included studies focused on the biomechanical effects of obesity, the relationship between weight loss and balance, and the relative efficacy of weight loss as a balance intervention. The older adult population, which faces increased risk of falls and related injuries, was highlighted where targeted research was available. The existing literature provides evidence for …

Childhood Obesity, Baby Boomers And The Echo Boom, Elizabeth Conradson Cleary

Marquette Elder's Advisor

This insightful article joins the problems of increasing childhood obesity with the increase projected in senior citizens of the echo boom generation, and goes on to posit an increased burden on the then sandwich generation. Cleary discusses the increased future need for caregivers, recognizes the role and value of adult children caregivers (especially women), and suggests approaches to address the situation.

Ouch! Recruitment Of Overweight And Obese Adolescent Boys For Qualitative Research, Zachary Morrison, David Gregory, Steven Thibodeau, Jennifer Copeland

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this study is to examine the complexities of recruiting overweight and obese adolescent boys for qualitative research, discuss specific recruitment considerations for this population, and offer guidance to researchers interested in recruiting overweight adolescent boys. Three overweight adolescent boys and six community professionals participated in this study. Data collection methods included fieldwork observations (60 hours) and person-centered interviews (N=9). Emergent themes revealed that establishing trust, understanding the sensitivities of discussing obesity, and considering adolescent boys’ fears of sharing personal information may have enhanced recruitment success. Researchers should consider the importance of building relationships with professionals who can …

Influence Of Obesity, Race And Gender On Cardiac Catheterization After Stress Testing, Robert Finkelhor

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Female gender and black race have been associated with lower use of cardiac resources however; these patients also have a higher prevalence of obesity. Therefore we determined their relation to cardiac catheterization after stress testing. Clinical characteristics were determined for all patients stress tested over one year at a safety-net, urban, teaching hospital. Subsequent cardiac catheterizations were identified. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with catheterization. 3644 patients underwent stress testing and 484 (13%) underwent cardiac catheterization. The population was 58% female, 33% black, 53% were obese and 32% lacked insurance. Obese patients were mostly …

Engaging Rural And Urban Appalachians In Research Using A Community-Based Participatory Research Approach, Laureen H. Smith, Jessica Valenzuela, Robert L. Ludke

PRISM: A Journal of Regional Engagement

Appalachians are particularly vulnerable to chronic diseases as documented by recent national studies that have identified disproportionally higher rates of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and premature mortality for this population. Evidence-based interventions to reduce rates of diabetes and obesity among adults and children have been ineffective among Appalachians where multiple factors including poor living conditions, limited health information, lifestyle behaviors, and lack of access to health care interact to increase the prevalence of these problems. However, there is growing evidence that Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) conducted through community-academic partnerships can lead to significant health and social impact in communities faced …

Influence Of Fitness And Adiposity On Melanocortin-1 And Melanocortin-3 Receptors On Monocytes., Matthew Unthank, Jonathan Woodson, Jason Butler, Gregory Bratton, James Barbee, Michael Chumley, Dennis Cheek, Joel Mitchell, Melody Phillips

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: While it is known that exercise improves health by reducing systemic inflammation, potential mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of fitness and adiposity on the anti-inflammatory melanocortin system as a potential mechanism by which exercise reduces inflammation. Methods: Forty-one men and women (35-55yr), who were free from cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders, and not taking medications that affect inflammation, were recruited. Participants were questioned about exercise habits and medical history; then completed testing for body composition and aerobic fitness (VO₂max). Subjects were classified as lean/fit (LF, n=14), overweight/fit (OF, …

Addressing Obesity: Fear Of Crime, Perceptions Of Disorder And Disaparities In Child And Adolescent Use Of Public Parks, Camille Gibson, Myrna Cintron, Marika Dawkins, Grace Asanaeyni

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: 1) To determine factors which inhibit and facilitate child and adolescent use of outdoor spaces for healthy physical activity by race and ethnicity in four Houston communities and 2) To propose guidelines for encouraging and maintaining child and adolescent outdoor physical activity. Using local health data and Houston Police Department crime statistics, four communities were identified for the study that had the highest concentration of crime and the racial/ ethnic groups of interest.

The researchers then identified public parks in the communities. At least two parks were observed in each of the four …

Evaluation Of Vitamin B-12 Level In Middle-Aged Obese Women With Metabolic And Non-Metabolic Syndrome: Case-Control Study, Davut Baltaci, Ali̇ Kutlucan, Serkan Öztürk, İsmai̇l Karabulut, Hayri̇ye Ak Yildirim, Ahmet Çeler, Gökhan Celbek, İsmai̇l Hamdi̇ Kara

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the correlation between vitamin B12 and body mass index (BMI) along with insulin resistance (IR) in middle-aged obese women. Materials and methods: The study was designed as a case-control study. The study group included middle-aged obese women and the control group included aged-matched lean women. Weight, height, and hip and waist circumferences were measured. Biochemical parameters such as fasting and postprandial glucose, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels, and lipid profiles were assayed. Results: Enrolled in the study were 116 middle-aged obese and 103 aged-matched healthy lean women. The vitamin B12 level of the obese women was significantly …