Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Chronic Stressors, Obesity Pathogenesis, And The Moderating Effect Of Internalized Weight Stigma; A Quantitative, Illinois Study, Karyn Byrne

Dissertations

The obesity epidemic is a ‘wicked’ problem with a complex web of determinants and outcomes. While generally higher for minoritized populations, prevalence rates manifest in surprising, nonlinear patterns. There is no consensus regarding treatment protocols or mitigation efforts, except that current efforts remain largely ineffective. Much research evidence that a profusion of determinants of health support obesity pathogenesis through various physiological processes and mechanisms, including the allostatic load, mitochondria functioning, the gut microbiome, and epigenetics. Intervening to support markers of the allostatic load (immunity, inflammation, and metabolic health) may provide a more effective treatment outcomes than traditional approaches, which tend …

Addressing Weight In Primary Care: Perspectives Of African American Young Adults With Serious Mental Illness, Sang Qin, Lindsay Sheehan, Janis Sayer, Kristin S. Williams, Julius Mercer, Ashley Scott, Tevin Anderson

Journal of Human Services Scholarship and Interprofessional Collaboration

Young adults with serious mental illness (SMI) experience disproportionate rates of physical illness. Morbidity and mortality are even worse for young African Americans with SMI, especially those who are overweight. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have an important role in addressing weight management. Current research explored these young patient’s perceptions of weight management and how PCPs can best address their weight concerns. Using community-based participatory research, we interviewed 25 African American aged 18-30 who were overweight and had a SMI. Results revealed 1) patient perceptions around weight and 2) patient preferences. Participants identified both positive and negative aspects of being overweight, …

The Psychosocial Beliefs, Experiences And Expectations Of Children Living With Obesity, Lisa Newson, Nicola Sides, Amineh Rashidi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Childhood obesity has been shown to impair psychological health. However, psychological factors are often overlooked in both research evaluations and treatment interventions, and children's perspectives on managing obesity are underexplored. Neglecting psychosocial factors might undermine interventions. This research explored the psychological beliefs, expectations and experiences of children living with obesity (range 7–13) and attending a weight management programme (WMP). Methods: Thirty-four participants (19 females, 15 males, average age 9.5 years) completed a semistructured interview. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four overarching themes were developed: (1) defining health and self-recognition; (2) external influence; feedback, …

Public Acceptance Of Using Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Weight Management Apps In High-Income Southeast Asian Adults With Overweight And Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study, Han Shi Jocelyn Chew, Palakorn Achananuparp, Palakorn Achananuparp, Nicholas W. S. Chew, Yip Han Chin, Yujia Gao, Bok Yan Jimmy So, Asim Shabbir, Ee-Peng Lim, Kee Yuan Ngiam

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Introduction: With in increase in interest to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into weight management programs, we aimed to examine user perceptions of AI-based mobile apps for weight management in adults with overweight and obesity. Methods: 280 participants were recruited between May and November 2022. Participants completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic profiles, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), and Self-Regulation of Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was performed using R. Model fit was tested using maximum-likelihood generalized unweighted least squares. Associations between influencing factors were analyzed using correlation and linear regression. Results: 271 participant responses were …

Pastoral Leaders’ Perception Of Obesity And Their Role Within Faith-Based Organizations, Darren D. Moore, Clinton E. Cooper, Charles Williams

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of pastoral leaders regarding obesity and health within faith-based organizations (FBOs). In this study, the authors focused on gaining additional insight regarding how pastoral leaders conceptualize and make sense of their roles in terms of health promotion within FBOs. Utilizing a qualitative research methodological approach, specifically Qualitative Description, authors administered a qualitative survey to 12 participants which yielded three emerging themes: (1) perceived scope, (2) understanding and use of resources, and (3) defining obesity through pastoral leaders’ perspectives. In the study, investigators discuss clinical implications and provide recommendations.

Association Of The G>A (Rs6265) Polymorphism In The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene (Bdnf) With Post-Training Changes In Caucasian Women, Katarzyna Świtała, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Monika Michałowska-Sawczyn, Andrzej Brodkiewicz, Kinga Łosińska, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 (G196A; Val66Met) polymorphism has been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, with contradictory results involving either A or G as the risk allele. The main aim of this study was to examine whether the BDNF rs6265 polymorphism would influence the efficiency of a training program. An additional aim was to determine whether selected polymorphism can be used as a genetic marker for obesity-related parameters. We studied the genotype distribution in a group of 160 Caucasian females in whom body mass and composition parameters, lipid profile, and glucose levels were measured before …

Improving Effective Care In Obese Patients In A Primary Care Clinic, Amy Miller

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Background: Obesity is a preventable epidemic and costs the United States $200 billion annually. The leading causes of death are linked to obesity.

Local Problem: In a chart review, 53% of patients at a northeast Louisiana primary care clinic were obese. However, none were offered comprehensive lifestyle intervention. The aim was to increase the percentage of patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 to 60% over 8 weeks.

Methods: A rapid-cycle quality improvement initiative was implemented using four Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles over 8 weeks. Each cycle produced tests of change related to screening, patient and team engagement, and assessing effective care. Run charts and aggregate tables were used to analyze …

Putting The Dietary Guidelines For Americans Into Action Through The National Strategy On Hunger, Nutrition, And Health, Rachel Fischer, Katrina L. Piercy, Janet M. De Jesus, Paul Reed, Rachel L. Levine

Journal of Food Law & Policy

The United States is facing a crisis of widespread food insecurity and exceedingly high rates of diet-related diseases like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. To address this challenge and set a course for improved nutrition and food access nationwide, the Biden-Harris Administration hosted the first White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in over 50 years on September 28, 2022. In the National Strategy, released in conjunction with the Conference, the Administration identified a set of actions that the federal government will take to help achieve its goal of ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity by 2030, …

Maternal, Child, And Parenting Factors Associated With Obesity Among Pre-Kindergarten Children In Mississippi, Jerome R. Kolbo

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Obesity among children and youth has been consistently assessed among public school students in Mississippi since 2005. Significant declines in the prevalence of obesity among elementary students over the past decade suggest that changes may be occurring prior to entry into public school. Purpose: The purpose was to collect anthropometric data on a weighted, representative sample of children ages 3 to 5 years in licensed childcare facilities across Mississippi, and to correlate maternal, child, and parenting characteristics to obesity. Methods: The Body Mass Index was calculated using measured height and weight data. Results: A total of 14.12% of the …

The Relationship Between Obesity And Depression Among Federally Qualified Health Center Patients, Hwanseok Choi

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Obesity has reached epidemic levels in Mississippi. In the shadow of these skyrocketing obesity levels, there are comorbid high levels of depression. Both obesity and depression complicate and, in many cases, compromise critical health outcomes. A significant association between obesity and depression has been suspected for decades. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between obesity and depression among patients receiving medical care from a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in a southern state. Methods: The sample was comprised of 3,272 subjects. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to measure the severity of depression, …

Determinants Of Hypertension In Seribu Utara Island District, Seribu Islands, Herland A. Malau, Natanael Martua Parningotan Simanjuntak, Purwa Septa Dupit Triono

Cities and Urban Development Journal

Background: Hypertension is a public health problem, including in the Seribu Islands. This region has unique characteristics, such as limited access to health facilities and a lifestyle that is different from urban areas in general. Genetic factors, age and obesity can affect the prevalence rate of hypertension in Seribu Utara Island District.

Aims: This research was conducted to help develop an effective hypertension prevention program in Seribu Utara Island District.

Methods: descriptive analytic with a cross-sectional study approach based on socio-demographic conditions, family history of hypertension, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference. Data analysis was conducted using the chi-square …

A Qualitative Study Of The Experiences Of Obesity, Body Image, And Mental Health Of British-Born Afro-Caribbean Male Students At A West Yorkshire University In England, Johnson Mbabazi, Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso, Fiona Macgregor, Jeff Breckon, Edward Kunonga, Barry Tolchard, Rosemary Dawson, Jennifer Teke, Josette Bettany Saltikov, George William Kagugube, Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Obesity, body image, and depression are all biopsychosocial phenomena that are frequently misunderstood across cultures. Body dissatisfaction is a psychological aspect of obesity that has been associated with disordered eating, low self-esteem, and depression. Nevertheless, body image dissatisfaction may affect non-obese individuals too. Those with a positive body image are more likely to participate in physical activity than those with a negative body image. Individuals who are satisfied with their body image are more likely to possess high self-esteem, confidence, and healthy eating habits. Obesity prevention among the black population is increasingly important. This study sought to examine the perceptions …

Obesity Risk And Comorbidities Among Colombians In New York City And In Colombia, Carlos A. Devia

Dissertations and Theses

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity and overweight in adults and children continues to increase worldwide, accounting for the mortality and morbidity from several diseases. Obesity disproportionally impacts Latinos in the United States (U.S.), and despite their diversity in origins, ancestry, and culture, it is still unclear the burden of obesity by specific Latino groups. For example, little information is available about how obesity impacts Colombians in the U.S. (the largest South American population). New evidence also indicates that Latino immigrants may no longer be arriving with healthy weight status to the U.S. because Latin American countries are undergoing epidemiologic and …

Feasibility Of Family Focused Obesity Screening In Primary Care, Adrianne Griffiths

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: Obesity is associated with serious medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. It also contributes to decreased productivity at work and school, financial strain, and reduced quality of life.

Purpose of Project: To address this problem, a nurse practitioner-led screening and intervention program was piloted at a primary care clinic in southern San Diego. The tool provides a standardized method for screening individuals and their families for nutrition and physical activity deficits associated with obesity, as well as appropriate and effective interventions to prevent and manage obesity.

Methods: The Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) screening tool is …

Gpr75 Deficiency Attenuates High Fat Diet-Driven Obesity And Glucose Intolerance, Sakib Hossain

NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

Recently, a collaboration between Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and the Schwartzman-Garcia labs at New York Medical College published an exome sequencing study of individuals across the United Kingdom, United States, and Mexico which concluded that individuals possessing non-functioning, truncated mutations to the orphan g protein coupled receptor (GPCR), GPR75, had lower BMI and 54% reduced likelihood of obesity. The present study was undertaken to fully characterize the metabolic phenotype of Gpr75 deficient mice when fed a high fat diet (HFD) and explore potential mechanisms by which GPR75 activation links to increased adiposity and decreased glucose tolerance. After 14 weeks of HFD-feeding we …

Tackling The Complexities Of The Obesity Pandemic Among The Bame Population In The Uk Through Identification Of The Social Determinants Of Mental Health And Wellbeing: A Narrative Review, Johnson Mbabazi, Fiona Macgregor, Jeff Breckon, Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso, Alan Rhodes, Edward Kunonga, Barry Tolchard, Jennifer Teke, Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Obesity's multifaceted causes give rise to a complex and diverse range of health associated morbidities and comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, particularly among British Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations within in the UK. As found within the recent COVID-19 pandemic these can have wider reaching implications including increased risk of mortality within this population group. Understanding the potential social determinants of the causes of obesity is essential if effective strategies are to be developed to tackle this. A comprehensive search of the CINAHL, ASSIA and Web of Science databases was undertaken with 148 papers identified. Through application …

Obesity Heterogeneity By Neighborhood Context In A Largely Latinx Sample, Ashley W. Kranjac, Dinko Kranjac, Zeev N. Kain, Louis Ehwerhemuepha, Brooke N. Jenkins

Sociology Faculty Articles and Research

Neighborhood socioeconomic context where Latinx children live may influence body weight status. Los Angeles County and Orange County of Southern California both are on the list of the top ten counties with the largest Latinx population in the USA. This heterogeneity allowed us to estimate differential impacts of neighborhood environment on children’s body mass index z-scores by race/ethnicity using novel methods and a rich data source. We geocoded pediatric electronic medical record data from a predominantly Latinx sample and characterized neighborhoods into unique residential contexts using latent profile modeling techniques. We estimated multilevel linear regression models that adjust for …

Effects Of Body Satisfaction And Emotional Eating On Obesity Treatment-Related Changes In Weight And Waist Circumference Over 2 Years: A Serial Multiple Mediation Analysis, James J. Annesi, Francine A. Stewart

Health Behavior Research

Maintenance of lost weight beyond 6 months in adults with obesity remains problematic. To reliably impact obesity over the long term, an improved understanding of treatment-associated changes in psychosocial factors is required. Women are especially susceptible to body image concerns and emotional eating; however, associations among those variables within weight-management processes have been limited to either cross-sectional or short-term analyses. Women with obesity (M_age = 47.4 years, SD = 8.6) who participated in either a year-long YMCA-based cognitive-behavioral treatment emphasizing self-regulation of exercise and eating (n = 54), or a similar treatment that also included brief phone …

Indirect Effect Of Self-Regulated Exercise On Mood Through Self-Efficacy Changes, James J. Annesi

Health Behavior Research

To improve deficient long-term effects, an improved understanding of psychosocial factors occurring within behavioral obesity treatments is required. The aim of this study was to suggest paths from changes in self-regulation toward reduced negative mood to inform the direction of more comprehensive investigations and treatment foci. Initially low active women (N = 87) participated in a theory-driven community-based behavioral obesity program emphasizing self-regulation and exercise. There were significant (ps < .001) improvements in exercise amounts, exercise-related self-regulation and self-efficacy, negative mood, and emotional eating during the weight loss phase of baseline–Month 6, and significant (ps < .01) deteriorations during the weight-loss maintenance phase of Month 6–Month 24. During both phases, significant paths (95% CIs [-0.31, -0.01], [-0.14, -0.01], and [-0.50, -0.01]) from changes in self-regulation toward reduced negative mood were through self-efficacy, but not exercise change itself. The mood change-emotional eating change relationships were significant (95% CIs [0.16, 0.39] and [0.19, 0.48]). Although extensions of this research are required to better understand long-term obesity intervention processes, the present findings suggest importance of treatment foci on identified psychological mechanisms of exercise treatment-mood change relationships.

Early Effects Of Improved Mood On Propensity For Emotional Eating During The Physical Activity-Only Phase Of A Community-Based Behavioral Treatment For Obesity In Women With High Mood Disturbance, James J. Annesi, Amelia A. Eberly

Health Behavior Research

Weight loss beyond the short term is problematic for individuals with obesity. Especially for women, emotional eating is one of the greatest barriers and might require attention early in a behavioral weight-loss program. Physical activity-associated mood improvement may be associated with reduced emotional eating. Women with obesity volunteered for a community-based weight-management treatment. Effects associated with the initial 10 weeks, which focused on behavioral support of physical activity (prior to addressing eating behavior change), were assessed. Groups were designated based on whether participants’ high total mood disturbance (TMD) scores reduced to a normal level (n = 45) or remained …

Coping Strategies For Inner Conflicts Between Gay Bear Identity And Health Concerns, Chichun Lin, Darren D. Moore

The Qualitative Report

Gay bear refers to a burly gay man with a hirsute body and face. Chinese gay bear men are highly homogeneous and strictly emphasize a uniform bear appearance; however, obesity is an obvious health issue in this population. This study aims to explore the Chinese gay bear men's inner conflicts between bear identity and health concerns. Eleven Chinese gay bear men including four Taiwanese, two mainland Chinese, two Hong Kong, two Malaysian, and one Singaporean were interviewed. The study used a thematic analysis approach and found three coping strategies including (a) Eat healthy but maintain a minimal bear standard; (b) …

I'Ll Just Weight On The Lord: Spirituality And Health Behaviors In Obese African American Women, Andrea S. Poynter, Florence M. Weierbach, Deborah L. Slawson, Jean Hemphill, Georgita T. Washington

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Obesity is one of the fastest growing health concerns impacting all racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic groups in the United States of America. More than one-third of the U.S. adult population is classified as being obese (Obesity Society, 2021). Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in all races and genders within the US with African American women comprising a majority of those impacted by this chronic health condition. Obesity rates are well documented within the literature but what is lacking is the role spirituality may play in obese African American women and their health behaviors. The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological …

I'Ll Just Weight On The Lord: Spirituality And Health Behaviors In Obese African American Women, Andrea S. Poynter, Florence Weierbach, Deborah Slawson, Jean Hemphill, Georgita T. Washington

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Obesity is one of the fastest growing health concerns impacting all racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic groups in the United States of America. More than one-third of the U.S. adult population is classified as being obese (Obesity Society, 2021). Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in all races and genders within the US with African American women comprising a majority of those impacted by this chronic health condition. Obesity rates are well documented within the literature but what is lacking is the role spirituality may play in obese African American women and their health behaviors. The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological …

Effect Of Different Diet Methods On Body Composition And Insulin, Leptin, And Ghrelin Levels In Overweight Women, Begum Sarica, Gulbin Rudarli Nalcakan, Ece Onur

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. This study aims to compare the effects of similar calorie-restricted intermittent overnight fasting diet (OFD) and frequent-meal diet (FMD) on body composition and insulin, leptin, and ghrelin levels in overweight women. Materials and Methods: While the FMD was administered as six mealtimes, the OFD was administered as five mealtimes and at least 12 hours overnight fasting for four weeks. Some parameters regarding the metabolic rate and fat metabo-lism (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, ghrelin levels), body composition, resting metabolic rate, and physical activity level were measured before and after the diet. Results: There was no sig-nificant difference in the resting …

The Effects Of Wearable Health Technology On Cancer Survivors’ Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, And Weight: A Meta-Analysis, Daphne Blount, Rui Zhang, Anne Blaes, Zan Gao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Wearable health technology (WHT) has been suggested as a health intervention in preventing or reducing health risk factors in clinical populations. Cancer survivors exhibit risk factors prior to cancer diagnosis and acquire comorbidities as a result of their treatment. These conditions may increase likelihood of cancer recurrence and reduce quality of life by inhibiting survivors’ physiological function and predisposing them to other maladies. Several studies have suggested WHTs as an intervention in mitigating these risks. However, there lacks a comprehensive review of the current evidence to determine the efficacy of WHT interventions. Thus, a literature search of WHT studies within …

Physical Activity And Spatial Use During School Breaks In Children Aged Four, Oscar Romero Ramos, Emilio Fernández Rodríguez, Antonio Matas Terrón, Gloria GonzáLe Campos, Robert Podstawski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background:‪The latest studies warn of obesity levels and sedentary lifestyles in children, and of the impact this has on health. This study analyses the quantity of physical activity and the use of space during school breaks, according to gender, in four-year-old pupils. Material and methods:‪Pedometers and behavioural mapping were used as recording tools. Four behavioural categories were identified and 10 spatial categories. The procedure involves the development of primary measures (frequencies of appearance of each category and duration), as well as secondary measures (relative frequency, rate, relative duration and average duration). In addition to these descriptive measures, a correlation analysis …

Changes In Body Composition Of Children Aged Of 9 To 12 Years With Excess Body Weight Under The Influenceof Eight-Week Workout, Tomasz Dudziak, Zbigniew Czubek, Mirosław Grabowski, Robert Urbanski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background:‪The increasing problem of overweight and obesity in children is the reason for taking further actions leading to mass reduction, because, in contrast to adults, the consequences of this pathology in young people are still not well known. The intervention actions that can lead to reduction in mass are not easy to find in literature, and their long-term effects are unknown. The aim of this research was to define the changes in body composition of children with excess body mass after eight-week high intensity workout.Material and methods:‪The study was conducted on 47 children aged 9‒12 years who were overweight or …

Polish Adaptation And Validation Of The Anti-Fat Attitudes Scale – Afas, Malgorzata Obara-Golebiewska, Justyna Michalek-Kwiecień

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Bias, stigma, and discrimination in relation to weight are frequently experienced by many obese people. The goal of the present study was to develop a Polish adaptation of the Anti-Fat Attitudes Scale (AFAS) proposed by Morrison and O’Connor. Materials/methods: The study was conducted on undergraduate students of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The original Canadian Scale Anti-Fat Attitudes Scale was translated into Polish, and its factor structure, reliability and construct validity were determined. Results: The exploratory factor analysis (Study 1) supported the development of the Polish version of the Anti-Fat Attitudes Scale with a one-dimensional structure …

Strategies Of Return To Self-Regulation Among Obese People: Implementation Of Goal’S Intention And Motivation To Weight Reduction, Malgorzata Obara-Golebiowska, Hanna Brycz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Implementation intentions is one of self-regulation strategies enabling priority goals achieving. This method is based on accurate planning of a variety of activities by which goal’s realization is more probable. The aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of the implementation intention technique on motivational and behavioral aspects of eating self-regulation among obese people. Material/Methods: A total of 100 obese people, abiding by a slimming program organized in an obesity clinic in Olsztyn in Poland, participated in the research. In the experimental group an implementation intentions technique for eating habit were applied. The impact of the applied …

Examining The Correlates Of Out-Of-School Television Viewing, Computer Use And Overall Time In Sedentary Behaviors Among Finnish 11-Year-Old Children, Suvi Määttä, Teija Nuutinen, Carola Ray, Johan G. Eriksson, Elisabete Weiderpass, Eva Roos

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to examine the associations between individual, social and environmental characteristics and out-of-school television viewing, computer use, and overall time spent in sedentary behaviors. Material/Methods: A sample of 11-year-old children (N = 155) in Finland wore an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X) for seven days. Before the accelerometer-use, questionnaire assessments of television viewing, computer use, reported PA, bedtimes, wake-up times, perceived parental PA and PA encouragement and measurements of weight and height were obtained. Weather data were obtained for the 7 days of accelerometer use and parents reported their educational background. Associations between the studied correlates and average minutes …