Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Risk Factors For Coronary Heart Disease Among Asian Indians Living In Australia, Ritin Fernandez, John X. Rolley, Rohan Rajaratnam, Subbaram Sundar, Navin C. Patel, Patricia M. Davidson

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The aim of this study was to assess the coronary heart disease risk factors in the Asian Indian community living in a large city in Australia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Australia India Friendship Fair in 2010. All people of Asian Indian descent who attended the Fair and visited the health promotion stall were eligible to participate in the study if they self-identified as of Asian Indian origin, were aged between 18 and 80 years, and were able to speak English. Blood pressure, blood glucose, waist circumference, height, and weight were measured by a health professional. Smoking, cholesterol …

Fruit And Vegetable Intake And Body Mass Index In A Large Sample Of Middle-Aged Australian Men And Women, Karen Charlton, Paul Kowal, Melinda M. Soriano, Sharon Williams, Emily Banks, Kha Vo, Julie Byles

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Dietary guidelines around the world recommend increased intakes of fruits and non-starchy vegetables for the prevention of chronic diseases and possibly obesity. This study aimed to describe the association between body mass index (BMI) and habitual fruit and vegetable consumption in a large sample of 246,995 Australian adults aged 45 + year who had been recruited for the "45 and Up" cohort study. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed using validated short questions, while weight and height were self-reported. Multinomial logistic regression was used, by sex, to assess the association between fruit and vegetable intake and BMI. Compared to the …

Maternal Obesity Is Associated With The Formation Of Small Dense Ldl And Hypoadiponectinemia In The Third Trimester, Barbara J. Meyer, Frances M. Stewart, Elizabeth A. Brown, Josephine Cooney, Solveig Nilsson, Gunilla Olivecrona, Jane E. Ramsay, Bruce A. Griffin, Muriel J. Caslake, Dilys J. Freeman

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

CONTEXT: Maternal obesity is associated with high plasma triglyceride, poor vascular function, and an increased risk for pregnancy complications. In normal-weight pregnant women, higher triglyceride is associated with increased small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HYPOTHESIS: In obese pregnancy, increased plasma triglyceride concentrations result in triglyceride enrichment of very low-density lipoprotein-1 particles and formation of small dense LDL via lipoprotein lipase. DESIGN: Women (n = 55) of body mass index of 18-46 kg/m(2) were sampled longitudinally at 12, 26, and 35 weeks' gestation and 4 months postnatally. SETTING: Women were recruited at hospital antenatal appointments, and study visits were in a …

Segregation Of A Latent High Adiposity Phenotype In Families With A History Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Implicates Rare Obesity-Susceptibility Genetic Variants With Large Effects In Diabetes-Related Obesity, Arthur B. Jenkins, Marijka Batterham, Dorit Samocha-Bonet, Katherine Tonks, Jerry R. Greenfield, Lesley V. Campbell

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Background We recently reported significantly greater weight gain in non-diabetic healthy subjects with a 1st degree family history (FH+) of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than in a matched control group without such history (FH−) during voluntary overfeeding, implying co-inheritance of susceptibilities to T2DM and obesity. We have estimated the extent and mode of inheritance of susceptibility to increased adiposity in FH+.

Methods Normoglycaemic participants were categorised either FH+ (≥1 1st degree relative with T2DM, 50F/30M, age 45±14 (SD) yr) or FH− (71F/51M, age 43±14 yr). Log-transformed anthropometric measurements (height, hip and waist circumferences) and lean, bone and fat mass …

A Proposed Approach To Monitor Private-Sector Policies And Practices Related To Food Environments, Obesity And Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, G Sacks, B Swinburn, V Kraak, S Downs, C Walker, S Barquera, S Friel, C Hawkes, B Kelly, S Kumanyika, M L'Abbe, A Lee, T Lobstein, J Ma, J Macmullan, S Mohan, C Monteiro, B Neal, M Rayner, D Sanders, W Snowdon, S Vandevijvere

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Private-sector organizations play a critical role in shaping the food environments of individuals and populations. However, there is currently very limited independent monitoring of private-sector actions related to food environments. This paper reviews previous efforts to monitor the private sector in this area, and outlines a proposed approach to monitor private-sector policies and practices related to food environments, and their influence on obesity and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. A step-wise approach to data collection is recommended, in which the first ('minimal') step is the collation of publicly available food and nutrition-related policies of selected private-sector organizations. The second ('expanded') step …

Does Food Addiction Heighten The Propensity Towards Obesity In Schizophrenia?, N Pai, S I. Vella

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Abstract of poster that presented at the 15th ISAM Annual Meeting: Managing Addiction through Evidence-Based Medical and Psychosocial Interventions, 21-23 November 2013, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Big Five Personality Factors, Obesity And 2-Year Weight Gain In Australian Adults, Christopher A. Magee, Patrick C. L Heaven

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The objective of this paper was to examine whether the Big-Five Personality factors were associated with obesity and 2-year weight gain in Australian adults. The sample included 5265 Australian adults aged 25– 65 years. Binary logistic regression models indicated that Extraversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism were cross-sectionally associated with obesity, with Conscientiousness inversely associated with obesity. The longitudinal analyses indicated that Extraversion predicted 2-year weight gain. The relationships between personality and obesity/weight gain were not moderated by age or sex. These results have potentially important implications for developing more effective treatment and prevention strategies for obesity.

Histamine H1 Receptor Agonist And Control Of Olanzapine-Induced Obesity, Jiamei Lian, Xu-Feng Huang, N Pai, C Deng

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

No abstract provided.

Examining The Pathways Linking Chronic Sleep Restriction To Obesity, Christopher A. Magee, Xu-Feng Huang, Donald C. Iverson, Peter Caputi

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

A growing number of studies have identified chronic sleep restriction as a potential risk factor for obesity. This could have important implications for how obesity is prevented and managed, but current understanding of the processes linking chronic sleep restriction to obesity is incomplete. In this paper, we examined some of the pathways that could underlie the relationship between chronic sleep restriction and obesity. This involved exploring some of the potential environmental, health, behavioral, and sociodemographic determinants of chronic sleep restriction, which require further investigation in this context. Three pathways that could potentially link chronic sleep restriction to obesity were then …

Sleep Duration And Obesity In Middle-Aged Australian Adults, Christopher A. Magee, Donald C. Iverson, Peter Caputi

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The present study examined the association between sleep duration and obesity in 40,834 middle-aged Australian adults. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test the relationship between sleep duration and obesity while controlling for important demographic and health covariates; separate models were tested for males and females. Short sleep (i.e., <7 h a night) was found to be independently associated with obesity in males and females. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report an association between short sleep and obesity in Australian adults. Although more research is required, interventions targeting short sleep could aid obesity treatment and prevention.

Is Sleep Duration Associated With Obesity In Older Australian Adults?, Christopher A. Magee, Peter Caputi, Don C. Iverson

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between sleep duration and obesity in older Australian adults. Method: Self-reported health data were collected through the 45 and Up Study. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to test the relationship between sleep duration and body mass index, controlling for a range of demographic and health-related variables. Results: The sample included 45,325 Australian adults aged 55 to 95 years. The regression models demonstrated that short and long sleep were associated with obesity in 55- to 64-year-olds but not in those aged 65 years and above. Discussion: The present results suggest that the relationships between sleep …

Current Dietetic Practices Of Obesity Management In Saudi Arabia And Comparison With Australian Practices And Best Practice Criteria, A. Almajwal, P. Williams, Marijka Batterham

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective: To describe the dietetic practices of the treatment of obesity in Saudi Arabia and compare this with best practice criteria and the practice in Australia. Methods: Anonymous questionnaires were completed by dietitians in Saudi Arabia. The topics included barriers to obesity management, demand and level of service and strategies and approaches used for weight management. Best practice scores were based on those used to assess Australian dietitians. Results: 253 dietitians participated in the survey. Of these, 175 (69 %) were involved in the management of obesity. The best practice score for Australian dietitians was slightly but significantly greater than …

A Botanical Approach To Managing Obesity, Dilip Ghosh

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

metabolic syndrome in check like obesity. There are few drugs in the market to ameliorate or prevent obesity but there are the costs, efficacy and side effects to consider. For centuries people across the countries have been using natural products and plant based dietary supplements for weight control. The current review will consists of one South Asian herb, Garcinia cambogia and one Chinese herb, Magnolia officinalis.

Fat Flat Frail Feet: How Does Obesity Affect The Older Foot, Julie R. Steele, Karen J. Mickle, Bridget J. Munro

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The prevalence of obesity is rising throughout the world at an alarming rate, and the elderly are no exception with 15% of men and 28% of women aged over 60 years considered to be obese [1]. Overweight and obesity have been shown to negatively affect foot structure and function in both children [2] and adults [3]. These structural changes appear to be associated with increased foot discomfort whereby overweight children have been found to report foot pain significantly more often than their leaner counterparts [4]. As feet are our base of support during most weight-bearing activities, it is postulated that …

Cereal Grains, Legumes, And Weight Management: A Comprehensive Review Of The Scientific Evidence, P. G. Williams, S. J. Grafenauer, J. E. O'Shea

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

There is strong evidence that a diet high in wholegrains is associated with lower BMI, waist circumference and risk of being overweight; that a diet high in wholegrains and legumes can help reduce weight gain; and that significant weight loss is achievable with energy controlled diets that are high in cereals and legumes. There is weak evidence that high intakes of refined grains may cause small increases in waist circumference in women. There is no evidence that low carbohydrate diets that restrict cereal intakes offer long term advantages for sustained weight loss. There is insufficient evidence to make clear conclusions …

Sources And Credibility Of Nutrition Information Among Black Urban South African Women, With A Focus On Messages Related To Obesity., Karen E. Charlton, Philippa Brewitt, Lesley T. Bourne

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Objectives: (1) To identify the major sources of nutrition information, and the perceived credibility thereof, among urban black South African women; and (2) to determine the level of knowledge regarding nutrition, particularly regarding the topic of obesity. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study that was both qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (individual questionnaires). Three hundred and ninety-four black women aged 17-49 years were conveniently sampled from the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces in South Africa. Methods: Four focus groups were held with 39 women to identify common themes relating to nutrition knowledge. Based on these data, a questionnaire instrument was developed …

Evaluation Of A Tool For Rating Popular Diet Books, L. Williams, P. G. Williams

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire for use by nutrition professionals to enable evaluation of popular diet books.

Design A questionnaire was developed incorporating quantified criteria based on current authoritative nutrition guidelines. Twenty two questions were included, relating to nutritional adequacy, daily energy allowance, recommended rate of weight loss, flexibility and sustainability, physical activity advice, use of supplements, claims, author’s credentials, and scientific evidence. The questionnaire was used to rate 35 diets in 20 popular diet books sold in Australia in 2001, in order to test its practicality, validity and sensitivity. A computerised dietary analysis …

Fat In Food And The Obesity Epidemic, Linda C. Tapsell

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Dietary fat is strongly implicated in the development of insulin resistance and obesity, both major public health problems today. While the amount of dietary fat is relevant, the type of fat is important in fuel utilisation, storage and appetite regulatory mechanisms. Human calorimetry research confirms the importance of dietary fat in energy balance, but more work needs to be done to uncover the impact of type of dietary fat in weight control. Population and intervention research confirm the importance of fat in dietary interventions, bearing in mind the contribution of physical activity to energy balance. The food industry has an …

Use Of Self-Report To Monitor Overweight And Obesity In Populations: Some Issues For Consideration, Victoria M. Flood, Karen Webb, Ross Lazarus, Glen Pang

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective: To examine the validity of self reported height and weight data reported over the telephone in the 1997 NSW Health Survey, and to determine its accuracy to monitor overweight and obesity in population surveys. Method: Self-reported and measured heights and weights were collected from 227 people living in Western Sydney, who had participated in the NSW Health Survey 1997. Results: Self-reported (SR) weights and heights led to misclassification of relative weight status. BMI, based on measured weights and heights, classified 62% of males and 47% of females as overweight or obese, compared with 39% and 32%, respectively, from self-report. …