Public Health Commons^™

Body Mass Index Trajectories: The Effect Of Fetal Size And Early Life Modifiable Factors, Mathew Roy

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background: This study examined the relationship between small for gestational age (SGA) status at birth, a measure of fetal growth restriction, and childhood body mass index trajectories (BMI) using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth. Analytic Method: Using latent growth curve modeling, the growth trajectories of a cohort of small and appropriate for gestational age singletons were modeled from 2-10 years (N=1,273 at baseline). Results: SGA status had no effect on the growth trajectories of children after adjusting for prenatal and early life sociodemographic and maternal variables, and also early life modifiable factors. Moreover, the modifiable …

Maternal Employment During Infancy And Toddlerhood: Mechanisms For Associations With Childhood Overweight/Obesity In Canada, Nathalie Victoria Metzer

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity is a major public health issue, with approximately 1 in 3 children classified as overweight or obese in Canada. Research suggests that maternal employment during childhood may be associated with later overweight and obesity risk, but it is not known whether employment during infancy and toddlerhood has a similar effect on weight status. Mechanisms such as reduced breastfeeding and use of informal child care have been proposed in the literature but not been formally tested among infants and toddlers. It is important to identify possible mechanisms that could explain the association with overweight and obesity …

Man Versus Food: An Analysis Of 'Dude Food' Television And Public Health, Amy R. Eisner-Levine

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Contemporary food television has moved away from an instructional and cooking-centered model, to an entertainment and eating-focused one. However, public health researchers have not considered these shows in the wake of rising obesity rates. This thesis is concerned with the kinds of messages food television conveys about food and eating and is guided by three research questions: How are food and eating represented on the shows? How is health addressed? How do these shows work to create and promote a more acceptable popular discourse around unhealthy eating habits? Through an analysis of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, You Gotta Eat …

The Impact Of Obesity On Employment Participation And Earnings Among Working-Age Women In Canada: Evidence From The Nphs Longitudinal Data, Samantha L. Larose

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background: The direct medical care costs attributable to obesity are well-known, but little is known about the indirect costs of obesity. In particular, less is known about the impact of obesity on employment participation and earnings, especially among women in Canada.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to examine the association between obesity and employment participation and earnings, if employed, among Canadian women.

Methods: Data were taken from the last six cycles of the National Population Health Survey from 2000/01-2010/11 longitudinal cohort data from women aged 18-53 years. The association between obesity and labour market participation was analyzed using …