Digital Commons Network^™

A Comparative Analysis Of Nutritional Knowledge Among Division 1 College Athletes, Malachi Lecadre-Grey, Emily Castillo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Nutrition is a cornerstone of athletic performance, yet many athletes at the collegiate level lack sufficient knowledge about how to properly fuel their bodies for optimal performance. While athletes generally recognize that nutrition is important for health and performance, many fail to fully understand the specific nutritional needs that support their intense physical demands. This gap in nutritional knowledge can hinder not only their performance, but also their recovery and long-term health. Given the complex role that nutrition plays in athletes’ training, competition, and recovery, addressing this knowledge gap is essential for ensuring athletes can reach their full athletic potential. …

Breaking The Injury Cycle: The Role Of Comprehensive Integration In Injury Recurrence Among Female Collegiate Athletes, Jeffrey Rivera, Paul Mentele, Nathan Wells, Xavier Smith, Ernest Rimer, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Female collegiate athletes face unique physiological, biomechanical, and socio-cultural factors that may increase their risk of repeated injuries. While first-time injuries have recently been better documented, less is known about whether subsequent injuries involve the same or different types. This gap limits the development of evidence-based prevention strategies that account for injury recurrence patterns in female athletes. PURPOSE: To quantify the prevalence of multiple injuries in female collegiate athletes, assess patterns of injury recurrence versus variation, and examine whether injury accumulation follows a progressive trajectory beyond a single occurrence. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis (2021–2024) was conducted using …

Effects Of A 12-Week Chair-Based Exercise Program On Functional Fitness And Cognitive Function In Older Females, Yi-Hung Liao, Ping-Chuan Lin, Yi-Yuan Lin, Shiow-Chwen Tsai, Hsiao-Kuan Wu, Ting-Heng Chou

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Aging is associated with declines in functional fitness and cognitive function, which may impact the quality of life in older adults. Developing a safe and active training program as an initial strategy is critical for the elderly population to maintain physical and mental well-being. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week chair-based exercise intervention on functional fitness, cognitive function, and nutritional status in older female adults. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy female participants aged 55 to 80 years were randomly assigned to the exercise group (Ex, N=19; Age: 64±1 years; BMI: 24.7±0.8 kg/m²) or the control …

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Improved Glycemic Control In Population With Hyperglycemia And Overweight/Obesity, Jehu N. Apaflo, Zahra Fatahimeiabadi, Irene John Tomy, Ulices Villalobos, Joshua Labadah, Dwaipayan Saha, Preyangsee Dutta Dr., Sudip Bajpeyi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a rehabilitation technique for individuals with physical function limitations and mobility impairments, however, the potential for NMES to improve metabolic health is unclear. PURPOSE: To evaluate the acute and long-term effects of NMES on blood glucose and substrate utilization. METHODS: The study recruited forty-five sedentary overweight/obese participants (Age: 40 ± 13 years; BMI: 37 ± 7 kg/m²) with hyperglycemia (fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL or 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) value ≥ 140 mg/dL). For the acute study, participants underwent 30 minutes of NMES on both quadricep muscles. Blood glucose levels …

Eight Weeks Of Concurrent Aerobic And Resistance Training Improves Cardiometabolic And Physical Health Parameters Among Blacks In El Paso Without A Change In Body Weight, Joshua Labadah, Jehu Apaflo, Sudip Bajpeyi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Exercise is beneficial in improving cardiometabolic and physical health. Minority populations such as Blacks have been shown to have higher risk and prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases and yet have been less studied for the benefits of exercise compared to their White counterparts. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of 8-weeks concurrent aerobic and resistance training on cardiometabolic and physical health parameters among a population of Black African adults. METHODS: Ten sedentary/moderately active young Black African adults living in the El Paso, Texas, of age (27.1±4.3 years); fasting blood glucose (87.30±20.18 mg/dL); body mass index, BMI (25.37±5.14 kg/m²), …

Glucose Curve Morphology And Peak Time As Metabolic Health Indicators, Zahra Fatahimeiabadi, Jehu Apaflo, Sudip Bajpeyi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Type 2 diabetes is a multifaceted condition characterized by disruptions in insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and associated metabolic defects such as impaired glucose and lipid metabolism and metabolic inflexibility. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is a key diagnostic tool for assessing glucose tolerance and metabolic function. Glucose response curve morphology and timing of the glucose peak (at 30 minutes vs >30 minutes) provide valuable insights into the balance between insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate glucose curve morphology and glucose peak time as potential markers of metabolic health, focusing on their associations with …

Glucose Peak Time During Ogtt: A Marker For Metabolic Health And Insulin Resistance, Ulices Villalobos, Jehu Apaflo, Zahra Fatahimeiabadi, Joshua Labadah, Irene John Tomy, Dwaipayan Saha, Preyangsee Dutta Dr., Sudip Bajpeyi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) screens for impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes. While a high overall glucose surge during a 3 hour OGTT indicates glucose intolerance, the glucose peak time offers valuable insights into metabolic health. PURPOSE: This study examines whether glucose peak time during an OGTT is indicative of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. METHODS: Participants (n=208; 101 females, 107 males; Age 28.1 ± 10.6 years; BMI 28.3 ± 6.3 kg/m²) consumed 75 grams of glucose drink and completed an OGTT with blood glucose levels measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes. …

Unveiling The Limitations Of Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Insights From Fasting And Ogtt With Advanced Clustering Analyses, Dwaipayan Saha Dr, Preyangsee Dutta Dr., Jehu Narh Apaflo, Joshua Labadah, Zahra Fatahimeiabadi, Ulices Villalobos, Irene John Tomy, Sudip Bajpeyi Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems offer real-time glucose insights but are limited by temporal lags and variability compared to capillary blood glucose (CBG) and venous blood measurements. These limitations are particularly pronounced during fasting and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), where accurate glucose tracking is critical. However, gaps remain in understanding how CGM performance compares to traditional methods in capturing glucose trends, variability, and clinical outliers. PURPOSE: This study addresses these gaps by evaluating the accuracy, variability, and clustering efficiency of CGM compared to CBG and venous glucose measurements during fasting and OGTT. METHODS: A cohort of 26 participants underwent …

Extraction And Organization Of Densitometry Data From Imaging Reports Produced By The Ge Idxa System Using Optical Character Recognition, Ana S. Rivera, Jordan Ankersen, Bradley Lambert

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Assessment of body composition and bone mineral density via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is commonly used in sports medicine, orthopedic, wellness, and research settings, whereby individualized reports are generated that can be uploaded to individual patient charts or entered into datasets for the purpose of analyzing trends or differences between population groups or within groups over time as a result of monitoring or interventions (nutritional, pharmacologic, therapeutic, activity). However, for large sample sizes, manual data entry from individual reports can be cumbersome and subject to human error. Exporting raw data directly from the DXA machine also presents challenges. PURPOSE: To …

Increasing The Incidence Of Type 2 Diabetes In Ucd-T2dm Female Rats, Chandni Bhagtaney, Austin Thornton, Milena Samora, Ali Mossayebi, Kimber L. Stanhope, Peter J. Havel D.V.M., Ph.D., Audrey J. Stone, Michelle L. Harrison

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is higher for men compared with women, yet women present with a greater risk factor burden at the time of their diagnosis. Currently, research is lacking that addresses these sex-specific differences in disease onset and progression, research that is critical to understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes and developing optimal treatment strategies for both women and men. These same sex differences are present in animal models of T2DM. The paucity of suitable T2DM animal models is a barrier to investigations of these sex differences. The University of California Davis (UCD)-T2DM rat model, bred …

Validity Of A Hydration Assessment Device For Determination Of Hydration Status, Ciriany Arrazola, Marcos Keefe, Ryan Dunn, Kelly B. Elliott, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Euhydration, defined as the state of optimal total body water content, is essential for maintaining proper physiological function across multiple systems and organs. However, there is currently a lack of assessment that can provide a rapid, non-invasive and cost-effective diagnosis of hydration status. PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity of the commercial accessible hydration sensor in determining hydration status compared to urine and blood indices. METHODS: Twenty-eight participants (age: 23 ± 3 yr; body mass: 73.38 ± 17.03 kg; height: 169.90 ± 9.07 cm) completed this study. Twenty participants performed the first experimental design, whereas eight participants performed the second …

Voluntary Wheel Running Improves Glucose Homeostasis And Visceral Adiposity In Old Mice, Alexandra Canizales, David J. Buckley, Sogol Zahedi, Daniel W. Trott

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Age is an independent risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, which is characterized in part by impaired glucose homeostasis, greater body weight and visceral adiposity. In older humans, exercise has been demonstrated to be a viable modality to improve these aforementioned outcomes. Surprisingly, to date, no one has assessed whether exercise improves glucose tolerance in old mice. Further the mechanism(s) of improvement in old animals independent of overt obesity is not well understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether 8 weeks of voluntary wheel running would result in improved glucose tolerance and …

Comparison Of Reds Risk Factors In Physique Focused And Non-Physique Focused Collegiate Athletes In The Dfw Metroplex, Nicole Cipriano, Diana Kolb, Ross Moody, Nicholas Lopez, Jason Stephens, Sarah Deemer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physique-focused (PF) sports have a higher emphasis on aesthetics as an aspect for performance compared to non-physique-focused (NPF) sports. PF sports emphasize body image, leading athletes to prioritize leanness or low body weight, which could put them at increased risk for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). PURPOSE: This study aims to compare weight, body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and EDE-Q global score between PF and NPF athletes to assess potential REDs risk. METHODS: 35 current Division I or II collegiate athletes from the DFW metroplex participated in this study. During a morning fasted visit (0700-0900), participants …

Validity Of A Portable Metabolic Analyzer For Estimating Resting Metabolic Rate In Muscular Resistance-Trained Adults, Christian Rodriguez, Christine M. Florez, Ethan Tinoco, Joao P. Cardoso, Jaylynn Rasco, Julia Whitson, Sieneh Francis, Grant M. Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

An individual’s resting metabolic rate (RMR) is commonly the largest contributor to total daily energy expenditure. The accepted reference method for in vivo measurement of RMR is indirect calorimetry (IC). However, the accessibility of traditional IC analyzers is limited to select settings; therefore, portable indirect calorimeters are also applied to estimate RMR. Limited data are available to inform the validity of the VO2 Master for estimating RMR in muscular resistance-trained adults. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the VO2 Master portable metabolic analyzer for estimating RMR in muscular resistance-trained adults. METHODS: A sample of …

Preliminary Analysis Of Physiological Changes In Collegiate Artistic Swimmers During Competition Season: A Prospective Study, Ashley M. Latchford, Kelsi Lambright, Colton Sopher, Dan E. Newmire

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Despite the increasing popularity and competitiveness of artistic swimming, female athletes in this sport remain understudied. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to examine the physiological changes experienced by female collegiate artistic swimmers throughout a competition season, from pre-season to late-season. Since artistic swimming lacks mechanical stress and involves reduced gravitational forces due to water immersion, there is concern of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) over time. Decreased calorie intake whilst increasing practice session duration can cause menstrual cycle irregularity, which may also negatively affect BMD and the health of female athletes. By offering detailed insights into the physiological …

Sex Specific Differences In The Response To Short Term Muscle Disuse In Middle Aged Adults, Sean P. Kilroe, Zach Von Ruff, Hanna Kalenta, Emily Arentson-Lantz, Andrew J. Murton, Douglas Paddon-Jones, Blake B. Rasmussen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Research on short term muscle disuse has demonstrated the numerous adverse effects it causes on skeletal muscle. These include reductions in function and mass, as well as insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial function and muscle protein synthesis. However, little is known about the sex specific differences in how males and females respond to muscle disuse. PURPOSE: To investigate the sex specific differences in how males and females respond to short term disuse. METHODS: Sixteen healthy, middle-aged adults (8 males; 57.9±1.8 yr; BMI 29.9±1.2 kg·m^-2; 8 females; 55.1±1.6 yr; BMI 28.9±1.0 kg·m-2) underwent 7 days of unilateral leg immobilization …

24-Hour Movement Behaviors And Neurodevelopmental Outcomes In Mexican Preschoolers: Exploring Bmi As A Potential Mediator, Christian Corral, Alejandra Jauregui De La Mota, Gabriela Argumedo, Armando G. Olvera, Nicolas Aguilar, Anthony D. Okely, Deborah Salvo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Movement behaviors – sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity – affect children’s health. However, the differential effect of specific physical activity intensities remains understudied, particularly in low and middle income countries facing the double burden of disease. PURPOSE: To examine the associations of 24-hour movement behaviors on neurodevelopmental outcomes in Mexican preschoolers. We also explore the associations of movement behaviors with body mass index (BMI) and mediation by body mass index in the association with neurodevelopment. METHODS: 64 children (age = 4.36 ± 0.42 years, 48% female) in the Mexican pilot of the International Study of Movement Behaviors …

Muscle Metabolic Profile Following Acute Exercise In Mice With Constitutively Active Mtorc1, Hanna Kalenta, Sean P. Kilroe, Trevor B. Romsdahl, Erik D. Marchant, Rosario Maroto, Jennifer J. Linares, William K. Russell, Blake B. Rasmussen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

An increase in Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex I (mTORC1) kinase activity stimulates muscle protein synthesis in response to amino acids, growth factors, energy, and mechanical stimuli. We previously found muscle hypertrophy and increased mitochondrial respiration in resting mice with chronically active mTORC1 (i.e., an inducible skeletal muscle specific DEPDC5 knockout (KO) model), but no improvement in muscle quality and function. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the metabolic profile of skeletal muscle in DEPDC5 KO and wild-type (WT) male and female mice following 1-hour of treadmill exercise. METHODS: Targeted metabolomics was performed on quadricep …

Sex Differences In Nutrient Gaps In Active Adults, Christine M. Florez, Christian Rodriguez, Philip Sapp, Jeremy Townsend, Grant M. Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In the United States, the estimated average requirement (EAR) for a nutrient indicates the average daily intake level estimated to meet the requirement of 50% of healthy individuals. As defined by the United States Department of Agriculture, a “nutrient gap” is evaluated by comparing dietary intakes with EAR values of specific nutrients. Nutrient intake <100% of the EAR indicates a nutrient gap. While nutrient gaps have been characterized in the general population, these gaps are less clearly established in active adults. PURPOSE: To evaluate the presence of nutrient gaps within an active, healthy population and to determine if there are sex differences in nutrient gaps. METHODS: The dietary intakes of healthy, active males (n=380 records) and females (n=301 records) were collected using the National Institutes …

The Caloric Cost Of Self-Paced Exercise In Total Body Tabata, Treadmill Running Tabata, And Continuous Treadmill Running., Lily Hargrove, Austin Dunn, James Rowe

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Compare the energy expenditure (EE) of three exercise bouts when performed at a self-selected pace. METHODS: Active men (n=11) and women (n=9) performed 3 separate exercise bouts at a self-selected pace: total body Tabata (TBT), treadmill running Tabata (TRT), and continuous running (CONT) in a counterbalanced manner. Bouts consisted of a 10-minute rest period, 25-minutes of exercise, and a 25-minute recovery period. TBT consisted of repeated cycles of body calisthenics for 20 seconds with 10-seconds rest in between. TRT consisted of repeated sprints on a treadmill in the same manner as TBT. CONT was continuous running on a …

Targeted Soleus Muscle Activation Enhances Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Triglyceride Metabolism Via Lipoprotein Lipase, Daniel P. Leblanc, Marc T. Hamilton

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is the rate limiting enzyme for tissue specific plasma triglyceride (TG) utilization. There is a strong causal link between LPL and cardiovascular health. PURPOSE: Our translational studies investigated the soleus muscle aiming to answer the following questions: What are the mechanisms responsible for the potent process of regulating LPL within the soleus muscle? Can individuals with low fitness levels capitalize on the unique phenotype of the soleus muscle to markedly enhance systemic plasma lipid metabolism through localized contractile activity, even though the muscle constitutes only ~1% of body weight? METHODS: We began by testing the hypothesis that …

Elevated Mtorc1 Signaling In Skeletal Muscle Alters Mitochondrial Dynamics And H2o2 Production And Exacerbates Diet-Induced Hyperglycemia, Erik D. Marchant, Hanna Kalenta, Sean P. Kilroe, Jacquelyn May, Blake B. Rasmussen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle insulin resistance are not completely understood, but altered signaling through mTORC1 is associated with insulin resistance. PURPOSE: Determine if the disruption of the GATOR1 complex and subsequent mTORC1 hyperactivation is sufficient to drive insulin resistance in skeletal muscle with or without a western diet. METHODS: Muscle-specific DEPDC5 (a component of GATOR1) knockout mice or littermate controls were administered a western diet or control synthetic chow for 12 weeks and assessed for fasting glucose and insulin, oral glucose tolerance, and mitochondrial dynamics and function (respiration and H₂O₂ production). RESULTS: Western diet increased fasting …

Evaluating Rotc Cadets’ Knowledge Of General And Sports Nutrition, Sheyla Leon, Adriana Gil, Ryan Sowinski, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Stella Volpe, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets regularly undergo highly stressful and physically demanding training, making adequate nutrition knowledge and eating habits essential for optimal health and physical performance. However, there is a paucity of data on ROTC cadets’ general and sports nutrition knowledge. PURPOSE: We evaluated ROTC cadets' general and sports nutrition knowledge. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 206 ROTC cadets regarding sports performance and nutrition supplementation knowledge via the validated paper-based questionnaire, Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire for Athletes (NKQA). The questionnaire data were analyzed using SPSS version 29 software. Shapiro-Wilk Test was used to assess normality. The correct responses …

Supportive Programming During A Worldwide Pandemic And Beyond, Rainie B. Jueschke, Charissa Lynch, Anne Stokes, Tracy Van De Vate

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

In the United States, approximately 2.4 million grandparents are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren (Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Center, 2024). Relative caregivers provide an important opportunity to keep families together and avoid foster home placement when children are unable to safely be cared for by parents. “Parenting again” comes with its own unique set of challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly highlighted and exacerbated these difficulties. There are many organizations nationwide that work within the field of relative caregiving, providing diverse programming designed to address the needs of this unique population. Core principles include strategies to …

Building Blocks For New Kinship Partnerships And Coalitions, Kathy L. Dial, Daniel J. Koltz, Janet Salo, Erin Beasley

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

Building successful kinship partnerships and coalitions requires intentional effort to establish trust, align goals, and foster inclusivity. These collaborations are essential for addressing the unique and evolving needs of kinship families, who often face limited access to resources due to the informal nature of many caregiving arrangements. Effective partnerships prioritize clear missions, open communication, and active engagement with stakeholders, particularly those with lived experiences such as kinship caregivers. Research demonstrates that coordinated efforts among organizations enhance resource availability, improve advocacy capabilities, and strengthen service delivery. By integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, coalitions can ensure that diverse perspectives shape solutions …

Generations United & The Brookdale Foundation Group: An Overview Of Progress In Support Of Grandfamilies Over The Last Decade, Ana Beltran, Jaia Lent, Melinda Perez-Porter

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

Strategic partnerships and collaborations enable organizations that serve grandfamilies to address service gaps and facilitate the development or enhancement of services tailored to support their needs. These collaborative partnerships empower organizations to provide comprehensive support to caregivers and children and also play a crucial role in enabling organizations to create, expand, and maintain supportive services. By fostering strong relationships with a diverse range of partners, organizations can ensure that grandparents and other relative caregiver families receive information, assistance, and support. The authors, representing a national organization and a private foundation, have collaborated for more than 25 years to support grandfamilies. …

“Phytochemical Analysis, In Vitro Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Diabetic And Anti-Inflammatory Activity Of Red Kidney Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) ”, Nancy Mani, D Annette Beatrice, R Durga Priyadarshini

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Aims: The aim of the study is to assess the phytochemicals, bioactive compounds and determine the in vitro anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of red kidney bean.

Methods and Material: Raw and cooked red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris. L) were assessed for phytochemical content, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activity and GC-MS analysis was done to identify the bioactive compounds.

Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics, independent ‘t’ test and one-way ANOVA was computed to determine the differences in the phytochemical compounds and in vitro activities of raw and cooked red kidney beans.

Results: Qualitative analysis of raw and …

Assessment Of Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness Among Patients In A Tertiary Care Hospital: A Questionnaire- Based Study, Jyothi Basini, Srija Sadanala, Srinivasa Yadav Poolugari, Susmitha Karakambadi, Teja Apthiri, Ram R

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly recognized as a significant global public health concern, influenced by individuals' lifestyle choices. Despite being largely asymptomatic until advanced stages, CKD is associated with heightened risks of cardiovascular disease, premature mortality, and diminished quality of life. Particularly in developing nations like India, where precise prevalence data are scarce, the need for heightened public awareness is paramount. This study, conducted at SVIMS, Tirupati, employed a hospital-based prospective design involving adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with CKD. Through informed consent, participants underwent interviews using structured questionnaires to assess their understanding of CKD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified …

Eng 3405-001 Children's Literature, Niall Nance-Carroll

Fall 2024

No abstract provided.

Physical And Mental Health Experiences Of Obese Men Living In The United States During The Covid-19 Pandemic, James Cunningham

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to public health worldwide, significantly impacting vulnerable populations like obese men in the United States. This qualitative descriptive study involved exploring how these men perceived the pandemic’s impact on their physical and mental health, addressing a critical gap in existing literature. The research question that guided this study was: How did obese men living in the United States perceive the stressor that was the COVID-19 pandemic on their physical and mental health? Guided by the biopsychosocial model, the study involved using semi-structured interviews with 15 participants who were recruited online through social media. Thematic …