Digital Commons Network^™

Findings From A National Home Food Environment Survey: How Does Georgia Compare?, April Hermstad, Regine Haardorfer, Rebecca Woodruff, Ilana Raskind, Michelle Kegler

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Aspects of the home food environment, both social and physical, influence healthy eating and weight management practices. Healthy eating, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015, centers on balancing calories consumed and calories expended for weight management combined with consumption of nutrient-dense foods and drinks. Obesity and excess weight increase the risk of numerous chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. With this presentation, we will explore how Georgia home food environments and eating behaviors are similar or different from the rest of the nation.

Methods: Survey participants (n=4,942) were recruited from a reputable online survey panel …

The Validity Of Submaximal Exercise Testing In Obese Women, Gabrielle Ringenberg

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Background: Submaximal exercise tests use heart rate responses to low-to-moderate intensity activity in order to predict cardiorespiratory fitness (VO_2max). Currently used tests may be inappropriate for obese populations as obese women have altered heart rate responses to exercise. The purpose of this project is to test the validity of the Modified Bruce Protocol submaximal treadmill test in obese women. Methods: Normal-weight (NWG) and obese women (OBG) completed the Modified Bruce submaximal treadmill test (to predict VO_2max using previously validated equations) and a maximal graded exercise test on a treadmill using the Standard Bruce Protocol (to obtain an …

He’S Just Content To Sit: A Qualitative Study Of Mothers’ Perceptions Of Infant Obesity And Physical Activity, Danae Dinkel, Kailey Snyder, Anastasia Kyvelidou, Victoria Molfese

Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Background: Rates of obesity among children ages zero to five are rapidly increasing. Greater efforts are needed to promote healthy behaviors of young children. Mothers are especially important targets for promoting health as mothers’ views play a vital role in helping their children foster healthy habits from an early age. Research has found parents’ views of infants’ weight may influence their feeding practices; however, limited research has explored mothers’ view of infants’ weight in relation to the promotion of physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of mothers of normal weight infants and overweight …

Interleukin-18 Polymorphism As An Inflammatory Index In Metabolic Syndrome: A Preliminary Study, Syeda Sadia Fatima, Zehra Jamil, Syed Hani Abidi, Daniyal Nadeem, Zara Bashir, Ahmed Ansari

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Aim: To assess circulatory levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and determine whether the presence of IL-18 promoter polymorphism influences metabolic syndrome phenotypes.
Methods: This study recruited one hundred and eighty individuals divided into three groups with sixty subjects each as: Normal weight (18.0-22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23.0-25.9 kg/m2) and obese (> 26.0 kg/m2) according to South Asian criteria of BMI. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), Lipid profile, insulin, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha were measured using ELISA kits, whereas low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity (QUICKI) were calculated. The body fat percentage (BF) was measured through bioelectrical impedance …

Get Moving: Motivating Sedentary Young Adults, Rebecca Edmunds, Neil Peterson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Obesity and sedentary behavior are increasing in the United States and the world. On the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website recent statistics put over one third of the American adult population as obese and over half as overweight (2015). This epidemic has contributed to a drastic increase in disease and cost. Obesity and the accompanying diseases are not only expensive to treat but also decrease quality of life. Prevention is essential. Many companies are working to find devices that help motivate people and encourage physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. This research project focused specifically on the …

Obesity, Metabolic Factors And Risk Of Different Histological Types Of Lung Cancer: A Mendelian Randomization Study, Robert Carreras-Torres, Mattias Johansson, Philip C. Haycock, Kaitlin H. Wade, Caroline L. Relton, Richard M. Martin, George Davey Smith, Demetrius Albanes, Melinda C. Aldrich, Angeline Andrew, Susanne M. Arnold, Heike Bickeböller, Stig E. Bojesen, Hans Brunnström, Jonas Manjer, Irene Brüske, Neil E. Caporaso, Chu Chen, David C. Christiani, Warren Jay Christian, Jennifer A. Doherty, Eric J. Duell, John K. Field, Michael P. A. Davies, Michael W. Marcus, Gary E. Goodman, Kjell Grankvist, Aage Haugen, Yun-Chul Hong, Lambertus A. Kiemeney

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Background

Assessing the relationship between lung cancer and metabolic conditions is challenging because of the confounding effect of tobacco. Mendelian randomization (MR), or the use of genetic instrumental variables to assess causality, may help to identify the metabolic drivers of lung cancer.

Methods and findings

We identified genetic instruments for potential metabolic risk factors and evaluated these in relation to risk using 29,266 lung cancer cases (including 11,273 adenocarcinomas, 7,426 squamous cell and 2,664 small cell cases) and 56,450 controls. The MR risk analysis suggested a causal effect of body mass index (BMI) on lung cancer risk for two of …

C/D-Box Snornas Form Methylating And Non-Methylating Ribonucleoprotein Complexes: Old Dogs Show New Tricks, Marina Falaleeva, Justin R. Welden, Marilyn J. Duncan, Stefan Stamm

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Faculty Publications

C/D box snoRNAs (SNORDs) are an abundantly expressed class of short, non‐coding RNAs that have been long known to perform 2′‐O‐methylation of rRNAs. However, approximately half of human SNORDs have no predictable rRNA targets, and numerous SNORDs have been associated with diseases that show no defects in rRNAs, among them Prader‐Willi syndrome, Duplication 15q syndrome and cancer. This apparent discrepancy has been addressed by recent studies showing that SNORDs can act to regulate pre‐mRNA alternative splicing, mRNA abundance, activate enzymes, and be processed into shorter ncRNAs resembling miRNAs and piRNAs. Furthermore, recent biochemical studies have shown that a given SNORD …

Effects Of Kdt501 On Metabolic Parameters In Insulin-Resistant Prediabetic Humans, Philip A. Kern, Brian S. Finlin, Dorothy Ross, Tania Boyechko, Beibei Zhu, Neile Grayson, Robert Sims, Jeffrey S. Bland

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Context: KDT501 is an isohumulone drug that has demonstrated beneficial effects on metabolic parameters in mice.

Objective: This study was intended to examine potential improvements in metabolism in humans.

Design and Setting: Changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, along with inflammatory markers, were evaluated in prediabetic humans in a clinical research center.

Participants: Nine obese patients participated. All had prediabetes or normal glucose tolerance plus three features of metabolic syndrome.

Intervention: All participants were treated with escalating doses of KDT501 to a maximum dose of 1000 mg every 12 hours for a total of 28 days.

Outcome Measures: Changes in …

Evaluation Of Hypertensive Clinical Significance In A Primary Care Setting With Veterans With Diabetes, Claire S. Moga Msn, Rn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Analyses of hypertensive confounding factors were identified by looking retrospectively at patient demographics, medications, recent blood pressure and the medical history of hypertensive patients with diabetes. The data trends found in this database highlighted potential areas for improvement with regards to the care of patients with this co-morbidity in the outpatient setting. All prescription anti-hypertensives prescribed for the 102 patients followed the National Joint Committee (JNC-8) Hypertension Guideline Algorithm. Of 102 adult males (over the age of 18), 22 patients had a blood pressure that is out of control (over 140/90). Within this group of patients, 33.3% of the patients …

Implementation Of Screening Guidelines To Improve Quality Of Care In A Small, Ethnically Diverse Pediatric Primary Care Practice…Then What?, Brooke Basford

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Although best practice guidelines have been shown to be effective, the process of translation into everyday practice can be challenging. The purpose of this evidence-based project (EBP) was the implementation of standardized screening tools into annual well-child visits in a small, ethnically diverse pediatric primary care practice in southern California. Standardized screening is recognized as an important process in identifying conditions early to facilitate early intervention. The practice site identified obesity has a priority and consequently the Department of Health Care Services: Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program Guidelines for Diet and Nutrition Screening for Children assessment form was …

Impact Of Obesity On Mortality In Hospitalized Patients With Pneumonia Due To 2009 H1n1 Influenza A Virus Versus Other Etiologies, Martin A. Espinosa-Ginic, Ryan T. Hurt, Stephen P. Furmanek, Paula Peyrani, Julio A. Ramirez, Timothy Lee Wiemken, The Capo Investigators

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background: Reports from the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus (2009 H1N1) pandemic indicate increased mortality in obese patients hospitalized with pneumonia. However, articles published prior to the pandemic have suggested that obesity may be a protective factor for mortality in these patients. The objective of this study was to compare the impact of obesity on mortality in hospitalized patients with pneumonia due to the 2009 H1N1 versus pneumonia due to other etiologies.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the CAPO international cohort study. Study groups were defined as follows: Group One, pneumonia due to 2009 H1N1: Patients hospitalized with …

Magnetic Drug Delivery Of Xanthohumol To Adipocytes Using Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles., Irandokht Khaki Najafabadi, Janaiya Samuels, Royce Dansby-Sparks, Srujana Rayalam, Vicky Mody

Research Day

According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, more than one-third (36.5%) of U.S adults are obese. It is the main risk factor for type-2-diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Nutraceuticals such as Xanthohumol have shown potential to inhibit adipogeneis, however, their bioavailability has remained controversial. Hence there is a need to develop targeted therapy which will increase the concentration of Xanthohumol on adipose tissues. Currently, magnetic drug delivery has been used to develop targeted therapies where conventional therapies have proven to be less effective. Among various types of nanoparticles ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIO) have found considerable attention …

Mitochondrial Damage Accumulation In Oocytes – A Potential Link Between Maternal Obesity And Increased Cardiometabolic Disease Risk In Offspring., Anna Louise Boudoures

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The developmental origins of health and disease (DoHAD) hypothesis suggests that negative maternal lifestyle choices, such as obesity, affect the health of her offspring. Clinical and laboratory studies support this hypothesis – offspring born to obese mothers are at increased risk for health conditions including cardiometabolic syndrome and congenital abnormalities. Maternal obesity damages the oocytes, contributing to the increased disease risk by transmitting damaged organelles and epigenetic modifications to the offspring. Mitochondria, the most abundant organelle in the oocyte, are damaged in oocytes from obese females. However, we do not understand if mitochondrial damage in oocytes is reversible nor why …

Predictors Of Obesity In African American College Students, Christiana Chinenye Osuagwu

Journal of Family Strengths

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is the second highest cause of death in the United States due to its numerous co-morbidities, and data reveal that African Americans are at greatest risk for this disease. The study explored the multiple factors that predict obesity in the African American college students.

Method: Using a hybrid of the PRECEDE-PROCEED and the vital renewal models, a mixed methods study design that included 142 male and female African American college students was conducted. A Likert-scaled survey for the quantitative phase and a focus group interview for the qualitative arm were utilized. Constructs of attitude, culture, environment, …

Effect Of Activity Trackers And Text Messaging On Exercise, Fitness, And Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Of Middle School Students, Alison F. Pittman

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

A decrease in physical activity as children age is a contributing factor to the U.S. obesity epidemic. Middle school children are particularly vulnerable to sedentary activities. Activity trackers show promise as a means to motivate children and adults to increase physical activity (PA). This study examined the effect of a text messaging intervention and use of activity trackers with a companion social website on the body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, physical fitness, and PA self-efficacy of middle school children. Children aged 11-14 (n=102) were randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 10-week intervention: activity tracker group; …

Optimal Nutrition And The Ever-Changing Dietary Landscape: A Conference Report., A Shao, A Drewnowski, D C Willcox, L Krämer, Christopher G Lausted, M Eggersdorfer, J Mathers, J D Bell, R K Randolph, R Witkamp, J C Griffiths

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

The field of nutrition has evolved rapidly over the past century. Nutrition scientists and policy makers in the developed world have shifted the focus of their efforts from dealing with diseases of overt nutrient deficiency to a new paradigm aimed at coping with conditions of excess-calories, sedentary lifestyles and stress. Advances in nutrition science, technology and manufacturing have largely eradicated nutrient deficiency diseases, while simultaneously facing the growing challenges of obesity, non-communicable diseases and aging. Nutrition research has gone through a necessary evolution, starting with a reductionist approach, driven by an ambition to understand the mechanisms responsible for the effects …

The Effect Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids On Energy Metabolism, Energy Intake, And Metabolic Response In Normal Weight And Overweight And Obese School Aged Children (8-12 Years), Charlayne Mitchell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Obesity is a major health concern in the United States. Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) have been observed to improve metabolic health and therefore might be useful in treatment of obesity. However, little is known regarding the effect of O3FA on school aged normal weight and overweight children.

Objective: The objective of this thesis was to determine if habitual intake of O3FA at breakfast improves energy metabolism, appetite, and metabolic response in overweight and obese school-aged children.

Design: Twenty healthy, normal weight (NW; n = 11) and overweight (OW; n = 9) children aged 8-12 years were randomly assigned to …

An Examination Of Predictors Of Variance In The Caloric Content Of Specific Bites Of Food, James Nathaniel Salley

All Dissertations

Obesity continues to be a leading health risk throughout the world, and there is a need for tools to assess free-living eating behavior for both researchers attempting to study how specific eating behaviors contribute to obesity outside the lab and for individuals to use as self-monitoring aids. This study sought to examine how variance in individual traits and eating behaviors can be used to understand and predict the kilocaloric content of specific bites of food (KPB). It was hypothesized that meal duration, pre-meal satiety, food enjoyment, eating rate, age, gender, mouth volume, and body metrics would significantly predict KPB. Seventy-two …

Assessment Of Social, Dietary And Biochemical Correlates Of Cardiometabolic Risk In Pre-Adolescent Hispanic Children, Abraham Basil Alhassan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Obesity, elevated blood pressure and dyslipidemia are highly prevalent in Hispanic children. Compared to their non-Hispanic White peers, Hispanic children experience higher prevalence of obesity and hypertension. The Hispanic population in Tennessee has been growing, with about a tenth of newborn babies being Hispanic. This study aimed to: 1. Examine the influence of sociodemographic factors on Hispanic children’s cardiometabolic risk; 2. Assess the relationship between food group intake and cardiometabolic risk in Hispanic children; and 3. Evaluate the efficacy of non-traditional biomarkers for detecting cardiometabolic risk in Hispanic children. Data for the study came from a larger cross-sectional pilot study …

The Effects Of An Acute Bout Of Exercise On Hunger Hormones In Individuals At Risk For Type 2 Diabetes, Sydney Spoon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Hunger hormone levels are typically dysregulated in obese and diabetic

populations, however; postprandial exercise has been shown to influence hunger hormone levels. Purpose: To determine if hunger hormones including acylated ghrelin and GLP-1 levels are altered in response to an acute bout (15 minutes) of walking in individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: Ten subjects at risk for prediabetes (fasting blood glucose 100–125mg/dL) participated in this randomized crossover design trial. Subjects arrived at the laboratory following an overnight fast and underwent one of two conditions: 1) Test meal with no walking (CON) or 2) Test …

An Epidemiological Study Of Obesity Among Asian Americans In California, United States, Shaoqing Gong

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Obesity has reached epidemic levels in the United States (U.S.). Despite an increasing number of studies on obesity, a very few have addressed this debilitating condition among Asian American adults. The overall objective of this study is to utilize the latest cycles of the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) to better understand obesity and identify its correlates among Asian Americans. The study population comprised Asian American adults aged 18 years or older from the CHIS with data pooled from the 2013 and 2014 survey years. Obesity (≥27.5 kg/m²) was defined using the World Health Organization (WHO) Asian body …

Gross Motor In The Preschool Classroom, Sherryll Reed

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review discusses the history of Early Childhood and how far it has come since it started. It will discuss the increase of obesity in young children and the importance of teaching children young the value of healthy living. This literature review will describe ways to use gross motor in the classroom to help with improving physical movement in the classroom. The literature review will give ideas on ways to encourage gross motor in the classroom as well as outdoors. It provides research that explains why it is important to include physical breaks in the classroom activities throughout the …

The Role Of The Fatty Acid Signaling Pathway In Dietary-Induced Obesity, Melissa N. Nelson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In recent years, dietary fat has been shown to be capable of activing taste receptor cells in the tongue. Fatty acids (FAs), which act as the chemical cue and are found in dietary fat, activate a cellular signaling pathway that results in a unique signal being sent to the brain that is then interpreted as the taste of fat. One important element in this pathway is the ion channel TrpM5. It is responsible for depolarizing the taste cells that are activated by fatty acids; depolarization is an essential step in cellular response, making TrpM5 essential in the functioning of the …

Trading Pounds For Points: Engagement And Weight Loss In A Mobile Health Intervention, Sarah Hales, Gabrielle Turner-Mcgrievy, Sarah Wilcox, Rachel Davis, Arjang Fahim, Michael N. Huhns, Homayoun Valafar

Faculty Publications

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to describe participant engagement and examine predictors of weight loss and points earned through the point-based incentive system of the Social Pounds Off Digitally (POD) app.

Materials and methods Overweight and obese adults with Android smartphones/tablets (body mass index 25–49.9 kg/m2; N = 24) were recruited for a 3-month weight loss intervention. Participants completed a survey assessing demographics and personality and had their weight measured. Participants received the content of the intervention via podcasts and used the Social POD app to self-monitor diet, physical activity, and weight. The Social POD app contained: …

Body Weight, Nutrition, And The Classical Singer: A Review Of The Existing Literature, Rebekah Kaye Smeltzer

Open Access Dissertations

The discussion of body weight and the classical singer is not new, but recent events, such as HD broadcasts of opera productions, along with rising obesity rates across the general populace, have led to increased debate surrounding the stereotype of the overweight opera singer. As overweight singers face increased pressure to lose weight, a variety of suggestions have traveled through the vocal community, but little evidence-based research or health care advice has been readily available. Research has been conducted which seeks to answer how obesity affects vocal function, as well as how bariatric surgery may affect the voice; however, this …

Culturally Competent Health Education In African-Americans’ Faith-Based Communities For Better Health Outcomes: A Literature Review, Kougang Anne Mbe

McNair Research Journal SJSU

Obesity is a compelling health issue among African-Americans, who have the highest prevalence of excess weight among all ethnic and racial groups in the United States. This soaring obesity rate contributes to poor health outcomes and significantly inflates the risks for many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. The literature provides evidence for the success of health programs aimed at promoting healthy behavior and lifestyles in African-American faith-based organizations, as the influential role of churches in African-American communities is well documented. However, few studies have investigated the criteria essential for improved efficiency of health interventions …

Obesity Prevention Policies At The Local Level: Tobacco's Lessons, Paul A. Diller

Maine Law Review

For at least a decade, commentators have speculated that obesity is the next tobacco, a public health scourge that might nonetheless offer a gold mine to ambitious plaintiffs’ lawyers. Successful lawsuits, as in the tobacco context, might spur the food industry to reform its practices so as to help reduce the alarmingly high national obesity rate. The obesity narrative, however, has not played out accordingly to the same script as tobacco. Relatively quick action by most state legislatures immunized the food industry to tort lawsuits seeking obesity-related damages, and the scant judicial opinions on the issue have skeptically assessed plaintiffs’ …

Western Diet Affects The Murine Circadian System Possibly Through The Gastrointestinal Microbiota, Roberto Refinetti

Psychological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Consumption of a high-fat diet characteristic of human Western diet has been shown to affect the circadian system of laboratory rodents. The present study confirms an effect of Western diet on the circadian system of mice, specifically a shortening of the free-running circadian period of running-wheel activity, in addition to increased weight gain. Decimation of the gut microbiota by broad spectrum antibiotic treatment reversed the effect of Western-diet feeding on the free-running period, which suggests that the effect of Western-diet feeding on the circadian system is mediated by the gastrointestinal microbiota. This finding is particularly relevant in view of recent …

Expectations For Treatment In Pediatric Weight Management And Relationship To Attrition., Erinn T. Rhodes, Richard E. Boles, Kimberly Chin, Amy Christison, Elizabeth Getzoff Testa, Kimberly Guion, Mary Jane Hawkins, Carter R. Petty, Bethany Sallinen Gaffka, Melissa Santos, Laura Shaffer, Jared Tucker, Sarah Hampl

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Attrition in pediatric weight management negatively impacts treatment outcomes. A potentially modifiable contributor to attrition is unmet family expectations. This study aimed to evaluate the association between adolescent and parent/guardian treatment expectations and attrition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, nonrandomized, uncontrolled, single-arm pilot trial was conducted among 12 pediatric weight management programs in the Children's Hospital Association's FOCUS on a Fitter Future collaborative. Parents/guardians and adolescents completed an expectations/goals survey at their initial visit, with categories including healthier food/drinks, physical activity/exercise, family support/behavior, and weight management goals. Attrition was assessed at 3 months.

RESULTS: From January to August 2013, …

Multidisciplinary Approaches To The Treatment Of Bariatric Patients, Hannah Plasterer

Senior Honors Theses

Bariatric care focuses on the treatment and prevention of obesity as a chronic disease. It encompasses a wide range of obesity interventions from diet and exercise to weight loss surgery. Due to the continuing rise in obesity, all health care professionals will encounter bariatric patients, and thus, it is important for all health-care professionals to be aware of bariatric considerations. There are many negative implications to increased obesity that affect both physical and psychological health. This thesis will present the rise and rates of obesity in America today, along with the health risks and morbidity statistics for those who fall …