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The Effect Of Dietary Fruits & Vegetable Consumption And Physical Activity On Obesity In African American Adolescent Females., Tanisha Brooks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity is epidemic among Black adolescent females, and adolescent obesity often leads to adult obesity. Previous research suggests that there may be an interaction between physical activity and dietary fruit and vegetable intake on body mass index (BMI) in obese adolescent females in general, but it was unclear whether the same pattern is evident in Black adolescent females, who, on average, tend to have low levels of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake. Bandura's social learning theory implies the possibility that adolescent females might model their behaviors on the behavior of others in their high school years, including physical …

Recognizing The Weight Of Apathy And Level Of Readiness To Change In Evaluating Feasibility Of A Weight Management Program For Individuals With A Severe Mental Illness, Melinda Lalonde

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Background: Individuals with a severe mental illness (SMI) have obesity rates that are nearly double the levels of those of the general population. Individuals with SMI have health disparities that have additional physical, behavioral, social, and medication-related risk factors. Weight management efforts are affected by altered levels of motivation and apathy. Aims: This compendium seeks to (1) clarify the definition of clinical apathy, (2) compare and contrast available instruments measuring readiness to lose weight, and (3) explore the feasibility of an adapted, theory-based weight loss program for overweight and obese individuals with SMI. Design: This compendium is comprised of a …

Response To A Standard Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention By Age Of Onset Of Obesity, Kristie Rupp, S. E. Taverno Ross, W. Lang, J. M. Jakicic

Publications and Research

Background The purpose of this study was to examine weight loss, physical activity, fitness and diet changes in response to a standard behavioral weight loss intervention in adults with self-reported juvenile onset (n = 61) or adult onset (n = 116) obesity.

Methods Participants (n = 177; 43.0 ± 8.6 years; body mass index [BMI] = 33.0 ± 3.4 kgm2) engaged in an 18-month standard behavioral weight loss intervention. Participants were randomized into three different intervention groups as part of the larger parent trial. BMI, physical activity, fitness and diet were assessed at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months. Separate …

Behavioral Modification Program To Control Obesity Among School Children In Knott County, Kentucky, Samjhana Shakya

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Childhood obesity is one of the major public health concerns in the United States (US). Obese children have a greater likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, and impaired blood glucose[7].The prevalence of obesity among children 2 to 5 years of age in Kentucky was 15.7% (US average 8.4%) and 17.6% (US average 17%) among adolescents in Kentucky being higher than the national averages [8,3].

A major goal of the Behavioral Modification Program is to promote healthy behaviors among elementary school children to control obesity by modifying eating, physical activity and screen time …

Relationship Between Self-Care Agency, Self-Care Practices, And Body Mass Index Among Nursing Professionals, Takara Schomberg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between self-care agency (SCA), self-care practices (SCP), and Body Mass Index (BMI) among Registered Nurses (RNs) living in an urban South Dakota county. These specific constructs and their relationships have not been researched among nursing professionals. Methods: This study used a non-experimental, predictive correlational approach based on Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory to quantify the relationship between self-care agency and self-care practices and subsequently body mass index (BMI) among nursing professionals. A tracked but anonymous online survey was sent by email via QuestionPro to 210 nursing professionals selected using systematic …

Body Satisfaction And Ability To Identify Weight Status Of Preschool-Aged Children By Their Caregivers, Andrea Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Rates of childhood obesity have been rising consistently across the nation and internationally. As a result, interventionists have been working to develop ways to combat this and have focused on interventions involving caregivers. Previous research indicates caregivers experience challenges in identifying obesity among their own children, which leads to barriers in addressing and reducing rates of obesity as caregivers remain unaware of any problems. The current study explored caregivers’ ability to correctly assign their child to the appropriate weight category and whether their ability was impacted by caregivers’ own weight status. Further, it also explored caregivers’ level of body satisfaction …

The Effects Of Super-Fruits Including Montmorency Tart Cherries And Pomegranate On The Human Body: A Literature Review, Keeley D. Forrester

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This literature review explores several published articles that report results related to health benefits of super-fruits including Montmorency tart cherries and pomegranate. Research suggests that Montmorency tart cherry supplementation may have the ability to relieve pain by decreasing inflammation, prevent gout flare ups by reducing uric acid levels in the bloodstream, relieve insomnia with natural exogenous melatonin, and lessen symptoms of muscle damage from physical exertion by decreasing oxidative stress. Studies have also shown that pomegranate supplementation may have the ability to help prevent obesity by helping to decrease body weight and fat production and improving insulin sensitivity as well …

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Regulation Of Triacylglycerol Accumulation In Differentiated Adipocytes, Brienna Larrick

Open Access Dissertations

Obesity is a major public health concern, both in the United States and worldwide. Therefore, identification of measures by which obesity may be prevented and reversed is of high priority. Epidemiological studies consistently demonstrate an inverse relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels, an indicator of vitamin D status, and measures of adiposity. These data suggest that vitamin D may play a role in the prevention of excessive adiposity. However, whether vitamin D impacts lipid storage and metabolism in terminally differentiated adipocytes is not yet known. The purpose of this work was to determine the impact of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), the bioactive …

Figure Rating Scales: A Novel Measure Of Weight Bias, Joseph Mitchell Magness

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The obesity epidemic in the United States has grown in epic proportions over past decades. People who are obese experience weight bias, which is defined as any attitude that negatively influences obese individuals. Weight bias has also been documented in many areas of life. Furthermore, cultural differences in attitudes toward weight are salient in the conceptualization and maintenance of this phenomenon. Body dissatisfaction has also been linked to excess weight through negative views of fatness. One traditional measure of body dissatisfaction is figure rating scales. For this study, it was hypothesized that figure ratings presented with pictures of obese individuals …

Physiological And Perceptual Responses To Alternate Modes Of Exercise At Self Selected Or Prescribed Intensity Between Overweight And Non-Overweight Individuals, James Riley Galloway

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To investigate the influence of body weight, exercise modality, and pace on physiological and perceptual responses during walking. Also, to determine if the relationship between physiological and perceptual responses was altered by modality, pace, or weight status. Methods: Aerobically untrained males (n=80, 22.85 ± 3.61 years) and females (n=80, 21.18 ± 1.52 years) classified as either overweight or non-overweight participated. Individuals completed two sessions separated by 72 hours. Session 1 included familiarization, whole body DXA scan, treadmill test to exhaustion, and a 70 foot walk test to determine self selected walking speed. For session 2, participants were randomly assigned …

Breastfeeding Practices Among Native Hawaiians And Pacific Islanders, Ingrid K. Adams, Chizimuzo T.C. Okoli, Akilah Dulin Keita, Ana Maria Linares, Keiko Tanaka, Joshua R. Polanin, Annie Koempel

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

Background. Breastfeeding is associated with a decreased risk of obesity in the early and adult years. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) experience high rates of obesity which is often obfuscated with aggregated data. Using disaggregated data, we examined breastfeeding practices among NHPI. Methods. Seven databases and reference lists were searched. Two independent researchers extracted relevant studies based on predetermined criteria. Nine studies met our inclusion criteria and a meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects, inverse-various weighted models. Results. Few studies disaggregated NHPI populations when examining breastfeeding practices. Most studies were cross-sectional and our search yielded no randomized or quasirandomized control …

Artificial Sweeteners And Weight Gain: Fighting Or Feeding The Obesity Epidemic?, Shanna Frisch

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Our world has developed an obsession with weight control and, as a result, has begun replacing high calorie foods with low-fat and non-caloric substitutes. Artificial sweeteners are a widely used solution to this growing problem. Though the intention when using artificial sweeteners is to lose weight, studies have shown that the opposite sometimes occurs. Researchers attempt to explain this surprising phenomenon with multiple hypotheses. Lack of appetite suppression and reward response may cause individuals to search for more food and to consume more calories. Artificial sweeteners can also have negative affects on biological mechanisms such as resting metabolic rate, as …

Autism Moves: A Review Of Motor Proficiency In Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Daniel L. Wheeler

Honors Capstones

As the rate of obesity continues to plague the United States, the disease shows no restraint on its effects in the younger generation of adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While diagnoses of ASD are based on social and behavioral delays, physical delays continue to be overlooked. Rises in obesity have increased the necessity for support linking motor proficiency to individuals with ASD. Prior literature on the topic has been overall inconsistent with conclusions. This literature review examines positive consistencies between several studies linking motor proficiency to adolescents with ASD; further concluding that there is substantial research supporting the …

Effect Of Metformin On Body Mass Index In Adolescent Females With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Alissa Briggs, Mandakini Sadhir, Maya Todd, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, irregular menstrual periods and pelvic pain. Treatment involves hormonal methods for regulation of menstrual cycle, lifestyle changes and metformin for improving insulin resistance and weight. The aim of our study was to compare changes in body mass index (BMI) of adolescent female with PCOS treated with metformin as compared to lifestyle modification only. Participants: Adolescent and young adult females aged I0-25 years diagnosed with PCOS seen for at least two visits for at least one year on the same treatment. Based on treatment plan, participants were categorized as metformin …

Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile Scores Are Not Associatedwith Obesity In High School Students, Gi̇zem Li̇mni̇li̇, Ni̇lgün Özçakar, Mehtap Kartal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Obesity is a cause of preventable morbidity and mortality with an increasing prevalence. Health promoting lifestyle activities maintain or improve an individual?s health and in adolescence many habits are configured. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents and the relation between obesity and health promoting behaviors. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 848 high school students aged 15?17. All students were administered a questionnaire including the Health Promotion Life-Style Profile Scale. Weight and height were measured and body mass index was calculated. Descriptive analysis, Pearson?s chi-square test, …

The Effect Of Curcumin On Cardiovascular Health In Obese Men, Marilyn S. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and conventional treatment often emphasizes pharmaceutical approaches. Research has recently started exploring non-pharmaceutical approaches, including nutritional interventions. This research study was conducted to test the effectiveness of a novel nutritional approach, curcumin, on the improvement of cardiovascular health in young, obese males (BMI≥30 kg/m²). This study included 22 men, matched based on BMI and randomly assigned to the intervention (n=11) or placebo group (n=11). The intervention consisted of 12 weeks of curcumin supplementation (1.0 g/day) with fenugreek added to enhance the curcumin bioavailability; the placebo consisted …

Effects Of Obesity On United States Farmers: A Pilot Study, Sharon C. Hunsucker

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

Previous research described the value farmers place on their ability to work. The impact of obesity on workers is an increasing concern in occupational health research; yet, knowledge regarding the impact of obesity on the performance of farm work is limited. Identifying the impact of obesity on farmer’s work ability can guide healthcare workers in promoting and motivating farmers to implement lifestyle changes to improve health and sustain longevity in their ability to work.

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the impact of obesity on the work ability of U.S. farmers. Specific aims were to 1) examine the …

The Role Of Fat Grafting And Adipose-Derived Stem Cells In Breast Reconstruction, Krishna S. Vyas

Theses and Dissertations--Clinical and Translational Science

Fat grafting is a common surgical procedure that involves the transfer of fat from one area of the body to another in order to improve contour deformities, such as in breast reconstruction. Advantages of the technique include using autologous tissue rather than a foreign body and the added benefit of having liposuction to remove fat from an undesirable location. Although adipose tissue could be the ideal soft tissue filler, fat grafting is plagued by tremendous variability in long-term retention, with volume survival rates of 20-80%, resulting in suboptimal outcomes and repetitive procedures.

The mechanisms contributing to long-term fat graft survival …

Competitive Food Policy Implementation In Kentucky Schools, Paula Gisler

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

This study was designed to explore the literature on competitive food policy implementation (CFPI); examines demographic and school factors associated with CFPI; and explores the experiences of school leaders and staff in CFPI using a proposed theoretical framework to guide the research. Competitive foods are those sold in vending machines, a la carte settings, fundraisers, class parties and other venues which compete with foods offered through the national school lunch and breakfast programs. Competitive foods have traditionally been of low nutritional value and high energy density. CFPI may be effective in reducing student calorie intake and BMI. However, evaluation of …

Comparison Of Quick Methods For Determining Body Composition In Female Collegiate Athletes And Obese Females, Mandee E. Martin

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool used broadly by public health agencies to assess weight in populations. However, when differentiating between fat mass and fat free mass the formula (BMI = weight in kilograms/height in meters2) is not applicable. Research suggests that evaluating body fat percentage and adipose tissue deposition may provide a nuanced indication of overall health, making it more accurate on an individual basis. This study evaluated four methods (Body Mass Index, waist circumference, A Body Shape Index, and Waist to Stature Index) that assess body composition and their ability to predict body fat percentage in …

Evaluation Of Diet Composition Of Pediatric Cancer Survivors As A Need For Nutrition Counseling, Sean O'Nan

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Prior research has shown that pediatric cancer survivors face a multitude of longterm effects from treatment of their disease. Many of these conditions can be treated or managed through proper nutrition, however patients of the DanceBlue Kentucky Children's Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic do not see a registered dietitian. This study looked at food and drink consumption of the past 30 days by the patient using the NHANES Dietary Screener Questionnaire to see if they met nutrition recommendations as outlined by the 2015‐2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Results from the study found that off‐treatment pediatric cancer survivors (n=21) failed to meet …

Assessment Of Obesity Management In A Primary Care Setting, Katie Diffenderfer

DNP Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current practices related to obesity in the primary care setting in University of Kentucky’s Healthcare System. The specific aims were to: 1) Determine the proportion of obese patients who had an ICD-9/10 diagnosis code for obesity, 2) Determine the proportion of obese patients who received interventions related to their obesity, 3) Determine whether obesity diagnosis and interventions varied based on patient demographics, and 4) Compare actual obesity interventions to those outlined in the clinical practice guidelines.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of male and female patients between the ages of …

An Obesity Needs Assessment With African American Adults In Central Virginia, Nicole Michelle Brown

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The risk for obesity is especially prevalent among African American adults in Central Virginia, who have one of the highest rates of obesity in the nation. Efforts to address obesity in African American adults through diet, weight reduction, and increased physical activity in settings such as schools, worksites, healthcare organizations, churches, and communities, are among the initiatives of Healthy People 2020. The objective of this project, conducted with 91 African American adults (33 females and 58 males) in central Virginia, was to complete a community needs assessment that related to obesity among members of an African American church. The needs …

Drug Therapy For Obesity With Anti-Aging Genes Modification, Ian J. Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Nutritional regulation and drug therapy has been the focus of the current obesity epidemic in various countries in the world. Epigenetics is the major mechanism for the development of insulin resistance and obesity with unhealthy diets, oxidative stress and environmental factors relevant to alterations in gene expression with effects on mitochondrial biogenesis, adipose tissue lipid metabolism and energy expenditure. Anti-aging genes are involved in the regulation of adipogenesis with increased sensitivity to anti-aging gene dysfunction associated with adipocyte-neuron interactions compared to other cells. Unhealthy diets downregulate adipocyte anti-aging genes associated with the development of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) …

Sprague Dawley Rats Were Able To Ferment Purified Resistant Starch And Whole Grain Starch On Moderate And High Fat Diets, Justin Lamont Guice

LSU Master's Theses

Whole grain (WG) and fat content of the diet have been previously shown to affect intestinal fermentation and phenotype conferred by high–amylose maize starch (HAM), a form of fermentable dietary fiber. The current study was designed to compare rodent gut health following consumption of whole grain and non–whole grain prebiotics on moderate fat (MF) and high fat (HF) diets using a 2x2x2 factorial design. MF and HF diets were prepared to contain the following diet sources: (1) control starch with no WG or RS [CON], (2) whole grain waxy corn flour with low RS [WWG], (3) purified HAM resistant starch …

Socioecological Determinants Of Obesity Among Hispanic Parents/Child Caregivers In Aurora, Illinois, Deanna Marie Sommers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity has increased during the past 30 years in the United States. Obese adults and children are at risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and comorbidities. Parents and child caregivers play key roles in the decisions of family health. Studies exploring sociodemographic and socioecological factors associated with obesity among U.S. Hispanic parents and child caregivers are lacking. Guided by the socioecological model, this study examined the following factors: gender; acculturation; dietary intake of fat, sugar, fruits, and vegetables; and role as food purchaser/food preparer that influenced obesity. A 3-paper-based survey, consisting of a demographic survey, the Block Fat-Sugar-Fruit-Vegetable Screener and …

Dog Walking Among Adolescents: Correlates And Contribution To Physical Activity., Jessa K. Engelberg, Jordan A. Carlson, Terry L. Conway, Kelli L. Cain, Brian E. Saelens, Karen Glanz, Lawrence D. Frank, James F. Sallis

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

PURPOSE: To assess the association of dog walking with adolescents' moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and body mass index (BMI), and identify correlates of dog walking.

METHODS/DESIGN: Participants were 12-17year-olds (n=925) from the Baltimore, MD and Seattle, WA regions. Differences in accelerometer-assessed minutes/day of MVPA and self-reported BMI (percentile) were compared among adolescents (1) without a dog (n=441) and those with a dog who (2) did (≥1days/week, n=300) or (3) did not (n=184) walk it. Correlates of (1) dog walking (any vs. none) among adolescents with dogs (n=484), and (2) days/week of dog walking among dog walkers (n=300) were investigated. Potential …

Acculturation And Post-Immigration Changes In Obesity, Physical Activity, And Nutrition: Comparing Hispanics And Asians In The Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada., Michele Vitale Mr., Sean Doherty

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

OBJECTIVES: The acculturation hypothesis speculates that as new immigrants get exposed to more obesogenic environments, they progressively acquire the unhealthy lifestyles of the host society, and their obesity risk gradually increases since time of arrival. However, the consistency of the presumed acculturation effect across immigrant groups and gender, and the reasons behind individual changes in lifestyle behaviors remain unclear. Thus, this study investigated the acculturation hypothesis in the Canadian context by comparing two foreign groups, Hispanics and East/Southeast Asians, which present contrasting post-settlement obesity patterns and behavioral trends.

Methods: A 41-item questionnaire (including open-ended questions) was administered with 100 first-generation …

American Obesity: Rooted In Uncertainty, Institutions And Public Policy, James Woodward

Theses and Dissertations--Public Policy and Administration

Despite the efforts of policymakers, medical professionals, and other stakeholders, obesity and related health problems show no signs of receding from their record-high rates. Public policy has largely taken the form of consumer advice, (e.g., USDA’s Dietary Guidelines). Since consumers bear most of the costs associated with their obesity, the goal of obesity prevention appears to be incentive-compatible, prima facie. That is, there is no a priori case for much further policy intervention unless existing advice is deficient or consumers’ exhibit systematically poor decision-making.

My review of the literature shows that scholars have long conveyed a consistent narrative regarding …

The “Weight” Of Socio-Economic Status, Race/Ethnicity, And Gender: A Systematic Examination Of Obesity And Its Co-Morbidities, Gabriele Ciciurkaite

Theses and Dissertations--Sociology

Although extensive research exists on the association between SES and obesity and its patterning across separate gender and racial/ethnic groups, critical gaps remain. In particular, the majority of studies on the SES-BMI association have examined it in additive models without simultaneously considering the influence of gender and race/ethnicity. An additional limitation of the current obesity scholarship concerns the lack of scholarship addressing the interplay between social factors, such as SES, race/ethnicity, gender, and proximate health risk factors, such as BMI, in shaping obesity-related chronic health outcomes, especially considering that health outcomes may vary in the extent to which they may …