Digital Commons Network^™

Formative Evaluation Of The "Time Twisters": A Comic Book Based Obesity Prevention Curriculum For Elementary School Students, Carolyn A. Agurcia Ma, Ross Shegog Phd, Steven H. Kelder Phd, Deanna M. Hoelscher Phd

Advances in Teaching and Learning Day Abstracts

Introduction: Obesity is a public health problem, particularly in Hispanic children. Alternative media channels may offer the potential to motivate children to engage in health promoting behaviors. A comic book, “Time Twisters”, was developed to impact screen time use, physical activity, and dietary behavior for elementary school children and evaluated for acceptability and feasibility prior to implementation in a multi-component physical activity intervention. [See PDF for complete abstract]

Food Fury: Online Casual Game Development For Nutrition Education, Cynthia L. Phelps Phd, Ross Shegog Phd, Jerald Reichstein, Mckee Frazior, Jon Wilsdon, Yeon Jung Kim, Irmgard Willcockson Phd, Alexandria Evans Phd, Mph, Adriana Perez Phd, Mph, Deanna Hoelscher Phd, Rd, Ld, Cns

Advances in Teaching and Learning Day Abstracts

Introduction: The United States is currently experiencing increased prevalence of obesity. This is a particular problem amongst children who require dietary and activity behavioral change to mitigate this problem. The use of computer games as channels to motivate health behavior in children is increasing. Casual games are a subset of computer games that are simple in design, easy to access and play, popular with children, and have the potential to be effective for drill and practice learning. [See PDF for complete abstract]

A Comparison Of Weight-Control Behaviors In African American And Caucasian Women, Rachel A. Annunziato, Janet N. Lee, Michael R. Lowe

Psychology Faculty Publications

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to examine whether there are overall differences in help-seeking, in specific weight control behaviors used, and in predictors of seeking professional help for weight loss between African American and Caucasian women.
Design: Cross-sectional study
Setting: Participants were recruited from community sources in Philadelphia.
Participants: One hundred twenty female participants were studied. Of these, 58% were African American.
Main Outcome Measures: Participants completed a packet of measures assessing weight control behaviors, body mass index, co-morbid medical conditions, socioeconomic status, disordered eating behavior, and body image.
Results: Caucasian women were significantly more likely to …

Psychometric Testing Of The Walker's Feelings And Thoughts About Weight Scale In Taiwan, Shu-Wen Chang Phd

Dissertations

Background: The majority of women do not return to their pre-pregnant weight after six weeks postpartum in Taiwan. Excessive postpartum weight retention or gain can lead to long-term obesity and increase a woman's risk of major health problems. Trends among Taiwanese women reveal an increasing prevalence of obesity. Limiting postpartum weight retention is important for preventing long-term obesity development. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of postpartum weight gain among Taiwanese women using the modified Thriving Model (Walker & Kim, 2002) as the guiding conceptual framework and to examine the psychometric properties of a Chinese Version …

Relation Between Weight Status, Gender, Ethnicity And The Food And Activity Choices Of 6th And 9th Graders, Heather Leanne Curtiss

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined the relationship between the variables weight status (expected weight, at-risk for overweight, and overweight), ethnicity, and gender and the dependent variables dietary intake and physical activity behaviors among adolescents. Data presented in this study were collected using the Nutrition and Exercise Survey for Students, which was completed by 535 6th grade and 9th grade students across 3 middle and 2 high-schools in southwest Florida. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to identify differences in dietary intake and physical activity behaviors between groups.

The primary questions related to interactions and main effects between the variables weight …

Food Insecurity And Subsequent Weight Gain In Women, Sonya J. Jones, Edward A. Frongillo Jr.

Faculty Publications

Objective: Cross-sectional data indicate that a relationship between household food insecurity and overweight exists among women in the USA. Cross-sectional data cannot determine if food insecurity leads to overweight as some have hypothesised. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship of food insecurity with subsequent weight gain in women using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID).

Design, setting and subjects:Panel data from the 1999 and 2001 PSID, a nationally representative sample of households, were analysed using multivariate regression procedures.

Results: Average weight gain among all women (n=5595) was 1.1 kg …

Youth Obesity : Putting A Price On Life, Mary Catherine Langford, Serena Pedraza

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Youth obesity is increasing at an alarming rate and influenced by a number of factors. The rising costs of obesity include related illness such as diabetes, eating disorders, depression, and eventual disability or worse, death, can be avoided. This is possible by working together as individuals, part of a greater system to change our lives. We found out why the media has only chosen to focus on the issue now, in 2007. The obesity epidemic is a problem for all ages, and we felt that it was most important to educate children on the negative effects that advertising can have …

Obesity, Public Health, And The Food Supply, Barbara L. Atwell

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

This Article proposes a three-part approach to improve the food supply. Specifically, it explores government taxing and spending, two traditional public health tools, and suggests that both of these governmental powers can be used to make healthier foods more readily reasonable prices, while increasing the cost of less healthy alternatives. Finally, it proposes that we promote a true “food democracy” through the creation of an education and awareness campaign. This campaign would not only better educate Americans about proper nutrition but would also focus on how we can change our entire relationship with food. It would encourage consumption of locally …

Obesity And Its Role In Oral Health, Ashley J. Karels, Brigette R. Cooper

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Obesity is a serious public health concern that has reached epidemic proportions. This paper addresses the role obesity plays in several health conditions, in addition to how it negatively affects a person’s oral health. Oral health care providers can have a positive impact on treatment outcomes by recognizing patients at risk for obesity and addressing these issues.

Improving Nutrition Education Communication Materials Used By Wic Staff : An Effort To Effectively Counsel Parents Of Children Who Are At Risk Of Being Overweight, Crystal Graber

Honors Capstones

The purpose of this study was to improve existing nutrition communication materials in an attempt to better educate parents of children in the WIC program about the influence that they have on their child’s health and weight. Data analysis: qualitative analysis of subjective comments given during the focus group. WIC clients favored positive messages and suggestions on how to decrease a child’s risk for becoming overweight, over messages that addressed the fact that if a parent was overweight then their child was at risk for becoming overweight. The enhanced WIC nutrition education handouts will effectively and sensitively address the issue …

Using Concentration Index To Study Changes In Socio-Economic Inequality Of Overweight Among Us Adolescents Between 1971 And 2002, Qi Zhang, Youfa Wang

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: The prevalence of overweight among adolescents continues to increase in the United States. This study examines the changes in socio-economic status (SES) inequality of overweight among US adolescents in the past three decades.

Methods: Concentration Index (CI) was utilized to measure changes in the SES inequality in prevalence of overweight among US adolescents. Data collected from 15286 adolescents in four waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) between 1971 and 2002 and Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES) (1982-84) were used.

Results: Changes in the SES inequality of overweight among US adolescents and considerable gender …

Law As A Tool To Facilitate Healthier Lifestyles And Prevent Obesity, Lawrence O. Gostin

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

Public health agencies face considerable challenges trying to prevent overweight and obesity in society, primarily because a person's own behavior is often the root cause of the disease. Individuals make personal choices about their diet, exercise, and lifestyle, so disease is often thought of as a matter of personal, not governmental, responsibility. This Commentary shows how law can be used as a tool to prevent overweight and obesity (see Table).

The tools discussed in this article include:

- Disclosure - e.g., labels and consumer information

- Tort liability - e.g., inadequate disclosure of risks, misleading advertisements, and targeting children

- …

Evaluating If The Built Environment Has A Substantial Effect On Obesity In Fayette County, Kentucky, Will Warren

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Background:

Obesity is a major health issue in the United States and Fayette County. As Fayette County has become increasingly obese, it too has had an issue of sprawl within its urban service area and beyond. Relationships between obesity and aspects of the built environment are continuing to be studied.

Objective:

To evaluate the impact certain factors may have on the body mass index of Fayette County residents, in particular whether urban sprawl has an overriding impact on the weight of residents.

Methods:

The study area used was Fayette County, which was broken down into its fourteen zip code areas …

The Interplay Of Obesity And Asthma, James Plumb, Rickie Brawer, Nancy Brisbon

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

The relationships, interactions, and association between obesity and asthma are complex, and are active sources of hypotheses and research. An association between obesity and asthma has been reported in many studies, although considerable debate about the existence of the association and its meaning still exists. Potential associative relationships may result from genetics, immune system modifications, and mechanical mechanisms. The rising prevalence of asthma and obesity in children and adults, and the significant morbidity from both, makes it imperative that clinicians recognize the importance of weight management in patients with and without asthma.

The Effects Of A Structured Lifestyle Intervention Program In Conjunction With Dietary Supplementation On Weight Loss And Risk F, Linda Zukley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a structured weight loss program that included hypocaloric diet, exercise and dietary supplementation, on weight loss, metabolic syndrome risk factors and antioxidant levels in healthy overweight and obese females. Thirty-seven healthy overweight and obese women (BMI 29.5 ± 2.3 kg/m2, 41.1 ± 7.1 yrs) participated in this study. The subjects were randomized into one of two groups: an exercise, hypocaloric diet and antioxidant supplement (LifePak®; LSANT group, n=20) or an exercise, hypocaloric diet and appetite suppression supplement (HTP Complex® and TēGreen®; LSAS group, n=17). A significant weight loss occurred …

An Experimental Study Of Pro-Dieting And Anti-Dieting Psychoeducational Messages: Effects On Immediate And Short-Term Psychological Functioning And Weight Control Practices In College Women, Megan Roehrig

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

While dieting is relatively normative in our society, it is controversial within the fields of eating disorders and obesity. Dieting for weight loss has been touted by the obesity prevention field as a solution to the growing obesity epidemic, yet a body of research in the eating disorders field has also implicated it in the etiology and maintenance of eating pathology. Thus, a divergence in approaches toward dieting has emerged, with both prodieting and anti-dieting messages being recommended. Little is known, however, about the impact of these two types of messages on immediate and short-term psychological functioning and weight control …

Correlation Between Serum Leptin Levels, Body Mass Index And Obesity In Omanis, Masoud Y. Al Maskari, Adel A. Alnaqdy

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objective: To ascertain the relationship between serum leptin levels and related variables (weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and fat percentage) in a group of Omani obese and non-obese healthy subjects. Methods: Leptin levels were assessed in serum samples from 35 obese Omanis and 20 non-obese healthy subjects. Results: There was a significant difference (p< 0.001) in serum leptin between the obese group (34.78 + 13.96 ng/ml) and the control non-obese subjects (10.6 ± 4.2 ng/ml). Leptin levels were higher in females compared to males. There was a significantly positive correlation between leptin levels in obese subjects with weight (p=0.002), body fat percentage (p=0.0001) and BMI (p=0.001). Conclusions: We concluded that serum leptin levels are higher in the Omani obese group and correlate positively with body fatness and obesity.

Are Obese People Choosing More Sedentary Jobs?, Ashley Cluley

All Theses

Throughout the developed world there are a growing number of people becoming obese. Advancing technology continues to make our jobs less physically demanding. I show that a person with a higher body mass index (BMI) does not choose a more sedentary job position.
Job strenuousness is found by using principal component analysis. The three instrumental variables used for two-stage least squares are youth health, the number of restaurants per state per thousand residents, and an indicator variable if a person plays computer games at home. I reviewed 2SLS, JN2SLS and ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions and based on the testing …

Effects Of Telephone Weight Loss Coaching On Body Composition In Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study, Amy Jensen Cook

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To determine the extent to which coaching over the telephone is an effective method in promoting the loss of body weight and body fat percentage. Research Methods and Procedures: Over a period of four months, in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study, 120 overweight and obese (BMI 25-35 kg/m²) adults either received telephone coaching or no coaching. In addition, each participant was randomly assigned to take a supplement or placebo daily. Body weight and body fat percentage were measured at baseline, two months, and four months. Body weight was measured on an electronic scale and body fat percentage was …

Oxpat/Pat-1 Is A Ppar-Induced Lipid Droplet Protein That Promotes Fatty Acid Utilization, Nathan E. Wolins, Benjamin K. Quaynor, James R. Skinner, Anatoly Tzekov, Michelle A. Croce, Matthew C. Gropler, Vijayalakshmi Varma, Aiwei Yao-Borengasser, Neda Rasouli, Philip A. Kern, Brian N. Finck, Perry E. Bickel

Clinical and Translational Science Faculty Publications

Lipid droplet proteins of the PAT (perilipin, adipophilin, and TIP47) family regulate cellular neutral lipid stores. We have studied a new member of this family, PAT-1, and found that it is expressed in highly oxidative tissues. We refer to this protein as "OXPAT." Physiologic lipid loading of mouse liver by fasting enriches OXPAT in the lipid droplet tissue fraction. OXPAT resides on lipid droplets with the PAT protein adipophilin in primary cardiomyocytes. Ectopic expression of OXPAT promotes fatty acid-induced triacylglycerol accumulation, long-chain fatty acid oxidation, and mRNAs associated with oxidative metabolism. Consistent with these observations, OXPAT is induced in mouse …

European Union Food Law Update, Nicole Coutrelis

Journal of Food Law & Policy

On March 31, 2006, the European Commission published Council Regulation (EC) No. 510/2006 On the Protection of Geographical Indications and Designations of Origin for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs. This new regulation repealed Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2081/92 On the Protection of Geographical Indications and Designations of Origin for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs mainly to bring Community law into conformity with the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements and the findings of a recent WTO panel. Under the new Regulation, persons in third countries (non-European Union members) are entitled to address applications for the protection of geographic names and statements of objection …

Fat Mass Gain Is Lower In Calcium-Supplemented Than In Unsupplemented Preschool Children With Low Dietary Calcium Intakes, Elizabeth D. Dejongh, Teresa L. Binkley, Bonny Specker

Ethel Austin Martin Program Publications

BACKGROUND: Dietary calcium may play a role in the stimulation of lipolysis and the inhibition of lipogenesis, thereby reducing body fat.
OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine whether an association existed between change in percentage body fat (%BF) or fat mass and calcium intake in children aged 3-5 y.
DESIGN: A secondary analysis of a 1-y randomized calcium and activity trial in 178 children was conducted. Three-day diet records and 48-h accelerometer readings were obtained at 0, 6, and 12 mo. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 0 and 12 mo.
RESULTS: The decrease in %BF was …

Strategies For Improving Access To Comprehensive Obesity Prevention And Treatment Services For Medicaid-Enrolled Children, Sara E. Wilensky, Ramona Whittington, Sara J. Rosenbaum

Health Policy and Management Issue Briefs

This policy brief builds on our prior work for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2005, The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services (GW) evaluated the role of public and private insurance in financing preventive care and treatment for at-risk and obese children. One of the key findings from that report was that Medicaid's existing Early and Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) coverage standards provide for comprehensive, obesity-related pediatric health care interventions. Using data drawn from state Medicaid programs, this report examines the extent to which state programs use the Medicaid EPSDT benefit to address …

The Role Of Advanced Nurse Practitioner In Health Promotion And Disease Prevention Of Obesity In Children, Pamela Johnson

MSN Research Projects

Obesity is one of the most serious health problems facing the youth of the United States. Evidence suggests that the problem is getting worse rapidly. Obesity is now the most prevalent physiological and psychological disease of children and adolescents. Many people; i.e., governmental authorities and national leaders in the health care system perceived that obesity will impact health care in the United States, as well as in the world, now and in the future; specifically, increased cost, increased individual and community health infractions, problems, and quality of life. Many people think it is a cosmetic problem only, but in reality, …

The Role Of The Certified Strength And Conditioning Specialist In Preventing Childhood Obesity, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Obesity is a leading cause of many chronic diseases. The likelihood of adult obesity increases if one is obese as a child. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist professionals in the high school setting can promote health and fitness to our youth through education and exercise prescription.

Obesity, Physical Activity, And Mortality In A Prospective Chinese Elderly Cohort, Mary Schooling, Tai Hing Lam, Zhi Bin Li, Sai Yin Ho, Wai Man Chan, Kin Sang Ho, May Ked Tham, Benjamin J. Cowling, Gabriel M. Leung

Publications and Research

Background
In older people, it is unclear whether obesity relates to mortality, which calls into question its etiologic role in disease and its public health relevance. This apparent lack of relationship in older people could be an artifactual result of their diverse health states.

Methods
We used Cox regression analysis to determine whether the effect of body mass index (BMI) (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) or physical activity on mortality varied with health status in a prospective cohort study of Chinese people 65 years or older enrolled from 1998 to 2000 at …

Fat Teen Trouble: A Sociological Perspective Of Obesity In Adolescents, Katherine Malnor

Sociology Honors Projects

While many studies have sought to isolate some of the causes and possible solutions to the growing problem of childhood obesity in the United States, researchers have given scant attention to the influence of social factors on obesity. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health, this study examines if social factors can explain adolescent obesity. Models predicting obesity as measured by body-mass-index found that different factors were associated with obesity for males and females, but had poor overall predictive power. Separate analysis of parents’ subjective assessment of adolescent obesity found different influences and no association with objective …

The Relationship Between Parental Physical Activity Levels And Their Child's Body Mass Index, Juracia Carbajal

Master's Projects

This study compared the relationships between parental physical activity levels and their child's body mass index (BMI) using a convenience sample of volunteer parents at a school-based health clinic. Anonymously, parents completed a seven-question survey utilizing the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The data analysis indicated that parental physical activity did not have a significant influence on a child's BMI. Forty-two percent of the children were overweight or at risk for overweight, demonstrating the need for increased physical activity and improved nutritional guidance. The school nurse has a significant role in providing education about health, nutrition, and obesity prevention strategies …

The Association Between Triglyceride And Leptin Levels In Obese Subjects Following A Low-Carbohydrate Or Low-Fat Diet, Sarah K. Herbst

Honors Scholar Theses

Obesity has been cited as the second leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Studies have determined that at risk overweight and obese individuals have high circulating levels of leptin indicative of leptin resistance as well as elevated levels of plasma triglycerides. Postulates have been formed that link elevated levels of triglycerides with the inhibition of leptin across the blood-brain barrier. If a method of lowering triglycerides is achieved, leptin should be able to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the ypothalamus, thus regulating body weight through a decrease in appetite and increase in energy expenditure. The primary …

An Analysis Of Nutritional Services Available For Persons With Developmental Disabilities, Dawnie Elzinga

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Developmental disabled (DD) individuals are living longer, more normal lives in the United States. There has been an influx of DD individuals living in residential settings instead of the more traditional institutional setting. Consequently, dietetic professionals will encounter persons with DD in every area of practice. Nutrition therapy is becoming more important in the multidisciplinary treatment of DD individuals. Governmental legislation and community programs have improved the treatment and rights of DD persons over the past decade. Even with these advocacy efforts, DD persons are often not receiving the nutritional treatment they need. Common nutritional problems encountered in the DD …