Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Genetic Vulnerability To Diabetes And Obesity: Does Education Offset The Risk?, Sze Yan Liu, Stefan Walter, Jessica Daniel, David H. Rehkopf, Laura E. Kubzansky, M Maria Glymour

Sze Yan Liu

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity has recently increased dramatically. These common diseases are likely to arise from the interaction of multiple genetic, socio-demographic and environmental risk factors. While previous research has found genetic risk and education to be strong predictors of these diseases, few studies to date have examined their joint effects. This study investigates whether education modifies the association between genetic background and risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Using data from non-Hispanic Whites in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, n = 8398), we tested whether education modifies genetic risk for obesity …

Divergent Relationship Of Circulating Ctrp3 Levels Between Obesity And Gender: A Cross-Sectional Study, Roy Marshall Wagner, Kamesh Sivagnanam, W. Andrew Clark, Jonathan M. Peterson

W. Andrew Clark

C1q TNF Related Protein 3 (CTRP3) is a novel adipose tissue derived secreted factor, or adipokine, which has been linked to a number of beneficial biological effects on metabolism, inflammation, and survival signaling in a variety of tissues. However, very little is known about CTRP3 in regards to human health. The purpose of this project was to examine circulating CTRP3 levels in a clinical population, patients with symptoms requiring heart catheterization in order to identify the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). It was hypothesized that serum CTRP3 levels would be decreased in the presence of CAD.

Methods

Body …

Ethnic Differences In Risk Factors For Obesity Among Adults In California, The United States, Liang Wang, Jodi L. Southerland, Kesheng Wang, Beth A. Bailey, Arsham Alamian, Marc A. Stevens, Youfa Want

Arsham Alamian

Little attention has been given to differences in obesity risk factors by racial/ethnic groups. Using data from the 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey, we examined differences in risk factors for obesity among Whites, Latinos, Asians, and African Americans among 42,935 adults (24.8% obese). Estimates were weighted to ensure an unbiased representation of the Californian population. Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses were used to examine the differences in risk factors for obesity. Large ethnic disparities were found in obesity prevalence: Whites (22.0%), Latinos (33.6%), African Americans (36.1%), and Asians (9.8%). Differences in risk factors for obesity were also observed: Whites …

Vitamin D Status And Demographic And Lifestyle Determinants Among Adults In The United States (Nhanes 2001-2006), Yan Cao, Katie L. Callahan, Sreenivas P. Veeranki, Yang Chen, Ying Liu, Shimin Zheng

Shimin Zheng

This study looked at risk factors associated with vitamin D levels in the body among a representative sample of adults in the U.S., NHANES III (2001-2006) data were used to assess the relationship between several demographic and health risk factors and vitamin D levels in the body. The Baseline-Category Logit Model was used to test the association between vitamin D level and the potential risk factors age, education, ethnicity, poverty status, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, obesity, diabetes and total cholesterol with both genders. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were significantly associated with age, race, education, physical activity, obesity, diabetes and …

Prevalence Of And Risk Factors For Adolescent Obesity In Tennessee Using The 2010 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (Yrbs) Data: An Analysis Using Weighted Hierarchical Logistic Regression, Shimin Zheng, Nicole Holt, Jodi L. Southerland, Yan Cao, Trevor Taylor, Deborah L. Slawson, Mark Bloodworth

Shimin Zheng

Background: The rate of adolescent overweight and obesity has more than quadrupled over the past few decades, and has become a major public health problem [1]. In 2011, 55% of 12-19 year olds in the United States (U.S.) were overweight or obese [2]. Adolescence is a pivotal time in which many health risk behaviors such as tobacco, alcohol, and drug use are initiated. Such health risk behaviors have been significantly associated with overweight and obesity among adolescents. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between obesity and the health risk behaviors most commonly associated with premature …

It’S Not A Small World After All: Regulating Obesity Globally, Eloisa Rodriguez-Dod

Eloisa C Rodríguez-Dod

The rate of obesity and overweight among the world population has increased dramatically over the past several years in both adults and children. Childhood obesity is a critical health care concern. There have been well-publicized efforts to regulate children‘s obesity both in the U.S. and abroad through such measures as mandated nutritional school lunch programs. This article focuses, however, on a less examined area of regulation—the recent worldwide efforts to curb obesity among adults. The regulations discussed in this article include measures proposed or adopted by either administrative agencies or legislative bodies, whether on a local or national level. The …

Discordant Documentation Of Obesity Body Mass Index And Obesity Diagnosis In Electronic Medical Records, Jennifer T. Fink, George L. Morris Iii, Maharaj Singh, David A. Nelson, Renee E. Walker, Ron A. Cisler

Maharaj Singh

Purpose: This study examined concordance between presence of obesity body mass index (BMI), defined as BMI ≥ 30, in the patient’s electronic medical record (EMR) and a documented diagnosis of obesity.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the EMR in a large health care system for a 1-year period (2012). A total of 397,313 patients met the study criteria of having at least one physician visit, being at least 18 years of age, and not being pregnant. Of those, 158,327 (40%) had a recorded BMI ≥ 30. We examined the EMR of these obese patients to determine whether a …

Proyecto Mama: A Lifestyle Intervention In Overweight And Obese Hispanic Women: A Randomised Controlled Trial--Study Protocol, Lisa Chasan-Taber, Bess H. Marcus, Milagros C. Rosal, Katherine L. Tucker, Sheri J. Hartman, Penelope S. Pekow, Edward J. Stanek Iii, Barry Braun, Caren G. Solomon, Joanne Manson, Sarah L. Goff, Glenn Markenson

Sarah L. Goff MD

BACKGROUND: The proportion of women entering pregnancy overweight or obese has been rising and, in turn, is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Gestational weight gain (GWG) exceeding Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines further increases health risks and has been independently associated with postpartum weight retention. Hispanic women are disproportionately affected by overweight and obesity, but have had limited access to interventions that promote healthy lifestyles due to cultural, socioeconomic, and language barriers. Therefore, the overall goal of this randomized controlled trial is to test the efficacy of a culturally and linguistically modified, individually-tailored lifestyle intervention to reduce excess …

Muscular Strength, Aerobic Capacity, And Adipocytokines In Obese Youth After Resistance Training: A Pilot Study, Sarah Schultz, Rachana Dahiya, Gary Leong, David Rowlands, Andrew Hills, Nuala Byrne

Nuala Byrne

Abstract Background Exercise has shown positive training effects on obesity-related inflammation, however, resistance training has shown mixed results concerning adipocytokine levels. Aims The purpose of thispilot study was to explore the effects of resistance training on blood adipocytokine concentrations in obese youth, with specific examination of the relationship between these biomarkers and improved fitness (i.e., aerobic capacity, muscular strength). Methods Fourteen obese adolescents (16.1 ± 1.6 y; BMI: 32.3 ± 3.9 kg/m2) participated in a 16-week resistance training intervention. Body composition, fasting blood concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), adiponectin, and leptin were measured pre- and post-training. Aerobic …

Assessment Of Obesity As A Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor In A Geriatric Rural Texas Community - A Six Month Follow-Up, Alberto Coustasse Md, Mba

Alberto Coustasse, DrPH, MD, MBA, MPH

Coustasse, Alberto, Assessment of Obesity as a Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor in a Geriatric Rural Texas Community – A Six Month Follow-up. Master of Public Health Track, Public Health Administration, December 1999, 22 pp., 9 tables, 9 illustrations, bibliography, 7 titles. The health fair approach was used as a method to establish individual and population health status baselines and to provide a mechanism to follow-up with an elderly population in a rural Texas community. A controlled trial sample of forty-four seniors was initially screened in a primary care clinic in August 1998. Patients were reevaluated at six months and results …

Childhood Obesity In Asia: The Value Of Accurate Body Composition Methodology, Andrew Hills, Najat Mokhtar, Sharon Brownie, Nuala Byrne

Nuala Byrne

Childhood obesity, a significant global public health problem, affects an increasing number of low- and middle income countries, including in Asia. The obesity epidemic has been fuelled by the rapid nutrition and physical activity transition with the availability of more energy-dense nutrient-poor foods and lifestyles of many children dominated by physical inactivity. During the growing years the pace and quality of grow this best quantified by a combination of anthropometric and body composition measures. However, where normative data are available, this has typically been collected on Caucasian children. To better define and characterise overweight and obesity in Asian children, and …

Health Professionals’ Roles In Animal Agriculture, Climate Change, And Human Health, Aysha Z. Akhtar, Michael Greger, Hope Ferdowsian, Erica Frank

Michael Greger, MD, FACLM

What we eat is rapidly becoming an issue of global concern. With food shortages, the rise in chronic disease, and global warming, the impact of our dietary choices seems more relevant today than ever. Globally, a transition is taking place toward greater consumption of foods of animal origin, in lieu of plantbased diets. With this transition comes intensification of animal agriculture that in turn is associated with the emergence of zoonotic infectious diseases, environmental degradation, and the epidemics of chronic disease and obesity. Health professionals should be aware of these trends and consider them as they promote healthier and more …

Dog Ownership During Pregnancy, Maternal Activity, And Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study, Carri Westgarth, Jihong Liu, Jon Heron, Andrew R. Ness, Peter Bundred, Rosalind M. Gaskell, Alexander J. German, Sandra Mccune, Susan Dawson

Jihong Liu

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is an observational study of 14273 UK pregnant singleton mothers in 1990/1991. We examined outcomes of self report of strenuous activity (hours per week) at 18 and 32 weeks of gestation, hours spent in leisure-time physical activities and types, and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI); overweight status was defined as pre-pregnancy BMI$25 and obesity BMI$30. Pet ownership and activity data were reported for 11,466 mothers. Twenty-five percent of mothers owned at least one dog. There was a positive relationship between participation in activity at least once a week and dog ownership …

Physical Activity And Electronic Media Use In The Search For Diabetes In Youth Case-Control Study, Felipe Lobelo, Angela Liese, Jihong Liu, Elizabeth Mayer-Davis, Ralph D'Agostino, Jr., Russell Pate, Richard Hamman, Dana Dabelea

Jihong Liu

No abstract provided.

Acculturation, Physical Activity, And Obesity Among Hispanic Adolescents, Jihong Liu, Janice Probst, Nusrat Harun, Kevin Bennett, Myriam Torres

Jihong Liu

No abstract provided.

Effect Of The Planet Health Intervention On Eating Disorder Symptoms In Massachusetts Middle Schools, 2005-2008, S. Bryn Austin, Jennifer L. Spadano-Gasbarro, Mary L. Greaney, Emily A. Blood, Anne T. Hunt, Tracy K. Richmond, Monica L. Wang, Solomon Mezgebu, Stavroula K. Osganian, Karen E. Peterson

Monica L. Wang

INTRODUCTION: The Planet Health obesity prevention curriculum has prevented purging and abuse of diet pills (disordered weight control behavior [DWCB]) in middle-school girls in randomized trials, but the effects of Planet Health on DWCB when implemented by schools under dissemination conditions are not known. METHODS: Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts disseminated Planet Health as part of the 3-year, Healthy Choices obesity prevention program in middle schools. We conducted an evaluation in 45 schools from fall 2005 to spring 2008. We gathered data from school staff to quantify intervention activities, and we gathered anonymous …

Birth Weight And Obesity Risk At First Grade In A Cohort Of Chilean Children, S. Loaiza, Alberto Coustasse, X. Urrutia-Rojas, E. Atalah

Alberto Coustasse

The purpose of the study was to determine the association of birth weight as a risk factor for obesity at first grade in a cohort of elementary school Chilean children. Height and weight at birth and follow up measurements at first grade were analyzed from a national cohort of 119,070 new borns. Subjects were classified by anthropometric characteristics: new born weight in kilograms, Ponderal Index, (birth weight/height³ x 100), and gestational age (physical maturity) categories at birth. The study tested the hypothesis that a macrocosomic newborn (4,000 g or > 8.8 pounds) or Large for Gestational Age , would be …

“A Little On The Heavy Side”: A Qualitative Analysis Of Parents' And Grandparents' Perceptions Of Preschoolers' Body Weights, Karin Eli, Kyndal Howell, Philip Fisher, Paulina Nowicka

Karin Eli

Objectives: Parents’ difficulties in perceiving children's weight status accurately pose a barrier for family-based obesity interventions; however, the factors underlying weight misinterpretation still need to be identified. This study's objective was to examine parents and grandparents’ perceptions of preschoolers’ body sizes. Interview questions also explored perceptions of parental responsibility for childhood obesity and appropriate contexts in which to discuss preschoolers’ weights. Design: Semistructured interviews, which were videotaped, transcribed and analysed qualitatively. Setting: Eugene and the Springfield metropolitan area, Oregon, USA Participants: Families of children aged 3–5 years were recruited in February—May 2011 through advertisements about the study, published in the …

History Of Fructose Use In Food Products, Jody L. Vogelzang Phd, Rdn, Fand, Ches

Jody L Vogelzang PhD, RDN, FAND, CHES

Food can be classified in ways other than by the nutrients they contain. In today’s fast moving culture, foods are characterized as having “magical” qualities that can turn consumers “superstars”, or reduce them to a less than optimal state of health and wellness. Sugars appear to be one of those vulnerable foodstuffs that can be enjoyed in moderation, but also contribute to the development of Type 2 Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, impaired cognitive function, obesity, and tooth decay .

Preventing Paediatric Obesity; Recommendations From A Community-Based Qualitative Investigation, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, L. Sangster Bouck, Meizi He, G. Pollett

Trish Tucker

Childhood obesity is on the rise, and interventions targeted at pre-school-aged children are essential for the primary prevention of this disease. Physical activity programming and decreasing screen viewing may be advantageous ways to reduce the early onset of obesity. Parents' perceptions regarding effective tools and programmes to target obesity are needed to develop an efficacious programme. Ten semi-structured focus groups were conducted for this qualitative study. Two experienced moderators facilitated all focus groups which were conducted in local day cares, workplaces and play groups, frequented by parents. All focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Strategies to ensure trustworthiness of …

Preschoolers' Physical Activity Behaviours: Parents' Perspectives, Jennifer Irwin, Meizi He, L. Sangster Bouck, Patricia Tucker, Graham Pollett

Trish Tucker

OBJECTIVES: To understand parents' perspectives of their preschoolers' physical activity behaviours. METHODS: A maximum variation sample of 71 parents explored their preschoolers' physical activity behaviours through 10 semi-structured focus group discussions. RESULTS: Parents perceived Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines for Children as inadequate; that their preschoolers get and need more than 30-90 minutes of activity daily; and that physical activity habits must be established during the preschool years. Nine barriers against and facilitators toward adequate physical activity were proposed: child's age, weather, daycare, siblings, finances, time, society and safety, parents' impact, and child's activity preferences. DISCUSSION: The need for education and …

Screen-Viewing Behaviors Among Preschoolers Parents' Perceptions, Meizi He, Jennifer Irwin, L. Sangster Bouck, Patricia Tucker, Graham Pollett

Trish Tucker

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has emerged as a public health concern in Canada. It has been suggested that excessive screen viewing (i.e., television, computer, video) is a major factor contributing to the increased risk of obesity in children. Exploring young children's experiences with this modifiable behavior may be beneficial to the creation of a multifaceted program aimed at the primary prevention of obesity. OBJECTIVES: To seek parents' perceptions and insights pertaining to their preschoolers' screen-viewing behaviors. METHODS: This qualitative study targeted a heterogeneous sample of parents with children aged 2.5 to 5 years. Two experienced moderators using a semistructured interview guide …

Review Of Physical Activity Prevalence Of Asian School-Age Children And Adolescents, Andre M. Müller

Andre M Müller

Overweight and obese populations in Asia are high and increasing rapidly. Physical activity prevalence studies have found low physical activity rates among Asian school-age children and adolescents. The purpose of this review is to establish a baseline for physical activity rates in Asian school-age children and adolescents and serve as a platform for additional research. Thirty articles published between 2000 and 2011 on physical activity prevalence of school-age children and adolescents were included in the review. Fourteen studies were conducted in East Asia, 10 in Southeast Asia, 2 in South Asia, and 2 in West Asia. Studies used subjective methods …

Obesity, Weight Change, And Risk Of Adenoma Recurrence: A Prospective Trial, Adeyinka Laiyemo, Chyke Doubeni, Dilhana Badurdeen, Gillian Murphy, Pamela Marcus, Robert Schoen, E. Lanza, Duane Smoot, A. Cross

Chyke A. Doubeni

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Obesity is a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia. Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, have been advocated to reduce the risk. However, no prospective study has evaluated whether weight loss actually affects adenoma recurrence. The aim of this study was to examine whether weight change (loss or gain) over 4 years is associated with adenoma recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1826 patients with colorectal adenoma in the Polyp Prevention Trial had their height and weight measured at baseline. Adenoma recurrence was determined by end of trial colonoscopy 4 years after study entry when patients' weights …

Co-Active Coaching As An Intervention For Obesity Among Female University Students, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Jennifer Irwin, Don Morrow

Donald Morrow

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Co-active coaching on obese female university students’ body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), functional health status and self-esteem, and conjointly to identify the coaching skills and primary agenda topics that facilitate coaching’s efficacy as an intervention for obesity.

Design: A multiple-baseline, single-subject research design was utilized.Methods: Two certified coaches provided an average of nine, 35-minute, one-on-one sessions with five students whose BMI?30kg/m2 (obesity threshold). Measures included BMI, WC, the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Visual inspection was used to analyze changes in …

The Impact Of Co-Active Life Coaching On Female University Students With Obesity, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Jennifer Irwin, Don Morrow

Donald Morrow

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of Co-active life coaching on obese female university students. Five obese (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2), female university students received an average of nine weekly, 35-minute, one-on-one sessions with a certified coach. Semi- structured, in-depth interviews before and after participating in the coaching intervention were conducted, and inductive content analysis was utilized. Strategies to enhance data trustworthiness were incorporated throughout. Participants initially reported: struggling with barriers and experiencing pressure from family to lose weight; negative relationships with themselves; feeling self-conscious and remorse for their size and lifestyle choices. At the conclusion …

Participants' Perceived Utility Of Motivational Interviewing Using Co-Active Life Coaching Skills On Their Struggle With Obesity, Courtney Newnham-Kanas, Don Morrow, Jennifer Irwin

Donald Morrow

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the impact of Motivational Interviewing (MI) using Co-Active Life Coaching skills as a treatment for adults (age, 35–55 years) struggling with obesity. Eight women (BMI≥30) who reside in London, Ontario, received 18 coaching sessions over six months with a Certified Professional Co-Active (CPCC) coach. Participants engaged in semi-structured pre- and post-interviews, along with a focus group six months after the last coaching session. The study's CPCC was also interviewed post-intervention to gain an understanding of what it was like coaching this population. All interviews were analysed using inductive content analysis. Following …

The Quantitative Assessment Of Motivational Interviewing Using Co-Active Life Coaching Skills As A Treatment For Adults Struggling With Obesity, Courtney Newnham-Kanas, Jennifer Irwin, Don Morrow, Danielle Battram

Donald Morrow

No abstract provided.

Commentary: The Role Of Food Culture And Marketing Activity In Health Disparities, Jerome Williams, David Crockett, Robert Harrison, Kevin Williams

David Crockett

Marketing activities have attracted increased attention from scholars interested in racial disparities in obesity prevalence, as well as the prevalence of other preventable conditions. Although reducing the marketing of nutritionally poor foods to racial/ethnic communities would represent a significant step forward in eliminating racial disparities in health, we focus instead on a critical-related question. What is the relationship between marketing activities, food culture, and health disparities? This commentary posits that food culture shapes the demand for food and the meaning attached to particular foods, preparation styles, and eating practices, while marketing activities shape the overall environment in which food choices …

Contribution Of Behavioral Risk Factors And Obesity To Socioeconomic Differences In Colorectal Cancer Incidence, Chyke Doubeni, Jacqueline Major, Adeyinka Laiyemo, Mario Schootman, Ann Zauber, Albert Hollenbeck, Rashmi Sinha, Jeroan Allison

Chyke A. Doubeni

BACKGROUND:Health behaviors are known risk factors for colorectal cancer and are more common in low socioeconomic status (SES) populations. We evaluated the extent to which behavioral risk factors and body mass index (BMI) explain SES disparities in colorectal cancer incidence, overall and by tumor location.

METHODS: We analyzed prospective National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study data on 506 488 participants who were recruited in 1995-1996 from six US states and two metropolitan areas and followed through 2006. Detailed baseline data on risk factors for colorectal cancer, including health behaviors, were obtained using questionnaires. SES was measured by self-reported …