Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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

Faculty Publications

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 …

A Program To Promote Physical Activity And Healthy Body Weight In An Adolescent Female: A Case Study, Katie Stoddard

Kinesiology and Public Health

A case study of an obese 14-year-old female was conducted to assess her body weight and dietary and physical activity habits. The purpose of this study was to promote weight loss through improved dietary practices and an increase in energy expenditure. This was done by monitoring and altering caloric intake and engaging in regular, vigorous physical activity. Furthermore, the subject increased health-related knowledge, developed new skills, and ultimately attempted behavior modification. From April to September 2009, the subject participated in a minimum of two supervised exercise sessions per week to increase her energy expenditure and to teach her strategies for …

Environmental Influences On Pediatric Obesity: An Examination Of The 2007 National Survey Of Children's Health (Nsch), Donny Dunfee

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Obese children are more likely to become obese as adults; hence, they are at increased risk for a number of adult diseases. As with adult obesity, several variables contribute to the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. The intent of this report is to illustrate the connection between childhood obesity and the social environmental interactions of populations. With the increasing prevalence of obesity in adults and children, healthcare and public health professionals view childhood overweight and obesity as one of the most serious public health concerns of our time. This research conducts a secondary analysis of the National Survey of Children’s …

Diabetes Obesity-Wellness Opportunity Program (Dowop) Evaluation, Francis Banahene

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The aim of the study was to evaluate Diabetes Obesity - Wellness Opportunities Program (DOWOP) for overweight and obese adolescents aged eight to 14 years.

The study was conducted over 14 weeks at Victor J. Cassano, Sr. Health Center in Dayton, Ohio. Thirteen weekly nutrition, exercise and cognitive presentations were held. Cooking class was held on week thirteen. Participants completed food and activity diaries. The program sessions focused on healthy eating, increasing physical activity, decreasing sedentary behavior and supporting participants maintain healthy lifestyle.

Nurses recorded BMI and waist circumference at baseline, week 7 and week 14. Program administrators were interviewed …

Prieurianin Causes Weight Loss In Diet-Induced Obese Mice And Inhibits Adipogenesis In Cultured Preadipocytes, Ahmed Kablan, Rudel A. Saunders, Maria Szkudlarek-Mikho, Andrew J.B. Chin, Raul M. Bosio, Kazuyuki Fujii, Joseph I. Shapiro M.D., Khew-Voon Chin

Biochemistry and Microbiology

The global increase in the incidence of obesity has emerged as one of the most serious public health risks in recent years. Despite the enormity of the obesity pandemic, there are currently only two FDA-approved therapies for its treatment and these drugs exhibit modest effi cacy and have limiting side effects. Prieurianin is a plant limonoid product that deters feeding in insect larvae. We investigated in this study the effects of prieurianin on weight loss and adipogenesis. Our results showed that prieurianin causes weight loss by reducing energy intake in obese mice on highcalorie diet. We also found that prieurianin …

Hyperandrogenism And Obesity, Amit M. Deokar, Shawn J. Smith, Amanda J. Goodwin, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

This chapter has a two-fold objective. One, ti addresses the association of hyperandrogenism and obesity and the complex metabolic derangements that are part of the problem. Clinical management of these co-morbidities is challenging and complex. Second, this chapter will aid health care providers with the key features to an early diagnosis and intervention to decrease the morbidities in the short as well as long term. Method: Systematic review of articles and information on the topic of interest that were published in the last 15 years. Conclusion: Obesity and hyperandrogenism are integral parts of Metabolic Syndrome/Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)/Hyperandrogenism, Insulin resistance, …

Physical Activity Levels In Obese And Non-Obese Women And Their Relationship With Body Mass Index, Perceived Self-Efficacy, Perceived Benefits And Barriers Of Exercise, And Commitment To A Plan Of Action, Rose Lange

Wayne State University Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine relationships among selected variables and concepts within the Health Promotion Model (perceived benefits, perceived barriers to exercise, self-efficacy, commitment to plan of action) in non-obese and obese women with a focus on the behavioral outcome of physical activity (leisure & lifestyle). A group of 137 women, aged 18-50 participated in this study. BMI was found to be positively correlated to an individual's perceived barriers to action. Findings did not support the hypothesis that as BMI increases perceived benefits, self-efficacy, commitment to a plan of action and physical activity levels would …

A Policy And Intervention For Overweight Children And Adolescents, Kimberly K. Mcclanahan, Marlene B. Huff, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The global epidemic of childhood and adolescent overweight has become a major public health concern. Not only are these youth more likely to become obese adults, and thus more prone to obesity-related diseases than their non overweight peers, they are also likely to suffer emotional and social effects associated with overweight. Overweight in youth has been linked to depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders, negative body image, and stigma. It appears to be bi-directional in nature, with overweight sometimes predicting certain psychological effects and psychosocial issues sometimes predicting overweight. Effective assessment and treatment of psychological and mental health issues in overweight …

The Relationship Between Body Image And Body Mass Index In Attendees At A Health Fair, Millie S. Olds

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between body image and body mass index (BMI) in attendees at a health fair. BMI and body image was also compared between races, ages and genders. It was hypothesized that there would be discrepancies between perceived body image and weight status, as measured by BMI. Sixty-two participants at a health fair in Cincinnati completed a survey about perceived body image and had their height and weight measured and BMI calculated later. Results suggested a positive relationship between BMI and body image. Participants with a higher BMI identified themselves with a …

Facilitating Factors And Barriers To Bmi Screening In Schools, Ann M. Stalter, Rosemary V. Chaudry, Barbara J. Polivka

Nursing Faculty Publications

The National Association of School Nurses advocates for body mass index (BMI) screening. Little research describes school nurse practice of BMI screening. In this descriptive study, 25 Ohio school nurses participated in three focus groups. An adapted Healthy People 2010 Determinants of Health Model guided the research questions. School nurses engaged in multiphasic data collection which was contingent on physical environment, workload, and referrals. Lack of system policy was key barrier in terms of data collection, referral, and follow-up. A key facilitating factor was physical education teachers in terms of reinforcing health. School size and privacy were components of school …

The Role Of Fat Mass Index In Determining Obesity, Gerson Peltz, Maria Teresa Aguirre, Maureen Sanderson, Mary K. Fadden

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (PBF), and fat mass index (FMI) and to investigate the accuracy of FMI as a convenient tool for assessing obesity.

Design: Anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analyses were performed on 538 Mexican Americans (373 women and 165 men). Correlations between BMI and PBF and between FMI and PBF were investigated. The percentage of persons misclassified as obese using different classifications was calculated. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to generate predictive models of FMI for males and females separately.

Results: BMI and PBF were …

Pramlintide In The Management Of Obesity, Melissa C. Jones, Heather F. Debellis, Kimberly L. Barefield

PCOM Scholarly Works

Obesity is a common problem that can lead to numerous comorbid conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. Currently, there are few pharmacologic options available to help obese patients lose weight. Pramlintide is an injectable, amylin analogue that is indicated in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes for use in conjunction with insulin to improve glycemic control. In addition to helping patients decrease hemoglobin A1c levels, pramlintide has also been shown to minimize weight gain, especially in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Studies have been conducted in various patient types, including those patients without diabetes, and the drug tends to …

Interventions To Modify Television Viewing Behavior Of Children : A Review, Meta-Analysis, And Key-Informant Interviews, Dayna Maureen Maniccia

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Excessive screen time and childhood obesity are two associated public health concerns. Several interventions to modify children's screen time exist. To date, no systematic review of these interventions has been conducted. This dissertation identified and summarized interventions to modify children's screen time. Suggestions for future work are provided.

Effect Of Exogenous Leptin On Thrombotic And Metabolic Profiles Of Fvb/B6 Lipodystrophic Mice, Hoda Chaouki Kadouh

Wayne State University Theses

Lipodystrophy caused by fat deficiency contributes to metabolic disease for which several treatment modalities have been implemented, with leptin therapy being the most effective to date. In addition to playing a role in energy homeostasis and metabolism, leptin was also shown to play a pro-thrombotic role in mice. This role was not examined in fatless mice, neither was thrombosis measured. The AZIP/F-1 (FVB) lipodystrophic mouse appeared to have a prolonged arterial occlusion time (p〈0.05) in a trial done in our lab, with clotting factors being normal. The present study was designed to observe the thrombotic and metabolic characteristics of fatless …

Subclinical Hypothyroidism In Obese Turkish Adolescents: The Relationship With Anthropometry And Fatty Liver, Şami̇l Hizli, Nur Arslan, Ayhan Abaci, Benal Büyükgebi̇z

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate whether subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is associated with anthropometry and fatty infiltration of liver in obese adolescents. Materials and methods: The adolescents attended with the complaint of obesity aged 11 to 15 years included in the study. Patients were diagnosed as obese adolescents with fatty liver. Age-, gender-, and body weight-matched obese adolescents without fatty liver seen during the same period served as controls. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) of both groups were compared. Results: The study population included 218 adolescents with obesity. Of 218, 30 (13.7%) had fatty liver at ultrasonography (group 1) …

The Role Of Ultrasonographic Hepatic Artery Resistive Index In The Diagnosis Of Insulin Resistance In Obese Children With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Şami̇l Hizli, Ali̇ Koçyi̇ği̇t, Nur Arslan, Sedat Alpaslan Tuncel, Fati̇h Demi̇rci̇oğlu, Handan Çakmakçi, Benal Büyükgebi̇z

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the role of hepatic artery resistive index (HARI) measurement in the prediction of insulin resistance (IR) in obese children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Materials and methods: A total of 64 obese subjects with NAFLD (13.5 ± 1.36 years of age, 34 male) and 32 age- and gender-matched control subjects (13.8 ± 1.24 years of age, 16 male) were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent a physical examination, laboratory tests, and ultrasonographic and Doppler examinations of the liver. The homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) was used for the IR diagnosis. Results: Obese subjects with NAFLD …

Vegetarians And Vegans In Kentucky, Danita Martha Hines

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Kentucky has a health crisis and most of the causes can be linked to diet, smoking and physical activity. Vegetarian and vegan diets have numerous benefits for many diet related health problems such as obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. There has been limited research on vegetarians and vegans in the United States and none in Kentucky. This study used an anonymous electronic survey to examine the different characteristics, behaviors, experiences and opinions of adult vegetarians and vegans in Kentucky. Results were compared to statistical data reported on the general population of Kentucky. Calculated body mass index …

The Relationship Between Obesity And Skin And Soft Tissue Infections, Juliana Swiney

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

The Problem:

It is well known that our country is experiencing an obesity epidemic: 33.9% of all adults are obese (BMI>30) and 67% of adults are either overweight or obese (BMI>25). Obesity is a risk factor for several serious disease states such as, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, heart disease and some types of cancer. It also has a less well defined relationship with skin and soft tissue infections.

Although it is known that excessive weight increases the opportunity for harmful skin conditions, this relationship has not been as well studied. Some of the mechanisms that predispose obese people to …

Trends In Body Fat, Body Mass Index And Physical Fitness Among Male And Female College Students, Peter Pribis, Carol A. Burtnack, Sonya O. Mckenzie, Jerome Thayer

Faculty Publications

There have been many publications in recent years reporting on the quantity of physical activity among college students using indirect indicators such as steps walked per day or time spent on physical activities. The purpose of this study was to describe the trends of physical fitness related to BMI and body fat among university students between 1996 and 2008. The results showed a significant decline in the average fitness levels measured as an estimation of VO2max for male and female students (p < 0.001 for both sexes). The linear trend for BMI by years was not significant for both sexes (p for males = 0.772, p for females = 0.253). On average, in the last 13 years, % body fat was increasing 0.513%/year for males and 0.654%/year for females. There is a significant indirect correlation between the student's VO2max levels and % body fat, r = -0.489; p < 0.001 for males; and r = -0.416, p < 0.001 for females. Approximately 23.9% of the variance in the VO2max levels in males and 17.3% in females can be explained by the variance in % body fat. The results support recent findings that physical fitness among college students is declining and body fatness is increasing. © 2010 by the authors.

Examining The Relationship Between Weight, Food Insecurity, Food Stamps, And Perceived Diet Quality In School-Aged Children, Elizabeth Lucas Marshall

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

A paradox exists between food insecurity and obesity. Childhood obesity has tripled in the past three decades. This study aimed to understand the relationships between food insecurity, poverty income ratio, food stamps usage, perceived diet quality, and weight status in children. A child’s weight status is determined by many different factors and this study investigated several of these aspects. It was found that the family’s poverty index ratio had the greatest effect on a child’s BMI, but household food security status, ethnicity, and the perceived inability to serve balanced meals were all found to be statistically significant when considering a …

Neural Mechanisms Of Sympathetic Activation During Hyperinsulinemia And Obesity-Induced Hypertension, Megan Elyse Bardgett

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Obesity afflicts more than 30% of the U.S. population and is a major risk factor for the development of hypertension, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Studies in humans and animals indicate that obesity is associated with increased sympathetic outflow to the vasculature and kidneys. One mechanism postulated to underlie the increase in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in obesity is hyperinsulinemia. Little is known regarding the central circuitry underlying elevated SNA and arterial blood pressure (ABP) during hyperinsulinemia and obesity or if sympathoexcitatory circuits are still responsive to insulin in obesity.

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps elevate SNA to the hind limb vasculature …

Examining The Association Between Body Mass Index And Weight Related Quality Of Life In Black And White Women, Tiffany Lashaun Cox

All ETDs from UAB

Obesity not only increases risk for morbidity/mortality, but also impacts the quality of life of obese individuals. In the United States, black women have the highest prevalence of obesity of any other group with approximately 80% of black women over age 20 having a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2. We aimed to examine the association between weight and quality of life in this high risk population and compare it to weight-related quality of life in white women using the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life (IWQOL)-Lite questionnaire. Data for 343 women were analyzed (172 black, 171 white). …

The Effects Of Weight Reduction On Obesity-Related Cancer Biomarkers And In Vitro Cancer Cell Growth, Maria Azrad

All ETDs from UAB

Obesity increases the risk for breast and endometrial cancers while weight loss reduces the risk for these cancers. One aim of this dissertation was to determine the effects of weight loss from an overweight state [body mass index (BMI) 27-30] to a normal weight state on several obesity-related cancer biomarkers in African-American (AA) and European-American (EA) premenopausal women. We also sought to determine whether the method of weight loss, caloric restriction alone (CR) or combined with exercise resulted in similar changes in cancer biomarkers. The biomarkers of interest were urinary estrogen metabolites, and serum adiponectin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, …

An Examination Of The Association Of Selected Toxic Metals With Total And Central Obesity Indices: Nhanes 99-02, Miguel A. Padilla, Mai Elobeid, Douglas M. Ruden, David B. Allison

Psychology Faculty Publications

It is conceivable that toxic metals contribute to obesity by influencing various aspects of metabolism, such as by substituting for essential micronutrients and vital metals, or by inducing oxidative stress. Deficiency of the essential metal zinc decreases adiposity in humans and rodent models, whereas deficiencies of chromium, copper, iron, and magnesium increases adiposity. This study utilized the NHANES 99-02 data to explore the association between waist circumference and body mass index with the body burdens of selected toxic metals (barium, cadmium, cobalt, cesium, molybdenum, lead, antimony, thallium, and tungsten). Some of the associations were significant direct relationships (barium and thallium), …

Quality Of Life And Health Outcomes In Overweight And Non-Overweight Children With Asthma., Amy Becker Manion

Dissertations

Over the last two decades the number of children and adolescents who are overweight has more than doubled. Currently, an estimated 18 percent of children and adolescents ages 6-19 years are overweight. Following this trend in childhood overweight, there has been an alarming increase in the number of children with asthma who are overweight. The increasing trend in both asthma and overweight has led to the suggestion of a causal relationship between the two. Childhood overweight has been found to have a profound negative impact on quality of life (QOL), yet there is a dearth of research regarding the impact …

A Comparison Of Field Measures Of Adiposity Among Australian Adolescents From The Raine Study, Paola Chivers, Helen Parker, Beth P. Hands, Lawrence Beilin, Garth Kendall, Max Bulsara

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

This study examined the possible inter-changeability of common proxy measures of adiposity in adolescent 14 year olds from a large cohort. A sample of 1,607 adolescents (n=825 male and n=782 female) was drawn from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Bland-Altman method, and Bland regression were used to determine the level of agreement between common proxy adiposity measures. The Bland-Altman and Bland regression results supported the notion that the two indices (Waist-height-Ratio and Body-Mass-Index) are measuring a similar construct (F = .974, p = .324). However 95 percent limits of agreement differed between the methods …

Documentation Of Body Mass Index And Control Of Associated Risk Factors In A Large Primary Care Network, Stephanie A. Rose, Alexander Turchin, Richard W. Grant, James B. Meigs

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) will be a reportable health measure in the United States (US) through implementation of Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) guidelines. We evaluated current documentation of BMI, and documentation and control of associated risk factors by BMI category, based on electronic health records from a 12-clinic primary care network.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 79,947 active network patients greater than 18 years of age seen between 7/05 - 12/06. We defined BMI category as normal weight (NW, 18-24.9 kg/m²), overweight (OW, 25-29.9), and obese (OB, ≥ 30). We measured documentation …

Association Between Obesity And Depression And Anxiety Disorders: Results From The 2008 National Health Interview Survey, Monica Gaidhane

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Obesity is one of the most important medical problems in the U.S. and is considered to be an epidemic with over 30% of the population being obese. Obesity is associated with increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers and a shorter life expectancy. Recent studies have shown that higher BMI levels are also significantly associated with several lifetime mental disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders as well as panic attacks and panic disorders. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify the extent to which higher BMI increased the likelihood of Depression, Anxiety Disorder …

No Association Of Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Related Genetic Variants With Colon Cancer, Cheryl L. Thompson, Sarah J. Plummer, Thomas C. Tucker, Graham Casey, Li Li

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Background: Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) are known risk factors for colon cancer. Recent reports from a number of genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with obesity and T2D. Here we tested the hypothesis that these SNPs may also be associated with risk of colon cancer.

Methods: We genotyped nine SNPs reported in GWAS of obesity and/or T2D, including SNPs in HHEX, KCNJ11, SLC30A8, FTO, CDKN2, CDKAL1, TCF2, and the rs9300039 SNP in an intergenic region, in 561 colon cancer cases and 721 population controls.

Results: None of these SNPs were …

The Impact Of Exercise Training Compared To Caloric Restriction On Hepatic And Peripheral Insulin Resistance In Obesity, Robert H. Coker, Rick H. Williams, Sophie E. Yeo, Patrick M. Kortebein, Don L. Bodenner, Philip A. Kern, William J. Evans

Clinical and Translational Science Faculty Publications

Context: It has been difficult to distinguish the independent effects of caloric restriction versus exercise training on insulin resistance.

Objective: Utilizing metabolic feeding and supervised exercise training, we examined the influence of caloric restriction vs. exercise training with and without weight loss on hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance.

Design, Participants, and Intervention: Thirty-four obese, older subjects were randomized to: caloric restriction with weight loss (CR), exercise training with weight loss (EWL), exercise training without weight loss (EX), or controls. Based on an equivalent caloric deficit in EWL and CR, we induced matched weight loss. Subjects in the EX group received …