Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Rapid Increase Of Female But Not Male Obesity: Analysis Of The 2023 Vanuatu Health Transition Project Survey On Aneityum, Matthew Christian, Olivia Lasalle, Zhiqiao Huang, Hannah Chen, Ricky Chen, J. Koji Lum

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

Globally, obesity rates are continuing to increase and countries in the midst of modernization are most vulnerable. Developing nations are undergoing a health transition alongside rapid economic modernization. The nation of Vanuatu, like other Pacific island countries, is experiencing such a transition marked by decreased cases of infectious disease and increased incidence of chronic and non-communicable diseases. Aneityum is a small and sparsely populated island in Vanuatu and is behind more developed islands in its transition. This present study is the latest in a multi-year project examining health in Vanuatu as it undergoes a health transition with an increased prevalence …

Addressing Weight In Primary Care: Perspectives Of African American Young Adults With Serious Mental Illness, Sang Qin, Lindsay Sheehan, Janis Sayer, Kristin S. Williams, Julius Mercer, Ashley Scott, Tevin Anderson

Journal of Human Services Scholarship and Interprofessional Collaboration

Young adults with serious mental illness (SMI) experience disproportionate rates of physical illness. Morbidity and mortality are even worse for young African Americans with SMI, especially those who are overweight. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have an important role in addressing weight management. Current research explored these young patient’s perceptions of weight management and how PCPs can best address their weight concerns. Using community-based participatory research, we interviewed 25 African American aged 18-30 who were overweight and had a SMI. Results revealed 1) patient perceptions around weight and 2) patient preferences. Participants identified both positive and negative aspects of being overweight, …

Pastoral Leaders’ Perception Of Obesity And Their Role Within Faith-Based Organizations, Darren D. Moore, Clinton E. Cooper, Charles Williams

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of pastoral leaders regarding obesity and health within faith-based organizations (FBOs). In this study, the authors focused on gaining additional insight regarding how pastoral leaders conceptualize and make sense of their roles in terms of health promotion within FBOs. Utilizing a qualitative research methodological approach, specifically Qualitative Description, authors administered a qualitative survey to 12 participants which yielded three emerging themes: (1) perceived scope, (2) understanding and use of resources, and (3) defining obesity through pastoral leaders’ perspectives. In the study, investigators discuss clinical implications and provide recommendations.

Association Of The G>A (Rs6265) Polymorphism In The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene (Bdnf) With Post-Training Changes In Caucasian Women, Katarzyna Świtała, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Monika Michałowska-Sawczyn, Andrzej Brodkiewicz, Kinga Łosińska, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 (G196A; Val66Met) polymorphism has been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, with contradictory results involving either A or G as the risk allele. The main aim of this study was to examine whether the BDNF rs6265 polymorphism would influence the efficiency of a training program. An additional aim was to determine whether selected polymorphism can be used as a genetic marker for obesity-related parameters. We studied the genotype distribution in a group of 160 Caucasian females in whom body mass and composition parameters, lipid profile, and glucose levels were measured before …

Improving Effective Care In Obese Patients In A Primary Care Clinic, Amy Miller

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Background: Obesity is a preventable epidemic and costs the United States $200 billion annually. The leading causes of death are linked to obesity.

Local Problem: In a chart review, 53% of patients at a northeast Louisiana primary care clinic were obese. However, none were offered comprehensive lifestyle intervention. The aim was to increase the percentage of patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 to 60% over 8 weeks.

Methods: A rapid-cycle quality improvement initiative was implemented using four Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles over 8 weeks. Each cycle produced tests of change related to screening, patient and team engagement, and assessing effective care. Run charts and aggregate tables were used to analyze …

Putting The Dietary Guidelines For Americans Into Action Through The National Strategy On Hunger, Nutrition, And Health, Rachel Fischer, Katrina L. Piercy, Janet M. De Jesus, Paul Reed, Rachel L. Levine

Journal of Food Law & Policy

The United States is facing a crisis of widespread food insecurity and exceedingly high rates of diet-related diseases like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. To address this challenge and set a course for improved nutrition and food access nationwide, the Biden-Harris Administration hosted the first White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in over 50 years on September 28, 2022. In the National Strategy, released in conjunction with the Conference, the Administration identified a set of actions that the federal government will take to help achieve its goal of ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity by 2030, …

Maternal, Child, And Parenting Factors Associated With Obesity Among Pre-Kindergarten Children In Mississippi, Jerome R. Kolbo

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Obesity among children and youth has been consistently assessed among public school students in Mississippi since 2005. Significant declines in the prevalence of obesity among elementary students over the past decade suggest that changes may be occurring prior to entry into public school. Purpose: The purpose was to collect anthropometric data on a weighted, representative sample of children ages 3 to 5 years in licensed childcare facilities across Mississippi, and to correlate maternal, child, and parenting characteristics to obesity. Methods: The Body Mass Index was calculated using measured height and weight data. Results: A total of 14.12% of the …

The Relationship Between Obesity And Depression Among Federally Qualified Health Center Patients, Hwanseok Choi

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Obesity has reached epidemic levels in Mississippi. In the shadow of these skyrocketing obesity levels, there are comorbid high levels of depression. Both obesity and depression complicate and, in many cases, compromise critical health outcomes. A significant association between obesity and depression has been suspected for decades. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between obesity and depression among patients receiving medical care from a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in a southern state. Methods: The sample was comprised of 3,272 subjects. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to measure the severity of depression, …

Determinants Of Hypertension In Seribu Utara Island District, Seribu Islands, Herland A. Malau, Natanael Martua Parningotan Simanjuntak, Purwa Septa Dupit Triono

Cities and Urban Development Journal

Background: Hypertension is a public health problem, including in the Seribu Islands. This region has unique characteristics, such as limited access to health facilities and a lifestyle that is different from urban areas in general. Genetic factors, age and obesity can affect the prevalence rate of hypertension in Seribu Utara Island District.

Aims: This research was conducted to help develop an effective hypertension prevention program in Seribu Utara Island District.

Methods: descriptive analytic with a cross-sectional study approach based on socio-demographic conditions, family history of hypertension, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference. Data analysis was conducted using the chi-square …

A Qualitative Study Of The Experiences Of Obesity, Body Image, And Mental Health Of British-Born Afro-Caribbean Male Students At A West Yorkshire University In England, Johnson Mbabazi, Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso, Fiona Macgregor, Jeff Breckon, Edward Kunonga, Barry Tolchard, Rosemary Dawson, Jennifer Teke, Josette Bettany Saltikov, George William Kagugube, Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Obesity, body image, and depression are all biopsychosocial phenomena that are frequently misunderstood across cultures. Body dissatisfaction is a psychological aspect of obesity that has been associated with disordered eating, low self-esteem, and depression. Nevertheless, body image dissatisfaction may affect non-obese individuals too. Those with a positive body image are more likely to participate in physical activity than those with a negative body image. Individuals who are satisfied with their body image are more likely to possess high self-esteem, confidence, and healthy eating habits. Obesity prevention among the black population is increasingly important. This study sought to examine the perceptions …

Tackling The Complexities Of The Obesity Pandemic Among The Bame Population In The Uk Through Identification Of The Social Determinants Of Mental Health And Wellbeing: A Narrative Review, Johnson Mbabazi, Fiona Macgregor, Jeff Breckon, Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso, Alan Rhodes, Edward Kunonga, Barry Tolchard, Jennifer Teke, Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Obesity's multifaceted causes give rise to a complex and diverse range of health associated morbidities and comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, particularly among British Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations within in the UK. As found within the recent COVID-19 pandemic these can have wider reaching implications including increased risk of mortality within this population group. Understanding the potential social determinants of the causes of obesity is essential if effective strategies are to be developed to tackle this. A comprehensive search of the CINAHL, ASSIA and Web of Science databases was undertaken with 148 papers identified. Through application …

Effects Of Body Satisfaction And Emotional Eating On Obesity Treatment-Related Changes In Weight And Waist Circumference Over 2 Years: A Serial Multiple Mediation Analysis, James J. Annesi, Francine A. Stewart

Health Behavior Research

Maintenance of lost weight beyond 6 months in adults with obesity remains problematic. To reliably impact obesity over the long term, an improved understanding of treatment-associated changes in psychosocial factors is required. Women are especially susceptible to body image concerns and emotional eating; however, associations among those variables within weight-management processes have been limited to either cross-sectional or short-term analyses. Women with obesity (M_age = 47.4 years, SD = 8.6) who participated in either a year-long YMCA-based cognitive-behavioral treatment emphasizing self-regulation of exercise and eating (n = 54), or a similar treatment that also included brief phone …

Indirect Effect Of Self-Regulated Exercise On Mood Through Self-Efficacy Changes, James J. Annesi

Health Behavior Research

To improve deficient long-term effects, an improved understanding of psychosocial factors occurring within behavioral obesity treatments is required. The aim of this study was to suggest paths from changes in self-regulation toward reduced negative mood to inform the direction of more comprehensive investigations and treatment foci. Initially low active women (N = 87) participated in a theory-driven community-based behavioral obesity program emphasizing self-regulation and exercise. There were significant (ps < .001) improvements in exercise amounts, exercise-related self-regulation and self-efficacy, negative mood, and emotional eating during the weight loss phase of baseline–Month 6, and significant (ps < .01) deteriorations during the weight-loss maintenance phase of Month 6–Month 24. During both phases, significant paths (95% CIs [-0.31, -0.01], [-0.14, -0.01], and [-0.50, -0.01]) from changes in self-regulation toward reduced negative mood were through self-efficacy, but not exercise change itself. The mood change-emotional eating change relationships were significant (95% CIs [0.16, 0.39] and [0.19, 0.48]). Although extensions of this research are required to better understand long-term obesity intervention processes, the present findings suggest importance of treatment foci on identified psychological mechanisms of exercise treatment-mood change relationships.

Early Effects Of Improved Mood On Propensity For Emotional Eating During The Physical Activity-Only Phase Of A Community-Based Behavioral Treatment For Obesity In Women With High Mood Disturbance, James J. Annesi, Amelia A. Eberly

Health Behavior Research

Weight loss beyond the short term is problematic for individuals with obesity. Especially for women, emotional eating is one of the greatest barriers and might require attention early in a behavioral weight-loss program. Physical activity-associated mood improvement may be associated with reduced emotional eating. Women with obesity volunteered for a community-based weight-management treatment. Effects associated with the initial 10 weeks, which focused on behavioral support of physical activity (prior to addressing eating behavior change), were assessed. Groups were designated based on whether participants’ high total mood disturbance (TMD) scores reduced to a normal level (n = 45) or remained …

Coping Strategies For Inner Conflicts Between Gay Bear Identity And Health Concerns, Chichun Lin, Darren D. Moore

The Qualitative Report

Gay bear refers to a burly gay man with a hirsute body and face. Chinese gay bear men are highly homogeneous and strictly emphasize a uniform bear appearance; however, obesity is an obvious health issue in this population. This study aims to explore the Chinese gay bear men's inner conflicts between bear identity and health concerns. Eleven Chinese gay bear men including four Taiwanese, two mainland Chinese, two Hong Kong, two Malaysian, and one Singaporean were interviewed. The study used a thematic analysis approach and found three coping strategies including (a) Eat healthy but maintain a minimal bear standard; (b) …

Effect Of Different Diet Methods On Body Composition And Insulin, Leptin, And Ghrelin Levels In Overweight Women, Begum Sarica, Gulbin Rudarli Nalcakan, Ece Onur

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. This study aims to compare the effects of similar calorie-restricted intermittent overnight fasting diet (OFD) and frequent-meal diet (FMD) on body composition and insulin, leptin, and ghrelin levels in overweight women. Materials and Methods: While the FMD was administered as six mealtimes, the OFD was administered as five mealtimes and at least 12 hours overnight fasting for four weeks. Some parameters regarding the metabolic rate and fat metabo-lism (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, ghrelin levels), body composition, resting metabolic rate, and physical activity level were measured before and after the diet. Results: There was no sig-nificant difference in the resting …

The Effects Of Wearable Health Technology On Cancer Survivors’ Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, And Weight: A Meta-Analysis, Daphne Blount, Rui Zhang, Anne Blaes, Zan Gao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Wearable health technology (WHT) has been suggested as a health intervention in preventing or reducing health risk factors in clinical populations. Cancer survivors exhibit risk factors prior to cancer diagnosis and acquire comorbidities as a result of their treatment. These conditions may increase likelihood of cancer recurrence and reduce quality of life by inhibiting survivors’ physiological function and predisposing them to other maladies. Several studies have suggested WHTs as an intervention in mitigating these risks. However, there lacks a comprehensive review of the current evidence to determine the efficacy of WHT interventions. Thus, a literature search of WHT studies within …

Physical Activity And Spatial Use During School Breaks In Children Aged Four, Oscar Romero Ramos, Emilio Fernández Rodríguez, Antonio Matas Terrón, Gloria GonzáLe Campos, Robert Podstawski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background:‪The latest studies warn of obesity levels and sedentary lifestyles in children, and of the impact this has on health. This study analyses the quantity of physical activity and the use of space during school breaks, according to gender, in four-year-old pupils. Material and methods:‪Pedometers and behavioural mapping were used as recording tools. Four behavioural categories were identified and 10 spatial categories. The procedure involves the development of primary measures (frequencies of appearance of each category and duration), as well as secondary measures (relative frequency, rate, relative duration and average duration). In addition to these descriptive measures, a correlation analysis …

Changes In Body Composition Of Children Aged Of 9 To 12 Years With Excess Body Weight Under The Influenceof Eight-Week Workout, Tomasz Dudziak, Zbigniew Czubek, Mirosław Grabowski, Robert Urbanski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background:‪The increasing problem of overweight and obesity in children is the reason for taking further actions leading to mass reduction, because, in contrast to adults, the consequences of this pathology in young people are still not well known. The intervention actions that can lead to reduction in mass are not easy to find in literature, and their long-term effects are unknown. The aim of this research was to define the changes in body composition of children with excess body mass after eight-week high intensity workout.Material and methods:‪The study was conducted on 47 children aged 9‒12 years who were overweight or …

Polish Adaptation And Validation Of The Anti-Fat Attitudes Scale – Afas, Malgorzata Obara-Golebiewska, Justyna Michalek-Kwiecień

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Bias, stigma, and discrimination in relation to weight are frequently experienced by many obese people. The goal of the present study was to develop a Polish adaptation of the Anti-Fat Attitudes Scale (AFAS) proposed by Morrison and O’Connor. Materials/methods: The study was conducted on undergraduate students of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The original Canadian Scale Anti-Fat Attitudes Scale was translated into Polish, and its factor structure, reliability and construct validity were determined. Results: The exploratory factor analysis (Study 1) supported the development of the Polish version of the Anti-Fat Attitudes Scale with a one-dimensional structure …

Strategies Of Return To Self-Regulation Among Obese People: Implementation Of Goal’S Intention And Motivation To Weight Reduction, Malgorzata Obara-Golebiowska, Hanna Brycz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Implementation intentions is one of self-regulation strategies enabling priority goals achieving. This method is based on accurate planning of a variety of activities by which goal’s realization is more probable. The aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of the implementation intention technique on motivational and behavioral aspects of eating self-regulation among obese people. Material/Methods: A total of 100 obese people, abiding by a slimming program organized in an obesity clinic in Olsztyn in Poland, participated in the research. In the experimental group an implementation intentions technique for eating habit were applied. The impact of the applied …

Examining The Correlates Of Out-Of-School Television Viewing, Computer Use And Overall Time In Sedentary Behaviors Among Finnish 11-Year-Old Children, Suvi Määttä, Teija Nuutinen, Carola Ray, Johan G. Eriksson, Elisabete Weiderpass, Eva Roos

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to examine the associations between individual, social and environmental characteristics and out-of-school television viewing, computer use, and overall time spent in sedentary behaviors. Material/Methods: A sample of 11-year-old children (N = 155) in Finland wore an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X) for seven days. Before the accelerometer-use, questionnaire assessments of television viewing, computer use, reported PA, bedtimes, wake-up times, perceived parental PA and PA encouragement and measurements of weight and height were obtained. Weather data were obtained for the 7 days of accelerometer use and parents reported their educational background. Associations between the studied correlates and average minutes …

Evaluation Of Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (Gpaq) Among Healthy And Obese Health Professionals In Central India, Abhinav Singh, Bharathi Purohit

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: To assess physical activity using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) among healthy, overweight and obese Indian health professionals. Materials and methods: The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to assess physical activity among 324 dental health care professionals (third-year students, final-year students, interns, and faculty). Metabolic Equivalents (MET) were used to express the intensity of physical activities, and are also used for the analysis of GPAQ data. The analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean physical activity scores among dental health care professionals. The Chi Square test was used to compare categorical risk indicators …

Fundamental Movement Skills And Weight Status In Children: A Systematic Review, Sari Slotte, Arja Sääkslahti, Katriina Kukkonen-Harjula, Pauli Rintala

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Obesity has become a major health challenge in children. Fundamental movement skills(FMS) are suggested to have an important role for being physically active and decreasing the risk of obesity. This systematic review aimed to give an overview of studies providing evidence for a relationship between FMS and the weight status in children. A systematic search of five electronic databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), SportDiscus, ERIC, PsycInfo and SCOPUS) was conducted in January 2015. Studies examining associations between FMS and weight status in children aged 3–12 years were included. The final sample included 12 cross-sectional studies. Seven studies found statistically significant inverse association …

Obesity And Overweight Among Children And Adolescents In The Light Of Health Education Principles, Adam Wiek, Katarzyna Tkacz, Waclaw Mozolewski, Malgorzata E. Kusmierczyk, Sylwester Rybaczek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Pedagogical and educational institutions play an important role in health education. The proposed systemic principles should account for biological, environmental and cultural factors that determine the health of children and adolescents. Young people’s individual needs should constitute the framework of educational policy in the prevention of obesity and overweight. An analysis of health education practice in the Polish educational system indicates that the adopted measures, their practical applications and educational goals are adequate. Despite the above, the proposed systemic solutions are not always deployed or correctly implemented by the responsible institutions at various levels of local or social governance. The …

Effect Of The Depletion Of Self-Control Strength On The Self-Regulation Of The Nutritional Process In Obese Individuals, Malgorzata Obara-Golebiowska, Hanna Brycz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Self-strength can be depleted as a result of previous acts of self-control. The depletion of these resources is reflected by decreased effectiveness of controlling other behaviors. The aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of the depletion of self-control resources on the motivational and behavioral aspects of eating self-regulation among obese people. A total of 100 obese people participated in the research. In the experimental group a depletion of self-control resources technique was applied. The impact of the above method on motivational and behavioral aspects of eating self-regulation was verified through participants’ answers to two items on the …

Effectiveness Of The “Slimming Down Olsztyn Residents” Health Program – Motivation To Participate And Withdraw, Robert Podstawski, Dariusz Choszcz, Patrycja Polakowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

This study aimed to determine the motivation of overweight/obese persons to participate in and withdraw from a health promotion program, and to determine the program’s effectiveness. 91 women and 89 men enrolled in the program. Their motivation was described with modified EMI-2. The reasons for withdrawal were given by the participants. Body composition was determined with Tanita BC 418 MA. Improved appearance, weight loss and health were the main reasons why overweight/obese persons decided to become physically active. Approximately 56% women and 60% men quit the program because they were unable to cope with the fitness regime, lost interest or …

The Role Of Physical Activity In Instilling Healthy Lifestyle Habits In Children, Malgorzata Kostecka, Monika Bojanowska, Monika Stoma

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Habitual physical activity adapted to a child’s individual needs, ability, health, gender and age has positive implications for cognitive and physical growth and maturation. Childhood physical activity is a predictor of better health and general well-being in adulthood. Material/Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted on a population of 371 randomly selected primary school students in Lublin county. Correlations were determined between the student’s levels of physical activity and leisure time activities vs. age, gender, BMI score and the parents’ levels of physical activity. Results: The students’ attitudes towards PE differentiated subjects as to gender and the BMI score, whereas …

Exercise − A Unique Endogenous Regulator Of Irisin, Bdnf, Leptin And Cortisol Against Depression, Gilmara Gomes De Assis, Pawel Cieszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Depression is the most prevalent stress-related disorder affecting the population world-wide with potential for an eminent increase after the 2020 pandemic. The mechanisms through which metabolism is involved in depression and stress disorders have been extensively investigated. However, their assessment using exogenous measures is a current limitation. Exercise, as is well reported in animal studies, exerts a critical regulatory influence on the main factors known to participate in these mechanisms. This overview describes the role of cortisol, leptin, irisin and BDNF in the exercise physiology and the known mechanism through which these factors act in anti-depressant mechanisms. Furthermore, the exercise …

Physical Activity Patterns And Dietary Habits Of Undergraduate Students, Ebenezer Essaw, Monday Omoniyi Moses, Daniel Afrifa, Isaac Kwaku Acheampong, Winifred Mensah, Lemuel Owusu

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪Data about physical activity report card for Ghanaian children and youth are available but reports on physical activity patterns and dietary habits of undergraduates are scarce. Material and methods: ‪This cross-sectional study sampled 278 participants (161 males, 117 females, mean age = 20.73 ± 1.72 years). Blood pressure, heart rate, physical activity patterns and dietary habits were measured. Results: ‪Most (83.1%) of the sample predominantly engaged in household activities. Time spent on treadmill/ cycling activities is significantly higher in females than males (P = 0.018). Day/week for high intensity sports was higher in males (P = 0.005), while household …