scholarly journals Body weight trends in adolescents of Central Italy across 13 years: social, behavioural, and psychological correlates

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Castellini ◽  
Giulio D’Anna ◽  
Eleonora Rossi ◽  
Emanuele Cassioli ◽  
Fabio Voller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Soft Drinks ◽  
Bullying Victimisation

Abstract Aim The study aimed to determine trends in the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity and their putative risk factors in different cohorts from a representative population of adolescents in Central Italy. Subject and methods After random sampling, five cohorts of adolescents attending public high schools – aged 14 to 18 years – were evaluated from 2005 to 2018 (n: 25,174). Collected information included self-reported body mass index (BMI), descriptors of family environment, eating behaviour, physical activity, screen use, bullying victimisation, sexual behaviour (age at first intercourse, number of partners) and perceived psychological distress. For these data, between-cohort prevalence differences were used to esteem prevalence variations across time. In the 2018 cohort, the association between these factors and body weight was evaluated through multinomial regressions with sex-specific crude relative risk ratios for different BMI categories. Results An increased prevalence of overweight was observed for both boys and girls. The study outlined a transition towards higher parental education and unemployment, reduced soft drinks consumption and higher psychological distress. Sex-specific changes were observed for physical and sexual activity, and a rising percentage of girls reported being bullied and distressing family relationships. Parental education and employment, together with physical activity, confirmed to be protective factors against pathological weight. The latter clustered with reduced soft drinks consumption, bullying victimisation, early sexual activity, worse family relationships and higher distress. Conclusion An increased prevalence of both overweight and underweight was observed across time. Economic factors associated with unemployment and changes in behavioural patterns may have contributed to this trend.

scholarly journals Perceived social support and parental education as determinants of adolescents’ physical activity and eating behaviour: a cross-sectional survey

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franklin N. Glozah ◽  
David J. Pevalin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract Purpose: To examine the role of perceived social support and parental education on physical activity and eating behaviour of Ghanaian adolescents. Methods: Seven hundred and seventy Senior High School students (504 boys and 266 girls) between the ages of 14–21 years participated by completing questionnaires on perceived social support, physical activity and eating behaviour. The highest education attained by either parent or guardian was also obtained. Multivariate analysis of covariance was the main statistical test used to analyse the data. Results: The results showed significant gender differences in physical activity and eating behaviour combined, with boys more likely to engage in physical activity than girls, and girls also more likely to engage in healthy eating behaviour than boys, albeit the effect was not statistically significant. While perceived social support had a significant positive effect on eating behaviour and physical activity, parental education had a significant effect only on eating behaviour but not physical activity. Conclusion: Perceived social support from family coupled with parental education provides more opportunities for adolescents to engage in healthy eating behaviour. Also, parents’ educational attainment alone does not necessarily guarantee that adolescents will engage in physical activity; providing the needed social support and conducive home environment is more likely to induce physical activity behaviours. Finally, physical activity and eating behaviour should not be construed as alternative health behaviours as suggested by gender differentials in these health behaviours.

scholarly journals Changes in body weight and health behaviors of overweight children during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Gabriel Gustavo Bergmann ◽  
Gabriel Barros da Cunha ◽  
Gicele de Oliveira Karini da Cunha ◽  
Julie Hellen de Barros Cruz ◽  
Lorena Rodrigues Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
Soft Drinks ◽  
The Other ◽  
Overweight Children ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Social ◽  
Almost All

The aim of this study was to describe the perception of parents of overweight children about the effects of the period of social distancing due to COVID-19 on body weight (BW), level of physical activity (PA), time spent in sedentary behavior (SB) and their children's eating habits and sleep. Parents of 47 overweight children (11.1 ± 1.33 years) were interviewed by telephone. Questions about the perception regarding BW and the four behaviors related to the health of their children during the period of social distancing were asked. The increase in BW was perceived by 61.7% of children and for almost all of them (93.6%) reductions in PA levels were reported, with 72.4% reducing participation in vigorous PA. An increase in time using smartphones, tablets, and microcomputers was observed in 65.9% of children. Favorable changes were noted in relation to quality (34.1%) and daily sleep time (51.1%). Favorable changes in the consumption of fruits (36.2%) and soft drinks (21.2%) and unfavorable changes in the consumption of vegetables (19.1%) and sweets and snacks (26.2%) were also reported. Four and a half months after the start of the social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, overweight children increased the BW and changed the levels of PA and SB in an unfavorable way according to their parents. On the other hand, they started sleeping more and with higher quality and consuming more fruits and less soft drinks.

How to Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

2006 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 208-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrup
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Glycemic Index ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Healthy Body Weight ◽  
Healthy Body

The epidemic of both obesity and type 2 diabetes is due to environmental factors, but the individuals developing the conditions possess a strong genetic predisposition. Observational surveys and intervention studies have shown that excess body fatness is the major environmental cause of type 2 diabetes, and that even a minor weight loss can prevent its development in high-risk subjects. Maintenance of a healthy body weight in susceptible individuals requires 45–60 minutes physical activity daily, a fat-reduced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grain, and lean meat and dairy products, and moderate consumption of calorie containing beverages. The use of table values to predict the glycemic index of meals is of little – if any – value, and the role of a low-glycemic index diet for body weight control is controversial. The replacement of starchy carbohydrates with protein from lean meat and lean dairy products enhances satiety, and facilitate weight control. It is possible that dairy calcium also promotes weight loss, although the mechanism of action remains unclear. A weight loss of 5–10% can be induced in almost all obese patients providing treatment is offered by a professional team consisting of a physician and dieticians or nurses trained to focus on weight loss and maintenance. Whereas increasing daily physical activity and regular exercise does not significantly effect the rate of weight loss in the induction phase, it plays an important role in the weight maintenance phase due to an impact on daily energy expenditure and also to a direct enhancement of insulin sensitivity.

Mental distress and its associations with behavioral outcomes during the COVID-19: A national survey of Chinese adults (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Ma ◽  
Liwang Gao ◽  
Joseph Tak-Fai Lau ◽  
Rahman Atif ◽  
Blair T. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Negative Consequences

BACKGROUND This study primarily aimed to evaluate the associations between mental distress and COVID-19-related changes in behavioral outcomes, and potential modifiers (age, gender, and educational attainment) of such associations. OBJECTIVE The COVID -19 pandemic has led to elevated levels of mental distress attributed to prolonged lockdowns, business closures, and social isolation. Its impact on behavioral outcomes is however less known. This study is designed to primarily evaluate the associations between mental distress and COVID-19-related changes in drinking, smoking, physical activity and body weight, and potential modifiers of such associations including age, gender, and educational attainment. METHODS An online survey using anonymous network sampling was conducted in China during April-May, 2020 using a 74-item questionnaire distributed through social media. A national sample of 10,545 adults in 31 provinces provided data on socio-demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related mental distress, and changes in behavioral outcomes. Structural equation models were used for data analyses. RESULTS About 13% of adults reported experiencing at least one symptom of mental distress. After adjusting for age, education, gender, ethnicity, marital status, residence, and number of chronic conditions, greater mental distress was associated with increased smoking and alcohol consumption (among current smokers and drinkers) and with both increased and decreased physical activity. Underweight adults were more likely to lose body weight (≥1 kg) whereas overweight adults were more likely to gain weight by the same amount. The association between mental distress and change in physical activity was stronger in adults aged 40 and above and those with high education. Mental distress was significantly associated with an increase in smoking in males but not females. CONCLUSIONS Mental distress was associated with increased smoking in males but not females. These findings inform the design of tailored public health interventions aimed to mitigate long-term negative consequences of mental distress on outcomes.

scholarly journals Brief parental self-efficacy scales for promoting healthy eating and physical activity in children: a validation study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Åsa Norman ◽  
Julie Wright ◽  
Emma Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Objective Measures ◽  
Partial Metric ◽  
Invariance Testing

Abstract Background Brief scales to measure parental self-efficacy (PSE) in relation to children’s obesogenic behaviours have not been developed and validated using more rigorous methodology such as invariance testing, limiting their generalisability to sub-groups. This study aimed to assess the construct validity and measurement invariance of brief PSE scales for children’s intake of vegetables, soft drinks, and sweets, and physical activity. Methods Parents (n = 242) of five-to-seven-year-old children in disadvantaged and culturally diverse settings in Sweden responded to a questionnaire in Swedish with 12 items assessing PSE in relation to healthy and unhealthy behaviours. Construct validity was assessed with confirmatory factor analysis, invariance testing compared the scales by groups of parental sex, education, and child weight status. Criterion validity was evaluated using objective measures of children’s physical activity and semi-objective measures of diet. Results Two-factor models showed moderate to excellent fit to the data. Invariance was supported across all groups for healthy behaviour scales. Unhealthy behaviour scales were invariant for all groups except parental education where partial metric invariance was supported. Scales were significantly correlated with physical activity and diet. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence for the validity of brief PSE scales and invariance across groups suggesting their utility for research and clinical management of weight-related behaviours.

scholarly journals Annual rhythms in adults’ lifestyle and health (ARIA): protocol for a 12-month longitudinal study examining temporal patterns in weight, activity, diet, and wellbeing in Australian adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel G. Curtis ◽  
Timothy Olds ◽  
François Fraysse ◽  
Dorothea Dumuid ◽  
Gilly A. Hendrie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Intervention Strategy ◽  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Multi Level

Abstract Background Almost one in three Australian adults are now obese, and the rate continues to rise. The causes of obesity are multifaceted and include environmental, cultural and lifestyle factors. Emerging evidence suggests there may be temporal patterns in weight gain related, for example, to season and major festivals such as Christmas, potentially due to changes in diet, daily activity patterns or both. The aim of this study is to track the annual rhythm in body weight, 24 h activity patterns, dietary patterns, and wellbeing in a cohort of Australian adults. In addition, through data linkage with a concurrent children’s cohort study, we aim to examine whether changes in children’s body mass index, activity and diet are related to those of their parents. Methods A community-based sample of 375 parents aged 18 to 65 years old, residing in or near Adelaide, Australia, and who have access to a Bluetooth-enabled mobile device or a computer and home internet, will be recruited. Across a full year, daily activities (minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, light physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) will be measured using wrist-worn accelerometry (Fitbit Charge 3). Body weight will be measured daily using Fitbit wifi scales. Self-reported dietary intake (Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies V3.2), and psychological wellbeing (WHOQOL-BREF and DASS-21) will be assessed eight times throughout the 12-month period. Annual patterns in weight will be examined using Lowess curves. Associations between changes in weight and changes in activity and diet compositions will be examined using repeated measures multi-level models. The associations between parent’s and children’s weight, activity and diet will be investigated using multi-level models. Discussion Temporal factors, such as day type (weekday or weekend day), cultural celebrations and season, may play a key role in weight gain. The aim is to identify critical opportunities for intervention to assist the prevention of weight gain. Family-based interventions may be an important intervention strategy. Trial registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ACTRN12619001430123. Prospectively registered on 16 October 2019.

scholarly journals Body Mass, Physical Activity and Eating Habits Changes during the First COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5682
Author(s):  
Hubert Dobrowolski ◽  
Dariusz Włodarek
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Energy Density ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
The Impact

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a number of changes in social life around the world. In response to the growing number of infections, some countries have introduced restrictions that may have resulted in the change of the lifestyle. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of the lockdown on body weight, physical activity and some eating habits of the society. The survey involving 183 people was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire. The mean age of the study participants was 33 ± 11 and mean height 169 ± 8 cm. An average increase in body weight was observed in 49.18% by 0.63 ± 3.7 kg which was the result of a decrease in physical activity and an increase in food consumption. We also observed a decrease in PAL from 1.64 ± 0.15 to 1.58 ± 0.13 and changes in the amount of food and individual groups of products consumption, including alcohol. Among the study participants who did not lose body mass, there was an average weight gain of 2.25 ± 2.5 kg. In conclusion, an increase of weight was shown in about half of the respondents in the study group which was associated with a decrease in physical activity and an increase in the consumption of total food and high energy density products.

scholarly journals Diabetes and endometrial cancer: effect modification by body weight, physical activity and hypertension

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (7) ◽  
pp. 995-998 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Lucenteforte ◽  
C Bosetti ◽  
R Talamini ◽  
M Montella ◽  
A Zucchetto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Endometrial Cancer ◽  
Effect Modification
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