scholarly journals ‘Fat black sheep’: Educational penalties of childhood obesity in an emerging country

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (18) ◽  
pp. 3394-3408
Author(s):  
Pierre Levasseur

AbstractObjective:This article explores the relationship between childhood obesity and educational outcomes in Mexico, a country where excess weight is predominant.Design:Using complementary multivariate estimators, we empirically investigate the association between childhood excess weight, measured in 2002, and schooling attainment measured 10 years later. Non-linear specifications are tested, and heterogeneous effects according to gender, living area and economic backgrounds are investigated.Setting:To fill the literature gap, this study focuses on the understudied context of emerging countries such as Mexico.Participants:Panel data from the Mexican Family Life Survey (2002–2012) are used. We restricted the sample to adolescent individuals who had between 9 and 15 years old in 2002 (attended primary or secondary school in 2002). The survey provides an accurate follow-up information on weight, height and waist circumference for each individual.Results:Controlling for a comprehensive set of covariates, we find that the relationship is non-linear in Mexico. While weight-based childhood obesity and abdominal adiposity are significantly associated with lower school attainment, at least in urban settings, no schooling gap is found between overweight students and their normal-weight counterparts. Along with rural–urban heterogeneity, obesity-based educational penalties appear to be stronger for girls and students from privileged economic backgrounds.Conclusions:These results emphasise the co-occurrence of anti-fat and pro-fat social norms in Mexican schools: while anti-fat norms may particularly concern female, richer and urban students, pro-fat norms might persist among male, poorer and rural students. These findings have important implications for public policy, namely about awareness anti-obesity programmes.

1985 ◽  
Vol 24 (02) ◽  
pp. 91-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. van Pelt ◽  
Ph. H. Quanjer ◽  
M. E. Wise ◽  
E. van der Burg ◽  
R. van der Lende

SummaryAs part of a population study on chronic lung disease in the Netherlands, an investigation is made of the relationship of both age and sex with indices describing the maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curve. To determine the relationship, non-linear canonical correlation was used as realized in the computer program CANALS, a combination of ordinary canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and non-linear transformations of the variables. This method enhances the generality of the relationship to be found and has the advantage of showing the relative importance of categories or ranges within a variable with respect to that relationship. The above is exemplified by describing the relationship of age and sex with variables concerning respiratory symptoms and smoking habits. The analysis of age and sex with MEFV curve indices shows that non-linear canonical correlation analysis is an efficient tool in analysing size and shape of the MEFV curve and can be used to derive parameters concerning the whole curve.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Babaei-Aghbolagh ◽  
Komeil Babaei Velni ◽  
Davood Mahdavian Yekta ◽  
H. Mohammadzadeh

Abstract We investigate the $$ T\overline{T} $$ T T ¯ -like flows for non-linear electrodynamic theories in D(=2n)-dimensional spacetime. Our analysis is restricted to the deformation problem of the classical free action by employing the proposed $$ T\overline{T} $$ T T ¯ operator from a simple integration technique. We show that this flow equation is compatible with $$ T\overline{T} $$ T T ¯ deformation of a scalar field theory in D = 2 and of a non-linear Born-Infeld type theory in D = 4 dimensions. However, our computation discloses that this kind of $$ T\overline{T} $$ T T ¯ flow in higher dimensions is essentially different from deformation that has been derived from the AdS/CFT interpretations. Indeed, the gravity that may be exist as a holographic dual theory of this kind of effective Born-Infeld action is not necessarily an AdS space. As an illustrative investigation in D = 4, we shall also show that our construction for the $$ T\overline{T} $$ T T ¯ operator preserves the original SL(2, ℝ) symmetry of a non-supersymmetric Born-Infeld theory, as well as $$ \mathcal{N} $$ N = 2 supersymmetric model. It is shown that the corresponding SL(2, ℝ) invariant action fixes the relationship between the $$ T\overline{T} $$ T T ¯ operator and quadratic form of the energy-momentum tensor in D = 4.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (11) ◽  
pp. 1047-1047
Author(s):  
Wan-yue Liu ◽  
Yi Sun ◽  
Shu-na Huang ◽  
Yu-zhen Lin ◽  
Hong-yan Guo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background To investigate the main environmental factors of hypertension and the relationship between hypertension and circular RNAs in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Methods This was a case–control study. A total of 681 hypertension patients and 485 subjects without hypertension were recruited between April 2017 and October 2018. All participations completed the questionnaire investigation, physical examination, and laboratory detection. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze circRNAs (hsa_circ_0001946 and hsa_circ_0125589) in peripheral blood leukocytes in 84 hypertensives and 84 controls. Multivariate logistic regression and crossover analysis were used to analyze the interaction and association between environmental factors and circRNAs in hypertension. Results After adjusted by gender, age and marital status, overweight/obesity (odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–2.22), abdominal obesity (OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.54–3.04), anxiety (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.41–3.28), family history of hypertension (OR = 4.26, 95% CI 3.18–5.70), and higher levels of hsa_circ_0001946 (OR = 4.13, 95% CI 1.85–9.21) were risk factors for hypertension, while levels of hsa_circ_0125589 were not associated with hypertension. Crossover analysis showed that the risk of hypertension was 13.12 times higher (95% CI 3.89–44.23) in overweight subjects with high hsa_circ_0001946 levels compared with normal weight subjects with low hsa_circ_0001946 levels. Further, the risk of hypertension was 17.78 times higher (95% CI 1.88–168.61) in subjects with anxiety and high hsa_circ_0001946 levels. Conclusions Hypertension is the result of both environmental factors and genetic factors. Higher hsa_circ_0001946 levels, overweight and anxiety may increase the risk of hypertension, while hsa_circ_0125589 levels are not related to hypertension.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Jalali-Farahani ◽  
Parisa Amiri ◽  
Bita Lashkari ◽  
Leila Cheraghi ◽  
Farhad Hosseinpanah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Parental weight is studied as an important determinant of childhood obesity; however, obesity-related metabolic abnormalities have been less considered as determinants of childhood obesity. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal obesity phenotypes and incidence of obesity in their offspring. Methods This longitudinal study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. A total of 2151 non-obese children who had complete parental information were followed for incidence of obesity over a mean of 148.7 ± 34.7 months. Obesity in children was defined using the World Health Organization criteria. Maternal body mass index (BMI) was classified into three categories: normal weight, overweight and obese. Dysmetabolic status was considered as having metabolic syndrome or diabetes. Metabolic syndrome and diabetes were defined according to the Joint Interim Statement and American diabetes association criteria, respectively. Considering maternal BMI categories and metabolic status, six obesity phenotypes were defined as followed: 1) normal weight and normal metabolic status, 2) overweight and normal metabolic status, 3) obese and normal metabolic status, 4) normal weight and dysmetabolic status, 5) overweight and dysmetabolic status, and 6) obese and dysmetabolic status. The association between maternal obesity phenotypes and incidence of obesity in children was studied using Cox proportional regression hazard model. Results In male offspring, the risk of incidence of obesity significantly increased in those with maternal obesity phenotypes including overweight/normal metabolic: 1.75(95% CI: 1.10–2.79), obese/normal metabolic: 2.60(95%CI: 1.51–4.48), overweight/dysmetabolic: 2.34(95%CI: 1.35–4.03) and obese/dysmetabolic: 3.21(95%CI: 1.94–5.03) compared to the normal weight/normal metabolic phenotype. Similarly, in girls, the risk of incidence of obesity significantly increased in offspring with maternal obesity phenotypes including overweight/normal metabolic: 2.39(95%CI: 1.46–3.90), obese/normal metabolic: 3.55(95%CI: 1.94–6.46), overweight/dysmetabolic: 1.92(95%CI: 1.04–3.52) and obese/dysmetabolic: 3.89(95%CI: 2.28–6.64) compared to normal weight/normal metabolic phenotype. However, maternal normal weight/dysmetabolic phenotype did not significantly change the risk of obesity in both male and female offspring. Conclusion Except for normal weight/dysmetabolic phenotype, all maternal obesity phenotypes had significant prognostic values for incidence of offspring obesity with the highest risk for obese/dysmetabolic phenotype. This study provides valuable findings for identifying the first line target groups for planning interventions to prevent childhood obesity.


Author(s):  
Annie M. Constable ◽  
Josie E. Porter ◽  
Danielle Benger ◽  
Dimitris Vlachopoulos ◽  
Alan R. Barker ◽  
...  

Purpose: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) positively influences bone mineral content (BMC) in prepubertal children, but it is unknown whether this relationship is partially mediated by free leptin index. The aim of this study was to examine whether the relationship between MVPA and total body less head (TBLH) BMC is mediated or moderated by free leptin index in prepubertal children. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis on 401 children (194 girls) from baseline examinations of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Childhood Study. We applied the four-way decomposition mediation analysis method to assess whether free leptin index, measured from fasted blood samples, mediated the relationship between accelerometer-measured MVPA and TBLH BMC measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: MVPA had a positive controlled direct effect on TBLH BMC in girls and boys (β = 0.010 to 0.011, p < 0.05). There was no mediation or interaction between MVPA, free leptin index and TBLH BMC in girls or boys (β = −0.000 to 0.001, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study indicates that MVPA positively influences TBLH BMC through pathways not related to free leptin index in predominantly normal-weight prepubertal children, likely primarily through mechanical loading. The relationships between MVPA, free leptin index and TBLH BMC may be influenced by other factors such as pubertal status and adiposity, so it is unknown whether these observations extend to overweight and obese children at different stages of puberty.


Author(s):  
Kassoum Ayouba ◽  
Marie-Laure Breuillé ◽  
Camille Grivault ◽  
Julie Le Gallo

This article draws on data collected by local rental observatories in 12 French urban units in 2015 to analyze the spatial dimension of hedonic rental prices in the private rental market through (i) the spatial heterogeneity between urban units and (ii) the wide variety of contextual and locational characteristics (socio-economic, environmental (dis)amenity, and accessibility) and flexible specifications to capture their potential non-linear influence on rent. Based on a joint test of equality of coefficients across all urban units, we find that hedonic prices differ for 75% of the characteristics, thereby justifying a detailed analysis of heterogeneity. Lyon, Nice, and Paris taken individually are the urban units with the most specific valuations of housing characteristics and socio-economic characteristics. Our analysis reveals that housing characteristics, median income, and distance to the center are clearly the variables with the most heterogeneous effects on hedonic prices.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2329
Author(s):  
Christine Bergman ◽  
Yuan Tian ◽  
Andrew Moreo ◽  
Carola Raab

The obesity pandemic is associated with increased consumption of restaurant food. Labeling of menus is an intervention used to provide consumers with kilocalorie (calorie) information in hopes of them making healthier food choices. This study evaluated the relationship between young adults’ calorie choices on restaurant menus and menu design, dietary behaviors, and demographic characteristics. A 3 (fast-casual restaurants) × 4 (menu-designs based on menu engineering theories) between-subjects (n = 480, 18–24-year olds) experimental design was used. The relationship between the participants’ calorie choices (high versus low) and menu design, stage of change, gender, race, educational level and weight status was evaluated using logistic regression. All independent variables had at least one category that had greater odds (CI 95% ± 5%) of subjects choosing a lower calorie entree, except education level and race/ethnic group. Normal weight and overweight subjects had greater odds of choosing lower calorie entrees than those that were obese. In addition, subjects that had started to control their calorie intake for less than six months or had sustained this change for at least six months, had greater odds of choosing lower calorie entrees compared to others. Including a green symbol and calories on fast casual restaurant menus may influence some young adults to choose lower calorie entrees.


2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Al-Tannir ◽  
Samer Kobrosly ◽  
Taha Itani ◽  
Mariam El-Rajab ◽  
Sawsan Tannir

Background:This survey aims to assess the prevalence of physical activity among adult Lebanese, and to report the relationship between sociodemographic variables and physical activity behavior, highlighting the correlates discouraging people to carry out physical activity.Methods:A cross-sectional study using an anonymous self-reported questionnaire was conducted on 346 adults from four Lebanese districts. Demographic characteristics, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and medical history were obtained.Results:Prevalence of physical activity among Lebanese adults was 55.5% (192/346). Age, BMI, marital status, medical history, occupation, educational level, and smoking were significantly associated with physical activity (P < .05). Inactive obese participants were about three times more likely to report hypertension and diabetes than inactive normal weight participants (P = .013). BMI was significantly higher among inactive participants (P = .014).Conclusion:Physical activity among Lebanese adults was comparable to other populations. Married, non–office workers, and smokers were the main correlates of physical inactivity in Lebanese adulthood.


2003 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 521-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. K. Wells

Body composition in children is of increasing interest within the contexts of childhood obesity, clinical management of patients and nutritional programming as a pathway to adult disease. Energy imbalance appears to be common in many disease states; however, body composition is not routinely measured in patients. Traditionally, clinical interest has focused on growth or nutritional status, whereas more recent studies have quantified fat mass and lean mass. The human body changes in proportions and chemical composition during childhood and adolescence. Most of the weight gain comprises lean mass rather than fat. In general, interest has focused on percentage fat, and less attention has been paid to the way in which lean mass varies within and between individuals. In the general population secular trends in BMI have been widely reported, indicating increasing levels of childhood obesity, which have been linked to reduced physical activity. However, lower activity levels may potentially lead not only to increased fatness, but also to reduced lean mass. This issue merits further investigation. Diseases have multiple effects on body composition and may influence fat-free mass and/or fat mass. In some diseases both components change in the same direction, whereas in other diseases, the changes are contradictory and may be concealed by relatively normal weight. Improved techniques are required for clinical evaluations. Both higher fatness and reduced lean mass may represent pathways to an increased risk of adult disease.


1980 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 237 ◽  
Author(s):  
WJ Cram

Carrot tissue is taken as a representative glycophilic tissue. It accumulates K+, Cl- and total osmotica to a steady level after 10-15 days. This level of Cl- is nearly constant and is independent of external KCl concentration and of turgor. Cl- influx is also independent of turgor. It therefore appears that the Cl- accumulating system in carrot (and possibly in other glycophytes) can, under artificial conditions, act as a homeostat for intracellular C- concentration, and is not the basis of turgor maintenance. It is suggested that turgor might be maintained by controlled accumulation of K+ carboxylates in glycophytes. Beet tissue is taken as a representative halophilic tissue. It accumulates K+, Cl-, and total osmotica to a steady level after about 4 days. At this stage turgor is constant, due to differences in the levels of KCl accumulated. Cl- influx is stimulated by reducing turgor after a lag of 3-5 h. The relationship of Cl- influx to turgor is non-linear. It therefore appears that in beet (and possibly in other halophytes) turgor maintenance is based on the turgor-sensitive accumulation of Cl- salts. Cl- influx in beet is also affected by changes in intracellular Cl- concentration, as in carrot. It is suggested that this feedback relationship may primarily be part of a system for the controlled uptake of nutrients rather than of Cl- in both tissues.


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