Methods used to conduct the pan-European Union survey on consumer attitudes to physical activity, body weight and health

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of conducting this survey was to identify data on consumer attitudes towards and beliefs about physical activity, body weight and health among the 15 countries of the EU.DesignA cross-sectional study to get a picture of the attitudes to physical activity, body weight and health in the EU. For this, it was considered important that samples be nationally representative so that inferences drawn from the data could be applied to the population in each country as well as to the EU population as a whole. Using a non-probability sampling method employing quota controls (and the national weight) we obtained large sample sizes from each country which were nationally representative in terms of the variables age, sex and regional distribution. To ensure samples were truly nationally representative a national weight was used when analysing the data using the same characteristics as those used to define quotas. When examining pooled estimates for the total EU sample a population weight was applied.ResultsIn total, 15 239 subjects aged 15 years and upwards in the EU completed the survey. This article gives details on the methods used in carrying out the survey from design of the questionnaire to sample selection, questionnaire administration and analysis of the data. The methods and their limitations are discussed.

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Body image perception in relation to recent weight changes and strategies for weight loss in a nationally representative sample in the European Union

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980099000191 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 2 (1a) ◽

pp. 143-151 ◽

Cited By ~ 58

Author(s):

Sinead McElhone ◽

John M Kearney ◽

Ismene Giachetti ◽

Hans-Joachim Franz Zunft ◽

J Alfredo Martínez

Keyword(s):

Body Image ◽

Body Weight ◽

Regional Distribution ◽

The European Union ◽

Weight Changes ◽

Image Perception ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Body Image Perception ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

The Eu

AbstractObjectivesTo assess body image perception and satisfaction with current body image across the EU and to explore the influence of sociodemographic variables, body-weight change and strategies for losing weight on body image perception.DesignA cross-sectional study in which quota-controlled, nationally representative samples of approximately 1000 adults from each country completed a face-to-face interview-assisted questionnaire.SettingThe survey was conducted in the 15 member states of the EU between March and April 1997.SubjectsThe questionnaire was completed by 15 239 subjects (aged 15 years and upwards). Data were weighted by population size for each country and by sex, age and regional distribution within each member state.ResultsJust 39% of respondents in the EU were satisfied with their weight and these were more likely to be male (46%) rather than female (31%). Across the EU 29% of Finnish subjects were content with their weight compared with 47% in Belgium and 48% in Luxembourg. The highest percentage of subjects who were content with their body weight was among females who were underweight (58%) and males who were normal weight (66%). A further 20% of underweight females wished to be lighter compared to only 5% of males. Diet was the most frequently selected method for losing weight especially among females wishing to be considerably lighter (27%) while males were as likely to use exercise as diet as a strategy to lose weight.ConclusionsGeographical and sociodemographical influences on body image perception are evident across the EU. There were clear gender differences in the desire to be thinner with a high proportion of females who were underweight being content to be so.

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Physical activity levels and body weight in a nationally representative sample in the European Union

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980099000154 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 2 (1a) ◽

pp. 105-114 ◽

Cited By ~ 65

Author(s):

Maria Daniel Vaz de Almeida ◽

Pedro Graça ◽

Cláudia Afonso ◽

Amleto D'Amicis ◽

Raimo Lappalainen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Sample Selection ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Normal Body Mass Index ◽

Activity Levels ◽

The European Union ◽

Level Of Education ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

The Eu

AbstractObjectivesThe main objectives of this pan-European study were: (1) to identify different types of physical activity and the time devoted to them, (2) to assess physical activity/inactivity at work and in leisure time, and (3) to determine self-reported body weight and height.Design and subjectsIn each member state of the EU, approximately 1000 adults, aged 15 years or more, were selected to participate in an interview-assisted face-to-face questionnaire on physical activity and body weight. In each country, sample selection was quota-controlled to ensure national representativeness. Overall, 15 239 subjects in the EU completed the study.ResultsOn average in the EU, nearly three-quarters of the population participate in some kind of activity. In general, the highest proportions of participants were found in the Nordic countries and the lowest in the southern ones. At the European level, the five most common activities include walking, gardening, cycling, keep fit and swimming. Higher participation rates were found among men, younger subjects and those with a higher level of education. The majority of Europeans fall within the normal body mass index (BMI) range but more than one-third are overweight (31%) or obese (10%) and 11% have a BMI below 20.ConclusionsSeveral risk groups related to physical activity emerge from this survey: women, those with a lower level of education, older subjects, the overweight/obese and the underweight. Programmes to promote physical activity need to be tailored to the different groups identified in each country/region in order to increase adherence of non-participants and for the maintenance of those already engaged in activities.

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The impact of COVID-19 quarantine on dietary habits and physical activity in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11540-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Manar Abduljalil Bakhsh ◽

Jomana Khawandanah ◽

Rouba Khalil Naaman ◽

Shoug Alashmali

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Adult Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Future Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments around the world to impose strict hygiene and national lockdown measures, which in turn has changed the dietary and lifestyle habits of the world’s population. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate whether dietary and physical activity behaviors of Saudi Arabia’s adult population changed during the COVID-19 quarantine. Methods An electronic questionnaire which assessed changes in body weight, dietary habits, and physical activity of Saudi Arabia’s adult population (n = 2255) during the COVID-19 quarantine was distributed on social media between June and July 2020. To test the differences between changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors in relation to changes in body weight a Chi-square test was used. Results Over 40 and 45% of participants reported eating and snacking more, respectively, which led to weight gain in around 28%. Most participants reported that they consumed home-cooked (73%) and healthy meals (47%), while only 7% reported that they consumed foods from restaurants. Feelings of boredom and emptiness (44%) and the availability of time for preparing meals (40%) were the main reasons for changing dietary habits. Honey (43%) and vitamin C (50%) were the most consumed immune-boosting food and dietary supplement, respectively. COVID-19 also had a negative impact on physical activity, lowering the practice in 52% subjects, which was associated with significant weight gain (p < 0.001). Conclusion Assessing the changes to the population’s dietary habits and physical activity during the lockdown will help predict the outcome of the population’s future health and wellbeing after the pandemic.

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The Relationship between Obesity and Physical Activity of Children in the Spotlight of Their Parents’ Excessive Body Weight

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17238737 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (23) ◽

pp. 8737

Author(s):

Erik Sigmund ◽

Dagmar Sigmundová

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Weight Status ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Cumulative Effect ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Regular School ◽

Body Weight Status ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

Background: The study reveals the relationships between daily physical activity (PA) and the prevalence of obesity in family members separated according to the participation of their offspring in organized leisure-time physical activity (OLTPA), and answers the question of whether the participation of children in OLTPA is associated with a lower prevalence of obesity in offspring with respect to parental PA and body weight level. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 1493 parent-child dyads (915/578 mother/father-child aged 4–16 years) from Czechia selected by two-stage stratified random sampling with complete data on body weight status and weekly PA gathered over a regular school week between 2013 and 2019. Results: The children who participated in OLTPA ≥ three times a week had a significantly lower (p < 0.005) prevalence of obesity than the children without participation in OLTPA (5.0% vs. 11.1%). Even in the case of overweight/obese mothers/fathers, the children with OLTPA ≥ three times a week had a significantly lower (p < 0.002) prevalence of obesity than the children without OLTPA (6.7%/4.2% vs. 14.9%/10.7%). Conclusions: The cumulative effect of regular participation in OLTPA and a child’s own PA is a stronger alleviator of children’s obesity than their parents’ risk of overweight/obesity.

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Regional, demographic and national influences on attitudes and beliefs with regard to physical activity, body weight and health in a nationally representative sample in the European Union

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980099000130 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 2 (1a) ◽

pp. 87-96 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Anthony Kafatos ◽

Yannis Manios ◽

Irini Markatji ◽

Ismene Giachetti ◽

Maria Daniel Vaz de Almeida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Representative Sample ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Attitudes And Beliefs ◽

Physically Active ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Beliefs And Attitudes ◽

The Eu

AbstractIntroductionAlthough the benefits of physical activity regarding body-weight gain and health in general are now widely accepted, physical activity levels remain low among citizens in the western world. This could be attributed to certain attitudes and beliefs about physical activity. Identifying and understanding these parameters would be the first step in an attempt to increase the levels of physical activity in populations generally characterized as having a sedentary lifestyle.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to identify the attitudes and beliefs regarding physical activity, body weight and health in a nationally representative sample in the EU and in particular to explore the demographic and national (cultural) influences on attitudes towards physical activity.DesignIn each member state of the EU, approximately 1000 adults aged 15 years and over, were selected to complete an interviewer-assisted face-to-face questionnaire. Overall, a sample of 15 239 individuals in the EU participated in the study. Subject selection was quota-controlled to ensure samples in each country were nationally representative.ResultsOn a European level wide variations were observed regarding the levels, beliefs and attitudes towards physical activity. More positive beliefs were observed among Finns, while less positive beliefs were observed among southern Europeans. A similar pattern was observed for attitudes, with the Portuguese having the highest percentage feeling that they do not need to be more physically active than they already are. However, most southern Europeans felt that a campaign would encourage them to become more active than they already are. On a demographic level, the youngest, more educated and most physically active subjects had more positive attitudes and beliefs towards physical activity and the health benefits derived from it; while for the overweight, beliefs and attitudes toward physical activity were related primarily to the benefits related to weight control.ConclusionsLower levels of physical activity, an unwillingness to become active among non-participants and confusion regarding the weight gain benefits and general health benefits of exercise were reported more frequently among southern Europeans and older and less educated subjects. The Finns scored highest in all these parameters, possibly due to the programmes implemented and the beliefs and behaviour changes observed in this country during the last few years. The actions taken in Finland and their benefits could be employed appropriately in the other European states.

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Relationship between attitudes to health, body weight and physical activity and level of physical activity in a nationally representative sample in the European Union

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980099000142 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 2 (1a) ◽

pp. 97-103 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

BM Margetts ◽

E Rogers ◽

K Widhal ◽

A-M Remaut de Winter ◽

H-JF Zunft

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Regional Distribution ◽

Activity Level ◽

The European Union ◽

Recreational Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Activity Promotion

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the factors that influence attitudes and beliefs about the effects of body weight and physical activity on health.DesignCross-sectional survey using a face-to-face interview-assisted questionnaire.SettingThe survey was conducted between March and April 1997 in the 15 member states of the EU.SubjectsApproximately 1000 adults aged 15 years plus from each country were selected by quota-controlled sampling; the total sample was of 15 239 persons (7162 males and 8077 females). Data were weighted by population size for each country and by age, gender and regional distribution within countries.ResultsOverall 27% of men and 35% of women reported not engaging in any form of recreational activity; rates were highest in those with a primary-level education (37% men, 43% women) compared with tertiary-level education (20% men, 25% women). Recreational activity levels declined with age and tended to be lowest in those who were more physically active at work. Eighteen per cent of respondents believed that physical activity was one of the two greatest influences on health; 13% mentioned body weight, 38% mentioned food, 41% mentioned smoking and 33% mentioned stress. Logistic regression was used to assess for the effects of gender, age, educational level, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, activity level and country on beliefs that body weight and physical activity influenced health. Primary-educated, overweight, ex- and non-smoking women were most likely to mention body weight as an influence; young tertiary-educated, thinner, non-smoking and active males were most likely to mention physical activity. There was wide variation across Europe in reported behaviour and beliefs, which persisted after taking account of all of the other factors in the regression model.ConclusionsRelatively few people in some countries believed body weight and physical activity were important influences on health. Many people mentioned stress and it might be possible to use this interest to motivate changes in physical activity to relieve stress. It may be important to take a more integrated approach to activity patterns that consider the role of work and recreation. Although social and demographic factors were important, after adjusting for these factors there was still wide between-country variation in reported attitudes, beliefs and behaviour. This will need to be taken into account in any activity promotion campaigns.

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Twitter-Derived Social Neighborhood Characteristics and Individual-Level Cardiometabolic Outcomes: Cross-Sectional Study in a Nationally Representative Sample (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.17969 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dina Huang ◽

Yuru Huang ◽

Sahil Khanna ◽

Pallavi Dwivedi ◽

Natalie Slopen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Representative Sample ◽

Public Health Research ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Neighborhood Environment ◽

Neighborhood Characteristics ◽

Lower Prevalence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Individual Level ◽

Nationally Representative

BACKGROUND Social media platforms such as Twitter can serve as a potential data source for public health research to characterize the social neighborhood environment. Few studies have linked Twitter-derived characteristics to individual-level health outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the association between Twitter-derived social neighborhood characteristics, including happiness, food, and physical activity mentions, with individual cardiometabolic outcomes using a nationally representative sample. METHODS We collected a random 1% of the geotagged tweets from April 2015 to March 2016 using Twitter’s Streaming Application Interface (API). Twitter-derived zip code characteristics on happiness, food, and physical activity were merged to individual outcomes from restricted-use National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with residential zip codes. Separate regression analyses were performed for each of the neighborhood characteristics using NHANES 2011-2016 and 2007-2016. RESULTS Individuals living in the zip codes with the two highest tertiles of happy tweets reported BMI of 0.65 (95% CI –1.10 to –0.20) and 0.85 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (95% CI –1.48 to –0.21) lower than those living in zip codes with the lowest frequency of happy tweets. Happy tweets were also associated with a 6%-8% lower prevalence of hypertension. A higher prevalence of healthy food tweets was linked with an 11% (95% CI 2% to 21%) lower prevalence of obesity. Those living in areas with the highest and medium tertiles of physical activity tweets were associated with a lower prevalence of hypertension by 10% (95% CI 4% to 15%) and 8% (95% CI 2% to 14%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Twitter-derived social neighborhood characteristics were associated with individual-level obesity and hypertension in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Twitter data could be used for capturing neighborhood sociocultural influences on chronic conditions and may be used as a platform for chronic outcomes prevention.

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Self-perception of Body Weight and Physical Activity with its Relationship to Actual Body Weight among Students in a Medical College: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

JOURNAL FOR CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH ◽

10.7860/jcdr/2021/45774.14440 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

T Prathiba ◽

G Rajkumar ◽

M Anbarasi

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Image ◽

Body Weight ◽

Medical Students ◽

Actual Body ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Strong Positive Correlation ◽

Actual Body Weight ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction: Obesity and sedentary life style are becoming more prevalent among the student generation. Every human being has a very good insight about the outlook. But many are not able to maintain what they perceive. During this survey, the students get a vivid picture of their real body weight and their perception of their body structure. Aim: To compare the self-perceived body weight with actual body weight among medical students and to analyse the perceptions and practice of medical student’s related to physical activity. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 400 medical students. Self-perceived body image was assessed using Silhouette matching technique. Students represented the figure how they currently look (Feel) and how they actually wanted to look (Ideal). The Feel minus Ideal Discrepancy (FID) score was noted. Actual body weight and height were measured. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using the Quetelet formula- weight(Kg)/height(metres)2. Perceptions and practice of physical activity were assessed using Exercise Benefits/Barrier Scale (EBBS). Comparison of perceived and actual body weight was done by Student’s Independent t-test and Pearson correlation test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0. Results: The actual BMI and perceived BMI showed strong positive correlation (r= 0.726; p=0.0001). Males had high exercise benefit scores (92) when compared with females (86) (p=0.0002). The students had high total score (benefit score plus barrier score); males had 127 and females had 124 (p=0.003) and high benefit/barrier ratio. Conclusion: Actual BMI and self-perceived BMI were well correlated indicating participant’s awareness of their body image. Male participants were more actively involved in physical activity and more concerned about maintaining their body weight. All students had higher benefit scores which is a favourable sign towards a healthy and active physical life.

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Self-perception: Does Obesity Influence Quality of Life

10.21203/rs.3.rs-37340/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amra Zalihic ◽

Maja Barbaric ◽

Mirela Mabic ◽

Marnela Palameta ◽

Ankica Mijic Maric ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Self Perception ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Overweight People ◽

The World

Abstract The number of obese and overweight people around the world rapidly grows and takes on epidemic proportions. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of body weight on quality of life and to investigate our patients' consciousness about their body weight and its impact on their quality of life.Methods : The cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 1067 respondents, using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.Results : Out of 1067 patients, 684 were females. 65.5 % of patients had BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 . 21.7% of 699 patients who had BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 think that their increased body weight doesn’t affect their health, 27.9 % of respondents think that their overweight is unrelated to physical activity, 41.8 % of respondents have no problems purchasing the clothes due to their weight and 31.6 % of respondents with BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 think that it doesn’t affect their quality of life.Conclusion : Quality of life is significantly better in respondents with BMI <25 kg/m 2 . The alarming result is that slightly less than half of respondents think that overweight doesn’t affect their health and don’t understand the seriousness of the problem.

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Analysis of Social Aspects Associated with Osteoarthritis in the Brazilian Population: A Cross-sectional Study Based on the National Health Survey in Brazil (PNS 2013).

10.21203/rs.3.rs-54565/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Clécio Gabriel Souza ◽

Marcelo Cardoso Souza ◽

Hugo Jario Silva ◽

Sanderson Assis ◽

Diego Sousa Dantas

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Social Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

National Health Survey ◽

Brazilian Population ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

The Social

Abstract Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered the third most prevalent chronic non-communicable disease in the Brazilian population, being responsible for a high rate of physical disability and reduced quality of life. Little has been discussed about the social factors associated with this health condition. This study aimed to analyze the social factors associated with OA in the Brazilian population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on data from the 2013 National Health Survey in Brazil with OA as its main outcome. Gender, age, body weight, usual activities, physical activity, self-perceived health and diagnosis of depression were analyzed as independent variables. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Poisson multiple regression was performed, and the prevalence ratio (PR) and confidence interval (CI) of 95% were calculated using a significance level of 5% (p≤0.05). Results: A total of 60,202 individuals of both genders took part in this study and the OA prevalence was 6.4%. The individual factors associated with a higher prevalence of OA were female gender (PR = 2.09; CI = 1.95-2.25), age over 35 years (PR = 2.88; CI = 2.57-3.24) and excess body weight (PR = 1.61; CI = 1.25-2.07). The presence of OA showed an association with lower performance of usual activities (PR = 1.61; CI = 1.50-1.73) and self-perceived health as very poor (PR = 3.96; CI = 3.31-4.72). In addition, it was associated with a higher prevalence of mental illnesses such as depression (PR = 1.77; CI = 1.64-1.90). Conclusion: Social and modifiable factors which are associated with a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis can be controlled through incentive measures such as social participation and physical activity.

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