scholarly journals Food insecurity, weight control practices and body mass index in adolescents

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 570-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin C Gulliford ◽  
Cheryl Nunes ◽  
Brian Rocke
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Free Time ◽  
Economic Variables ◽  
Physical Effort ◽  
Socio Economic Variables

AbstractObjectiveWe investigated whether experienced food insecurity was associated with weight control behaviour of adolescents.DesignA national survey of 16-year-old students with the six-item food security scale, questions concerning intentions of trying to change weight, physical activity patterns, and measurement of height and weight.SettingRepresentative sample of 29 schools in Trinidad, West Indies.SubjectsData analysed for 1903 subjects including 1484 who were food-secure and 419 who were food-insecure.ResultsIn the whole sample, food security status did not vary by body mass index (BMI) category. ‘Trying to gain weight’ and ‘spending most free time in activities involving little physical effort’ were each associated with lower BMI. ‘Trying to gain weight’ was more frequent in food-insecure subjects (135, 32%) than in food-secure subjects (369, 25%, P=0.012). After adjustment for BMI, age, sex, ethnicity and socio-economic variables, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of ‘trying to gain weight’ for food-insecure subjects was 1.39 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.82, P = 0.014). Food-insecure subjects (197, 47%) were more likely than food-secure subjects (575, 39%) to report that most of their free time was spent doing things that involved little physical effort (P = 0.003). This association was not explained by adjustment for BMI, age, sex and ethnicity (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.13–1.76, P = 0.002) or additional socio-economic variables (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.02–1.57, P = 0.033).ConclusionsAdolescents who experience food insecurity are more likely to intend to gain weight but engage in less physical activity than food-secure subjects with the same BMI.

scholarly journals Self-administration of a food security scale by adolescents: item functioning, socio-economic position and food intakes

2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 853-860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin C Gulliford ◽  
Deepak Mahabir ◽  
Cheryl Nunes ◽  
Brian Rocke
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Economic Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frequent Consumption ◽  
Economic Position ◽  
Socio Economic Variables

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the reliability and validity of a six-item food security scale when self-administered by adolescents.DesignCross-sectional questionnaire survey including the six-item food security measure, socio-economic variables and a food-frequency questionnaire.SettingRepresentative sample of 29 schools in Trinidad.SubjectsIn total 1903 students aged approximately 16 years.ResultsItem affirmatives ranged from 514 (27%) for the ‘balanced meal’ item to 128 (7%) for the ‘skipped or cut meals often’ item and 141 (7%) for the ‘hungry’ item. Item-score correlations ranged from 0.444 to 0.580. Cronbach's α was 0.77. Relative item severities from the Rasch model ranged from −1.622 (standard error 0.043) for the ‘balanced meal’ item to 1.103 (0.068) for the ‘skipped or cut meals often’ item and 0.944 (0.062) for the ‘hungry’ item. The ‘hungry’ item gave a slightly lower relative severity in boys than girls. Food insecurity was associated with household overcrowding (adjusted odds ratio comparing highest and lowest quartiles 2.61, 95% confidence interval 1.75 to 3.91), lack of pipe-borne water in the home, low paternal education or paternal unemployment. After adjusting for socio-economic variables, food insecurity was associated with less frequent consumption of fruit (0.75, 0.60 to 0.94) or fish (0.72, 0.58 to 0.88) but more frequent consumption of biscuits or cakes (1.47, 1.02 to 2.11).ConclusionsThe food security scale provides a valid, reliable measure in adolescents, although young people report being hungry but not eating relatively more frequently than adults. Food-insecure adolescents have low socio-economic position and may eat less healthy diets.

The Family Home Environment, Food Insecurity, and Body Mass Index in Rural Children

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 648-657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Jackson ◽  
Ellen Smit ◽  
Adam Branscum ◽  
Katherine Gunter ◽  
Marie Harvey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Low Income ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Rural Children ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Family Home

Background. Family homes are a key setting for developing lifelong eating and physical activity habits, yet little is known about how family home nutrition and physical activity (FNPA) environments influence food insecurity (FI) and childhood obesity, particularly in rural settings. Aims. This study examined associations among FNPA, FI, and body mass index (BMI) in rural children. Method. Parents of 186 elementary school–age children completed FNPA and FI surveys. Child anthropometrics were directly measured. Logistic and linear regressions were used to examine associations. Results. Approximately 37% of children were overweight/obese; 43% of families were at risk for FI. Children whose families limited watching TV while eating were less likely to be obese (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56, p = .03) as were children whose families monitored intake of chips, cookies, and candy (OR = 0.54, p = .01). FI was higher in obese than normal weight children (OR = 11.00, p = .003) but only among families not eligible to receive free/reduced-cost school meals. Among eligible families, lower odds of FI were found for those who ate meals together often (OR = 0.31, p = .04) and for those with children frequently enrolled in organized sports/activities (OR = 0.65, p = .04). Findings were not significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Discussion. Results suggest that favorable FNPA factors were associated with healthier BMI and lower odds of FI. Conclusion. Opportunities for healthy eating at home may support rural children’s weight health. Additional resources may be necessary to promote food security among low-income families. Future research is warranted to better understand FNPA in relationship to the disproportionate rates of obesity and FI in rural populations.

Using “spinal shrinkage” as a trigger for motivating students to learn about obesity and adopt a healthy lifestyle

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Talay Yar
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Laboratory Exercise ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Physiology Laboratory

Obesity is a global problem; however, relatively little attention is directed toward preparing and inspiring students of medicine and allied medical sciences to address this serious matter. Students are not routinely exposed to the assessment methods for obesity, its overall prevalence, causative factors, short- and long-term consequences, and its management by lifestyle modification. This physiology laboratory exercise involving students of medicine ( n = 106) was developed to 1) introduce medical students to methods of obesity assessment and to differentiate between general and abdominal obesity, 2) generate an interest and sensitivity about obesity, and 3) stimulate thinking about modification of their lifestyle in relation to eating habits, weight control, and physical activity. Spinal shrinkage (the difference between the standing height of a person and his/her recumbent length) was used as an immediate observable parameter to demonstrate the effect of adiposity. Spinal shrinkage is recognized as an index of the compressive forces acting on the spine and is related to body mass index. A positive correlation ( r = 0.365, P < 0.05) was observed between body mass index and spinal shrinkage. A questionnaire was used to assess student responses to this exercise. Students were motivated to engage in more physical activity (74%), adopt healthier eating (63%), and enhance their knowledge about obesity (67%). They expressed keen interest in the laboratory exercise and found the sessions enjoyable (91%). The laboratory exercise proved to be a success in motivating the students to actively learn and inquire about obesity and to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Differentiation of physical activity of prison service officers according to job specialization

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (77) ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
Józef Bergier ◽  
Leszek Wojciechowski
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
High Body Mass Index ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Free Time ◽  
Professional Work ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
High Body

Study aim. The proper physical activity of prison staff is an indispensable component of their professional work. The purpose of the study was to: identify the level of physical activity of offi cers employed in the security department – protective specialization and others – administrative specialization, and demonstrate differences in their: free time, self-evaluation of physical fi tness, number of performed sports disciplines and BMI. Material and methods. The study was carried out in 2015 among 100 employees of the Biała Podlaska Penitentiary using the long-standing IPAQ questionnaire supplemented with original questions regarding amount of free time, self-evaluation of physical fi tness, number of performed sports as well as height and body mass. Results. In the distinguished groups of prison service offi cers (protective and administrative specializations), the desired direction of differences in physical activity was demonstrated in the absence of their relevance. Similar relationships were found in other positive health and lifestyle indicators. In this range of differences, attention is given to high body mass index (BMI), especially in the administrative specialization. Conclusions. 1. The offi cers of both specializations are characterized by high levels of physical activity. 2. The small number of performed sports appears to be a less favourable fact. 3. The occurrence of obesity in administrators should be a signal to implement lifestyle changes, including greater concern for physical activity and nutrition.

scholarly journals Body mass index and its relationship with socio-economic variables in Schoolgirls

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Purreza Abolghasem ◽  
Leila Dehghankar ◽  
Moslem Jafarisani ◽  
Ali Pouryosef ◽  
Hamidreza Tadayyon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Measure Data ◽  
Economic Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Average Body Mass ◽  
Socio Economic Variables ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Evaluation of anthropometric and body mass index is not only widely used to assess children's development, but also is simplicity, affordability and reliability and most powerful tool to study the growth and development of children in different societies. BMI is one of the most important indicators of the growth, especially in childhood, which can be influenced by some socio - economic variables. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index with some of the socio - economic conditions in children with a primary and secondary education to physical development factors and social - economic conditions affecting the BMI.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and 200 children between 7 to 17 years of primary and secondary schools were selected and divided into two groups. Tools used in this study were questionnaires, Balance and Tape measure. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software. P<0.05 considered statiscally significant.Results: Majority of the samples was in normal and thin range. High school student girls had a lower average body mass index, and percentage of weight loss was greater among them.Conclusion: Socio-economic variables affect the lifestyle of families and they can be associated with BMI. Keywords: Body mass index, female students, parents socio-economic variables.

scholarly journals College Campus Food Insecurity and Body Mass Index, Financial Assistance, and Ethnicity (P04-042-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Fontenot ◽  
Emily Woods
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
College Campus ◽  
Financial Assistance ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the prevalence of hunger among college students attending Louisiana Tech University located in Louisiana. Hypothesis 1: There will be no significant difference in BMI between those that are considered food insecure versus those that consider themselves food secure. Hypothesis 2: There will be no significant difference in ethnicity between those that are food insecure versus those that are food secure. Hypothesis 3: There will be no significant difference between degree of food security and whether or not financial assistance is received. Degree of food insecurity includes either being food secure or being food insecure. Methods Outcomes compared included BMI, ethnicity, and financial assistance in relation to food secure and food insecure participants. Students participated in an online survey distributed through the school email system. Survey questions were adapted from the USDA food security survey. Results Food insecure participants had an average BMI of 27.6 + 7.4, suggesting a link between food insecurity and having a greater body mass index. No association between food insecurity and financial assistance but 89% of those who identified as food insecure receiving financial aid. Further, the number of those who were food insecure and white was greater than those who were food insure and black, indicating that food insecurity does not discriminate. Conclusions Research is needed to explore circumstances contributing to food insecurity among college students. Funding Sources N/A.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional, exploratory survey on health-relevant free-time activities and body mass index in preschool children in urban and rural settings of Austria

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Robatsch ◽  
P. Voitl ◽  
Susanne C. Diesner-Treiber
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Free Time ◽  
Media Consumption ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Time Activity ◽  
Rural And Urban

Abstract Background The increasing prevalence of obesity is among the most relevant healthcare issues in Europe. The number of overweight people rises due to lifestyle changes, increased sitting activities, and less physical activity. Prevention in early childhood is paramount to stop this alarming trend. Aim This study primarily aimed to evaluate the average time children (3-5 years) from rural and urban Austrian regions spent engaging in physical activity and sedentary behaviors in their free-time. Additionally, we investigated the potential correlation between duration and habits of free-time activity or place of residence and age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI). The potential impact of socio-economic factors on BMI was examined. Methods Urban (Vienna) and rural (Carinthia) regions of Austria were chosen for this observational cross-sectional study. Preschool children (n=130) attending nurseries in these regions were included. Weight and height were measured and BMI calculated. Free-time activity and socio-economic data were asked using a self-administered questionnaire. Data on sedentary behavior time (sedentary activity and media consumption) and physical activity time (defined as organized or spontaneous exercise) were analyzed using non-parametric tests. Results Preschool children spent approximately as many hours of their free-time engaged in physical activity as in sedentary behaviors. Time trend in media consumption amounts to one-third of the cumulative time spent engaging in sedentary behaviors. Preschoolers from the urban area spent fewer hours practicing organized exercise and more in sedentary behaviors than peers in the rural area. In the selected areas, 7 % of preschoolers were overweight, 3.9 % were obese. BMI was not associated with free-time activities but showed a trendwise negative correlation with organized exercise. A positive correlation of age and organized exercise was observed but not with physical activity per se. Conclusions Our results confirm the necessity of preventive interventions among Austrian preschoolers and lead to a better understanding of their free-time activities. Further investigations with larger study populations are needed to promote effective childhood obesity prevention and examine the differences regarding obesity prevalence and leisure-time activity between rural and urban areas.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document