scholarly journals Nutritional profile of ultra-processed foods advertised in small food retailers

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C A Borges ◽  
C Kikuta ◽  
P C Jaime

Abstract Background It is necessary to analyze the nutritional profile and advertising claims of ultra-processed foods available in small food retailers. Methods This is an observational cross-sectional study that carried out an audit on small food businesses. Information was collected on advertising, price, ingredient list, nutritional composition and portion size. All investigated foods were grouped according to the NOVA food classification. Food advertising was categorized into 11 different consumer appeals. The relationship between the type of advertising appeal of the ultra-processed food and its nutritional profile was analyzed. A comparison was made between the nutritional composition of the advertised food and the recommendations of sugar, saturated fat and sodium of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Results The most prevalent ultra-processed foods in small retailers were sweets and treats (18.5%); sugary sweetened beverages (15.7%), sausages (12.0%) and baked goods (11.1%). Most of the advertising on the packaging of ultra-processed foods was about healthy eating and physical activity and sensory aspects of the product (color, flavor, texture). Foods classified as high in sugars had the highest number of advertisements related to healthy eating and physical activity, foods high in sugar and saturated fats, had the highest number of advertisements related to sensory aspects, healthy eating and physical activity and foods high in sodium and / or saturated fats, had more advertising related to convenience. Conclusions Identifying that advertising for ultra-processed foods is associated with health and well-being, physical activity and sensory aspects leads us to a better understanding of the factors that influence consumer perception in small businesses. Advertising for foods rich in sugar, saturated fat and sodium based on health and well-being should be better regulated by public agencies in Brazil, supporting consumers to make healthier choices. Key messages Ultra-processed foods induce to consume large quantities, due to the convenience and the advertising present in their packaging that stimulate a healthy life, physical activity and sensory aspects. It is necessary support and defend changes in nutrition labeling, in order to clarify the nutritional information to consumers.

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1508
Author(s):  
Mayra Meza-Hernández ◽  
David Villarreal-Zegarra ◽  
Lorena Saavedra-Garcia

The purpose of this paper was to determine the foods and beverages offered in the city of Lima, Peru, that would be subject to front-of-package warning labels (octagons) according to the thresholds for the two phases (6 and 39 months after the approval) for nutrients of concern (sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and trans-fat) included in the Peruvian Law of Healthy Eating. An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted that evaluated the nutritional composition of processed and ultra-processed foods that are sold in a supermarket chain in Lima. Of all the processed and ultra-processed foods captured, foods that report nutritional information and do not require reconstitution to be consumed were included. A descriptive analysis was carried out by food categories to report the nutrient content and the percentage of foods that would be subject to front-of-package warning labels. Results: A total of 1234 foods were evaluated, according to the initial thresholds that became effective 6 months after the law was implemented; 35.9% of foods had two octagons; 34.8% had one octagon; 15.8% had no octagons; 12% had three octagons; and no products had four octagons. At 39 months, when the final and more restrictive thresholds become effective, 4.8% did not have octagons. The majority of processed and ultra-processed foods that are sold in a Peruvian supermarket chain carry at least one octagon, and more than 10% of them carry octagons for three of the four nutrients of concern.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Cummins ◽  
Charlotte Clark ◽  
Daniel Lewis ◽  
Neil Smith ◽  
Claire Thompson ◽  
...  

Background There is limited evidence for public health policy-makers on the health impacts of urban regeneration programmes. Objectives To assess whether or not the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and related urban regeneration, were associated with an increase in physical activity and mental health and well-being; to assess whether or not any benefits were sustained over time; and to capture the experiences of residents of the Olympic host boroughs. Design Quasi-experimental prospective cohort study of adolescents and their parents/carers, with a nested qualitative longitudinal study of families. Setting London boroughs of Newham, Barking and Dagenham, Tower Hamlets and Hackney. Participants A cohort of 2254 adolescents in 25 schools; a repeat cross-sectional study of parents/carers and a sample of 20 families for the qualitative study. Intervention The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and urban regeneration primarily associated with the redevelopment of the Olympic Park for legacy use. Primary outcome measures Change in the proportion of respondents meeting physical activity recommendations (using self-reported physical activity); change in the proportion of respondents reporting depression and anxiety and change in well-being score. Main results At 6 months, adolescents who became inactive were less likely to come from the intervention borough (Newham) than from comparison boroughs [risk ratio (RR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51 to 0.93]. At 18 months, there were no statistically significant differences between intervention and comparison boroughs for all adolescent physical activity and screen-time transitions. Those who visited the Olympic Park more than once a month were the least likely to remain inactive (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.48) and the least likely to become inactive (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.60) compared with those who were active at baseline and at the 18-month follow-up. No impacts on parental/carer physical activity were observed. Adolescents who were ‘no longer depressed’ (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.20) or ‘remained depressed’ (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.83) at 6 months were more likely to be from the intervention borough. For well-being, there was no association between boroughs and change in well-being between baseline and the 6-month follow-up. At 18 months’ follow-up, adolescents who ‘remained depressed’ (RR 1.93, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.70) were more likely to be from the intervention borough than from comparison boroughs. No associations were observed for well-being at 18 months. There was limited evidence of change for parental mental health and well-being. The qualitative study found that residents generally welcomed the unexpected chance to live in a cleaner, safer and more unified environment. The findings suggested that the Games temporarily alleviated certain stressors in the social and physical environment. Overall, the Games lessened participants’ sense of social exclusion and appeared to generate a sense of inclusion and respite, even if this was only temporary. Study limitations include the potential for adolescents to not be assigned the correct level of exposure to urban regeneration and the effect of reductions in central and local public budgets owing to the UK Government’s deficit reduction programme. Conclusions This study provided the highest quality data to date on the short- and medium-term social and health impacts of sporting mega-events. We found limited evidence that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games had a positive effect on adolescent or parental physical activity, mental health or well-being. Funding The National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research programme.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-70
Author(s):  
Kristine Klussman ◽  
Julia Langer ◽  
Austin Lee Nichols

Abstract. Background: Most people are comfortable asserting the beneficial effects of physical exercise on mental health and well-being. However, little research has examined how different types of physical activity affect these outcomes. Aims: The current study sought to provide a comprehensive understanding of the differential relationships between different types of physical activity and various aspects of health and well-being. In addition, we sought to understand the role of self-connection in these relationships. Method: One hundred forty-three participants completed a questionnaire designed to measure their current weekly activity as well as their current health and well-being. Specifically, we examined three intensities of activity (walking, moderate, and vigorous) and three types of activity (team-based, community-based, and not team nor community-based) on self-reported health, anxiety, depression, affect, flourishing, job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and meaning in life. In addition, we examined self-connection as a possible moderator of these relationships. Results: Results suggested that physical activity was inconsistently related to health and well-being, and activity intensity and type were important to understanding these relationships. In contrast, self-connection reliably related to health and well-being and moderated the relationship between activity type and the presence of meaning. Limitations: The cross-sectional, self-report nature of the study limits its contribution. In addition, we only examined a subset of all physical activities that people engage in. Conclusion: In all, results suggest that the relationships between physical activity, mental health, and well-being are tenuous, at best. Future research needs to examine these relationships further and continue to examine self-connection to determine how to best increase health and well-being through physical activity.


Author(s):  
Stefano Palermi ◽  
Olimpia Iacono ◽  
Felice Sirico ◽  
Michele Modestino ◽  
Carlo Ruosi ◽  
...  

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a widespread condition, representing a challenging disease to manage. Exercise is being increasingly recommended as part of the therapeutic regimen for DM but the management of different forms of physical activity is difficult for individuals with diabetes, trainers, and physicians. Regular exercise can improve health and well-being, helping individuals to achieve their target lipid profile, body composition, cardio-respiratory fitness, and glycemic goals. People with diabetes tend to be as inactive as the general population, with a large percentage of individuals not achieving the minimum amount of recommended physical activity levels. Indeed, several barriers to exercise exist for persons with diabetes, including sports eligibility, multi-modality management of diabetic athletes, and inadequate knowledge about adequate type and intensity of exercise. The aim of the present review is to provide the current understanding of mechanisms, recommendations, and beneficial effects of different modalities of exercise for the treatment of DM.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ju Lynn Ong ◽  
TeYang Lau ◽  
Stijn A A Massar ◽  
Zhi Ting Chong ◽  
Ben K L Ng ◽  
...  

Abstract Study Objectives Mobility restrictions imposed to suppress transmission of COVID-19 can alter physical activity (PA) and sleep patterns that are important for health and well-being. Characterization of response heterogeneity and their underlying associations may assist in stratifying the health impact of the pandemic. Methods We obtained wearable data covering baseline, incremental mobility restriction, and lockdown periods from 1,824 city-dwelling, working adults aged 21–40 years, incorporating 206,381 nights of sleep and 334,038 days of PA. Distinct rest-activity rhythm (RAR) profiles were identified using k-means clustering, indicating participants’ temporal distribution of step counts over the day. Hierarchical clustering of the proportion of days spent in each of these RAR profiles revealed four groups who expressed different mixtures of RAR profiles before and during the lockdown. Results Time in bed increased by 20 min during the lockdown without loss of sleep efficiency, while social jetlag measures decreased by 15 min. Resting heart rate declined by ~2 bpm. PA dropped an average of 42%. Four groups with different compositions of RAR profiles were found. Three were better able to maintain PA and weekday/weekend differentiation during lockdown. The least active group comprising ~51% of the sample, were younger and predominantly singles. Habitually less active already, this group showed the greatest reduction in PA during lockdown with little weekday/weekend differences. Conclusion In the early aftermath of COVID-19 mobility restriction, PA appears to be more severely affected than sleep. RAR evaluation uncovered heterogeneity of responses to lockdown that could associate with different outcomes should the resolution of COVID-19 be protracted.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarahjane Belton ◽  
Paul Prior ◽  
Eric Wickel ◽  
Catherine Woods

Extra-curricular physical activity (ECPA) may have an important role to play in the health and well-being of adolescents, but the actual benefits are relatively unknown. This study examined ECPA participation amongst adolescent males (age 12–15 years) from disadvantaged backgrounds, and evaluated its impact on overall physical activity (PA) accumulation and psychological well-being. At three time points over a single academic year, participants from four schools ( n = 174) wore a pedometer for seven days and completed a questionnaire assessing habitual PA, frequency of ECPA participation, barriers to ECPA participation and seven psychosocial subscales. An average year-long score was calculated for each participant, for each variable. Across seasons, 84% of participants reported regular (≥ twice a week) or occasional (once a week) participation in ECPA. Those reporting regular participation in ECPA were significantly ( p < .01) more active (steps/day) and scored higher ( p < .01) on each psychosocial subscale. Results of multinomial regression analysis showed that perceived physical competence ( p < .001) had a significant main effect on ECPA participation. Our study results indicate that students from disadvantaged backgrounds whom participate in ECPA at least once a week are significantly more physically active and have a higher level of psychological well-being than those who never participate.


2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (9) ◽  
pp. 989-990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olaf Verschuren ◽  
Patrick McPhee ◽  
Peter Rosenbaum ◽  
Jan Willem Gorter

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