Association between overweight and consumption of ultra-processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages among vegetarians

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the consumption of ultra-processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages and to identify the association of this consumption with overweight among vegetarians. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a convenience sampling method was conducted. Data were collected using an online questionnaire from 8/24/2015 to 10/8/2015. Subjects were male and female vegetarians aged >16 years. Using a food frequency questionnaire, we assessed the weekly consumption of ultra-processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages and described the frequency of daily consumption overall and according to type of vegetarianism. The association between overweight and excessive daily intake of ultra-processed food was analyzed by multiple logistic regression (OR [95CI%]). Results: Information was retrieved from 503 individuals (29.8±8.5 years old); 83.7% were women. The most frequent types of vegetarianism in our sample were ovo-lacto (45.5%) and vegan (41.7%), and the median time of vegetarianism was 5.3 years. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (≥2x/day) and ultra-processed food (≥3x/day) was 21.0% and 16.0%, respectively, and regarding the different vegetarianism types, vegans showed the lowest frequency of excessive daily sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed food consumption. In the multivariable analysis, consumption of ultra-processed food ≥3x/day (2.33 [1.36-4.03]), male sex (1.73 [1.01-2.96]), age ≥35 years (2.03 [1.23-3.36]) and not preparing one’s food (1.67 [0.95-2.94]) were independently associated with overweight. Conclusion: Although vegetarianism is frequently associated with a healthier diet and, consequently, prevention of poor health outcomes, this study found that the excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed food was associated with overweight.

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“Prevalence, Patterns, Clinico-social and Behavioural factors associated with the Consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages among Undergraduate Medical Students of Central India”

10.1101/2021.08.29.21262509 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Soumya Kanti Mandal ◽

G Revadi ◽

Darshan Parida ◽

Anindo Majumdar

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Central India ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

High Intake ◽

Sugar Sweetened Beverages ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sweetened Beverages ◽

Behavioural Factors

AbstractBackgroundExcessive consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) in adolescents has become a global issue. As its link to obesity and non-communicable diseases is clear, it is imperative to understand SSB consumption behaviours in the future healthcare professionals.ObjectiveTo document the prevalence, patterns and clinic-social and behavioural factors predicting high intake of SSBs among medical students.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-reported, web-based, questionnaire. All the students and interns who were part of a publicly funded premiere teaching hospital during October and November 2019 were included. The semi-structured questionnaire enquired regarding socio-demographic, clinical details, amount, behavioural patterns and money spent in connection with SSB consumption. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 24.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of participants was 19.3 (1.6) years, 71.7% being males. The current prevalence of SSB consumption was 90.5 %. Also, 49.9% and 29.1% participants preferred soft drinks and sweetened fruit juice respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that male gender (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.03-3.25), current alcohol consumption (aOR 4.09, 95% CI 1.25-13.42), and recent (last week) consumption of a SSB predicted high intake of SSBs (aOR 7.36, 95% CI 3.41-15.87) whereas, preference of energy/sports category of drinks predicted low intake of SSBs (aOR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.47).ConclusionThe consumption of SSBs among medical students was high. Targeted health education and behaviour change interventions should be provided to males, alcohol users and frequent consumers.

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Eating Habits during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy: The Nutritional and Lifestyle Side Effects of the Pandemic

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072279 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2279

Author(s):

Federica Grant ◽

Maria Luisa Scalvedi ◽

Umberto Scognamiglio ◽

Aida Turrini ◽

Laura Rossi

Keyword(s):

Food Waste ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Waste Prevention ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutritional Recommendations ◽

Food And Nutrition ◽

Excessive Consumption

To limit the spread of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a nationwide lockdown started in Italy in March 2020. In this unpredictable situation, a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was carried out by the Observatory on Food Surplus, Recovery and Waste of CREA Food and Nutrition Centre. The aim of this work was to evaluate how Italian habits changed during this period, the determinants of changes, and the effect on food waste prevention. In a sample of 2678 respondents, 62% showed low Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (AMD). During lockdown many of participants improved the quality of their diet, increasing their consumption of fruit (24.4%), vegetables (28.5%), legumes (22.1%), nuts (12%), and fish or shellfish (14%). Unfavorable changes were observed with the excessive consumption of sweets or pastries (36.9%) and comfort foods (22.7%), and a lack of physical activity (37.2%). The main novelty of this study was the examination of dietary changes identified by a cluster analysis. Respondents with generally high AMD improved their eating habits, while the habits of the respondents with generally low AMD remained unchanged. In addition, nearly 80% of respondents were sensitive to food waste. The study provides a useful contribution to the debate on nutritional recommendations in case of further lockdown.

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Associations between Child Snack and Beverage Consumption, Severe Dental Caries, and Malnutrition in Nepal

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17217911 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (21) ◽

pp. 7911

Author(s):

Neha Zahid ◽

Nehaa Khadka ◽

Madhurima Ganguly ◽

Tanya Varimezova ◽

Bathsheba Turton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dental Caries ◽

Dental Treatment ◽

Child Health Services ◽

Maternal Child Health ◽

Daily Consumption ◽

Oral Health Promotion ◽

Sugar Sweetened Beverages ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Sweetened Beverages

The global nutrition transition and increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed snacks have contributed to increasing rates of child obesity and dental caries in developing countries. In Nepal, where child malnutrition rates are high, the relationship between malnutrition and dental caries is poorly understood. This cross-sectional study aims to assess this relationship among a convenience sample of 273 children age six months to less than 12 years in three communities in Nepal, using parent/caregiver interviews, child dental exams, and anthropometric measurements. Fisher’s exact test and independent t-tests examined associations between dietary practices and severe caries and between severe caries and malnutrition, respectively. Children consumed sugar-sweetened beverages and processed snacks frequently: 80% consumed tea with sugar, 60% consumed sweet snacks, and 65% consumed processed savory snacks daily. Overall, 74% of children had untreated tooth decay, and 21% exhibited stunting malnutrition, 14% were underweight, and 6% presented wasting. Significant associations were found between daily consumption of sweets and processed snacks with severe caries and between severe caries and poorer nutritional status. These findings underscore the need to incorporate nutrition and oral health promotion and dental treatment into maternal–child health services and schools and to strengthen policies to reduce children’s access to junk food.

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A cross-sectional study on awareness and perceptions regarding taxation and health warnings and factors influencing decreased consumption of sugar sweetened beverages among medical students of Bhopal, India with respect to future implementation of such policies

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20211769 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 2431

Author(s):

Soumya K. Mandal ◽

G. Revadi ◽

Darshan Parida ◽

Sembagamuthu Sembiah ◽

Anindo Majumdar

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Health Warnings ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Sugar Sweetened Beverages ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Warning ◽

Sweetened Beverages

Background: Consumption of excessive sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been linked to non-communicable diseases. It is imperative to understand the perceptions regarding taxation and health warnings amongst the medical students, since they are important stakeholders and as there is some evidence that the government may introduce these soon. Objective was to document the awareness and perceptions about taxation and health warnings on SSBs and the predictors of decreasing consumption of SSBs with regards to their future implementation.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among all the undergraduate medical students of a premier teaching hospital of central India during October and November 2019. A web-based self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection using Kobo toolbox. Data were analysed using the SPSS software version 24 (IBM SPSS).Results: About three fourths of the study participants were not aware of any taxes on SSBs and had never seen any health warning on SSB packaging. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that those aged ≥ 20 were not in favour of decreasing SSB consumption if health warning is present. Participants who were females, whose fathers were professionals, had consumed SSB in the previous seven days, were aware of taxes and those with inadequate sleep were not in favour of decreasing SSB consumption if taxes are increased.Conclusions: There is a need to include health education regarding the harmful effects of consumption of SSBs and to make aware of the benefits of the taxes and warning labels beginning from school days and continued during medical schools.

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A Cross-Sectional Study on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Consumption Patterns and Nourish Status Among Students at Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University

Biomedical Sciences ◽

10.11648/j.bs.20200603.12 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 52

Author(s):

Amra Catovic ◽

Mensura Besir

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Consumption Patterns ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Sugar Sweetened Beverages ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sweetened Beverages

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Associations between the Home Environment, Feeding Practices and Children’s Intakes of Fruit, Vegetables and Confectionary/Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17134837 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (13) ◽

pp. 4837 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Carolina Bassul ◽

Clare A. Corish ◽

John M. Kearney

Keyword(s):

Home Environment ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Environmental Characteristics ◽

Sugar Sweetened Beverages ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sweetened Beverages

Within the home environment, parents influence their children’s dietary intakes through their parenting and dietary practices, and the foods they make available/accessible. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the associations between home environmental characteristics and children’s dietary intakes. Three hundred and thirty-two children aged three–five years and their parents participated in the study. Home environmental characteristics, including parental control feeding practices, were explored using validated and standardized questionnaires such as the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ), the Physical and Nutritional Home Environment Inventory (PNHEI) and the Healthy Home Survey (HHS). Parent and child food consumption was also measured. Pressure to eat from parents was associated with lower fruit intake in children (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47–0.96, p = 0.032). Greater variety of fruit available in the home increased the likelihood of fruit consumption in children (OR 1.35 95% CI 1.09–1.68, p = 0.005). Watching television for ≥1 h per day was associated with a decreased probability of children eating vegetables daily (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.20–0.72, p = 0.003) and doubled their likelihood of consuming confectionary/sugar-sweetened beverages more than once weekly (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.06–4.38, p = 0.034). Children whose parents had lower vegetable consumption were 59% less likely to eat vegetables daily. This study demonstrates that modifiable home environmental characteristics are significantly associated with children’s dietary intakes.

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Abstract MP42: Intakes of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Total Sugars are Associated with Higher Triglycerides in a Multi-Ethnic Sample of Children

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.129.suppl_1.mp42 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Maria I Van Rompay ◽

Nicola M McKeown ◽

Misha Eliasziw ◽

Elizabeth Goodman ◽

Virginia R Chomitz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Sugar Sweetened Beverages ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Total Sugars ◽

Added Sugars ◽

Sweetened Beverages ◽

Low Hdl

Background: Intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and added sugars have been targeted in efforts to reduce childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in children. Although evidence is sparse in children, overconsumption of SSB and added sugars has been linked to greater dyslipidemia in adults. Objectives: To examine the association between intakes of SSB, added sugars, and total sugars, with blood lipids in a multi-ethnic sample of children with prevalent obesity. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we examined associations between intakes of SSB, added sugars, and total sugars with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) in a sample of 276 children aged 8-15 y (mean age 11.8 y; 39% white, 14% black, 16% Hispanic/Latino, 12% Asian, and 19% multi-racial/other) with prevalent overweight/obesity (45% with ≥85 th BMI percentile and 25% with ≥95 th ). Percentage of daily calories from SSB, as well as intakes of added sugars (tsp) and total sugars (g), were estimated using the 2004 Block Food Frequency Questionnaire for Children. HDL-C and TG were obtained from a fasting blood sample. Percentage of calories from SSB, added sugars, and energy-adjusted total sugars were dichotomized at their upper tertile cut-points, specifically, at 7%, 13 tsp, and 116 g, respectively, creating two intake categories for each dietary exposure. ANCOVA was used to analyze the data; covariates were age, sex, race/ethnicity, obesity, total calories, and intakes of saturated fat and dietary fiber. TG was log-transformed prior to analysis; low HDL-C was defined as ≤45 mg/dL and borderline/high TG, as ≥75 (aged ≤9 y) or ≥90 mg/dL (≥10 y). Results: Median daily intake of total sugars was 94.2 g, 47% of which was derived from added sugars (median: 9.9 tsp, range: 1-76 tsp). Only 12% of children followed the American Heart Association calorie-specific recommendations for intake of added sugars. Median contribution of SSB to total calories was 4.4% (range: 0 to 51%), and SSB calories contributed 36% (range: 0 to 100%) of calories from added sugars. Both low HDL-C and borderline/high TG were prevalent (26-27% overall) and were more common in children classified as obese (61% and 53%, respectively) than in those who were not obese (16% and 17%, respectively, P<0.0001 for each); however, intakes of SSB, added sugars, and total sugars did not differ with obesity. In multivariate-adjusted models, higher TG was associated with high intakes of SSB (75.3 vs. 67.6 mg/dL, P=0.04) and total sugars (76.5 vs. 67.0 mg/dL, P=0.01), while the association with added sugars was not significant. There were no associations with HDL-C. Conclusions: Among children with prevalent obesity, higher intakes of SSB and total sugars were associated with higher TG concentrations, but not with lower HDL-C. Further research is needed on the health implications of lower SSB and sugar intakes in diverse samples.

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Assessment of COVID-19 vaccines acceptance in the Lebanese population: a national cross-sectional study

Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice ◽

10.1186/s40545-021-00403-x ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Philippe Hanna ◽

Aline Issa ◽

Ziad Noujeim ◽

Mira Hleyhel ◽

Nadine Saleh

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Lebanese Population

Abstract Background Vaccines have become the best weapon for epidemic prevention and control in the absence of standard approved effective therapies. However, skepticism about the vaccine efficacy and safety is constantly reported. To our knowledge, there has been no study assessing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Lebanon. The primary objective of this survey is to assess the COVID-19 vaccines’ acceptance and its related determinants in the Lebanese population. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon from February 16 through February 25, 2021. Data was collected using an online questionnaire via social media platforms using the snowball technique. The questionnaire consisted of 47 questions related to sociodemographic and medical history, COVID-19 experience, knowledge, practice, and beliefs towards COVID-19 vaccines, including vaccines acceptance. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with vaccine acceptance. Results A total of 1209 questionnaires were completed; around 63.4% have reported their acceptance for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, while only 57% of participants registered themselves on the national platform. The multivariable analysis showed that a higher knowledge scale, living in an urban residential area, having hypertension, not having a food allergy, reporting a higher fear to experience COVID-19 infection, and receiving or wanting to receive influenza vaccine, were positive predictors of COVID-19 vaccines acceptance. Conclusions Our findings support the need to improve knowledge about COVID-19 infection and vaccination through education and awareness programs. Specifically residents of rural areas should be targeted to optimize COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the Lebanese population.

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Water Drinking and its Correlation with Beverage Consumption in Korean Adolescents

American Journal of Health Behavior ◽

10.5993/ajhb.45.1.12 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 152-160

Author(s):

Mi Ah Han

Keyword(s):

Drinking Behavior ◽

Critical Factor ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sugar Sweetened Beverages ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Beverage Consumption ◽

Korean Adolescents ◽

Water Drinking ◽

Sweetened Beverages ◽

The Status

Objectives: Water intake has been recognized as a critical factor for important health outcomes. This study was an investigation of the status of water drinking and its correlation with beverage consumption among Korean adolescents. Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study included Korean adolescents (N = 57,302) from the 15th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2019). Descriptive statistical and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the water-drinking behavior during a previous 7-day period according to the general characteristics of the adolescents. Associations were tested between water drinking and beverage consumption (carbonated beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages, energy/high-caffeine drinks, and milk). Results: Overall, 4.1% of adolescents drank less than one glass, 19.6% drank one to 2 glasses, 23.1% drank 3 glasses, 17.8% drank 4 glasses, and 35.4% drank ≥ 5 glasses of water per day during the last 7 days. The distribution of water drinking differed according to the characteristics of adolescents and was associated with the frequencies of consumption of carbonated drinks, and sugar-sweetened drinks. More than 3 times the carbonated drink (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.19-1.38) and sugar-sweetened drink consumption (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.16-1.34) were associated with lower water drinking. Conclusions: Higher consumption of carbonated and sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with less water drinking.

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