scholarly journals Healthy Weight Services in England before, during and after pregnancy: a mixed methods approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frankie Fair ◽  
Katie Marvin-Dowle ◽  
Madelynne Arden ◽  
Hora Soltani

Abstract Background: Maternal overweight and obesity are associated with numerous adverse outcomes including higher rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Overweight and obesity before, during and after pregnancy are therefore a significant public health priority in England. This project explored and mapped healthy weight service availability at different stages of the childbearing cycle.Methods: A mixed methods approach included a questionnaire-based survey disseminated through Local Maternity Systems and semi-structured interviews or focus groups with providers and commissioners. Current maternal weight service provision was explored along with some of the barriers and facilitators for providing, delivering and accessing healthy weight services. Descriptive statistics were reported for quantitative data and content analysis was used for thematic reporting of qualitative data. Results: A total of 88 participants responded to the survey. All services were offered most frequently during pregnancy; with healthy eating and/or weight management services offered more often than physical activity services. Few services were targeted specifically at women with a raised body mass index. There was a high degree of inconsistency of service provision in different geographical areas. Several themes were identified from qualitative data including "equity and variation in service provision", "need for rigorous evaluation", "facilitators” to encourage better access or more effective service provision, including prioritisation, a change in focus and co-design of services, "barriers" encountered including financial and time obstacles, poor communication and insufficiently clear strategic national guidance and "the need for additional support”.Conclusions: There is a need to reduce geographical variation in services and the potential health inequalities that this may cause. Improving services for women with a raised body mass index as well as services which encourage physical activity require additional emphasis. There is a need for more robust evaluation of services to ensure they are fit for purpose. An urgent need for clear national guidance so that healthcare providers can more effectively assist mothers achieve a healthy weight gain was identified. Commissioners should consider implementing strategies to reduce the barriers of access identified such as childcare, transport, location and making services free at the point of use.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frankie Fair ◽  
Katie Marvin-Dowle ◽  
Madelynne Arden ◽  
Hora Soltani

Abstract Background: Maternal overweight and obesity are associated with numerous adverse outcomes including higher rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Overweight and obesity before, during and after pregnancy are therefore a significant public health priority in England. This project explored and mapped healthy weight service availability at different stages of the childbearing cycle.Methods: A mixed methods approach included a questionnaire-based survey disseminated through Local Maternity Systems and semi-structured interviews or focus groups with providers and commissioners. Current maternal weight service provision was explored along with some of the barriers and facilitators for providing, delivering and accessing healthy weight services. Descriptive statistics were reported for quantitative data and content analysis was used for thematic reporting of qualitative data. Results: A total of 88 participants responded to the survey. All services were offered most frequently during pregnancy; with healthy eating and/or weight management services offered more often than physical activity services. Few services were targeted specifically at women with a raised body mass index. There was a high degree of inconsistency of service provision in different geographical areas. Several themes were identified from qualitative data including "equity and variation in service provision", "need for rigorous evaluation", "facilitators” to encourage better access or more effective service provision, including prioritisation, a change in focus and co-design of services, "barriers" encountered including financial and time obstacles, poor communication and insufficiently clear strategic national guidance and "the need for additional support”.Conclusions: There is a need to reduce geographical variation in services and the potential health inequalities that this may cause. Improving services for women with a raised body mass index as well as services which encourage physical activity require additional emphasis. There is a need for more robust evaluation of services to ensure they are fit for purpose. An urgent need for clear national guidance so that healthcare providers can more effectively assist mothers achieve a healthy weight gain was identified. Commissioners should consider implementing strategies to reduce the barriers of access identified such as childcare, transport, location and making services free at the point of use.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 8775
Author(s):  
Laura Redondo-Flórez ◽  
Domingo Jesus Ramos-Campo ◽  
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez

The aim of the present study was to analyse body composition, anxiety, cardiovascular, and physical activity factors related with academic performance of school students as well as to analyse differences, by age, in these factors. We analysed in 266 primary school students’ (8.81 ± 1.62 years, range: 5–13 years) heart rate, anthropometric variables to calculate body mass index, physical activity performance, anxiety levels and academic results by the average of marks. Students were divided in two different groups, firstly by their lower or higher academic performance, and secondly by age. Results showed a negative correlation between academic performance and age, weight, body mass index and trait anxiety variables. Additionally, significant differences were found by age, presenting older students higher scores in body mass index and lower physical activity, trait anxiety, heart rate and academic performance values than younger students. Overweight and obesity may have a great impact in academic performance in children and we pointed out the necessity to establish programs related with healthy habits which include improvements in physical activity and nutrition behaviours with the objective to enhance children’s health general status, psychological profile, cognitive and motor development, and academic performance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2651
Author(s):  
Zachary C. Pope ◽  
Charles Huang ◽  
David Stodden ◽  
Daniel J. McDonough ◽  
Zan Gao

Children’s body mass index may affect physical activity (PA) participation. Therefore, this study examined the effect of children’s weight status on underserved elementary school children’s PA and sedentary behavior (SB) throughout the segmented day. Participants were 138 children (X¯age = 8.14 years). Children’s height and weight were measured with subsequent classification of children as healthy weight or overweight/obese. Durations of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), and SB during physical education (PE), morning recess, lunch recess, after school, and overall were assessed via accelerometry over three days. Independent t-tests evaluated differences in children’s MVPA, LPA, and SB during each daily segment by weight status. Significantly higher MVPA was observed for children of healthy weight status versus children with overweight/obesity during morning recess, t(136) = 2.15, p = 0.03, after school, t(136) = 2.68, p < 0.01, and overall, t(136) = 2.65, p < 0.01. Interestingly, comparisons of children of healthy weight status and children with overweight/obesity’s LPA and SB during the after-school segment revealed a trend wherein children with overweight/obesity participated in slightly greater LPA/less SB than children of healthy weight status. Higher MVPA was observed among children of healthy weight versus children with overweight/obesity during most daily segments. Concerted efforts should focus on increasing MVPA among children with overweight/obesity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (15) ◽  
pp. 1646-1652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars E Garnvik ◽  
Vegard Malmo ◽  
Imre Janszky ◽  
Ulrik Wisløff ◽  
Jan P Loennechen ◽  
...  

Background Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder, and high body mass index is a well-established risk factor for atrial fibrillation. The objective of this study was to examine the associations of physical activity and body mass index and risk of atrial fibrillation, and the modifying role of physical activity on the association between body mass index and atrial fibrillation. Design The design was a prospective cohort study. Methods This study followed 43,602 men and women from the HUNT3 study in 2006–2008 until first atrial fibrillation diagnosis or end of follow-up in 2015. Atrial fibrillation diagnoses were collected from hospital registers and validated by medical doctors. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to assess the association between physical activity, body mass index and atrial fibrillation. Results During a mean follow-up of 8.1 years (352,770 person-years), 1459 cases of atrial fibrillation were detected (4.1 events per 1000 person-years). Increasing levels of physical activity were associated with gradually lower risk of atrial fibrillation ( p trend 0.069). Overweight and obesity were associated with an 18% (hazard ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.35) and 59% (hazard ratio 1.59, 95% confidence interval 1.37–1.84) increased risk of atrial fibrillation, respectively. High levels of physical activity attenuated some of the higher atrial fibrillation risk in obese individuals (hazard ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.03–2.28 in active and 1.96, 95% confidence interval 1.44–2.67 in inactive) compared to normal weight active individuals. Conclusion Overweight and obesity were associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Physical activity offsets some, but not all, atrial fibrillation risk associated with obesity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Geubrina Kananda ◽  
Eka Roina Megawati

According to the World Health Organization in 2010, overweight and obesity are the fifth risk factors of the cause of death in the world. Obesity is influenced by the level of physical activity and it could cause a disturbance in dynamic balance and induce sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. Meanwhile, the lack of physical activity also affects the dynamic balance that can increase the risk of fall injury during the dynamic physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among body mass index, physical activity, the dynamic balance, and sleep patterns. The subjects of this study were 72 young adults aged 20 years in average, consisted of 47 males and 25 females. The body mass index was undertaken by dividing the body weight (kg) and height in meter square (m2). The level of physical activity was performed by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Meanwhile, the dynamic balance was measured by using the modified Bass test; while sleep patterns was measured by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. This study found that there was a significant association between BMI and dynamic balance with p value = 0.006 (p 0.05); whereas physical activity was not significantly associated to the dynamic balance (p0.05). Meanwhile, body mass index and physical activity were not significantly associated to sleep patterns (p 0.05). This study concludes that body mass index has a significant association to dynamic balance. Meanwhile, dynamic balance is highly needed in carrying out dynamic physical activity to avoid fall injury.


Author(s):  
Sunil K. Guleri ◽  
Ram K. Panika ◽  
Rakesh K. Mahore

Background: Obesity is the major cause of various non-communicable diseases including diabetes mellitus, hypertension. The modifiable factors like stress, sedentary life, consumption of soft drinks and fast foods and lack of physical activity are responsible for it. Objective: to find dietary pattern, physical activity and status of overweight and obesity among medical students.Methods: It was a cross sectional observational study conducted on MBBS undergraduates studying in a g medical college at Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Out of nearly 500 medical students studying in different semesters, 300 students were participated in the study though the required sample size was 184 only. Structured questionnaire for interview, calibrated portable weight scale for weight measurement and stadiometer for height measurement were used.Results: The students were categorised into underweight, normal and overweight/obese on the basis of their calculated BMI (body mass index) value as per norms of World health organization for south Asian populations. 26.7% medical students were found to be overweight or obese based on BMI cut off value 23.00 kg/m2. There was lack of inclusion of fresh fruits and green vegetables in regular diet in 50% and nearly 95% of medical students respectively. The low level of physical activity was found in more than 85% of the medical students.Conclusions: The involvement of medical students in physical and sports activities is dire need for their good health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 137-147
Author(s):  
Lorik Ramaj ◽  
Sadete Hasani

The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyze the problems of underweight, overweight and obesity in young people of high school in Drenas, respectively a sample of 150 adolescents (73 males and 77 females aged 17 years). The research was conducted in the physical education class, initially was performed measurement of weight and height then the questionnaire with 26 questions. Data were collected with the statistical program SPSS version 21.0, descriptive analysis was performed with (Mean and standard deviation), all variables were tested for normality, significant level (significant level p <0.05). Results of anthropometric characteristics, the average age was 17.2 years. Weight / kg for men was 59.4 kg for women 57.3kg the average for both genders was 58.3 (± 6.2) kg. Height / cm  males 1.68cm,  females 1.61cm the average of both genders was 1.64 (± 6.6) cm. BMI body mass index kg / m² in men 21.0, women 22.1, the average of both sexes 21.55 kg / m5. The results show that men have lower BMI (p> 0.05) 21.55 kg / m² than girls with 22.1 kg / m². Data showed underweight males are 12%, and females 10%. BMI Normal male 74%, and female 69%. Overweight males 11%, females 13% while a significant difference was observed between obese boys and girls (obese) males 3% and females 8%. The analysis of the questionnaire showed that small percentages are involved in collective or individual sports, the most pronounced participation in sports was identified: football, volleyball and basketball, and relatively satisfactory were physical activity in household activities. It is recommended to build outdoor fitness and sports gyms, as well as the opening of various sports clubs in this area, and to have more research in this area, to prove the institucions how important are places for sport and physical activities.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-157
Author(s):  
Alphonsus N. Onyiriuka ◽  
Jackson I. Ikuren ◽  
Rita C. Onyiriuka

AbstractBackground and Aims: Body mass index (BMI) is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening for weight status, which may have detrimental health consequences. The aim of our study was to assess the pattern of BMI among Nigerian adolescent secondary school girls and determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among them.Materials and Methods: In this school-based cross-sectional study, weight was measured, using the spring bathroom scale which was supported at all times on a rigid base. Height was measured without footwear with the heels together. The BMI was computed, using the formula weight/height2 (kg/m2). The BMI-for-age percentile chart was used in classifying the weight status of the subjects.Results: A total of 2,159 girls from two public urban day secondary schools participated in the study. Seven students declined to participate, giving a response rate of 99.7%. The overall mean weight, height and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were 43.16±6.07 kg (95% confidence interval, CI= 42.90-43.42), 151.53±6.20 cm (95% CI=151.27-151.79) and 19.76±3.07 kg/m2 (95% CI= 19.63-19.89). The BMI values increased directly with age. Participants in the early adolescent stage demonstrated a significantly lower mean BMI value than either the middle or late adolescent stages. Based on WHO criteria, the prevalence rates of underweight, overweight and obesity were 7.1% (95% CI= 3.0-11.2), 8.3% (95% CI= 4.3-12.3) and 2.1% (95% CI= 2.0-6.2), respectively. The overall prevalence of healthy weight status was 82.5% (95% CI= 80.7-84.3). Conclusion: Nigerian adolescent secondary school girls are at increased risk of the double burden of nutrition as both underweight and overweight show a relatively similar prevalence rates.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Oladoyinbo ◽  
Yetunde Fadipe ◽  
Abimbola Sobo

Abstract Objectives The study aims to assess the type, frequency and portion sizes of foods and drinks commonly consumed that are associated with overweight and obesity among undergraduate students in Ogun state, Nigeria. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted among 1050 undergraduate students from twelve (12) tertiary institutions in Ogun State. A structured questionnaire was used to assess their personal characteristics. Weight, height, waist and hip circumference were measured using appropriate instruments and techniques. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and categorized according to the WHO standard. An adapted dietary habit and semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary habits, type, frequency and portion sizes of foods and beverages consumed. The WHO Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity level. Descriptive (mean, Standard deviation, median, frequencies) and inferential (Chi-square, correlations) were done. Results The mean age of the students was 21.76 ± 2.15 and the prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity were 13.8%, 67.5%, 15.1% and 3.5% respectively. Majority (97.1%) of the students consume snack with 38.9% of them snacking on pastries daily. Also, 90.1% skip at least one meal daily with 41.4% skipping breakfast and 29.7% consumes fast foods. The most frequently consumed food was white rice, pasta and bread with a median portion of 450 g, 470 g and 220 g per capita. Carbonated soft drinks are the most frequently consumed beverages with a median consumption of 350 ml. Fruits and vegetable consumption was poor as 17% and 13.1% consume them daily. A significant relationship was found between the BMI and snacking pattern (χ2 = 16.07; P = .0.001), overweight and obesity was significantly higher among the female respondents (χ2 = 29.99; P &lt; 0.001). Also, a positive significant correlation was found between BMI and quantity soft drink consumed (r = 0.96; P = 0.002). No significant association was found between BMI and physical activity (χ2 = 9.88; P = 0.115). Conclusions Both underweight and overweight is prevalent among the respondents, snacking and meal skipping is also practiced by majority of the students and large portions of soft drinks consumed has a strong correlation with body mass index. Funding Sources None. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita De Cássia Spanhol ◽  
Carlos Kusano Bucalen Ferrari

<p>To evaluate the frequency of obesity and lifestyle risk factors in the population of Barra do Garças, Legal Amazon.</p><p><strong>Methodology </strong>A randomized, transversal study with 305 adults of both genders was performed. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, food dietary habits, frequency of smoking and alcoholic consumption, practice of physical activity, and the physical activity level were evaluated.  </p><p><strong>Results </strong>Smoking and alcoholic consumption was higher among men compared to women. Almost 60 % of men engaged in leisure-time physical activities, whereas only 42.4 % of women practiced physical activity. Women were engaged in mostly sedentary behavior activities, such as watching television and using the computer use than men. Dietary daily intake of fruits and vegetables were higher among women compared to men (65.9 % and 51.5 %, respectively). Men were more prone to drink soft drinks than women. However, 39.4 % of men and only 3.4 % of women drank soft drinks three or more days <em>per</em> week. The prevalence of overweight and obesity according to body mass index (BMI) was higher in this study. 34.4 % of men and 33.7 % of women were overweight and 15.10 % and 17.50% of men and women, respectively, were classifyied as obese. Elevated values of waist circumference were found in 35.35 % of men and 70.73 % of women.</p><p><strong>Conclusión</strong> Women were more sedentary than men and had higher prevalence of abnormal waist circumference values.</p>


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