scholarly journals Transiting out of Full-time National Service: A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Motivators of Weight Change in Young Adult Men

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Foong-Fong Chong ◽  
Hui Xian Lim ◽  
Beverly Wen Xin Wong ◽  
Zi Han Chi ◽  
JK Inthujaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Full Time ◽  
National Service ◽  
Barriers And Motivators

Abstract Background A higher prevalence of obesity in men compared to women, particularly amongst those 18 to 40 years of age, has been observed in Singapore. We hypothesised that poor adaptation during the transition out of full-time National Service (NS) among young men may have contributed to weight gain and we sought to understand these underlying drivers. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with young men (n=26; aged 19-25 years), 12 months after they had completed full-time NS. The interviews were guided by the health belief model to elicit perceived factors influencing weight change during the transition period, as well as barriers and motivators in weight management. Data was collected and cross-checked by two researchers, and analysed using the thematic analysis approach. Results The participants generally perceived themselves to be less fit and less healthy one year later, as compared to during full-time NS. They felt that reduced physical activity levels and unhealthy eating behaviours contributed to their perceived weight gain. However, they did not have immediate concerns about their perceived change in weight. While most were aware of the benefits of regular physical activity, benefits of healthy eating were rarely mentioned. Many did not view healthy lifestyle behaviours as a current priority, citing reasons which included: Time pressures, incongruence with current lifestyle, or poor self-motivation. Other barriers included a lack of access to healthy food choices and insufficient common leisure time to exercise with peers. Motivators for these lifestyle behaviours were mostly intrinsic, including interest in a particular sport, having personal fitness goals and personal preferences for healthy food options. Participants also described healthy eating as a means to compensate for inactivity or unhealthy food choices. Extrinsic motivators included peer influence, access to sports facilities, healthy food options and monetary incentives.ConclusionThere remains a need to educate young men transiting out of full-time NS on lifestyle, weight and health, and address their misconceptions in particular. Creating a healthy environment and providing appropriate incentives would be important to facilitate a smooth transition out of full-time NS, minimising the risk of unhealthy weight gain in young men.

Abstract MP88: Neighborhood-Level Socioeconomic Deprivation Predicts Weight Gain in a Multi-Ethnic Population: Longitudinal Data from the Dallas Heart Study

Circulation ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscilla Agyemang ◽  
Colby Ayers ◽  
Min Lian ◽  
Sandeep Das ◽  
Christine Hoehner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Socioeconomic Deprivation ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Dallas County ◽  
Heart Study ◽  
Deprived Neighborhoods ◽  
Dallas Heart Study ◽  
Neighborhood Level

Background: Although neighborhood-level socioeconomic deprivation associates with prevalent obesity, its relationship to individual-level weight change over time is poorly elucidated. Few studies have evaluated the impact of behavioral and psychosocial factors on this relationship. Methods: We examined the relationship between neighborhood-level socioeconomic deprivation and weight change among those who did not move in the 7-year study period (N=955) of the Dallas Heart Study (DHS), a multi-ethnic, population-based sample of Dallas County residents aged 18-65. Baseline weight measurements were performed in 2000-02 and weight was re-measured at 7-year follow-up. Home addresses obtained at baseline and follow-up were geocoded and linked to residential census tracts in Dallas County. A neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) for DHS participants was created using factor analysis of 21 census-tract neighborhood characteristics, with higher scores indicating more socioeconomic deprivation. Repeated-measures linear mixed modeling with random effects was used to determine weight change (kg) relative to tertiles of NDI. Reported physical activity (yes/no: exercised <150 mets/min-wk) and perceptions of neighborhood environment (questionnaire-derived score with higher score = more unfavorable perceptions of neighborhood violence, aesthetics, and social cohesion) were examined as mediators. Results: DHS participants living in more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods had lower income and education (p-trend <0.001 for both). Blacks were more likely to live in more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods than whites and Hispanics (p<0.001). Adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking, education, and income as fixed effects, DHS participants living in the most socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods (highest NDI tertile) gained 5.8±2.5 more kilograms (p=0.02) over the 7-year period compared to those in the least deprived neighborhoods. Living in the most socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods remained associated with a 6.4±2.5 kg greater increase in weight (p=0.01) compared to living in the least deprived neighborhoods after adjustment for physical activity levels and a 6.6±2.6 kg greater increase in weight (p=0.01) after adjustment for perceptions of neighborhood environment. Conclusions: Living in more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods is associated with greater weight gain among DHS participants over a 7-year period. This relationship does not appear to be fully explained by lower levels of physical activity or unfavorable perceptions of the neighborhood environment. In Dallas County, the high risk for greater weight gain among people living in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods supports the need to develop targeted community-based interventions to address obesity and reduce disparities in cardiovascular risk.

scholarly journals 607Longitudinal weight gain and lifestyle factors in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamaru Ayenew Awoke ◽  
Arul Earnest ◽  
Anju Joham ◽  
Allison Hodge ◽  
Wendy Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Glycemic Index ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Background Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and greater weight gain than women without PCOS. The association of lifestyle factors with weight change in PCOS is not known. Methods We used data from the 1973-78 birth cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health collected from seven surveys over 19 years (N = 14127 survey 1). Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine associations between diet, physical activity, and sitting time with weight change, after adjustment for socio-demographics, psychological factors, and health care utilisation. Results Women with PCOS gained more weight annually (0·26 kg/year, 95% CI 0·13, 0·39; P &lt; 0·0001) and over 19 years (4·75 kg; 95% CI 3·17, 6·34; P &lt; 0·0001) than women without PCOS (adjusted analyses). For all women, there were positive associations between weight gain and energy intake, sitting time, and stress; inverse associations with fibre intake and physical activity; and no associations with diet quality, glycemic index, healthcare utilization, depression, or anxiety. There were interactions between lifestyle factors (energy intake P = 0·006, glycemic index P = 0·007, sitting time P = 0·029, and physical activity P = 0·022), PCOS status and time (age) such that weight gain varied between women with and without PCOS according to these factors. Conclusions Women with PCOS had a higher rate of weight gain than women without PCOS. This was most marked in those with indicators of unhealthy lifestyles. Increased stress, energy intake and sitting time and lower physical activity contributed to weight gain in women with and without PCOS. Key messages The findings reinforce the importance of early and ongoing lifestyle intervention and the potential use of specific lifestyle factors for weight gain prevention and management in PCOS.

Relationships between physical activity, food choices, gender and BMI in Southern Californian teenagers

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaclyn B. Gaylis ◽  
Susan S. Levy ◽  
Shiloah Kviatkovsky ◽  
Rebecca DeHamer ◽  
Mee Young Hong
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Red Meat ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Processed Meat ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Given the increased prevalence of pediatric obesity and risk of developing chronic disease, there has been great interest in preventing these conditions during childhood by focusing on healthy lifestyle habits, including nutritious eating and physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between PA, body mass index (BMI) and food choices in adolescent males and females. This cross-sectional study, using a survey questionnaire, evaluated 1212 Southern Californian adolescents’ self-reported PA, BMI and food frequency. Results revealed that even though males are more active than females, they have higher BMI percentile values (p < 0.05). Females consumed salad, vegetables and fruit more frequently than males (p < 0.05), where males consumed hamburgers, pizza, red meat, processed meat, eggs, fish, fruit juice, soda and whole milk more frequently than females (p < 0.05). Overweight/obese teens consumed red meat, processed meat and cheese more frequently than healthy weight teens (p < 0.05), yet there was no difference in PA between healthy and overweight/obese teens. These results demonstrate that higher levels of PA may not counteract an unhealthy diet. Even though PA provides numerous metabolic and health benefits, this study suggests that healthy food choices may have a protective effect against overweight and obesity. Healthy food choices, along with PA, should be advocated to improve adolescent health by encouraging maintenance of a healthy weight into adulthood.

Abstract P051: Lifestyle Change In Mid-life And Long-term Weight Gain In Women With And Without History Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaxi Yang ◽  
Janet Rich-Edwards ◽  
Molin Wang ◽  
Wafaie W Fawzi ◽  
Cuilin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Lifestyle Change ◽  
History Of

Introduction: Identifying strategies to mitigate gradual long-term weight gain is critical for preventing obesity and its related chronic diseases, particularly for persons at high risk, such as women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We prospectively examined the independent associations between lifestyle changes in mid-life with long-term weight change among women with and without a history of GDM. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that favorable improvements in lifestyle would be associated with less long-term weight gain, particularly among women with a history of GDM. Methods: We used data from the longitudinal Nurses’ Health Study II, with self-reported lifestyle, diet via food frequency questionnaire, and body weight updated every 2-4 years. We analyzed repeated 4-year changes of the following lifestyle factors among parous women after age 40: adherence to a healthy dietary pattern (Alternate Healthy Eating Index score [AHEI]), physical activity (MET-hrs/wk), moderate alcohol intake (servings/d), and non-smoking, in relation to concurrent 4-year change in body weight (lb). We used multivariable generalized estimating equation models to estimate the least-squares mean of 4-year weight change and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each lifestyle change category (e.g., decrease, remain stable, and increase). Results: Our analysis included 61,637 women, of which 3,444 (5.6%) had a history of GDM. Mean of repeated 4-year weight change after age 40 was 3.0 lb (SD=14.3). Improving diet was associated with favorable 4-year weight change, particularly among women with a history of GDM vs. without GDM (AHEI score change from low to high: -6.3 lb [CI: -9.3, -3.4] vs. -2.7 lb [CI: -3.2, -2.2], respectively; p-interaction=0.04). Increasing physical activity was associated with weight maintenance for GDM women only (MET-hrs/wk change from low to high: 0.6 lb [95% CI: -0.6, 1.7] vs. 2.0 lb [95% CI: 1.8, 2.2] for GDM vs. non-GDM, respectively; p-interaction=0.01). Reducing alcohol (decreased servings/d: 1.9 lb [95% CI: 1.2, 2.6] and 2.8 lb [95% CI: 2.6, 2.9] for GDM vs. non-GDM, respectively) and smoking cessation (recent quitter: 9.8 lb [95% CI: 7.1, 12.5] and 8.5 lb [95% CI: 8.0, 9.1] for GDM vs. non-GDM, respectively) were associated with similar patterns in weight change for women with and without prior GDM. Further, the joint association of improving both diet and physical activity from low to high was related to -12.3 lb (95% CI: -19.5, -5.0) and -6.1 lb (95% CI: -8.0, -4.2) of weight loss for GDM vs. non-GDM women, respectively. Conclusions: We observed that attainable improvements in diet quality and physical activity were associated with weight gain prevention. These findings support continued efforts to improve lifestyle as a beneficial strategy to prevent long-term weight gain, particularly among women with a history of GDM.

Abstract MP07: Automated, Personalized Feedback and Behavioral Nudges to Improve Workplace Food Choices and Prevent Weight Gain: Choosewell 365 Randomized Controlled Trial

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne N Thorndike ◽  
Jessica L McCurley ◽  
Emily D Gelsomin ◽  
Eric B Rimm ◽  
Yuchiao Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Prevent Weight Gain

Importance: Workplace health promotion programs often have limited reach and effectiveness because they are time-intensive and not integrated with the work environment. Objective: Conduct a randomized controlled trial testing an automated intervention combined with workplace cafeteria traffic-light labels to prevent weight gain and increase healthy food choices. Methods: 602 hospital employees who regularly used 6 on-site cafeterias and paid with their ID were randomized in 2016-18. Cafeteria labels identified healthy (green), less healthy (yellow), and unhealthy (red) items. Participants completed visits, surveys, and dietary recalls at baseline and 12 months (end of intervention). The intervention group received personalized emails (2/week) and letters (1/month) that were automatically generated by a software platform that integrated cafeteria sales, health, and survey data. Emails included a log of weekly purchases (item, traffic light label, and calories) and health tips. Letters included social norm comparisons and small incentives for healthy purchases. The control group received standard lifestyle advice in monthly letters. A Healthy Purchasing Score was calculated by weighting purchased items by traffic light labels (red=0; yellow=0.5; green=1) using 12 mo of purchases during both baseline (pre-intervention) and intervention. Differences in differences in health outcomes, purchases, and dietary quality were compared, with missing values imputed. Results: Participants were 43.6 years (mean), 79% female, and 81% white. The intervention group increased healthy purchases compared to control, but changes in BMI and health outcomes were not different (see Table). Conclusion: An automated intervention linked to the workplace food environment increased healthy food choices but did not prevent weight gain. To improve health, this scalable healthy eating intervention could be augmented with additional technology to improve other health behaviors, such as physical activity, both at work and home.

scholarly journals Dietary and lifestyle patterns in UK postpartum women

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyriaki Myrissa ◽  
Rebecca Stevens ◽  
Eirini Kelaiditi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Postpartum Period ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Postpartum Women ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviours ◽  
Meal Skipping ◽  
Lifestyle Patterns

AbstractIntroductionHealthy dietary and physical activity behaviours during and after pregnancy are important for optimal maternal health. Unhealthy lifestyle habits promote excessive weight gain during pregnancy or weight retention in the postpartum period, which increase the risk of obesity. The aim of this study was to explore dietary habits and associated lifestyle patterns and barriers to healthy eating in UK postpartum women.MethodsCross-sectional study of 228 females (56.1% were 25–34 years old) with a mean postpartum period of 5.73 ± 3.31 months. Participants completed an online survey exploring eating habits, weight status, sleep duration, breastfeeding, nutrition knowledge, physical activity, provision of advice and barriers to healthy eating during the postpartum period. A sub-sample of 34 women (50% of the sample were between 35–44 years old) completed an optional online dietary intake assessment using a multiple-pass 24-hour recall.ResultsIn total, 73.7% were not meeting the five a day fruit and vegetable UK recommendations, 40.4% of women were skipping breakfast and 44.7% were skipping lunch every day. Average weight gain from pre-pregnancy to postpartum was 5.56 ± 4.61 kg (range = 0.8 to 25 kg) with only 2.2% of women meeting current UK physical activity guidelines during the postpartum period. Consumption of high calorie snacks and meal skipping were significantly higher during the postpartum period compared to pre-pregnancy (p < 0.01). Women who were breastfeeding had significantly lower body mass index than those who were bottle feeding (p < 0.05). Fatigue, lack of time and feeling stressed had the most impact on women's ability to eat healthily. Barriers to consume a balanced healthy diet were significantly greater for women with low combined household income and those having three or more children (p < 0.05). Poor nutrition knowledge was significantly associated with increased meal skipping (p < 0.05). The sub-sample dietary analysis (N = 34) showed that women were not meeting the UK Dietary Reference Values for energy, fibre, iron, and vitamin D intakes. Those breastfeeding were not meeting requirements for calcium and zinc.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first study to explore dietary habits and lifestyle patterns in UK postpartum women. Health care professionals should support women to adopt lifestyle behaviours following childbirth, with a greater focus on those likely to be experiencing more barriers. Advice given to women during the postpartum period needs to be tailored to potential differences in sociodemographic characteristics, pre-pregnancy health status and baseline nutrition knowledge and target multiple dietary and lifestyle behaviours.

scholarly journals Provider Advice on Weight Gain, Physical Activity, and Healthy Eating in Twin Pregnancies

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 123-124
Author(s):  
Kara M. Whitaker ◽  
Meghan Baruth ◽  
Rebecca A. Schlaff ◽  
Christopher P. Connolly ◽  
Jihong Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Provider Advice ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

A Validation and Reliability Study of the Physical Activity and Healthy Food Efficacy Scale for Children (PAHFE)

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Perry ◽  
R.J. De Ayala ◽  
Ryan Lebow ◽  
Emily Hayden
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Validity Evidence ◽  
High Degree

The purpose of this study was to obtain validity evidence for the Physical Activity and Healthy Food Efficacy Scale for Children (PAHFE). Construct validity evidence identifies four subscales: Goal-Setting for Physical Activity, Goal-Setting for Healthy Food Choices, Decision-Making for Physical Activity, and Decision-Making for Healthy Food Choices. The scores on each of these subscales show a moderate to high degree of internal consistency (0.59 ≤ α ≤ 0.87). The Decision-Making for Healthy Food Choice subscale and the Decision-Making for Physical Activity subscale scores show significant convergent validity evidence. These results provide support for using this self-efficacy scale to measure children's perceived confidence to make decisions about healthy eating and physical activity. The PAHFE may be considered to be a useful predictor of both physical activity and eating behaviors.

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