Activity and Obesity of Colombian Immigrants in Canada Who Use a Food Bank

2007 ◽  
Vol 105 (2) ◽  
pp. 681-687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Ng ◽  
Timothy J. Rush ◽  
Meizi He ◽  
Jennifer D. Irwin

The purpose of this study was to provide some preliminary description of the Latin-Canadian community by reporting the socioeconomic status, physical activity, and weight status (i.e., healthy weight, overweight, or obese status) of Colombians newly immigrated to London, Ontario Canada. Face-to-face interviews were conducted on a convenience sample of 77 adult Colombian immigrant food bank users (46.8% men; mean age 39.9 yr., SD = 11.8). Physical activity was gauged using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and self-report Body Mass Index, and sociodemographic data were collected. Of respondents, 47% had a university education, and 97% received social support. 61% met recommended levels of physical activity. Men were more active, being involved in about 130 min. more of exercise per week, and more men were overweight than women (63.9% versus 39.0%, respectively). Of respondents, 73% reported being less active than before coming to Canada. This pilot study indicates that Latin-Canadian immigrants are a vulnerable group in need of acculturational support. Further study is warranted.

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 506
Author(s):  
Liliana Aguayo ◽  
Maria Pineros-Leano ◽  
Rifat B. Alam ◽  
Rosalba Aguirre-Pereyra ◽  
Andiara Schwingel ◽  
...  

Healthy eating and active lifestyles are associated with children’s healthy weight and cognitive development. This study examines whether family behaviors relevant for nutrition and activity levels are associated with children’s working memory, independent of their weight status. A convenience sample of child–caregiver dyads (n = 85 dyads) were recruited from a public preschool serving a low-income community in central Mexico. Caregivers reported the frequency of ten family behaviors using the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity screening tool. Children completed a test of their ability to recall four words after a 60-s distraction task, an assessment of working memory. Multiple linear regression models were used to test the association of children’s working memory with each family behavior, adjusting for children’s sex, age, mother’s age and education, and subjective social status and then also adjusting for children’s age- and sex-specific body mass index percentile (BMI-P) and covariates. Higher frequency of breakfast intake was significantly associated with working memory (β = 0.57, p = 0.013). This association was independent of children’s BMI-P. Other family behaviors (frequent family mealtimes, limiting screen time, and others) were not significantly associated with children’s working memory. Frequent breakfast intake could benefit young children’s working memory, regardless of their weight status. This association merits further investigation.


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.


2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 533-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
James F. Sallis ◽  
Jacqueline Kerr ◽  
Jordan A. Carlson ◽  
Gregory J. Norman ◽  
Brian E. Saelens ◽  
...  

Background:Neighborhood environment attributes of walkability and access to recreation facilities have been related to physical activity and weight status, but most self-report environment measures are lengthy. The 17-item PANES (Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale) was developed to be comprehensive but brief enough for use in multipurpose surveys. The current study evaluated test-retest and alternate-form reliability of PANES items compared with multi-item subscales from the longer NEWS-A (Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale—Abbreviated).Methods:Participants were 291 adults recruited from neighborhoods that varied in walkability in 3 US cities. Surveys were completed twice with a 27-day interval.Results:Test-retest ICCs for PANES items ranged from .52 to .88. Spearman correlations for the PANES single item vs NEWS-A subscale comparisons ranged from .27 to .81 (all P < .01).Conclusions:PANES items related to land use mix, residential density, pedestrian infrastructure, aesthetic qualities, and safety from traffic and crime were supported by correlations with NEWS-A subscales. Access to recreation facilities and street connectivity items were not supported. The brevity of PANES allows items to be included in studies or surveillance systems to expand knowledge about neighborhood environments.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald C. Plotnikoff ◽  
Steven T. Johnson ◽  
Constantinos A. Loucaides ◽  
Adrian E. Bauman ◽  
Nandini D. Karunamuni ◽  
...  

At a population level, the method used to determine those meeting physical activity guidelines has important implications, as estimating “sufficient” physical activity might be confounded by weight status. The objective of this study was to test the difference between three methods in estimating the prevalence of “sufficient activity” among Canadian adults with type 2 diabetes in a large population sample (N=1614) while considering the role of weight status as a potential confounder. Our results revealed that estimates of physical activity levels vary by BMI categories, depending on the methods examined. Although physical activity levels were lower in the obese, their energy expenditure estimates were not different from those who were overweight or of a healthy weight. The implications of these findings are that biased estimates of physical activity at a population level may result in inappropriate classification of adults with type 2 diabetes as “sufficiently active” and that the inclusion of body weight in estimating physical activity prevalence should be approached with caution.


2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 10-18
Author(s):  
Alessia Cavaliere ◽  
Elena Siletti ◽  
Alessandro Banterle

This paper studies the relationships between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, food-related information, and possible effects they could jointly exert on weight status. The empirical analysis was conducted via a consumer survey using face-to-face interviews, and a structural equation model was implemented to the data analysis. This model choice was led by its ability to simultaneously evaluate multiple constructs. The results outline the central role played by adherence to the Mediterranean diet and food-related information, both in terms of nutritional knowledge and expert recommendations, which seem to be the key drivers affecting healthy weight. Moreover, food label use increases the nutritional knowledge of consumers, which in turn favours a healthy diet. 


Author(s):  
Slimane Mehdad ◽  
Saida Mansour ◽  
Hassan Aguenaou ◽  
Khalid Taghzouti

Background: Cancer is a multifactorial disease involving individual, behavioral and environmental factors that can contribute to its onset. More than 40% of cancers are estimated to be attributable to avoidable risk factors, particularly diet, physical activity, weight status, and alcohol consumption. Aim: To provide insight into the role of weight status, diet, and physical activity in cancer causation and prevention, and to highlight evidence-based recommendations. Material and methods: A literature review of published studies, particularly recent systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large prospective studies was conducted using PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Results: There is evidence that diets high in red and processed meats, fat and refined carbohydrates, and low in plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, high consumption of alcohol, overweight/obesity, and physical inactivity are associated with increased risk of tumor development and progression. Therefore, the current recommendations for cancer prevention are based on: (1) eating at least five portions (400g) of vegetables (3 portions) and fruits (2 portions); (2) limiting the consumption of alcohol and unhealthy foods such as red and processed meats, energy-dense foods, and trans-fatty acids; (3) maintaining a healthy weight status; and (4) being at least moderately physically active. Conclusion: While a balanced diet, as defined by the recommendations, can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, no single food can prevent the development of this pathology. The term "anticancer" associated with diet is therefore misleading. Several nutritional factors are associated with an increase or a decrease in the risk of certain cancers. Adopting a healthy and plant-based diets, avoiding overweight/obesity, and being physically active are considered as cornerstones of preventive strategies against cancer. Further studies are needed to elucidate the associations between dietary and lifestyle patterns and cancer. Keywords: Cancer, Diet, Weight status, Overweight, Obesity, Physical activity.


2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Lattimore ◽  
Sara Wilcox ◽  
Ruth Saunders ◽  
Saarah Griffin ◽  
Elizabeth Fallon ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to assess barriers experienced by mid-older adults upon entering a homebased, telephone-delivered physical activity (PA) program and examine differences in barriers for subgroups. Methods: Three hundred eighty four participants recruited from Tennessee, California, and Illinois for the Active Choices program, which was part of Active for Life®, completed one face-to-face counseling session and received follow-up telephone counseling. Barriers were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for subgroups of mid-older adults. Results: Personal, social, and environmental themes emerged as barriers. Lack of motivation was most salient for men while health barriers were more prominent for women; however, no significant differences were found between men and women. Both whites and African Americans reported lack of motivation as the most frequent barrier to PA. Health and weather barriers were more prominent for the oldest group of older adults. Few differences were reported by PA or weight status. Conclusions: In a large sample of mid-older adults varying in age, race, gender, and health status, multiple barriers to PA were reported. Differences across subgroups may have implications for future PA interventions.


Author(s):  
Slimane Mehdad ◽  
Saida Mansour ◽  
Hassan Aguenaou ◽  
Khalid Taghzouti

Background: Cancer is a multifactorial disease involving individual, behavioral and environmental factors that can contribute to its onset. More than 40% of cancers are estimated to be attributable to avoidable risk factors, particularly diet, physical activity, weight status, and alcohol consumption. Aim: To provide insight into the role of weight status, diet, and physical activity in cancer causation and prevention, and to highlight evidence-based recommendations. Material and methods: A literature review of published studies, particularly recent systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large prospective studies was conducted using PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Results: There is evidence that diets high in red and processed meats, fat and refined carbohydrates, and low in plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, high consumption of alcohol, overweight/obesity, and physical inactivity are associated with increased risk of tumor development and progression. Therefore, the current recommendations for cancer prevention are based on: (1) eating at least five portions (400g) of vegetables (3 portions) and fruits (2 portions); (2) limiting the consumption of alcohol and unhealthy foods such as red and processed meats, energy-dense foods, and trans-fatty acids; (3) maintaining a healthy weight status; and (4) being at least moderately physically active. Conclusion: While a balanced diet, as defined by the recommendations, can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, no single food can prevent the development of this pathology. The term "anticancer" associated with diet is therefore misleading. Several nutritional factors are associated with an increase or a decrease in the risk of certain cancers. Adopting a healthy and plant-based diets, avoiding overweight/obesity, and being physically active are considered as cornerstones of preventive strategies against cancer. Further studies are needed to elucidate the associations between dietary and lifestyle patterns and cancer. ​Keywords: Cancer, Diet, Weight status, Overweight, Obesity, Physical activity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (11) ◽  
pp. 513-518
Author(s):  
Hannah Kling ◽  
Katerina Santiago ◽  
Leonor Benitez ◽  
Natasha Schaefer Solle ◽  
Alberto J. Caban-Martinez

Background: Firefighters suffer from a disproportionally high burden of chronic diseases that could be prevented from regular bouts of physical activity (PA). The goal(s) of this pilot study were to (a) describe typical PA levels in professional paid firefighters, and (b) assess their ability to estimate their own levels of PA. Methods: A repeated measures study design was used to assess self-reported and objectively measured levels of PA from a non-probabilistic sample of firefighters ( n = 18) over 1 week. Objective measures of PA, measured by accelerometry were defined as the number of minutes spent in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous PA. Firefighters completed a follow-up questionnaire recording their self-reported levels of PA. Results: Obese (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m2) firefighters spent 8,033 ± 2,543 minutes/week in sedentary activity, overweight (BMI = 25–29 kg/m2) firefighters 6,533 ± 1,587 minutes/week, and healthy weight (BMI = 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) firefighters 5,846 ± 1,160 minutes/week. The difference in self-reported weekly minutes spent in light, moderate, and vigorous activity and objectively measured minutes in activity was calculated. Healthy weight firefighters reported the least difference (1,924 minutes/week), followed by the overweight (3,884 minutes/week) and obese (5,749 minutes/week). Conclusion/Application to Practice: Firefighters poorly estimated their true level of PA compared with their objectively measured PA and obese firefighters reported the greatest inconsistency. Occupational health nurses should aim to support firefighters in achieving PA levels that assist firefighters to achieve a healthy weight and educate them about what it means to be engaged in each level of PA.


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X697037
Author(s):  
Raheelah Ahmad ◽  
Vida Cunningham ◽  
Bimpe Oki ◽  
Fiona Sim

BackgroundLambeth has implemented a healthy weight care pathway including capacity building of multi-agency staff. Successes include being the only borough in the country to see statistical reductions in childhood obesity over 5 years; but the challenge of 39.2% of 10–11-year olds leaving primary school as overweight/obese persists. When families approach GPs to validate the National Child Measurement Programme feedback, challenges include interpretation and explanation of body mass index (BMI). GPs have also felt uncomfortable raising the issue in routine consultations.AimTo understand potential enablers to raising the issue of unhealthy weight in children in general practice.Method70 staff (GPs 58%; Nurses 25%; GP registrar/trainee 7%; and HCA/other 10%) completed a bespoke childhood obesity capacity building workshop (accredited by the Royal College of GPs). Using scenario-based activities and end of session written questionnaire we gathered: knowledge and perceptions of weight measures, role of diet, nutrition and physical activity, as well as current blocks and potential enablers for brief intervention.ResultsLess than 5% of participants were able to identify a very overweight child by visual inspection. Confidence in raising the issue was reported due to enhanced knowledge of energy intake, physical activity and provision of a BMI wheel (40%), new ways of raising the issue (30%), understanding of supportive services in Lambeth (30%).ConclusionSupportive measures identified within a whole systems approach including role of schools, government, public health and the CCG are informing future planning.


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