scholarly journals Determinants of weight status for the residents of the northwest arctic borough of Alaska

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne A. Lewis ◽  
Anshul Pandya

While the consumption of a market-based diet is increasing, subsistence food still forms a part of caloric intake for Northwest Arctic Borough of Alaska residents. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of consumption of a market-based diet compared to a subsistence diet on the body mass index (BMI) of the people living in this region.  For this, 82 adult participants were recruited, and their weight and height were measured to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI). The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that included questions about their family background, lifestyle, physical fitness and dietary patterns. Linear regression models were used to examine BMI's association with variables of diet and physical activity, followed by correlational analysis between BMI and these variables. No significant correlation was identified between BMI and how often people ate a subsistence-based diet. A strong positive correlation was found between BMI and how often people eat food prepared in a restaurant or ate fast food and junk food. A strong negative correlation was found between BMI and frequency of exercise by the participants. Physical activity and consumption of a western diet rather than a subsistence diet are more significant determinants of BMI among Northwest Arctic Borough of Alaska residents. These results can be used as a baseline for further studies linking diet and health outcomes among this region's residents.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 148-161
Author(s):  
Lorik Ramaj ◽  
Sadete Hasani

The purpose of this paper was to determine the level of physical activity and healthy nutrition in children aged 3-6 years from Mitrovica. The research was attended by 94 children aged 3 - 6 years from two kindergartens in Mitrovica. As a parameter that measured the weight and height of the children,  it was calculated with the standardized procedure of Body Mass Index (BMI)  then was calculated according to the standard formula used by (Betterhealth, 2016). Also, after extracting other information through the questionnaire, a quantitative research was conducted through the parents of 94 children who were part of the measurements. A questionnaire was used to collect the data, which was previously translated and adapted into Albanian with permission to use it. The questionnaire was combined by three different questionnaires such as: the lifestyle questionnaire (Wilson et al., 2008), the physical activity questionnaire Pre-PAQ test (Dwyer et al., 2011) and the nutrition questionnaire (Rysha et al., 2017). The data collected during the research were placed in the statistical program SPSS version 21.0, and the presentation of this data was done through a descriptive analysis. The results that came from  this research showed that the effect of physical activity, lifestyle and nutrition have quite a high impact on body mass index in children. From the results we saw that the children of the two kindergartens from the municipality of Mitrovica did quite well in terms of physical activity, where in the questionnaires that were answered 89.4% of children were active more than an hour a day by walking and doing other activities. Also, the results regarding the questions in which they were asked about the time that children use the phone were at a satisfactory level, where a large percentage of parents, 77.7%, declared that their children did not use the phone  more than an hour a day. While in terms of nutrition, there have been many results which need more detailed analysis and to take preventive measures such as consumption of energy drinks, carbonated beverages, fast food, etc. From the measurement of children aged 3-4 years only one child turned out to be overweight with BMI = 18.7, while the rest came out with BMI with normal limits. As for children aged 4-5 years, one child turned out to be underweight with BMI = 12.4 and one obese with BMI = 21.9 and the others with BMI with normal limits. And out of children aged 5-6 years one child came out overweight with BMI = 17.7 and two others obese, one with BMI = 19.7 and the other BMI = 19.8 and the other children had normal weight (Betterhealth, 2016).


Genes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Ching Liaw ◽  
Yung-Po Liaw ◽  
Tsuo-Hung Lan

The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is a significant genetic contributor to polygenic obesity. We investigated whether physical activity (PA) modulates the effect of FTO rs3751812 on body mass index (BMI) among Taiwanese adults. Analytic samples included 10,853 Taiwan biobank participants. Association of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with BMI was assessed using linear regression models. Physical activity was defined as any kind of exercise lasting 30 min each session, at least three times a week. Participants with heterozygous (TG) and homozygous (TT) genotypes had higher BMI compared to those with wild-type (GG) genotypes. The β value was 0.381(p < 0.0001) for TG individuals and 0.684 (p = 0.0204) for TT individuals. There was a significant dose-response effect among carriers of different risk alleles (p trend <0.0001). Active individuals had lower BMI than their inactive counterparts (β = −0.389, p < 0.0001). Among the active individuals, significant associations were found only with the TG genotype (β = 0.360, p = 0.0032). Inactive individuals with TG and TT genotypes had increased levels of BMI compared to those with GG genotypes: Their β values were 0.381 (p = 0.0021) and 0.950 (p = 0.0188), respectively. There was an interaction between the three genotypes, physical inactivity, and BMI (p trend  = 0.0002). Our data indicated that increased BMI owing to genetic susceptibility by FTO rs3751812 may be reduced by physical activity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Lúcia Viégas Rêgo ◽  
Rosangela Alves Pereira ◽  
Aldair José de Oliveira ◽  
Claudia Souza Lopes

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between weight status and anthropometric indicators of adiposity with body esteem. Methods: Cross-sectional study including 305 adolescents from a public school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults was used to evaluate total body esteem and the “appearance”, “weight”, and “attribution” domains. Body mass index (weight/stature2) was applied to assess weight status and waist circumference, the central body adiposity. The association between indicators of adiposity and body esteem was assessed using Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney’s test and linear regression models, stratified by sex and age group. Results: Overweight/obesity was observed in 46% of younger adolescents (10 to 13 year-old girls, 10 to 14 year-old boys), 38% of older boys (15 to 18 year old), and 16% of older girls (14 to 18 year old). For both boys and girls in the younger age group, body mass index and waist circumference (as continuous variables) were inversely associated with total body esteem and weight domain. Overweight/obesity was associated with the appearance body esteem domain only among younger male adolescents; no association was found between either the body mass index or waist circumference and the attribution domain. Conclusions: Indicators of adiposity were associated with low body esteem. These findings underscore the fact that considering adolescents’ feelings concerning their body and appearance is important to promote a healthy control of weight.


Author(s):  
Gabriela Cárdenas-Fuentes ◽  
Camille Lassale ◽  
Miguel Ángel Martínez-González ◽  
María Grau ◽  
Jordi Salas-Salvadó ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Mechanisms underlying the associations of high levels of physical activity (PA) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) with a better inflammatory profile remain unclear. Our objective was to assess the mediating role of changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), as markers of body fat in the association of changes in PA and adherence to the MedDiet, with changes in the inflammatory profile. Method This study included 489 adults, aged 55–75 years, from the PREDIMED-Plus multicenter lifestyle intervention trial. An inflammatory score was calculated, based on 8 blood biomarkers: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 18, monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1, C-peptide, leptin, and regulated on activation, normal T-cell–expressed and secreted chemokine. Biomarkers, levels of PA, score of MedDiet adherence, BMI, and WC were measured at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Linear regression models were fitted according to the Baron and Kenny framework for mediation analysis. Results Changes in BMI and WC mediated the association of both changes in PA and changes in the MedDiet adherence with the inflammatory score. Body mass index mediated 26% of the association of changes in total PA with the inflammatory profile, and 27% of the association of changes in the MedDiet, while WC mediated 13% and 12% of these associations, respectively. Conclusion In older adults at high cardiovascular risk, increasing PA levels and adherence to a MedDiet during 1 year were associated with a lower inflammatory score, which was partly mediated by a reduction in body fat. Clinical Trials Registration Number International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN89898870; registration date July 24, 2014, retrospectively registered.


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.


Retos ◽  
2016 ◽  
pp. 271-274
Author(s):  
Manuela Costa ◽  
Tânia Oliveira ◽  
Jorge Mota ◽  
Maria Paula Santos ◽  
José Carlos Ribeiro

Objective: The objective of this study was twofold. First, analyze physical activity (PA) levels during physical education (PE) with different durations (45 and 90 minutes) according to student’s obesity status. Secondly, we examine the relative contribution of 45 and 90 minutes PE (45PE and 90PE) for the compliance of the daily PA recommendations according to the body mass index (BMI). Methods: Four public schools were analyzed. The sample comprised 472 youngsters (266 girls) aged between 10 and 18 years old. PA was assessed using an Actigraph accelerometer. The participants were categorized as non-overweight (NOW) and overweight/obese (OW) according to the sex-adjusted BMI. Results: The proportion of Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) was lower than the 50% recommended by guidelines regardless the PE duration. Our data showed that only 26% of NOW and 13% of OW in the 45PE achieved the recommended levels while 17% of NOW and 11% of OW achieved the recommendation in 90PE. Overall, the 90PE had a higher absolute contribution for daily MVPA recommendations compliance than 45PE. Conclusion: During PE classes youngsters spent a reduced amount of time in MVPA, independently of their weight status.Resumen. Objetivo: Este estudio tiene un doble objetivo. En primero lugar, analizar los niveles de la actividad física durante la educación física con diferentes duraciones (45 y 90 minutos) de acuerdo con el estado de la obesidad de los alumnos. En segundo lugar, se analiza la contribución relativa de 45 y 90 minutos de la educación física para el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones diarias de actividad física según el índice de masa grasa. Métodos: cuatro escuelas públicas fueran analizadas. La muestra fue de 472 jóvenes (266 chicas) con edades entre los 10 y 18 años. La actividad física fue medida utilizando un acelerómetro Actigraph. Los participantes fueran clasificados como sin sobrepeso y con sobrepeso/obesidad de acuerdo con el índice de masa grasa ajustado al género. Resultados: La proporción de la actividad física moderada y vigorosa fue inferior al 50% recomendado por las recomendaciones independiente de la duración de la clase de educación física. Nuestros datos muestran que solo unos 26% de los niños sin sobrepeso y unos 13% de niñoss con sobrepeso/obesidad llegaron al los niveles recomendados en las clases de 45 min, mientras el 17% de los jóvenes sin sobrepeso y el 11% con sobrepeso/obesidad han logrado las recomendaciones en las clases de 90 min. En general, las clases de 90 min tienen una mayor contribución para cumplimiento de las recomendaciones diarias de actividad física moderada a vigorosa do que las clases de 45 min. Conclusión: Durante las clases de educación física los jóvenes tuvieran una cantidad reducida de tiempo en actividad física moderada a vigorosa, independiente de su estado de peso.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 205-210
Author(s):  
Malay Kumar Das ◽  
Rabindranath Sinha ◽  
Aparajita Dasgupta

Introduction: The World Health Organization has already warned of increasing non-communicable diseases among adolescents as a major public health problem. The importance of this age group also lies in the fact that many serious diseases in adulthood have their roots in adolescence. Method: A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used in class-room setting to collect information from students regarding presence of risk factors of non-communicable diseases. The respondents were also subjected to anthropometric measurements and blood pressure examination using standard operating procedures. Results: A total of 761 students of class VI-XII participated in the study of which 61.4% were boys and rests were girls. High blood pressure among boys and girls were 19.9% and 22.1% were respectively. In Bivariate analysis age > 15 years (median) (OR= 2.11), fast food intake (>3 times/week) (OR= 1.66), Alcohol consumption (OR= 2.22), less physical activity (OR=1.54), increased body mass index (OR=2.53), significantly associated with high blood pressure. In Multivariate analysis age (AOR= 2.25), fast food intake (AOR= 1.50), Alcohol consumption (OR= 2.23), less physical activity (AOR=1.71), increased body mass index (AOR=2.42) remains significant predictor. Conclusion: Detecting the risk factors of high blood pressure prevalent in the population is of utmost importance to achieve a healthy population. Formulation and dissemination of need--based, culturally acceptable and age appropriate scientific messages for school students should be conducted more proactively. Keywords: Adolescents, Blood pressure, Risk factor, Rural school.


Author(s):  
Futoon S. Alobiri ◽  
Roaa A. Alharbi ◽  
Mohammed R. Algethami ◽  
Raghdah H. Ateeq ◽  
Aseel M. Badurayq ◽  
...  

Aim: Identify the relation between poor esteem for body image and weight-related behaviors. The results will help increase awareness and improve students’ lifestyles to have a better body image and achieve ideal body weight. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among King Abdulaziz University medical students (n= 460) between July to the end of August 2019. Data was collected using the International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), figure rating scale (FRS) and analyzed using SPSS software. Result: The results showed that the average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 24.80 ± 11.89. Participant sex was an important factor influencing the prevalence of obesity; male students were more obese than female students with a significant difference (p<0.001). The level of body satisfaction was also affected by gender. Students in preclinical years were more likely to gain weight more than clinical years students. Conclusion: The results show a significant relationship between body satisfaction and gender (P<0.0001) despite having diverse BMIs. Overweight and obese males and females' participants had the lowest body satisfaction. Females who were too thin and had low BMIs described themselves as normal, while males describe themselves as too thin. Conversely, females with high BMIs described themselves as too fat, while males described themselves as normal. This could be due to different factors. Also, underweight females and males have high body satisfaction, which can lead to dangerous behaviors to maintain low body weight which cause negative health consequences.


Author(s):  
Ahmad H. Alghadir ◽  
Zaheen A. Iqbal ◽  
Sami A. Gabr

Background: Adolescents and ethnic subgroups have been identified at high risks of overweight and its associated complications. Although some studies have investigated overweight, obesity, nutritional status, physical activity, and associated factors among Saudi students, no studies have examined these characteristics among non-Saudi students or compared non-Saudi to Saudi adolescent students. The objective of this study was to compare differences between Saudi and non-Saudi adolescent students regarding time spent watching television, using computers, engaging in physical activity, and their food preferences. The relationships between these lifestyle behaviors and body mass index by Saudi nativity and gender were tested. Methods: Students aged 12 to 18 years (n = 214) from various schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, completed a self-administered questionnaire that included questions about demographic and anthropometric characteristics, daily after-school routine, physical activity, watching television, using computers, and food preferences. Non-parametric (Mann–Whitney U) tests assessed the statistical differences between Saudi and non-Saudi respondents, and males and females were separately tested. Results: Saudi boys who reported physical activity two to five times per week, the most television time, the most computer time, and the highest frequency of eating fast food and drinking soft drinks had a significantly higher mean body mass index than the non-Saudi boys in their categories. However, there were no significant differences found between the Saudi and non-Saudi girls. Conclusions: High levels of sedentary and low levels of physical activities as well as high consumption of high-fat fast foods and high-sugar drinks threaten the health of Saudi adolescents. Cultural differences in lifestyle between Saudi and non-Saudi families should be considered when developing programs to improve knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding diet quality and physical activity. The objective of this study is more important in the current situation where increased time spent on computers and mobile phones due to online teaching in schools or working from home, decreased physical activity due to precautionary lockdowns, and unchecked eating patterns while spending more time in sedentary activities in homes has become our COVID-19 pandemic lifestyle in all the age groups. A similar study should be replicated on a large scale to study the effect of this lifestyle on our lives in all the age groups.


Author(s):  
Martin Zvonar ◽  
Mario Kasović ◽  
Lovro Štefan

Background. The main purpose of this study was to explore the body-mass index and waist circumference associated with physical fitness by gender. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, we included 1036 adolescents (55.4% girls) from eight randomly selected secondary schools within the city of Zagreb (Croatia). Body-mass index and waist circumference were objectively measured. Physical fitness included three tests: (1) 1 min sit-ups, (2) standing long jump and (3) a sit-and-reach test. Associations were calculated using linear regression models. Results. Boys had higher body-mass index and waist circumference values, compared to girls (p < 0.001). They also performed better in 1 min sit-ups and the standing long jump tests (p < 0.001), while girls obtained higher values in the sit-and-reach test (p < 0.001). In boys, body-mass index and waist circumference were associated with 1 min sit-ups and the standing long jump. In girls, waist circumference was also associated with 1 min sit-ups and the standing long jump, while body-mass index was only associated with this standing long jump. Conclusions. Our study shows that anthropometric indices have non-linear associations with physical fitness tests in a large sample of Croatian adolescents. Screening for thinness and obesity to predict the level of physical fitness should be of a great interest.


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