Calculate Body Mass Index Research Articles

The prevalence of nutritional status and obesity in adolescents in Babylon Province, Iraq

Abstract Background: Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation that can lead to different complications. Objectives: However, identifying the prevalence of nutritional status and obesity in adolescents in Babylon governorate and searching for the relationship with different factors constitute the main objectives of this study. Materials and Methods: This study was cross-sectional study curried on 500 high school students aged between 16 and 19 years. Among them, half of them were female students. Study period was between February and June 2022; weight and height were measured to each participant to calculate body mass index (BMI) and they were requested to fill a questionnaire to identify any risk factor relation-ship. Results: Out of all, 14.2% were underweight, 55.4% were normal weight, 20.4% were overweight and 10% obese adolescents. There was a significant relationship between BMI from one hand and male gender, living in rural areas, high family income and soft drink (beverage consumption per week) on the other hand. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was around than one third (20.4% + 10% = 30.4% collectively, whereas 14.2% were underweight out of all participants in this study).

Infants with 4-5 years after intrauterine exposition to zika virus have risk of neurodevelopmental alterations

Background: During 2016-2020, 12,955 cases of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections were reported in México, where Yucatán was the second state with high prevalence. However, the neurological development of children with gestational exposure to these viruses has been poorly studied. Aim: We aim to describe the neurodevelopmental status of infants exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy in Yucatán, México. Methods: Infants aged 4-5 years exposed in utero to ZIKV were first evaluated with the Child Development Assessment 2nd version test (EDI-ll) and later with the Battelle Inventory 2nd version test (IDB-ll). The anthropometric characteristics were evaluated using the Intergrowth 21st Calculator application, the Body Mass Index calculator developed by the CDC, and the WHO head circumference chart. Results: Fifty infants without microcephaly were included, median age of 54.42 + 3.14 months; 28% presented lag and 14% showed a risk of delay. The Fine Motor and Communication areas were the most affected (24% and 20% respectively), followed by Language (16%), Social (12%), and Gross Motor (8%). At reassessment, 64.3% were reclassified as normal and 14.3% remained at risk of delay. The IDB-II test identified neurodevelopmental lags of 10 to 20 months to chronological ages, with a greater lag in the Expressive area and a smaller lag in the Cognitive area. A higher frequency of neurodevelopmental disorders was found in the second trimester of pregnancy. However, exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy coincided with a higher frequency of risk of delay. Conclusion: Our results emphasize the need to evaluate the neurodevelopment of infants with antenatal exposition to ZIKV, during the first 5 years of life from birth to improve their future quality of life.

Anthropometric status and macronutrient intake of bodybuilding athletes in Limpopo province, South Africa

Bodybuilders in Limpopo Province adhere to various training and dietary routines to attain their desired physique. However, the anthropometric status and macronutrient intake of these athletes remain unknown. A total of ninety-three bodybuilders from the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, who were members of IFBBSA, participated in the study. Ethics approval was granted by the University of the Free State Health Science. Athletes signed informed consent before participation Measurements of weight and height were taken to calculate body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and body fat percentage (BF%). Three 24-hour-recall questionnaires were completed. The SAMRC FoodFinder-3 was used to analyse macronutrients, with the mean values considered. Data were exported to the SPSS (v28), and descriptive statistics were applied. Pearson’s correlation test was used to determine the relationship between variables. The BMI was 25.8±4.4 kg/m2 in males and 24.9±3.6 kg/m2 in females, while MUAC was 35.6 cm for males and 28.3 cm for females. About half of both genders exhibited excess BF% (9.9% for males and 17.3% for females). Most males (81.6%) and all females had acceptable WC. Energy intake was 148 kJ/kg/day and 142 kJ/kg/day while carbohydrate intake was 4.7 g/kg/day for males and 4.3 g/kg/day for females. Fat intake was high in both genders. However, protein intake was optimal in males (1.4 g/kg/day) and suboptimal in females (1.1 g/kg/day). About half of the bodybuilders exceeded the sport-specific recommendations for BF%. However, the energy and carbohydrate intakes were suboptimal, while protein and fat intakes were optimal and high respectively.

СLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME IN KYIV

This study aimed to clinically evaluate children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in order to identify and diagnose the condition at an early stage and prevent possible complications.
 Materials and Methods. A comprehensive examination of 105 children aged 10 to 17 years with MetS was conducted at the Rheumatology and Cardiology Department of Children's Clinical Hospital No. 6 in Kyiv. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were used to establish MetS. Anthropometric assessments included calculation of body mass index, evaluation of waist circumference using age-specific percentile charts, determination of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and measurement of neck circumference in lying and standing positions. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed using the ABM-04 device (Meditech, Hungary), and laboratory investigations (glucose, insulin, lipid profile) were conducted using the Cobas 6000 analyzer and test system (Roche Diagnostics). The EZR version 1.61 (November 11, 2022) package was used for statistical analysis of the obtained data.
 Results and Discussion. In terms of heredity analysis, the presence of hypertension in the father of children, maternal grandmother, and mother was the most common, indicating the importance of genetic influence on the development of this condition. Among the most common complaints were elevated blood pressure, headaches, anxiety, and palpitations. The logistic regression model demonstrated that daytime sleepiness was associated with symptoms such as sweating, morning hoarseness, tinnitus, weather sensitivity, and fatigue. There was no statistically significant difference between the manifestations of acanthosis nigricans and purple stretch marks in girls and boys, but a higher tendency was observed in males.
 Conclusions. Metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents is associated with a high risk of complications, as most of them have a high WHtR value. Cardiovascular diseases showed the highest hereditary dependency in close relatives of children with MetS. Cardiovascular symptoms are the most common among children with MetS, but girls had significantly higher frequencies of emotional and psychological symptoms.

Nutritional Calculating Application for Diabetes Mellitus Patients Based on Body Mass Index Using Fuzzy Logic

The number of patients with type II diabetes mellitus with its complications tends to increase from year to year as a result of uncontrolled diabetes. WHO and the Indonesian Endocrinology Association (PERKENI) predict that there will be a significant increase in the number of people with diabetes in the coming years and is predicted to continue to increase. DM in Indonesia from 8.4 million in 2000 to 21.3 million in 2030. Calculation of body mass index manually can certainly cause problems such as taking so long and being less efficient. One effort to prevent this problem is by designing an application that can calculate body mass index using the system. This application was built and designed with the aim of knowing the nutritional value status of diabetes mellitus patients based on body mass index. In determining the patient's nutritional value, a method is needed, one method that can draw conclusions to calculate nutritional value status with fuzzy logic based on body mass index variables which include age, height, weight, and activity. It can be concluded that the Application for Calculating Nutritional Needs for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus can display results based on Body Mass Index, with a total sample of 7 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The application has also been tested for Quality of Service with a packet loss test result of 0.14% which is included in the very good category, and the delay value of 120.005 ms according to the standard is very good.

Body Mass Index Pattern Among Seven Years Old School children

Body mass index (BMI) is one of the indices regularly used to evaluate the level of body mass. Recently, there has been a concerning increase in total number of obese children in Malaysia. This study aims to predict the trend of obese children in Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur. This study involved primary schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 4970 seven year old primary school children were involved in this study. Data were collected by the SEGAK test performed by the physical education teacher in the primary schools. In this study, weight and height were the variables that were used for BMI calculation. Underweight, normal, overweight, and obese were used to classify the children’s BMI following the WHO BMI index for Asians. Descriptive statistics, Normality test, and Discriminant Analysis were used for the statistical analysis. The result found that the BMI was distributed normally according to P-P and Q-Q plot graph, and discriminant analysis found that there were 231 children (4.65%) of the total sample of the children predicted to have an increase in BMI and a total of 236 (4.74%) predicted from normal BMI to underweight. The result predicted that there would be a slight increase in children concerned about the potential of becoming obese. Action should be taken regarding the prediction of the percentage as the number can increase either suddenly or slowly.

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Hamstring Muscle Flexibility of Japanan Club Taekwondo Athletes

An essensial for taekwondo athletes’ performance is flexibility. A nice example of hamstring flexibility is the action of kicking over the head. However, the body’s fat content can restrict this flexibility by limiting the joints’ range of motion. Taekwondo practitioners therefore need to demonstrate their flexibility and body mass index well. This study sought to ascertain how taekwondo athletes’ body mass index and hamstring muscle flexibility related to each other. This study design employs a correlation design in non-experimental quantitave research. The Active Knee Extension Test is used to measure hamstring flexibility, and weight scales and meters are used to calculate body mass index. Result: The Rank Spearman correlation test returned a value of p= 0,869 (p>0,05), indicating that there is no meaningful relationship between hamstring flexibility and body mass index in taekwondo practitioners. Conclusion : Among taekwondo athletes, there is no discernible correlation between hamstring flexibility and body mass index.

Correlation Between Nutritional Status, Age, and Gender on the Incidence of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections most commonly infect preschool and school-age children. The prevalence of STH infection remains high, i.e., 73 million children are infected in Indonesia. The most commonly infecting worms are roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworms (Trichuris trichiura), and hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). STH infection is transmitted through soil contaminated by STH eggs or larvae. Personal hygiene, availability of clean water, and defecation behavior are factors in the development of STH infection. Prolonged infection can cause malnutrition, anemia, and slow growth. This study aims to examine the association between nutritional status, age, and gender on the incidence of STH infection. This research is a descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional approach. Fifteen (42.86%) of 35 preschool and school-age children's stool samples were positive for Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. The nutritional status of the children was grouped into underweight, normal, and overweight. The body mass index (BMI) calculation resulted in 65.71% (23/35) underweight, 31.43% (11/35) normal, and 2.86% (1/35) overweight children. The Spearmen test shows that there is no significant correlation between nutritional status (p=0.517), age (p=0.614), and gender (p=0.637) on STH infection.

Changes in dietary habits and BMI z-score after a 6-month non-randomized cluster-controlled trial among 6-12 years old overweight and obese Norwegian children.

Effective prevention programs to address the high prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity and the concomitant health consequences have been warranted. To improve dietary habits and weight status among Norwegian children with overweight/obesity in the primary care setting. A 6-month non-randomized cluster-controlled intervention among 137 children, aged 6-12 years, with overweight/obesity and their parents. Intervention and control groups were recruited by public health nurses and followed-up by 12 Healthy Life Centers across Norway. The intervention group received individual family counseling and participated in nutrition courses and physical activity groups. A frequency questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics and dietary habits was completed by the parents. Trained public health nurses measured height and weight using standardized methods to calculate body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-scores. The intervention resulted in an increased odds of consuming evening meals (OR: 3.42), a decreased availability of salty snacks (β = -0.17), a decreased intake of salty snacks (-0.18), an increased consumption of water (β = 0.20), and a decreased estimated total intake of energy (β = -0.17), carbohydrates (β = -0.17), mono- and disaccharides (β = -0.21), sucrose (β = -0.24), and saturated fatty acids (β = -0.17). The intervention directly predicted lower BMI z-score (β = -0.17), and post-treatment levels of energy (β = -0.65), saturated fat (β = 0.43), and total carbohydrates (β = 0.41) were directly linked to BMI z-score after intervention. Age and sex were indirectly associated with BMI after intervention through energy and saturated fat intake. The intervention had a beneficial impact on nutrient intake and weight status among children with overweight/obesity. These findings provide support for implementing complex intervention programs tailored to local primary care settings. Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02290171. Registered 13. November 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02290171.

Does body mass index distinguish motor proficiency, social and emotional maturity among adolescent girls?

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate whether different body mass index (BMI) groups could serve as a distinguishing factor for assessing motor proficiency and social and emotional maturity in adolescent girls.Methods140 girls ranging from 12 to 14.5 years old were selected from the schools of Tabriz city, Iran. After their height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index, they completed the following questionnaires: Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of motor proficiency, Second Edition,Vineland Social Maturity Scale, and Emotional Maturity scale.Resultsnormal-weight girls had a meaningful advantage against overweight and underweight participants in the gross motor factor of motor proficiency (p = 0.004), but there wasn’t a meaningful difference in the fine motor p = 0.196) and coordination factors (p = 0.417). Also, social maturity showed an advantage of normal and underweight adolescent girls in the self-help dressing factor (p = 0.018), while the locomotion skills (p = 0.010) factor revealed a better performance of normal weight and overweight groups over underweight adolescents. No significant differences were observed in the emotional maturity subscales (p = 0.63) between the groups.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that BMI has a direct influence on adolescents’ gross motor proficiency and social maturity.

Surpoids et obésité de l’enfant et l’adolescent : quel parcours de soins en 2023 ?: Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents: what care pathway in 2023?

In link with the interministerial plan for obesity (2019-2022), the French National Authority for Health (HAS) has published in 2022 a guide to optimize the care pathway for overweight and obese children and adolescents to support healthcare professionals in its implementation. The guide particularly emphases on the importance of calculating Body Mass Index (BMI) throughout childhood, at every opportunity, to optimize screening for overweight and obesity. In case where excess weight has been established, it details the importance of multidisciplinary assessment of each situation, with considering several important aspects (socio-cultural, psycho-affective, etc.) and detailing the levers that professionals can use throughout this care pathway that must be coordinated and graduated on the long-term manner if it is to be effective.© 2023 Société francophone nutrition clinique et métabolisme (SFNCM).Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Packed cell volume and its relation to obesity, gender and smoking status

Abstract Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the packed cell volume (PCV) correlation with body mass index, body fat percentage, also differences between genders and smokers & non-smokers, among Iraqi students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 112 healthy individuals (from which 52.7% were males), aged between 18-23 years old, in December 2022. A short informative history was taken through a questionnaire, anthropometric measures were taken to calculate body mass index and body fat percentage, and the determination of packed cell volume was done by the Microhematocrit method. Results: Packed cell volume among males was higher 47.45±3.409% than for females 39.90±3.169%, with a difference statistically significant (p=0.000), also the correlation of PCV revealed direct significance with body mass index (p=0.011) and indirect statistically significant with body fat percentage (p=0.000). The prevalence rate of smoking was 13.4% and the level of PCV among smokers was 46.80±6.085%, significantly higher (p=0.015) than among non-smokers 43.43±4.702%. Conclusion: Packed cell volume showed a direct correlation with body mass index, an inverse one with the body fat percentage, and was significantly higher among young smokers, emphasising the idea that this parameter can help to evaluate the health risk and to be included in preventive programs and assessment protocols.

Food consumption, type 2 diabetes mellitus and weight status among adults in the Lingwala Health Zone, Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background With the epidemiological transition, non-communicable diseases are now a major problem, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the population’s eating habits are constantly changing, with obesity and hyperglycemia in increase. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary habits, factors associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and weight status in people over 18 years of age in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods In a descriptive cross-sectional study among 182 adults, selected using multistage probability sampling (Health Zone, Health Area, Household, Individual), a structured questionnaire was used to collect behavioural data. The World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro plus was used to calculate body mass index. Descriptive statistics were completed with the Chi2 test, whereas a multivariate analysis used correlation with 95% confidence interval (CI) with eating habits, glycemic status and weight status as major variables. Results There were 68.8% respondents with high weight trouble (44.4% overweight and 24.0% obese). Up to 14.8% respondents were both overweight and hyperglycemic. Only 14.8% respondents reading labels of paid products was associated with glycemic status (P<0.05). Up to 61.5% respondents reported preparing own food, 54.4% eating alone, 96.7% consuming oils, sugar and sweet products, 92.9% consuming milk and its derivatives, 85.2% meat and fish, and 82.4% consumed fruits. However, none of these parameters was significantly associated with glycemic status Conclusions Stakeholders, including MoH, community, and civil society need to partner in raising awareness for changing behavior and eating habits such as mindful eating, balanced diet and regular eating.

Associations that Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Body Mass Index Loss Have with Deficit Accumulation Frailty.

Lower cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity may accelerate aging processes. The degree to which changes in fitness and body mass index (BMI) may alter the rate of aging may be important for planning treatment. We assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal associations that cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI had with a deficit accumulation frailty index (FI). Fitness, based on standardized graded exercise tests, and weight to calculate BMI at baseline and year 4 were collected from 3944 participants aged 45-76 yr in the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) randomized controlled clinical trial. A validated 38-item deficit accumulation FI was used as a marker of aging. Associations between baseline and changes in fitness and BMI with changes in FI were assessed using linear models. Both baseline and 4-yr changes in fitness and BMI were independently associated with 4-yr changes in frailty (all P < 0.001). Mean (95% confidence interval) changes in FI ranged from -0.019 (-0.024, -0.013) for participants in the group with the greatest fitness increase and BMI loss to 0.029 (0.024, 0.034) for participants in the group with the greatest fitness loss and BMI gain. Associations of 4-yr changes in fitness and BMI with FI changes were similar across subgroups based on age, sex, baseline BMI, diabetes duration, and cardiovascular disease history. Increased fitness across 4 yr was associated with less FI accumulation independent of baseline fitness. Adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity may slow aging processes captured by an FI by increasing their cardiorespiratory fitness and losing weight.

Evidence for Criterion-Related Validity of Pressure-Mediated Reflection Spectroscopy for Approximating Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Preschool Children

BackgroundSkin carotenoids are a valid biomarker for approximating fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC). Veggie Meter® (VM®, Longevity Link Corp.) is a pressure-mediated reflection spectroscopy (RS)-based device that allows for noninvasive and rapid assessment of skin-carotenoid score (SCS) in adults and children. Although VM® is established as a valid tool to measure FVC in adults, there is limited research supporting the validity evidence of the VM® to approximate FVC among preschool children. ObjectiveThe current study aims to assess evidence supporting the criterion-related validity of RS-based SCS for approximating FVC among preschool children (3–5-y old). MethodsWe collected cross-sectional data from typically developing preschool children (n = 136) attending the Child and Adult Care Food Program-participating family child care home settings (FCCHs) (n = 46) in Nebraska. Research team members collected children’s height and weight to calculate body mass index; and measured children’s SCS using the VM®. Children’s FVC in FCCHs were collected using dietary observation. In addition, parents (n = 89) completed a shortened food frequency questionnaire to report children’s FVC at home. Kendall’s Tau (τ) correlation tests were conducted to measure the association between children’s SCS with FVC in FCCHs and with parent-reported total fruit and vegetable (FV) frequency scores. ResultsChildren’s SCS were significantly correlated with their mean FVC in FCCHs, τ = 0.14 (P = 0.02), total provitamin A carotenoids intake in FCCHs, τ = 0.19 (P < 0.001), and with parent-reported total FV frequency score, τ = 0.16 (P = 0.04). ConclusionThe correlation coefficients in this study are comparable with results from a meta-analysis examining associations between FVC and SCS in 7–10-y-old children (r = 0.20). Thus, evidence suggests that RS offers a potentially valid, objective, and feasible method to assess preschool children’s total FVC in multiple settings, especially in conjunction with other dietary assessment tools.

Sleep is the best medicine: assessing sleep, disordered eating, and weight-related functioning

Sleep quality is linked to disordered eating, obesity, depression, and weight-related functioning. Most research, however, has focused on clinical populations. The current study investigated relationships between sleep quality, disordered eating, and patterns of functioning in a community sample to better understand relationships among modifiable health behaviors. Participants (N = 648) recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk completed assessments of eating, depression, weight-related functioning, and sleep. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (M = 27.3, SD = 6.9). Participants were on average 37.6 years (SD = 12.3), primarily female (65.4%), and White, not Hispanic (72.7%). Over half of participants endorsed poor sleep quality, and average sleep scores were above the clinical cutoff for poor sleep quality. Sleep scores were significantly positively correlated with disordered eating, depression, and weight-related functioning, even after adjusting for age, body mass index, and sex. Multivariate regression models predicting weight-related functioning and depression showed that both sleep quality and disordered eating independently predicted depression. Sleep quality did not independently predict weight-related functioning; however, disordered eating did. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess sleep behaviors, disordered eating, and weight-related functioning in a community sample of weight diverse participants. Results indicate that most participants endorsed poor sleep quality, which was associated with disordered eating patterns, including binge eating and poorer weight-related functioning, even after controlling for body mass index, highlighting that this relationship exists across the weight spectrum. These results speak to the importance of health behavior assessment and intervention within nonclinical samples.Level of evidence Level III: evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies

Changes in Body Mass Index and Incident Mild Cognitive Impairment Among African American Older Adults.

Previous research suggests a decline in body mass index (BMI) among older adults is associated with negative health outcomes, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and incident dementia. However, no studies have examined the effects of education or developing MCI on BMI trajectories over time. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize trajectories of change in BMI among older adults who develop MCI. Participants were from the Minority Aging Research Study (MARS), a longitudinal cohort study of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in older African Americans living in the greater Chicago, Illinois, area. The study included annual clinical evaluations of cognitive status, as well as measurements of height and weight for BMI calculation. Older African American participants without cognitive impairment at baseline were included in the present analysis (N = 436, 78% women, mean baseline age = 72 [SD = 5.7], mean education = 15 [SD = 3.5]). In piecewise linear mixed-effects models that included a random intercept and 2 random slopes, BMI declined over time (B = -0.20, SE = 0.02, p < .001), with a faster decline after MCI diagnosis (additional decline, B = -0.15, SE = 0.06, p = .019). Older age was associated with lower baseline BMI (B = -0.19, SE = 0.05, p < .001), as was higher education (B = -0.34, SE = 0.09, p < .001). Further, higher education was associated with a slower decline in BMI before MCI (B = 0.02, SE = 0.006, p = .001), but a faster decline after MCI (B = -0.06, SE = 0.022, p = .003). These results suggest an accelerated decline in BMI following an MCI diagnosis, with higher education related to an even faster BMI decline.

Knowledge, experiences, and perceptions relating to obesity management among primary care physicians in the Lazio Region, Italy.

Primary care providers (PCPs) play an essential role in obesity care as they represent the first contact for patients seeking weight loss interventions. This study explored the knowledge, experiences, and perceptions of PCPs in the Lazio Region of Italy in the management of obesity. We conducted an anonymous survey delivered from March to July 2022 via the newsletter of Rome Provincial Order of Physicians and Dentists and at the annual meeting of the regional section of the Italian Obesity Society. The survey consisted of 24 closed-ended questions grouped into 5 sections: sociodemographic and work information; assessment of obesity; management of obesity; connections with regional Centres for Obesity Management; attitudes towards obesity. A total of 92 PCPs accessed the survey. Of those, 2.2% were excluded because they did not see any patients with obesity. A total of 68 PCPs (75.6%) had complete questionnaires and were included in this analysis. All participants reported asking their patients about their eating habits, lifestyle, and clinical complications at the first assessment. Body weight and blood pressure were measured by 98.5% of participants and 82% calculate body mass index (BMI), while a small proportion of PCPs analysed body composition and fat distribution. Over 80% prescribed laboratory tests and ECG. Approximately 40% of PCPs did not refer patients for nutritional counselling, and most prescribed a low-calorie diet. Sixty-three percent referred patients to an endocrinologist, 48.5% to a psychotherapist, and a minority to specialists for obesity complications. Twenty-three percent prescribed anti-obesity medications and 46.5% referred patients for bariatric surgery only in severe cases. Ninety-one percent stated that obesity is "a complex and multifactorial disease" and 7.4% considered obesity to be secondary to other conditions. Despite most PCPs adopt a correct approach to manage patients with obesity, many aspects could be improved to ensure optimal and multidisciplinary management.

Investigating the effects and side effects of two antipsychotic drugs in the treatment of children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome: a semi-experimental research.

Due to the high prevalence of Tourette's disorder among children and adolescents and its negative consequences, an appropriate and effective medical treatment with minimal complications is necessary. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the effects of Aripiprazole and Risperidone on Tourette's disorders in children and adolescents. The statistical population of this semi-experimental study was children and adolescents aged seven to eighteen years old. They were diagnosed with Tourette's disorder based on the DSM-V criteria by the clinical interview of a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the child Psychiatry clinic of Ibn-e-Sina's Psychiatric Hospital (Mashhad-Iran) in 2018. A total of forty participants were selected by the convenience sampling method, and they were randomly divided into two groups treated with medicines, Risperidone or Aripiprazole, for two months. Then, the demographic information questionnaire was completed. The Y-GTSS Scale was completed. The clinical Effect Rating Scale (CGI-Tics Scale) was completed. Calculation of body mass index and medical side effects complications were completed. The evaluation was carried out at the beginning and on the second, fourth, and eighth weeks, and the results were compared. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. 14, descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and variance analysis. The two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables and body mass index. Despite the positive effect of both medicines, no significant difference was observed among the general scores of such disorders, the overall score of severity, Tourette's recovery, and BMI of these two groups at the intervals and the end of treatments. (p <0.05). Due to the low number of complications reported, statistical comparisons of the medical side effects were not made. According to the results, the two medicines, Aripiprazole and Risperidone, effectively improved the symptoms of Tourette's disorder and its overall severity. However, there were no significant statistical differences between them. Furthermore, in terms of the medical side effects, the statistical comparison between the two medicines was impossible due to the small number of complications.

The impact of social media usage on lifestyle behaviors and health

AbstractIntroductionDespite the increasing popularity of social media, little research has been conducted on its impact on lifestyle behaviors and health outcomes among adults. This study aimed to investigate whether more frequent social media screen time use is associated with poorer lifestyle behaviors, overweight or obesity, and depressive symptoms. Additionally, this study examined the potential use of social media to positively influence health.MethodsAn anonymous one‐time survey was conducted among English‐speaking social media users aged 18–34 in Southern California. Self‐reported height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI), and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) was used to estimate the severity of depressive symptoms. A cumulative risk score for lifestyle behaviors was also tallied. Three focus groups were held with a subset of the survey population to gain insights on social media, lifestyle behaviors, and health. A mixed method analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe survey data of 86 complete cases showed a positive correlation (r = 0.421; p &lt; 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.223, 0.585]) among PHQ‐9 depression scores and negative correlation (r = −0.230; p = 0.033; 95% CI [−0.426, −0.12]) for BMI compared to actual social media screen time usage, respectively. However, social media screen time usage ≥3 h showed no association for either BMI, depressive symptoms, or cumulative risk score. Participants viewed social media as a “double‐edged sword,” providing benefits such as “connection” and “information sharing,” but also having a negative impact on mental health (theme 1). Participants also believed public health needs to take a more proactive role in using social media, while social media platforms should manage the “authenticity” of content and modify their “algorithms” to improve health and lifestyle practices (theme 2).ConclusionsThis study suggested that social media may have some protective benefits related to becoming overweight or obese as indicated by the focus group participants, but further research is needed on the relationship between social media screen time usage and adult mental health. Social media platforms may have the potential to promote positive lifestyle behaviors and improve health if used properly.