Chance Of Obesity Research Articles

School environment and obesity in adolescents from a Brazilian metropolis: cross-sectional study

BackgroundChildhood-juvenile obesity is a globally acknowledged public health issue. The school environment has been widely assessed because it is where adolescents stay longer during the day, and it may have impact on obesity. School became a crucial environment for obesity prevention in children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to associate schools’ internal environment factors and its surrounding areas with obesity in adolescents from a Brazilian metropolis.MethodsCross-sectional study based on data from the Study on Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents. The sample comprised 2,530 adolescents in the age group 12–17 years, who were enrolled in public and private schools in Belo Horizonte City, Brazil. Obesity was the dependent variable based on the cut-off point score-z + 2 for body mass index based on age. School environment’s independent variables were ‘managerial dependence type’, ‘number of drinking fountains’, ‘school sports environment’ and ‘ready-to-eat food shops’ around the school (within an 800 m buffer).ResultsObesity prevailed in 7.21% in sample. The largest number of drinking fountains decrease by 9% the chances of obesity in adolescents enrolled in public and private schools; however, the second and third terciles recorded for the number of ready-to-eat food shops within the 800 m buffer around schools increased by 24% and 44% the chances of obesity, respectively.ConclusionSchool food environment aspects such as the number of operational drinking fountains and the availability of ready-to-eat food shops around the school were associated with obesity in adolescents from a Brazilian metropolis.

Effect of Sodium Valproate on Weight, Body Mass Index, Uric Acid, Vitamin D3, Blood Insulin, and Serum Lipid Profile in Children

Introduction: Due to the high prevalence of epilepsy and the use of sodium valproate as an antiepileptic drug by these patients, accurate recognition of its side effects and its effects on serum lipids profile, liver enzymes, uric acid level, and thyroid function tests, especially in cases that need long-term treatment seems essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium valproate on weight, body mass index (BMI), vitamin D3, blood insulin, uric acid level, and serum lipids profile in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was performed on 30 children between 3 and 8 years of age who suffered from newly diagnosed epilepsy and received sodium valproate as monotherapy. Data including demographic information (age, sex, height, weight, and waist and hip circumference of children), as well as clinical characteristics, such as liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALK-P), serum lipids level (TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C), thyroid tests (TSH, T4), fasting blood sugar (FBS), uric acid level, 25 OH Vitamin D3 (Vit-D3), and blood insulin level of children before and six months after the consumption of sodium valproate, were examined. Results: The mean weight of children before and six months after the start of sodium valproate treatment was 18.54±2.99 and 21.13±3.93 (kg), respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P=0.005). Also, the mean weight Z-score of children before and after taking sodium valproate was -2.497 and -2.293, respectively, which was statistically significant too. In addition to weight gain, there was also a significant increase in the abdominal and hip circumference of children after taking valproate, whereas the increase in mean BMI before and after valproate administration was not statistically significant (P=0.114). However, mean weight gain, as well as the increase in the waist and hip circumference, had no relationship with gender (P> 0.05). Also, sodium valproate significantly increased the ALT level (P=0.046). Moreover, sodium valproate did not affect other liver function markers (AST), thyroid hormones (TSH, T4), fasting blood sugar (FBS), uric acid level, 25 OH Vit-D3, and the children's blood insulin levels (P> 0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that sodium valproate is a good drug for children between 3 and 8 years of age, but it should be noted that taking this drug increases the chance of obesity in children. The main side effect of this drug is weight gain. Due to the significant increase in ALT enzyme, as observed in this study, it is recommended to check liver enzymes before, one, and six months after starting treatment as it can prevent the irreversible permanent side effects of this drug.

Association between carbohydrate quality index and general and central obesity in adults: A population-based study in Iran.

Introduction: To determine whether dietary carbohydrates quality index (CQI), glycemic index, and glycemic load is associated with general and abdominal obesity. Methods: 850 participants, 20 to 59 years old, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study from five Tehran districts through health houses. The 168 items in the semi--quantitative food frequency questionnaire were used to assess dietary intake. The CQI was calculated by using the following four components: glycemic index, total fiber, solid carbohydrate to total carbohydrate ratio, and whole grains: total grains ratio. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, the chance of obesity in men (OR=0.38, 95% CI 0.15to 0.95; P =0.04) measured by waist circumference (WC) was significantly lower in the fourth quintile of CQI in comparison with the first quintile. In addition, OR for obesity in men (OR=2.53, 95% CI0.52 to 1.37; P =0.04) was significantly 2.5 times higher among those in the fourth quintile of glycemic index compared with those in the lowest quintile. There was no significant association between dietary carbohydrates with general obesity in men and women. Conclusion: In summary, dietary CQI is significantly inversely related to central obesity in men,according to this study. Additionally, adherence to a diet with a higher glycemic index in men is positively associated with central obesity.

Booms and Busts in Housing Market and Health Outcomes for Older Americans.

Background and ObjectivesThe US housing market has experienced considerable fluctuations over the last decades. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of housing price dynamics on physical health, mental health, and health-related behaviors for older American outright owners, mortgaged owners, and renters.Research Design and MethodsWe drew longitudinal data from the 1992–2016 Health and Retirement Study and merged it to the 5-digit zip code–level Housing Price Index. The analytic sample comprised 34 182 persons and 174 759 person-year observations. We used a fixed-effects model to identify the health impacts of housing price dynamics separately for outright owners, mortgaged owners, and renters.ResultsA 100% increase in Housing Price Index was associated with a 2.81 and 3.50 percentage points (pp) increase in the probability of reporting excellent/very good/good health status for mortgage owners and renters, respectively. It was also related to a lower likelihood of obesity (1.82 pp) for outright owners and a lesser chance of obesity (2.85 pp) and smoking (3.03 pp) for renters. All of these relationships were statistically significant (p < .05). Renters also experienced significantly decreased depression scores (−0.24), measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression scale, associated with the same housing price changes.Discussion and ImplicationsHousing price dynamics have significant health impacts, and renters are more sensitive to fluctuations in the housing market. Our study rules out the wealth effect as the mechanism through which changes in housing prices affect older adults’ health. Our findings may inform policies to promote older adults’ health by investing in local area amenities and improving socioeconomic conditions.

Association of uric acid with metabolic parameters and obesity

Purpose Recent studies have shown that hyperuricemia is a predictor of non-communicable disease and an increment of mortality rate. Also, elevated serum uric acid may be associated with obesity in the adult population. This study aims to evaluate the association between serum uric acid levels with metabolic parameters and risk of obesity in the Iranian population. Design/methodology/approach The cross-sectional study was done on 550 participants, who were referred to a hospital for elective angiography in Rasht, Iran; anthropometric indices (waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI)) and hematological factors were measured using the standard approaches. Based to the angiography results, the severity of atherosclerosis was defined. Findings The mean (SD) concentration of serum uric acid for all participants was 5.15 (1.37) mg/dl. Individuals who were at the highest tertile had higher mean (SD) of weight (p = 0.004), creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (p &lt; 0.001) lower fasting blood sugar (FBS) (p = 0.000) and HbA1c (p = 0.016), and they were mostly men compared with those in the lowest tertile. After adjusting for confounders, FBS (ß = –0.145, p = 0.001) and HbA1c (%) (ß = –0.130, p = 0.019) had inverse and weight (ß = 0.156, p = 0.001) had direct association with serum uric acid. After adjustment for additionally potential confounders subjects in the highest tertile of serum uric acid had 92 per cent higher chance of obesity compared with subjects in the lowest tertile (OR 1.92; 95 per cent CI 1.13, 3.23). Originality/value The present study has concluded that increase serum uric acid related to high risk of obesity and low mean of FBS and HbA1c.

Assessment of University Students’ attitude towards Fast food consumption Based on the Prototype/Willingness model: A Qualitative Study in the East South of Iran, Rafsanjan

Background and Purpose: University students are young and are thus at a critical period of adopting healthy behaviors. Their life-style exposes them to a high rate of consuming fast food. In the long run, they are faced with higher chances of obesity and risk of affliction with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The present research aims to explore university students’ attitude towards fast food consumption based in the Prototype/Willingness model. Materials and methods: The present research followed a qualitative approach and a directed content analysis in 2018-19 among students affiliated with Rafsanjan universities. The participants were selected through purposeful sampling. A semi-structured interview was held with 20 students and it went on until data satiation occurred. The qualitative content analysis was done through Graneheim and Lundman method. Results: Analysis of university students’ experience of fast food consumption led to the extraction of 2 categories, 16 sub-categories and 65 final codes. The main theme was attitude for which the following subcategories were extracted: pleasure in consumption, fast preparation, inability to cook, lethargy, low cost, inadequate monitoring, Indulgence, bringing excuses, lack of knowledge, optimism in one’s health, consumeristic media, disorganized student life. For the negative attitude category, the following sub-categories were considered: attempts to provide healthy food, hated to fast food consumption, creation of a healthy supportive atmosphere by the family, bad experiences, perceived threat and perceived consequences. Conclusion: Knowledge of positive and negative attitudes would help program designers to contrive of the best preventive strategy focused on the adjustment of positive attitudes and reinforcement of negative attitudes to fast food consumption.

Prevalence of obesity and overweight and its associated factors among registered pensioners in Ghana; a cross sectional studies

BackgroundThe elderly are faced with health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems, which can be linked to obesity and overweight. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight and its associated factors amongst registered pensioners in Ghana.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among members of the national pensioners association of Ghana. 4813 pensioners took part in the study. Thirteen study centers were used in the study with at least one center per regional capital. Questionnaires, physical examinations, blood and urine sample examinations were carried out.ResultsOverall, 16.3% of the pensioners were obese while 30.0% were overweight. Prevalence of obesity among males and females were 8.0% and 34.5% respectively. Pensioners who were hypertensive had 1.8 times the odds (95% CI = 1.5–2.0) of being obese/overweight. Serum triglycerides levels of 2.26 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) or more, were associated with 80% chance of obesity and overweight (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3 - 2.5). There was 30% increase in arthritis among obese/overweight pensioners compared to normal/underweight pensioners. Obesity and overweight pensioners were more likely to be using eyeglass (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.3–2.2) and less likely to report hearing loss (OR = 0.7, 95% CI =0.5–1.0).ConclusionThe prevalence of obesity among the elderly in Ghana is high. Age had an inverse linear relationship with BMI among pensioners. Hypertension, arthritis and dyslipidemia were associated with obesity among registered pensioners.

Feed Forward Neural Network Versus Kernel Regression a Case of Body Mass Index and Body Dimensions

Body mass index is a measure of body fitness and is considered very important in screening body categories that may lead to health problems. Understanding risk factors of obesity provide more insight and nature of policies that can be put up to fight obesity. However, uncertainty regarding most appropriate means by which to define excess body weight remains. It is important to develop models that best calculate Body Mass Index to help reduce the chances of obesity. The objective of this research ismodeling Body Mass Index using Feed Forward Neural Network and Kernel regression. Modeling will be first done using height and weight alone, later 21 body dimensions will be added. The analysis was based on body dimensions data provided by San Jose State University and the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. To determine the best model, Adjusted R2 and Mean Square Error (MSE) were used. From the results of the study, Kernel regression was better in modeling Body Mass Index than Feed Forward Neural Network.

Effect of breastfeeding on obesity of schoolchildren: influence of maternal education

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between duration of breastfeeding (BF) and obesity in schoolchildren of Florianópolis (SC), and the role of possible effect modifiers. MethodsCross-sectional study with a random sample of 2826 schoolchildren (7–14 years). Weight and height were measured according to standardized procedures. Data concerning BF and sociodemographic variables were obtained from a questionnaire sent to parents/guardians. Children's nutritional status was evaluated by BMI-for-age z-score for gender (WHO reference curves). Adjusted analyses were performed through logistic regression, considering a possible interaction among variables. ResultsPrevalence of obesity was 8.6% (95% CI: 7.6–9.7%) and 55.7% (95% CI: 53.8–57.6%) received breastmilk for ≥6 months. BF was not associated with obesity, even in the adjusted analysis. Stratified analysis according to maternal schooling showed that, in children aged 7–10 years and children whose mothers had 0–8 years of schooling, the chance of obesity was lower among those breastfeed for >1 month, especially among those who received breastmilk for 1–5 months (OR=0.22; 95% CI 0.08–0.62). Among children of women with higher schooling (>8 years), the chance of obesity was 44% lower in those who were breastfed for >12 months (p-value for interaction<0.01). This interaction was not found in older children (11–14 years). ConclusionsAmong children of women with lower schooling, BF for any period longer than 1 month is protective against obesity; however, for a higher maternal schooling, BF for less than 12 months increases the odds of obesity.

Efeito do aleitamento materno sobre a obesidade em escolares: influência da escolaridade da mãe

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between duration of breastfeeding (BF) and obesity in schoolchildren of Florianópolis (SC), and the role of possible effect modifiers. MethodsCross‐sectional study with a random sample of 2,826 schoolchildren (7‐14 years). Weight and height were measured according to standardized procedures. Data concerning BF and sociodemographic variables were obtained from a questionnaire sent to parents/guardians. Children's nutritional status was evaluated by BMI‐for‐age z‐score for gender (WHO reference curves). Adjusted analyses were performed through logistic regression, considering a possible interaction among variables. ResultsPrevalence of obesity was 8.6% (95% CI: 7.6‐9.7%) and 55.7% (95% CI: 53.8‐57.6%) received breastmilk for ≥6 months. BF was not associated with obesity, even in the adjusted analysis. Stratified analysis according to maternal schooling showed that, in children aged 7‐10 years and children whose mothers had 0‐8 years of schooling, the chance of obesity was lower among those breastfeed for >1 month, especially among those who received breastmilk for 1‐5 months (OR=0.22; 95% CI 0.08‐0.62). Among children of women with higher educational level (>8 years), the chance of obesity was 44% lower in those who were breastfed for >12 months (p‐value for interaction <0.01). This interaction was not found in older children (11‐14 years). ConclusionsAmong children of women with lower schooling, BF for any period longer than 1 month is protective against obesity; however, for a higher maternal schooling, BF for less than 12 months increases the odds of obesity.

Determinants of overweight and obesity in the middle school students of Pakdasht city, Tehran province

Background: In recent years, overweight and obesity have dramatically increased in many countries, and this trend is also visible among children. Childhood obesity will increase the chance of obesity and its associated diseases in adulthood. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity in middle school students of Pakdasht. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 995 female students were selected from all middle schools of Pakdasht city, Tehran Province by stratified random sampling method. The required information on demographic variables, social determinants of health, type of entertainment, daily physical activity and eating habits was collected and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Results: The mean age of students was 12.6 years. Finally, 9.1% and 15.1% of the students were obese and overweight, respectively. The results of univariate analysis showed that overweight and obesity were significantly associated with age, type of transportation to school, time of computer use, first-degree family history of obesity and daily physical activity. Overweight and obesity were also independently related to type of transportation to school, time of computer use, first-degree family history of obesity, birth weight and daily physical activity based on the results of multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Considering the relatively high prevalence of overweight and obesity in middle school students, it is necessary to design and implement ongoing interventional and multidimensional programms in order to declin or eliminate the mentioned risk factors.

Anthropometric differences among natives of Abuja living in urban and rural communities: correlations with other cardiovascular risk factors

BackgroundThere is an increase of obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors worldwide, but especially in developing countries where multifaceted transitions are occurring. There is need for more evidence for the cardio-metabolic effect of changing lifestyles and urbanization in Nigeria. This study aimed at defining rural–urban differences in anthropometric parameters in two Nigerian communities of the same ancestral origin and to determine the cardiovascular risk correlates of these anthropometric measurements. This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study using stratified cluster sampling method. We studied 335 and 332 urban and rural dwellers respectively. A complete cardiovascular profile as well as anthropometric measurements was compared between the two populations.ResultsAll anthropometric indices considered in this study (weight, BMI, waist circumference, waist circumference/height ratio, abdominal height; biceps, triceps, sub-scapular, abdominal, superior iliac skinfold thicknesses) were significantly higher in urban than in the rural population (p = <0.001). Overweight, obesity and hypertension were significantly prevalent among the urban population (p = <0.001) while there was no significant difference in the prevalence of dyslipidaemia (p = 0.096) and diabetes (p = 0.083) between the two cohorts. Females tend to have a higher chance of obesity than males although there was no gender difference in waist circumference and central skin fold thickness in the rural population. Age was the significant predictor of systolic blood pressure among the rural (R2 = 0.157, β = 0.258, p = 0.016) and urban female population (R2 = 0.201, β = 0.351, p = <0.001) while Abdominal height (R2 = 0.16, β = 0.281, p = 0.001) and waist circumference (R2 = 0.064 β = 0.064, p = .003) were predictors of systolic blood pressure in urban and rural men respectively.ConclusionAnthropometric indices were significantly higher among the urban than the rural populations. Cardiovascular risks were equally more prevalent among the urban population. Appropriate health education and lifestyle modification strategies may reduce the increased burden of cardiovascular risk factors associated with rural–urban migration.