Consumption Of High-calorie Foods Research Articles

A Systematic Review Exploring Dietary Behaviors, Psychological Determinants and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery.

Weight regains after bariatric surgery presents a significant challenge to long-term weight management and overall health outcomes. While clinical and surgical factors influencing bariatric outcomes have been extensively reviewed, there remains a notable gap in understanding how behavioral factors-specifically dietary habits, psychological influences, and lifestyle choices-impact long-term weight maintenance. This systematic review addresses this gap, highlighting the unique role of these behavioral factors in sustaining weight loss post-bariatric surgery. This systematic review aims to explore the behavioral factors-including dietary, psychological, and lifestyle influences-associated with weight regain after bariatric surgery. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published in English. We included observational studies exclusively focused on adults who experienced weight regain after bariatric surgery, with an emphasis on behavioral factors. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, with the last search completed on 10 July 2024. Studies published within the past 10 years were considered. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies was used to assess the risk of bias. A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria: 12 cross-sectional studies, 3 cohort studies, and 1 in-depth interview study. The review found inconsistencies in the definitions of weight regain across studies. Nonetheless, three primary behavioral factors were identified as potentially contributing to weight regain: dietary non-adherence and eating patterns, psychological determinants, and lifestyle behaviors. Dietary non-adherence included high-calorie food consumption, excessive intake of sweets, carbohydrates, and sweetened beverages, and low protein intake. Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, emotional eating, and binge eating were prevalent among individuals experiencing weight regain. Lifestyle behaviors, including physical inactivity, smoking, and sedentary habits, also played significant roles. Post-bariatric weight management is multifaceted, necessitating a comprehensive approach that addresses dietary, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Most studies on behavioral factors linked to weight regain were cross-sectional with small sample sizes, limiting the ability to infer causality. Future research should include detailed information on dietary adherence, standardized tools to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior, and validated measures for psychological health. Tailored interventions and continuous support from healthcare professionals are essential for maximizing the effectiveness of bariatric surgery, promoting sustainable weight loss, and enhancing overall health outcomes.

Social isolation induces addictive behavior and increases release of dopamine in the <i>nucleus accumbens</i> in response to stimulation of the positive reinforcing zone

The study of the role of social isolation in the pathogenesis of addictive behavior disorders is an important medical and biological problem. Of particular importance are the limitations of social experience in ontogenesis. This work makes an attempt to find a connection between social isolation in ontogenesis and impulsive-compulsive behavior, as an indicator of the premorbid background for gaming and other forms of behavioral addictions. The mechanisms of addictive behavior in rats reared in isolation (IS) were investigated by analyzing the extracellular release of dopamine in response to stimulation of the positive reinforcing zone. Before the experiments, male rats were kept in individual cages from the 21st day of birth to the 90th day. To study elements of addictive behavior, a variant of the Iowa Gambling Task in a 3-arm maze and a method of developing compulsive overeating using intermittent consumption of high-calorie foods were used. To study compulsive behavior, a marble test was used against the background of withdrawal from a high-calorie diet. Surgeries were performed to implant electrodes into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens in rats exhibiting elements of addictive behavior in the 3-arm maze. These animals were then trained to respond to VTA self-stimulation. Dopamine release was recorded telemetrically in freely moving rats in response to electrical stimulation of the VTA self-stimulation zone. Fast scan cyclic voltammetry was used to determine changes in dopamine levels in the extracellular environment of the nucleus accumbens. IS entered less into the arm with a high degree of probability but with a low reward, and entered more in the arm with a low degree of probability, but with a high reward, which is associated with the appearance of impulsivity in behavior. In the model of compulsive overeating, the number of approaches to the feeder in IS increased, and against the background of withdrawal of high-calorie food, IS were more active in the marble test. In IS exhibiting elements of addictive behavior in the 3-arm maze, the content of extracellular dopamine in response to electrical stimulation of the VTA self-stimulation zones did not reveal any differences compared to the control group of rats with addictive behavior in the maze. At the same time, IS exhibiting elements of addictive behavior in the maze showed a more pronounced dopamine response to a complex stimulus: a conditioned signal used during maze learning light + VTA stimulation. Thus, rearing in the IS causes an increase in dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens in response to stimulation of the positive reinforcement area associated with addictive behaviors: impulsivity and compulsivity. A conclusion is drawn about the prospects of studying the extracellular release of dopamine and assesses addictive behavior disorders caused by limited social contacts in ontogenesis.

Reducing binge eating behavior in rats using the novel ghrelin receptor antagonist Agrelax

BACKGROUND: Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder, characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating during which a person consumes excessive amounts of food in the absence of hunger. These episodes of binge eating are usually accompanied by a feeling of lack of control with an inability to refrain from eating or stop eating once it has started. A rodent model of binge eating disorder shows that intermittent consumption of energy-dense foods induces binge eating behavior independent of weight gain. AIM: To study the effect of the ghrelin receptor antagonist Agrelax on compulsive overeating in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 30 male Wistar rats. To model compulsive overeating, animals received high-calorie food (a mixture based on chocolate-nut butter spread) 3 times a week while maintaining free access to standard pelleted food and water. Compulsivity in behavior was assessed using the pellet burying test. The ghrelin receptor antagonist Agrelax was administered intranasally, 1 µg/1 µl, 10 µl in each nostril for 7 days. RESULTS: Compulsive behavior was assessed using the pellet burying test. The experimental group of animals receiving a high-calorie diet buried a significantly larger number of pellets than the control group (p 0.01). After a 7-day course of Agrelax, the number of buried balls decreased significantly, reaching the values of the control group (p 0.05). A technique for compulsive overeating in rats was developed by giving high-calorie food 3 times a week. After a 7-day course of Agrelax, the consumption of high-calorie foods significantly decreased (p 0.05). The daily consumption of standard feed in the group did not differ compared to the control group. However, after the course of Agrelax administration, the consumption of standard feed decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained suggest new ways of synthesizing peptide pharmacological agents based on ghrelin and its antagonists for the correction of food addiction.

Effects of the new ghrelin receptor antagonist agrelax on compulsive overeating induced by acute and chronic stress in rats

BACKGROUND: Intense and prolonged stress can be detrimental to both psychological and physical health. Stress often leads to the development or worsening of compulsive overeating. Compulsive overeating is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food, accompanied by a sense of loss of control. AIM: To study the effects of the ghrelin receptor antagonist Agrelax on compulsive overeating induced by acute and chronic stress in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 150 male and 15 female Wistar rats. To simulate compulsive overeating, the animals received a high-calorie mixture based on chocolate paste three times a week, while maintaining free access to standard food and water. Compulsive behavior was assessed using the marble burying test. Different groups of animals were exposed to various stressors, including maternal deprivation, limb electrical stimulation, partial sensory and complete social isolation, and acute vital stress. Agrelax, a ghrelin receptor antagonist, was administered intranasally at a dose of 1 μg/μL, 10 μL in each nostril, for 7 days. RESULTS: Compulsive behavior was evaluated using the marble burying test. The experimental group on a high-calorie diet buried significantly more marbles than the control group (p 0.01). After a 7-day course of Agrelax, the number of buried marbles significantly decreased, reaching the control group values (p 0.05). A model of compulsive overeating in rats was successfully developed by providing high-calorie food three times a week. After a 7-day course of Agrelax, the consumption of high-calorie food significantly decreased (p 0.05). Limb electrical stimulation significantly increased the consumption of high-calorie food (p 0.05). After a 7-day course of Agrelax, the consumption of high-calorie food significantly decreased (p 0.01). Maternal deprivation stress significantly increased the consumption of high-calorie food (p 0.001). After a 7-day course of Agrelax, the consumption of high-calorie food decreased, reaching the control group values. In animals raised under partial sensory and complete social isolation, Agrelax did not significantly reduce the consumption of high-calorie food. In animals subjected to acute vital stress, Agrelax did not reduce the consumption of high-calorie food. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained suggest new ways for synthesizing peptide pharmacological agents based on ghrelin and its antagonists to treat eating disorders.

A Quantitative Study on Parental Influence and Lifestyle Factors in Child Obesity

Child obesity is a growing global health concern, significantly impacting both developed and developing countries. This study examines the influence of parental behaviors and lifestyle factors on child obesity in Keyouqianqi, Inner Mongolia, China. Employing a quantitative research design, data was collected from 50 parents of obese children through structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between parental promotion of healthy eating, physical activity encouragement, and lower obesity rates, whereas restrictive feeding practices were linked to higher obesity rates. Lifestyle factors such as high-calorie food consumption, sugary beverage intake, insufficient physical activity, and excessive screen time were also significantly associated with child obesity. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive interventions addressing both parental behaviors and children's lifestyle choices to combat child obesity effectively.

Effect of Liposomal Protium heptaphyllum (Alb.) March Extract in the Treatment of Obesity Induced by High-Calorie Diet.

Obesity, a chronic disease, resulted from excessive consumption of high-calorie foods, leading to an energy imbalance. Protium heptaphyllum (P. heptaphyllum) was used in folk medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. The association of the extract from P. heptaphyllum with nanotechnology was innovative for combining high technology with active ingredients that are easily accessible in the Amazon region. This study evaluated the effect of liposomes containing the ethyl acetate fraction of the crude extract of P. heptaphyllum leaves on obesity. Male Wistar rats treated with a high-calorie diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity received treatment with the liposome formulation containing P. heptaphyllum extract (1 mg/kg/day, via gavage) for 14 days. Morphological, metabolic, redox status, immunological, and histological parameters were evaluated in the adipose and liver tissue of the animals. The groups were divided as follows: C: control; P: liposomes containing extract; O: obese, and OP: obese + liposomes containing extract. The obesity model resulted in increases in body weight, caloric intake, body fat weight, and in the lipid profile. In adipose tissue, P decreased SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity in obese animals. In the liver, a positive modulation of the extract was observed in relation to glucose, amino acids, lactate, hepatoprotective action, and anti-inflammatory activity, with a decrease in interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in obese animals. The results showed an improvement in the functional and inflammatory aspects, but the treatment was not effective in alleviating general changes related to obesity, such as weight gain, fat, glucose, triglycerides, and inflammation in adipose tissue, highlighting the complexity of responses in different organs during obesity and treatment with P. heptaphyllum.

The Role of Pro-Inflammatory Chemokines CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5 in the Etiopathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Subjects from the Asir Region of Saudi Arabia: Correlation with Different Degrees of Obesity.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is becoming a major global health concern, especially in developing nations. The high prevalence of obesity and related diabetes cases are attributed to rapid economic progress, physical inactivity, the consumption of high-calorie foods, and changing lifestyles. We investigated the roles of pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL1, 2, 4, and 5 in T2DM with varying levels of obesity in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. In total, 170 confirmed T2DM subjects and a normal control group were enrolled. Demographic data, serum levels of CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5, and biochemical indices were assessed in the subjects and control groups by standard procedures. T2DM subjects were divided into four groups: A (normal body weight), B (overweight), C (obese), and D (highly obese). We observed that male and female control subjects had similar mean serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5. T2DM subjects in all the four groups showed significantly higher levels of all the four chemokines compared to the controls, regardless of gender. In T2DM subjects with obesity and severe obesity, the rise was most significant. There was a progressive rise in the concentrations of CCL-1, 2, and 4 in T2DM subjects with increasing BMI. Serum CCL5 levels increased significantly in all T2DM subject groups. The increase in CCL5 was more predominant in normal-weight people, compared to overweight and obese T2DM subjects. Male and female control subjects had similar serum levels of pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5. The progressive rise in blood concentrations of three pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL-1, 2, and 4 in T2DM subjects with increasing BMI supports the idea that dyslipidemia and obesity contribute to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Serum CCL5 levels increased significantly in all T2DM subject groups. The selective and more pronounced increase in CCL5 in the T2DM group with normal BMI, compared to subjects with varying degrees of obesity, was rather surprising. Further research is needed to determine if CCL5 underexpression in overweight and obese T2DM subjects is due to some unexplained counterbalancing processes.

Correction of compulsive overeating in rats after maternal deprivation in early age using a new antagonist of OX1 receptors

BACKGROUND: Compulsive overeating (bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder) is the basis of eating disorders and is included in ICD-11 and DSM-5 as a manifestation of nonchemicaladdiction and a behavioral disorder of impulsivity and compulsivity. Obesity and eating disorders are characterized by compulsive food consumption, similar to compulsive drug use in substance use disorders. AIM: To evaluate the effect of the OX1 receptor antagonist anthorex on compulsive overeating in animals in a maternal deprivation model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sexually mature male rats, which were separated from their mother for 3 h after birth from days 2 to 12, were fed a high-carbohydrate diet every third day for 1 h for 45 days. High-calorie food was placed within 5 cm of reach with visual contact 15 minutes before feeding. Anthorex was administered intranasally for 7 days at a dose of 1 µg/1 µl, 20 µl. RESULTS: Intermittent consumption of high-calorie foods caused compulsive overeating in rats. Sexually mature animals that experienced deprivation from their mother in early ontogenesis showed increased compulsive overeating of high-carbohydrate foods relative to the controls (p 0.001). Moreover, the consumption of standard briquetted feed did not change. Intranasal administration of anthorex reduced the manifestations of compulsive overeating in rats after weaning under conditions of intermittent consumption of high-calorie food compared to the control group (p 0.05). Consumption of standard food did not differ relative to the control group, before and after the administration of the orexin antagonist. CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals new methods of studying and synthesizing peptide drugs based on orexin and its antagonists for the correction of compulsive overeating caused by chronic stress in ontogenesis.

Study Analysis of the Role of High-Calorie Food (Junk Food) on the Incident of Adolescent Obesity: A Community-Based Observational Study of Senior High School Adolescents in Tangerang Regency, Indonesia

Adolescent obesity is an increasingly worrying global health problem. Consuming high-calorie foods (junk food) is thought to be one of the main risk factors. This study aims to analyze the role of high-calorie foods on the incidence of obesity in senior high school adolescents in Tangerang Regency, Indonesia. This community-based observational research involved 350 randomly selected senior high school students in Tangerang Regency. Data were collected through food questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical examinations. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression to identify the association between junk food consumption and obesity, with adjustment for potential confounding factors. The results showed that consumption of high-calorie foods was significantly associated with an increased risk of obesity in adolescents (OR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.65-4.98). Adolescents who frequently consume junk food have a 2.87 times higher risk of becoming obese than those who rarely consume it. Apart from that, a positive relationship was also found between the frequency of consumption of junk food body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Consumption of high-calorie foods has a significant role in increasing the risk of obesity in senior high school adolescents in Tangerang Regency. Comprehensive nutritional and public health interventions are needed to reduce junk food consumption and promote healthy eating patterns to prevent obesity in adolescents.

Comparative Characteristics of Eating Behavior, Habits, and Patterns of Normal and Overweight Children, Including Obese Children

Introduction: One of the reasons for the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults, and especially children and adolescents, is eating habits and eating behavior, which are formed by the rules of nutrition established in the family. Purpose of the Study: Conduct a comparative assessment of the nature of nutrition and eating habits of overweight schoolchildren, including obesity, and those with normal body weight to justify the development of measures aimed at preventing the formation of overweight and alimentary-related diseases. Materials and Methods: The materials for the study were the data of a survey of 2029 schoolchildren aged 7-17. The survey program included questions reflecting knowledge of the principles of healthy eating and adherence to its principles in family and school meals, the structure and mode of eating were studied. Statistical analysis was carried out using STATISTICA 10 and Microsoft Excel application packages. Parametric methods of analysis were used. Differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. Results: A high frequency of adherence to the consumption of high-calorie foods was established, which is typical both for respondents with overweight and obesity, and with normal body weight. In the group of children with overweight and obesity, a higher frequency of food intake was revealed both on weekends and on school days 75.4% versus 65.6% and in the group with normal body weight, respectively, 73.4% versus 60.8% (p≤0.05), which is largely due to the greater proportion of children in this group who eat according to the main diet at school (73.2% versus 59.3%, p≤0.05), as well as attending the canteen in addition to the main nutrition (78.6% vs. 14.3%, (p≤0.05), more often buying main meat and fish dishes (6.7% vs. 4.8%), cereals (1.8% vs. 7%), sausages or wieners (4.0% vs. 1.1%), less often - fruits (2.7% vs. 3.4%), which increases the energy value of the diet compared to children with normal body weight. Conclusion: The study made it possible to identify violations of eating behavior and eating habits in schoolchildren with different BMI indicators, which pose additional risks of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren. Habits in the group of children with overweight, which are the source of the formation of risk factors for diseases associated with overweight and obesity, as well as the peculiarities of eating habits in the group of children with normal body weight. The data obtained require the need to develop preventive measures aimed at creating positive motivation in children to reduce the consumption of critically important nutrients, develop healthy eating habits, and consume food that is balanced with regard to actual energy consumption and physiological need for food and biologically valuable substances.

Gardening-cooking based intervention for improving healthy eating habits in preschool children

Background Preschool children generally have inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, but a high intake of calories. Nutrition education taught from an early age might instill good eating habits and behavior, especially regarding fruit and vegetable consumption. Objectives To compare preschoolers’ fruit and vegetable preferences, fiber intake, and consumption of high-calorie food before and after a gardening-cooking intervention. Methods This study had a quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test design, as well as intervention and control groups. Subjects were preschool children aged 4-6, selected by purposive sampling, with 33 subjects in each group. The intervention group engaged in nutrition education, gardening, and cooking programs. While the control group was not given the programs, only given nutrition education at the end of data collection. Data were analyzed using independent T-test, paired T-Test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney tests. Results There were significant increases in attitude score, fruit and vegetable preference, and fiber intake, as well as decreased intake of high calorie foods (P<0.05 for all) before and after treatment in the intervention group. In contrast, there were no significant changes in the control group pre- and post-test. Conclusion Gardening-cooking based intervention for 9 sessions is effective in improving attitudes, fruit and vegetable preferences, and fiber intake, as well as reducing high-calorie food consumption in preschool children.

Effect of antorex, a new antagonist of orexin receptors, on binge eating in rats caused by weaning from the mother in early ontogenesis

BACKGROUND: Research on the elements of food addiction in animal models shows that its manifestations are attributed to intermittent consumption of high-calorie foods. Chronic stress in ontogenesis can cause episodes of binge eating or dietary restrictions such as anorexia. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a new orexin receptor antagonist antorex on binge eating in a rat model of maternal neglect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mature male rats weaned from their mothers for 3 h after birth from days 2 to 12 received a high-carbohydrate diet every third day for 1 h for 45 days. Moreover, high-calorie food was placed within 5 cm of visual contact 15 min before feeding. Antorex, an orexin receptor antagonist, was administered intranasally at a dose of 1 µg/1µL for a total of 20 µL for 7 days. RESULTS: Intermittent consumption of high-calorie food products induced binge eating in rats. The frequency of the signs of binge eating increased after chronic weaning stress. The consumption of standard briquette feed was not altered. Intranasal administration of both the orexin receptor antagonist antorex reduced the manifestations of food addiction in rats after maternal deprivation under conditions of intermittent consumption of high-calorie food compared with controls. Standard food intake did not differ relative to the control group both before and after аntorex administration. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest new ways to study and synthesize peptide drugs based on orexin and its antagonists for the correction of food addiction caused by chronic stress in ontogenesis.

EFFECT OF AMMONIUM PYRROLIDINEDITHIOCARBAMATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN BICEPS FEMORIS MUSCLES OF RATS DURING MODELLED METABOLIC SYNDROME

Excessive consumption of high-calorie food, a sedentary lifestyle and increased psycho-emotional stress are risk factors for the development of metabolic syndrome. These factors are especially relevant for residents of countries with highly developed economies. Metabolic syndrome is accompanied not only by metabolic disorders, but also leads to the development of a systemic inflammatory response, which is associated with excessive production and circulation of cytokines in the blood. As a rule, the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB leads to an increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
 The aim of this work is to determine the effect of the NF-κB transcription factor activation inhibitor on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the production of superoxide anion radical, the content of oxidatively modified proteins, and the concentration of malondialdehyde in the biceps femoris muscle of rats who underwent experimental metabolic syndrome.
 The study included 24 sexually mature male Wistar rats weighing 200-260 g. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each. The first group was the control group; the second group involved the rats exposed to metabolic syndrome simulated by adding a 20% fructose solution as the only source of drinking water to the standard vivarium diet for 60 days; the third group involved the animals received ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate in a dose of 76 mg/kg intraperitoneally 3 times a week for 60 days; the fourth group was exposed to the combined effect of the ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate administration during modeled metabolic syndrome. In this study we investigated a 10% homogenate of the biceps femoris muscle with the research focus on several parameters: superoxide anion radical production, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, malondialdehyde concentration, and the presence of oxidatively modified proteins.
 Simulation of the metabolic syndrome led to the development of oxidative stress in the biceps muscle of rats that was accompanied by an increase in the production of the superoxide anion radical and a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The administration of ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate during modeled metabolic syndrome caused a decrease in the basic production of superoxide anion radical, production of superoxide anion radical by the microsomal electron transport chain and production of superoxide anion radical by the mitochondrial electron transport chain by 30.28%, 26.21 %, and 27.00%, respectively, compared to the rats in metabolic syndrome group. Superoxide dismutase activity increased by 78.81% and catalase activity grew by 144.74% compared to the metabolic syndrome group. The concentration of free malondialdehyde under the administration of ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate during metabolic syndrome reduced by 51.80%, and the content of oxidatively modified proteins decreased by 31.74% compared to the metabolic syndrome group.
 The administration of ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, an NF-κB transcription factor activation inhibitor, effectively prevents the development of oxidative stress in the biceps femoris muscle of rats with modeled metabolic syndrome.
 This study is a part of the initiative research project No. 0124U000092 "High- and low-intensity phenotypes of systemic inflammatory response: molecular mechanisms and new medical technologies for their prevention and correction".

Pediatric obesity during COVID-19: the role of neighborhood social vulnerability and collective efficacy.

Childhood obesity increased in the first year of COVID-19 with significant disparities across race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Social distancing led to fewer physical activity opportunities but increased screen time and high-calorie food consumption, all co-determined by neighborhood environments. This study aimed to test the moderation effects of neighborhood socioeconomic and built environments on obesity change during COVID-19. Using electronic health records from a large pediatric primary care network in 2018-2022, we cross-sectionally examined 163,042 well visits of 2-17-year-olds living in Philadelphia County in order to examine (1) the pandemic's effect on obesity prevalence and (2) moderation by census-tract-level neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, crime, food and physical activity-related environments using interrupted-time-series analysis, Poisson regression, and logistic regression. Weekly obesity prevalence increased by 4.9 percent points (pp) during the pandemic (January 2021-August 2022) compared to pre-pandemic (March 2018-March 2020) levels. This increase was pronounced across all age groups, racially/ethnically minoritized groups, and insurance types (ranging from 2.0 to 6.4 pp) except the Non-Hispanic-white group. The increase in obesity among children racially/ethnically minoritized groups was significantly larger in the neighborhoods with high social vulnerability (3.3 pp difference between high and low groups), and low collective efficacy (2.0 pp difference between high and low groups) after adjusting for age, sex, and insurance type. Racially/ethnically minoritized children experienced larger obesity increases during the pandemic, especially those in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. However, the buffering effect of community collective efficacy on the disparities underscores the importance of environments in pediatric health.

Exploring the potential of chewing gums containing plant extracts (clove, saffron, and clove-mint) as a natural solution for controlling obesity and associated health issues

Background:Obesity is a global health concern resulting from an excessive accumulation of fat in the body, affecting individuals of all ages, including children. Modern lifestyles and the consumption of high-calorie foods have resulted in an increase in obesity prevalence. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, blood pressure, and certain cancers are all serious health problems that obesity can lead to.Objectives: Medicinal properties in functional foods are gaining popularity in the food industry for controlling or inhibiting diseases. Given the growing concerns about obesity and its associated health risks, the need for natural compounds with controlling or inhibiting properties is paramount. This study aimed to explore natural plant extracts for their functional properties, particularly their ability to control obesity by inhibiting lipase enzyme. To transport these biological compounds, chewing gums containing extracts of cloves (at concentrations of 0.1%, 1%, and 3%), saffron, and mint were developed. Chewing gums containing extracts can become a popular natural remedy for a variety of health problems, including obesity. Using an effective delivery system, this solution is widely available to those looking for natural alternatives to address their health concerns.Methods: The research centered on exploring the properties of natural plant extracts, which included their potential to inhibit enzymes linked to obesity and related diseases, their antioxidant properties to counteract the harmful effects of body fat oxidation, and their antibacterial properties. In addition, the research involved a sensory evaluation of chewing gum that contained these extracts.Results: Clove extract had the highest amounts of total phenolic compounds. Also, clove extract exhibited the highest antioxidant properties and Helicobacter pylori inhibition (88.05% and 25.69% at ratio of 0.7% respectively), which is thought to be associated with its high content of eugenol and other phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the extracts were evaluated for other functional properties, including their ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and microbial activities against Streptococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Among extracts, saffron extract showed the highest lipase inhibitory properties (40.07, and 36.06% at concentrations of 0.7% and 0.5% respectively). Also, clove and mint showed pancreatic lipase inhibition about 31.50% and 29.24 % at concentration of 0.7 and 0.5% respectively, revealing that all extracts can be a good candidate to be used as effective additives in preventing and controlling obesity. Also, clove, mint, and saffron extracts could inhibit blood pressure enzymes (25.54, 20.70, and 19.61 respectively), which can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Furthermore, release kinetics of extracts from chewing gums were obtained, and shown that after 20 min the release of extracts were 73.24, 64.34, and 63.2 for saffron, mint, and clove (1%) respectively.Conclusions: Extracts were found in our research to have a beneficial effect on controlling obesity. These compounds may be effective in preventing obesity, based on their observed inhibition of pancreatic lipase enzyme. However, further research is necessary to fully comprehend the efficacy of these substances for this purpose. The significant antioxidant properties of clove may have a promising impact on reducing free radicals, which can help prevent fat oxidation in the bodies of individuals with obesity. The inhibition of ACE enzyme by extracts could potentially have a positive impact on controlling blood pressure. The extracts showed potent antimicrobial properties that can potentially alleviate mouth and throat issues associated with Streptococcus bacteria. Moreover, extracts demonstrated efficacy in reducing the presence of H. pylori, which is the causative agent of stomach infections. Also, it was shown that chewing gum can be a convenient and easily accessible means of delivering natural compounds and may be a desirable option for individuals seeking natural alternatives for managing their health concerns.Keywords: Chewing gum, Plant extracts, Obesity, Blood pressure, H. pylori infections

Exploring the potential of chewing gums containing plant extracts (clove, saffron, and clove-mint) as a natural solution for controlling obesity and associated health issues

Background:Obesity is a global health concern resulting from an excessive accumulation of fat in the body, affecting individuals of all ages, including children. Modern lifestyles and the consumption of high-calorie foods have resulted in an increase in obesity prevalence. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, blood pressure, and certain cancers are all serious health problems that obesity can lead to.Objectives: Medicinal properties in functional foods are gaining popularity in the food industry for controlling or inhibiting diseases. Given the growing concerns about obesity and its associated health risks, the need for natural compounds with controlling or inhibiting properties is paramount. This study aimed to explore natural plant extracts for their functional properties, particularly their ability to control obesity by inhibiting lipase enzyme. To transport these biological compounds, chewing gums containing extracts of cloves (at concentrations of 0.1%, 1%, and 3%), saffron, and mint were developed. Chewing gums containing extracts can become a popular natural remedy for a variety of health problems, including obesity. Using an effective delivery system, this solution is widely available to those looking for natural alternatives to address their health concerns.Methods: The research centered on exploring the properties of natural plant extracts, which included their potential to inhibit enzymes linked to obesity and related diseases, their antioxidant properties to counteract the harmful effects of body fat oxidation, and their antibacterial properties. In addition, the research involved a sensory evaluation of chewing gum that contained these extracts.Results: Clove extract had the highest amounts of total phenolic compounds. Also, clove extract exhibited the highest antioxidant properties and Helicobacter pylori inhibition (88.05% and 25.69% at ratio of 0.7% respectively), which is thought to be associated with its high content of eugenol and other phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the extracts were evaluated for other functional properties, including their ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and microbial activities against Streptococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Among extracts, saffron extract showed the highest lipase inhibitory properties (40.07, and 36.06% at concentrations of 0.7% and 0.5% respectively). Also, clove and mint showed pancreatic lipase inhibition about 31.50% and 29.24 % at concentration of 0.7 and 0.5% respectively, revealing that all extracts can be a good candidate to be used as effective additives in preventing and controlling obesity. Also, clove, mint, and saffron extracts could inhibit blood pressure enzymes (25.54, 20.70, and 19.61 respectively), which can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Furthermore, release kinetics of extracts from chewing gums were obtained, and shown that after 20 min the release of extracts were 73.24, 64.34, and 63.2 for saffron, mint, and clove (1%) respectively.Conclusions: Extracts were found in our research to have a beneficial effect on controlling obesity. These compounds may be effective in preventing obesity, based on their observed inhibition of pancreatic lipase enzyme. However, further research is necessary to fully comprehend the efficacy of these substances for this purpose. The significant antioxidant properties of clove may have a promising impact on reducing free radicals, which can help prevent fat oxidation in the bodies of individuals with obesity. The inhibition of ACE enzyme by extracts could potentially have a positive impact on controlling blood pressure. The extracts showed potent antimicrobial properties that can potentially alleviate mouth and throat issues associated with Streptococcus bacteria. Moreover, extracts demonstrated efficacy in reducing the presence of H. pylori, which is the causative agent of stomach infections. Also, it was shown that chewing gum can be a convenient and easily accessible means of delivering natural compounds and may be a desirable option for individuals seeking natural alternatives for managing their health concerns.Keywords: Chewing gum, Plant extracts, Obesity, Blood pressure, H. pylori infections

Food go/no-go training alters neural circuits for food evaluation for appetite reduction

Food go/no-go training has been traditionally categorized as a type of inhibitory training that decreases the desire for high-calorie food consumption. This training requires participants to either respond or withhold their responses to presented items with go cues or food items with no-go cues, respectively. Recent findings have suggested that this training may devalue food items associated with no-go cues instead of facilitating inhibitory control, leading to reduced food consumption. We thus hypothesized that food go/no-go training would alter the brain response to food items with no-go cues in food evaluation regions. To examine this hypothesis, we conducted a repeated measures functional magnetic resonance imaging using food images in healthy participants, who underwent 3 weeks of food go/no-go training (n = 26) using high- and low-calorie food items paired with no-go cues (no-go food) and go cues (go food), respectively, and control training (n = 24). The food go/no-go training reduced the ratings for the desire to eat no-go foods and increased the ratings for go foods. The reduction in no-go food rating was positively associated with a decrease in daily snack intake. The neural responses in the food evaluation regions increased for go foods. Moreover, the functional connectivity of those regions was altered. The food go/no-go training did not decrease impulsivity traits or increase restrained eating, which are associated with inhibitory control. Overall, food go/no-go training influenced the brain regions associated with food evaluation, thus devaluating no-go foods and reducing the daily snack intake. Accordingly, food go/no-go training could promote healthier food choices.

Reduction of compulsive overeating in rats caused by maternal deprivation in early ontogenesis with the use of a new ghrelin receptor antagonist agrelax

BACKGROUND: Factors that may trigger episodes of binge eating include mental and physical stress, dietary restrictions of high-calorie foods. In a rodent model it has been shown that intermittent consumption of high-calorie foods causes binge eating regardless of body weight gain.
 AIM: To investigate the effect of a novel ghrelin receptor antagonist Agrelax on binge eating in in adult rats after maternal deprivation in early ontogeny.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were weaned for 180 min from day 2 to day 12 after birth; males 90100 days of age were used in the experiments. In the development of binge eating, animals received a high-carbohydrate diet (Nutella paste based chocolate mixture) for 1 h every day or every third day for 1.5 months. Fifteen minutes before feeding, the chocolate paste was placed within 5 cm of reach with visual contact. Agrelax, a novel ghrelin receptor antagonist, was administered intranasally 1g/1l, 20l for 7 days.
 RESULTS: Maternal deprivation induced bindge eating of high-calorie foods in adult rats. When chocolate was given 3 times a week, its consumption increased (p 0.001) in the maternal deprivation group relative to the control group. After a course of administration of agrelax, chocolate consumption did not differ significantly from that in the control group. The daily consumption of standard food did not differ relative to the control group both before and after the course of agrelax administration. When chocolate was given daily, the maternal deprivation rats did not develop food addiction. At the same time agrelax did not induce a change in chocolate consumption relative to the control group.
 CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest new ways to synthesize pharmacological agents of peptide nature based on ghrelin and its antagonists for correction of food addiction caused by psychogenic stresses in ontogenesis.

METABOLİK SENDROM

Metabolic syndrome is a common health problem, is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Metabolic syndrome is a type of disorder that occurs as a result of the coexistence of insulin resistance and obesity-like findings, hipertriglisemi, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, stress, low HDL, hyperglycemia, inflammation, adipocyte-derived aldosterone-releasing factors, sleep apnea, etc. The same criteria and symptoms are valid for the disease in animals, and similar definitions are made for animals. In recent years, interest in metabolic syndrome, its causes and consequences has increased in veterinary medicine as well as in human medicine. In the formation of the disease, with the development of industry and technology, besides genetic factors urbanization, sedentary life, fast and high-calorie food consumption and many environmental factors such as smoking and alcohol use play role. In addition to this, many situations are shown in animals such as breed, neutralism, relationship with the owner, ration content, loss of hunter, catcher, etc. characteristics by assimilating to today's conditions. Many internationally recognized institutions such as the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) ATPIII, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Turkish Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism have made definitions for metabolic syndrome. In this article, metabolic syndrome, which has a significant impact on human and animal life, is examined in general terms.

Construct Validity of a Questionnaire on Eating and Physical Activity Habits for Adolescents in Mexico City.

The assessment of eating and physical activity habits is an important step in promoting healthy behaviors among the adolescent population and is key in the prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. For this purpose, reliable and valid measuring instruments are essential. In this context, the aim of this article is to present the validation of a self-report questionnaire on eating and physical activity habits among adolescents in Mexico City. In order to validate the questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 2710 adolescents between 11 and 12 years of age, the piloting of the questionnaire was carried out in September 2022 with a focus group, and the programming of the anthropometric measurements was established with the Federal Educational Authority of CDMX, as well as the application of the questionnaire to 33 schools, with these activities being scheduled from 7 November 2022 to 3 February 2023 and having an application duration of 15-25 min for each of the groups to which it was applied; the questionnaire that was applied consists of 31 questions that refer to the frequencies, quantity, or performance of behaviors related to the frequency and type of food, type of physical activity and behaviors related to the act of eating referring to the place where it is carried out (home or away from home) and with whom it is carried out (alone or in company), and about the individual's lifestyle. Subsequently, the reliability of the instrument was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the structure of the questionnaire. The results obtained showed that the questionnaire was adequately reliable (α = 0.778) with an eight-factor structure: four questions on mealtime frequencies, four questions on physical activity and lifestyles, six questions on the consumption of high-calorie foods, four questions on company and food consumption, four questions on the consumption of vegetables and fruits, four questions on the place of food consumption, two questions on the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and three questions on the consumption of sugary drinks, plain water, and milk. In conclusion, the self-report questionnaire on eating and physical activity habits among adolescents in Mexico City is reliable, has adequate internal consistency, and can therefore be used as a useful tool for the evaluation of eating and physical activity habits in this population.