Differences In Dietary Habits Research Articles

Sex-specific dietary habits and their association with weight change in healthy adults

BackgroundDietary intake plays a pivotal role in the prevalence and management of obesity. While women and men exhibit differences in dietary habits and food-related behaviors, sex-based weight loss recommendations are lacking. This study aims to examine the impact of specific foods and food categories on weight reduction in men and women over a two-year period.MethodsA total of 8,548 participants from the 10K cohort, from 2019 to 2023, were included in the analysis (53.1% women, mean age 51.7 years). Anthropometric measurements and laboratory results were collected at baseline and at the two-year follow-up visit. Dietary assessment was based on daily food intake digitally logged through an application for at least 3 consecutive days at both timepoints. We compared intake of macronutrients, micronutrients, food groups and daily energy consumption between sex and body mass index (BMI) categories at baseline and weight change categories at follow-up. Using linear regression, we assessed the associations between food categories or specific foods and BMI at baseline as well as weight change percentage at follow-up.ResultsDietary habits varied by BMI and sex. Women and men living with obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) reported a greater intake of animal-based protein and lower intake of plant-based proteins and fats at baseline, as compared to participants with normal weight. In linear regression models predicting two-year weight change, including age, income, and baseline weight, the explained variance was 5.6% for men and 5.8% for women. Adding food categories and specific foods increased the explained variance to 20.6% for men and 17.5% for women. Weight reduction in men was linked to daily consumption of an egg (1.2% decrease) and beef (1.5% decrease), while in women, the most pronounced reductions were associated with an apple (1.2% decrease) and cashew nuts (3.4% decrease). Notably, total energy intake changes significantly impacted weight outcomes only in women.ConclusionsSex-specific dietary habits significantly influence weight change over time. In men, weight loss was primarily associated with the addition of animal-based protein, while in women, it was linked to caloric deficit and plant-based fat, suggesting that sex-based nutritional interventions may demonstrate greater efficacy.Trial registrationNCT05817734 (retrospectively registered January 31, 2023).

Effects of Migration on Nutritional Habits: From Turkey to Germany.

Dietary habits are influenced by environmental factors. Among these environmental factors are the place of residence, cultural characteristics, food accessibility, and economic status, which can all contribute to changes in the dietary pattern. Migration is another factor that can influence changes in the aspects mentioned above. We aimed to assess the dietary habits of individuals who have migrated from Turkey to Germany in comparison to those living in Turkey. In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 254 individuals were enrolled with 102 individuals in Germany and 152 individuals in Turkey between April 2022 and July 2023. The data collection tools included Socio-demographic Characteristics Forms, Dietary Habits and Health Status Forms, and Food Consumption Frequency Forms. The data was collected online via Google Forms. There were statistically significant differences in the consumption frequency of processed meats, meat and poultry, sweetened beverages, sugar, desserts and pastries, vegetables, fruits, eggs and grains, olive oil, sunflower oil, hazelnut oil, grains, dairy products, coffee, starch, and carbonated beverages between the two groups (P<0.05). Statistically significant differences were not found in terms of butter and tea consumption frequency. Overall, the study results have revealed significant differences in dietary habits between Turks living in Germany and those living in Turkey. The most noteworthy dimension of these differences is that individuals living in Turkey exhibit a stronger adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern, while those living in Germany tend to follow a Western dietary pattern.

Sex and Age Differences in the Effects of Food Frequency on Metabolic Parameters in Japanese Adults.

Owing to differences in dietary preferences between men and women, the associations between dietary intake frequency and metabolic parameters may differ between the sexes. A retrospective observational study of the checkup findings of 3147 Japanese individuals (968 men, 2179 women) aged 20-59 years was conducted to examine differences in dietary habits and associations between food frequency and blood parameters (eGFR, HbA1c, uric acid, and lipids) by sex and age. Males were more likely to consume meat, fish, soft drinks, and alcohol, whereas women were more likely to consume soybeans, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, and snacks. Multivariate linear regression models adjusted for age and BMI revealed that meat intake frequency was positively associated with HbA1c (β = 0.007, p = 0.03) and negatively associated with eGFR (β = -0.3, p = 0.01) only in males, whereas fish intake frequency was positively associated with eGFR (β = 0.4, p = 0.005) only in females. Egg and soy intake frequencies were positively and negatively associated with non-HDL-C (egg: β = 0.6, p = 0.02; soy: β = -0.3, p = 0.03) only in females. Alcohol consumption frequency was associated with uric acid (M: β = 0.06, p < 0.001; F: β = 0.06, p < 0.001) and HDL-C (M: β = 1.0, p < 0.001; F: β = 1.3, p < 0.001) in both sexes. Future research is needed to determine whether varying the emphasis of dietary guidance by sex and age group is effective, since the effects of dietary preferences on metabolic parameters vary by age and sex.

The role of vegetarianism, gender, and food choice motivations on vegetable intake among university students

Objective: This study investigated collegians’ (N = 466) vegetable consumption as a function of their food choice motivations, gender, and dietary habits. Method: Vegetarians and vegans (veg*ns, n = 94, 60% women), occasional meat eaters (n = 90, 66% women), and omnivores (n = 282, 43% women) completed the Food Choice Questionnaire and reported frequency of vegetable consumption. Results: Veg*ns consumed vegetables more frequently than omnivores and occasional meat eaters. Veg*ns’ and occasional meat eaters’ food choices were more motivated by natural content, health, and ethics, and less motivated by familiarity compared to omnivores. Women were more motivated than men by weight control. Health concerns predicted vegetable consumption for all dietary groups. Additionally, familiarity predicted veg*ns vegetable consumption, whereas mood, natural content, and convenience predicted omnivores’ vegetable consumption. Conclusions: Individual differences in dietary habits and food choice motivations should be considered when designing strategies to promote healthful diets for university students.

IgE- and non-IgE-mediated food allergies - an overview

Food allergies are divided into 2 main categories: IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated food allergies. Both forms can have significant health effects but differ in mechanism, symptoms, and management. The manifestation of the 2 forms differs between children and adults. These differences can be observed in the prevalence and the type of most common allergens and clinical presentation. The prevalence of food allergies has increased worldwide in recent decades. IgE-mediated allergies are the best researched and documented. They are particularly common in children, while non-IgE-mediated allergies are less well understood and diagnosed, leading to uncertainty about their prevalence. They often manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms that can occur hours to days after ingestion and are often difficult to distinguish from other food intolerances. The occurrence of food allergies varies significantly geographically. Differences in dietary habits, food composition, and environmental factors can partly explain these differences. There are also indications that genetics may play a role. IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated food allergies represent a significant and growing challenge for the global healthcare system. This article provides an in-depth review of both types of food allergy, discussing their potential causes, diagnostic possibilities, and available therapeutic strategies. Some diseases represent a mixed form of IgE and non-IgE-mediated immunological adverse reactions. Eosinophilic oesophagitis is the most common eosinophilic disease, and the diagnosis and treatment options are explained in more detail below.

Attributes of multiple concurrent functional gastrointestinal disorders in female university students in South Korea

ABSTRACT Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in young adults, particularly women, who tend to develop multiple FGIDs over time. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of multiple concurrent FGIDs among female university students and identify differences in dietary habits, academic stress, and quality of life (QOL) based on the number of concurrent FGIDs. This secondary analysis included data from 406 female participants, originally collected through an online survey from two universities in one city in Korea. The online survey was accessible only after participants were verified as students through their online community. Concurrent FGID was present in 25.8 percent (n = 16) of the participants with FGIDs (n = 62), with the most common being irritable bowel syndrome + functional dyspepsia overlap (43.8 percent, 7/16). Participants with multiple concurrent FGIDs consumed fewer grains and vegetables, while significantly more of them consumed instant food, fast food, milk, and tea/coffee. They experienced significantly higher academic stress and lower QOL than those without the disease. Female university students with concurrent FGIDs tend to have unhealthy dietary habits, and concurrent FGIDs negatively affect academic stress and QOL. Therefore, female university students should undergo early-stage screening for FGIDs, and a comprehensive program should address their dietary habits and stress-coping skills.

Ethnicity-based analysis of supragingival plaque composition and dental health behaviours in healthy subjects without caries

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to scrutinise the disparities in the diversity, structure, and function of the oral microbiome among caries-free children from the Zhuang and Han ethnic groups with a focus on the influence of ethnically distinct oral health behaviours on the composition of the oral microbiota. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted to assess oral health behaviours and dental plaque samples were collected from 96 Zhuang and Han children aged 4–5 years living in Guangxi, southern China for high-throughput sequencing. PCR amplification was performed for sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rDNA gene, and second-generation sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform to compare and analyse the diversity, structure and function of the microbiota. ResultsSingle-factor analysis revealed significant differences between the Zhuang and Han ethnic groups regarding juice consumption, the frequency of consuming sugar-sweetened food or beverages before bedtime, the age that individuals started toothbrushing, the frequency of toothbrushing and the frequency of parental assistance with toothbrushing (p < 0.001). The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, etc., and the dominant genera included Streptococcus and Neisseria. The dental plaques of the caries-free Zhuang and Han ethnic groups had similar core microbiomes, with no significant differences in the diversity and structure of the microbiota and no significant differences in the abundance of the dominant genera. In addition, no significant difference in metabolic function was observed between the Zhuang and Han ethnic groups. ConclusionThe core oral microbiota was consistent in caries-free Zhuang and Han children. Despite differences in dietary habits and oral hygiene behaviours between the Zhuang and Han ethnic groups, with a high frequency of sugary food intake but better oral health behaviours in the Zhuang group, there were no significant differences in the diversity, structure and function of the oral microbiota of caries-free children in the Zhuang and Han ethnic groups.

Adherence to the planetary health diet and cognitive decline: findings from the ELSA-Brasil study.

The EAT-Lancet Commission proposed a planetary health diet to improve human health within planetary boundaries; however, little is known about the association between adherence to this diet and cognitive decline. We used data from three waves of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health to evaluate the association between the planetary health diet and cognitive decline using linear mixed-effects models. Here we show that in 11,737 participants (mean (s.d.) age 51.6 (9.0) years, 54% women and 53% white), higher adherence to the planetary health diet was associated with slower memory decline (P = 0.046) and that income was a modifier in this association (P < 0.001). Adherence to the planetary health diet was associated with slower decline of memory (P = 0.040) and global cognition (P = 0.009) in high-income participants. No association was found among low-income participants. The results of our study highlight that the promotion of healthy dietary patterns should take into consideration income barriers as well as differences in dietary habits to achieve high adherence.

Assessment of diet composition of Pakistani ethnic groups in the UK – does dietary pattern change between 1st and 2nd generations?

Dietary acculturation in immigrant groups can impact health and may increase the risk of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease among East Asian immigrants as they adopt host-country eating patterns(1). Pakistani immigration to the UK has resulted in a dynamic cultural exchange, including modifications in culinary preferences and practices among Pakistani ethnic groups. Prior research indicates that second-generation adults exhibit more signs of acculturation in their choice of diets than their first-generation counterparts (2). There is limited understanding of the food habits or the effects of acculturation on this group. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate intergenerational disparities in food preferences among Pakistani immigrants and the impact of dietary acculturation.This cross-sectional study examined the food habits and acculturation experiences of 51 first (1G) and 51 second-generation (2G) participants of the Pakistani community living in London. Data was collected using survey questionnaires modified from previous studies (3,4). We compared traditional foods like paratha and samosa with Western options like fish and chips through a set of questions, from which a dietary score was calculated (Global scale) (5). We measured food acculturation using a 5-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater Western influence and lower scores indicating less Western acculturation. Scores ranged from 6 to 30 and were categorised as low, moderate, high, or very high. Data was analysed using SPSS (version 28.0). Chi-square and t-tests were applied to identify differences between groups with significance levels set to p&lt;0.05.Most of the participants were male (67%) with 38.8% aged 36-45 years. Urdu ethnicity predominated in both generations (64.8%). Significant differences in dietary restrictions for health conditions (p =.008), language (p = .001), consumption frequency of traditional Pakistani cuisine (p = .001), desserts/sweets (p = .001), chai/lassi (p = .017), popular UK meals, fizzy drinks, and inclusion of rice/flatbread (p = .003) emerged between first and second generations. Health-related dietary behaviours differed in fruits/vegetables, dairy, and meat consumption (p =.001). ‘Traditional’ and ‘Western’ dietary scores were significantly different between generations (‘Traditional’: 1G: 17.15 ± 3.52 vs 2G: 13.68 ± 4.71, p = .001; ‘Western’: 1G: 16.29 ± 1.98 vs 2G: 18.21 ± 3.84, p = .001). The results demonstrated a preference for traditional eating patterns by 1G, whereas a nuanced move towards Western food preferences was observed among the 2G participants, falling into the high category of global scale. 1G Participants cited language acquisition, time constraints, and financial issues as factors affecting their dietary changes.This study found significant differences in dietary habits and preferences between first- and second- generation Pakistani immigrants in the United Kingdom. The second generation displayed a more significant shift towards Western food patterns, possibly because of socio-cultural variables, language fluency, and adaptability to the local environment.

From hunter-gatherers to food producers: New dental insights into the Nile Valley population history (Late Paleolithic-Neolithic).

This study presents biological affinities between the last hunter-fisher-gatherers and first food-producing societies from the Nile Valley. We investigate odontometric and dental tissue proportion changes between these populations from the Middle Nile Valley and acknowledge the biological processes behind them. Dental remains of 329 individuals from Nubia and Central Sudan that date from the Late Pleistocene to the mid-Holocene are studied. Using 3D imaging techniques, we investigated outer and inner metric aspects of upper central incisors, and first and second upper molars. Late Paleolithic and Mesolithic foragers display homogeneous crown dimensions, dental tissue proportions, and enamel thickness distribution. This contrasts with Neolithic trends for significant differences from earlier samples on inner and outer aspects. Finally, within the Neolithic sample differences are found between Nubian and Central Sudanese sites. Substantial dental variation appears to have occurred around 6000 bce in the Nile Valley, coinciding with the emergence of food-producing societies in the region. Archeological and biological records suggest little differences in dietary habits and dental health during this transition. Furthermore, the substantial variations identified here would have happened in an extremely short time, a few centuries at most. This does not support in situ diet-related adaptation. Rather, we suggest these data are consistent with some level of population discontinuity between the Mesolithic and Neolithic samples considered here. Complex settlement processes could also explain the differences between Nubia and Central Sudan, and with previous results based on nonmetric traits.

The Invstigation of Lipid Profile in Saudi Healthy Population and the Effects of Lifestyle

In this study differences in the response of plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol were investigated in normal healthy Saudi population according to sex, age and lifestyle (rural and urban). This study was carried out for a total of (873) subjects (475 males and 398 females). Each of these two sex groups is classified into six subgroups according to ages ([0-14],[15-24],[25-40],[41-55],[56-69],[70+]). For the all tested people the blood was drawn after overnight fasting period (12-14hrs) using heparinized tubes. For all the required parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C) enzymatic colorimetric method is used and the mean values were obtained accordingly. For plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C, the results showed lower Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol levels through childhood group (0-14) in both males and females. However HDL-C remains high in children with similar values as in adults in both males and females between city and village population. Neonatal and children plasma contains proportionately higher HDL-C than that of adult, decreases during adolescence to a constant value and remains constant up to the age of 55 years in both sexes, then it starts to rise to a constant level and remain constant throughout life. For both males and females at birth and through early years of life (infants and children) there were no considerable differences in all parameters (T.C, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG) tested and that is may be due to absolute and close similarity of dietary habits and lifestyle between villagers and city populations for infants and children respectively. These levels increase with increasing of age for both sexes depending deeply upon the diet, and the increase of total cholesterol is significant or close to significant up to the age of 69 years in males, then it starts to fall, but it continued to rise in women. Similarly LDL-C level increases up to the age of 69 in males and then it remains constant through all the rest of the life, but for females it continues on increasing throughout life. Triglyceride levels increase up to the age of 55 in males where it started to fall throughout life, whereas in females it follow the same manner as T.C and LDL-C since it increases throughout life. The increasing of LDL-C is quite obvious throughout life in females, whereas it remains constant after the age of 69 in males. On the other hand it seems that differences of dietary habits and lifestyle are much more effective in the adult groups of age (15-24), (25-40), (41-55), (56-69), (70+), since there are significant or nearly significant differences between villagers and city populations in plasma total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides. It is quite obvious that the variability in plasma lipids and lipoproteins (T.C, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C) among populations precludes the establishment of universally acceptable limits. What may be considered "normal" for one populations group may not necessarily be applicable to another. Even within a country, these reference intervals may vary from a city to a village due to differences in dietary habits and lifestyle and also markedly age and sex.

The Nexus of Training Duration, Body Image, Nutritional Practices, and Mental Health: Insights from a Strength Training Cohort.

This study investigated the intricate relationship between strength training and its effects on body image, psychological health, and nutritional habits. By examining 605 participants, divided into two groups based on training frequency, the research aimed to discern how varying intensities of training influenced different wellness facets. The investigation employed a comprehensive survey, gathering demographic data, training specifics, dietary patterns, and psychological characteristics, utilizing statistical tools for analysis. Results unveiled significant differences in dietary habits and psychological profiles between groups with higher and lower training frequencies. The group with more frequent training displayed less favourable health outcomes and suboptimal dietary habits, challenging the prevailing notion that increased training frequency leads to better health. The study emphasized the necessity of a balanced approach to physical training, highlighting the need for personalized strategies that encompass both physical and mental health considerations. The findings exposed the complexities of training regimens and their broader implications on individual health, suggesting that enhanced training frequency alone does not assure improved health outcomes. This research significantly contributed to the domain by providing insights into how the frequency of strength training could differentially affect health and well-being, offering valuable guidelines for fitness professionals and healthcare providers.

Unhealthy diets increase the likelihood of being overweight or obese among African migrant students in China, but not among African non-migrant students: a cross-sectional study.

The impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is disproportionately felt by immigrants from low- to medium-income countries (LMICs), partly due to their dietary habits. To thrive in their new environment, migrants either omit or consume certain food items, which could lead to nutritional deficits. As a result, most migrants experience more NCDs than their compatriots in their native countries. Therefore, we evaluated the difference in dietary habits, quality, and the influencing factors of overweight or obesity among African migrant students in Nanjing (China) and non-migrant students in Africa using cross-sectional data. The researchers used the food frequency questionnaire and the global diet quality score metrics to assess food intake and quality, respectively. Then, cross-tabulation was employed to explore the differences between the groups in meal skipping, eating habits, and diet quality. Finally, the factors associated with overweight or obesity were assessed with binary logistic regression stratified by African students in Nanjing and students in their native countries. Approximately 678 responses were received, mainly between 18-25 years (46.7%) and 26-36 years (45.4 %). The majority of them (52.3%) were international students. The non-migrant African students' diets lacked citrus fruits (22.2%), deep orange fruits (15.4%), deep orange vegetables (18%), cruciferous vegetables (24.6%), and dark leafy vegetables (26.5%). While the African migrant students consumed more high-fat dairy (50.7%), processed meats (23.9%), sweets and ice creams (51.3%), sugar-sweetened beverages (40.5%), and juice (61.5%), p < 0.001. Furthermore, consuming late-night meals constantly [Exp (B) = 39.607, p = 0.049], eating twice a day [Exp (B) = 6.527, p = 0.036], consuming red meat [Exp (B) = 29.287, p = 0.001], processed meats [Exp (B) = 719.979, p = 0.0011], refined grains and baked foods [Exp (B) = 15.752, p = 0.013], and sweets and ice cream [Exp (B) = 193.633, p = 0.006] were factors inducing overweight or obesity among only African migrant students. Controlling the what (Western diet and nature of late-night meals) and the when of eating can drastically reduce their influence on obesogenic condition formation in African migrant students in China and elsewhere.

Eating habits and sleep quality in individuals with type 1 diabetes on continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump

Background and aimsSleep disorders are bidirectionally linked with eating behaviors and glucose metabolism, which could be clinically relevant in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We investigated the relationship between dietary habits and sleep quality in individuals with T1D on insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Methods and resultsIn a cross-sectional study, dietary habits (7-day food diary, EPIC questionnaire) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire) were assessed in 59 men and 58 women with T1D, aged 19–79 years, using CGM and insulin pump. Differences in dietary habits and blood glucose after dinner (6 h) between participants differing in sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep onset latency were evaluated. Bad Sleepers (n = 81) were twice as prevalent as Good Sleepers (n = 36) and had a significantly higher intake of fat than Good Sleepers (dinner: 30.7 ± 10.7 vs. 24.0 ± 10.5 g, p = 0.004). Short sleepers had a significantly higher usual intake (g/1000 kcal) of coffee and tea (90.4 ± 71.7 vs. 62.0 ± 35.6), alcoholic (47.8 ± 51.1 vs. 28.9 ± 31.5) and carbonated beverages (21.8 ± 38.1 vs. 9.3 ± 17.2) (p < 0.05 for all) than Long Sleepers. Long Sleep Onset Latency was associated with a significantly higher fat intake at dinner (41.8 ± 7.4 vs. 38.1 ± 9.1 % total energy, p = 0.029) than Short Sleep Onset Latency. No significant differences in post-dinner blood glucose levels were detected between participants with good or bad sleep quality. ConclusionSleep disruption is common in T1D and is associated with unhealthy dietary choices, especially at dinner, independently of post-dinner blood glucose control.

Children's dietary patterns and dietary networks in five regions in China

To analyze the dietary patterns and dietary networks of children in China, explore regional differences in dietary habits in each region. The subjects of the study were children aged 3-17(n=5824) in North Coast Economic Zone, Northeast, Central China, East Coast Economic Zone and Southwest Economic Zone who participated in the China Health and Nutrition Survey. The dietary pattern was obtained by factor analysis. Using mutual information, a measure to detect both linear and non-linear correlations between food groups constructed the dietary networks. Factor analysis resulted in five dietary patterns. Pattern 1 was related to high intakes of wheat and other cereals, pattern 2 was related to high intakes of fruits, milk, eggs and fast foods, pattern 3 was associated with high intakes of tubers, snacks, cakes, beverages and fast foods. The Northeast, Central China and North Coast Economic Zone regions had higher pattern 1 score. Pattern 2 scored higher for North Coast Economic Zone and East Coast Economic Zone regions. Pattern 3 scores in the Northeast region were higher than North Coast Economic Zone and East Coast Economic Zone regions. North Coast Economic Zone, Central China and Southwest Economic Zone regions had focused networks. The network of Northeast and East Coast Economic Zone regions were multiple. All regions were characterized by vegetables, or cereals as the hub. The dietary patterns and networks of children in the five regions of China exhibit regional differences.

Effects of Different Nutritional Patterns and Physical Activity on Body Composition: A Gender and Age Group Comparative Study.

This cross-sectional study analyses differences in dietary habits, taste preferences, variety of protein sources and body composition (BC) profiles among individuals following omnivorous, flexitarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian and pescatarian diets. Furthermore, it assesses the correlations between these dietary patterns and various sports, classified by exercise intensity, in relation to BC parameters. The study analysed the eating habits and BC data of 1342 participants aged 18-65 years, classified into four diet groups based on their 7-day food diaries and questionnaire responses. Our analysis revealed gender- and age-related differences in weekly food consumption and protein source variety, with men generally consuming more meat, processed meat and fish than women, especially in younger age groups. Differences in dairy and soy consumption were also noted between age groups, while legume and soy preferences showed no gender disparity across all ages. Among non-sporting individuals, vegetarians exhibited lower fat mass (FM%) compared to other diets, while among athletes, vegetarians and pescatarians in in endurance and strength sports, respectively, displayed lower FM%, with flexitarians and omnivores in endurance sports showing higher FM%. Non-athletic omnivores and vegetarians demonstrated a greater proportion of body protein, while among athletes, those engaged in strength training exhibited a higher body protein content across all dietary groups compared to those in endurance training. Among non-athletic groups, vegetarians exhibited the lowest FM/FFM (fat mass/fat-free mass) ratio, while among athletes, vegetarians in endurance sports and participants in strength training across other diets showed lower FM/FFM ratios. The results emphasise the complex interaction between diet, BC and lifestyle choices, revealing how different combinations of diet and sport are associated with optimised BC.

EFFECTS OF LIFESTYLE FACTORS ON WEIGHT VARIATIONS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SOUTHERN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the impact of lifestyle factors on adolescent weight variations in Southern Cross River State, Nigeria, targeting students aged 10 to 22 from 37 secondary schools. The study employed a cross-sectional design and a multistage sampling technique. It included 481 participants, ensuring demographic representation. The methodology involved stratified sampling, systematic student selection, and data collection via questionnaires and personal interviews, focusing on dietary patterns, physical activity, and anthropometric measurements. Analysis using Epi-Info 2002 software revealed significant correlations between lifestyle factors and weight variations, highlighting differences in dietary habits and physical activity levels across genders and between urban and rural students. The findings underscore the need for tailored health education and lifestyle interventions, addressing the socio-cultural context of adolescent health in Southern Cross River State. This research contributes to understanding the determinants of adolescent obesity, emphasizing the development of targeted public health strategies and obesity prevention programs. Top of Form

Socioeconomic differences in dietary habits in Italy before and during COVID-19 pandemic: secondary analysis of a nationwide cross-sectional study

BackgroundSeveral socioeconomic conditions may influence subjects’ adherence to healthy eating habits. Food consumption may be influenced by external stress during crisis periods; however, the effects of these events on food habits are difficult to predict. Also, a pandemic crisis like the recent COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced dietary habits and food consumption. The objective of this study was to compare the dietary habits of Italian people before the COVID-19 pandemic with those belonging to the year 2020 in a nationwide population sample.Materials and methodsInformation on dietary habits has been obtained from the multi-purpose survey on families’ “Aspects of daily life”, carried out in Italy by the Italian National Statistics Institute (ISTAT). We analyzed data coming from 2016 and 2020 editions of the survey (43,000 subjects each year). We used population attributable fraction (PAF) adjusted for age, defined as the proportional reduction in unhealthy diet that would occur if all participants had had a higher education, assuming higher educated individuals as more socially advantaged. Prevalence association for each dietary exposition has been calculated through logistic regression.ResultsLooking at aggregated data from 2016 and 2020 both men and women showed a high prevalence of unhealthy dietary habits. Regarding men, excessive consumption of eggs, pork meat, and bovine meat was characterized by a PAF attributable to socioeconomic conditions to an extent greater than 30%. Women showed the same trend. Focusing on different years of investigation, in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, men and women increased their consumption of eggs, cooked fats, snacks, and sweets, and reduced consumption of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, women increased the assumption of dietary products and meat. Both sexes registered an increase in overweight and obese subjects in 2020.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this study was the first in our country to use a yearly, nationwide sample to analyze dietary habits by examining specific types of various foods on a nationwide scale and establishing a correlation between these habits and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results showed unbalanced dietary habits of the Italian population with an excess of consumption of several foods like eggs, cooked fats snacks, and sweets with low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Socioeconomic differences influence food choices but in a complex way since they seemed to affect some wrong dietary habits but not others, especially regarding fruits and vegetables assumption where differences were less evident among social classes. Outside stressors like a crisis period such as the COVID-19 pandemic seem to have an important role in both men and women regarding the assumption of so-called “junk food”.

The relationship between gender differences in dietary habits, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer's disease.

Neurocognitive decline is one of the foremost dire issues in medicine today. The mechanisms by which dementia pathogenesis ensues are complicated and multifactorial, particularly in the case of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One irrefutable, yet unexplained factor is the gender disparity in AD, in which women are disproportionately affected by AD, both in the rate and severity of the disease. Examining the multifaceted contributing causes along with unique gender dynamics in modifiable risk factors, such as diet, may lend some insight into why this disparity exists and potential paths forward. The aim of this brief narrative review is to summarize the current literature of gender differences in dietary habits and how they may relate to neuroinflammatory states that contribute to AD pathogenesis. As such, the interplay between diet, hormones, and inflammation will be discussed, along with potential interventions to inform care practices.

The Abnormal Accumulation of Lipopolysaccharide Secreted by Enriched Gram-Negative Bacteria Increases the Risk of Rotavirus Colonization in Young Adults.

Human rotavirus (HRV) is an enteric virus that causes infantile diarrhea. However, the risk factors contributing to HRV colonization in young adults have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we compared the differences in dietary habits and composition of gut microbiota between asymptomatic HRV-infected young adults and their healthy counterparts and investigated potential risk factors contributing to HRV colonization. Our results indicated that asymptomatic HRV-infected adults had an excessive intake of milk and dairy and high levels of veterinary antibiotics (VAs) and preferred veterinary antibiotic (PVAs) residues in urine samples. Their gut microbiota is characterized by abundant Gram-negative (G-) bacteria and high concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Several opportunistic pathogens provide discriminatory power to asymptomatic, HRV-infected adults. Finally, we observed an association between HRV colonization and disrupted gut microbiota caused by the exposure to VAs and PVAs. Our study reveals the traits of disrupted gut microbiota in asymptomatic HRV-infected adults and provides a potential avenue for gut microbiota-based prevention strategies for HRV colonization.