Frequency Of Fast Food Consumption Research Articles

Faktori koji utiču na učestalost potrošnje domaćih i inostranih brendova brze hrane

The rapid pace of life in recent years has led to an increase in the consumption of fast-food in all age and social groups, and in this regard to an increase in the number of newly opened fast-food restaurants. Previously conducted research work in this field has shown that various factors influence an individual's decision (not) to consume fast-food, and the following five factors have stood out: convenience, brand reputation, quality, consistency and cost. Therefore, the aim of this research was identifying the key factors that influence the frequency of consumption of domestic and foreign fast-food brands. The sample included 146 subjects of different gender, age, qualifications, and employment status. The preliminary online research was carried out using the anonymous three-section questionnaire. Based on the data obtained through ordinal logical regression, the primary hypothesis was confirmed, as it was found that there was a statistically significant factor in the frequency of fast-food consumption, that factor being a convenience. It has been confirmed that convenience factor implies utility and time saving, the possibility of easy access to fast-food, almost 24 h working hours of fast-food restaurants and their relative proximity to the respondents. From the market point of view, a significant research result is that respondents gave preference to domestic versus foreign fast-food brands.

What is the best diet to recommend when treating obesity? 1. Optimal eating patterns, sugar and salt content.

Objective. The objective of this narrative review is to examine empirical data on the optimal type of diet for individuals with established obesity who are being treated by an exercise-centred weight reduction programme. The first section of the review examines the influence of eating patterns and differences in the sugar and salt content of foods upon weight maintenance. A second section considers the choice between high-carbohydrate, high-fat and high-protein diets, and a third section explores issues of water and fibre intake, along with other possible dietary options for those attempting to reduce their weight. Methods. Information obtained from Ovid/Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar through to August 2019 has been supplemented by a search of the author's extensive personal files. Results. A person's immediate energy intake increases with the portion-size of foods that are offered, apparently without change of satiety, and the individual seems to make an incomplete subsequent adjustment for any resultant excess of food consumption. Epidemiological studies suggest that sweetness has some effect in increasing food intake, with heavier body weights being found in those who consume large amounts of sweetened foods or drinks, but in short-term experiments subjects compensate at least partially for the energy content of sweetened drinks and foods by reducing their food intake at a subsequent meal. The salt content of food also has some effect on appetite; more tests are needed looking at the salt content of foods, but in normal home cooking the appetite-stimulating effect of salt seems less than was once thought. In cross-sectional analyses, the practice of skipping breakfast and the frequent consumption of fast foods are often associated with difficulties of weight control, but this is probably because those with poor dietary habits have a limited interest in adopting any aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Fast foods have had little apparent influence on obesity in randomized controlled trials. Likewise, the practice of frequent snacking shows little relationship to obesity once allowance has been made for associated television watching and a low level of habitual physical activity. Cross-sectional comparisons suggest that the risk of obesity is lower in those who take more frequent meals per day, but again this could be an artifact of reverse causation, with obese individuals reducing the frequency of their meals in an attempt to lose weight. Conclusions. Public health measures to reduce the portion size and/or energy density of foods seem warranted. A small tax seems an effective method of reducing the consumption of sweetened drinks, but large changes in the salt content of food seem to have little impact upon the palatability of food. Many variations of eating habits have shown cross-sectional associations with problems of weight control, but it remains difficult to disentangle the influence of co-variates such as habitual physical activity, socio-economic status, and overall interest in a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, smaller portion sizes, a reduction of sugar and salt intake, and frequent regular meals seem good nutritional recommendations for those who are seeking to reduce their body weight.

What are the determinants of body image distortion and dissatisfaction among Tunisian teenagers?

Abstract Background Body image (BI) is considered as central to many aspects of human functioning including emotions, thoughts, behaviors and relationships. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the main determinants of distortion and dissatisfaction among teenagers. Methods This was a cross-sectional school-based study using a self-administered questionnaire, conducted among a randomized sample of 1300 school-adolescents in Southern Tunisia, 2018. BI perception was assessed by the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale. Results Among 1210 respondents (93%), BI distortion and dissatisfaction prevalence were 44.8% and 42.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that 16-18 years age group (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=1.28; p = 0.046), low family financial situation (AOR=1.88; p = 0.014), as well as high frequency of eating pasta (AOR=1.3;p=0.04) and fast-food consumption (AOR=1.7;p=0.042) were independently associated with under-estimated BI. Skipping breakfast (AOR=1.9; p = 0.017) and having one obese parent (AOR=1.9;p=0.01) were independently associated with higher frequency of over-estimated BI. For BI dissatisfaction, independent factors associated with desire to lose weight were female gender (AOR=1.53; p = 0.007), high family financial situation (AOR= 2.1,p=0.008) and having one parent obese (AOR=2.21,p<0.001). Frequent fast-food consumption (AOR=1.9, p = 0.038) and eating between meals (AOR=1.57,p=0.01) were associated with higher desire to gain weight. Conclusions Our study highlighted a substantially high prevalence of BI distortion and dissatisfaction among adolescents. Their determinants included socio-demographic factors and lifestyle behaviors. Increased awareness among parents and public health planners may help adolescents improve accuracy of BI attitudes. Key messages BI distortion and dissatisfaction are pervasive problems that increased negative affect in adolescents. Promotion of healthy lifestyle including balanced diet and physical activity is warranted.

Urinary levels of phthalate metabolites and their association with lifestyle behaviors in Chinese adolescents and young adults

BackgroundAdolescence and young adulthood are critical periods of human growth and development. Phthalates are environmental endocrine disruptors, and their health hazards in adolescents and young adults cannot be ignored. This study was undertaken to assess phthalate exposure and determine the associations between lifestyle behaviors and phthalate metabolite levels in Chinese adolescents and young adults. MethodsFour hundred and seventy-eight adolescents and young adults aged 16–20 years were included in this study. The levels of mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) and mono-(2-carboxmethyl)-hexyl phthalate (MCMHP) in the subjects’ urine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard index (HI) of phthalates were calculated based on urinary metabolite levels. Relevant information on the subjects was collected via questionnaires. The associations between phthalate metabolite levels and lifestyle behaviors were examined using the independent-sample t-test, Mann-Whitney test and multiple linear regression. ResultsIn this study, the detection rates of all seven metabolites were >98%. The highest median metabolite concentration was MBP, which was 43.00 μg/L (33.11 μg/g creatinine). The highest median EDI was for di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which was 2.40 μg/kg-bw/day (volume-based) and 1.51 μg/kg-bw/day (creatinine-based). 2.7% (volume-based) and 1.0% (creatinine-based) of the subjects showed excessive HITDI (HI of the tolerable daily intake) values, which indicated the cumulative risk of anti-androgenic effects. Furthermore, factors significantly associated with phthalate metabolite levels included the use of plastic food packages (DEHP metabolites), physical exercise (MEOHP), the frequency of fast food consumption (MBP), and the frequency of skin care cosmetics and color cosmetics use (MEP). ConclusionOur results suggest that Chinese adolescents and young adults are widely exposed to phthalates and their metabolite levels are influenced by lifestyle behaviors.

1532-P: Greater Type 2 Diabetes Risk among College Students in Egypt Is Alarming

Egypt, a country with a population of 100 million (60% of them younger than age 30 years old), is among the top 10 nations in number of patients with diabetes according to the International Diabetes Federation. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk among young adults in Egypt is unknown. We evaluated T2D risk among 377 college students with age ranging between 19-21 years using the Finish Diabetes Score (FDS); Female 61%, body weight 71.6±14.4 kg, BMI 25±4.5 kg/m2. The overall FDS of the entire cohort was 6 (range: 0-16). Low-risk group (LR) with FDS <7 was observed in 52% of the sample (BMI 23±0.2 kg/m2, Female 54%) compared to 48% in the greater risk group (GR) with FDS ≥7 (BMI 27.6±0.3 kg/m2, Female 68%, p<0.001, p<0.01 respectively). Among GR group, there were variable T2D risk levels; slightly elevated in 36.3%, moderately elevated in 9.8%, and highly elevated risk in 1.9%. GR group had significantly higher total cholesterol versus LR group (189±2.4 vs. 179±2.3 mg/dL, p<0.01) and higher LDL-cholesterol (115±2.2 vs. 107±2.2 mg/dL, p<0.05), while HDL-C, VLDL-C, triglycerides, fasting serum insulin, fasting plasma glucose, and HOMA-IR were not different between the 2 groups. Higher proportion of subjects in the GR group reported frequent consumption of fast food (57% vs. 45%, p<0.05). Among parameters not included in the FDS model was social stress, which was significantly higher in GR (45% vs. 35%, p<0.05), and was an independent predictor of worsening FDS (β=-1.04, P<0.01) in the total cohort. We conclude that increased T2D risk is notable among Egyptian college students, especially among females and those who are overweight. Having 48% of college students at greater T2D risk is alarming. This warrants urgent need for earlier-age screening and implementing diabetes prevention programs with specific aims of reducing body weight, improving lipid profile and reducing consumption of fast food. Social stress should be considered as an important risk factor in any future development of T2D risk model in Egypt. Disclosure E.M. Eid: None. S. Tomah: Stock/Shareholder; Self; Amarin Corporation. A.H. Eldib: None. M.M. Abouelmagd: None. E.M. Fahmy: None. A.M. Elbadawy: None. H.A. Ghazi: None. O. Hamdy: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Sanofi-Aventis. Consultant; Self; Abbott, Merck & Co., Inc. Research Support; Self; National Dairy Council. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Healthimation, LLC.

What are the correlates of body image distortion and dissatisfaction among school-adolescents?

Body image is considered as central to many aspects of human functioning including emotions, thoughts, behaviors and relationships. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of body image distortion and dissatisfaction among adolescents and to assess their main determinants. This was a cross-sectional school-based study conducted among school-adolescents in the south of Tunisia, between October 2017 and February 2018. Among 1210 school-adolescents, body image distortion and dissatisfaction prevalence were 44.8% and 42.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that being in the 16-18 years age group [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.28, p = 0.046], low family financial situation (AOR = 1.88, p = 0.014), as well as high frequency of eating pasta (AOR = 1.3, p = 0.04) and fast-food consumption (AOR = 1.7, p = 0.042) were independently associated with under-estimated body image. Skipping breakfast (AOR = 1.9, p = 0.017) and having one obese parent (AOR = 1.9, p = 0.01) were independently associated with higher frequency of over-estimated body image. Regarding body image dissatisfaction, independent factors associated with desire to lose weight were: female gender (AOR = 1.53, p = 0.007), high income family financial situation (AOR = 2.1, p = 0.008) and having one parent who is obese (AOR = 2.21, p < 0.001). However, frequent fast-food consumption (AOR = 1.9, p = 0.038) and eating between meals (AOR = 1.57, p = 0.01) were independently associated with a higher desire to gain weight. Our study highlighted that the prevalence of body image distortion and dissatisfaction were substantially high among adolescents. Their determinants included socio-demographic factors and lifestyle behaviors. Increased awareness among parents, educators and public health planners may help adolescents improve accuracy of body image attitudes.

Fast food consumption and its associations with heart rate, blood pressure, cognitive function and quality of life. Pilot study

BackgroundTo investigate the relationship of fast food consumption with cognitive and metabolic function of adults (18–25 years old) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The conventionally recruited subjects underwent an evaluation that included demographic data, quality of life (wellness, stress, sleepiness, and physical activity), mini-mental status examination, and the frequency of fast food consumption. To investigate metabolic function, blood was drawn to evaluate serum HDL, LDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Cognitive function was assessed by the Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery. The participants were divided into 2 groups based on fast food consumption: those who consumed fast food 3 times per week or less (Group 1) and those who consumed fast food more than 3 times per week (Group 2). ResultsThe mean diastolic blood pressure in Group 1 and Group 2 was 72 mmHg and 77 mmHg, respectively, a significant difference (p = 0.04). There was no significant difference for cognitive function and quality of life between the two groups. There was significant correlation of HDL with AST correct mean latency and the AST correct mean latency congruent (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, respectively) and TC with diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.003). ConclusionsWe concluded that fast food consumption has an effect on blood pressure but has no direct effect on cognition or quality of life.

Concomitant Associations between Lifestyle Characteristics and Physical Activity Status in Children and Adolescents.

To examine the concomitant associations between physical activities (PA) and lifestyle factors in a representative sample of children and adolescents. Cross-sectional, observational study. Population data were derived from a school-based health survey carried out in 2015 on 177,091 (51% boys) Greek children aged 8 to 17 yr old. PA, sedentary activities and sleeping habits were assessed through self-completed questionnaires. Dietary habits were evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents. Anthropometric and physical fitness measurements were obtained by trained investigators. Logistic regression models were estimated and adjusted for relevant covariates. More boys as compared to girls (65.1% vs. 50.7%, P<0.001) and children than adolescents (59.8% vs. 52.8%, P<0.001) met the recommendations for PA. Frequent fast food consumption and skipping breakfast were associated with inadequate PA levels. In the whole population, sufficient dietary habits, sufficient (&gt;8-9 h/d) sleeping and accepted screen time increased the participant's odds of adequate PA levels by 38% (95% CI: 1.32, 1.44), 5% (95% CI: 1.01, 1.09) and 21% (95% CI: 1.16, 1.26), respectively, while, overweight/obese and central obesity decreased the odds of adequate PA levels by 7% and 5%, respectively, after adjusting for several covariates. Participants with combination of healthy aerobic fitness/dietary habits/screen time had 60% increased odds for adequate PA levels than those with unhealthy choices. Healthy aerobic fitness, dietary habits and screen time were strongly associated with PA status among children. The results support the development of interventions to help children adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Cross Sectional Study Regarding the Association Between Sweetened Beverages Intake, Fast-food Products, Body Mass Index, Fasting Blood Glucose and Blood Pressure in the Young Adults from North-western Romania

The study investigated the association between the frequency of sweetened beverages intake and body mass index, diet choices, hypertension, and glycaemia in 1158 individuals from north western Romania, aged between 20 and 39 years. We found a high prevalence (87.48%) of soda consumption. There was a linear correlation between the number of sweetened beverages servings/week and unhealthy lifestyle expressed as frequency of fast-food consumption. A significant statistical association was found between soda consumption and prevalence of high blood pressure and impaired fasting glycaemia. Individuals who did not consumed sweetened beverages, had a prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and hypertension of 6% and respectively 13%; those who consumed more than 8 servings/week had a prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and hypertension of 19%. Inappropriate nutrition (lack of fruits and vegetables in food, consumption of fats and processed sugars or added sugars beverages) have increased the incidence of chronic diseases. We consider that public health policies regarding soda consumption are required.

Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity among Medical Students

Background: Obesity is one of the major lifestyle disorders in India and its incidence has rapidly increased during recent decades. Medical students are more prone for obesity, due to, their sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, disordered eating habits, increased stress, and vast topics to learn. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to find the prevalence of overweight/obesity among medical students, identify the contributing/associated factors, and assess the risk of comorbidities in them. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 330 medical students aged 18–25 years. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. International physical activity questionnaire was used to assess physical activity. Dietary habits such as regular/irregular diet, vegetarian/non-vegetarian, eating speed, frequency of consumption of fried snacks, and fast food and sleep duration were also assessed. Based on waist circumference, the risk of comorbidities was also assessed. Results: Increased prevalence of overweight/obesity (30.6%) was obtained among medical students. Statistically significant increase in the prevalence of generalized obesity was noted in males compared to females. However, waist circumference showed a statistically significant increase in females. There was no significant association between dietary factors, sleep, and physical activity with BMI. Conclusion: Medical students have a high prevalence of obesity and are thus more prone for obesity-related risks. This study might create a self-awareness among the medical students to adopt healthy lifestyles such as regular exercise, less frequent consumption of fast food, and thus assure that they have reduced cardiovascular risks.

Trends in Fast-food Consumption among Kuwaiti Youth.

Background:We assessed fast-food consumption including frequency, type, and reasons among college students from the Kuwait University, and whether there were any key sex differences.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January–March 2016 with 421 students (297 women, mean age = 20.99 ± 3.14 years). Students completed self-administered fast-food questionnaires and weight and height measurements were obtained.Results:Most (81.4%) consumed fast food more than twice per week and more men than women were overweight or obese (54.8% vs. 38.7%, respectively; P = 0.002); however, there were no differences in the fast-food frequency per body mass index or sex. Taste was the most reported motivator to consume fast food (46.7%) and women were significantly more likely to value taste as compared to men (49.8% vs. 38.9%, respectively; P = 0.005).Conclusions:Fast food is a key part of college students’ diet in Kuwait; therefore, students should be educated on the negative effects of frequent fast-food consumption. University health promotional activities should include nutrition education on healthier fast-food options and how to prepare easy-to-cook meals at home.

Gut microbiota and overweight in 3-year old children.

Background:The gut microbiota has been associated with overweight and obesity in adults, but the evidence in children is limited. Our aim was to study whether composition of the gut microbiota at the age of 3 years is associated with overweight/obesity in children cross-sectionally.Methods:Children, who participated in a clinical trial of prenatal vitamin-D supplementation (VDAART), underwent standardized height and weight measurements, and collection of stool samples at three years of age. 16S rRNA sequencing (V4 region) of the stool samples were performed with Illumina MiSeq. Associations between microbiota and overweight/obesity (body mass index z-scores > 85th percentile) was analyzed using logistic regression.Results:Out of 502 children, 146 (29%) were categorized as overweight/obese. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, birth weight and length, formula feeding during the first year, high frequency of fast food consumption, and time watching TV or computer screen at 3 years were the risk factors for overweight/obesity. Of the top 20 most abundant genera, high relative abundance of Parabacteroidetes(Bacteroidetes;Bacteroidales) (aOR(95%CI): 0.69(0.53, 0.90, p=0.007) per interquartile increase) and unassigned genus within Peptostreptococcae family were inversely associated with overweight/obesity, whereas high relative abundance of Dorea(Firmicutes;Clostridiales) (1.23 (1.05,1.43, p=0.009)) was positively associated. Associations were independent of each other. No associations were found between diversity indices and overweight/obesity.Conclusions:Our data suggest that some of the differences in gut composition of bacteria between obese and non-obese adults can already be observed in 3-year old children. Longitudinal studies will be needed to determine long-term effects.

Association between fast-food consumption and lifestyle characteristics in Greek children and adolescents; results from the EYZHN (National Action for Children's Health) programme.

To examine the prevalence of fast-food consumption and the association between fast food and lifestyle factors in a representative sample of children and adolescents. Cross-sectional, observational study. Fast-food consumption and dietary habits were evaluated using questionnaires (KIDMED index). Anthropometric and physical fitness measurements were obtained by trained investigators. Physical activity (PA) status, sedentary activities and sleeping habits were assessed through self-completed questionnaires. Greece. Population data derived from a school-based health survey (EYZHN programme) carried out in 2015 on 177 091 (51 % boys) children aged 8-17 years. A greater proportion of boys v. girls (23·3 v. 15·7 %, P1 time/week. Frequent fast-food consumption was strongly correlated with unhealthy dietary habits such as skipping breakfast and consuming sweets/candy regularly. Adjusting for several covariates, insufficient dietary habits, insufficient (&lt;8-9 h/d) sleep, inadequate PA levels and increased screen time increased the odds (95 % CI) of being a frequent fast-food consumer by 77 % (0·218, 0·234), 30 % (1·270, 1·338), 94 % (1·887, 1·995) and 32 % (1·287, 1·357), respectively. Being overweight/obese or centrally obese did not correlate with frequency of fast-food consumption. Frequent fast-food consumption was associated with an unhealthy lifestyle profile among children and adolescents. The findings support the development of interventions to help children adopt healthier dietary habits.

Dietary Patterns in Primary School are of Prospective Relevance for the Development of Body Composition in Two German Pediatric Populations.

This study performed comparative analyses in two pediatric cohorts to identify dietary patterns during primary school years and examined their relevance to body composition development. Nutritional and anthropometric data at the beginning of primary school and two or four years later were available from 298 and 372 participants of IDEFICS-Germany (Identification and prevention of Dietary-induced and lifestyle-induced health Effects In Children and infants Study) and the KOPS (Kiel Obesity Prevention Study) cohort, respectively. Principal component analyses (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR) were used to identify dietary patterns at baseline and patterns of change in food group intake during primary school years. RRR extracted patterns explaining variations in changes in body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), and waist-to-height-ratio (WtHR). Associations between pattern adherence and excess gain in BMI, FMI, or WtHR (>75th percentile) during primary school years were examined using logistic regression. Among PCA patterns, only a change towards a more Mediterranean food choice during primary school years were associated with a favorable body composition development in IDEFICS-Germany (p < 0.05). In KOPS, RRR patterns characterized by a frequent consumption of fast foods or starchy carbohydrate foods were consistently associated with an excess gain in BMI and WtHR (all p < 0.005). In IDEFICS-Germany, excess gain in BMI, FMI, and WtHR were predicted by a frequent consumption of nuts, meat, and pizza at baseline and a decrease in the consumption frequency of protein sources and snack carbohydrates during primary school years (all p < 0.01). The study confirms an adverse impact of fast food consumption on body composition during primary school years. Combinations of protein and carbohydrate sources deserve further investigation.

Fast food consumption is associated with higher education in women, but not men, among older adults in urban safety-net clinics: A cross-sectional survey.

Fast food consumption is linked to poor health, yet many older adults regularly consume fast food. Understanding factors contributing to fast food consumption is useful in the development of targeted interventions. The aim of this study was to characterize how fast food consumption relates to socio-demographic characteristics in a low-income sample of older adults.This study used cross-sectional survey data of 50 to79-year-olds (N-236) in urban safety-net clinics in 2010 in Kansas City, KS. Self-reported frequency of fast food consumption was modeled using ordinal logistic regression with socio-demographics as predictor variables. Participants were 56.8 ± 6.0 (mean ± SD) years old, 64% female, 45% non-Hispanic African American, and 26% Hispanic. Thirty-nine percent denied eating fast food in the past week, 36% ate once, and 25% ate fast food at least twice. Age was negatively correlated with fast food intake (r = −0.20, P = 0.003). After adjusting for age, race-ethnicity, employment, and marital status, the association between education and fast food consumption differed by sex (Pinteraction = 0.017). Among women, higher education was associated with greater fast food intake (Spearman's correlation; r = 0.28, P = 0.0005); the association was not significant in men (r = −0.14, P = 0.21). In this diverse, low-income population, high educational attainment (college graduate or higher) related to greater fast food intake among women but not men. Exploration of the factors contributing to this difference could inform interventions to curb fast food consumption or encourage healthy fast food choices among low-income, older adults.

Overweight or obesity and related lifestyle and psychosocial factors among adolescents in Brunei Darussalam.

This study aimed to assess overweight and obesity and associated factors in school-going adolescents in Brunei Darussalam. The sample included 2599 school-going adolescents that responded to the Global School-based Student Health Survey (mean age 14.7 years, SD = 1.4). Body weight status was assessed based on self-reported height and weight and the international child body mass index standards. The relationship between lifestyle factors, including physical activity and dietary behaviour, and overweight or obesity were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Results indicate a prevalence of overweight or obesity of 35.1% and obesity of 17.3%. In multivariable regression analysis, bullying victimisation was positively and frequent fast food consumption, having experienced hunger and meeting physical activity recommendations were negatively associated with overweight or obesity. High prevalence rates of overweight or obesity were found and several risk factors identified, which can assist in guiding interventions.

Sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of insufficient sleep in Australian adults

ObjectivesInsufficient sleep is being increasingly recognized as a public health issue. There is a need to identify correlates of insufficient sleep to guide future preventative health interventions. This study aims to determine the sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of frequent perceived insufficient sleep in the Australian population. DesignPooled analyses of two cross-sectional, self-report national telephone surveys were conducted in 2015 (July–August) and 2016 (June–August). SettingAdults living in Australia. ParticipantsData from participants (age 18 years and over) of both surveys were pooled for analysis (2015 n = 1041; 2016 n = 1170), with 2211 participants being included in the current study. MeasurementsParticipants self-reported their age, gender, education and employment level, language spoken at home, urbanization, chronic disease, and height and weight to calculate BMI. Self-reported physical activity, sitting time, smoking, and consumption of fruit, vegetables, fast food, alcohol and frequency of perceived insufficient sleep were also assessed. Binary logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between insufficient sleep (≥14 days out of 30), sociodemographic and behavioral variables. ResultsThe overall prevalence of insufficient sleep was 24%. Female gender, obesity, >8 h/d sitting time, smoking, and frequent consumption of fast food were positively associated with frequent insufficient sleep (P < .05). Higher levels of physical activity and being aged 51 years or older were negatively associated with frequent insufficient sleep (P < .05). ConclusionsThe sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics associated with frequent perceived insufficient sleep can be used to guide the development of future interventions to reduce sleep insufficiency.

Associations between home and school neighbourhood food environments and adolescents' fast-food and sugar-sweetened beverage intakes: findings from the Olympic Regeneration in East London (ORiEL) Study.

To examine associations between availability of fast-food restaurants and convenience stores in the home and school neighbourhoods, considered separately and together, and adolescents' fast-food and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intakes. Cross-sectional observational study. East London, UK. Adolescents (n 3089; aged 13-15 years) from the Olympic Regeneration in East London (ORiEL) Study self-reported their weekly frequency of fast-food and SSB consumption. We used food business addresses collected from local authority registers to derive absolute (counts) and relative (proportions) exposure measures to fast-food restaurants and convenience stores within 800 m from home, school, and home and school combined. Associations between absolute and relative measures of the food environment and fast-food and SSB intakes were assessed using Poisson regression models with robust standard errors. Absolute exposure to fast-food restaurants or convenience stores in the home, school, or combined home and school neighbourhoods was not associated with any of the outcomes. High SSB intake was associated with relative exposure to convenience stores in the residential neighbourhood (risk ratio=1·45; 95 % CI 1·08, 1·96) and in the home and school neighbourhoods combined (risk ratio=1·69; 95 % CI 1·11, 2·57). We found no evidence of an association between absolute exposure to fast-food restaurants and convenience stores around home and school and adolescents' fast-food and SSB intakes. Relative exposure, which measures the local diversity of the neighbourhood food environment, was positively associated with SSB intake. Relative measures of the food environment may better capture the environmental risks for poor diet than absolute measures.

Yoga\u2019s potential for promoting healthy eating and physical activity behaviors among young adults: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundA regular yoga practice may have benefits for young adult health, however, there is limited evidence available to guide yoga interventions targeting weight-related health. The present study explored the relationship between participation in yoga, healthy eating behaviors and physical activity among young adults.MethodsThe present mixed-methods study used data collected as part of wave 4 of Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults), a population-based cohort study in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Young adults (n = 1820) completed the Project EAT survey and a food frequency questionnaire, and a subset who reported practicing yoga additionally participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 46). Analyses of survey data were used to examine cross-sectional associations between the frequency of yoga practice, dietary behaviors (servings of fruits and vegetables (FV), sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and snack foods and frequency of fast food consumption), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Thematic analysis of interview discussions further explored yoga’s perceived influence on eating and activity behaviors among interview participants.ResultsRegular yoga practice was associated with more servings of FV, fewer servings of SSBs and snack foods, less frequent fast food consumption, and more hours of MVPA. Interviews revealed that yoga supported healthy eating through motivation to eat healthfully, greater mindfulness, management of emotional eating, more healthy food cravings, and the influence of the yoga community. Yoga supported physical activity through activity as part of yoga practice, motivation to do other forms of activity, increased capacity to be active, and by complementing an active lifestyle.ConclusionsYoung adult yoga practitioners reported healthier eating behaviors and higher levels of physical activity than non-practitioners. Yoga should be investigated as an intervention for young adult health promotion and healthy weight management.

Adherence to the Qatar dietary guidelines: a cross-sectional study of the gaps, determinants and association with cardiometabolic risk amongst adults

BackgroundThe Qatar Dietary Guidelines (QDGs) were developed as part of the national strategy to prevent chronic diseases. This study aims at characterizing gaps between the QDGs and usual dietary and lifestyle patterns in Qatar, identifying demographic and socioeconomic determinants of adherence to the QDGs and investigating the association between adherence and cardiometabolic risk.MethodsThis study is based on the Qatar National STEPwise cross-sectional survey which was conducted on a nationally representative sample of Qatari adults, aged 18 to 64 years (n = 1109). Data collection included socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, anthropometric (weight, height and waist circumference (WC)), and blood pressure measurements. The dietary intake of participants was evaluated using a non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Biochemical assessment was performed to measure the fasting levels of blood sugar, triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined as the presence of three or more cardiometabolic risk factors. To examine adherence to the guidelines, each specifc recommendation was matched to corresponding data drawn from the survey. To investigate the association of sociodemographic, lifestyle and cardiometabolic characteristics with adherence to the QDGs, an adherence score was calculated.ResultsMore than 83% of adults did not meet the recommendations for vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and high fibre intakes, 70% were overweight or obese, 50–72% reported frequent consumption of sweetened beverages and sweets, and 47% reported frequent consumption of fast foods. Younger adults, the unemployed, the least educated and those not married had lower adherence to the QDGs. Adherence was inversely associated with elevated WC (OR: 0.88, 95% CI:0.82–0.95) and the MetS (OR:0.84,95% CI:0.74–0.96).ConclusionsBuilding on the identified gaps and vulnerable population groups, the study findings should provide a road map for the prioritization of interventions and the development of culture- specific programs aiming at promoting adherence to dietary guidelines in Qatar, while serving as a model to other countries in the region.