High Risk Of Non-communicable Diseases Research Articles

Influence of Life Style, Nutrition and Obesity on Immune Response: A Global Issue

A considerable percentage of world’s population is facing the problems of overweight and obesity that affect growing children, adolescents and young adult human beings. This ultimately cause several types of non-communicable diseases viz., cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, infertility, several types of cancers etc. Besides causing the noncommunicable diseases, obesity impairs the immune function also. There is a strong correlation between obesity and immune response and that’s why the obese individuals always get suffered the common viral and bacterial diseases. Overweight and obesity are the concerning issues of our society which is linked with the food habits. Beside the high fat diet, lack of physical work is also a major reason for suffering with overweight and obesity. A greater percentage of world population that suffer with overweight and obesity linked to non-vegetarian population of the world and these are at higher risk of non-communicable diseases. Perhaps the most favourable reason behind the saga is the consumption of comparatively more saturated fat in the diet. These are purely preventable diseases. So precautionary measures may be taken to prevent the diseases by the replacement or reduction of animal or saturated fat in processed food products without affecting the quality of the products. It can otherwise be explained that obesity is the outcome of high energy diet, over-dieting and lack of proper physical exercise.

Animal Proteins as Important Contributors to a Healthy Human Diet.

Adequate protein intake is critical for health and development. Generally, protein of animal origin is of higher quality for humans owing to its amino acid pattern and good digestibility. When administered in mixtures it can enhance the quality of plant proteins, but its availability is often low in low-income communities, especially in young children, the elderly, and pregnant and lactating women, who have increased requirements and in whom high-quality protein also stimulates (bone) growth and maintenance. Although high protein intake was associated with increased type 2 diabetes mellitus risk, milk and seafood are good sources of branched chain amino acids and taurine, which act beneficially on glucose metabolism and blood pressure. However, high consumption of protein-rich animal food is also associated with adverse health effects and higher risk for noncommunicable diseases, partly related to other components of these foods, like saturated fatty acids and potential carcinogens in processed meat but also the atherogenic methionine metabolite homocysteine. In moderation, however, animal proteins are especially important for health maintenance in vulnerable persons.

Gender differentials in prevalence of self-reported non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India: evidence from recent NSSO survey

This study examines the current scenario of the self-reported prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India and states, with a gender perspective. It also explores different factors affecting the prevalence of NCDs among men and women. The study has used data from recent NSSO (71st Round, 2014) survey. Simple bivariate analyses are used to calculate the prevalence rate of NCDs per thousand persons. Binary logistics regression is applied to examine the effects of demographic and socioeconomic variables on the prevalence of NCDs. The overall prevalence of NCDs is 55 per thousand persons. The prevalence is higher among women (63) as compared to men (47). Among Indian states, difference in the prevalence of NCDs between men and women is the highest in Punjab (45), followed by Himachal Pradesh (44) and Uttaranchal (37), whereas among the union territories (UTs), Daman and Diu (230) shows the widest gap in the prevalence of NCDs between men and women. Rural women (86) are found at the higher risk of NCDs as compared to rural men (64) and their counterpart in urban areas (53). The NCD prevalence is significantly higher among the population aged above 60 years (OR = 8.30, p < 0.001) and in richer section (OR = 1.21, p < 0.001). In India, women are disproportionately affected by NCDs as compared to men. Across the region, a large gap exists in NCD prevalence between men and women. Hence, there is an urgent need to address this issue in high NCD prevalent states, particularly focusing women from socio-economically disadvantaged background.

Perinatal nutrition: How to take care of the gut microbiota?

Summary Perinatal and postnatal nutritional environments can result in long-lasting and/or permanent consequences that may increase the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. The impact of perinatal nutrition on infant microbiome development has been increasingly gaining interest, however scarce information can be found about nutrition on maternal microbiome. The infant microbiome plays an essential role in human health and its assembly is determined by maternal offspring exchanges of microbiota. Microbial colonization runs in parallel with the immune system maturation and has a decisive role in intestinal physiology and regulation. This process is adversely affected by several practices, including caesarean section, antibiotics, and infant formula, which have been related to a higher risk of non-communicable diseases. Limited research has been performed to assess whether nutritional status and diet lead to changes in the maternal microbiota and thus affect the infant microbial colonization process during the critical frame of life. Early microbial colonization has a decisive role on human health, and alterations in this process have been lately associated with specific diseases in the future. The aims of this review are, firstly, to update nutritional recommendations for the perinatal period and, secondly, to analyse the influence of both maternal microbiome and nutrition on infant gut microbiota development.

Promotion of Weight Gain in Early Childhood Does Not Increase Metabolic Risk in Adolescents: A 15-Year Follow-Up of a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial1–3

Background: A rapid gain in weight for length may put children at a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases later in life.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the long-term effects of nutrition counseling delivered in the first 2 y of life in Pelotas, a city in Southern Brazil.Methods: The original cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 1998. Nutrition counseling (breastfeeding promotion and increased intake of micronutrient-rich and energy-dense foods) was delivered to mothers of children aged 0–17.9 mo attending primary care. Six months later, weight gain was higher in the intervention group than in the control group for children ≥12 mo of age at enrollment. In 2013 (mean age 15 y), assessments included anthropometric measurements, body composition (air-displacement plethysmography), body shape (3-dimensional photonic scan), and plasma total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and glucose.Results: A total of 363 of the 424 original participants were assessed. An a priori decision was made to prioritize analyses of subjects aged 12–17.9 mo at enrollment (51 from the intervention group and 45 from the control group). In this subgroup, boys in the intervention group were [mean (95% CI)] 3.4 (0.8, 6.0) cm taller than those in the control group. Systolic blood pressure tended to be 5.2 (−0.8, 11.1) mm Hg higher in male subjects from the intervention group than in those in the control group. Lipid profiles tended to be healthier in the intervention group. The plasma total cholesterol concentration was −17.8 (−29.8, −5.7) mg/dL lower in boys in the intervention group than in those in the control group. The total-to–HDL cholesterol ratio and triglyceride concentration in the girls in the intervention group were −0.4 (−0.6, −0.1) and −26.3 (−46.3, −6.3) mg/dL, respectively, lower than in the control group. There was no difference between the groups in terms of body composition.Conclusions: Promotion of weight gain in children between 12.0–17.9 mo of age was not associated with higher metabolic risk 15 y later. On the contrary, there was some evidence of reduced metabolic risk in the intervention group.

FACTORES QUE INFLUENCIAN UN ESTILO DE VIDA SEDENTARIO EN LAS ESTUDIANTES DE CUARTO CICLO DE LOS COLEGIOS PÚBLICOS

Existe suficiente evidencia para afirmar que las mujeres, conforme avanzan en el sistema educativo, disminuyen la actividad física hasta niveles considerables de sedentarismo. Lo anterior condujo a determinar, como propósito de este artículo, los factores que influencian la inactividad física (sedentarismo) de un grupo de mujeres de cuarto ciclo de la educación pública costarricense. Para ello se diseña un estudio de corte cualitativo utilizando la técnica de grupos focales y las entrevistas a profundidad, la cual fue aplicada a 30 mujeres sedentarias de cuarto ciclo. Los resultados indican que las participantes desconocen el beneficio que les puede otorgar una vida activa, afectando posiblemente su conducta de movimiento Se concluye que la orientación deportiva de las clases de Educación Física, la carencia de las destrezas para participar en actividades en forma exitosa, las actividades sedentarias del círculo de amistades, las actitudes de los padres, la falta de opciones en el entorno y la carencia de instalaciones juegan un papel importante en los niveles de sedentarismo del grupo estudiado. FACTORES QUE INFLUENCIAN UN ESTILO DE VIDA SEDENTARIO EN LAS ESTUDIANTES DE CUARTO CICLO DE LOS COLEGIOS PÚBLICOS

The Majority of the Migrant Factory Workers of the Light Industry in Shenzhen, China May Be Physically Inactive.

Physical inactivity is a strong risk factor of non-communicable diseases (NCD). In China, there are 250 million migrant factory workers, who are susceptible to physical inactivity and hence NCD because of work nature and setting. With random stratified sampling, 807 such workers of the light industry were recruited in Shenzhen, China and completed a self-administered questionnaire with informed consent. The prevalence of inadequate physical activity (defined according to the World Health Organization’s recommendation on level of moderate/vigorous physical activity) was 95.4%. Of all participants, 69.1% showed “a very low level of physical activity” (VLLPA), defined as ≤30 minutes of weekly moderate/vigorous physical activity, which was significantly associated with female sex (Odds ratio [OR]=1.65), lower education level (OR=0.10 to 0.33, primary education as the reference group) and married status (OR=0.63, single status as the reference group). Adjusted for these factors, perceived social support (Adjusted OR=0.87) was negatively associated with VLLPA, while job stress due to workload, which was significant in the univariate analysis (OR=0.98), became non-significant (p=0.184). Significant interaction between perceived social support and perceived job stress onto VLLPA was found (p=0.044), implying that the negative association between job stress and VLLPA, which might reflect a potential response to cope with stress by performing exercises, was stronger among those with weaker social support. The extremely low level of physical activity rings an alarm, as it implies high risk of NCD, and as there are no existing programs promoting physical activity in this group. Interventions need to take into account social support, potential coping to job stress, and structural factors of the factory setting, while involving factories’ management.

A survey on the fatty acid composition of cow's milk in different production systems in Khorramabad, Iran with respect to ω-6:ω-3 ratio

The ratio of ω-6: ω-3 is connected to the higher risk of non-communicable diseases, thus this ratio is becoming more important than quantity of ω-6 and ω-3 in human nutrition. In countries like Iran, cow’s milk is mainly produced in rural area and less in conventional systems. The lactating cows reared in rural and conventional farms are different in terms of nutrition, daily yields, and proportion of concentrate to forage that these might affect milk fatty acid profiles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the ratio of ω-6: ω-3 in cow’s milk produced in conventional and rural dairy farms in west of Iran, Khorramabad. Twenty bulk milk samples (rural and conventional) were collected from the conventional dairy farms and local milk collection centers. Fatty acid profiles were determined and results showed that conventional milk had higher ω-6 (2.1± 0.4) and lower ω-3 (0.16 ± 0.03) in comparison with rural milk. The ratio of ω-6:ω-3 in rural milk was significantly lower (8:1) than that in conventional milk (13:1) (p<0.01). In conclusion, milk produced in rural dairy farms had better ratio of ω-6:ω-3, thus rural milk could be healthier for human nutrition in terms of ω-3 fatty acids.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Risk after Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects many women in pregnancy and is enhanced by epidemic conditions of obesity, increasing age at the time of the first pregnancy, stressful life conditions, a sedentary lifestyle with less physical activity and unhealthy nutrition with highly processed, high-calorie food intake. GDM does not affect the mother and offspring in pregnancy alone, as there is compelling evidence of the long-term effects of the hyperglycemic state in pregnancy postpartum. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome are more common in GDM women, and even the offspring of GDM women are reported to have higher obesity rates and a higher risk for noncommunicable diseases. Early prevention of risk factors seems to be key to overcoming the vicious cycle of cardiometabolic disease onset.

The MILE study: a motivational, individual and locally anchored exercise intervention among 30–49 year-olds with low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness: a randomised controlled study in primary care

BackgroundLow levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with high risk of non-communicable diseases and all-cause mortality. Physical activity level is the primary determinant of cardiorespiratory fitness in adults. However, knowledge on how to motivate people to engage in physical activity and maintain an active lifestyle is lacking. This study aims to investigate whether a motivational, individual, and locally anchored exercise intervention, in primary care, can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in 30 to 49 year olds with a low or very low cardiorespiratory fitness.Methods/DesignTwo-armed randomised controlled trial with 6 and 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome is cardiorespiratory fitness estimated via a maximal incremental exercise test. Secondary outcomes include physical activity level and sedentary behavior (objectively measured), self-reported physical activity, biochemical parameters (HbA1C, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride), anthropometric parameters and health-related quality of life. A total of 236 participants with low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness classified at a local health check programme will be randomised. The intervention consists of four motivational interviews, a six months membership to a sport club, and a global positioning watch to upload training activity to Endomondo.com. The comparison group will receive standard care: a one hour motivational interview followed by another interview if requested. Effects will be estimated by evaluating the differences in mean changes in cardiorespiratory fitness between the two groups.DiscussionIn new and innovative ways the focus of this study will be to improve cardiorespiratory fitness among a 30–49 year-old at-risk group using social media, Global Positioning System-technology, on-going personal support and individually tailored physical activity.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (no.NCT01801956).

Obesity and weight control measures: Findings from female college students of Agra

Context: Obesity has negative health impacts. Obese people have higher risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Overweight and obesity during young adulthood can track into later adulthood along with its higher risk for NCDs. Aims: To identify the weight control intention and dietary practices used among normal, overweight, and obese college females and to know the reasons for discontinuation among ever tried subjects. Settings and Design : A cross-sectional study conducted in urban and rural colleges of Agra. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 400 female college students. Height and weight were measured to assess body composition according to BMI (Body Mass Index) criteria (WHO 2002). Study included a semi-structured and semi-open-ended instrument to assess practices related to weight control. Their responses were collected, tabulated, analyzed, and interpreted. Statistical analysis used: Frequency. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 18.5% and 4.5%, respectively, according to BMI (WHO 2002). One third of the subjects were recording their weight monthly. Slightly less than half of the subjects (46%) were trying to maintain optimum weight. Almost one third of these subjects (33.5%) were presently trying to lose weight. About one fifth of total 400 subjects (20.5%) were not concerned about their weight status. Majority of the subjects (85%) irrespective of their obesity status did not take any professional advice. More than half (52.7%) were resorting to physical activity to lose weight. Taking more fruits/vegetables (44.7%) was found to be the most common healthy dieting practices and most unhealthy was fasting (15.3%). More than one fourth (28.8%) of the subjects abandoned weight control practices because of shortage of time followed by 22.4% due to physical weakness. Conclusions: Collectively, results indicate female college students, regardless of weight status, would benefit from open discussions with health educators regarding healthy and effective dieting practices to achieve/maintain a healthy body weight.

South Asian dietary patterns and their association with risk factors for the metabolic syndrome

Certain dietary patterns have been associated with higher risk of noncommunicable diseases, with South Asians identified as a high-risk group. The present study aimed to identify the association between dietary patterns and the metabolic syndrome (MS) in South Asians living in the UK. Dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis from 15 different food groups using an ethnic-specific food frequency questionnaire. MS risk factors, including obesity and hypertension, were measured, whereas existing conditions of dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia were self-reported. Participants (n=100) were divided into quartiles based on dietary factor scores and the link between dietary patterns and risk factors was investigated. Three different patterns were derived, which together explained 46% of the total diet variation; eastern pattern, mixed pattern and western pattern. An inverse correlation was found between the eastern pattern and education P=0.05). A direct correlation was found between the western pattern and physical activity (P=0.05) and the overall risk of MS (P=0.05). Body composition was altered as residence time in the UK increased, with a reduction in muscle mass (29-26%) and an increase in body fat (31-37%). Diagnosis criteria for MS were found in 20% of the participants. Dietary acculturation, including a reduction in vegetarianism, an increased intake of caffeinated drinks and altered meal patterns, may be associated with the higher prevalence of MS in migrant South Asians in the UK.

Distance Mesuring of Physical Activity among Students and Workers of Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry

Since 2007 Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry (MSUMD) uses its own teleconferencing facilities. Distance learning courses on health promotion were started. Electronic textbooks in the field of health promotion were made available. Online questionnaire was design to determine physical activity (PA) which is known to be one of risk factors of development of chronic disease. Methods: 846 students and 144 workers of MSUMD were distance tested to detect their usual PA. Results: The used procedure proved to be valid. PA in women demonstrated to be lower than in men; PA of workers was higher than in students. Additional risk factors (i.e. obesity, smoking) were earlier found in students. Conclusion: Female students might have higher risk of noncommunicable diseases than male students in future due to their low PA. It seems to be higher spread of behavior risk factors among students than workers.