High Prevalence Of Overweight Research Articles

Feeding Patterns, Mother-Child Dietary Diversity and Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Under-Five Children in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Retrospective Recall

BackgroundDespite demonstrated benefits, most countries fall short of meeting international targets for breastfeeding patterns, optimal complementary feeding, mother-children's quality diet, and malnutrition among under-five children.RationaleSince mothers usually play the most vital role in the healthcare of their children, research is needed to illuminate maternal factors that might promote a child's health and nutritional status.AimThe purpose of this study is to retrospectively (1) examine the under-five children's (0–59 months) feeding habits including exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive bottle feeding, continued breastfeeding, and complementary feedings, (2) investigate the mother-child's dietary diversity, and (3) identify any factors that cause less optimal nutrition due to a lack of food diversity in children aged 6 to 59 months. Moreover, (4) the prevalence of wasting, stunting, underweight, and overweight in the under-five offspring living in households located in the main two provinces in Lebanon (Beirut and Mount Lebanon) was determined.MethodsThe data for this analysis were collected from a representative sample of 384 households [384 mothers (21–49 years old) and children (0–59 months)] between February 2019 and June 2019. A questionnaire was used to inquire mothers of children ages 0–23 months about exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), continuous breastfeeding (CBF), exclusive bottle feeding (EBOT), mixed feeding (MF), and complementary feeding patterns. Moreover, additional questions regarding dietary diversity were asked to mothers of children aged 6 to 59 months. This score was calculated based on the 24 h recall of the mother and her child's consumption of 7 food groups, during the 24 h prior to the survey. Moreover, stunting, wasting, overweight, and underweight were calculated using the z-score for height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and weight-for-age (WAZ), respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the dietary diversity among children (ages 6–59 months) adjusting for covariates at maternal and household levels.ResultsAround 44% of children (0–59 months) had normal body weight. In addition, 9.3% were underweight (WAZ < -2SD to −3SD), 6.5% were at risk of being overweight, 24.45% were overweight, 9.3% were stunted (HAZ < -2SD to −3SD), and 6.25% (WHZ < -2SD to −3SD) were wasted. In total, among under-five children, the prevalence of EBF at 40 d and 6 months was 27 and 30%, respectively. The prevalence of CBF was 23%. Around 60% of mothers breastfed their offspring between 0 and 6 months and half of them introduced infant formula at earlier stages between 0–6 months. Furthermore, 78.4% of mothers introduced food to their children between 4 and 6 months (of which 40% before 6 months) and 62.5% of them introduced sugary drinks before 6 months. As for dietary diversity (DD), one out of two mothers and one out of three children (ages 6–59 months) had a low DD score (DDS) (46 and 32%, respectively). The children's and mother's DD were strongly found to be correlated (p-value = 0.034). Regression analysis showed that children's DD increased around 2 times [AOR = 1.7; 95% CI (1.042–2.914)] in context of high maternal DDS, and about 12 times [AOR = 11.7; 95% CI (1.2–111)] when a member of the highest-income households.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated low rates of EBF and CBF, high prevalence of EBOT, and early introduction of complementary foods among children ages 0–59 months. Furthermore, for children ages 6–59 months, there was poor mother-child dietary diversity and a high prevalence of overweight and stunted children in the main two Lebanese provinces. This suggests the alarming need for continuous nutrition intervention to improve infant feeding patterns and dietary diversity to reduce the malnutrition rates.

Overweight and obesity: a study among university students in Sarawak, Malaysia

ABSTRACT Overweight and obesity are on the rise throughout Asia, with Malaysia at the top of the list. However, the most recent data among young people, particularly university students in Asia, are scarce. This study aimed to report the prevalence of overweight and obesity among university students attending two public universities in Sarawak, Malaysia, based on demographic data that included their levels of study, gender, and age ranges. This is a cross-sectional research approach, which surveyed 622 university students aged from 18 to 24 years enrolled in associate and bachelor’s degree study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed via an online platform from March to November 2020. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from the obtained self-reported body weight and height for body weight status adhering to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Asian cutoff scales. Based on the WHO cutoff scale, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 14.31% and 10.13%, respectively, which is lower than Asian cutoff scale prevalence, 22.19% and 16.88%, respectively. A high prevalence of overweight and obesity was noted among the study sample, particularly male students. Bachelor’s degree students recorded higher BMI than those at associate level. Age groups were prominent in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in males, but an exception in females. In conclusion, a high prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in this study. This study provides valuable data that may be applied to devise strategic interventions at improving the health of university students.

Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults in Jordan: National Survey

Background Obesity is a national and global public health problem in terms of morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. In 2014, 5% of deaths worldwide were attributable to obesity, with an estimated economic impact of 2.8% of the global gross domestic product. A survey in 2008 showed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in Jordan. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity, assess its trends, and identify the factors and comorbidities associated with this condition. Methods A multipurpose national household survey was conducted among Jordanian adults over 4 months in 2017. Data were collected using a structured validated questionnaire. Obesity was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results This study included 4056 adults (1193 men, 29.4%; 2863 women, 70.6%). Their age ranged from 18 to 90 years, with a mean age of 43.8 (SD 14.2) years. According to the International Diabetes Federation criteria, the age-standardized prevalence of obesity was 60.4% in men and 75.6% in women. After adjusting for age, the odds of obesity in 2017 were twice the odds in 2008 in men (odds ratio [OR] 1.98) and women (OR 1.96). In the multivariate analysis, age, place of living, and marital status were significantly associated with obesity in men and women. Obesity was significantly associated with increased odds of diabetes mellitus (OR 2.1 for men; OR 2.9 for women), hypertension (OR 2.4 for men; OR 2.5 for women), elevated triglyceride levels (OR 2.5 for men; OR 4.2 for women), and low high-density lipoprotein levels (OR 2.2 for men; OR 2.1 for women) after adjusting for age. Conclusions The prevalence of obesity is high in Jordan, and this condition is associated with other metabolic abnormalities. Well-defined programs to manage, control, and prevent obesity as well as intersectoral action are urgently required to reverse current trends in Jordan.

Prevalence and Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity among Adults in Poland: A 2019/2020 Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey.

Detailed characteristics of the weight status of the population is necessary for the effective prevention of health disorders, e.g., through personalized nutrition education. This study aimed to characterize weight status and identify sociodemographic factors associated with overweight/obesity in a representative sample of adult inhabitants of Poland. This cross-sectional study was carried out from July 2019 to February 2020 on a representative nationwide sample of individuals aged 18+ in Poland. The study consisted of two parts: questionnaire survey and anthropometric measurements. The body mass index was calculated. Data on 1831 adults (50.3% females; mean age 51.7 ± 19.9 years) were included in this analysis. The prevalence of overweight was 42.2% (52.4% among males and 32.0% among females). Of the 1831 participants, 16.4% were obese (16.5% of males and 16.2% of females). Out of 11 factors analyzed in this study, only 5 were significantly associated with overweight/obesity. Males, older participants, occupationally active individuals, those living in rural areas and individuals with at least one chronic disease had greater odds of overweight/obesity. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in Poland. This is the most up-to-date representative study on nutritional status carried out before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effectiveness of optimized food-based recommendation promotion to improve nutritional status and lipid profiles among Minangkabau women with dyslipidemia: A cluster-randomized trial

BackgroundIn women of Minangkabau ethnicity, a high prevalence of dyslipidemia, overweight, and obesity is thought to be closely related to poor dietary practices. Promotion of local specific food-based recommendations (FBRs) was previously found to be effective in improving dietary practice and nutrient intakes related to dyslipidemia. This study aimed to describe the effects of the FBR promotion on the nutritional status and lipid profiles of Minangkabau women with dyslipidemia.MethodsWe used a cluster-randomized design with a total subject of 123 Minangkabau women of reproductive age with dyslipidemia. They were recruited from 16 sub-villages and assigned to either the FBR group (n = 61) or the non-FBR group (n = 62). Data on body weight, height, waist circumference, and lipid profiles were collected at the baseline and the end of the trial. Linear mixed model analysis was used to analyze the effect of the intervention on nutritional status and lipid profiles.ResultsThe mean effect (95% confidence interval) of the intervention on body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference for the FBR group versus the non-FBR group were -1.1 (-1.8; -0.39) kg, -0.43(-0.76; -0.11) kg/m2 and -2.1(-3.7;-0.46) mm respectively (p <0.05). The Castelli’s index in the FBR group improved, but there was no significant between-group difference in the change of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides at the end of the intervention.ConclusionThe promotion of the FBRs positively impact the nutritional status but did not significantly affect the blood lipid profile of Minangkabau women with dyslipidemia.Trial RegistrationThe trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Result System (PRS) as NCT04085874, in September 2019.

Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight Stratified by Age Group of the 34 Provinces in Indonesia: Local Empirical Bayesian Estimation

Background: Indonesia is one of the countries most affected by a high prevalence of obesity and overweight among other lower-middle-income countries. Most studies, however, are not concerned with the geographical dependence of the obesity and prevalence of overweight. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of obesity and overweight stratified by age group among 34 provinces in Indonesia. Methods: This study used data from the Report on Basic Health Research 2018 of the Indonesian Ministry of Health. We calculated data to find the estimated prevalence of obesity and overweight in each age group across 34 provinces (n=427,675) by using the local empirical Bayesian estimation. The mapping was used to show the phenomenon of obesity and overweight in different age groups and areas. Results: In each group, the overweight prevalence was much higher than the obesity prevalence. Age group 18+ had the highest prevalence of obesity and overweight (obesity: 10.4–30.1%, overweight: 19.2–46.3%) followed by the age group of 5–12 years (obesity: 2.4–15.0%, overweight: 6.1–30.3%). The province with the highest prevalence of obesity among the age group of 5–12 years was Papua province and for the 18+ age group it was North Sulawesi province. The province with the largest number of obesity and overweight was West Java province for each group. Conclusion: Prevalence of obesity and overweight differed by age group and by 34 provinces.

Excesso de peso e fatores associados entre professores da Educação Básica durante a pandemia de Covid-19: diferenciais de sexo

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the prevalence of overweight among teachers in Minas Gerais during the Covid-19 pandemic and to review relevant gender associated factors. Methods Cross-sectional and analytical study, websurvey type, carried out with 15,641 teachers of public Basic Education in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection took place from August to September 2020 with the use of a digital form. The dependent variable was overweight, calculated by the body mass index using the teachers’ self-reported weight and height. Poisson regression was used, with robust variance. Results Among the participating teachers, 52.4% were overweight. When stratified by gender, 51.1% women and 58.2% men were considered overweight, with a significant difference between them (p&lt;0.001). There was a higher prevalence of overweight among women in the age group of 30 to 59 years (PR=1.39) and in women 60 years or older (PR=1.45) living in the metropolitan region of the state (PR=1.06) who had children (PR=1.19), who were not exercising (PR=1.09) and with a worse dietary pattern during the pandemic (PR=1.12), much afraid of Covid-19 (PR=1.04) and with anxiety and/or depression during the pandemic (PR=1.14). Among men, there was a higher prevalence of overweight among those individuals aged 30 to 59 years (PR=1.19), who lived with a spouse (PR=1.15) working more than 40 hours per week (PR=1.12) and those with the worst dietary pattern during the pandemic (PR=1.10). Conclusion The results showed a 52.4% prevalence of overweight teachers and different associated factors between the genders.

Multidimensional Evaluation and Profile of Institutionalized Elderly in Pindamonhangaba-SP, Brazil

Introduction: With the increase in the elderly population, it is necessary to use tools that identify health problems efficiently, in primary care and in Long-stay institution for the elderly (LSIE). Objective: The present study aimed to identify and characterize functional alterations through multidimensional assessment of the elderly (MAE) and to estimate the prevalence of elderly people with a suggestion of Dynapenia. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional observational study. Thirty-one elderly people of both sexes, living in two LSIEs in the municipality of Pindamonhangaba, were included. The instrument for the multidimensional assessment of the elderly proposed for this study was developed to be used in a primary health care outpatient clinic. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, history of personal morbidity, musculoskeletal symptoms, quality of balance, functionality, lifestyle, medication use, anthropometric measurements and quality of life were searched. Data were statistically analyzed using the chi-square method and the Bioestat 5.0 software as a support tool. Results: When evaluating the domains in the AMI, we identified: absence of upper limb dysfunction and a significantly high rate (p&lt;0.0001) of lower limbs (90.3%), in addition to other disorders, including: hearing loss (29%); urinary incontinence (29%); weight loss (38.7%); cognition and memory difficulties (45.2%) and vision deficit (51.6%). Through anthropometric assessment, the high prevalence of overweight and obesity was identified. In average HGS of 15.7 Kg and SD of 7.9 Kg. Conclusion: The present study identified an important prevalence of physiological and cognitive alterations in institutionalized elderly people, allowing us to highlight the importance of making the screening of functional alterations in the elderly habitual, in order to allow the adoption of preventive measures to minimize the risks inherent to such disorders. , given the natural fragility of health related to the physiological condition of these patients, which may contribute to improving their quality of life.

Consumo alimentar de adolescentes de escolas públicas segundo grau de processamento industrial dos alimentos

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize food consumption, considering the degree of industrial food processing by public schools’ adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional study involving adolescents aged 14 to 19 years, of both genders, attending public schools in Juiz de Fora, MG. Food consumption was assessed using two 24-hour dietary recalls. Foods were classified into three groups according to the degree of industrial processing: (1) unprocessed foods or minimally processed foods, culinary ingredients and preparations based on these foods; (2) processed foods; (3) ultra-processed foods. In addition, weight and height information was collected, with subsequent calculation of body mass index/age to assess the individuals’ nutritional status according to the gender. Pearson’s chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed, adopting a value of p&lt;0.05. Results The sample consisted of 804 adolescents, with a predominance of females (57.5%). In the sample, 29.9% and 26.1%, of girls and boys, respectively, were overweight. There was a difference in the daily consumption of ready-made sweet-tasting foods, being higher in females (26.2%) when compared to males (18.1%), whereas the consumption of soft drinks (one to four times a week) was 47.2% and 55.6% in girls and boys, respectively (p&lt;0.05). Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was observed in females (p=0.02) and processed foods in males (p=0.008). Conclusion There was a high contribution of ultra-processed foods in the diet of adolescents in public schools; a high prevalence of overweight was observed in both genders.

Prevalence of obesity and hypertension and its associated risk factors among chiru females of Manipur.

Obesity and hypertension are two well-known public health issues associated with a very high risk of cardiovascular diseases worldwide. It has become increasingly prevalent with the advancing chronological age and developing of noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory diseases. The paper aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and their associated risk factors among the Chiru females of Manipur. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 Chiru females of Manipur, whose ages ranged from 20 to 79 years. Anthropometric and blood pressure were measured using standard procedures. Statistical methods such as Chi-square, Pearson correlation, and odds ratio (OR) were employed. The nutritional status of the overweight and the obese are 33.3% and 11.6%. The overall prevalence of high blood pressure was 22.2%. This study observed a significant Pearson correlation between blood pressure and body mass index (BMI), age, physical activity, salt intake, smoking, and alcohol. The binary logistic regression, in terms of OR and coefficient of correlation, shows enough shreds of evidence that BMI and lifestyle factors are strongly associated and correlated with hypertension. The present study found a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chiru females, which might have contributed to the overall moderate prevalence of hypertension. Smoking, physical inactivity, and salt intake involve a significant risk of hypertension. Therefore, lifestyle has dramatically influenced the Chiru females of Manipur in terms of hypertension and obesity.

Overweight and Obesity among Schoolchildren of Rural Guatemala and the Food Environment around Schools

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a principal concern worldwide. Guatemalan households have the highest prevalence of double burden of malnutrition in the world. These households are self-identified as indigenous and live with lower incomes in rural communities. However, there are limited data on risk factors for childhood obesity and limited information regarding the school environments, especially in rural communities. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a sample of rural schoolchildren, evaluate whether there is significant variability across schools, and characterize the food environment around public elementary schools in rural communities.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four rural public schools within three villages of El Progreso, a Department (state) of Guatemala, located about 60 km east of Guatemala City. Anthropometric measures and sociodemographic information for 398 schoolchildren and their mothers were collected in 2018. Environmental audits of food outlets and food advertisements were completed for a 250- and 500-meter radius around schools. Food outlets and food advertisements were categorized as healthy and less healthy, or acceptable or not acceptable, respectively, using international protocols. One-way ANOVA was used to compare schools and continuous demographic variables. Fisher’s LSD post hoc test was used to examine differences between schools. Chi-Squared tests were conducted to evaluate differences between categorical demographic variables, overweight and obesity, and variables regarding food environments. A logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with overweight and obesity and variability across schools, adjusted for household income, child sex and age, and maternal education and age.&#x0D; Results: The overall percentage of overweight and obesity among schoolchildren across all four schools was 32.4%. There was a higher percentage of less healthful food outlets compared to healthful food outlets and overall food outlets within &lt;250 meters around the four schools, as compared to food outlets within 500 meters. Logistic regression showed that overweight and obesity status varied significantly (p=0.042) depending of the school students attended, when adjusting for household income, child sex and age, maternal education, and age.&#x0D; Conclusion: Study results revealed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among schoolchildren in rural communities in Guatemala. There was significant variability in overweight and obesity across schools. Results portray the food environment around schools as a possible contributing factor to childhood obesity.

Overweight and Obesity Prevalence in Young Students

"Introduction. Globally, there is a growing prevalence of overweight and obesity in both developing and developed countries. Until recently, it was perceived that obesity mainly affects middle-aged adults. However, there is a growing trend towards obesity among young adults, especially university students. Objective. This study aims to assess the overweight and obesity prevalence and its related factors in a random sample of students selected from 10 faculties of ”Babeș-Bolyai” University. Methods. This transverse study included a self-administered questionnaire and gathered anthropometric measurements. The population subject of study consisted in 1430 students, of which 694 (48,5%) men and 736 (51,5%) women, aged between 20 and 25 years, (69,4%) from urban environment and (30,6%) from rural environment. The body mass index (BMI) has been used for assessing the weight. Results. Amongst women, 64,4% had normal weight, 18,9% were overweight and 5,8% were obese, while amongst men 62,1% had normal weight, 14,1% were overweight and 5,2% were obese. Generally speaking 22% of participants were overweight or obese (24,7% women and 19,3% men). In multivariate regression in younger men coming from a region with higher incomes, conscientiously avoiding fats, alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical inactivity and in older women coming from a region with higher incomes, avoiding fats consumption, cholesterol and post-traumatic stress symptoms have been associated to overweight or obesity. Concluzions. The study found a high prevalence of overweight / obesity among university students. Several gender-specific health risk practices that can be used in health promotion programs have been identified. Key words: obesity, overweight, physical inactivity "

APPLICATION OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE CHILDREN IN SDIT INSAN CENDEKIA DAYA MAKASSAR

Overweight and obesity can cause serious health problems, to physical, psychological, and social functioning. The high prevalence of overweight and obesity under the age of 18 is a huge burden on society. Health risks in obese children increase if they have a history of cardiovascular disease. This community service activity uses a participatory approach, meaning that the fostered partners will be actively involved in every stage and development activity that will be carried out through the provision of health education. The activity stage consists of: the first is counseling about overweight and obesity, the second stage is the implementation of physical exercise and stretching for elementary school children and the third is elementary school children can do physical exercise and stretching models every day. Community service activities are carried out by providing health education about physical activities provided to Insan Cendekia Elementary School students offline. The implementation will start on June 25, 2021 and will continue in July 2021. The results obtained after the children do this physical exercise, they increasingly understand the importance of doing physical activity for body health

AACE2021-A-1039: Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in an Urban Area of Algiers

The high prevalence of overweight and obesity has serious health consequences. Rising body mass index (BMI) is a major risk for diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and many cancers. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the general population aged 18 years and over, residing in the commune of Bab El Oued (Algiers).

Promoting the Participation of Children and Adolescents With Disabilities in Sports, Recreation, and Physical Activity.

The benefits of physical activity are likely universal for all children, including children and adolescents with disabilities (CWD). The participation of CWD in physical activity, including adaptive or therapeutic sports and recreation, promotes inclusion, minimizes deconditioning, optimizes physical functioning, improves mental health as well as academic achievement, and enhances overall well-being. Despite these benefits, CWD face barriers to participation and have lower levels of fitness, reduced rates of participation, and a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity compared with typically developing peers. Pediatricians and caregivers may overestimate the risks or overlook the benefits of physical activity in CWD, which further limits participation. Preparticipation evaluations often include assessment of health status, functional capacity, individual activity preferences, availability of appropriate programs, and safety precautions. Given the complexity, the preparticipation evaluation for CWD may not occur in the context of a single office visit but rather over a period of time with input from the child's multidisciplinary team (physicians, coaches, physical education teachers, school nurses, adaptive recreation specialists, physical and occupational therapists, and others). Some CWD may desire to participate in organized sports to experience the challenge of competition, and others may prefer recreational activities for enjoyment. To reach the goal of inclusion in appropriate physical activities for all children with disabilities, child, family, financial, and societal barriers to participation need to be identified and addressed. Health care providers can facilitate participation by encouraging physical activity among CWD and their families during visits. Health care providers can create "physical activity prescriptions" for CWD on the basis of the child's preferred activities, functional status, need for adaptation of the activity and the recreational opportunities available in the community. This clinical report discusses the importance of participation in sports, recreation, and physical activity for CWD and offers practical suggestions to health care providers.

Trends in maternal body mass index in Northern Ireland: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study

ObjectivesExplore (1) associations between maternal body mass index (BMI), demographic and clinical characteristics, (2) longitudinal trends in BMI, (3) geographical distributions in prevalence of maternal overweight and obesity.DesignRetrospective population-based study.SettingLinked,...

Weight status and body composition in patients with crohn’s disease

Rationale: Recent studies report high prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with Crohn’s Disease (CD), whereas multifactorial alterations in their body composition have been also recorded. The aim of the present study was to assess body weight status and body composition indices in patients with CD.

Abstract 14160: Trends in Racial and Ethnic Differences in Adiposity and Association With All-Cause Mortality in Adults in the United States: A 20-year National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis, 1999-2018

Introduction: Reducing overall rates of and the racial/ethnic differences in obesity is a public health priority in the US. However, it is unknown how the racial/ethnic differences in different adiposity measures changed in the US population over recent decades Methods: Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2018, we determined trends in the racial/ethnic differences of several adiposity measures and whether race/ethnicity moderates the associations between these measures and all-cause mortality. Adiposity measures included overweight (body mass index [BMI] of 25.0-29.9 kg/m 2 ), overall obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m 2 ), abdominal obesity (waist circumference [WC] ≥88 cm for women or ≥102 cm for men), and high body fat (body fat mass percentage [FM] ≥35% for women or ≥25% for men). Results: The study included 49,629 adults aged 18-79 years (mean age 45.3 [SD, 17.9] years, 51.3% women), of whom 12.5% were Black, 15.5% were Latino/Hispanic, and 72.0% were White. Between 1999 and 2018, Latino/Hispanic people had a higher prevalence of overweight, overall obesity, abdominal obesity, and high body fat than White people. The gaps between Latino/Hispanic and White people significantly increased for all adiposity measures (P&lt;0.01 for all measures) during this time. Black people had a higher prevalence of overweight, overall obesity, and abdominal obesity, but a similar prevalence of high body fat compared with White people. There were no significant changes in the gaps between Black and White people for any adiposity measures. For all adiposity measures, the associations between adiposity measures and mortality did not differ by race/ethnicity. Conclusions: Racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of overweight, overall obesity, abdominal obesity, and high body fat persisted or increased over 20 years, with the differences increasing between Latinos/Hispanics and Whites and not changing between Blacks and Whites.

An Audit of Pre-Pregnancy Maternal Obesity and Diabetes Screening in Rural Regional Tasmania and Its Impact on Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes.

Maternal obesity in pregnancy, a growing health problem in Australia, adversely affects both mothers and their offspring. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is similarly associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal complications. A low-risk digital medical record audit of antenatal and postnatal data of 2132 pregnant mothers who gave birth between 2016–2018 residing in rural-regional Tasmania was undertaken. An expert advisory group guided the research and informed data collection. Fifty five percent of pregnant mothers were overweight or obese, 43.6% gained above the recommended standards for gestational weight gain and 35.8% did not have an oral glucose tolerance test. The audit identified a high prevalence of obesity among pregnant women and low screening rates for gestational diabetes mellitus associated with adverse maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes. We conclude that there is a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among pregnant women in rural regional Tasmania. Further GDM screening rates are low, which require addressing.

Correlation between Neck Circumference and Other Anthropometric Measurements in Eight Latin American Countries. Results from ELANS Study.

Neck circumference (NC) is being used to identify the risk of chronic diseases. There is a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in Latin America, and neck circumference is a simple and practical measurement to assess this, especially in primary health centers. We analyzed the correlation between the NC anthropometric indicator and other anthropometric measurements such as BMI and waist circumference (WC) in eight Latin American cities. We applied Pearson’s correlation to identify the correlate NC with the other anthropometric variables stratified by sex; the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) by sex were evaluated according to the cut-off established with the Youden Index. The strongest correlations between NC and WC were found when stratified by sex (women: r = 0.71; men: r = 0.69, respectively) followed by the correlation between NC and BMI (r = 0.65, both sex). NC cut-off points of 39.0 cm in men and 32.9 cm in women identified those individuals with an increased WC and 39.8 and 33.7 cm, respectively, for a substantial increase in WC. For BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 for men, the cut-off point was 37.5 cm, and for women, it was 33.1 cm, and for BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, the cut-off points were 39.2 and 34.2 cm, for men and women, respectively. Conclusion: NC proved to be a useful, practical, and inexpensive tool that can be used to identify, evaluate, and monitor overweight and obese individuals.