Hunger Ratings Research Articles

Hunger Strikes After Restricted Housing Reform.

Hunger strikes are a common occurrence in carceral settings accompanied by serious health risks and intensive health care utilization. A 2017 study on hunger strikes within the New Jersey Department of Corrections found these events most often occurred in a disciplinary setting. We undertook this study after a new state law, the Isolated Confinement Restriction Act (ICRA), improved conditions of confinement in part by reducing the utilization, nature, and duration of disciplinary housing. We hypothesized that ICRA would reduce the frequency of hunger strikes. Although the frequency of strikes was unchanged, the mean hunger strike duration declined from 28.9 days to 9.7 days (p = .034). The typical strike was modestly briefer, with the median duration before ICRA being four days and after being three days. The rate of hunger strikes greater than three days declined (from 60.3% to 45.2%; p = .049). There was no difference in the rate of hunger striking in disciplinary housing before or after ICRA. Although hunger strikes remain a frequently used method of protest for incarcerated persons, reform to the conditions of confinement was associated with reducing the health-related dangers and associated health care costs of these phenomena and arguably was a factor in this reduction.

A Unified Model for Addressing Hunger in Developed Countries: An Evidence-Based Analysis Integrating Climate Challenges, Country Stability, Economic Structures, and Policy Effectiveness

Hunger and food insecurity persist in developed countries, even amid wealth and abundant food resources, due to complex interconnections between climate challenges, political stability, economic inequality, and policy effectiveness. This paper introduces a unified model that integrates these four indicators to address food insecurity within affluent societies. Through an analysis of data from 20 developed nations and in-depth case studies of ten, we explore how these factors correlate with hunger rates. The results indicate that a multi-dimensional approach is essential for effectively reducing hunger. Specifically, countries that implement climate-resilient strategies, maintain political stability, promote economic equity, and apply targeted policies demonstrate significantly lower rates of food insecurity. Notably, the findings reveal that income inequality and climate resilience are critical drivers of food access disparities, while social spending alone may not suffice without strategic targeting. This study highlights the importance of a comprehensive, context-specific framework for addressing food insecurity, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. By fostering climate adaptation, ensuring stable governance, and prioritizing equity in social programs, developed countries can more effectively combat hunger and support sustainable food security for all.

Guidance on Energy Intake Based on Resting Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity: Effective for Reducing Body Weight in Patients with Obesity.

In treating obesity, energy intake control is essential to avoid exceeding energy expenditure. However, excessive restriction of energy intake often leads to resting energy expenditure (REE) reduction, increasing hunger and making weight loss difficult. This study aimed to investigate whether providing nutritional guidance that considers energy expenditure based on the regular evaluation of REE and physical activity could effectively reduce body weight (BW) in patients with obesity. A single-arm, prospective interventional study was conducted on 20 patients with obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) at the Nagoya University Hospital for 24 weeks. REE and physical activity were regularly assessed, and the recommended energy intake was adjusted based on the values. The primary outcome was the change in BW, and the secondary outcomes included changes in REE and hunger ratings, which were assessed using a visual analog scale. Eighteen participants completed the study, demonstrating a significant reduction in BW after 24 weeks (-5.34 ± 6.76%, p < 0.0001). No significant changes were observed in REE or hunger ratings. No adverse events were reported throughout the study period. Guidance on energy intake based on REE and physical activity was effective for reducing BW in patients with obesity without decreasing REE or increasing hunger. This approach may reduce the burden on patients with obesity while losing BW.

Backyard gardening in the face of exacerbating rates of hunger and poverty in South Africa

Backyard gardening holds immense promise as a viable solution to combat the escalating rates of hunger and poverty in South Africa. This study examines the dynamics of backyard gardening, its significance, potential contributions to food security and the myriad challenges it faces. The literature review explores the diverse dimensions of backyard gardening drawing insights from scholarly research and policy documents. The study underscores the pivotal role of backyard gardening in addressing food security, enhancing nutrition and promoting socio-economic resilience within communities. However, significant barriers such as limited access to land, water scarcity and inadequate support structures pose formidable challenges to its widespread adoption and effectiveness. Analysing the legislative frameworks, policy landscape and organisational initiatives surrounding backyard gardening illuminates’ pathways for overcoming barriers and harnessing its transformative potential. Moreover, it underscores the importance of reimagining backyard gardening as a dynamic strategy for inclusive development, grounded in principles of equity, sustainability and community empowerment. Through strategic interventions aimed at promoting equitable land tenure, enhancing water resource management and fostering community capacity building, South Africa can leverage backyard gardening as a powerful tool in its quest for a more resilient and food-secure future.

Satiety-enhancing placebo intervention decreases selective attention to food cues

BackgroundAs placebo interventions could influence appetite and satiety in first studies, they are a promising tool for the future treatment of obesity. Furthermore, individuals with heightened body weight show increased selective attention for food cues. This study aimed to investigate whether placebo induced changes of appetite and satiety can affect attention allocation and to examine correlating factors.MethodsIn a double-blind design, 63 healthy participants were randomized into one of three groups: the enhanced appetite placebo group, the enhanced satiety placebo group, or the control group. Appetite and satiety were induced by administering a placebo capsule along with a group specific expectancy manipulation. One hour later, participants performed a visual probe task to measure attentional bias by comparing reaction times for different conditions. Correlations between reaction times and subjective hunger and satiety ratings, as well as current food craving and plasma ghrelin levels, were explored.ResultsThe induction of attentional bias toward non-food stimuli was successful in women in the enhanced satiety placebo group but not in the enhanced appetite placebo group. Women of the enhanced satiety placebo group showed significantly higher reaction times for food cues compared to non-food cues. Across conditions, reaction times were associated with subjective hunger ratings and current food craving in women. No attentional bias was induced in men in either placebo group.ConclusionPlacebo-induced satiety inhibited attention allocation toward food in healthy women, potentially mediated by reduced hunger and food craving. Placebo effects on satiety could thus be demonstrated on a highly complex cognitive process.

Gastrointestinal hormones and subjective ratings of appetite after low-carbohydrate vs low-fat low-energy diets in females with lipedema – A randomized controlled trial

Ketosis seems to attenuate, or prevent, the rise in both ghrelin concentrations and subjective hunger ratings that follow weight loss. However, most of the previous studies have employed very-low energy diets (VLED) and are therefore limited in terms of generalizability. To compare changes in ghrelin plasma concentrations after a low-carbohydrate (LCD) versus an isocaloric low-fat low energy diet (LED) in females with lipedema. Secondary objectives were to determine potential differences between diets in changes in satiety hormones, and subjective ratings of appetite. Females with obesity and lipedema were randomized to either an LCD (75g carbohydrates) or low-fat diet (180g carbohydrates) for 8 weeks. Plasma concentrations of ghrelin, peptide YY, cholecystokinin (CCK), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and subjective ratings of appetite were measured in the fasting and postprandial states, pre and post intervention. 55 females (30 in LCD) were included (age 47.9±11.3 years, BMI 36.8±5.1kg/m2). Both LCD and low-fat groups lost weight (10.3%, P<0.001 and 7.3%, P<0.001, respectively), but the LCD lost significantly more. No within or between groups differences were found for ghrelin in the fasting state. A reduction in postprandial (tAUC) ghrelin was seen only in the LCD group (P=0.002), and this change was significantly different from the low-fat group (P=0.046). The LCD group also reported an increase in postprandial (both iAUC and tAUC) fullness ratings (P=0.035 and P=0.005, respectively), but this was not significantly different from the low-fat group (P=0.703 and P=0.365, respectively), despite the latter experiencing no change (P=0.127 and P=0.152, respectively). Conversely, only the low-fat group reported increased hunger in fasting (P=0.046), but changes were not significantly different from the LCD group (P=0.711). A decrease in postprandial (both tAUC and iAUC) CCK was observed in both LCD and low-fat diet groups (P≤0.005 for all). Despite no changes in fasting ghrelin concentrations in either of the diet groups, a reduction in postprandial ghrelin and increased fullness was seen in the LCD group. These favorable changes in appetite in the LCD group might have contributed to the greater weight loss observed in this group. NCT04632810, Effect of Ketosis on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Lipedema (Lipodiet).

Is severe carbohydrate restriction necessary for appetite suppression? The ASKED randomized controlled trial.

This trial aimed to compare three low-energy diets (LEDs) with different amounts of carbohydrates (CHO) on ketosis and changes in hunger feelings in adults with obesity. A total of 101 adults (51 female) with obesity (BMI, mean [SEM], 34.7 [0.4] kg/m2) were randomized to follow three isocaloric LEDs (1000 kcal/day) for 8 weeks, containing either low, medium, or high CHO (70, 100, and 130 g/day, respectively), and 4 weeks of refeeding and weight stabilization. Body weight (BW) and composition, hunger and other appetite ratings, concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), and appetite-related hormones were measured at baseline and at the end of weeks 8 and 12. At week 8, weight loss and βHB concentrations were significantly different among groups: Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (BW: 2.32 [0.95] kg, 95% CI: 0.44 to 4.21, p = 0.016; βHB: -0.40 [0.09] mM, 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.09, p < 0.001); Low CHO group versus High CHO group (BW: 2.29 [0.96] kg, 95% CI: 0.39 to 4.19, p = 0.016; βHB: -0.644 [0.10] mM, 95% CI: -0.84 to -0.44, p < 0.001); and Medium CHO group versus High CHO group (BW: -0.03 [0.94] kg, 95% CI: -1.89 to 1.84, p = 0.977; βHB: -0.15 [0.08] mM, 95% CI: -0.30 to 0.002, p = 0.054). No significant differences in hunger were found among groups: Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (-10.87 [5.92] mm, 95% CI: -0.82 to 22.57, p = 0.068); Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (7.74 [7.36] mm, 95% CI: -6.77 to 22.26, p = 0.294); and Medium CHO group versus High CHO group (-3.13 [7.48] mm, 95% CI: -17.89 to 11.63, p = 0.676). Although the findings of this trial are not definitive, changes in hunger ratings with weight loss did not differ among groups. Additional studies with CHO intake of up to 130 g in 1000-kcal/day LEDs are warranted to replicate these findings.

A randomized feasibility trial of time-restricted eating during pregnancy in people with increased risk of gestational diabetes

Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a nutritional intervention that confines the daily time-window for energy intake. TRE reduces fasting glucose concentrations in non-pregnant individuals, but whether this eating protocol is feasible and effective for glycemic control in pregnancy is unknown. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the adherence to and effect of a 5-week TRE intervention (maximum 10 h daily eating window) among pregnant individuals at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), compared with a usual-care control group. Participants underwent 2-h oral glucose tolerance tests and estimation of body composition, before and after the intervention. Interstitial glucose levels were continuously measured, and adherence rates and ratings of hunger were recorded daily. Thirty of 32 participants completed the trial. Participants allocated to TRE reduced their daily eating window from 12.3 (SD 1.3) to 9.9 (SD 1.0) h, but TRE did not affect glycemic measures, blood pressure, or body composition, compared with the control group. TRE increased hunger levels in the evening, but not in the morning, and induced only small changes in dietary intake. Adhering to a 5-week TRE intervention was feasible for pregnant individuals with increased risk of GDM but had no effect on cardiometabolic outcomes.

Mitigation strategies for greenhouse gases to ensure food security

Global warming and food insecurity are global concerns, with agriculture being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, from agricultural activities significantly impact climate change. Approximately 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture. Nitrous oxide is 300 times stronger than carbon dioxide and is mainly produced from organic manure and fertilizers. Methane, another potent greenhouse gas, is released during fermentation, manure management, and burning of residues. Carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change, is emitted through farming practices, fertilizers, pesticides, and deforestation. Climate change affects food security by directly impacting crop production and indirectly affecting food availability, cost, and supply chains. Hunger rates have been increasing globally, emphasizing the need to control global warming to reduce food insecurity. This review highlights various mitigation strategies for controlling greenhouse gases from agriculture with improved crop productivity. Soil characterization techniques, such as X-ray computed tomography, tracer and chamber-based methods, help to understand the soil composition for greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. Soil amendments, like biochar application can effectively reduce emissions by modifying microbial activity and biogeochemical processes. Controlled irrigation practices, minimum and zero tillage, and efficient nitrogen fertilizer usage also contribute to greenhouse gas mitigation and improves crop productivity. Strategies such as slow release of fertilizers and the use of inhibitors help to increase nitrogen usage efficiency and reduce nitrous oxide emissions. Implementing these strategies globally is crucial for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, reducing global warming, and ensuring food security.

Mild hunger elicits attentional desensitization to visual food cues in healthy, non-obese individuals.

Food is a vital human need, and the human visual system is finely tuned to detect and respond to food cues in the environment. The omnipresence of food cues across various settings has been linked to the prevalence of obesity in susceptible populations. However, the influence of the post-prandial state on visual attention to food stimuli remains poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate how a 12 hour fast affects visual attention to food and non-food stimuli in healthy, non-obese individuals. Visual attention was assessed by measuring the total duration of visual fixations on stimuli presented on a computer screen, using a screen-based eye tracker (Tobii X2-60). Participants were divided into two groups: those who had fasted for 12 hours and those tested within two hours after consuming breakfast (satiated state). Additionally, performance on the Food Stroop task and electrodermal activity (EDA) responses were measured to evaluate attentional interference and physiological arousal, respectively. Salivary samples were also collected to assess levels of alpha-amylase and cortisol. Fasted participants exhibited a progressive decline in visual attention toward food stimuli compared to satiated individuals, reflecting a satiated state. This effect was independent of the palatability of the depicted food items and was not observed with stimuli representing non-food items. The Food Stroop task revealed no differences between fasting and satiated participants, indicating that the presence of food-related stimuli does not differentially impact attentional interference under varying hunger states. Moreover, no significant variations were observed in EDA responses across participant groups and stimulus types, suggesting that the modulation of visual attention to food cues by hunger is independent of physiological arousal. Interestingly, satiated subjects exhibited higher levels of salivary alpha-amylase, which was inversely related to their subjective hunger ratings. No differences in salivary cortisol levels were found between groups. The findings indicate a novel influence of mild hunger on the processing of visual food cues, independent of physiological arousal. The decline in visual attention to food stimuli in fasted individuals suggests that satiety modulates visual processing. The lack of differences in attentional interference and physiological arousal between fasting and satiated states further supports the notion that visual attention to food cues is primarily driven by hunger-related mechanisms rather than stress. Additionally, the inverse relationship between salivary alpha-amylase levels and hunger ratings implies that alpha-amylase may serve as a marker of satiety rather than stress.

The combination of L-menthol and caraway oil does not affect gastric function but increases hunger in healthy subjects.

The heterogeneous character of functional gastrointestinal disorders, recently renamed into disorders of gut-brain interaction, makes finding effective treatment options challenging. Compared to synthetic drugs, phytotherapy can have broader pharmacological effects and is often better tolerated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of peppermint oil and caraway oil (POCO) on gastric function and symptom levels in 32 healthy subjects in a single-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel design. Gastric emptying rate was assessed using a 13C-breath test. Intragastric pressure was measured using high-resolution manometry in fasted state and during intragastric infusion of a nutrient drink (350 mL or until full satiation). GI symptoms were rated on a 100 mm VAS. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. POCO had no effect on intragastric pressure in fasted or fed state (p > 0.08 for all). No significant differences in gastric emptying rate were observed (p = 0.54). In the fasted state, a stronger increase in hunger and decrease in satiety were observed following POCO (p = 0.016 and p = 0.008, respectively). No differences in hunger and satiety were observed in the fed state (p > 0.31 for all). POCO induced less epigastric burning, bloating, and fullness (p < 0.05 for all). Acute POCO administration did not affect gastric function in healthy subjects, but increased fasted hunger ratings. The effects of POCO on gastric function and hunger sensations in patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction, and the contribution to symptom improvement, needs to be elucidated in future studies.

Lunch melodies: Investigating the impact of music on emotions, hunger, liking, and psychophysiology while viewing a lunch meal

Sensory cues like music can influence our behaviour towards food. In the present study, the effect of music on hunger, fullness, desire to eat and liking of foods, while viewing real lunch food items, was investigated. To this end, emotions and physiological measures were obtained to understand the changes in hunger, fullness, desire to eat and liking. The study aimed to examine changes in hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and liking when viewing a lunch meal under silent and varying music conditions. Additionally, the study explored the potential role of emotions to explain these changes. A crossover experimental design was employed using 50 participants (17 males and 33 females) who observed lunch food items during a silent condition (control), or while listening to either liked or disliked music. The findings demonstrate the cross-modal influence of music on hunger and food liking ratings when viewing food. Hunger ratings were higher and more negative emotions were evoked while viewing lunch food items and listening to disliked music. In contrast, in the silent and liked music conditions, which elicited more positive emotions, there were increased ratings of healthy and unhealthy food pleasantness, overall food liking, and food satisfaction. Electrophysiological measures of heart rate (HR) and skin conductance (SC) were obtained while listening to music and viewing a lunch meal. Viewing food items while listening to disliked music evoked negative emotions and significantly increased SC compared to liked music or silent conditions. Viewing the food items under the silent condition evoked positive emotions and significantly increased HR compared to listening to liked and disliked music. This study showed that the participants’ emotions, hunger level, liking, and electrophysiological responses when viewing food are influenced by music that varied with liking. Results from this study may assist in enhancing dining experiences, as well as influencing food choices and satisfaction with meals.

A Dose-Response Study to Examine Paraxanthine’s Impact on Energy Expenditure, Hunger, Appetite, and Lipolysis

This study investigated if paraxanthine (PX) impacts energy expenditure, lipolysis and perceptual responses. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion, 21 adults (13 M, 8 F; 26.0 ± 6.4 years, 174.9 ± 11.5 cm, 81.0 ± 15.7 kg body mass, 26.3 ± 3.4 kg/m2) consumed a placebo (PLA), 100 mg (PX100), 200 mg (PX200), and 300 mg of PX (PX300, enfinity®, Ingenious Ingredients, L.P. Lewisville, TX, USA). Venous blood was collected 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min (min) after ingestion and analyzed for glycerol and free fatty acids. Resting hemodynamics, metabolic rate and perceptual indicators of hunger, appetite and anxiety were evaluated. Mixed factorial analysis of variance were used to evaluate changes time within and between groups. Heart rate decreased in PX100 compared to PLA 60 (p = .022) and 180 min (p = .001). Blood pressure did not change. Hunger ratings in PLA increased 30 (p = .05), 60 (p = .04), 90 (p = .02), and 180 min (p = .05) after ingestion when compared to PX200. PX200 increased energy expenditure (all p < .05) when compared to PLA. Rates of fat oxidation tended to increase 90 (p = .056) and 120 min (p = .066) in PX200 compared to PLA. Free fatty acids increased in PX300 compared to PLA (p = .002). Glycerol did not change. Ingestion of PX200 augmented energy expenditure and hunger ratings when compared to PLA without impacting hemodynamics or lipolysis.

The Influence of Acute and Chronic Exercise on Appetite and Appetite Regulation in Patients with Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aims to analyze the effects of acute and chronic exercise on appetite and appetite regulation in patients with abnormal glycemic control. PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for eligible studies. The included studies had to report assessments of appetite (primary outcome). Levels of appetite-regulating hormones were analyzed as secondary outcomes (considered, if additionally reported). Seven studies with a total number of 211 patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) met the inclusion criteria. Ratings of hunger, satiety, fullness, prospective food consumption, nausea, and desire to eat, as well as levels of (des-)acylated ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, pancreatic polypeptide, peptide tyrosine tyrosine, leptin, and spexin were considered. Following acute exercise, the effects on appetite (measured up to one day post-exercise) varied, while there were either no changes or a decrease in appetite ratings following chronic exercise, both compared to control conditions (without exercise). These results were accompanied by inconsistent changes in appetite-regulating hormone levels. The overall risk of bias was low. The present results provide more evidence for an appetite-reducing rather than an appetite-increasing effect of (chronic) exercise on patients with prediabetes or T2DM. PROSPERO ID: CRD42023459322.

Impact of dishware size on energy intake in adult females: A randomized control trial examining effects on within-meal and post-meal energy intake

The influence dishware size has on meal energy intake is unclear and no study to date has examined the impact on total daily energy intake. In a pre-registered RCT we investigate the impact of breakfast dishware size on breakfast and post-breakfast energy intake, as well as daily energy intake and hunger/fullness. In a repeated-measures design, 50 females (aged 18–77 years) were randomised to receive smaller or larger breakfast dishware on two separate days. Energy intake was also measured during the rest of the day. The primary outcomes were breakfast and post-breakfast energy intake (kcal). Secondary outcomes were total daily energy intake (kcal), and hunger/fullness (rated from 0 to 100). We examined if results differed by socioeconomic position (SEP). Dishware did not affect energy intake at breakfast (smaller: M = 394.8 kcal; SD = 172.2 larger: M = 394.4 kcal; SD = 164.4; d = 0.003, p = 0.98), and there was no statistically significant evidence that dishware size affected energy intake after breakfast, though post-breakfast energy intake was somewhat higher after using larger breakfast dishware (smaller: M = 1974.6 kcal; SD = 475.2; larger: M = 2077.5 kcal; SD = 525.9; d = −0.27, p = 0.06). Total daily energy intake, hunger and fullness ratings did not significantly differ between dishware conditions. There was no evidence that SEP moderated the effect of dishware size on energy intake. Smaller vs. larger breakfast dishware size had no significant effect on breakfast or post-breakfast energy intake, hunger, fullness, or daily energy intake. Previous studies may have overestimated the promise of dishware size as an intervention for reducing energy intake. Alternative interventions targeting the food environment should now be prioritised.

Data Analytics for Societal Challenges: Examining Student Participation in the National School Lunch Program

ABSTRACT Rising child hunger rates in the United States underscore the critical role of school meals in providing reliable food access for many children. This study investigates factors shaping student participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), aiming to support UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 of Zero Hunger amidst the COVID-19 aftermath. While the NSLP promotes student health, participation gaps persist, necessitating targeted interventions. Leveraging data analytics, this research examines socioeconomic and school-specific variables to uncover participation patterns. Focused on a major US school district, the study aims to identify factors influencing middle and high school student meal participation, offering actionable insights for decision-makers. Key findings emphasize the pivotal role of free and reduced-price meal eligibility as the most influential factor for student participation, with other factors such as meal quality, transaction frequency, operating cycle, cuisine, and weather playing a secondary role.

Vision on India’s hunger rate index with special reference to the mission of sustainable development reform

Hunger is the one of the biggest challenges in independent India. To tackle this challenge sustainable development goals were adopted with the target year of 2023. This instigates the researchers to compare the pre and post sustainable development reform of zero hunger indicators to analyse the India’s performance towards the vision of zero hunger. The result of the disclosed that India has made a progress towards the mission of sustainable development reform by reducing child stunting and undernourishment.

Effect of Cash Transfers on Hunger Reduction towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals among Female-Headed Households in Siaya County, Kenya.

The rate of hunger is high among developing economies derailing achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Cash transfers provide social protection to the vulnerable. Kenya’s Inua Jamii programme issues CTs to Orphans and Vulnerable children, Persons living with Severe Disability and Old Persons. The main objective of this study was to establish the effect of cash transfers on hunger reduction towards achievement of SDGs among female-headed households in Siaya County, Kenya. Numerous literature on cash transfers and SDGs among female-headed households point towards a significant effect of CTs on reducing hunger. The study was founded on the Household Welfare Theory which suggests income and consumption as the best measurements of household welfare. The target population was 109,680 female-headed households in Siaya County and sample size of 399 FHHs using the Yamane formula. A correlational design was adopted to study the relationship between cash transfers and SDGs. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule. Reliability and validity of data instruments was tested during the pilot study and results found to be consistent with final study. A binary logit regression analysis of data collected revealed cash transfer to have a coefficient (-1.212) and p value (0.004). Increasing cash transfer by 1% significantly reduces probability of a FHH experiencing hunger by 1.2%. A higher frequency of meals and balanced diet in the household reduces hunger level. Conclusion was drawn that cash transfers had a significant effect on overall achievement of SDGs and further study can be done on nutritional outcomes. The study recommended more targeted approach in inclusion of female-headed households with special consideration to household size.

Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Response to Meal Sequence Among Healthy UAE Adults: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.

Dietary patterns that lower postprandial glycemia have been effective in preventing type 2 diabetes. Consuming macronutrients in a specific sequence within a meal has been considered as a novel strategy to reduce post-meal glucose spikes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of meal sequence on postprandial glucose and insulin response among healthy adults in the United Arab Emirates. Eighteen healthy adults participated in a cross-over randomized controlled trial. Two isocaloric meals were consumed separately in a different order: a standard mixed meal (SMM) vs vegetables and protein first followed by carbohydrates (VPF) meal. The postprandial glucose and insulin levels were determined at Fasting, 30, 60, and 120min. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) rating was used to assess hunger at similar frequencies. The mean glucose and insulin levels significantly reduced (p = 0.001) following VPF meal compared to SMM at 30min. The incremental area under the curve (iAUC0-120) for glucose following the VPF meal sequence was 40.9% lower (p = 0.03) compared with the SMM (572.83; 95% CI 157.3 to 988.2) vs (968.5; 95% CI 692.4 to 1244.8 mg/dL). Furthermore, the iAUC0-120 for insulin following the VPF meal sequence was 31.7% lower than the SMM meal sequence. (2184; 95% CI 1638.30 to 2729) vs (3196.94; 95% CI 2328.19 to 4065.69) mIU/mL × 120min, P = 0.023). The feeling of fullness measured by the hunger scale showed that the feeling of fullness was higher after 60 and 120minutes (p = 0.05, p = 0.04) with the VPF meal sequence compared to the SMM sequence. Although, there is no significant difference in the Area under the curve (AUC) for hunger rating between the two meals. The VPF meal sequence could significantly reduce postprandial glucose and insulin levels and sustain fullness after a meal. Meal sequencing could be an effective dietary strategy for improving the postprandial glucose and insulin response in healthy adults.

Suboptimal Weight Loss 13 Years After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Is Associated with Blunted Appetite Response

PurposeBariatric surgery remains the most efficient treatment to achieve a sustained weight loss. However, a large proportion of patients experience suboptimal weight loss (SWL). The exact mechanisms involved remain to be fully elucidated, but the homeostatic appetite control system seems to be involved. The aim of this study was, therefore, to compare the plasma concentration of gastrointestinal hormones, and appetite ratings, between those experiencing SWL and optimal weight loss (OWL) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).Materials and MethodsFifty participants from the Bariatric Surgery Observation Study (BAROBS) experiencing either SWL or OWL (< or ≥ 50% of excess weight loss (EWL), respectively) > 13 years post-RYGB were compared to 25 non-surgical controls. Plasma concentrations of acylated ghrelin (AG), total glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), total peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), and subjective ratings of hunger, fullness, desire to eat (DTE), and prospective food consumption (PFC) were assessed in the fasting and postprandial (area under the curve (AUC)) states.ResultsThose experiencing OWL presented with higher basal AG and GLP-1 iAUC, and lower AG iAUC compared with SWL and controls. Additionally, both bariatric groups presented with higher PYY and CCK iAUC compared to controls. PFC tAUC was also lower in OWL compared to the SWL group. Total weight loss was positively correlated with GLP-1 tAUC and negatively correlated with fasting and tAUC DTE and PFC tAUC.ConclusionsSWL > 13 years post-RYGB is associated with lower basal ghrelin, as well as a weaker satiety response to a meal. Future studies should investigate the causality of these associations.Graphical