Junk Food Intake Research Articles

Junk Food Intake Among Adults in the United States

BackgroundThere is no consensus on how to define “junk food.” In 2016, Chile implemented the most comprehensive set of obesity-preventive regulations in the world, including criteria to define unhealthy foods. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine the amount of energy, sodium, sugar, and saturated fat consumed by US adults defined as junk food using the Chilean criteria. MethodsWe used 2 nationally representative surveys of food intake in 10,001 US adults: NHANES 2015–2016 and NHANES 2017–2018. The main outcome measures were the contributions of energy, total sugars, saturated fat, and sodium deriving from junk food sources. Mean intake and proportion of energy, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium for junk food overall and each food category were calculated. ResultsOverall, 47% of energy, 75% of total sugar, 46% of sodium, and 48% of saturated fat consumed by US adults derived from junk food sources. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) were responsible for more than 40% of total sugar intake deriving from junk foods. Non-Hispanic black adults had the highest mean energy, total sugar, and sodium intake deriving from junk foods, with non-Hispanic white adults having the highest saturated fat intake. Non-Hispanic black adults had the highest intake of total sugar deriving from junk food sources of SSBs (26.7 g/d), with SSBs representing >40% of total sugar intake deriving from junk food sources for all race/ethnic groups. ConclusionsFoods that meet the Chilean criteria for junk food provide approximately half or more daily energy and food components to limit in the diet of US adults, with important differences observed between race/ethnic groups. Policy efforts to reduce junk food intake, particularly the intake of SSBs, must be expanded to improve the cardiometabolic health equitably in the United States.

AN AYURVEDIC REVIEW OF UTERINE FIBROIDS

Uterine fibroidsare the most common solid benign tumours in women of reproductive age. Histologically this tumour is composed of smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue, called as uterine leiomyoma, myoma, fibromyoma. Uterine fibroid related symptoms negatively impact physical and social activities, womens health related quality of life and work productivity.The postmenopausal incidence, although postmenopausal leiomyomas are smaller and fewer. Though uterine fibroids are non-cancerous in character they exhibit a wide range of symptoms like dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, lower backache. Ayurveda classics mention various pathological conditions that have features similar to fibroids. Owing to its muscular origin, with slow growth may be better compared to Granthi/Arbud in Garbhashaya. In the modern era of busy lifestyle, intake of junk food, lack of exercise etc had led to Agnivaishamya and Aama formation. This in turn vitiates Doshas like Kapha and Vata and Dushyas like Rasa, Raktha, Mamsa, MedasandArthava resulting in Dhatwagnimandya leading to formation of GarbhashayaGranthi.

A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY TO ASSESS THE AWARENESS OF HARMFUL EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH JUNK FOODS CONSUMPTION AMONG ADOLESCENT

Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the awareness of the harmful effects associated with junk food consumption. The frequent consumption of Junk food causes our bodies to store more fat and sugar, which has detrimental impacts on our health. Assessing the awareness of side effects associated with junk food can help to improve the health status and alert people about the harmful effects of junk food. Methods: A questionnaire-based study was conducted among adolescents and the questionnaire was administered to 100 people to assess their knowledge about awareness of harmful effects associated with junk foods. The completed questionnaire was collected and statistically analyzed. Results: The result of the present study showed that among 100 people, 54% opted for junk food twice a day because of taste as the predominant factor which was responded to by 70%, the awareness of nutritional labels and chemicals present in the junk food was responded to by 53%, and 43%, respectively. The awareness of illness due to junk food consumption was responded to by 81%. Conclusion: The present study showed that most people were aware of the negative effects of junk food, but half refused to change their eating habits. Frequent consumption of junk foods causes many health problems. Further educational programs are required to provide information on nutrition education and junk food. This will help people to reduce their junk food intake.

Body mass index, eating habits, and various lifestyle changes in young adults during the two years of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The aim of this study was to find out the perceived impact of 2 years of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on various lifestyle behaviors (LSBs) and changes and their effect on body mass index (BMI) of young Saudi adults. This was a descriptive exploratory study conducted in January 2022 on 1724 students (aged 16-21 years) from multiple colleges of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The main tools of the study were: BMI and an online 30-item LSB and changes structured questionnaire, which assessed LSB and perceived changes, 1 month immediately preceding and 2 years after the COVID-19 outbreak. Our study results showed that 48% of the subjects gained weight after the pandemic. Screen time (ST) increased from 6.8 h before pandemic to 9.2 h/24 h after pandemic outbreak (P < 0.0001). However, no significant association was observed between excessive ST and increased BMI. A significant decrease in physical activity was seen after the outbreak (P < 0.001), which was positively but insignificantly associated with increased BMI (P = 0.3). A significant increase in the frequency of food intake was observed; 18.7% of the subjects reported taking ≥ 4 meals/day before the epidemic compared to 32.1% during the pandemic (P = 0.001). Decreased intake of homemade food, increased intake of junk food, and increased number of the meals/day were significantly related with increased BMI (P < 0.05). The strongest risk factor for increased BMI after the outbreak of the pandemic was ≥4 meals/day (OR=1.6; P = 0.048). After 2 years of the pandemic, 48% of the young adults perceived they had gained weight, which was strongly associated with self-reported increase in the number of meals/day (≥4). These observations could aid the development of nutritional recommendations to maintain the health of young adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

An observational study to find out the etiological factors of Medoroga: A Nidanatmaka survey

Introduction: With the advancements in the area of science and technology, today's people are living sedentary life style which emerges as a cause for life-threatening metabolic disorders such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and dyslipidemia. These metabolic diseases are the consequence of various etiological factors such as excessive food intake, day sleep, sedentary life style, excessive happy state of mind, and hereditary involvements. These metabolic disorders can be correlated with Medoroga, the diseases of Medovaha Srotasa in Ayurveda. Abnormal accumulation of Meda Dhatu in the body is known as Medodushti which includes several numbers of other Medovikara, collectively known as Medoroga. Methods: A Nidanatmaka survey was done among 500 subjects of Medoroga visiting outpatient and inpatient department of institute from January 2018 to March 2019. A structured questionnaire was given to each patient to collect data on sociodemographic profile, Ahara-satmya (dietary pattern), Vihara, and other Ayurvediya variables. Results: Maximum subjects of Medoroga were of age group 18–30 years (45.4%), male (67.6%), Hindu (88.6%), married (66.8%), graduates (69.8%), and belonged to upper middle class (74.6%) and Jangala Desha (95.8%). 57.2% subjects were vegetarians and gave the history of Akalabhojana (33.6%). Among total 500 subjects, 50.8% had Mandagni and were taking Madhura dominant Rasa in diet (49.6%). Nearly 56.8% of subjects were following sedentary lifestyle. It was also found that maximum subjects had body mass index in between 25 and 27.9 kg/m2 (36.4%) and waist/hip ratio in between 0.96 and 1.05 (95.2%). Conclusions: In the study, it was found that the person indulged in Ati-bhojana Sevana, Ati-gurvadi Sevana, Ati-madhura, Ati-sheeta-snigdhadi Ahara, and excessive intake of junk food, beverages like tea/coffee are more susceptible to Medoroga. Vihara such as Asyasukha, Avyayama, Diva-svapna, Achinta, and Nitya-harsha were also proved to be etiological factors of Medoroga.

Role of Pathya and Sansodhanana Chikitsa in Management of Endocrine Disorder Related Menometrorrhagia

Menstrual disorders pose a huge burden on gynecology OPD in the current scenario, accounting for approximately 20% of total patients. Menometrorrhagia is one of them which is a very common complaint. In normal reproductive physiology an important role plays by Endocrine hormones. In India, the most common endocrine disorders that affect the menstrual cycle, along with other systemic symptoms are thyroid disorder or deranged prolactin hormones thus it becomes the need of the hour to find out natural solutions which can cure these disorders. Though, Ayurveda doesn’t rely on intervention to replace or correct the hormones by any outside or foreign substance in the body rather than it strengthening the body’s own self-healing and balancing mechanism. A 25-year-old unmarried female patient had a complaint of menometrorrhagia associated with hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinemia with a history of habituation of junk food intake from 3 to 4 years. She was reluctant to take allopathic medicine for the same and insisted to treat her hormonal derangement with Ayurvedic Chikitsa. We focused to improve her lifestyle by advising her Pathya therapy along with Yoga and planned Samshodhan Chikitsa for her. After Samshodhan, we again advised her Thyroid profile and Serum Prolactin which comes towards normal. After that Shamana yoga was advised along with Pathya Ahara and vihara and found a drastic improvement in her hormonal study. The present paper is all about the role of a holistic approach followed by us with documentary evidence to corroborate the clinical improvement in this patient.

Role of Nutritional and Environmental Factors in the Development of Essential Hypertension among School-going Adolescents in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Background:Essential hypertension is one of the fastest rising noncommunicable diseases among adolescents and poses a major public health issue globally. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among school-going adolescents in Chennai and also to delineate the role of nutritional and environmental determinants in the development of hypertension.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted among school-going adolescents aged 14 to 18 years in northern Chennai. Four schools (two private, two public) out of 21 were selected randomly using probability proportionate to sampling size and 401 students were recruited after consent. Data were collected using an adapted modified World Health Organization (WHO) Global School-based student Health Survey (GSHS) questionnaire; anthropometry and blood pressure measurements were done by trained healthcare professionals using standard procedures. Prehypertension was defined when systolic or diastolic pressure >90th percentile and <95th percentile; hypertension when systolic or diastolic pressure >95th percentile. Data were analyzed using SPSS, descriptive statistics like frequencies, mean, and percentages were used and inferential statistics like Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to elicit predictors of essential hypertension.Results:Out of 401 participants, 185 (46.1%) were males and 216 (53.9%) were females. Overall prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 14.2% and 5.5%, respectively. Gender (P = 0.039), overweight/obese (P = 0.000), junk food intake for >3 days/week (P = 0.000), physical inactivity for <3 days/week (P = 0.000), and parent's history (P = 0.005) were significant determinants in the development of prehypertension and hypertension.Conclusions:Nutritional and environmental determinants play a critical role in influencing blood pressure status among adolescents, this requires lifestyle and behavioral modification.

Junk Food Intake Among Teenagers in Odisha, and Its Impact in Health

Background: Food’s high in calories, salt, and fats are known as junk foods. Excessive intake of junk foods can result in a range of health problems. Purpose: The goal of this study is to learn more about teenage fast-food intake in Odisha, especially among those aged 15 to 25, and how it affects their health. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of teens was undertaken using 60 adolescents of both sexes as the study's sample. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: the first was for socio-demographic information, and the second was for junk food intake patterns and determining variables, as well as their impact on health. MS Excel was used to analyse the data. A statistically significant value was defined as P 0.05. Results: The findings revealed that more females (72.0 percent) than boys consumed fast food, and nearly half of participants (25.0 percent) consumed fast food as a substitute for a main meal, and more than half of participants (75.0 percent) consumed soft drink every day. Furthermore, a higher proportion of participants (58.0 percent) had urinary tract infection, which could be linked to the fact that chips and soft drink were the most appealing food items among participants. Keywords : Nutrition; Fast Food; Junk Foods; Consumption; Teenagers.

Effect of lockdown during the novel coronavirus pandemic on diet and lifestyle of Indian children

Background: Although the coronavirus pandemic has spared children in terms of severity of disease, it has affected them in other ways by school closure and home confinement. Objectives: To identify dietary and lifestyle changes during and after lockdown and their association with any sociodemographic factors. Method: This was a cross sectional study with an online questionnaire which collected information on meals, vegetable intake, fruit intake, junk food intake and sugary drinks, hours of sleep during the day and night, screen time, time spent on outdoor, indoor, leisure activities and household chores before, during and after lockdown. Results: Our study found a statistically significant increase in number of meals, vegetable and fruit intake, decrease in junk food intake, increase in daytime and night sleep, increase in screen time, decrease in outdoor physical activity and increase in time spent on indoor play, leisure activities and household chores. Change in sleep was more among older children and girls. Post lockdown, boys had an increase in outdoor physical activity and girls had an increase in screen time for educational purposes. Conclusions: The lockdown implemented to contain the pandemic has had a negative effect on the dietary habits and lifestyle of children with a decrease in outdoor physical activity and increase in screen time contributing to an overall increase in sedentary behaviour. There was an increase in time spent on sleep especially in children more than 9 years of age. © 2021, Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health. All Rights Reserved.

Trends in junk food consumption among US children and adults, 2001–2018

Trends in junk food consumption, a risk for obesity, are not well established. We examined national trends in types of junk food (excluding beverages) and their sources (grocery, restaurants, schools, etc.), overall and in population subgroups. We assessed 29,970 children (aged 2-19 y) and 44,501 adults (aged ≥20 y) with 24-h dietary recall data from 9 NHANES cycles (2001-2002 to 2017-2018). Trends in junk food were assessed over time using 1-d values for individuals with single recalls and 2-d means for others. From 2001 to 2018, percent energy (%E) from junk food remained stable for children (from 18.1% to 17.5%, P-trend=0.25) and decreased for adults (14.1% to 13.0%, P-trend=0.002). Among children, increases occurred in %E from crackers (1.19% to 1.35%) and snack/meal bars (0.38% to 0.69%) and decreases in candy (2.58% to 1.96%) and other desserts (3.11% to 2.48%) (all P-trends<0.01). Among adults, increases occurred in snack/meal bars (0.31% to 0.78%, P-trend<0.001) and decreases in candy (1.97% to 1.55%; P-trend<0.001), sweet bakery products (5.52% to 4.98%; P-trend=0.04), and other desserts (2.19% to 1.86%; P-trend=0.001). In 2017-2018, grocery stores provided the largest proportion of junk food (72.7% for children, 77.1% for adults), followed by other sources (13.1%, 12.1%), restaurants (8.05%, 9.11%), schools (4.86%), and worksites (1.99%). In both children and adults, junk food intake was higher among non-Hispanic white and black Americans compared with Mexican Americans, among those with higher compared with lower education, among women compared with men, and among older compared with younger adults. In sensitivity analyses using only 1-d recalls, mean junk food intake each cycle was ∼0.8-1.0 and 0.3-0.4%E units higher in children and adults, respectively, with otherwise similar trends and subgroup differences over time. From 2001 to 2018, %E from junk food represented nearly 1 in 5 calories among children, without change, and nearly 1 in 7 calories, with modest decrease, among adults, with disparities in subgroups.

A REVIEW ON VANASURANA GHRTA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ARSHAS

Arshas is one among many diseases which are most unkind towards mankind. The incidence of Arshas increases with advancing age and at least 50% of people over the age of 50 years have some degree of hemorrhoidal symp- toms. Hemorrhoids are the dilated veins in the anal canal in the subepithelial region formed by radicals of the su- perior, middle, and inferior rectal vein[1]. In this modern era the improper diet habits, junk food intake, inhibition of natural urges and mental strain makes one susceptible to this disease. Acharya Sushrutha while detailing the treatment principles of Arshas has categorized it as Bheshajasadhya, Kshara Karma Sadhya, Agnikarmasadhya and shastra karma sadhya[2]. Surgical treatments though commonly being practised are very painful and hence will put the patients into more agony. Despite putting the patient into such a state there are high chances of recur- rence of the condition. Hence there is a need for very effective as well as less/non-agonizing treatment for Arshas. Vansurana Ghrta is an unexplored formulation that is mentioned in ChikitsaManjari[3]. The main ingredient Vanasurana is considered as Agryoushada for Arshas in Kaiyyadevanighandu. Keywords: Arshas, Vanasurana ghrta

Development and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum: A traditional way to Improve Hair Quality

Background: In the mammalian system, the hair follicle is known to be the most significant organ that determines appearance, gender distinction, provides intense temperature protection, and plays a role in self-defense. The younger generations have begun to suffer from extreme hair loss problems due to many lifestyle-related changes such as fatigue, anxiety, intake of junk foods, use of different hairstyling/coloring methods, etc. The loss of hair is not temporary in most cases, but it results in alopecia. Many people suffering from hair loss are in search of multiple treatments due to extreme anxiety and tension, from mythology to traditional and therapeutic healing to the use of minoxidil and finasteride. To improve hair growth and to prevent hair loss, hair root activation is required. Objective: The present study was intended to use different herbs to formulate herbal hair serum for general purposes (hair application). Methods: Crude herbs are obtained from nearby regions. In order to obtain the extract, the required part of herbs, such as Citrus sinensis peel, Zingiber officinale roots, and Linum usitatissimum seeds, Nigella sativa, and Trigonella foenum-graecum were specifically weighed and dispensed in water, boiled, allowed to cool, and then filtered. To the filtrate, castor oil and vitamin E were added. The formulated herbal hair serum was tested, and different criteria were determined and recorded in this text, such as physical appearance, viscosity, pH, homogeneity, eye sensitivity (Draize eye test), hair growth activity, hair weight, stability test, etc. Results: Prepared herbal hair serum was found to be pale brown in color with pseudoplastic behavior. The texture of the formulation was smooth and lubricative, and the pH was within the acceptable limit. Herbal hair serum revealed good hair growth as well as hair weight after application with minor sensitivity for the first time. The formulation was found to be stable for seven days. Conclusion: Herbal cosmetics are still commonly used by average citizens because of fewer side effects and greater protection and safety profile. Current research has revealed that herbal formulations are effective in enhancing hair consistency.

Dietary And Nutritional Behaviors Vary According To Fitnessgram BMI Classification In Youth

FITNESSGRAM has established criterion standards based on body mass index (BMI) according to gender and age in youth. These standards are consistent with accepted indicators of health status. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the variation in reported dietary and nutritional behaviors according to FITNESSGRAM BMI classification in youth. METHODS: Subjects were 1,643 boys and girls, ages 12-17 years, who participated in the 2014 FLASHE Study, a national epidemiological survey regarding psychosocial, general, and environmental factors of various health behaviors. Participants’ responses regarding levels of dietary and nutritional practices were compared across FITNESSGRAM BMI classifications, more specifically between participants categorized as either Very Lean (VL) or within the Health Fitness Zone (HFZ) versus those participants in the Needs Improvement (NI) categories. RESULTS: Participants classified as NI for BMI reported significantly higher daily frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage intake (p = .001), fatty meat intake (p = .015), predicted sugar intake (p = .007), and predicted intake of sugar from sweetened beverages (p < .001) than participants classified as either VL or within the HFZ. Participants classified as NI for BMI reported significantly lower frequency of fruit and vegetable intake (p = .01), lower frequency of fruit and vegetable intake, excluding french fries (p = .008), lower predicted dairy intake (p = .034), and lower daily frequency of all beneficial foods (p = .003) than participants classified as either VL or within the HFZ. No significant difference in responses between participants classified as NI compared to those classified as either VL or within the HFZ were observed for daily frequency of junk food intake, frequency of fast/convenience food intake, or sugary food intake. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that youth classified as NI according to FITNESSGRAM BMI standards have similar fast food and junk food intake as youth that are either VL or within the HFZ; however, youth classified as NI have greater intake of sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages, and less intake of fruits and vegetables than VL or HFZ youth. To reverse the trend toward greater overweight and obesity among youth, it may be important to address these dietary and nutritional patterns.

Nutritional status of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients attending Kasr Alainy MS unit: an exploratory cross-sectional study

BackgroundNutrition was claimed to be a factor in MS causation, course, complications, and management. Several studies were conducted to assess the nutritional status of MS patients; however, few studies were conducted to assess this problem in Egypt. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to assess the nutritional status of a sample of MS patients.MethodsThe researchers conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study among 76 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients attending Kasr Alainy Multiple Sclerosis Unit (KAMSU) from October 2018 to January 2019 to assess the nutritional status of a sample of MS patients. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire including an inquiry about the socioeconomic status, and nutritional status using anthropometric measurements, patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (SQFFQ), and hemoglobin level measurement. Assessment of fatigue was done using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale 5-items version.ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 30 ± 6 years. The disease duration ranged from 2 to 264 months. Malnutrition was prevalent among 67.1% (27.6 % overweight, 36.8% obese, and 2.6% underweight). Half of the investigated patients were anemic. According to the PG-SGA, more than half of the studied patients (53.9%) were classified as moderately or suspected malnourished. The unhealthy dietary habits such as taking only a few meals, junk food intake and skipping breakfast were observed in considerable proportions of the group. The SQFFQ revealed overconsumption of energy and fat, and less than acceptable consumption of dietary fibers by most of the studied patients.ConclusionsOverweight, obesity, anemia, and unhealthy dietary habits were prevalent among the RRMS patients attending the KAMSU. Nutrition care service is extremely needed for this group of patients.

A A REVIEW: MANAGEMENT OF RASA PRADOSHAJA VIKARA WITH TRICHOSANTHES DIOICA (PATOL).

In Ayurvedic Samhitas daily regimen are mentioned such as Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Ahara, and Vihara. Now days due to stressful lifestyle intake of junk food, sedentary life, excessive workload reduces individual happiness and predispose to many diseases. While describing Rasa Rakta dushti hetu, Acharyas have mentioned hetus like guru, snigdha, vidahi, ushna ahar sevana. Due to this there is favourable condition for development of Rasa pradoshaj vikara such as Jwara, Pandutva, Shrotorodha etc. Day by day such Rasa pradoshaj vikara get increased due to consumption of above hetus. All these hetus develop toxins inside the body known as Ama. This Ama enters in the Rasa dhatu and produces various diseases. While treating Rasa pradoshaj vikara langhana and raktapittahari kriya should be done respectively. Tikta rasa is predominantly used for Ama pachan and Kapha Pitta shaman. Since ancient times the fruits and leaves of Patola are widely consumed as a vegetable and different parts of this plant are used in traditional medicine to treat Rasa Rakta pradoshaj vikara. Patola has tikta rasa and with the help of this it acts on Kapha Pitta dosha and Rasa Rakta datu. According to Acharya Charaka and Vagbhata Patola is mentioned in Rasapachaka kashaya in Ayurvedic text. It has antipyretic, laxative, cardiotonic, antiulcer, antihelmentic property. Patola has tikta rasa and with the help of this it acts on Kapha Pitta dosha and Rasa Rakta datu. This paper elaborates the utility of Patola in management of Rasa pradoshaja vikara.

Tobacco withdrawal increases junk food intake: The role of the endogenous opioid system

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to 1) determine whether acute nicotine withdrawal increases the intake of junk food (high in salt, fat, and sugar) and 2) assess whether the endogenous opioid system is involved in junk food intake during nicotine withdrawal using naltrexone as a pharmacological probe. MethodsSmokers were randomly assigned to 24-hr withdrawal from tobacco products (n = 42) or smoking ad libitum (n = 34). A non-smoking group (n = 29) was included. Participants completed two laboratory sessions where a placebo or 50 mg of naltrexone was administered. At the end of each session, participants were given a tray of snack items that differed in high to low energy density and dimensions of salty, sweet, and fat. Self-reported mood and withdrawal measures were collected immediately before the snacks were offered. Generalized linear and logistic models were used to assess the effects of acute smoking withdrawal, drug, and sex on the intake of snack items and self-reported measures. ResultsChoice and consumption of food items were impacted by smoking condition (withdrawal > ad lib smoking and non-smokers; p < .05), the opioid blockade (naltrexone < placebo; p < .05), and sex (male > female; p < .05). The effects were evidenced in high sweet and high fat foods. No differences were found in low sweet and fat foods. ConclusionsThese findings extend earlier studies indicating impact of tobacco use on appetite, and identify the regulatory influence of the endogenous opioid system on appetite during nicotine withdrawal.

Are Rural Indian Children and Adolescents Ages 9–18 years at Risk of Hypertension? A Multicenter Study

Abstract Objectives Among urban (U) and rural (R) Indian children ages 9–18 years, we aimed to (1) assess prevalence and determinants of primary hypertension (PH) (2) evaluate differences in fat indices (BMI, waist circumference, tricep skinfold thickness), body composition (BC, fat and muscle mass (MM)), weight-adjusted resting metabolic rate (RMR/Wt), diet, and physical activity (PA). Methods Date from 2016–2017 Multicentre Study, representative of children (9–18 yrs) from 5 states, were analysed (n = 1818, urban 895, rural = 923). All anthropometric parameters (Z-scores were calculated), BP, BC, RMR were measured. Two day 24 hrs diet recall was collected, nutrient and food group intakes were calculated; PA was assessed. Children and adolescents were categorised as normo or pre + hypertensive (&amp;gt;90th percentile) and Students t-tests, chi-sq tests, and ANOVA used for comparison, regression analysis was carried out for determinants. Results U children and adolescents were significantly taller, heavier, overweight + obese (25 vs 11%), pre + hypertensive (18 vs 10%), adipose and had lower RMR/Wt. All children with PH had higher fat indices, and lower MM and RMR/Wt than normotensives (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Rural PH children had more junk food, simple carbohydrate(CHO), fat and sodium than normotensives while nutrient intakes were similar in normo and PH urban children. U children were more inactive than the R children (U 606 ± 434 vs R 574 ± 403 minutes/week). In U children, fat intake contributed more to total calories consumed (U-30 vs R-25%), R children had higher contribution of calories from CHO (U-59 vs R-65%). BMI (R2 46 vs 34%), WC(R2 33 vs 22%), TSFT(R2 21 vs 16%) and sodium (R2 1% both) were found to be positive predictors, while RMR/Wt (R2 28% vs 33%), Ca, Mg, (R2 2% both) and vigorus PA (R2 2% vs 1%) were negative predictors for BP in U, R children (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions Our study highlights that R children are also at risk of developing PH especially those with higher intake of junk food and CHO. Another interesting finding of our study was the negative association of PH with RMR/Wt; Increasing PA along with a micronutrient rich diet with Ca and Mg is vital to prevent PH. Health care policies need to focus on the increasing prevalence of obesity and PH in not only U, but also R children where different strategies may have to be applied. Funding Sources University Grant Commission, Government of India.

Finally, the chance to eat healthily: Longitudinal study about food consumption during and after the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy

With the COVID-19 outbreak, structural constraints and social psychological factors changed the dietary habits of many people. This two-wave longitudinal study performed in Italy aimed to explore people’s perceptions of changes in healthy and unhealthy food consumption before and during the first lockdown and the possible persistence of such changes after its official end, as a function of the number of people cohabiting, negative emotion activation, and individual eating styles. A total of 728 Italian adults completed self-reported food consumption measures and related psychological variables at both time points. In the lockdown period, participants reported an increase in healthy food consumption and involvement in cooking and a decrease in the consumption of junk food. This general pattern was stronger for both young and restrained eaters. The intensity of negative emotions and the number of cohabitants were not associated with the examined behaviour. In the post-lockdown period, the new consumption pattern acquired during the confinement was partially discontinued: participants cut down their healthy food consumption as well as their involvement in food preparation, but they continued to reduce their junk food intake. These results suggest that people’s food consumption patterns can easily improve when the situation is favourable (e.g., more time and opportunities for cooking healthy meals) and offer an interesting theoretical contribution to understanding the factors useful in promoting healthy eating, in the event of a future outbreak.

A community-based study on the awareness and prevention of hypercholesterolemia in adults

Background: Intake of unhealthy junk food results into long standing health issues and the research in this paper is focused towards analyzing the knowledge of non-medical population about hypercholesterolemia and to upgrade their education concerned with healthy lifestyle modifications and essential safety measures identified with elevated cholesterol levels and related diseases.Methods: It was a prospective pre-and post-education interventional study carried out on 400 non-medical students at PES degree college Bangalore. A self-managed survey was conveyed to participants using a validated questionnaire during their usual college hours. The data analysis was done utilizing Microsoft excel tool.Results: Out of 400 participants in pre-education interventional study awareness about hypercholesterolemia was found excellent in 129 subjects, average in 243 subjects and poor in 28 subjects, where as in post-education interventional study awareness about hypercholesterolemia was found to be excellent in 355 subjects average in 44 subjects and poor in 1 subject.Conclusions: The significant increment was found in the degree of information among the participants. All over the study was an achievement and the objective of the examination was satisfied. Few participants showed lack of interest however spreading awareness and instructing about wellbeing viewpoints can bring the distinction just if the picked-up information is executed in everyday life.

Association between Leisure Screen Time and Junk Food Intake in a Nationwide Representative Sample of Spanish Children (1-14 Years): A Cross-Sectional Study.

Evidence on the association between new patterns of leisure screen time and junk food consumption in Spanish children at the national level is scarce. The aim of this study is to assess the relation between daily leisure screen time and the frequency of sweet, soft drink, fast food, and snack intake in a representative sample of Spanish children and adolescents aged from 1 to 14 years. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a representative sample of the Spanish population under 15 years recruited for the 2017 Spanish National Health Survey (n = 5480). We dichotomized sweet, soft drink, fast food, and snack intake (high/low) and categorized daily leisure screen time (0–59, 60–119, 120–179, and ≥180 min). We calculated crude prevalence ratios and adjusted prevalence ratios, and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), of high frequency of sweet, soft drink, fast food, and snack intake. Children spending at least one hour of daily leisure screen time had higher prevalence of high frequency of sweet and snack intake than children being exposed less than one hour. For soft drinks and fast food, prevalence of high frequency intake was significantly higher from two and three hours of exposure, respectively. Longer periods of screen exposure in Spanish children during their leisure time may be associated with poorer dietary behaviors. The negative effects of excessive screen time in pediatrics population should be further studied.