Obesity In Urban Areas Research Articles

The association between parental body mass index and the risk of adolescent obesity

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of adolescent obesity in urban areas and the potential association with parental body mass index (BMI). A cross-sectional design was used and participants were selected from institutions of higher education in Jakarta City. Anthropometric data were obtained by trained volunteers while other variables were acquired through a self-administered questionnaire completed using a Google online form. Among the 420 questionnaires distributed, 370 (88%) were retrieved and completed. Data were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate analysis using chi-square and logistic regression adjusted for lifestyle covariates. The results showed that 59.65% and 63.16% of participants had a father or mother who was overweight and obese. The tendency to acquire obesity was higher when the father was obese compared to the mother (OR=1.42; 95% CI=0.92-2.19). A correlation was found between parental BMI and overweight/obesity in adolescents, with the father being a stronger predictor than the mother. Although there was no significant association, this study underscored the significance of adolescent obesity and overweight as a public health issue, suggesting the need for urgent preventive measures.

Effectiveness of Nurse-led Yoga Intervention on Body Composition and Biochemical Parameters in Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Obesity in children has been on the rise globally, and India is no exception. Rapid urbanisation, changing dietary patterns, and sedentary lifestyles are contributing factors to this alarming trend. Understanding the prevalence and factors associated with childhood obesity in urban areas is crucial for developing targeted interventions and public health strategies. Aim: To investigate the effects of a nurse-led yoga intervention on body composition and biochemical parameters in overweight and obese adolescents (11-13 years) in schools. Materials and Methods: This pilot randomised controlled study used a true experimental study design, specifically the pretest and post-test control group design. Data collection was conducted in schools of Puducherry. A total of 18 overweight and obese adolescents, nine in the experimental group and nine in the control group, were included. The experimental group performed a nurse-led yoga intervention three times a week for 60 minutes for six months from March 2022 to August 2022. Study outcomes on body composition and biochemical parameters such as lipid profile, adiponectin, leptin, Apolipoprotein A, and Apolipoprotein B were measured at baseline and six months after the nurse-led yoga intervention. Data analysis was performed using Social Sciences Software {Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0}. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tests, such as the one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) F-test, repeated measures ANOVA F-test, and paired t-test, were conducted. Results: A significant difference was noted in fat percentage, water, intracellular fluid, extracellular fluid, and body fat mass index between the pretest and post-test (p<0.05), and no significant difference was observed in Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and fat-free mass index (p>0.05) in the experimental group. The nurse-led yoga intervention significantly improved Lowdensity Lipoproteins (LDL), Apolipoprotein A, and adiponectin levels; however, there were no significant differences in Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, High-density Lipoproteins (HDL), Apolipoprotein B, or LDL in the experimental group. The control group showed no significant difference between the pretest and post-test in FBS, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Apolipoprotein A, or Apolipoprotein B (p>0.05). Conclusion: The nurse-led yoga intervention positively impacted body composition and biochemical indicators in overweight and obese adolescents.

1832-PUB: SECRET—Screening and Educating Adolescents for Obesity

Background: India is predicted to have over 27 million children with obesity, representing over half of the children with obesity in the region and 1 in 10 of all children globally. Aim: To study Obesity prevalence in Adolescents and making timely interventions for healthier lifestyle adoption in urban and rural Ahmedabad. Methodology: A team of physician, nurse, pediatrician, educator took up the task of collecting data from schools in the rural and urban areas of Ahmedabad and periphery of 50kms during months of March-May 2022 with prior consent from guardians at 4 schools. Data including height, weight, abdominal girth, neck circumference was collected along with survey on food intake, type, exercise and habits. Adolescents of age category 14-18 yrs were included. Menstrual history was taken. Obesity was defined using the National Center for Disease Control definitions. We used the NHANES proposed cutoff of ≥90th percentile of Waist Circumference for identifying central obesity and Neck Circumference ≥ 50th percentile for identifying obesity. BP measurement and acanthosis assessment was also done. We conducted seminars on healthy eating and physical activity for all kids irrespective of their health status. Results: Total Cohort: 800, 14-18 years with a 1:1 ratio of girls:boys and same in rural and urban areas. There was higher prevalence of overweight in girls compared with boys (16%vs 12%), but the prevalence of obesity is higher in boys than girls (8%vs6%), the prevalence of underweight is slightly higher in boys than girls (21%vs9.5%). Underweight is more prevalent in rural areas vs obesity in urban areas. Conclusion: Screening adolescents for obesity, and making timely interventions for the prevention of disorders through education and appropriate lifestyle interventions can be one step towards a healthy future of the country. There lies necessity for expanding these screening and education programs through ROOTS ie Recognition, Obesity monitoring, Obesity prevention, Treatment and System based approach. Disclosure V.Chavda: None. D.Hasnani: None. S.Hasnani: None. B.Saboo: None. V.Abichandani: None. A.Shrivastava: None. S.Jha: None. B.D.Saboo: None.

Protocol of Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Intervention on Weight Reduction among Adults with Obesity in Urban Areas of Puducherry.

A large percentage of non-communicable diseases are preventable through the reduction of behavioral risk factors which is due to physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. Reducing the burden of obesity is likely to make a substantial impact on mitigating the mortality and morbidity due to non-communicable diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention on weight reduction among urban adults. This trial is a two-arm parallel group randomized controlled trial comparing the intervention arm-nurse-led intervention (NLI, n = 219) with the control arm-general care (GC, n = 219). Participants randomized to the NLI group will receive the interventional package for 12 months which includes health education and motivational strategies during follow-up. Baseline, 6-month and 12-month follow-ups will be conducted to assess primary and secondary outcomes for both arms using the WHO Steps questionnaire. The analysis will use an intention-to-treat approach to examine the change in behavioral and physical and biochemical parameters. The nurse-led intervention aims to provide an evidence-based acceptable and flexible support strategy for weight reduction in obese adults. This will impart healthy life skills to adults and also improve their health status and enable an adult to take charge of their health and this will ultimately prevent or delay non-communicable diseases. Clinical Trials Registry India, CTRI/2021/12/038785. Registered prospectively with CTRI on 21/12/2021.

Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight and Its Correlates among 20-40 Year Old Population in an Urban Area in Southern India

Introduction: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with at least 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of consequences of overweight or obesity. The study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Overweight and obesity among 20-40 years old residing in an urban area in North Karnataka and to study the risk factors affecting overweight and obesity.
 Methods: A Cross Sectional Study was done among adults aged 20-40 years in urban field practice area in North Karnataka in 2017-18. The sample size was calculated to be 207. Selection of study subjects was done using systematic random sampling. Data regarding socio-demographic profile and anthropometric measurements were collected and BMI calculated.
 Results: The prevalence of overweight was 45.9% and obesity was 11.1%. Females had more prevalence of overweight (46.8%) and obesity (13.8%) as compared to males. overweight was more in sedentary workers (50%).There was a high prevalence of obesity among participants with mixed diet(82.6%) and 63.1% of participants eating junk food were overweight and 69.5% were obese. The prevalence of overweight was more among participants with class IV socioeconomic status (45.3%) followed by class III (31.6%).
 Conclusion: There is a growing prevalence of overweight and obesity in urban areas that calls for an urgent need to prevent the further consequences and decrease the burden.

Dietary approach to stop hypertension and obesity among Iranian adults: Yazd health study-TAMYZ and Shahedieh cohort

PurposeEstablished data revealed a relationship between obesity and increasing the risk of mortality and morbidity of chronic diseases. There are conflicting data regarding the association between adherence of dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) and obesity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate this relationship among a large sample of Iranian adults.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was performed by 10,693 individuals; 6750 individuals related to Yazd Health Study living in the urban area and 3943 individuals related to Shahedieh cohort study living in the suburb area. Dietary intake was evaluated by using a validated food frequency questionnaire. In all participants, anthropometric indices including body mass index were measured. The DASH score was considered using gender-specific quintiles of DASH items. To evaluate the relationship of DASH diet and obesity, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used.FindingsBy adjusting confounders, participants in highest quintiles of DASH diet were compared to the lowest have lower odds of obesity in suburb area (odds ratio [OR]: 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63, 0.96), in urban (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.99) and in whole population of both studies (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.90). Besides, more compliance of women to this diet in urban (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.85) and population of both studies (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.96) were associated with reduced odds of central obesity.Research limitations/implicationsConsidering this study limitations, the following can be mentioned: in this cross-sectional study, the causal relationship between DASH diet and obesity could not be assessed. Consequently, further prospective studies are required in this area. Second, although a valid food frequency questionnaire was used, but there was a measurement error and an error in the classification of people participating in the study. Moreover, we cannot reject the possibility of residual confounding bias because unknown or unmeasured confounders may exist that affected our results. Finally, our participants with odds of obesity might have been advised to reduce their fat intake, which led them to alter their dietary habits. However, such possibility cannot be resolved in a cross-sectional study.Originality/valueDASH dietary pattern could decrease odds of obesity in both urban and suburb area and central obesity in urban area only. Further prospective studies are needed for causal conclusion.

Proximity and High Density of Convenience Stores Was Associated With Obesity in Children of a Rural Community of Mexico: Using a Geographic Information System Approach.

Food environment (FE) has been linked to obesity in urban areas, but there is limited information in rural areas, particularly in developing countries, where prevalence of obesity is high. To determine the association between FE and childhood obesity using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A total of 218 (8-10 years) children participated in a cross-sectional study. Weight, height, and body fat were measured. Geolocation of convenience stores (CS) and participants' households was collected, and the amount of processed food (PF) in the stores was measured. The proximity to the nearest CS and the number of CS within a 250-m buffer from each participant's household was calculated using GIS. Linear regression models between obesity measurements and FE were performed. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 32%. A total of 91% of the children had access to a CS within 250 m. On average, 48% of the shelf-space of the CS were occupied with PF. A positive association between the density of CS with body fat % (β = .145; 95% CI, 0.048-0.241, P = .004), abdominal fat % (β = .206; 95% CI, 0.048-0.241, P = .003), and body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-score (BMIz; β = .028; 95% CI, 0.005-0.062, P = .005) was found. Living closer to CS was associated with increases in body fat % (β = -0.009; 95% CI, -0.017 to -0.001, P = 0.025), abdominal fat % (β = -0.012; 95% CI, -0.023 to -0.001, P = 0.033), and BMIz (β = -0.002, 95% CI, -0.004 to -0.001, P = 0.003). In a rural community in Mexico, a high density and low proximity to CS is associated with obesity in school-aged children.

Association between television viewing frequency and overweight/obesity among reproductive age women: Cross-sectional evidence from South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016

The effect of television viewing frequency on overweight and obesity in the South African context is unexplored. The aim is to determine the association between television viewing time and overweight and obesity among reproductive age (15–49 years) women in South Africa. A secondary analysis was performed on a total weighted sample of 3063 women of reproductive age from the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016. Multivariable ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted with the primary outcome of body mass index as recommended by the World Health Organization. The main explanatory variable was television viewing time as per frequency among three groups: a) not at all, b) less than once a week, c) at least once a week. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 26.1 % and 35.9 %, respectively. In rural areas, viewing television less than once a week had 70 % higher odds [AOR: 1.7, 95 % CI: 1.1–2.4] and viewing television at least once a week had 40 % higher odds [AOR: 1.4, 95 % CI: 1.1–1.8] to be overweight or obese than those who did not watch television at all. Frequency of television viewing had no significant association with overweight and obesity in urban areas. It is recommended that interventions focusing on tackling overweight and obesity in South Africa need to highlight prevalent public awareness programs to incorporate behavioral change communication information to reform TV-viewing time and motivate less sedentary leisure activities. • This is the first study utilizing a nationally representative dataset to investigate the research question of interest. • Approximately one in four South African women of reproductive age are overweight and one of three women are obese. • Overweight and obesity is significantly associated with watching television at least once a week.

Prevalence of Underweight, Overweight and Obesity in School-Aged Children in the Urban Area of the Northwestern Part of Romania.

Introduction: During the last three decades, there has been an excess weight epidemic due to changes in nutrition and lifestyle. Few data on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children in Romania were published, without a single study representative at the national level. There are reports on the higher level of overweight and obesity in urban areas compared to rural ones. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity and severe obesity in children enrolled in schools from the urban area. Material and methods: For this cross-sectional study, children from 177 schools from the urban area of five counties from the northwestern part of Romania were included after the parents signed written informed consent. Anthropometric data were recorded (weight, height) based on World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and Body-Mass-Index (BMI), and the z-score for BMI were calculated. The nutritional status was estimated using three reference criteria: WHO, International Obesity Task Force (IOTC) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Results: We analyzed data of 21,650 children (48.19% boys) age between 7 and 18 years. The prevalence of overweight was 13.8%, 16.2% and 20.3%, of obesity was 10.7%, 10.0% and 5.7% and of severe obesity was 5.1%, 1.2% and 1.6% (using WHO, CDC and IOTF cut-offs). Underweight was present in 5.2% (WHO), 6% (CDC) and 2.6% (IOTF). The highest prevalence of overweight (including obesity) was found in children aged 10 years, and the lowest in adolescents at 18 years. Boys have a higher prevalence of excess weight than girls. Using IOTF cut-offs, the prevalence of obesity and severe obesity was lower than using WHO criteria. Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight (including obesity) in children from the urban area of Western Romania was recorded at alarming levels, higher in boys and at the pre-puberty ages. There are significant differences based on the reference system used. It is important to correctly choose the reference for the definition of overweight and obesity to have the correct estimation of the target for public health measures.

Heterogeneous relationships between the health-related lifestyle and risk of overweight and obesity in urbanizing China

BackgroundHealth-related lifestyle is widely believed to play an essential role in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. However, it is unclear how urbanization moderates the effect of health-related lifestyle on overweight and obesity. MethodsBased on survey data of 8266 individuals across China, we applied several multilevel logit models to examine whether the effect of health-related lifestyle on overweight and obesity differ between urban and rural areas and how the effect varies with urbanization level. ResultsWe found differences in people's health-related lifestyle between urban and rural areas and variations with urbanization levels. The estimated results showed that most health-related lifestyle variables influence individual’ risks of overweight and obesity in urban areas, whereas only car ownership, exercise time and smoking show effects on being overweight and obese in rural areas. Except for active commuting time, and exercise time, all other health-related lifestyle variables showed different effects on overweight and obesity in areas with different urbanization levels. ConclusionsThese findings provide a better understanding of the role played by urbanization in moderating the effects of health-related lifestyle on overweight and obesity. It suggests that, to mitigate the overweight epidemic, policy makers should pay more attention to local characteristics when promoting related strategies.

OBESITY AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL CHILDREN OF PRIVATE AND MUNICIPAL SCHOOL IN METROPOLITAN CITY.

Background: Obesity in children and adolescents is gradually becoming a major public health problem in many developing countries including India, Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 are overweight or obese, the increase is more in children than adult. The magnitude of overweight ranges from 9% to 27.5% and obesity ranges from 1% to 12.9% among Indian children, more in urban than rural area. The current study was carried out to find out the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors among school children in selected municipal and private school. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in selected municipal and private co-educational schools in Mumbai, Maharashtra, 200 students of 9th standard were selected by Simple Random Sampling technique. Predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used to elicit the associated factors includes family and individual characteristics of study population. Medical examination was conducted on every Student, it included recording of height, weight, and clinical examination. Height was recorded with the help of stadiometer and weight was recorded using electronic weighing machine with an accuracy of 0.1 kg. BMI in respect of all the students was computed and compared with the standard BMI- for-age chart of WHO. Overweight considered with BMI is between 23.0- 24.9 kg/m2, and Obesity: >25 kg/m2 Result: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was found 8% and 14.5% respectively in high school children, only 37% children were in normal weight. Based on BMI status overweight and obesity were observed 11% and 23% in private school, 5% and 6% in municipal school respectively. There were significant association of overweight/obesity with parental qualification; individual risk factors like type of diet, use of junk/fast food, eating habits like eat while watching TV/ mobile, less physical exercise etc. observed among school children. Conclusions: Children of high school belonging to middle socioeconomic group with less outdoor activities and consuming junk foods were more predisposed to overweight and obesity in urban area. To prevent childhood obesity there is a need to educate to all stakeholders, inculcates healthy life styles among children and encouraging children for more physical activity and by incorporating Health and Nutrition education in school curriculum.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among School-Going Children of Aligarh City and Its Association with Socio-Demographic Variables

In India, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in urban areas is comparable with some developing countries. A rapid transition in food practices, lifestyle factors, behavioural factors, physical inactivity and adopting western culture are some of the causes responsible for this problem. Children from small towns are experiencing nutritional changes due to their tendency to try eating pattern of larger cities. Aims and objectives: To study the prevalence of overweight and obesity and related risk factors among school going children of Aligarh city. Materials and methods: A cross - sectional study was done among four schools from four zones of Aligarh city. A total of 900 children studying in classes Ist to Vth were taken in the study. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, dietary intake, lifestyle, behavioural factors, physical activity and anthropometric measurements. Results: Overall Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 8.1% and 8.2% among school‑going children. There was a statistically significant difference in prevalence of overweight and obesity among affluent schools (6.1% and 6.7%) and nonaffluent schools (2.0% and 1.6%) respectively was observed. The related risk factors for overweight and obesity were affluence and higher level of father’s education etc. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity among school‑going children is a major problem facing even in smaller cities in India.Interventions must be taken to focus on communicating and educating teachers and parents, especially of the affluent section, towards restricting fast food intake, TV viewing and emphasizing the importance of physical activity.

The Availability and Accessibility of Sport Facilities and Adult Obesity in an Urban Environment

Introduction: Ibnu Sina or Avicenna in “Asbab‑e‑Settah‑e‑Zaruriah” has pointed out that physical activity is one of the keys to a good health. However, urbanization has dawned upon the urban population and brought changes to their lifestyle. Among the change it brought is obesity. Obesity has been an epidemic with physical inactivity and unhealthy diet has taken the blame for this rising issue.Objectives: As sports facilities plays an integral role in providing urban dwellers with facilit ies for physical activity, this scanning review investigates how availability and accessibility of sports facilities affect the participation of the urban community in sports, a form of physical activity.Methodology: This article has been written based on papers found using Google Scholar from journals like Pubmed, Lancet, and others.Results: There was a total of 100 articles found and only 53 fit the criteria of the search.Conclusion: It can be concluded that most papers suggest that the participation of urban dwellers in a particular sport depends on the availability and accessibility of its sport facilit ies. However, from recent reading, there is no paper which concludes a direct relationship between the availability and accessibility of sport facilities and adult obesity in an urban environment. The implication is that we hope is to further comprehend the role of sports facilities as a working strategy to reduce obesity in urban areas with the help of technology and gamification of sports.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2019 Page: 58

Rural-Urban Differences in Dietary Behavior and Obesity: Results of the Riskesdas Study in 10-18-Year-Old Indonesian Children and Adolescents.

Obesity has become a significant problem for developing countries, including Indonesia. High duration of sedentary activity and high intake of unhealthy foods were associated with high risk of overweight and obesity. The objective of this study was to compare the distributions of sedentary activity and dietary behavior with overweight/obesity risks between urban and rural areas among children and adolescents aged 10–18 years in Indonesia. This is a cross-sectional study. Data from a national survey in 33 Indonesian provinces (Basic Health Research /Riskesdas 2013) were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) adjusted with all variables, such as age, gender, residency, education level, physical activity, and food intake. An urban–rural residence difference was found in the factors related to obesity. Daily caffeinated soft drinks and energy drinks consumption (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01–1.23) were related to risk of overweight and obesity in urban areas. Daily grilled foods (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.22–1.42) and salty food (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04–1.15) consumption were significantly associated with obesity in rural areas but not in urban areas. Furthermore, sedentary activity was correlated with overweight and obesity among those who lived in urban and rural areas. Our findings suggest that education, environmental, and policy interventions may need to specifically target urban settings, where access is high to a wide range of processed and traditional high-sugar, high-fat snack foods and beverages.

Association Between Living in Urban Areas and Obesity in Haitian Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality in prospective cohorts. These studies have mostly occurred in high-income countries. Little is known about rates of obesity and what factors predict obesity in breast cancer patients from low- and low-middle income countries (LMIC). However, there are increasing rates of obesity in the general population of LMICs. Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais (HUM) in Haiti established the main public comprehensive cancer center in the country in 2013. The facility serves patients from all around the country. Aim: To establish the prevalence of obesity in a retrospective cohort of breast cancer patients at HUM, and evaluate the association between living in urban areas and obesity in this population. Methods: We evaluated 1035 women who had their first visit between July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016, with a coded diagnosis of breast cancer, and who had been followed in the HUM program for ≥ 90 days. We abstracted their first recorded height, weight and blood pressure (BP). We identified individuals who met criteria for obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2), systolic hypertension (systolic BP [SBP] ≥ 135 mmHg), and diastolic hypertension (diastolic BP [DBP] ≥ 90 mmHg). After exclusion of missing data in the variables of interest, the final analysis cohort was 678. We classified home commune location as rural or urban based on World Bank and UN standards. We used logistic regression analysis to determine the odds of being obese for individuals living in urban areas compared with rural dwellers. Results: 179 breast cancer patients (26.4%) had BMI ≥ 30, of which 58 (8.5%) were morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 35). 309 (45.6%) patients had systolic hypertension (HTN) and 180 (26.6%) had diastolic HTN. 417 (61.5%) lived in urban areas; 125 (30%) of urban dwellers were obese while only 20.7% of rural dwellers were obese. The crude OR for obesity in urban versus rural areas was 1.64 (95% CI: 1.16-2.36). Using logistic regression analysis and controlling for age the OR for obesity in urban areas was 1.67 (95% CI: 1.15-2.40), P = 0.0162. We did a similar analysis for morbid obesity, while controlling for age, the OR in urban compared with rural patients was 2.16 (95% CI: 1.15-4.03), P = 0.0162. There were no statistically significant differences in SBP and DBP comparing rural and urban patients. Conclusion: HUM breast cancer patients from urban areas were more likely to be obese than rural dwellers. Urban patients were twice as likely to be morbidly obese. There were no differences in HTN between the groups. Higher rates of obesity in the HUM breast cancer population is partly driven by the higher proportion of urban patients. Further studies need to be done to evaluate the causes and mediators of obesity as well as its effect on patient cancer outcome in Haiti.

Obesity and physical fitness indices of children aged 5-12 years living on remote and isolated islands.

Obesity has become one of the major health risks in childhood, significantly affecting children's health and physical fitness. Although the marked increase of obesity in urban areas is well established, evidence is limited in remote and isolated areas with adverse socioeconomic features. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of obesity and its association with physical performance indices in young school-aged children living in 18 remote and isolated Greek islands. Four hundred and sixty-three children (244 boys, 219 girls), aged 5-12 years underwent a series of physical fitness tests including 20 m sprint, standing long jump, 1 kg medicine ball throw, agility T-test and sit-and-reach test. Age and gender BMI cut-off points were determined according to World Health Organisation (WHO) norms. The prevalence of obesity was 23.8% and 13.2% for boys and girls, respectively. A negative body mass index (BMI) main effect was observed for weight-bearing activities, such as 20 m sprint (F=6.21, p=0.000, η2=0.041) and standing long jump (F=11.369, p=0.000, η2=0.074), while medicine ball throw was positively correlated with BMI in children aged 9-12 years. The results of this study confirmed previous findings on obesity prevalence in Greece. A negative association was also found between BMI and physical fitness indices and, in particular, in weight-bearing activities. It is critical to establish physical education interventions and physical fitness programs at schools, aiming to increase motivation for physical activity participation.

The nutrition transition in Mexico 1988-2016: the role of wealth in the social patterning of obesity by education.

The present study investigates whether the reversal of the social gradient in obesity, defined as a cross-over to higher obesity prevalence among groups with lower education level, has occurred among men and women in urban and rural areas of Mexico. Cross-sectional series of nationally representative surveys (1988, 1999, 2006, 2012 and 2016). The association between education and obesity was investigated over the period 1988-2016. Effect modification of the education-obesity association by household wealth was tested. Mexico. Women (n 54 816) and men (n 20 589) aged 20-49 years. In both urban and rural areas, the association between education and obesity in women varied by level of household wealth in the earlier surveys (1988, 1999 and 2006; interaction P<0·001). In urban areas in 1988, one level lower education was associated (prevalence ratio; 95 % CI) with 45 % higher obesity prevalence among the richest women (1·45; 1·24, 1·69), whereas among the poorest the same education difference was protective (0·84; 0·72, 0·99). In the latest surveys (2012, 2016), higher education was protective across all wealth groups. Among men, education level was not associated with obesity in urban areas; there was a direct association in rural areas. Wealth did not modify the association between education and obesity. The reversal of the educational gradient in obesity among women occurred once a threshold level of household wealth was reached. Among men, there was no evidence of a reversal of the gradient. Policies must not lose sight of the populations most vulnerable to the obesogenic environment.

Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL): Feasibility and Acceptability of Implementing School-based Intervention to Control Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Urban Area of Bangladesh

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Nutritional status of Romanian population and interventional programs to prevent obesity

Our work present data on the nutritional status of adult population of Romania in 2015 and the results of the school-aged children surveillance through the national surveillance program 2015 and also from two international programs - the European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI), the national report 2013 and the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Program (HBSC) from 2014. The assessment of the nutritional aspects and health of adult population in relation to food consumption investigate the eating behaviours through consumption rates of nutrients and the main food groups, as well as anthropometric indicators of subjects included in the study. The data for 2015 show a decreased energy intake through food consumption, insufficient intake of dietary fiber and minerals (calcium, magnesium and selenium) and a high intake of proteins and total fats, especially saturated fats and cholesterol. The salt intake was situated above the WHO and European Commission's recommendations: more than 5 g / day - added salt and a total consumption of 10 g salt / day. These dietary mistakes are reflected in the increased percentage of the overweight subjects (43,1% men, 36,2% women respectively) and obese (30% men and 27,2% women). The COSI survey included 8-year-olds children from both rural and urban regions of Romania and the findings are as follows: 26,75% of the children included in the study are overweight or obese; the prevalence of childhood obesity is 11,64%, with a higher rate of obesity in urban areas. The results of the HBSC study in 2014 indicate that a percentage of 26,6% of boys and 11,8% of girls aged 11, 13 and 15 years old are overweight and / or obese. These facts are the basis of the national interventional programs concerning the promotion of a healthy nutrition and lifestyle among population in order to reduce obesity and morbidity through cardiovascular diseases.

Length of urban residence and obesity among within-country rural-to-urban Andean migrants.

To evaluate the association between length of residence in an urban area and obesity among Peruvian rural-to-urban migrants. Cross-sectional database analysis of the migrant group from the PERU MIGRANT Study (2007). Exposure was length of urban residence, analysed as both a continuous (10-year units) and a categorical variable. Four skinfold site measurements (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac) were used to calculate body fat percentage and obesity (body fat percentage >25% males, >33% females). We used Poisson generalized linear models to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. Multicollinearity between age and length of urban residence was assessed using conditional numbers and correlation tests. A peri-urban shantytown in the south of Lima, Peru. Rural-to-urban migrants (n 526) living in Lima. Multivariable analyses showed that for each 10-year unit increase in residence in an urban area, rural-to-urban migrants had, on average, a 12 % (95 % CI 6, 18 %) higher prevalence of obesity. This association was also present when length of urban residence was analysed in categories. Sensitivity analyses, conducted with non-migrant groups, showed no evidence of an association between 10-year age units and obesity in rural (P=0·159) or urban populations (P=0·078). High correlation and a large conditional number between age and length of urban residence were found, suggesting a strong collinearity between both variables. Longer lengths of urban residence are related to increased obesity in rural-to-urban migrant populations; therefore, interventions to prevent obesity in urban areas may benefit from targeting migrant groups.