Rates Of Overweight Research Articles

Prediction model for identifying high-risk groups for overweight or obesity among Korean men in their 30s and 40s.

This study was aimed to build a prediction model to identify high-risk groups for overweight or obesity among Korean men in their 30s and 40s. This study analyzed data from 28,388 men aged 30-40 years, gathered in the 2022 Community Health Survey. Participants were categorized into two groups based on BMI: underweight/normal weight group and overweight/obese group. This study used chi-squared tests and independent t-tests to compare general and health-related characteristics. Moreover, a prediction model was developed using decision tree analysis, and its validity was verified through a split-sample test. The proportions of participants in the underweight /normal and overweight/obese groups were 50.4% and 49.6%, respectively. The group with the highest overweight/obesity rate at 60.6% had the characteristics of drinking more than 7 cups at a time, being married, and lacking sleep. On the other hand, the group with the lowest overweight or obesity rate (38.7%) had the characteristics of drinking less than 6 cups of alcohol at a time, getting enough sleep, and smoking less than 15 cigarettes. The rate of overweight and obesity among Korean males in their 30s and 40s is significantly high. This study found that individuals who consume more than seven glasses of alcohol at a time, are married, and do not get enough sleep are at high risk of being overweight or obese. Therefore, it is essential to develop and implement targeted intervention programs for this high-risk group of Korean men in their 30s and 40s.

Changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in East Asia: Insights from NCD-RisC data.

Pediatric obesity is a serious global health challenge. In East Asia, rapid socioeconomic changes have increased obesity rates. This study examines weight distribution and obesity trends in East Asian children using WHO criteria. Data from the Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration was used to analyze weight categories (thinness, normal weight, overweight, and obesity) among children aged 5 to 19 in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Data were collected through probabilistic sampling and national surveys and classified using WHO BMI standards. Age standardized prevalence rate enabled cross-country comparisons for boys and girls from 2010 to 2022. Statistical methods included arithmetic statistics, linear regression, and time series analysis using the ARIMA model, with SAS 9.4 and SPSS for analysis. Significant trends were found (p for trend < 0.05). Taiwan and South Korea showed increased thinness, while China and Japan showed decreases. Normal weight prevalence declined, notably among South Korean boys. Overweight and obesity rates rose, especially among South Korean boys and Chinese girls. Japan's rates remained stable, while Taiwan showed minor fluctuations. Boys had higher overweight and obesity rates than girls in all countries. The highest rates were among children aged 10 to 11 years. East Asia, particularly South Korea and China, has seen rising obesity rates. Increasing thinness in South Korea and Taiwan also requires attention. The decline in healthy-weight children is concerning. Interventions should target children before ages 10 to 11. Urgent, tailored public health interventions are needed.

The Socio-Economic Situation of a Population as a Determinant of Childhood Obesity: Answers from Big Data

Big data tools are currently a major tool for assessing population changes. There is a causal relationship between low economic levels and a higher prevalence of conditions associated with malnutrition and obesity. One of the causes of low income in different areas could be a higher unemployment rate and a confluence of people who are migrating for economic reasons. Objective: To assess in a child population the effect of the unemployment rate, average income and immigration rate as a possible effect of increasing the prevalence of malnutrition associated with childhood obesity. Material and methods: Data collected from computerized clinical history episodes, studying the variables of sex, age, weight, height, of a pediatric population (year 2022), comparing it with the average income of their residential district, unemployment rate and immigration rate. Use of big data methods for the study of variables. Using the Cole-Green LMS algorithm with penalized likelihood, implemented in the RefCurv 0.4.2 software (2020), which allows managing large amounts of data. The hyperparameters have been selected using the BIC (Bayesian Information Criterion). To calculate population deviations from the reference, the reference was taken as being above 1.5 standard deviations from the average according to age. Results: 66,975 computerised episodes of children under 16 years of age and a total of 1,205,000 variables studied. The data and comparative graphs between districts of the population studied are represented with respect to the variables analysed. There are significant differences, with an increase in the rate of overweight in those areas with lower economic income and higher unemployment and immigration rates. Big data technology allows for more efficient population studies, selecting populations most in need of health intervention, optimizing scarce health resources.

Prevalence of Obesity and Its Associated Comorbidities in Adults with Asthma: A Single-Center Study in Saudi Arabia.

Background and Objectives: Asthma is associated with several comorbidities, one of which is obesity. The worldwide increase in obesity has been accompanied by a parallel rise in asthma prevalence, with obesity recognized as a significant risk factor for both the development and severity of asthma. Obesity is often linked to various comorbidities, which can complicate asthma management and lead to poorer clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities in adults with asthma in a single center in Saudi Arabia, providing an overview of the associated health implications. Materials and Methods: This single-center, retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity and other comorbidities in asthma patients. Data were collected from King Khalid University Hospital in Saudi Arabia between July 2023 and December 2023. Results: This study revealed that 72.1% of asthma patients were either obese or overweight. Female patients had significantly higher BMI values compared to males. Our study revealed that 38.21% of female asthma patients (mean age = 57 ± 13.85 years) had comorbidities compared to 24.14% of male asthma patients (mean age = 59 ± 14.02 years). Furthermore, the proportion of obese asthmatic patients with comorbidities was significantly greater than those without comorbidities. Conclusions: This study investigates obesity prevalence and associated comorbidities in adult asthmatics in a single center in Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal a 72.1% rate of obesity and overweight among asthmatic patients, with higher BMI and comorbidity prevalence in females. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing obesity and comorbidities, especially in female asthmatics.

BOOSTING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN UNIVERSITY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Physical activity is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle, significantly contributing to the prevention and management of chronic diseases, mental health support, and overall well-being. Despite its benefits, recent lifestyle changes in post-communist Romania have led to an alarming increase in overweight and obesity rates, especially among urban youth. This research focuses on the University of Bucharest (UniBuc) to explore the reasons behind students' low participation in university-organized physical activities. By employing a structured questionnaire distributed electronically, this study aims to collect comprehensive data on student demographics, participation levels, motivations, barriers, and suggestions for improvement. The quantitative analysis component of the study aims to identify participation trends and barriers, while qualitative insights will provide nuanced perspectives on students' experiences. The findings will inform targeted strategies to promote physical activity among students, contributing to their immediate and long-term health. Overall, this exploratory study seeks to lay the groundwork for future research on enhancing physical activity participation in academic settings, ultimately supporting the holistic development of young adults.

Malnutrition in Guinea-Bissau: a country wide representative cross-sectional study

Abstract Background According to the WHO, malnutrition refers to deficiency, excess, or imbalance in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. Children under five are especially vulnerable to malnutrition. The problem is widespread, but it is particularly prevalent in West African countries, where a prevalence of 30% stunting, 6.7% wasting and 2.4% overweight was described in 2022. In this study, we aimed to evaluate malnutrition in Guinea-Bissau (GB), a low-income country in West Africa. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study between May and June 2023 on a representative sample of 1608 children aged 6 to 59 months, who had access to health care in all 11 regions of GB. Nutritional status was assessed by evaluating weight for height/length, weight for age, height/length for age, and hemoglobin concentration was determined using a portable hemoglobin analyzer. Furthermore, semi-structured questionnaires were applied to children’s parents, including questions on sociodemographic and behavioral factors, such as ethnicity, parental literacy, health care, and dietary patterns. Results 802 boys and 806 girls were included in the study, with a mean age of 26 months. Malnutrition rates were comparable to those described in other West African countries. We found wasting rates of 8,3%, stunting rates of 24,3%, low weight rates of 17,4%, and overweight rates of 2,4% among children under five. Importantly, 55.9% of the children had anemia: 23.6% had mild anemia, 31.1% had moderate anemia, and 1.2% had severe anemia. Statistical analyses are underway to investigate factors associated with malnutrition. Conclusions An important challenge in global health is combating malnutrition in all its forms. The identified prevalence of malnutrition in GB is high and emphasizes the importance of developing strategies and policies with local authorities so that the Sustainable Development Goals and Global Goals of Nutrition can be achieved and health outcomes improved. Key messages • Collaboration essential: researchers, policymakers, healthcare, and local authorities must unite for targeted malnutrition interventions. • Sustainable development in GB hinges on addressing malnutrition among its children through concerted efforts.

The role of maternal obesity in macrosomia and childhood obesity: a comprehensive review of current evidence and mechanisms

ABSTRACT In recent decades, global rates of overweight and obesity have surged, posing significant health challenges, Maternal obesity is particularly concerning because of its potential adverse effects on women, foetuses, and children. The intrauterine environment plays a crucial role in shaping long-term health outcomes, with maternal factors significantly influencing childhood obesity and related health markers. This review synthesises current evidence on the associations between macrosomia, maternal weight, pregnancy weight gain, and offspring obesity risk. It explores how maternal weight status during pregnancy may impact a child’s susceptibility to obesity later in life, examining potential underlying mechanisms. By consolidating these findings, the review aims to deepen our understanding of the complex relationships between maternal health, prenatal factors, and childhood obesity. This knowledge can inform future research and public health strategies aimed at addressing this global health issue effectively.

The cost of obesity and related NCDs in Brazil: An analysis of hospital admissions, disability retirement benefits, and statutory sick pay

ObjectivesThis study analyses the prevalence of overweight/obesity in Brazil, and its costs regarding hospital admissions (HA), disability retirement benefits (DRB), and statutory sick pay (SSP) associated with obesity-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Study designTime-series study. MethodsThis study analyses data from the VIGITEL system (2010–2019) to calculate the body-mass index (BMI) of adult residents in Brazil's state capitals. Data on HA, DRB, and SSP were obtained from Brazil's SIH/SUS and AEPS Infologo systems. Pearson's correlation and linear regression models were applied. The study selected 23 diseases of the International Classification of Disease (ICDs) belonging to chapters C; E; I; and K. Cost values in BRL were deflated using IPCA. ResultsThe results showed a significant increase in overweight and obesity rates in Brazil, with BMI rising by 0.09 kg/m2 annually. Regression analysis revealed that each 1-point increase in the average BMI of the population is associated with an increase of 81,772 (BRL 237.51 million/year) new HA per year, 5541 (BRL 18.8 million/year) new DRB granted per year, and 42,360 (BRL 131 million/year) new SSP per year. Also, every 1 % increase in the share of the Brazilian population with obesity is associated with an increase of 16,973 (BRL 48.8 million/year) new HA per year, 1202 (BRL 3.97 million/year) new DRB granted per year, and 8686 (BRL 26.8 million/year) new SSP per year. Regressions for deflated values showed lower significance, suggesting a strong impact of inflation on health costs in Brazil. ConclusionsObesity prevalence in Brazil implies high direct and indirect costs for the Brazilian government, especially considering circulatory system diseases.

Retrospective analysis of regional and metropolitan school food environments using Google Street View: A case study in New South Wales, Australia with youth consultation.

Food environments surrounding schools have a strong influence on the adolescent's food choices. Moreover, the prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases is higher in regional than metropolitan areas in Australia. Understanding school food environments in these different settings is crucial for informing future strategies to improve adolescent health. Google Street View was used to identify food outlets within 1.6 km around all secondary schools in Wagga Wagga and Blacktown in New South Wales which were selected as regional and metropolitan case study areas. Based on food outlet type, healthfulness categories were assigned, and Chi-squared tests were performed. The Health Advisory Panel for Youth at the University of Sydney (HAPYUS) were engaged to obtain their perspectives on findings. Unhealthful food outlets were consistently most prevalent around schools in Wagga Wagga and Blacktown over 17 years. In 2023, these were predominantly restaurants (19.4% vs. 21.1%), cafés (16.8% vs. 11.1%), fast-food franchise outlets (15.1% vs. 17.4%) and independent takeaway stores (14.1% vs. 9.6%). No significant difference in healthfulness between regional and metropolitan areas was found. Youth advisors recognised price and social reasons as major contributors to food choices. Google Street View was used as a novel resource to examine school food environments in regional and metropolitan areas which have remained consistently unhealthful for nearly two decades. SO WHAT?: Unhealthful school food environments may encourage poor diets and exacerbate rates of adolescent overweight and obesity. Critical government action is needed to improve school food environments.

Obesity and overweight are common among hospitalized patients and are associated with specific causes of admission to an internal medicine department: a cross-sectional study.

Data on the prevalence of obesity among hospitalized patients are limited. Our objective was to capture the rates of overweight and obesity among people admitted to an internal medicine department and to explore a potential association between body mass index (BMI) and causes of hospitalization. Demographic and anthropometric parameters and cause of admission were recorded in all patients admitted to our department over a 30-day period. One hundred and eighteen patients with a mean age of 71.84years and a mean BMI of 26.85kg/m2 were included in the analysis. Among study participants, 53.25% were living with overweight and obesity. Patients admitted for hepatobiliary disease had a higher BMI compared to those admitted for other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (P < 0.001). More than half of patients admitted to an internal medicine department live with obesity or overweight, the specific reasons for admission being associated with a higher BMI.

Association of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, and gestational diabetes mellitus with BMI trajectory in early childhood: a prospective cohort study

Objective: To examine the associations of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with early childhood BMI trajectories. Methods: A total of 1 227 mother-child pairs from the Peking University Birth Cohort in Tongzhou were included in this study. In the cohort, maternal pre-pregnancy weight, height, gestational weight gain, and GDM diagnosis were collected. The children were followed up at birth and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months of age to obtain height/length and weight data. The longitudinal data-based k-means clustering algorithm was used to identify early childhood BMI trajectory groups. The associations of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, and GDM with early childhood BMI trajectories were analyzed using the logistic regression model. We further explored whether there is an interaction effect between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and excessive gestational weight gain on the risk of the high BMI trajectory in early childhood through multiplicative and additive interaction analyses. Results: The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity before pregnancy were 21.2% (260 cases) and 6.6% (81 cases) respectively. The prevalence of excessive gestational weight gain and GDM was 57.7% (708 cases) and 30.9% (379 cases). The early childhood BMI trajectories were named low, medium, and high trajectories, accounting for 30.5%, 45.4% and 24.1%, respectively. After controlling potential confounding factors, it was found that pre-pregnancy overweight (OR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.12-2.12), obesity (OR=2.33, 95%CI: 1.41-3.85), and excessive gestational weight gain (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.10-1.97) were risk factors for being in the high BMI trajectory in early childhood. GDM was not significantly associated with early childhood BMI trajectories (P>0.05). Compared with the independent effects of pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity (OR=1.90, 95%CI: 1.17-3.09) and excessive gestational weight gain (OR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.03-2.04), the risk of being in the high BMI trajectory in early childhood was greater when the two factors coexisted (OR=2.38, 95%CI: 1.60-3.54). However, both the multiplicative and additive models showed no interaction effect between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and excessive gestational weight gain. Conclusions: Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and excessive gestational weight gain are independent risk factors for children being in the high BMI trajectory in early childhood, providing scientific evidence for obesity prevention.

National Trends in the Prevalence of Self-Perceived Overweight Among Adolescents Between 2005 and 2022: Nationwide Representative Study.

Despite several studies on self-evaluation of health and body shape, existing research on the risk factors of self-perceived overweight is insufficient, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the risk factors affecting self-perceived overweight and examine how the prevalence of self-perceived overweight has changed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we analyzed the impact of altered lifestyles due to COVID-19 on this phenomenon. The data used in the study were obtained from middle and high school students who participated in the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (N=1,189,586). This survey was a 2-stage stratified cluster sampling survey representative of South Korean adolescents. We grouped the survey results by year and estimated the slope in the prevalence of self-perceived overweight before and during the pandemic using weighted linear regression, as well as the prevalence tendencies of self-perceived overweight according to various risk factors. We used prevalence ratios to identify the risk factors for self-perceived overweight. In addition, we conducted comparisons of risk factors in different periods to identify their associations with the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of self-perceived overweight was much higher than BMI-based overweight among 1,189,586 middle and high school participants (grade 7-12) from 2005 to 2022 (female participants: n=577,102, 48.51%). From 2005 to 2019 (prepandemic), the prevalence of self-perceived overweight increased (β=2.80, 95% CI 2.70-2.90), but from 2020 to 2022 (pandemic) it decreased (β=-0.53, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.33). During the pandemic, individuals with higher levels of stress or lower household economic status exhibited a more substantial decrease in the rate of self-perceived overweight. The prevalence of self-perceived overweight tended to be higher among individuals with poor academic performance, lower economic status, poorer subjective health, and a higher stress level. Our nationwide study, conducted over 18 years, indicated that self-perceived overweight decreased during the COVID-19 period while identifying low academic performance and economic status as risk factors. These findings suggest the need for policies and facilities to address serious dieting and body dissatisfaction resulting from self-perceived overweight by developing counseling programs for adolescents with risk factors such as lower school performance and economic status.

National and regional trends in the prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in South Korean military draftees

IntroductionRecent epidemiological and aetiological data on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) among military draftees are scarce in nationwide and population-based databases. This retrospective, nationwide and population-based study aims to assess national...

The Association of Overweight and Obesity With Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus At Al-Diwaniyah Province

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent a major concern for public health. and one of the main reasons for the global illness burden. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are still the main reason for mortality worldwide and are a major contributor to both health loss and excessive expenditures on healthcare. Aim of study: to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among hypertensive or diabetic patients and identify the effect of these conditions on them. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study applied a convenient sample of 322 patients diagnosed with Hypertension or Type 2 diabetes, or both, who attended the Specialized Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology (SCDE) and Internal medicine consultant at Al-Diwaniyah province. An interview-based questionnaire is composed of several questions that have been gathered by researchers and assessed by a number of professionals. From the tenth of September to the beginning of February, the data was collected. Results: A total of 322 participants enrolled in this study, we found that the prevalence rate of obesity and overweight in groups of patients was 37.3% and 53.1%, respectively. There was a significant association between control of blood pressure in the diabetic group (p = 0.007), and there was a significant difference in mean age among the diabetes group, the hypertensive group, and the group with both diseases: 51.02 ±9.64 years, 50.58 ±12.06 years, and 54.14 ±9.97 years, respectively (p = 0.018). The difference in mean BMI among study groups was significant (p = 0.003); the highest mean BMI was seen in patients with both type 2 DM and hypertension, followed by the hypertension group, and the least mean BMI was noted in the diabetic group. Conclusions: The prevalence rate of obesity was higher than that of overweight among study groups. Age and education level were important risk factors for the development of comorbidity among patients. people with hypertension and type 2 diabetes had the greatest mean BMI, followed by hypertension patients, while diabetic patients had the lowest mean BMI (p = 0.003). The study discovered a substantial inverse connection between HDL-C, triglyceride, serum creatinine, and cholesterol in hypertensive patients, while A favorable association was identified among VLDL-C “and” cholesterol, whereas in diabetic patients, there was a significant favorable relationship between “LDL-C,” “VLDL-C,” “cholesterol,” and “TG” and an inverse connection between “HDL-C,” cholesterol, and blood urea.

Latina Women, Obesity, and Culture: Design, Rationale, and Participant Characteristics of the ¡Viva la Cultura Latina! Community-Based Study.

Due to the high rates of overweight and obesity in Mexican and Puerto Rican women, interventions that target these groups are in great need. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to explore the role of four cultural variables (acculturation, acculturative stress, ethnic identity, and cultural values) that may help to explain ethnic disparities in correlates of obesity (diet, physical activity, and body image) among Mexican and Puerto Rican women. This paper describes the study design, measures, and initial analyses of participant characteristics, as well as implications for the development of an obesity intervention. A total of 552 participants contacted the study staff, with 368 completing the oral script and initial eligibility interview. From these, 227 completed the written consent, 199 completed the "Health and Culture" interview, and 186 completed all study components; 42 women completed the qualitative interview. Data for the current study is from the 199 participants who completed the "Health and Culture" interview. Mexican women were younger, more likely to have completed less than a 9th grade education, and more likely to prefer to complete the interview in Spanish (vs. English) compared to Puerto Rican women. In addition, Mexican women were more likely to be in the normal-weight group, be a non-smoker, and not have health insurance compared to Puerto Rican women. Results revealed key initial differences between Puerto Rican and Mexican women which should be considered when developing interventions that address overweight and obesity.

Evaluating Weight Status, Snacking Patterns, and Physical Activity Levels Among Primary Schoolchildren in Relizane, Algeria: A Comprehensive Analysis.

This study aimed to comprehensively assess the weight status, snack consumption, and physical activity levels among primary schoolchildren, with a focus on both rural and urban areas. This cross-sectional study surveyed 557 primary schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years, covering general identification (age, gender), anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, waist, and hip circumference), food patterns (frequency of food consumption), and sports activities. Using CDC body mass index thresholds, we identified a 25% prevalence of obesity and over 17% for overweight, revealing a significant urban-rural disparity. In urban areas, boys had a higher obesity rate (32.58%), while girls had a higher overweight rate (15%). Conversely, in rural regions, girls had a higher obesity rate (24.82%), and boys had a higher overweight rate (22.3%). Dietary analysis showed that over 86% consumed three daily meals, but distinctions in snack choices, such as chips, wafers, and biscuits, were noted between urban and rural areas. Additionally, urban schoolchildren were more likely to participate in sports activities compared to their rural counterparts, with rates of 70.22% versus 55.08%, respectively. Findings provide valuable insights into the health and food behaviors of primary schoolchildren and can inform interventions and strategies to promote healthier lifestyles.

Do calorie labels change energy purchased in a simulated online food delivery platform? A multi-arm randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAs rates of obesity and overweight continue to increase in the UK, calorie labels have been introduced on menus as a policy option to provide information to consumers on the energy content of foods and to enable informed choices. This study tested whether the addition of calorie labels to items in a simulated food delivery platform may reduce the energy content of items selected.MethodsUK adults (n = 8,780) who used food delivery platforms were asked to use the simulated platform as they would in real life to order a meal for themselves. Participants were randomly allocated to a control condition (no calorie labels) or to one of seven intervention groups: (1) large size calorie labels adjacent to the price (LP), (2) large size label adjacent to the product name (LN), (3) small label adjacent to price (SP), (4) small label adjacent to product name (SN), (5) LP with a calorie label switch-off filter (LP + Off), (6) LP with a switch-on filter (LP + On), or, (7) LP with a summary label of the total basket energy content (LP + Sum). Regression analysis assessed the impact of calorie labels on energy content of foods selected compared to the control condition.ResultsThe mean energy selected in the control condition was 1408 kcal (95%CI: 93, 2719). There was a statistically significant reduction in mean energy selected in five of the seven intervention trial arms (LN labels (-60 kcal, 95%CI: -111, -6), SN (-73, 95%CI: -125, -19), LP + Off (-110, 95%CI: -161, -57), LP + On (-109, 95%CI: -159, -57), LP + Sum (-85 kcal, 95%CI: -137, -30). There was no evidence the other two conditions (LP (-33, 95%CI: -88, 24) and SP (-52, 95%CI: -105, 2)) differed from control. There was no evidence of an effect of any intervention when the analysis was restricted to participants who were overweight or obese.ConclusionAdding calorie labels to food items in a simulated online food delivery platform reduced the energy content of foods selected in five out of seven labelling scenarios. This study provides useful information to inform the implementation of these labels in a food delivery platform context.

Dietary Habits, Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults in Italy: A Voluntary Sampling Observational Study.

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals continue to experience harassment and discrimination across various aspects of life, significantly impacting their physical and mental health. The scarcity of data on their general health, particularly regarding dietary habits, remains a challenge in developing effective healthcare strategies for this population. To address this gap, we analyzed selected dietary habits, physical activity (PA), and body mass index (BMI) among Italian TGD adults compared to the Italian general population (IGP). An online anonymous survey was conducted via the Computer Assisted Web Interviewing technique from June 2020 to June 2021. Participants were enrolled through clinical centers and TGD organizations. Data from 959 TGD adults were analyzed using chi-squared tests and logistic regression models. Key findings indicated that approximately 70% of TGD individuals consumed fewer servings of fruit and vegetables (FV) than recommended (five or more servings per day). Although red meat consumption was lower overall, a greater percentage of TGD individuals reported consuming more than three servings per week. Additionally, 58% of TGD participants indicated that they did not engage in any PA, compared to 36% of the IGP. Notably, significant differences in BMI were identified, with higher rates of overweight and obesity among TGD individuals assigned female at birth. These results underscore the urgent need for tailored nutritional guidelines and inclusive public health strategies to meet the specific health needs of the Italian TGD population. Expanding access to targeted interventions could contribute to improving overall well-being in this marginalized group.

Secular Changes in Growth in the Maya Village of Yalcoba: 1986-2023.

To analyze the changes in children's height, weight, BMI and rates of stunting and overweight and obesity over three periods: 1986-1987, 1996-1998, and 2023 for the community of Yalcoba in the Yucatan Peninsula. Four hundred forty (6-to-15 years) children measured in 2023 were compared with data obtained in 1986-1987 (n = 675) and 1996-1998 (n = 628). Z-scores of height and BMI were calculated to estimate percentages of stunting and high BMI-for-age (overweight and obesity). Comparisons of anthropometric parameters by sex and age groups between years of measurement were performed through one way ANOVAs. Differences in anthropometric parameters were significant in all age groups of both sexes. Boys measured in 2023 were, on average, 6.4 and 3.3 cm taller than boys measured in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively. Increases in girls were 12 and 7.3 cm, respectively. Average increases in weight of boys measured in 2023 were 7.9 kg compared to the 1980s and 5.8 kg compared to 1990s. Average increases in girls measured in 2023 were 11.3 kg compared to the 1980s, and 7.6 kg compared to the 1990s. Stunting between the 1980s and 1990s decreased by 15 percentage points and between the 1990s and 2023 decreased by 47 percentage points. The percent of children deemed overweight/obese during these periods increased from 8 to 12-50 by 2023. Results reflect the overall trends seen in the Yucatan where stunting has decreased substantially but the numbers of overweight/obese youths have increased dramatically in the past 30 years.

Gender Differential Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity, Hypertension and Diabetes in South India: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

India is facing triple epidemic of Non communicable diseases (NCDs) including high body mass index (BMI), high blood pressure and high blood glucose, contributing to more than half of deaths of all mortality, however, information in different demographics is limited, especially, in India. The aim of the study is to compare the prevalence of overweight, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, along with the occurrence of multi-morbidity, across gender-specific populations in rural, suburban, and urban regions of India. This was a cross-sectional, population-based study including adults aged 20 and above in rural, suburban, and urban areas near Coimbatore, India. All participants were interviewed using a detailed questionnaire and had their anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, blood pressure, and blood samples collected. Gender specific and location specific prevalence of overweight, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and multimorbidity were assessed. This study included 2976 individuals, of which 865 were from rural areas, 1030 from sub-urban areas, and 1081 from metropolitan areas. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher in rural participants than in sub-urban and urban participants, despite the fact that the prevalence of hypertension was higher in sub-urban (47.1%) than in rural (36.4%) and urban (39.7%, p < 0.001). In sub-group analysis, sub-urban areas had a greater prevalence of hypertension in both men and women (53.5% and 41.7%, p < 0.001) than rural areas (41.9% and 31.3%, p = 0.001) or urban areas (45.9% and 35.5%, p < 0.001). Compared to rural (16.1%) and urban (23%), sub-urban areas had a greater prevalence of diabetes (25.8%, p < 0.001). Urban residents (47.5%) had higher rates of overweight and obesity than rural (31.4%) and sub-urban (34.1%, p < 0.001) residents. The association between diabetes and hypertension was present in the unadjusted model and persisted even after age and BMI adjustments. Though not in men, higher levels of education were associated to a higher prevalence of diabetes in women. Diabetes was associated to being overweight or obese in women, however this association was significantly reduced once BMI was taken into account. The overall multimorbidity was 3.8%, however, women had a higher overlapping prevalence (2.8%) compared to men (1%, p < 0.001). Diabetes and hypertension were prevalent comorbidities across all demographics, with higher rates in suburban and urban areas. Women exhibited higher rates of multimorbidity than men, regardless of the demographic area.