Eating Patterns Research Articles

Association among nesfatin-1, obesity category, presence of obesity-related complications, and eating patterns in patients with obesity: results of a single endocrine centre observational study.

Since its discovery, nesfatin-1 (N1) has been recognised as an anorexigenic agent potentially related to obesity pathogenesis and development, including its modulatory effect on the brain's reward system and eating behaviours. As the results from human studies examining the relation between N1 serum levels, body mass index (BMI), and metabolic status are scarce and inconclusive, we aimed to investigate the association between serum N1 levels and obesity categories, obesity-related complications, and disturbed eating behaviour. We studied 110 patients with obesity divided into obesity categories according to their BMI and metabolic status. N1 was measured in a fasting state (N10) and 2h after a glucose load (N12) and correlated with anthropometric measurements, serum analysis, and the presence of selected obesity-related complications. Neither N10 nor N12 correlated significantly with obesity; however, N10 tended to be high in patients with a high BMI. A positive correlation was observed among N12, fat-free mass (p = 0.022), and muscle mass (p = 0.02). We found positive correlations between N10 and N12 with aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.012 and p = 0.022, respectively) and alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.027 and p = 0.006, respectively). Patients with dyslipidaemia had significantly higher N10 (p = 0.03) and N12 (p = 0.049) levels. Neither N10 nor N12 correlated significantly with disturbed eating behaviour; however, low N10 levels were associated with a hedonic eating pattern (p = 0.03). N1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and obesity-related complications; however, owing to the complex mechanisms of its secretion and action, further clinical and experimental research is needed.

Weight Discrimination as a Predictor of Stress and Eating: The Role of Identifying as “Fat”

Weight discrimination is associated with deleterious health outcomes, including high stress and disordered eating. According to the rejection-identification model, people who perceive such group-based discrimination respond by identifying more strongly with their stigmatized group, which can attenuate negative consequences of discrimination. However, some research shows that these protective benefits may not exist in the weight domain. Here, we examined whether perceived weight discrimination predicts identifying as “fat,” and whether that increased identification protects against negative consequences of discrimination for health. In a larger study, U.S. adults who reported considering themselves “to be overweight” (N = 1,725) reported on their perceived weight-based discrimination, fat-group identification, stress, and eating behaviors (i.e., uncontrolled eating, emotional eating, and restrained eating). We tested whether fat-group identification mediated the associations of perceived discrimination to stress and eating. Results showed that perceiving weight discrimination was associated with greater fat-group identification, which in turn was associated with more stress, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating. These findings suggest that identifying as “fat” in the face of weight discrimination may not reduce subsequent stress or unhealthy eating patterns. As such, in contrast to prior research on the rejection-identification model that suggests identifying with one’s group is protective for other identities, “fat” as an identity may not provide the same psychological and physical health benefits.

Gambaran Pengetahuan Gizi, Pola Makan Mie Instan dengan Status Gizi Mahasiswa Papua Universitas Halu Oleo

Nutritional knowledge is knowledge about food and nutrients, sources of nutrients in food, food that is safe to consume so that it does not cause disease and how to process food properly so that the nutrients in food are not lost and how to live healthily. One of the factors that influences eating patterns is the level of nutritional knowledge. A person's level of nutritional knowledge influences eating behavior in choosing food which determines whether it is easy for a person to understand the benefits of the nutritional content of the food consumed. The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between nutritional knowledge and instant noodle eating patterns among Papuan students at Halu Oleo University. This research uses quantitative research and the type of research is observational analytics with a cross sectional design. The results showed that the majority of respondents had a poor level of nutritional knowledge (75%), while only 25% of respondents had high nutritional knowledge. This shows that even though students are in a higher education environment, their knowledge about nutrition still needs to be improved. Most respondents (52%) consume instant noodles 2-3 times a week, with the main reasons being ease of preparation (65%) and affordable price (20%). This consumption is more dominant among students who live in boarding houses or dormitories compared to those who live with their families. It is hoped that this research will be useful for subjects to balance their eating patterns and have self-control because the majority of subjects have uncontrolled eating patterns due to living in boarding houses or dormitories so that their body health continues to be maintained. Apart from that, subjects can also pay more attention to nutritional balance in consuming food in order to achieve optimal nutritional status.

Parental Perspectives on Eating Disorders of Their School-Age Children with ADHD in Hong Kong: A Qualitative Study

Background: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently encounter eating problems. However, qualitative research on the eating problems of these children and the strategies employed by their parents to manage these issues remains limited. This study aimed to explore the eating problems of school-age children with ADHD and the coping strategies used by parents in urban settings like Hong Kong. Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was utilized, employing semi-structured focus group interviews. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 12 parents who voluntarily participated in five focus group sessions. The interviews were conducted in Cantonese, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using template thematic analysis to identify key themes and subthemes. Results: Two major themes emerged: challenges affecting ADHD children’s eating behaviors and parental coping strategies in Hong Kong. Children’s eating difficulties stemmed from ADHD-specific behaviors, compounded by Hong Kong’s demanding educational system and urban environmental constraints. In response, parents developed multifaceted coping approaches, ranging from dietary modifications and behavioral management strategies to healthcare resource utilization, while adapting their urban lifestyle to accommodate their children’s needs. Conclusions: Children with ADHD face eating challenges that intersect with Hong Kong’s sociocultural environment, where educational pressure, limited living spaces, and parents’ work schedules influence their eating patterns. Parents adopt integrated Eastern–Western approaches, supported by Hong Kong’s comprehensive healthcare resources spanning professional networks and community programs. Evidence-based dietary guidelines are essential to address ADHD-related nutritional misconceptions.

Plant-based eating pattern and psychological symptoms: a cross-sectional survey among patients with migraine

ABSTRACT Objectives: The present study evaluated the association between plant-based diet index (PDI) and psychological symptoms, including depressive symptoms, stress, and anxiety among Iranian women diagnosed with migraine headaches. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 262 patients with migraine (aged 20–50 years; body mass index, 18.5–30 kg/m²). Three versions of the PDI were calculated: overall PDI, healthy PDI (hPDI), and unhealthy PDI (uPDI) based on dietary data collected via a 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Psychological symptoms, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress, were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaire. Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, patients in the highest tertile of the PDI showed a lower risk of depressive symptoms [odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22, 0.77]. Furthermore, inverse associations were evident between the PDI score and the risk of stress (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.85). Discussion: Higher adherence to a plant-based eating pattern is associated with a reduced risk of psychological symptoms. However, future longitudinal studies and clinical trials should replicate our observations and delineate the underlying mechanisms driving these associations.

Parent-Reported Feeding Practices Associated With Children's Observed Willingness-to-Try-New-Foods in Childcare.

Feeding behaviours are established early in life, with lifelong influences on children's appetite, growth and health, emphasizing the importance of understanding how parent-child feeding interactions relate to children's eating and growth patterns. The objective was to examine reciprocity between parent-reported feeding practices and children's observed willingness-to-try-new-foods in childcare settings without parental presence, thereby assessing independence from context and parental influence. The sample included parent-child dyads (n = 436) recruited from 51 childcare centres across 10 counties. Parent-reported feeding practices, children's observed willingness-to-try-new-foods and children's height and weight were measured using the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ), a food tasting activity and standardized anthropometric protocols, respectively. Logistic and linear regression models assessed associations between parent-reported feeding practices and children's observed willingness-to-try-new-foods, as well as body mass index z-score (BMIz), respectively. All models adjusted for potential confounders, including clustering within childcare centres. Children's observed willingness-to-try-new-foods was positively associated with parent-reported restriction for weight control, suggesting independence from context. A child-driven interpretation suggests parental perceptions of children's high food responsivity or concerns about excess weight gain and a parent-driven interpretation suggests that children exhibit higher willingness-to-try-new-foods in response to parental weight-related restriction. Children's observed willingness-to-try-new-foods was not related to other parent-reported feeding practices. Child BMIz was positively associated with parent-reported restriction for weight and health and negatively associated with pressuring and giving children control over food intake. Future research is needed to determine factors associated with child and parent-driven interpretations of feeding practices and effective strategies to promote responsive parent feeding practices.

The brainstem reticular formation pivots abnormal neural transmission in the course of Anorexia Nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) represents an eating disorder, which features the highest rate of mortality among all psychiatric disorders. The disease prevalence is increasing steadily, and an effective cure is missing. The neurobiology of the disease is largely unknown, and only a few studies were designed to disclose specific brain areas, where altered neural transmission may occur. In AN behavioral alterations surpassing altered feeding are present, which often involve archaic behaviors finalized to the survival of the species. In fact, alterations of sleep and reward-driven behavior accompany the eating disorder, where a disruption of peripheral and central circadian rhythms occurs along with effortful behaviors, aberrant learning and mild cognitive impairment. Abnormal behavior often co-exists with a number of metabolic alterations in peripheral organs. The present article wishes to analyze the potential role of altered brain circuitry within the brainstem reticular formation during AN. In fact, this brain area contains neuronal nuclei and pathways, which are pivotal in connecting eating pattern with archaic behaviorsand autonomic activity within peripheral organs. A number of reticular nuclei releasing catecholamine and non-catecholamine neurotransmittersare evidenced in relationship with altered behavioral states and vegetative control to produce this psycho-metabolic disorder. The relevance of the reticular formation in sustaining the disorder is discussed in the light of developing effective therapeutic strategies.

Investigating the Status of Non-Communicable Diseases and Dietary Patterns of Patients with Lipid Disorders in Alvand City

Background and Objectives: Evidence shows that blood lipid disorders in people are influenced by their unhealthy diet. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the dietary pattern of people with lipid disorders and the status of non-communicable diseases in the studied population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 patients with lipid disorders. The participants were selected among people with lipids who referred to comprehensive health service centers in Alvand city by multistage sampling method. The data were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The findings were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Three dietary patterns including healthy, unhealthy and average were identified in the research participants. Most people (66.3%) followed a moderate dietary pattern. Also, 85% of people were overweight or obese. The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that an unhealthy eating pattern increases the likelihood of developing diseases by 2.267 times compared to a healthy eating pattern. It also showed that with increasing age, the probability of contracting the disease increases by 1.093. Also, there was a significant relationship between food pattern and education level (P<0.05). In this study, there was no significant relationship between age, marital status of people and their food pattern (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that people who follow an unhealthy food pattern have more non-communicable diseases. Therefore, it seems that modifying the food pattern through nutrition education is appropriate and can be effective in preventing other non-communicable diseases in the future.

Eating behavior patterns, metabolic parameters and circulating oxytocin levels in patients with obesity: an exploratory study

PurposeObesity is a complex heterogeneous disease often associated with dysfunctional eating behavior patterns. Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohormone involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and eating behavior. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in a population of patients with obesity circulating levels of OT and dysfunctional eating behaviors in relation to anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters.MethodsA prospective, observational, single-center study was conducted at the Center of High Specialization for the Care of Obesity of Sapienza University of Rome. Adult subjects with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were recruited. Body impedance assessment (BIA), biochemical and hormonal parameters, plasma OT concentration analysis and the Eating Behaviors Assessment for Obesity (EBA-O) questionnaire were evaluated.ResultsA total of 21 patients, 16 females and 5 males, with a mean age of 45.7 ± 15.1 years, mean BMI of 40.89 ± 8.02 kg/m2 and plasma OT concentration of 1365.61 ± 438.03 pg/mL were recruited. The dysfunctional eating behavior traits investigated by the EBA-O appear significantly associated with metabolic derangements. In particular, night eating is associated with alterations in lipid metabolism (p < 0.01). Circulating OT correlates positively with BMI (r = 0,43; p < 0.05), and Hepatic Steatosis Index (HIS) (r = 0.46; p < 0.05), while its role in subjects with obesity and alterations in glucose metabolism is less clear. Interestingly, circulating OT levels < 1312.55 pg/mL may be predictive of food addiction (100% sensitivity; 62.5% specificity).ConclusionsDespite the need for larger studies to confirm their validity, the clinical utility of the EBA-O and circulating OT in identifying dysfunctional eating behaviors appears promising.

A Very Low-Carbohydrate Program in Adults With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Phospholipase Domain-Containing Protein 3 Risk Genotype: Pre-Post Intervention Study.

Insulin resistance and the G allele of rs738409 interact to create a greater risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. This study aims to confirm that one promising way to reduce insulin resistance is by following a very low-carbohydrate (VLC) dietary pattern. Adults with rs738409-GG or -CG with liver steatosis and elevated liver function tests, were taught an ad libitum VLC diet, positive affect and mindful eating skills, goal setting, and self-monitoring and given feedback and coaching for 4 months. We measured liver steatosis, anthropometric, serum metabolic diet adherence, and quality of life measures. In this small pilot trial, of the 11 participants enrolled, 9 (82%) participants completed outcomes. All 11 participants viewed at least 1 session of the intervention, and 8 (73%) participants viewed at least half of the sessions. Among the 9 participants who provided 4-month self-report information, intervention satisfaction was high (mean 6.22, 95% CI 5.58-6.85), with 5 (56%) participants rating the intervention the top score, and 4 (44%) participants reporting they did not plan to stop following the VLC diet. Across participants with a 4-month hepatic liver fat percent measurement, the percent change in liver fat was -33.17% (95% CI -86.48 to 20.14), and in only the participants who were adherent to the eating pattern, the percent change in liver fat was -53.12% (95% CI -71.25 to -34.99). Amongst participants with a 4-month hepatic liver fat percent measurement, 6 out of 8 (75%) participants were considered responders, with a relative decline in liver fat ≥30%, and of the 9 participants with a 4-month body weight, 9 (100%) participants lost ≥5% of their body weight. There were no serious adverse events. Results suggest the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the VLC intervention in adults with higher genetic risk for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, although there is a need for further studies given the small sample size and the high risk of substantial biases in this small pilot study.

The Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Disordered Eating Among Adult Athletes in Italy and Lebanon.

Disordered eating (DE) is a wide-spectrum condition, represented by altered eating patterns, behaviors, and attitudes aimed at controlling food intake, body weight, and shape, which does not necessarily satisfy the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder of clinical severity. DE is frequently reported among athletes, but its prevalence and associated factors have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we intended to assess the prevalence of DE among adult athletes from different sports disciplines in Italy and Lebanon and to identify the factors associated with DE. A validated questionnaire (Eating Attitude Test [EAT-26]) was administered to determine the prevalence of DE, which was indicated by a score ≥ 17. Sport-related information, such as the type of sport, level of competition, training volume, and years of athletic experience, was also collected. Among the total sample of 881 athletes, 78 were identified as having DE, with a prevalence of 6.1% (7.8% of females and 4.9% of males) in Italian athletes and 21.3% (27.3% of females and 17.0% of males) in Lebanese athletes. In addition, among male athletes, the risk of having DE was more than threefold in those practicing weightlifting or bodybuilding (odds ratio [OR] = 3.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-10.08, and p < 0.05), while females with more athletic experience had almost 10% less risk of having DE (OR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.86-0.98, and p < 0.05). DE is a prevalent condition among athletes. Therefore, it is crucial that sports federations and committees consider adopting standardized practical guidelines that focus on routinely screening for the early identification of DE in this population and implementing strategies for its timely management. In the future, longitudinal studies are also needed to clarify the impact of DE on athletes' clinical condition as well as their physical fitness and sports performance.

Attitudes toward healthy nutrition in Germany - results from an online-representative cross-sectional survey.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in current German public health strategies. While sociodemographic differences in nutrition have been extensively studied, recent data specific to Germany remains limited. An online-representative cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022 among German-speaking adults aged 18-75 using a Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) format. The survey addressed personal eating habits, the importance of nutrition, motivations behind food choices, and openness to dietary changes. Data analysis included both descriptive and inferential statistics, incorporating CHAID decision tree analysis and nonparametric methods for inductive statistical evaluation. Among the 4,065 participants, 62.3% regarded healthy nutrition as important, with women, individuals with higher education, and those aged under 26 or over 70 demonstrating greater emphasis on nutrition. CHAID analysis identified education as the most significant predictor of attitudes toward healthy nutrition, followed by sex and income. Participants with a positive attitude toward healthy nutrition reported higher HRQoL scores (EQ-Index = 0.862) compared to neutral or negative attitudes (EQ-Index = 0.835)0.10.5% of participants reported not to eat meat, 28.6% were self-reported flexitarians and 54.1% of participants considered themselves omnivorous. Gender-specific dietary preferences were observed, with plant-based diets being much more popular among females. Participants identified taste preference as the primary factor influencing food choices (77.2%) when asked about the main reasons for their eating habits. Approximately 18% of participants predominantly or exclusively bought organic foods. Interestingly, one third of participants indicated a willingness to adopt a more plant-based diet if recommended by physicians or scientists. This online representative survey revealed significant associations between nutrition and sociodemographic aspects. Understanding this complex interplay might be useful for public health nutrition strategies that promote healthier national eating patterns.

Impact of bedroom light exposure on glucose metabolic markers and the role of circadian-dependent meal timing: A population-based cross-sectional study.

Light at night (LAN) has become a global concern. However, little is known about the effects of bedroom LAN exposure on glucose metabolism markers. We aimed to explore the association between intensity and duration of bedroom LAN exposure with glucose metabolism markers, and the role of circadian-dependent meal timing in these associations. Real-ambient bedroom LAN exposure was measured using a portable illuminance meter for two consecutive days. Seven consecutive days of sleep time and 24-h dietary records were assessed by wrist-worn accelerometer and mobile phone photos, respectively. Circadian-dependent meal timing, including the timing of meal relative to clock time and sleep time, was calculated from 24-h dietary records and sleep data. The mean age of participants was 18.7 years, and 32.8 % were male. Per SD lx increase of bedroom LANavg was associated with 1.75 μU/mL-increase in INS (95 %CI: 0.10, 2.50), 0.61 unit-increase in HOMA-IR (95 %CI: 0.43, 0.79), and 0.09 unit-increase in TyG (95 %CI: 0.04, 0.15); per SD min increase of bedroom LAN3 was associated with 1.61 μU/mL-increase in INS (95 %CI: 0.84, 2.37), 0.48 unit-increase in HOMA-IR (95 %CI: 0.29, 0.67), and 0.07 unit-increase in TyG (95 %CI: 0.01, 0.13). Nevertheless, these associations were found to be significant in later circadian-dependent meal timing group while weaker or not significant in earlier circadian-dependent meal timing group (time of first meal ≤ 9:00, time of last meal ≤ 19:00, first meal - sleep end ≤ 2 h, and sleep onset - last meal ≥ 5 h). Overall, bedroom LAN exposure was associated with impaired glucose metabolism markers among young adults. Importantly, circadian-dependent meal timing may have potentially moderate effects on these associations. Keeping bedroom darkness at night and adhering to early eating pattern may be important public health strategies to reduce the risk of glucose metabolism disorders.

Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases in People of Productive Age (15-64 Years) in Banjarmasin City in the Era of Society 5.0

Background: In the current Era of Society 5.0, the use of technology by the majority of society is actually increasing. It is hoped that the use of technological development can provide convenience for users, both in obtaining information, communicating, getting goods easily and even helping with working. It’s just that convenience offered will have a negative impact on society. Among other things, changes in activity patterns and eating patterns of people of productive age. So that the increase in body weight above normal or obesity and the risk of non-communicable diseases increases. Objective: This research aims to describe physical activity patterns, daily food consumption patterns and body weight status which are considered to contribute to the triggering of non-communicable diseases in people of productive age in Banjarmasin City, South Borneo, Indonesia Method: This research is quantitative descriptive research. The sample for this research consisted of 274 people spread across 5 areas in Banjarmasin City. The sample for this research was selected using a non-probability sampling technique, namely purposive sampling. This research instrument uses a questionnaire, namely the Baecke Questionnaire for physical activity, anthropometric data collection including height and weight, and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for eating patterns. Data analysis using SPSS version 16 with descriptive analysis. Result: The findings of this research show that the majority of productive age people's activity patterns in Banjarmasin City are in the low category (97.4%), with poor eating patterns (87.2%) and the majority's weight status in the normal category (51.9%). Conclusion: The physical activity of people of productive age in Banjarmasin City tends to be in the low category and their eating patterns are in the poor category. This finding can illustrate that the majority of people in Banjarmasin City are at risk of various non-communicable diseases.

Hubungan Pola Makan Berlemak dan Aktivitas Fisik dengan Kejadian Hiperkolesterolemia pada Akseptor KB dengan Depo Medroxy Progesterone Acetate (DMPA) di Praktek Mandiri Bidan (PMB)

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a problem that many people complain about, especially DMPA birth control acceptors (Depo Medroxy Progesterone Acetate). The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between fatty eating patterns and physical activity with the incidence of hypercholesterolemia in Ana Amalia's PMB. Methods: This research uses a type of Observational research with a cross sectional design. The population was 63 people with a sample size of 54 people and used the chi square test. Results: Ha was accepted, which means there is a relationship between fatty eating patterns and physical activity and the incidence of hypercholesterolemia in Ana Amalia's PMB. Conclusion: There is a close relationship between fatty eating patterns and physical activity and the incidence of hypercholesterolemia. The more frequently DMPA contraceptive acceptors consume fatty foods, the greater the incidence of hypercholesterolemia, as well as physical activity, people who do light physical activity tend to suffer from hypercholesterolemia, this is because fat in the body is not burned.

Pengaruh Stress Akademik terhadap Emotional Eating pada Mahasiswa Psikologi Universitas Negeri Padang

The study was conducted to analyze the influence of academic stress on emotional eating behavior among Psychology students at Universitas Negeri Padang. The background of this research highlights the high academic demands that can trigger stress and lead to emotional eating patterns as an unhealthy coping mechanism. The method employed in this study is a quantitative approach with descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation tests. The research sample consists of 60 fifth-semester psychology students selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed using a Likert scale.The results of the study indicate a significant but weak positive relationship between academic stress and emotional eating behavior, with a correlation value of 0.357 and p &lt; 0.05. The conclusion drawn from this research is that high levels of academic stress can trigger emotional eating behavior, although the correlation is relatively weak (Ha is accepted). Therefore, effective interventions are needed to manage academic stress to prevent its negative impacts on students' physical and mental health.

Association between timing of maternal energy consumption and adiposity in breastfeeding infants: A prospective cohort study.

Lactating women's food intake timing may play a critical role in maternal and infant nutrition health. We aimed to examine associations of breastfeeding mothers' diet quantity and circadian timing of food intake with subsequent weight status of exclusively breastfed infants over a 6-month period. This prospective observational study comprised pairs of healthy singleton breastfed infants and their corresponding healthy lactating mothers. Reported food intake times and diet content were used to define maternal eating patterns infant body mass index-for-age z scores (BAZs) at birth, 2 and 6 months. Association of maternal eating pattern with alterations in infant BAZ gain and nutritional status at age 6 months were investigated in multiple regression analyses. Compared with maternal daytime eating, maternal nighttime eating was linked to a greater increase in infantile BAZ from ages 2 to 6 months (adjusted β = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.05-0.92; P = 0.03) and a heightened likelihood of being overweight at age 6 months (adjusted odds ratio = 3.81; 95% CI, 1.41-6.63; P = 0.01) after adjusting for factors including maternal age, education level, household income, parity, pregestational body mass index, BAZ at 2 months, total daily energy consumption, and the percentages of energy derived from macronutrients. Disruption of rhythmic physiology from irregular eating habits can lead to circadian misalignment, which may result in abnormal weight gain in infants and an increased likelihood of being overweight in the early postnatal period. Circadian alignment is fundamental for regulating women-infant dyads health.

Healthy eating patterns associated with reduced risk of inflammatory bowel disease by lowering low-grade inflammation: evidence from a large prospective cohort study

BackgroundLimited epidemiological evidence exists regarding the role of healthy eating patterns in reducing the risk of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to four established healthy eating patterns and subsequent CD or UC risk, and further examined whether these associations are linked to anti-inflammatory mechanisms.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of 197,391 participants from the UK Biobank who completed at least one dietary questionnaire and were free from inflammatory bowel disease or cancer at baseline. Four dietary patterns were assessed, including Alternate Mediterranean Diet (AMED), Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015), Healthful Plant-based Diet Index (HPDI), and EAT-Lancet. Cox proportional models with restricted cubic splines were applied to explore the associations. The potential role of low-grade inflammation in these associations was examined through mediation analysis.ResultsDuring 2,193,436 person-years follow-up, 260 CD and 601 UC cases were identified. Higher AMED and HEI-2015 scores were associated with a reduced risk of CD but no UC, with no evidence against nonlinearity. These associations remained consistent across multiple sensitive and subgroup analyses. For dietary components, the fruits and monounsaturated fatty acids: saturated fatty acids ratio in AMED, and total fruits, total protein foods and fatty acid in HEI-2015 were linked to a decreased CD risk. Both diets were also associated with lower plasma inflammation biomarkers. Mediation analysis indicated that 7.66% and 13.40% of the reductions in CD risk attributed to AMED and HEI-2015 diets, respectively, were mediated by low-grade inflammation scores.ConclusionsHigher adherence to AMED and HEI-2015 might significantly reduce CD risk, partly due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Predicting control loss in eating behaviors using decision tree regression: Implications for educational interventions targeting motivational and physical factors

This study explores the determinants of control loss in eating behaviors, employing decision tree regression analysis on a sample of 558 participants. Guided by Self-Determination Theory, the findings highlight amotivation (β = 0.48, p &lt; 0.001) and external regulation (β = 0.36, p &lt; 0.01) as primary predictors of control loss, with introjected regulation also playing a significant role (β = 0.24, p &lt; 0.05). Consistent with Self-Determination Theory, the results emphasize the critical role of autonomous motivation and its deficits in shaping self-regulation. Physical characteristics, such as age and weight, exhibited limited predictive power (β = 0.12, p = 0.08). The decision tree model demonstrated reliability in explaining eating behavior patterns, achieving an R2 value of 0.39, with a standard deviation of 0.11. These results underline the importance of addressing motivational deficits in designing interventions aimed at improving self-regulation and promoting healthier eating behaviors.

Impact of internet addiction and gaming disorder on body weight in children and adolescents: A systematic review.

Internet use and gaming have increased in daily life. Internet addiction has not been recognised in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition or 11th Revision of International Classification of Diseases despite gaming addiction having been listed since 2013. Previous studies have shown an association between internet use and weight gain or disordered eating patterns in the general population, however none have addressed this association in a paediatric population. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between internet addiction or gaming addiction and weight in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted, and articles were screened for relevance. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) 3critical appraisal tool was used to assess quality of studies. Due to heterogeneity of the studies, a meta-analysis could not be performed, thus a narrative summary was performed with the results summarised and tabulated. Of 8114 initial articles identified, we included 14 studies. The review produced inconsistent results, with three of the 14 studies demonstrating no statistically significant relationship between internet and/or gaming addiction and obesity. The remaining 11 studies showed a statistically significant positive association. One study demonstrated that those who are underweight as well as overweight and obese were more likely to have problematic internet use. Four articles demonstrated increased rates of poor nutritional habits, poor eating patterns and weight control behaviour in children and adolescents with internet addiction or gaming disorder. Another study showed no statistically significant association between internet addiction and disordered eating or eating disorder. Most of the available studies revealed increased rates of obesity in children and adolescents with internet addiction or gaming disorder, with poor patterns of eating. Clearer definitions and consistent use of terminology are required to enable more robust research in this field.