Ponderal Status Research Articles

Improvement of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet through a Nutrition Education Teaching Pack for Teachers within the "School Fruit Scheme" Program: An Italian Long-Term Trial in School Children.

A previous short time span study related to the effectiveness of a teaching pack (TP) in improving the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) showed positive results. The present study was aimed at investigating and confirming those results, with a follow up data collection, in the same sample, a year after the baseline intervention. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted. Weight and height were measured. Eating patterns/lifestyle were assessed by the KIDMED test and questionnaires. Thirteen schools in three areas with low, medium and high prevalence of overweight/obesity (North, Center and South respectively) were involved, with a representative baseline cluster sample of 494 fourth class children (8-10 years old) in 2015. An intervention group and a control group were recruited in each school; the intervention group (n = 395) got the intervention, the control group (n = 99) did not. The children's KIDMED score changes were the main outcome measures. Differences in percentages of adherence and in yes/no answers on the KIDMED test, at baseline and after one year, for both the intervention and the control groups, were assessed through contingency tables and statistical tests. Improvements in the high and low adherence rates to MD were observed (high adherence: 24.4% to 43.3%; low adherence: 15.0% to 3.9%, p < 0.0001). The percentages of subjects with optimal adherence improved in both sexes (females: 25.5% to 49.5%, p < 0.0001; males: 23.1% to 36.6%, p < 0.0001) in all the geographical areas and ponderal status classes. Accompanying free distribution of fruit and vegetables with a nutritional intervention led by trained teachers with a cross-curricular approach can be successful in promoting healthy eating in children.

Personal values, food habits and lifestyles in a sample of adolescents with different adherence to the Mediterranean Diet.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the personal values system of an Italian adolescent sample and examine the interrelations of their values with some variables characterizing their lifestyles. A representative sample of 365 adolescents (56.2% females), 15-16 years old from the randomly selected second classes of public/private upper secondary schools of an Italian model region was investigated. The lifestyle of adolescents was explored through a 37-items structured, self-administered questionnaire. Ponderal status was evaluated from measured weight and height. The adherence to the Mediterranean Diet of the sample was determined by the KIDMED Test. The adolescents completed the 21-item Portrait Values Questionnaire, which assesses respondents' endorsement of the ten basic human values. The results suggest that variables related to their eating habits may be associated with their basic values. Some not healthy eating habits, such as eating while "watching TV"/using PC"/ "studying," were negatively related to tradition, conformity, and security values. The adolescents with both moderate and strong alcohol use, and with smoking habits also showed the highest percentage of low adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Our findings might provide some useful information to support the development of more effective and targeted health promotion interventions approaches tailored for this age group.

Dietary Fibre Consumption in a Sample of Italian Adults: Relationship Between Dietary Habits and Gender, Ponderal Status and Physical Activity

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the consumption frequency of foods rich in dietary fibre; in relation to gender, ponderal status and physical activity, in a sample of Italian adults.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted; from November 2021 to June 2022, on 300 subjects by a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviours and consumption frequency of dietary fibre-rich foods.Results: The consumption frequency of dietary fibre is higher in females than in males. A higher percentage of obese people never or rarely consumed foods rich in dietary fibre. In regards to the consumption of whole-meal biscuits/whole-meal rusks/whole grains, it was observed that a higher percentage of overweight subjects ate them every day, more so than those who were obese, of normal-underweight and in overweight females; with the difference being significant (52.6% vs 16.7% and 32.6%; p-value=0.0366). The same trend was observed for fruit and vegetable consumption; wherein, 11.1% of overweight participants consumed 5 or more servings per day of fruit and vegetables. In contrast, only 7.9% of normal-underweight and 3.6% of obese behave according to WHO recommendations. In overweight females, this difference was significant (12.8% vs 8.3% and 8.3%; p-value=0.0103). A significant (p-value&lt;0.05) higher consumption of dietary fibre was observed in physically active people than in physical inactive people, while no significant differences existed between those who exercise for at least 150 minutes/week and those who exercise less than 150minutes.Conclusion: Dietary fibre consumption was moderately associated with gender and weight status and significantly associated with physical activity.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food habits and neophobia in children in the framework of the family context and parents' behaviors: A study in an Italian central region.

This paper aims to evaluate whether changes in lifestyle and eating habits resulting from the Covid-19 emergency have influenced the post-pandemic level of food neophobia and in children living in an Italian central region. A sample of 99 children took part in a retrospective assessment carried out with a self-administrated questionnaire. Pre and post-pandemic evaluation of eating habits, physical activity, and lifestyle indicators was carried out. Food neophobia was evaluated following the Child Food Neophobia Scale (CFNS). Descriptive statistics were produced. A contingency analysis was performed to check associations between variables. For a large part of the sample (97%) the selective food refusal did not change during the pandemic period. About 70% of participants did not change their eating habits, with some subgroups reporting an increase in the consumption of fruits (22.2%), vegetables (19.2%), and legumes (21.2%). Relevantly the impact of the pandemic on the sedentary attitude passed from 25.3 to 70.7%. Neophobia was not associated with ponderal status (p-value 0.5). However, in normal-weight children, a high prevalence of intermediate-level neophobia (78.4%) was found. 39.4% of the studied children were involved in meal preparation during social isolation, with an increase in the proportion of children that shared all meals with their family (32.3% vs. 78.8%). Non-coercive parent behaviors in reaction to food refusal were associated with low levels of neophobia (p-value < 0.05). In this sample, for the effect of parents' attitudes, the pandemic positively affected children's food habits and, consequently, the level of neophobia after the social restrictions. The main implication of the study is the importance of capitalizing on the period of restrictions in order to involve children in meal sharing and food preparation.

Temps devant les écrans, sport et sommeil d’une population d’adolescents algériens – Influence du genre et de l’indice de masse corporelle

ObjectiveThis article analyses the influence of gender and body mass index (BMI) on the usual physical activities of a population of Algerian adolescents. Material and methodsData on sleep durations, studying at home, being in front of a screen (television, computer, smartphone, playing console) were collected using a questionnaire. Information on sporting activity was also collected. International references from the World Health Organization have been used to classify subjects by ponderal status. ResultsA total of 501 adolescents (10–19 years old) schooled in primary, middle and secondary cycles participated in the study. A negative correlation was found between the duration of sleep and their age (r=−12%). The normal weight adolescents were predominant (65.5%; P<0.0001). For sporting activity, 8.2% of those surveyed did not practise it (neither at school, nor in the gym, nor outdoors). Positive correlations were observed between age and BMI (r=36%), duration of use smartphone and BMI (r=50%) and with age (r=48%). For the three school levels, the average duration of using a smartphone was positively and significantly correlated with BMI (primary: r=29%; middle: r=35%; secondary: r=45%). ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle during adolescence through the capacity for self-regulation by avoiding a health risk behaviours, including the use of digital technologies and the lack of practice of sport.

2274-PUB: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sexual Dysfunction in Romanian Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) represents one of the chronic complications of diabetes, as the male sexual dysfunction, but less studied. Objective: Assessment of the prevalence and risk factors associated with sexual dysfunction in Romanian women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT). Material and Methods: The study sample included 132 Romanian women with T2DM and CAT. The presence of sexual disfunction was established using two validated questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index, and Female Sexual Distress Scale-revised. CAT diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of antithyroid antibodies (antiperoxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies). Results: We found that 47% of women presented sexual dysfunctions: 25.8% loss of libido, 21.2% orgasm, 17.4% lubrication, 18.9% arousal, 8.3% pain, and 17.4% satisfaction problems. The analysis revealed that age was a significant risk factor for FSD, along with DM duration and CAT duration. The presence of dyslipidemia as well as a ponderal status of overweight or obese, and also the glycemic control parameters such as average glycemic level and HbA1c were significant risk factors for FSD. Conclusions: Women with T2DM and CAT are more likely to present FSD and should be aware of additional risk factors. Disclosure A. Gherbon: None. M. Frandes: None. R. Timar: None.

Reference Intervals for Urinary Cotinine Levels and the Influence of Sampling Time and Other Predictors on Its Excretion Among Italian Schoolchildren.

(1) Background: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) exposure remains a public health problem worldwide. The aims are to establish urinary (u-) cotinine reference values for healthy Italian children, to evaluate the role of the sampling time and of other factors on children’s u-cotinine excretion. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 330 children. Information on participants was gathered by a questionnaire and u-cotinine was determined in two samples for each child, collected during the evening and the next morning. (3) Results: Reference intervals (as the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of the distribution) in evening and morning samples were respectively equal to 0.98–4.29 and 0.91–4.50 µg L−1 (ETS unexposed) and 1.39–16.34 and 1.49–20.95 µg L−1 (ETS exposed). No statistical differences were recovered between median values found in evening and morning samples, both in ETS unexposed and exposed. Significant predictors of u-cotinine excretions were ponderal status according to body mass index of children (β = 0.202; p-value = 0.041 for evening samples; β = 0.169; p-value = 0.039 for morning samples) and paternal educational level (β = −0.258; p-value = 0.010; for evening samples; β = −0.013; p-value = 0.003 for morning samples). (4) Conclusions: The results evidenced the need of further studies for assessing the role of confounding factors on ETS exposure, and the necessity of educational interventions on smokers for rising their awareness about ETS.

A teachers’ training program accompanying the “School Fruit Scheme” fruit distribution improves children’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet: an Italian trial

The effects of a nutrition education program, led by trained teachers within the Italian School Fruit Scheme, were evaluated. Pre–post intervention children’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) was assessed by the KIDMED test. A representative cluster sample of 494 fourth grade students from thirteen Italian schools in the three areas of low (North), medium (Centre) and high (South) prevalence of overweight and obesity was investigated. Within the same schools, the intervention group (n = 395) received the program, the control group (n = 99) did not. In the intervention group, the proportion of children with high adherence to the MD significantly increased in the total sample, females and South in the post-intervention; no significant changes in levels of adherence related to ponderal status were detected. A significant increase was found, particularly, in the proportion of children who improved their frequency of consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) daily, especially in the South.

Low Adherence to Dietary Guidelines in Spain, Especially in the Overweight/Obese Population: The ANIBES Study

ABSTRACTObjective: The objective of this study was to analyze the dietary intake of the Spanish population according to ponderal status and body fat distribution.Methods: Data were obtained from ANIBES (Anthropometry, Intake, and Energy Balance in Spain), a cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample (1013 men, 996 women) of the Spanish population (18–64 years). The final fieldwork was carried out from mid-September to November (three months) 2013. A 3-day dietary record provided information about food and beverage consumption. Height, weight, and waist circumference were assessed, and body mass index (BMI) and waist–height ratio (WHtR) calculated.Results: The Spanish population had a low consumption of fruits and vegetables, cereals, whole cereals, and dairy and high consumption of meat products. Individuals with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and abdominal adiposity (WHtR ≥ 0.5) showed lower compliance with dietary guidelines. In the male group, adjusting by age, inadequate consumption of cereals (<4 servings/day) and vegetables and fruit (<5 servings/day) was associated with higher risk of overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.704, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.187–2.447, p = 0.001, for cereals and OR = 3.816, 95% CI, 1.947–7.480, p = 0.001, for vegetables and fruits) and abdominal adiposity (OR = 2.081, 95% CI, 1.419–3.053, p = 0.000 and OR = 4.289, 95% CI, 2.108–8.726, p = 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: Nutritional campaigns should be conducted to improve the dietary habits of the Spanish population in general, especially men, who have poorer ponderal status and abdominal adiposity, due to their lower adherence to dietary guidelines.

Overweight/obesity and lifestyle factors among Italian adolescents: the ALIADO study.

Childhood obesity is associated with many lifestyle factors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity and several lifestyle factors in a sample of Italian adolescents. A representative cluster sample of 15-16-year-old adolescents in secondary school in the Lazio region (Italy) was recruited. Body weight, height and waist circumference were measured. Ponderal status was assessed by the IOTF and WHO definitions. Waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) cut-off of 0.5 was used to classify subjects with the highest cardiometabolic risk. Selected dietary habits and lifestyle characteristics were assessed by questionnaires. Three hundred sixty-nine adolescents (162 males and 207 females) were studied. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was 23.3%, according to the IOTF criteria with a higher percentage of males than females (30.2% vs. 17.9%; P=0.031), and 26% according to WHO references with significant differences between males and females (respectively, 33.9% vs. 19.8%; P=0.002). The WtHR≥0.5 was observed in 12.7% of the total sample with a higher percentage in males than in females (16% vs. 10.1%). Males reported an increased likelihood of being overweight or obese, as well as of having a WtHR≥0.5 (aOR 2.76 and 2.18, respectively). Adolescents that had breakfast regularly everyday were less likely to be overweight/obese and to have a WtHR≥0.5 (aOR 0.52 and 0.49, respectively). These results showed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity in the sample, and food habits and lifestyle not in accordance with recommendations, especially regarding breakfast. A Surveillance System of Italian adolescents should also be implemented through anthropometric measurement data to monitor the effectiveness of the policies to counteract obesity.

Overweight and Obesity in Italian Adolescents: Examined Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Factors.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity derived from measured data of weight and height in a cross-sectional sample of adolescents in the Italian region of Lazio and to analyse their association with different socio-demographic factors. The study was conducted in a representative sample of 15-16-year-old adolescents recruited in secondary schools between December 2011 and May 2012. 369 adolescents were investigated. Body weight, height and waist circumference were measured. The BMI of each subject was calculated, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined by age and sex using the IOTF reference values and WHO growth standards. Waist circumference/height ratio (WC/Ht) was calculated and the subjects were classified using the cut-off of 0.5: WC/Ht≥0.5 and WC/Ht<0.5. Selected socio-demographic characteristics were assessed via questionnaire. The percentages of overweight and obesity were high, 15.4% and 7.9%, respectively, with significant difference between males and females (19.1% vs. 12.6% for overweight and 11.1% vs. 5.3% for obese) using the IOFT reference. The ratio WC/Ht≥0.5 was observed in 12.7% of the sample (all the obese and 29.8% of the overweight subjects). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that gender, school municipality, mother's employment status, and family structure had a significant effect on ponderal status (overweight/obesity vs. normal weight). These findings show a high prevalence of body weight excess associated with socio-demographic factors in the Italian sample investigated, and the need for effective public health interventions to combact obesity with particular attention to disadvantaged adolescents.

Analysis of female physical activity characteristics according to age and ponderal status in a free-living context: a study from a central Italy sample

Purpose The analysis of daily physical activity characteristics is an important starting point to favor the promotion of proper physical activity against obesity. The aim of our study was to characterize physical activity organization, among the different intensities and across age and ponderal status, to verify whether the normal-weight condition has the same physical activity characteristics across ages.

Statut pondéral et pratiques alimentaires des jeunes en Algérie

D'importants changements socio-économiques ont affecté le mode de vie des algériens avec pour conséquences la recrudescence des maladies non transmissibles et de l'obésité. Les jeunes algériens n'ayant pas atteint leur potentiel génétique optimal de croissance sont confrontés à des changements dans leur alimentation. La transition s'observe au niveau de leur état nutritionnel et de leurs activités physiques. En général, la maigreur et le retard de croissance sont présents chez les enfants. Chez les adolescents, les filles ont un indice de masse corporelle plus élevé et une masse graisseuse plus importante que les garçons, et sont moins actives. Sédentarité et insatisfaction de l'apparence physique caractérisent cette population. Ces sujets s'éloignent du régime traditionnel algérien à la recherche de nouveaux goûts et plaisirs gustatifs qu'ils trouvent plus facilement dans des produits industriels pas chers (salés et sucrés à forte densité énergétique) et les aliments de rue ou de type « fast-food » qui altèrent l'équilibre alimentaire recommandé. De plus, l'influence de la vie scolaire se traduit par la déstructuration des prises alimentaires : absence de petit déjeuner ; grignotage ; horaires décalés.... Il s'agit d'aider cette population, soumise à une pression sociale et familiale, à installer la confiance en soi afin que les recommandations nutritionnelles soient acceptées sans induire de nouveaux troubles du comportement alimentaire. Les nutritionnistes doivent pouvoir diffuser les recommandations nutritionnelles par le biais des instances éducatives et sanitaires. La contribution des médias et des réseaux sociaux dans cette diffusion est fondamentale et elle doit inclure les dimensions sociales, culturelles et économiques pour une alimentation traditionnelle améliorée et diversifiée. [The major socio-economic changes have affected the Algerians life resulting in increased non communicable diseases and obesity. Algerian youth who have not reached their optimum genetic potential are facing changes in their diet. Transition is observed at nutritional status and physical activity. In general, thinness and stunting are present in children, while older girls are less active and have higher body mass index and fat mass. Physical inactivity and body image dissatisfaction characterized this population. These subjects go away from traditional Algerian diet in search of new taste and gustatory pleasure that they easily found in cheap industrial products (sweet and salty with high energy density) and street food or fast-food type which altered recommended dietary balance. Moreover, school life influence resulted in the destructuration of food behavior such as a lack of breakfast, snaking and shifted schedules. It is a matter of helping this population, subject to social and family pressure, to set up trust in itself, so that nutritional recommendations are accepted without inducing new eating disorders. Nutritionists must be able to diffuse nutritional recommendations through education and health authorities. The contribution of media and social networks in this dissemination is fundamental and must include social, cultural and economic dimensions for improving and diversifying traditional diet]

Relationship between bread consumption, body weight, and abdominal fat distribution: evidence from epidemiological studies

A long-standing belief held by the general public is that bread fattens. This encourages many people to restrict, or even eliminate, bread from their diet. The present review was conducted to assess whether or not eating patterns that include bread are associated with overall obesity or excess abdominal adiposity, whether in the general population or in subjects undergoing obesity management. The literature search included articles published over the past 30 years that focused on dietary patterns that included bread (refined or whole-grain) and their association with ponderal status and abdominal fat distribution. A total of 38 epidemiological studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria (22 cross-sectional, 11 prospective cohort, and five intervention). The results indicate that dietary patterns that include whole-grain bread do not positively influence weight gain and may be beneficial to ponderal status. With respect to dietary patterns that include refined bread, the majority of cross-sectional studies indicate beneficial effects, while most of the well-designed cohort studies demonstrate a possible relationship with excess abdominal fat. Because differences in the study designs make it difficult to form definitive conclusions, more studies are needed that focus specifically on bread consumption, within different dietary patterns, and its influence on ponderal status.

Striatal dopamine metabolism is differentially affected by insulin according to the genotype in Zucker rats: A microdialysis study

The genetically obese Zucker rat presents several abnormalities related to insulin and brain monoamines, which may play a role in its impaired regulation of food intake and body weight. In a previous study, the possible insulin-monoamine interplay was investigated by measuring brain monoamine and metabolite levels in the three genotypes of the Zucker strain. In addition to the expected results, insulin had a particular effect on striatal dopamine (DA) release, regardless of ponderal status and genotype. We further investigated this point in the present study, using the brain microdialysis technique in the striatum. Lean homozygous Fa-Fa rats responded as expected to insulin with regard to striatal DA release, with increases in DA and 3-methoxy-tyramine levels and decreases in dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid. Lean heterozygous Fa-fa rats showed a very specific response profile, with decreases in all dopaminergic parameters, suggestive of an effect on DA synthesis rather than DA release. This further emphasizes the marked differences between homozygous and heterozygous lean rats. The obese fa-fa rats clearly fell into two populations. The first showed a profile of response to insulin similar to that of the lean Fa-fa rats, in keeping with the disturbances related to the “fa” gene. The second showed an increase in all the dopaminergic parameters. This pattern of response was, however, different from that of the Fa-Fa rats. These opposing responses in the two obese populations did not reflect differences in the blood glucose response to insulin. One explanation is that 16 wk may be a critical transition period in the development of genetic obesity, with regard to brain monoamine disturbances and the response to insulin.