Rates Of Overweight Research Articles

Association of ACE2 Polymorphisms and Derived Haplotypes With Obesity and Hyperlipidemia in Female Spanish Adolescents.

BackgroundIn the cardiovascular (CV) system, overactivation of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) may trigger deleterious responses derived from angiotensin (Ang)-II, which can be attenuated by stimulation of ACE2 and subsequent Ang-(1-7) metabolite. However, ACE2 exhibits a high degree of genetic polymorphism that may affect its structure and stability, interfering with these cardioprotective actions. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship of ACE2 polymorphisms with cardiovascular risk factors in children.MethodologyFive ACE2-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), rs4646188, rs2158083, rs233575, rs879922, and rs2074192, previously related to CV risk factors, were analyzed in a representative sample of 12–16-year-old children and tested for their potential association with anthropometric parameters, insulin levels and the lipid profile.ResultsGirls (N = 461) exhibited lower rates of overweight, obesity, blood pressure, and glycemia than boys (N = 412), though increased plasma lipids. The triglycerides (TG)/HDL-C ratio was, however, lower in females. Interestingly, only in girls, the occurrence of overweight/obesity was associated with the SNPs rs879922 [OR 1.67 (1.02–2.75)], rs233575 [OR 1.98 (1.21- 3.22)] and rs2158083 [OR 1.67 (1.04–2.68)]. Also, TG levels were linked to the rs879922, rs233575, and rs2158083 SNPs, and the TG/HDL-C ratio was associated with rs879922 and rs233575. Levels of TC and LDL-C were associated with rs2074192 and rs2158083. Furthermore, the established cut-off level for TG ≥ 90 mg/dL was related to rs879922 [OR 1.78 (1.06–2.96)], rs2158083 [OR 1.75 (1.08–2.82)], and rs233575 [OR 1.62 (1.00–2.61)]. The cut-off level for TC ≥ 170 mg/dL was associated with rs2074192 OR 1.54 (1.04–2.28) and rs2158083 [OR 1.53 (1.04–2.25)]. Additionally, the haplotype (C-G-C) derived from rs879922-rs2158083-rs233575 was related to higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and TG elevation.ConclusionThe expression and activity of ACE2 may be essential for CV homeostasis. Interestingly, the ACE2-SNPs rs879922, rs233575, rs2158083 and rs2074192, and the haplotype (C-G-C) of the three former could induce vulnerability to obesity and hyperlipidemia in women. Thus, these SNPs might be used as predictive biomarkers for CV diseases and as molecular targets for CV therapy.

Xanthan- and Rice Cereal-Based Thickeners in Infants: A Multidisciplinary Single-Center Experience.

Single-center retrospective chart review conducted at a tertiary pediatric care center between January 2013 and July 2017. All infants deemed unsafe for oral feeding and treated with xanthan- or rice cereal-based milk thickeners were included. Data were extracted from the medical records and patients categorized according to the type of thickener. Primary outcome was the occurrence of diarrhea, constipation, overweight, and obesity at 3-6 and 6-12 months after thickener initiation. Appropriate statistical tests were used. In addition, an e-mail was sent to 14 level III Canadian Pediatric hospitals inquiring about their practice. We identified 53 patients to be included in the study; 20 used xanthan-based- and 33 used rice cereal-based milk thickeners. Rates of diarrhea, constipation, overweight, and obesity at 3-6 and 6-12 months after initiation were not different between thickeners. Important variability concerning thickening practices was reported by the 8 centers that responded. In infants treated with milk thickeners, xanthan-based or rice cereal-based thickeners may have similar safety profiles that require further investigation including a larger number of patients.

Nutritional status of children with autism spectrum disorder at caring centers for autistic children in Vietnam

Objectives: To describe nutritional status of children with ASD at caring centers for autistic children in Vietnam in 2021. Methods: This research is conducted at 18 centers raising children with ASD in Vietnam during two weeks in December 2021. A cross-sectional design was applied. Participants: The research was conducted on children who diagnosed with ASD and their caregivers. Data was collected by REDcap systerm through online interview. Results: According to height for age of Z-score, stunted and severely stunted children had the same percentage (12.1%) of under 5 years old group and in the group of 5-15 years old children, the percentage were 6.8% and 19.3% respectively. Moreover, in compliance with weight for age of Z-score, the percentage of underweight (6.7%) was five times higher than severely underweight ones (1.3) in the 5 years old group. And classification by BMI for age Z-Score, the rate of overweight and obesity was 30.9% and 37.3% respectively in two age groups. Conclusion: The rate of malnutrition is not high with underweight, stunted and the rate of malnutrition wasted mainly being moderate. However, the rate of overweight and obesity was significantly higher in both age groups. These findings emphasize the need for nutrition interventions to prevent malnutrition in the under 5-year-old children and overweight-obesity in the older group.

A SCHOOL NURSING HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM IN TURKEY: A PILOT STUDY

Aim: With the school health nursing screening program, which was carried out as a pilot study, it was aimed to examine the health status of school children and the affecting factors.
 Method: This study was conducted with 115 third- and fourth-grade students in a state primary school in Istanbul. Within the scope of the health screening program, the students underwent a three-stage evaluation including growth assessment, blood pressure measurement, and physical examination. Examination findings were recorded in a standard form and analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. 
 Results: It was determined that 18.3% of the students in the study were overweight and 17.3% were obese. Evaluation revealed dental caries in 53.9% of the students, vision problems in 35.7%, dirt in the outer ear/ear canal in 33.3%, runny nose in 27%, swollen lymph nodes in 14.8%, cough in 13%, nail biting in 11.3%, itchy skin in 9.6%, poor posture in 7%, and head lice or nits in 6.1%. Student age was associated with the prevalence of dental caries, nasal discharge, and dirt in the outer ear/ear canal (p ≤ 0.05). 
 Conclusion and Suggestions: The study results indicate that regular health screening is important in identifying student health problems, with dental caries, runny nose, and dirt in the outer ear/ear canal being the most important health problems detected during screening. In addition, it is noteworthy that the rates of overweight and obesity are high in children.

Narrative review of nutritional status among iraqi adults with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a global public health problem especially in middle east countries and Iraq has not spared from this pandemic. The prevalence in Iraq. and rank in Middle East. Beside increasing in prevalence- also poor glucose control. Nutrition plays a critical role. This paper narratively review variables that affect reduce the incidence of T2DM in Iraq and affect nutritional status among Iraqi withT2DM. The factors contribute to T2DM were high rates of obesity and overweight, as well as levels of body fat indicate a high prevalence of poor glycemic control. Likewise, levels of physical activity are low among older Iraqis.

Volumetric apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram metrics as imaging biomarkers for pretreatment predicting response to fertility-sparing treatment in patients with endometrial cancer

ObjectivesTo investigate the feasibility of volumetric apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis for prediction of fertility-sparing treatment (FST) response in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). MethodsPretreatment data of 54 EC patients with FST were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment response at each follow-up was pathologically evaluated. The associations of ADC histogram metrics (volume, minADC, maxADC, meanADC; 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th ADC percentiles; skewness; kurtosis) and baseline clinical characteristics with complete response (CR) at the second and third follow-ups, two-consecutive CR, and recurrence at the final follow-up were evaluated by uni- and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used for diagnostic performance evaluation. ResultsCompared with non-CR patients, CR patients had significantly higher minADC and 10th and 25th ADC percentiles at the second follow-up (P = 0.008, 0.039, and 0.034, respectively) and higher minADC, older age, lower HE4 level, and higher overweight rate at the third follow-up (P = 0.001, 0.040, 0.021, and 0.004, respectively). Patients with two-consecutive CR had a significantly higher minADC than those without (P = 0.018). There was no association between ADC metrics or clinical characteristics and recurrence (all P > 0.05). MinADC yielded the largest AUC in predicting CR (0.688 and 0.735 at the second and third follow-up, respectively) and the presence of two-consecutive CR (0.753). When combined with patient age and HE4 level, the prediction of CR could be further improved at the third follow-up, with an AUC of 0.786. ConclusionPretreatment minADC could be a potential imaging biomarker for predicting FST response. Clinical characteristics may have incremental value to minADC in predicting CR.

Testing the effectiveness of a novel, evidence-based weight management and lifestyle modification programme in primary care: the Healthy Weight Initiative.

Introduction Primary care prevention strategies that support and provide tools for general practice have the potential to slow and reverse rates of overweight and obesity. Aim To test the effectiveness of a novel 12-week, online, structured, evidence-based weight management and lifestyle modification programme in general practices. Methods Between August 2018 and March 2020, participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 were recruited from general practices in the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network region of Australia. Practices were randomly assigned to deliver a 'low-intensity' (LI) or 'high-intensity' (HI) variant of the programme. Practitioners were trained in programme delivery. The intervention involved weekly progress and accountability checks and scripted education sessions on evidenced-based nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle modification. The trial included follow-up evaluations at 6 and 12 months. Results In total, 695 participants were recruited from 26 practices. At the end of the 12-week programme, participants in the HI treatment arm lost an average of 3.2 kg (s.d. 3.8) and 29% (50/172) achieved clinically significant weight loss (>5% of initial body weight). Positive results were maintained at evaluations by participants in the HI treatment arm who attended, but only 31% of participants at 6 months and 21% at 12 months were followed up. Discussion Participant engagement and retention and practitioner workload burden are key factors in the design of weight management programmes in primary care. Many lessons can be obtained as a result of this trial, and programme adjustments have been identified to improve its delivery model.

Estimating the healthcare cost of overweight and obesity in South Africa

ABSTRACT Background Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. This presents a major burden to health systems and to society in South Africa. Collectively, these conditions are overwhelming public healthcare. This is happening when the country has embarked on a journey to universal health coverage, hence the need to estimate the cost of overweight and obesity. Objective Our objective was to estimate the healthcare cost associated with treatment of weight-related conditions from the perspective of the South African public sector payer. Methods Using a bottom-up gross costing approach, this study draws data from multiple sources to estimate the direct healthcare cost of overweight and obesity in South Africa. Population Attributable Fractions (PAF) were calculated and multiplied by each disease’s total treatment cost to apportion costs to overweight and obesity. Annual costs were estimated for 2020. Results The total cost of overweight and obesity is estimated to be ZAR33,194 million in 2020. This represents 15.38% of government health expenditure and is equivalent to 0.67% of GDP. Annual per person cost of overweight and obesity is ZAR2,769. The overweight and obesity cost is disaggregated as follows: cancers (ZAR352 million), cardiovascular diseases (ZAR8,874 million), diabetes (ZAR19,861 million), musculoskeletal disorders (ZAR3,353 million), respiratory diseases (ZAR360 million) and digestive diseases (ZAR395 million). Sensitivity analyses show that the total overweight and obesity cost is between ZAR30,369 million and ZAR36,207 million. Conclusion This analysis has demonstrated that overweight and obesity impose a huge financial burden on the public health care system in South Africa. It suggests an urgent need for preventive, population-level interventions to reduce overweight and obesity rates. The reduction will lower the incidence, prevalence, and healthcare spending on noncommunicable diseases.

Differences in Overweight and Obesity Prevalence among Young Men from Twelve Middle Eastern and Asian Countries Living in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among young men from twelve Middle Eastern and Asian countries who live in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design and was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The body weight and height of 3600 young men (aged 20 to 35 years) were measured using standardized methods. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were collected using face-to-face interviews. Results: Overweight and obesity was reported in 48.3% of the study sample; 42.2% were overweight, and 6.2% were obese. The overweight and obesity rate was associated with the nationality of the participants. The lowest rate of overweight and obesity was observed among participants from Bangladesh (19.4%), while the highest rate was reported among participants from Egypt (67.5%). Older age and longer residency duration were associated with overweight and obesity risk among the subjects. Conclusion: The outcomes revealed a fairly high prevalence of overweight and obesity among participants. The notable disparity in overweight and obesity rates among participants of different nationalities is confirmed. The risk of overweight and obesity among young men in Saudi Arabia is associated with nationality, age, and residency duration.

The Analysis of Trends of Preschool Child Stunting, Wasting and Overweight in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Still More Effort Needed to Reach Global Targets 2025.

This study was undertaken to analyze and compare Eastern Mediterranean (EM) countries in achievement of WHO nutrition global targets for children growth indicators by 2025. A total of 108 national surveys from 20 countries in EM region were analyzed to estimate the prevalence of stunting and wasting and 93 surveys to estimate the prevalence of overweight/obesity in children. These data were obtained from national surveys included in the WHO Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. In EM region, the prevalence of childhood stunting was estimated to have a 38% decline from 2000 (34.7%) to 2025 (21.2%). Only three countries in EM region (Iran and Jordan, Saudi Arabia) were anticipated to achieve the expected WHO target by 2025. From 2000 to 2020, the prevalence of wasting decreased from 6.9 to 5.3. Six countries were presumed to achieve the expected WHO target by 2025. Nine countries will presumably have overweight rates >5% (Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syrian Arab Republic and Tunisia) in 2025 whereas five countries will have overweight rates above 10% (Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Syrian Arab Republic and Tunisia). Despite descending trends of child stunting and wasting and a secular trend of child obesity in EM region, it is expected that WHO targets will not be achieved by 2025. A diverse socio-economic condition in EM countries necessitates different action plans. International determination, political commitment and, above all, involvement of the families are needed to achieve 2025 targets for child stunting, wasting and overweight/obesity.

Scoping review of diet-related health outcomes and associated risk factors in Ghana

As part of a process to develop food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs), the national Multi-sectoral Technical Task Team coordinating FBDGs development in Ghana has commissioned a desk review of the nutrition and health situation, and trends for all persons living in Ghana, across the entire life cycle. Using a rapid scoping review method, multiple electronic databases were systematically searched using keywords related to nutrition and health outcomes, as well as potential drivers of nutrition and health in Ghana. The review included evidence from peer-reviewed articles, unpublished manuscripts, dissertations, reports of nationally representative surveys, and other grey literature (reports of nutrition situation evaluations commissioned by international and local agencies), spanning the decade starting from 2010. A total of 48 documents were included in this review: 15 for infants and young children, 14 for adolescents, 19 for adults and women of reproductive age, and five for the elderly. Among children under five, anemia and stunting were the most prevalent nutrition-related outcomes, 62% and 19%, respectively. Underweight prevalence of 11% was observed among young children; wasting rates have remained below 10%, but registered about 20% prevalence in northern Ghana. Different levels of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency were reported across all age groups. Nutrient deficiency rates were higher among adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. Vitamin A deficiency was also high (21%) among under-fives. Overweight and obesity rates were high among women of reproductive age (40%) and adolescents (11% to 18% between 2013 and 2017), and still increasing. Underweight and overweight coexists among the elderly (50 years and above), at a rate of 10% and 20%, respectively. An increasing prevalence of central adiposity has also been reported among women of reproductive age (high waist circumference of 80.6%) and persons older than 60 years (67% in 2015). Rates of hypertension and cancers have also increased within the study period. Hypertension rates have been increasing with age, particularly among urban dwellers. Majority of persons with hypertension are not receiving treatment . Incidence of breast, cervical, and liver cancers were 20%, 14%, and 12% in 2018. Ghana is experiencing a double burden of malnutrition characterized by co-existing high levels of undernutrition and overnutrition. The national FBDGs for Ghana should prioritize recommendations and actions that address the dual burden of undernutrition and overnutrition. Key words: Nutritional status, Micronutrient Deficiency, Ghana, undernutrition, Overweight, Anemia, Stunting, non-communicable disease

A Survey of Healthcare Professionals’ Treatment of Patients with Eating Disorders and Obesity in Saudi Arabia, and the Availability of Specialised Resources

Over the last few decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has experienced rapid socio-cultural changes caused by the accelerating economy of the Arabian Gulf region. This was associated with major changes in food choices and eating habits, which became progressively more “Westernized”. Such a “nutritional transition” has been claimed to be responsible for the rising rates of overweight and obesity recently observed among the Saudi population. The prevalence of obesity among adults in Saudi Arabia is 24.7% in 2020. However, the roles of psychology in obesity management and the assessment of metabolic surgery are not clear. This study aims to identify the number of referrals for Eating Disorders (ED) and obesity, the management and level of availability of ED specialists as reported by healthcare staff, and the use of mental health services in treating EDs and obesity. A total of 15 health services in SA were surveyed and 123 questionnaires completed by health professionals.

Atherogenic Risk, Anthropometry, Diet and Physical Activity in a Sample of Spanish Commercial Airline Pilots.

Cardiovascular accidents are the most disabling event for pilots, causing complicated situations during flight and the withdrawal of license. The study aims to assess the modifiable risk factors and the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) associated with anthropometric, physiometabolic and lifestyle profiles in a sample of Spanish aviation pilots. Data from pilots’ clinical and professional history, anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance assessments of nutritional status, and diet and physical activity questionnaires. The sample comprised 304 men pilots. Up to 53.6% showed excess weight, of which 6.4% were obese, 64.3% presented high relative adiposity and 64.6% showed abdominal obesity. Regarding the physiometabolic profile, 10.0% had hypertension, 42.6% hypercholesterolemia, 9.4% high LDL and 10.6% low HDL, 9.4% hyperglycemia and 8.1% hypertriglyceridemia. The adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) was high in 29.7% and low in 14.7%. Most of the sample showed a good physical activity level. The AIP risk increased with higher obesity indicators and LDL cholesterol levels. There was an inverse relationship between the MedDiet adherence and vigorous physical activity and the risk of atherogenicity. Elevated rates of overweight, abdominal obesity and hypercholesterolemia were found, contributing to the atherogenic risk of plasma (AIP). This parameter was significantly associated with all anthropometric indicators and LDL cholesterol. Prevention plans on reducing excess fat and blood cholesterol levels are recommended to reduce cardiovascular risk in Spanish aviation pilots and ensure flight safety.

Realizing the Potential of Neglected and Underutilized Bananas in Improving Diets for Nutrition and Health Outcomes in the Pacific Islands

Pacific Island countries are undergoing rapid food system transformation. This has led to a deterioration in diet quality with decreased consumption of traditional, fresh foods, and increasing consumption of imported, ultra-processed foods. Consequently, the triple burden of malnutrition is a now a major issue in the region. It is estimated that Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is widespread, particularly in Kiribati, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands. Rates of overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable disease (DR-NCD) are high. Increasing consumption of local, traditional fruits and vegetables, particularly those that have high nutritional value like Pacific Island bananas, could play an important role in improving diets and health outcomes of Pacific Islander populations. Many of the banana cultivars found in the Pacific Islands region are high in carotenoids, an important precursor to Vitamin A. Fe'i bananas, such as Utin Iap, have been shown to contain much higher amounts of carotenoids than that of the commonly consumed Cavendish banana. As a traditional, starchy staple food, bananas are a good source of carbohydrate, including resistant starch, with small amounts of protein and little fat. These characteristics also lend themselves to being part of a healthy diet. The promotion of neglected and underutilized banana cultivars in the Pacific region provides a food-based and low-cost solution that simultaneously supports healthy diets and good nutrition, local farming systems and livelihood opportunities. However, to realize this potential, more work is required to understand the availability of nutrient rich banana in the region, current consumption patterns and drivers of consumption.

A Study on the Relationship Between Adolescent Health Behavior, BMI, and Blood Physical and Chemical Properties.

In this study, the blood test index, demographic data, and health promotion behavior of adolescents were analyzed to provide a reference for early prevention and treatment of physical decline and abnormal biochemical indexes of adolescents. Using a cross-sectional study design, 1,436 valid samples were obtained by stratified random sampling, and the data were processed by SPSS21.0 statistical analysis software. The results showed that the overall health-promoting lifestyle of adolescents was good, and the interpersonal support behavior was the best, and the health responsibility and sports participation behavior were the worst; the interpersonal support and sports participation behavior of adolescents with normal weight were significantly better than those with overweight or light weight, while the overall health-promoting behavior of adolescents with high fasting blood glucose (FBG) before meals was poor, those with high glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) had poor nutritional behavior and health responsibility behavior, while those with high uric acid (UA) had poor interpersonal support and stress coping behavior. The overweight rate and abnormal detection rate of UA and triglyceride (TG) in boys were significantly higher than those in girls, and the higher BMI of teenagers, the higher abnormal detection rate of GPT, UA, and TG, the better nutritional behavior, health responsibility behavior, and sports participation behavior, the lower abnormal detection rate of GPT, UA, and TG; the higher education level of parents, the better teenagers' sports participation and health responsibility behavior, the lower the incidence of overweight, the more time they spend playing online games and drinking sugary drinks on weekdays (or holidays), the higher the incidence of overweight.

Intuitive eating is positively associated with indicators of physical and mental health among rural Australian adults.

IntroductionRural Australians have comparatively higher rates of overweight and obesity, as well as some mental health issues. Intuitive eating has been shown to be positively associated with an array of physical and mental health indicators. Few studies, however, have been conducted with general populations, and none has explicitly examined intuitive eating among rural residents.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of intuitive eating, and associations between intuitive eating and indicators of physical and mental health, among a general population of rural adults.DesignCross‐sectional telephone survey of 200 randomly selected, non‐metropolitan, English‐speaking Australian residents aged 18 or older.FindingsThe prevalence of intuitive eating in the sample was 17.6%, with a higher level of intuitive eating among men than women (26.1% vs 9.1%). Bivariate associations between intuitive eating and each of the six health indicators were all positive and mostly statistically significant. Particularly strong was the correlation between intuitive eating and self‐esteem for women (r = 0.53). After controlling for indication of an eating disorder and demographics, the associations between intuitive eating and the outcome variables held for body mass index (BMI), psychological distress and body esteem for men, and for BMI and self‐esteem for women. Post hoc analyses found that BMI did not moderate the relationship for women between intuitive eating and self‐esteem and that body esteem mediates the relationships between intuitive eating and BMI and psychological distress for men, and between intuitive eating and self‐esteem for women.DiscussionConsistent with most prior research, this study finds that intuitive eating is positively associated with several indicators of both physical and mental health among non‐metropolitan residents in Australia. Practice of intuitive eating in this population, however, is low. These findings may help allied health professionals guide rural populations to better health, and may be a particularly effective approach for people for whom the barriers to seeking out health services are high.ConclusionIntuitive eating appears to have substantial correlations with mental health indicators, and to some extent, physical health indicators, among rural Australians and therefore should be further investigated for its potential to inform public health policy targeted to similar populations.

Food policies and obesity in low- and middle-income countries

• We examine the implication of food policies on body weight outcomes. • An increase in tariff rate on “unhealthy” foods is associated with reduction in obesity rates. • An increase in subsidy rate is associated with higher obesity rates. • These implications of these food policies are more pronounced among poorer individuals. • We highlight heterogenous implications of trade and fiscal policies. Understanding the public health implications of food policies is crucial to combat recently increasing overweight and obesity rates in many low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). This study examines the implication of food policies, mainly tariff rates on “unhealthy” foods (sugar and confectionery products as well as fats and oils) and governments’ subsidies, on individuals’ body weight outcomes. We compile several macro- and micro-level datasets that provide macro-level information on food policies and micro-level anthropometric data for several LMICs. We exploit temporal dynamics in tariff rates on “unhealthy” foods and governments’ spending on subsidies to estimate fixed effects models characterizing the evolution of body weight outcomes. We find that temporal dynamics in tariff rates on unhealthy and energy-dense foods are significantly and negatively associated with body weight. Conditional on several observable and time-invariant unobservable factors, a decrease in tariff rates on sugar and confectionary foods or fats and oils is associated with an increase in overweight and obesity rates. On the other hand, an increase in subsidy rate, as a share of government expenditure, is significantly associated with higher overweight and obesity rates. Interestingly, we find that the implications of these food policies are more pronounced among poorer individuals. This may be explained by the fact that poorer households usually spend a larger share of their income on food consumption or unhealthy foods; and that poorer individuals are often beneficiaries of government subsidies in many LMICs. These findings have important implications for informing public health policies in LMICs, which are experiencing an unprecedented rise in overweight and obesity rates.

Differences in Overweight and Obesity Prevalence in Middle-Aged Men from Twelve Middle Eastern and Asian Countries Living in Saudi Arabia.

PurposeThis study was conducted to determine differences in overweight and obesity prevalence and the associated sociodemographic variables among middle-aged men from twelve Middle Eastern and Asian countries living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study. The study sample was chosen randomly using a stratified clustered sampling technique. The weight and height of 1800 middle-aged men (36 to 59 years) from twelve Middle Eastern and Asian countries living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were measured using standardized methods. Face-to-face interviews were used to gather sociodemographic information from participants.ResultsOverweight and obesity were reported among 51.9% and 14.7% of participants, respectively. Nationality was a predictor of overweight and obesity. Subjects from Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia had the lowest (41.0%) and highest (85.1%) rates of overweight and obesity, respectively. Increasing age, staying in Saudi Arabia for a longer period, being single, and earning a high monthly income were associated with a significantly higher risk of overweight and obesity among the participants.ConclusionThe findings revealed significant differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among participants from different countries living in Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic variables associated with overweight and obesity among participants were identified.

Tình trạng dinh dưỡng, tần suất tiêu thụ thực phẩm và một số yếu tố liên quan đến tình trạng dinh dưỡng ở người cao tuổi dân tộc Khmer tại huyện Trà Cú, tỉnh Trà Vinh năm 2020

Background: Malnutrition in the elderly is a very common problem in developing countries. There are many factors affecting the nutritional status of the elderly, especially the habit of consuming foods. Objective: To determine nutritional status and frequency of food consumption and some factors related to nutritional status among the Khmer elderly people. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 614 subjects in 10/17 communes in Tra Cu district, Tra Vinh province in 2020. Results: The rate of malnutrition classified by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was 23,9%; and 62,1% was at risk of malnutrition and 14,0% had normal nutritional status. According to Body Mass Index (BMI), the rate of malnutrition was 27,5%; the rate of overweight and obesity was 14,2% and 58,3% had normal nutritional status. The food groups with the highest frequency of consumption were meat, fish, eggs, tofu, and beans. Nutritional status was related to the frequency of food consumption, low level of physical activity and some characteristics of the study subjects. Conclusion: The study results show a high prevalence of malnutrition, an unequal consumption of food groups and some related factors. Therefore, it is necessary to improve behaviors related to lifestyle and proper dietary practice to prevent malnutrition.

THỰC TRẠNG DINH DƯỠNG CỦA HỌC SINH TRƯỜNG TRUNG HỌC PHỔ THÔNG SỐ 1 THÀNH PHỐ LÀO CAI, TỈNH LÀO CAI

An adolescence period (15 - 17 years old) is an important stage of body development. Study on the nutritional status of adolescents plays an important role in health care. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1095 students aged 15 to 18 years old at Lao Cai No. 1 High School in 2019. Results showed that median age was 16.3; weight was 53 kg; height was 163 cm; waist circumference was 68 cm; hip circumference was 80 cm; BMI was 20.0 kg\m2; Z-score height for age was -0.6; Z-score BMI for age was -0.3. Anthropometric indicators such as weight, height, and BMI in boys were higher in girls as compared to boys in all grades. The rates of malnutrition, overweight and obesity were 5.4%, 9.1%, and 1.6%, respectively. The malnutrition, overweight and obesity in boys (6.8%, 3.4%, 2.3%, respectively) were significantly higher in girls (4.1%, 5.8%, 1.1%, respectively) as compared to boys (P < 0.05). These parameters of students of grade 10 (2.5%, 16.4% and 2.5%), 11th grade (6.4%, 7.4% and 2.0%) and 12th grade (6.9%, 3.7% and 0.3%) were different (P < 0.001). The results of the current study showed that the rate of stunted students was 3.9%, however, there were no significant differences in gender and grade level (P > 0.05). These results have oriented students, families, and schools to improve the poor nutritional status, and provide the best conditions for the development of adolescents.