Underweight Participants Research Articles

A retrospective analysis of the Svayampurna Upacara Therapy in addressing PCOD symptoms

Introduction: This study assesses the efficacy of Svayampurna Upacara therapy, a holistic energy-based treatment, in managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Conducted retrospectively on 150 women treated from 1995 to 2024 at Niraamay Wellness Center in Maharashtra, the study included energy healing, yoga, and meditation counselling over 12 weeks. The therapy aims to balance Panch Tattva (five elements) and align Chakras to address the root causes of PCOS symptoms. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 150 women with PCOS, using Svayampurna Upacara therapy. Over 12 weeks, participants underwent energy healing, Yoga, and meditation counselling, focusing on balancing Panch Tattva and Chakra alignment. Outcomes were assessed using McNemar's Chi-square test. Results: The results showed significant improvements in menstrual cycle regularity and reduced dysmenorrhea severity. Body Mass Index (BMI) management was more effective in underweight and normal BMI participants, with modest changes observed in higher BMI individuals, likely due to Pruthvi and Jal Tattva imbalances. Additionally, there were notable improvements in hirsutism, hair shedding, acne severity, and emotional parameters, as measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-10. Discussion: The study highlights the potential of Svayampurna Upacara therapy in stabilizing mood swings and enhancing emotional well-being by addressing Tattva imbalances. However, the findings underscore the need for further research with larger, controlled studies to validate these results and establish the treatment's clinical efficacy. Overall, Svayampurna Upacara therapy offers a comprehensive approach to managing PCOS, addressing both physical and emotional health through energy balancing techniques.

The Relationship Between Dietary Intake and Anthropometric Indices Between Dietary Intake and Anthropometric Indices with Anxiety in Female Medical Students

Background: Vitamins play an important role in improving mental health. Healthy diets can significantly influence the development, progression, and treatment of mental health disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between dietary intake and anthropometric profiles with anxiety in female students of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 200 female medical students for daily intake of B vitamins, omega-3, anthropometric indices, and their correlation with anxiety. The Food Frequency Questionnaire and Bronze Anxiety Questionnaire were used to examine the relationship between dietary intake and anxiety. The associations between parameters were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation. Results: The findings revealed that the mean age of the female medical students was 22.60 ± 2.10 years, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23.37 ± 4.01, a waist-to-hip ratio (WHpR) of 0.81 ± 0.11, a waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) of 10.55 ± 0.10, and an anxiety score of 44.83 ± 17.71. Positive correlations were observed between BMI (r = 0.89, P = 0.0001), WHpR (r = 0.86, P = 0.0001), and WHtR (r = 0.898, P = 0.0001) with anxiety. The mean anxiety scores were 23.84 ± 4.36, 38.59 ± 4.62, 61.44 ± 13.63, and 74.44 ± 5.96 in underweight, normal, overweight, and obese participants, respectively. A negative correlation was identified between the consumption of vitamins and omega-3 and anxiety scores (r = -0.63, P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study suggests that a higher intake of dietary B vitamins and omega-3 is associated with lower anxiety scores in Zahedan medical students.

Young females experience higher body image dissatisfaction associated with a high social media use: a cross-sectional study in Omani university students

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess body image dissatisfaction in Omani university students across gender and age and explore the potential impact of social media use on body image dissatisfaction. This cross-sectional online survey was responded by 482 Omani university students. The survey included socio-demographic data, a Social Media Activity Questionnaire, and a Body Dissatisfaction Scale. The participants were approached through promotion of the study on locally famous social media accounts.ResultsThe prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was higher in females compared to males (37.7% and 24%, respectively). Additionally, 53.6% of participants with a high body mass index reported high levels of body image dissatisfaction, while underweight participants reported the lowest body image dissatisfaction (21.3%). High social media use showed a significant correlation with body image dissatisfaction (p < 0.001); however, age did not exhibit a significant association with body image dissatisfaction. Concerns related to being overweight and not having clear skin were the most common body features associated with body image issues.ConclusionHigher levels of body image dissatisfaction were found with high social media use. The study also identified a higher prevalence of body image dissatisfaction in females compared to males, with no significant differences across age groups.

Comorbidity, Eating Behaviors and Smartphone Addiction in Italian Nurses' Characteristics.

Evidence suggested how nurses experienced worse lifestyles than the general population by recording deterioration rates in healthy conditions. To assess differences between comorbidity, eating behavior, and smartphone addiction according to sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), age, work experience, shift, alcohol assumption, and physical activity in Italian nurses. An online questionnaire was spread through some professional internet pages. Data included demographic characteristics, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the Italian Version of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV). A total of 456 nurses were recruited. Significant differences were registered in the smartphone addiction score (p=0.030) and BMI scores and work experience (p=0.001), as underweight participants reported higher scores in the smartphone addiction attitude (2.4714 ± 1.25812) than the other subjects and also participants with the highest number of years in work experience also reported higher smartphone addiction scores (2.8074 ± 1.2022). Significant difference was reported in the CCI scores according to age (p<0.001): subjects aged over 61 years recorded higher scores in the CCI (1.67 ± 1.528) and also according to work experience and CCI scores (p<0.001), as participants employed between 21 and 30 years reported higher scores in the CCI (1.27 ± 1.382) and also to night shift (p=0.037), as participants who worked during the night shift also reported higher scores in the CCI. A significant difference was reported only for restrained eating attitude (p=0.034), as participants who declared to assume alcohol 2-3 times per month recorded higher levels in this eating attitude aspect (32.32 ± 7.181). Female nurses, overweight and obese nurses with low physical activity practice, seemed to spend more time with their smartphones. Healthcare organizations should consider findings to prevent unhealthy lifestyles among nurses, which could negatively influence the whole healthcare system.

Body Mass Index as a Determinant of Lower Limb Function and Community Well-Being in Older Adults: Analysis of 2020 National Older Korean Survey Data.

This epidemiological research investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and lower limb function and community well-being among the older population (≥65 years old) in South Korea. Using the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans (N = 10 097; Mage = 73.6 ± 6.63; MBMI = 23.6 ± 2.61), the study identified underweight (2.3%), normal (72.8%), and obese (24.9%) groups. Findings revealed significant associations between BMI and lower limb function, with underweight individuals facing greater physical challenges (P < .05-.01). Underweight participants were also found to live farther from key community locations, possibly reflecting social and environmental factors (P < .01) and expressed higher dissatisfaction with community environments (Ps < .05-.01). The study emphasizes the need for tailored community planning and health care strategies, focusing on the unique needs of the underweight older adults, considering South Korea's rapidly increasing older population.

Exploring university students' nutrition literacy in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional survey.

Improving individuals' nutrition literacy can be one way to promote healthy dietary behaviors, which lowers the incidence of non-communicable diseases. In Saudi Arabia, there is a limited information regarding nutrition literacy among students. Therefore, the purposes of this study was to investigate university students' nutrition literacy and identify its predictors in Saudi Arabia. Another objective was to assess how nutrition literacy is associated with eating habits among this sample. This cross-sectional study was carried out among students attending the University of Jeddah and King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah City) in Saudi Arabia from June 2023 to September 2023. Using a convenience sampling approach, 570 students were enrolled in this study. An online-based structured survey tool including demographic details, a food frequency questionnaire, and a nutrition literacy scale was used to collect the data. Descriptive and multiple binary logistic regression analysis were performed. Approximately 40.4% of the participants exhibited poor nutrition literacy. Female students were less likely than male students to have poor nutrition literacy (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 0.62; 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.42, 0.92). Underweight (AOR = 1.73; 95%CI = 1.22, 4.56) and overweight participants (AOR = 3.1; 95%CI = 2.77, 7.23) were at higher risk of having poor level of nutrition literacy as compared to those who had normal weight. Students who did not take any nutrition-related courses had a 1.3 times higher probability of having a poor level of nutrition literacy compared to their counterparts (AOR = 1.3; 95%CI = 1.05, 3.74). Moreover, poor nutrition literacy was associated with higher weekly consumption frequencies of red meat, processed foods, funk foods and sugar-sweetened beverages. A higher percentage of university students had poor nutrition literacy, which was associated with gender, self-reported BMI status, nutrition-related courses and unhealthy eating habits. These findings can assist university administrators and policymakers in implementing effective measures to enhance students' nutrition literacy rates in Saudi Arabia.

Estimated timing of the first menstrual period and dietary and nutritional correlates of menarche among urban school-going adolescents in four sub-Saharan African sites.

Characterizing the timing of menarche and the factors that are associated with it is important for understanding a population's reproductive health needs and long-term health trajectories. We estimated the age at the menstrual onset among adolescent girls and the association between dietary and nutritional factors and menarche in four sub-Saharan African urban sites. We used cross-sectional school-based data from 2307 female adolescents aged 10-14 years collected by the Africa Research, Implementation Science, and Education (ARISE) Network in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Khartoum, Sudan; and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Logit models were used to estimate the median age at menarche at each site. Associations between menarche and BMI-for-age, stunting, dietary qualityand food insecurity across settings were assessed using Poisson regression models adjusted for country and school levels. The estimated median age at menarche was 13.1 years (95% confidence interval: 12.7, 13.5) in Ouagadougou; 12.9 (12.6, 13.2) in Addis Ababa; 13.3 (12.7, 13.6) in Khartoum; and 13.2 (12.3, 14.0) in Dar es Salaam. Between 18% and 49% of the girls in each setting had already menstruated. Based on the pooled multivariable models, underweight participants were 42% less likely (adjusted prevalence ratio [PR]0.58 [0.44, 0.77]) to have experienced menarche in comparison to normal-weight individuals. The likelihood of experiencing menarche increased for overweight [PR 1.47 (1.30,1.66)] and obese [PR 1.57 (1.35,1.82)] in comparison to normal-weight girls. Those stunted were 47% less likely to have experienced menarche [PR 0.53 (0.41, 0.69)] than their nonstunted counterparts. A lower likelihood of menarche among those experiencing moderate/severe hunger when compared to those with no/little hunger was also observed (PR 0.78 [0.63,0.96]). No evidence of association with dietary quality was found. Further research is needed to strengthen the body of evidence and inform evidence-based initiatives in low- and middle-income settings.

Influence of male body mass index on semen analysis parameters and in vitro fertilization outcomes.

Concurrent global increase of prevalence of obesity and male fertility implies link between overweight and obesity with male subfertility. This hypothesis is supported by numerous population-based epidemiological studies. Increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with poor sperm quality in fertile, and more noticeable in infertile men. Nevertheless, some studies disprove damaging effect of BMI on semen quality. To examine the influence of men's BMI in infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) on semen analysis parameters and IVF outcomes. Study encompassed all couples who underwent IVF at Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic Narodni Front in Belgrade during 2018 and 2019. Exclusion criteria were azoospermia, conditions and diseases that could affect the semen analysis parameters (diabetes, malignant diseases treated with radiation and/or chemotherapy, trauma or surgery of the genital organs, mumps or undescended testicles in childhood). Evaluated semen analysis parameters included semen ejaculate volume, sperm pH, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. IVF outcomes comprised total number of embryos, number and percentage of obtained good-quality embryos and clinical pregnancy rates. Based on BMI value, participants were divided into a group of underweight (Group 1), normally weight (Group 2), overweight (Group 3), and obese men (Group 4). After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 411 men (couples) were included in the analysis. The largest number of men were overweight, while the smallest belonged to the group of underweight participants. There are no significant differences in the semen analysis parameters between study groups. Correlation analysis shown weak and insignificant correlation between BMI and semen analysis parameters. The number and proportion of good quality embryos is significantly lower in overweight and obese study groups compared to normal weight and underweight groups (2.89, 2.91, 2.42, and 2.36, respectively, P = .041). The differences in other IVF outcomes: total number of embryos (3.61, 3.74, 3.21, and 3.37, respectively) and clinical pregnancy rates (41.26%, 43.09%, 42.78%, and 39.95%, respectively) between study groups were not significant (P > .05). BMI does not significantly affect semen analysis parameters, but a higher BMI is associated with a lower number and proportion of good quality embryos in IVF outcomes.

Association between blood lipid levels in early pregnancy and urinary organophosphate metabolites in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study

BackgroundHigh low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL-C) during pregnancy have been associated with adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes. While previous studies have suggested a potential link between organophosphate pesticide (OPP) exposure and higher LDL-C in the general population and agricultural workers, the relationship in pregnant women and the effect of body mass index on this relationship remain unclear. We examined the association between the urinary concentrations of OPP metabolites (dialkylphosphates) and blood lipid levels in pregnant women. MethodsWe used data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, which included 5,169 pregnant women with urinary dialkylphosphate data. We examined the association between urinary concentrations of six dialkylphosphates (DEP, DETP, DEDTP, DMP, DMTP, DMDTP) and blood lipid levels (LDL-C, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) during the first trimester using multiple linear regression under a Bayesian paradigm. We examined the association between high LDL-C, defined as ≥90th percentile of LDL-C, and urinary dialkylphosphate concentrations, using multiple logistic regression under a Bayesian paradigm. These analyses were repeated in underweight, normal-weight, and overweight participants. ResultsDEP, DMP, and DMTP were detected in >50 % of the participants. Multiple linear regression analyses did not show associations between LDL-C and these dialkylphosphates. Stratified analyses showed a positive association between DEP and LDL-C in overweight women (beta coefficient = 2.13, 95 % credible interval = 0.86–3.38, probability of direction (PD) = 100 %); however, the association was not significant (percentage in region of practical equivalence (% in ROPE) = 84.0). Higher DEP was significantly associated with high LDL-C (odds ratio = 1.32, 95 % credible interval = 1.13–1.55, PD = 100 %, % in ROPE = 0.2). ConclusionsAmong overweight pregnant women in the first trimester, higher urinary DEP concentrations were associated with high LDL-C. The effects of OPP on blood lipid profiles merit further investigation.

COVID-19 Vaccines Breakthrough Infections and Adverse Effects Reported by the Birzeit University Community in Palestine.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines play an essential role in boosting immunity, preventing severe diseases, and alleviating the Covid-19 health crisis. This study aimed to explore the type and severity of short-term adverse reactions associated with BNT162 (Pfizer-BioNTech), mRNA 1273 (Moderna), and viral vector vaccines and to compare the incidence of post-vaccination Covid-19 infection among the Birzeit University community in Palestine. This questionnaire-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals who were vaccinated with at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine offered in Palestine during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included participants aged 18 years and older who were vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna, Sputnik Light, or Sputnik v. A total of 558 participants who were administered COVID-19 vaccine were included in the study. Sputnik (239), Pfizer vaccine recipients (236), and Moderna vaccine recipients (83). Of the viral vector vaccine recipients, 57 (23.8%) had a post-vaccination infection, compared to 30 (12.7%) for Pfizer and seven (8.4%) for Moderna. Furthermore, the reported adverse effects in the viral victor group were higher than those in the Moderna and Pfizer groups (71.7, 66.3, and 61.9%, respectively). Chills, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, and joint pain were significantly higher in the Viral Vector vaccine group than the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine. Vomiting, tiredness, and fatigue were significantly less likely to be complained of by Pfizer vaccine recipients compared to Moderna and Viral Vector vaccine recipients (p < 0.05). Breakthrough infections were associated with both viral vectors and mRNA; however, the mRNA vaccine had less reported post-vaccine infection. Furthermore, the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine group reported fewer commonly reported side effects (fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, and dizziness), followed by the Moderna and viral vector vaccines. Females and underweight participants experienced more adverse effects with both vaccines, and fewer common side effects were reported by all participants.

Sleep characteristics in underweight young females across their menstrual cycles: A sleep-monitoring survey study with preliminary results.

This study investigated the association between underweight and sleep in young females across their menstrual cycles. A lifestyle-monitoring survey was conducted among 38 female university students aged 18-24 years in Japan from January to December 2023. Sleep data from 28 participants were analysed. Participants were categorized into underweight (n = 10) and control (n = 18) groups based on a baseline body mass index cut-off of 18.5 kg m-2. Sleep parameters were assessed using a daily sleep questionnaire, sleep sensor mats, and urinary melatonin metabolites across their menstrual cycles. The results indicated no significant differences in sleep patterns between the underweight and control groups or menstrual cycle phases, as assessed using both the daily sleep questionnaire and the sleep sensor mats. However, underweight participants experienced more difficulty maintaining sleep during the follicular phase. Body mass index significantly correlated with sleep efficiency (rs = 0.52) and wake after sleep onset (rs = -0.56). While urinary melatonin metabolite levels did not differ significantly between the groups or menstrual cycle phases, decreased levels during the luteal phase were more prevalent in the underweight group (7 of 10 participants) than in the control group (3 of 13 participants). This study suggests an association between underweight and sleep quality, especially nocturnal awakening, in young females. These findings underscore the importance of considering sleep quality in the management of underweight young females to improve their overall health outcomes.

Psychometric properties of the nine-item avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder screen (NIAS) in Turkish children.

The nine item avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder screen (NIAS) is a short and practical assessment tool specific to ARFID with three ARFID phenotypes such as "Picky eating," "Fear," and "Appetite". This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish translation of the NIAS parent form and to investigate the relationship between ARFID symptoms and anxiety, depression symptoms, and eating behaviors in a sample of Turkish children. Parents were asked to provide their children's sociodemographic data and to complete the NIAS, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire-Short (EDE-QS), Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), and Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) scales. The sample included 440 participants between 6 and 12 ages. Turkish NIAS demonstrated good internal consistency. The three-factor model of the Turkish NIAS was in an acceptable structure. The Turkish NIAS scale was shown to be valid and reliable. NIAS scores were shown to be higher in underweight participants. The NIAS-parent version subscales showed expected convergent and divergent validity with the CEBQ, EDEQ-S, and RCADS scales in children, except CEBQ emotional overeating and desire to drink subscales were correlated with NIAS. The Turkish version of the NIAS is valid and reliable in evaluating ARFID symptoms in children.

Association between arteriosclerosis index and lumbar bone mineral density in U.S adults: a cross-sectional study from the NHANES 2011-2018.

The arteriosclerosis index, defined as the ratio of non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHHR), has emerged as a novel biomarker for various diseases. The relationship between NHHR and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) has not been previously examined. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018. NHHR was calculated as (total cholesterol-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lumbar BMD was calculated to Z scores. Weighted multivariate linear regression, subgroup analysis, interaction analysis, generalized additive model, and two-piecewise linear regression were used. A total of 8,602 participants were included. The negative association between NHHR and lumbar BMD was consistent and significant (Model 1: β = -0.039, 95% CI: -0.055, -0.023, p < 0.001; Model 2: β = -0.045, 95% CI: -0.062, -0.027, p < 0.001; Model 3: β = -0.042, 95% CI: -0.061, -0.023, p < 0.001). The linear relationship between NHHR and lumbar BMD was significantly influenced by body mass index (p for interaction = 0.012) and hypertension (p for interaction = 0.047). Non-linear associations between NHHR and lumbar BMD Z scores were observed in specific populations, including U-shaped, reverse U-shaped, L-shaped, reverse L-shaped, and U-shaped relationships among menopausal females, underweight participants, those with impaired glucose tolerance, those with diabetes mellitus and those taking anti-hyperlipidemic drugs, respectively. NHHR exhibited a negative association with lumbar BMD, but varying across specific populations. These findings suggest that NHHR should be tailored to individual levels to mitigate bone loss through a personalized approach. Individuals at heightened risk of cardiovascular disease should focus on their bone health.

Phenotypic characterization of nonautoimmune diabetes in adult Ugandans with low body mass index.

Type 2 diabetes is common in relatively lean individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. It is unclear whether phenotypic differences exist between underweight and normal-weight African patients with type 2 diabetes. This study compared specific characteristics between underweight (body mass index <18.5 kg/m2) and normal-weight (body mass index of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) adult Ugandans with new-onset nonautoimmune diabetes. We collected the demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and metabolic characteristics of 160 participants with nonobese new-onset type 2 diabetes (defined as diabetes diagnosed <3 months, body mass index <25 kg/m2, and absence of islet-cell autoimmunity). These participants were categorized as underweight and normal weight, and their phenotypic characteristics were compared. Of the 160 participants with nonobese new-onset type 2 diabetes, 18 participants (11.3%) were underweight. Compared with those with normal weight, underweight participants presented with less co-existing hypertension (5.6% versus 28.2%, p = 0.04) and lower median visceral fat levels [2 (1-3) versus 6 (4-7), p < 0.001], as assessed by bioimpedance analysis. Pathophysiologically, they presented with a lower median 120-min post-glucose load C-peptide level [0.29 (0.13-0.58) versus 0.82 (0.39-1.50) nmol/l, p = 0.04] and a higher prevalence of insulin deficiency (66.7% versus 31.4%, p = 0.003). This study demonstrates that nonautoimmune diabetes occurs in underweight individuals in sub-Saharan Africa and is characterized by the absence of visceral adiposity, reduced late-phase insulin secretion, and greater insulin deficiency. These findings necessitate further studies to inform how the prevention, identification, and management of diabetes in such individuals can be individualized.

Impact of Domestic Environment &amp; Personal Hygiene on Morbidity Pattern and Health Status of Children: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study in Surendranagar City.

Introduction: Children are more vulnerable than adults to environmental risks, both physical and psychosocial, because of factors related to the development and growing up. Comprehensive risk assessments suggest a cluster of environmental hazards, many of which may concur in the places where children dwell, play and learn. With this background, current study can help to improve hygiene practices and thereby health of children. Objectives: To ind the prevalence of various childhood morbidities and to assess the relationship of personal hygiene and domestic environmental factors with childhood its morbidity pattern and health status. Method: A cross sectional study was carried out in Surendranagar, including 210 children (5 to 14 years) selected by cluster sampling method. Results: Prevalence of morbidity among children was 82.38%. About 89% of students brushed their teeth once/day; for brushing, 70% used toothbrush and 97% used toothpaste. Majority (84%) of participants were taking bath daily while only 48% were using soap daily for bathing. Hygiene score was more in normal weight individuals as compared underweight and overweight participants and this difference was statistically signi icant. (p=0.00001) Various domestic environmental factors like type of house (p=0.03), presence of exhaust fan/window in kitchen (p=0.003) drinking water facility (p=0.02), size of house (p=0.02), cross ventilation (p=0.0003) and mosquito presence (p=0.007) were all signi icantly associated with presence of morbidity. Conclusion: The results of the present study conirm that there is great effect of personal hygiene practices and domestic environmental factors on morbidity pattern of children.

Does body mass index distinguish motor proficiency, social and emotional maturity among adolescent girls?

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate whether different body mass index (BMI) groups could serve as a distinguishing factor for assessing motor proficiency and social and emotional maturity in adolescent girls.Methods140 girls ranging from 12 to 14.5 years old were selected from the schools of Tabriz city, Iran. After their height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index, they completed the following questionnaires: Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of motor proficiency, Second Edition,Vineland Social Maturity Scale, and Emotional Maturity scale.Resultsnormal-weight girls had a meaningful advantage against overweight and underweight participants in the gross motor factor of motor proficiency (p = 0.004), but there wasn’t a meaningful difference in the fine motor p = 0.196) and coordination factors (p = 0.417). Also, social maturity showed an advantage of normal and underweight adolescent girls in the self-help dressing factor (p = 0.018), while the locomotion skills (p = 0.010) factor revealed a better performance of normal weight and overweight groups over underweight adolescents. No significant differences were observed in the emotional maturity subscales (p = 0.63) between the groups.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that BMI has a direct influence on adolescents’ gross motor proficiency and social maturity.

Substance use associated with eating attitudes and behaviors, neglected health issues among Palestinian refugees

ABSTRACT Objective We aimed to investigate substance use and its association with eating attitudes and behaviors among male Palestinian refugees. Methods In a cross-sectional study, male Palestinian refugees(N = 566) were recruited to fill out self-administrated questionnaire on eating attitudes and behaviors (EAT-26) and to give urine samples to test current illicit drug use. Results The response rate was 47.7%. Substance use was highly prevalent among participants (28.9%). The percentage of participants with eating disorders (ED) among substance users was as follows: Any illicit drug (30.8%), benzodiazepine (32.6%), methamphetamines(40.7%), amphetamine (39.3%), tetrahydrocannabinol (25.8%), barbiturates (20%),and alcohol (12.50%). Obese participants were at higher risk of having ED(OR = 2.344, p < .05) than underweight participants. Binge eaters were more likely to be tetrahydrocannabinol users (OR = 2.745, p < .05). Increased riskof self-induced vomiting behavior was associated with binge behavior (OR = 5.97, p < .05, laxative use (OR = 26.38, p < .01), barbiturates use (OR = 59.36, p < .05), waterpipe smoking (OR = 8.62, p < .05), vape smoking (OR = 10.37, p < .05), and inversely associated with age (OR = 0.832, p < .001). Conclusion Findings from this study demonstrated a substantially increased frequency of substance use among Palestinian refugees with ED and unhealthy weight control behaviors. This study highlighted new challenge for the health system to deal with new emerging health conditions among male refugees.

Correlation of body mass index with handgrip strength and blood pressure indices among young adults

Objectives: Hand grip strength (HGS) is an important quantitative measure to evaluate the overall muscle strength of an individual. It is affected by factors such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and hypertension. This study aims to find out the correlation of BMI with HGS and blood pressure indices among young adults. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-two medical students between the age group of 18–20 years with no history of systemic illness, musculoskeletal disorder, hand pain or deformity were selected. Informed consent was obtained. Biodata and anthropometric measurements were documented in a proforma. HGS and endurance of the dominant hand were measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Blood pressure was recorded using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Data on BMI was sub grouped into underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese participants to compare the HGS among them. Results: There was a statistically significant negative correlation between BMI and HGS (r = −0.513; P &lt; 0.01), BMI and grip strength ratio (r = −0.750; P &lt; 0.01), and between BMI and handgrip endurance (r = −0.359; P &lt; 0.01). Statistically significant decrease in HGS was found among underweight (29.36 ± 7.01), overweight (26.18 ± 5.45) and obese participants (20.48 ± 3.12) with Kruskal–Wallis value χ2 = 14.231. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between BMI and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.603; P &lt; 0.01), BMI and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.514; P &lt; 0.01), BMI and pulse pressure (r = 0.228; P &lt; 0.01) and between BMI and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.572; P &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: BMI was found to be negatively correlated with HGS and positively correlated with blood pressure indices. This can influence the compatibility of medical students with the physical and emotional stress of course. Determinants such as grip span, hand span, skeletal muscle bulk, and arm and calf muscle circumference are to be considered for further research to improve the endurance of young adults.

Exploring The Relationship Between Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Weight Perception, And Weight Change Behaviour Among University Students in Urban Gujarat, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: In the context of the rising trend of overweight and obesity, young people are more concerned about their weight. This study investigates the association between measured Body Mass Index (BMI), self-perception of body weight and weight change behavior among university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed a sample of 415 university students aged 18-23 years residing in urban areas of Anand. Measures included weight, height, BMI, body weight perception and weight change behavior. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, the student’s t-test and Chi-square test. Results: About 36.1% of the participants misclassified their weight category. More women than men felt overweight in relation to their actual body shape. Among normal-weight or underweight BMI participants, 44.4% of females and 31.8% of males were inappropriately trying to lose weight. Conclusions: The study showed a higher prevalence of weight perception and inappropriate weight change behaviour. It also observed that the correct perception of body weight influences the willingness to lose or gain weight. It is important to consider these issues while designing a public health campaign targeting obesity and healthy lifestyles.

Association of visceral adiposity index with asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis: a population-based study in Shandong, China

Background and objectiveThe visceral adiposity index (VAI), as a composite indictor to evaluate visceral adipose function, has been demonstrated to be correlated with atherosclerosis. The study objective was to explore the association between asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis (aICAS) and VAI in Chinese rural dwellers.MethodsThe cross-sectional study consisted of 1942 participants ≥ 40 years old who were living in Pingyin County, Shandong Province and free from history of clinical stroke and transient ischemic attack. The aICAS in the study was diagnosed by transcranial doppler ultrasound combined with magnetic resonance angiography. The multivariate logistic regression models were deployed to explore the correlation of VAI with aICAS, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were plotted to compare the performance of models.ResultsThe participants with aICAS comparing to those without had a significantly higher VAI. After adjusting for confounding factors including age, hypertension, DM, sex, drinking habit, LDL-C, hsCRP, and smoking habit, the VAI-Tertile 3 (vs. VAI-Tertile 1) was positively associated with aICAS (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.25–3.65; P = 0.005). The VAI-Tertile 3 was still markedly associated with aICAS among the underweight and normal weight (BMI ≤ 23.9 kg/m2) participants (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.15–8.71; P = 0.026) with an AUC = 0.684. A similar relationship between VAI and aICAS was obtained among the participants with no abdominal obesity (WHR < 1, OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.14–3.62; P = 0.017).ConclusionsThe possible correlation between VAI and aICAS was found to be positive for the first time among Chinese rural residents over 40 years old. A higher VAI was found to be significantly associated with aICAS among the participants who were underweight or normal weight, and these results may provide additional risk stratification information for aICAS.