Unhealthy Items Research Articles

EXPRESS: How Socioeconomic Status Shapes Food Preferences and Perceptions

This paper assesses the extent to which consumers from the opposite poles of the socioeconomic distribution weigh three critical food attributes–healthiness, fillingness, and taste–, how they perceive the associations among them, and how differences in weights and associations influence food preferences. The results of a series of eight pre-registered studies in a highly unequal socioeconomic environment (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) show that low (vs. high) socioeconomic status consumers are more likely to (a) choose unhealthy items even when supply-side factors (e.g., affordability and accessibility) are controlled by design, (b) trade healthiness for fillingness (but not taste), and (c) display stronger negative associations between the attributes (healthy = less filling; healthy = less tasty). These findings highlight the importance of a deeper understanding of the psychological differences in food preferences and perceptions and the use of such insights to design interventions aimed at mitigating nutritional inequality. In line with this rationale, the final set of studies shows that, albeit not being a trivial task, it is possible to increase healthy food choices among the disadvantaged by enhancing the fillingness of the healthy options available. Managerial and policy implications are discussed.

“The Dollar Store Got It Going On”: Understanding Food Shopping Patterns and Policy Preferences among Dollar Store Shoppers with Low Incomes

BackgroundThe growing dollar store sector has raised concerns about nutrition and associated health outcomes, especially for low-income communities who disproportionately rely on dollar stores. Perspectives of dollar store shoppers are largely absent. ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand why low-income shoppers choose to purchase food from dollar stores and what store changes, policies, and programs would make it easier for them to purchase healthier items. MethodsIn May–June 2023, we conducted interviews with 19 dollar store shoppers in an urban county in North Carolina. We used thematic analysis and the framework method to identify emergent patterns and themes across responses. ResultsIndividuals relied on dollar stores because of the affordable prices and convenient locations. In order of frequency, most participants purchased candy and snacks from dollar stores, followed by meat, fruits, and vegetables. Participants wanted more fruits, vegetables, and higher quality proteins at dollar stores and supported policies that increase access to healthier options via increased purchasing power, increased access to a mobile farmers’ market, marketing that identifies nutritionally healthy products, and improved access to other store types. Responses to removing unhealthy items from checkout areas were mixed. ConclusionsDollar stores are affordable and convenient food retailers for people with low incomes. However, dollar stores are not meeting demand for fruits, vegetables, and proteins, items necessary for food and nutrition security. To improve food access and community health, decision makers should incorporate community perspectives into efforts aimed at improving dollar store food options.

The relationship between community food environment around schools and student meal participation: the role of school CEP participation status

BackgroundDespite the many benefits of school meals, not all students participate. One reason students may not participate in school meals is because they instead purchase breakfast or lunch from food outlets located around schools that mostly carry unhealthy items. This study examined whether school participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows qualifying schools to serve free meals to all students, moderated the association between the community food environment around schools and student meal participation.MethodsThis study employed a longitudinal repeated-measures design using school-level data collected between 2014 and 2020 within four low-income school districts (n = 126 schools) in the US. We obtained meal participation data from state records and created a measure characterizing the community food environment within 0.25 miles of schools (characterized as low-density of unhealthy food outlets vs. high-density of unhealthy food outlets) through a latent class analysis. Regression analysis estimated associations between community food environments, CEP participation, and participation rates in school breakfast and school lunch, assessed in separate models.ResultsWhile no moderating effect of school CEP status was observed for breakfast or lunch participation, school breakfast participation was predicted to be 4% lower in high-density food environments than in low-density environments (P-value = .049) among non-CEP schools, and there was no difference in participation by the community food environment among CEP-participating schools. Differences in breakfast participation by the community food environment among non-CEP schools were mostly attributable to middle/high schools, with participation predicted to be 10% lower in high-density environments than in low-density environments among non-CEP middle/high schools (P-value < .001), whereas such a difference in participation was not observed among non-CEP elementary schools.ConclusionsNegative associations between food environment around schools and school breakfast participation were observed only among middle and high schools not participating in CEP, suggesting that policy actions to increase access to free school meals may benefit students, particularly older children and adolescents.

Consumption of Food Offered by Delivery Applications (Apps).

Data collection was carried out between 5 and 20 June 2020 in a Brazilian capital with a final sample of 2113 individuals. The instrument included questions about socioeconomic characteristics, anthropometric data, and information about eating practices and the use of delivery apps. Logistic regression models were developed with the consumption of each food group as the outcome variable and the use of the application as the exposure variable. Of those interviewed, 78.1% used delivery apps to purchase food. The frequencies of the consumption of foods considered markers of healthy eating were higher for individuals who did not use the applications (59.7% vs. 38.7% for the daily consumption of fresh fruit, respectively, p < 0.0001). The frequencies of the consumption of items considered markers of unhealthy eating were higher for individuals who used apps to purchase food prepared outside the home compared to those who did not (53.7 vs. 38.1 for weekly consumption of hamburgers, respectively, p < 0.0001). The use of delivery applications influenced the users' eating practices through the acquisition of food within the digital scope and is related to a greater frequency of the consumption of unhealthy items by users.

IJCM_190A: A cross sectional study to find out risk factors for non-communicable diseases among residents of Raipur City, Chhattisgarh.

Background: In India, due to high rates of urbanization and economic improvement, there is a shift in disease spectrum from communicable to non-communicable diseases. In a study made by khan etal 2015 at Bilapsur, Chhattisgarh prevalence of stroke was 67.6% due to infarct and 32.4 % had hemorrhage (ICH). The percentages of young stroke (&lt; 45 yrs) were 12.5% (n=35). About 7.1% (n=20) and 5.3% (n=15) in males and females respectively. Thus, early detection will reduce the burden and cost of diseases in the family, community and on the nation. Objectives: A cross sectional study to find out risk factors for non- communicable diseases among residents of Raipur City, Chhattisgarh. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Raipur City of Chhattisgarh state during the month October 23-January 2024. A pre-designed, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Systematic Random sampling technique was adopted to select the 350 Study participants. Results: The majority of subjects were between the ages of 30 and 40. Females constituted 55.3% of the subjects, while males accounted for 44.7%. Additionally, 45.6% of participants had completed primary schooling. Preobesity was observed in 58.8% of males and 51.7% of females.84.7% of study subjects were not engaging in physical activity, 89.1% were consuming an unhealthy diet, 97.6% were using tobacco, and 94.5% were consuming alcohol, all of which contributed to a raised BMI. There is a significant association between tobacco and alcohol use with BMI, where p-values are 0.001 and 0.005, respectively, which is &lt;0.005 and df is 01 for both. Conclusion: As per this study, Pre-obese were found in 58.8% of males and 51.7% of females Awareness regarding healthy behavioral pattern and healthy diet should be inculcated in population through various awareness activity like mass media camping and increase taxes on unhealthy food items.

Lifestyle Satisfaction Among Jazan University Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring Lifestyle Choices and Influencing Factors.

Lifestyle includes habits, behaviors, values, attitudes, and economic levels that define an individual or group's way of living for people living in the same region at a specific time. In the last few decades, with urbanization and modernization, most adults, especially in Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, have adopted a sedentary, less active lifestyle. This study aims to assess lifestyle choices and satisfaction amongemployees of Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia. This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted in the Jazan University campus in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through personal interviews conducted by trained medical students. A structured questionnaire was filled out during the interviews. DataanalysiswasconductedusingRsoftware(version4.2.3) (R Development Core Team, Vienna, Austria). This study involved 1126 employees of Jazan University, with a response rate of 75%. The occupational distribution was as follows: 576 (51%) in administrative positions, 516 (46%) as faculty members, and 34 (3%) as healthcare workers. In terms of physical activity, 488 (43%) engaged in less than 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, while 363 (32%) reported no physical activity at all. Regarding body weight satisfaction, 590 (52%) were satisfied, while 536 (48%) were not. Males reported a higher satisfaction in body weight, physical activity, and eating behavior. Dietary choices, such as eating fruits and vegetables, low-fat meats, and avoiding high-sugar foods, positively correlated with satisfaction in eating behavior and body weight.The assessment of satisfaction with body weight, physical activity level, and eating behavior indicates that some university affiliates are satisfied with their lifestyle despite having unhealthy lifestyle choices. The current findings indicate that Jazan University affiliates are experiencing a high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles, especially in terms of low levels of physical activity, selection of unhealthy food items, and overweight and obesity. This study should be followed up by interventional designs to investigated best evidence-based approaches for lifestyle behavior change, especially among aging populations such as university affiliates.

Could Climate Crisis Lead to Novel Pandemics?

Climate, an integral part of life, varies by region. Climate change and deterioration could lead to significant problems. The Industrial Revolution introduced anthropogenic factors in climate change for the first time in the 19th century. Due to the increase in energy requirements, large volumes of greenhouse gases were released into the atmosphere due to the utilization of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil. The Industrial Revolution led to rapid climate change and environmental problems. The consequences of these problems are felt in our age. The most affected area is human health by the climate crisis. Its effect on health could be direct or indirect. Infectious diseases that spread globally, crossing both international and intercontinental borders, are described as pandemics. Today, infectious diseases continue to be the most common cause of death in developed countries.Population growth, unplanned urbanization, consumption of unhealthy industrial food items, high exposure toradiation, air pollution and climate change play a role in the development of pandemics. It was reported that climate change altered intra-species interaction and increased the risk of infection. Nations should adopt various measures to mitigate the effects of climate change to preserve public health and minimize human loss or health risks. The present study aimed to determine whether we should expect novel pandemics due to the climate crisis induced by climate change. Thus, studies on the issue were reviewed and the findings are discussed in the present study.

Exploring the relationship between the food environment and preferences among schoolchildren in a low socioeconomic community in Sri Lanka: A GIS-based assessment.

The food environment in school neighborhoods plays a crucial role in manipulating the food choices of schoolchildren. This study investigated the relationship between the food environment in neighborhoods and the dietary practices of government school students in a low socioeconomic setting in Sri Lanka. This cross-sectional study surveyed the neighborhood food environment of selected schools (n = 30) in the Monaragala District, Sri Lanka, using geographical information system (GIS) data and collected dietary information from a representative sample of schoolchildren (n = 603). Chi-square and Spearman correlation tests were performed using SPSS version 23.0 to estimate the associations between the food environment and BMI, while ArcGIS 10.4.1 was used to analyze the GIS data. The majority of the students (35.5%) were 15 years old, and approximately 51% were females. The mean BMI of the study participants was 18.14 (±3.28). More than 90% of outlets within proximity sold unhealthy foods. Consumption of confectionaries was 72.3% of the students, whereas healthy food choices ranged from 5% to 12%. A positive correlation between consuming unhealthy food and distance to outlets from school was observed (p<0.05). The risk of consuming low-nutrition food doubled (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.52-3.89) among the students studying in schools where a larger proportion of energy-dense food was sold in closer proximity. In conclusion, the density and proximity of outlets that sell food with low nutrients in the school neighborhood environment were positively associated with students' unhealthy food item choices.

Negative emotions increase unhealthy eating: Evidence from the Wuhan lockdown during COVID-19.

This paper studies how negative emotions like stress, anxiety, and boredom can affect unhealthy food consumption. Using the Wuhan lockdown as an external shock, we examine the changes in food consumption in a city that was not in lockdown. We applied the difference-in-differences method to a large scanner dataset from a retail monopoly in China. Our findings reveal that negative emotions induced by the pandemic lockdown significantly elevated consumer spending on unhealthy food items such as crisps, sugary beverages, regular soda, and low-alcohol beverages. Notably, the effect of unhealthy food consumption was more pronounced among younger and wealthier demographics. Triggering factors, like information about confirmed new deaths and infections as well as proximity to local hospitals, were found to strongly influence the consumption of unhealthy foods. Overall, the lockdown's impact extended beyond short-term increases in snack consumption to substantial increases in overall dietary and nutritional intake.

Developing a Policy for Healthy Schools Food: A Plan of Action

Background and Objectives: Childhood obesity is a pressing global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Palestine. This study aims to address the prevalence of childhood obesity in Palestine and its association with the school food environment. The objective is to propose and advocate for the implementation of a "healthy schools' food policy" to promote the consumption of nutritious food while prohibiting the sale of unhealthy items. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of the sociocultural, economic, political, ethical, and legal contexts surrounding childhood obesity in Palestine was conducted. This included a review of existing studies, stakeholder analyses, and an evaluation of policy alternatives. A legislative strategy was developed to guide the implementation of the proposed policy. Results: The study identified the widespread prevalence of childhood obesity in Palestine, with contributing factors rooted in sociocultural, economic, and political contexts. The analysis of policy alternatives revealed that establishing and enforcing a written protocol for "Food and Beverage Services" in schools emerged as the most effective option. This policy approach received the highest score in terms of effectiveness, access and fairness, cost-effectiveness, and administrative and political feasibility. Conclusion: The findings highlight the urgent need for policy interventions to address childhood obesity in Palestine. The proposed "healthy schools' food policy" offers a promising avenue to promote nutritious food consumption while curbing the availability of unhealthy options. Collaborative efforts involving stakeholders, including schools, the Ministry of Education, healthcare professionals, parents, and the community, are crucial for successful policy implementation. Regular evaluations and community feedback will be essential to monitor the policy's impact and make necessary adjustments. This study underscores the significance of prioritizing children's health within the broader context of societal well-being.

Food healthiness judgements among Brazilian and German lay adults.

This study investigated which foods are most saliently judged as healthy and unhealthy in Brazil and Germany and the reasons for these judgements. Dietary guidelines in the two countries differ in that those in Brazil are based on a food processing classification rather than nutrient profiling, whereas dietary guidelines in Germany do not include the processing level of food. In an online study with 355 lay adults (Brazil n = 205, Germany n = 150), we explored which foods are listed as healthy and unhealthy using a free-listing method. The main reasons for these healthiness judgements were then identified with a one or two-word phrase and compared between countries. Saliency analysis was conducted to identify the 15 most salient healthy and unhealthy foods in each country. Principles of content analysis were used to assess the reasons why these 15 items were listed as most salient by the participants. Results showed that both Brazilians and Germans listed mostly natural or minimally processed food (e.g. fruits, vegetables, grains, fish and milk) as healthy, whereas types of convenience and fast food, sweets and other ultra-processed foods (e.g. chocolate, soda, French fries, pizza and hamburger) were the most salient unhealthy items listed in both countries. Differences in culturally relevant items listed in each country are discussed. Further, in both countries, despite differences in their dietary guidelines, food healthiness judgements for the most salient items listed relied heavily on the nutritional content of food, reinforced the 'good/healthy' and 'bad/unhealthy' dichotomy, and were centred on benefits or harms to the body (e.g. prevention or cause of diseases and weight control). The similarity of food healthiness judgements between the two countries, together with their agreement with conventional health claims and dietary guidelines, suggest that lay Brazilian and German adults are knowledgeable about the general concepts of 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' food. Finally, these findings suggest that rather than just providing more nutritional information, policymakers and health professionals need to take into account the multiple psychosocial and environmental determinants of eating in these countries.

Associations between food and beverage purchases and skin carotenoids among diverse small food retail store customers.

To determine if customer purchases at small food stores are associated with healthfulness of the diet as approximated by skin carotenoids. Cross-sectional survey of customers in small food stores regarding demographics and food purchases. Food and beverage purchases were classified as "healthy" or "non-healthy" and "carotenoid" versus "non-carotenoid" using a systematic classification scheme. Fruit and vegetable intake was objectively assessed using a non-invasive device to measure skin carotenoids. Associations between variables of interest were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficients, t-tests, and multiple linear regression analyses. Twenty-two small food retail stores in rural (n = 7 stores) and urban (n = 15) areas of North Carolina. Customers of small food stores. Of study participants (n = 1,086), 55.1% were male, 60.0% were African American/Black, 4.2% were Hispanic, with a mean age of 43.5 years. Overall, 36% purchased at least one healthy item, and 7.6% of participants purchased a carotenoid-containing food/beverage. Healthy foods and beverages purchased included produce, lean meats, 100% juices, plain popcorn, plain nuts, milk, and yogurt. Unhealthy items included non-100% juices, crackers, chips, candy, cakes, and donuts. Purchase of a healthy or carotenoid-containing item was positively associated with skin carotenoid scores (p=0.002 and 0.006, respectively). A relatively small proportion of customers purchased any healthy or carotenoid-containing foods and beverages, and those who did purchase healthy options had higher skin carotenoid scores. Future research should confirm these findings in different populations.

Comparison of Dietary Intake Before vs After Taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Nonessential Energy-Dense Foods in Mexico, 2012 to 2018

Tax evaluations have shown effectiveness in reducing purchases of taxed items. However, few studies have looked at changes in overall dietary intake according to national surveys. To estimate the contribution of taxed and untaxed beverages and foods to dietary intake over time, and the nutritional dietary profile in total beverages and foods consumed. This cross-sectional study used data from 3 National Health and Nutrition Surveys of a nationally representative sample of participants aged older than 1 year in Mexico from 2012 (pretax), 2016, and 2018 (posttax). Data were analyzed from September 2021 to December 2022. Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and nonessential energy-dense foods implemented since 2014. The outcomes were the contribution of taxed and untaxed beverages to total beverage volume, the contribution of taxed and untaxed foods to total food energy, and the energy density and content of added sugars and saturated fats. Outcomes were assessed with 24-hour recalls (24HR) (2012 and 2016) and Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) (2012, 2016, and 2018), and were adjusted by sociodemographic and macroeconomic variables. A total of 17 239 participants were analyzed from 2012, 18 974 from 2016, and 30 027 from 2018; approximately 50% were men, and approximately 75% lived in urban areas. According to 24HRs, the contribution of taxed beverages to total beverage volume changed -2.3 (95% CI, -4.4 to -0.2) percentage points from 2012 to 2016, while water increased. The contribution of taxed foods to total food energy changed -3.0 (95% CI, -4.2 to -1.8) percentage points, while untaxed whole grains, processed meats, other animal sources, and sugars and desserts increased. The content in total beverages of added sugars changed -1.1 kcal/100 mL (95% CI, -2.0 to -0.2), and in total foods, the content of added sugar changed -0.6 %kcal (95% CI, -1.0 to -0.2), saturated fat changed -0.8 %kcal (95% CI, -1.1 to -0.4), and energy density changed -9.8 kcal/100 g (95% CI, -13.8 to -5.8). Main results were consistent with the FFQ (up to 2018), with some differences in subgroups and nutritional components. The findings of this study on 3 cross-sectional national dietary surveys are consistent with previous evaluations; after tax implementation, there was a decrease in the contribution of taxed items. Furthermore, some unhealthy untaxed items increased, but the content of unhealthful nutritional components, particularly added sugar, in overall beverages and foods decreased.

Reduction in sugar drink valuation and consumption with gamified executive control training

The overvaluation of high-energy, palatable food cues contributes to unhealthy eating and being overweight. Reducing the valuation of unhealthy food may thus constitute a powerful lever to improve eating habits and conditions characterized by unhealthy eating. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized intervention trial assessing the efficacy of a five to twenty days online cognitive training intervention to reduce sugary drink perceived palatability and consumption. Our intervention involved a recently identified action-to-valuation mechanism of action, in which the repeated inhibition of prepotent motor responses to hedonic food cues in a Go/NoGo (GNG) and an attentional bias modification (ABM) task eventually reduces their valuation and intake. Confirming our hypotheses, the experimental intervention with consistent (100%) mapping between motor inhibition and the targeted unhealthy sugary drinks cues induced a larger decrease in their valuation than the control intervention with inconsistent (50%) mapping (− 27.6% vs. − 19%), and a larger increase of the (water) items associated with response execution (+ 11% vs + 4.2%). Exploratory analyses suggest that the effect of training on unhealthy items valuation may persist for at least one month. Against our hypothesis, we observed equivalent reductions in self-reported consumption of sugary drinks following the two interventions (exp: − 27% vs. ctrl: − 19%, BF01 = 4.7), suggesting a dose-independent effect of motor inhibition on self-reported consumption. Our collective results corroborate the robustness and large size of the devaluation effects induced by response inhibition on palatable items, but challenge the assumption of a linear relationship between such effects and the actual consumption of the target items.Protocol registrationThe stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 30/03/2021. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5ESMP.

Social norms govern what behaviors come to mind-And what do not.

It is well known that norms influence behavior. Beyond simply shaping what people do, we argue that norms constrain what behaviors even come to mind as options, effectively excluding counternormative behaviors from consideration. We test this hypothesis across five primary and multiple supplementary studies using diverse methods (Ntotal = 5,488). In Study 1, people reported that behaviors that were counternormative in a situation, even behaviors that could satisfy a motivational drive, were far less likely to come to mind and less desirable than behaviors that were norm-consistent. Going beyond self-report measures, Studies 2a-2c found that people even misrepresented norm-violating behaviors as "impossible," suggesting they are not considered. Using a change-blindness paradigm, Study 3 found that people were less likely to track changes in goal-relevant objects that would be counternormative (vs. normative) to engage with. Studies 4 and 5 explored implications for problems of temptation and self-control. Study 4 found that members of a clinical population striving to eat healthier reported that the very same unhealthy but tasty food items would be less tempting and would trigger less self-control conflict if they encountered the food in a context where its consumption would be counternormative (vs. normative). Study 5, a field study, shows that introducing a norm prohibiting laptop use in class reduced students' temptation to multitask (as well as actual multitasking) over the term, whereas encouraging individual self-control did not. Discussion addresses how norms can be harnessed to lighten the burdens of temptations and help people achieve their goals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Lifestyle Related Behavioral Changes Owing to the Global Pandemic among COVID-19 Positive Physicians Serving in a COVID Dedicated Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose significant challenges and has had a global effect on people’s lifestyle. The impact of measures taken to contain COVID-19 on lifestyle related behavior is undefined among physicians with COVID-19 positive serving in a corona dedicated health center. Objective: The current study was undertaken to assess the impact of COVID-19 on life style related behaviors among physicians with COVID-19 including all human sciences related to lifestyle, dietary habits physical activity and behavioral studies. Methods: The study is a descriptive type of cross-sectional web-based survey. The survey was conducted from March to May, 2021 among 61 COVID-19 infected physicians working at Mugda Medical College Hospital through a validated semi-structured questionnaire incorporated with GAD-7 scale using Google online survey platform. The sample was selected purposively and collected data were analyzed by SPSS-21 version. The P-value was two sided and values &lt;0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 61 responses 70% were male and mean age was 35.33±12.5 SD. An improvement in healthy meal consumption pattern and a restriction of unhealthy food items were observed. 48.6% respondents had weight gained with an increase in daily screen time especially found among men. 3.5% of smokers decided to quit smoking. Physicians group aged 31-40 years resulted highly significant adherence in the consumption of carbohydrates and minerals when compared to the elderly physicians (P&lt;0.001). Quarantine induced stress and anxiety showed in nearly one-fourth of the participants. Physicians reported that their quality of life (QoL) had adversely affected after the pandemic struck. Conclusion: We obtained novel data for the first time on COVID-19 positive physicians’ lifestyle and related behavioral changes. As the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, our data need to be investigated in future more extensive studies to develop interventions to mitigate the negative lifestyle behaviors to deal with the pandemic situation as well as future crises. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2021; 13(2): 117-125

Improvements in School Food Offerings over Time: Variation by School Characteristics.

The 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) improved the nutritional quality of food served in schools. This longitudinal study examined school food offerings over time from school year 2010-11 to 2017-18 in public schools (n = 148) in four New Jersey cities. Six food indices were used to assess the number of healthy and unhealthy items offered as part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), in vending machines, and à la carte (i.e., competitive foods). Multilevel, multivariable linear regression with quadratic terms was used to model the trends over time. Interaction terms were added to examine whether the time trends varied by school-level factors, such as proportion of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals (FRPMs), race/ethnicity of enrolled students, and school level. Over the study period, healthy items offered in the NSLP increased (p < 0.001), while unhealthy items in the NSLP decreased (p < 0.001). Significantly different rates of declines in NSLP unhealthy offering were observed among schools at the two extremes of FRPM eligibility (p < 0.05). The trends for healthy and unhealthy foods offered in competitive foods showed significant non-linear trends, and differences were observed for school-level race/ethnicity, with worse outcomes for schools with majority Black student enrollment.

The nature and persistence of the effects of posthypnotic suggestions on food preferences: The final report of an online study.

The persistence of food preferences, which are crucial for diet-related decisions, is a significant obstacle to changing unhealthy eating behavior. To overcome this obstacle, the current study investigates whether posthypnotic suggestions (PHSs) can enhance food-related decisions by measuring food choices and subjective ratings. After assessing hypnotic susceptibility in Session 1, at the beginning of Session 2, a PHS was delivered aiming to increase the desirability of healthy food items (e.g., vegetables and fruit). After the termination of hypnosis, a set of two tasks was administrated twice, once when the PHS was activated and once deactivated in counterbalanced order. The task set consisted of rating 170 pictures of food items, followed by an online supermarket where participants were instructed to select enough food from the same item pool for a fictitious week of quarantine. After 1 week, Session 3 mimicked Session 2 without renewed hypnosis induction to assess the persistence of the PHS effects. The Bayesian hierarchical modeling results indicate that the PHS increased preferences and choices of healthy food items without altering the influence of preferences in choices. In contrast, for unhealthy food items, not only both preferences and choices were decreased due to the PHS, but also their relationship was modified. That is, although choices became negatively biased against unhealthy items, preferences played a more dominant role in unhealthy choices when the PHS was activated. Importantly, all effects persisted over 1 week, qualitatively and quantitatively. Our results indicate that although the PHS affected healthy choices through resolve, i.e., preferred more and chosen more, unhealthy items were probably chosen less impulsively through effortful suppression. Together, besides the translational importance of the current results for helping the obesity epidemic in modern societies, our results contribute theoretically to the understanding of hypnosis and food choices.

Impact of COVID-19 on lifestyles related etiquette among nursing staff in India: a cross sectional descriptive e-survey.

To analyze the impact of COVID-19 pandemics on lifestyle-related etiquettes like eating, physical activity, and sleep behavioramong nursing staff in India. A crosssectional descriptive E-survey was conducted among 942 nursing staff. The validated electronic survey questionnaire was used to assess the changes in lifestyle-related etiquette before and during COVID-19 Pandemic. Pandemic.Results.A total of 942 responses (mean age29.01±5.7years) were collected, 53% of the respondents were men. A slight decline in healthy meal consumption pattern (p<0.0001)and a restriction of unhealthy food items were observed (p<0.0001), and also reduction in physical activity coupled with decreased participation in leisure-related activities was seen (p<0.0001). The stress and anxiety slightly increase during COVID-19 pandemics (p<0.0001).Additionally, social support extended by family and friends to maintain healthy lifestyle-related behaviors also significantly decreased during COVID-19 PANDEMIC pandemics compared to before (p<0.0001). Although the COVID-19 Pandemic slightly reduced the intake of healthy meals and deterred participants from consuming unhealthy food, this this may have led to individual weight loss. In general, there was a negative impact on, lifestyle like diet, sleep and mental health was observed. A detailed understanding of these factors can help to develop interventions to mitigate the harmful lifestyle-related etiquette that has manifested during COVID-19 Pandemic.

Assessment of consumption patterns of soft drinks and its impact on nutritional status among young adults of Kolkata

Soft drinks are non-alcoholic beverages that primarily consist of fruit juices and carbonated beverages. Soft drinks and other liquids with added sugar are viewed as unhealthy food items since they are high in calories but low in nutrients. India's populace continues to crave sugary soft drinks even as the rest of the globe is losing interest in these toxic beverages. The purpose of the present study was to determine the association between consumption of soft drinks and its impacts on nutritional status. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 younger adults, aged 20-30 years selected randomly from different social media resources based on Kolkata, West Bengal India. Present online survey was conducted on the basis of responses obtained from using pretested standardised questionnaires. The google forms were prepared and shared with the respondents. Social media platforms were used like Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn. In the present study total 2% respondents were underweight,30% were normal and 68% respondents belonged to overweight/obesity.88% of respondents are aware about the unhealthy impact of soft drinks. Whereas considering practice 6% of the respondents drink soft drinks daily and 25% have it on a weekly basis.42% of the respondents prefers regular soft drinks whereas 46% prefers fruit flavoured cold drinks. Again 62% of the respondents prefers coloured soft drinks. Considering attitude of the respondents 12% of them still willing to have soft drinks even after knowing its ill effects on tooth enamel. Further studies using descriptive research designs are needed to better understand the prospective associations among beverage consumption and obesity in the age group of 20 to 30 years, who are the future of our country.