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Sobel SI, Dubé JJ. Social media for obesity education: a general overview for the novice creator. ADVANCES IN PHYSIOLOGY EDUCATION 2024; 48:114-121. [PMID: 38205520 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00120.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Rates of obesity continue to rise in the United States and across the globe. Obesity is a risk factor for developing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. For clinicians, other health care providers, and educators, providing patients with accurate and meaningful information about obesity, including lifestyle (diet and exercise) interventions and symptom monitoring, is challenging because of infrequent contact, methods of communication, a lack of effective patient education resources, and inefficient patient feedback methods. Evidence suggests that significantly more patients are now getting their health care information online from general medical websites, disease-specific network communities, and social media. Thus, harnessing the power of technologies, including personal computers and smartphones, with attention to social media may equip health care providers with methods to serve their patients better by addressing challenges, improving indirect patient contact, and enhancing health outcomes. This article aims to provide an overview of technology with a focus on social media use in obesity education and outreach. Practical information is provided related to creating content, delivering content, and managing the social media space for the novice creator.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Rates of obesity continue to increase. Health care providers have a limited time to cover the nuances of obesity. Technology and social media are tools that can help health care workers provide obesity education to a large audience. This article provides the foundations for obesity education content generation and delivery for the novice creator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra I Sobel
- Summon Health, LLC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - John J Dubé
- School of Arts, Science, and Business, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Sheppard A, Ricciardelli R. Bio-citizens online: A content analysis of pro-ana and weight loss blogs. CANADIAN REVIEW OF SOCIOLOGY = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SOCIOLOGIE 2023; 60:259-275. [PMID: 36825307 DOI: 10.1111/cars.12426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Current neoliberal ideology in Western society encourages individuals to self-monitor their body to control population health. The resulting self-surveillance includes weight management, promoted as a marker of health. Disordered eating, like anorexia, is framed as a health disorder. However, weight loss is framed as a health initiative; we argue that these framings are engaging with the same body project, encouraging thinness as a marker of health and good bio-citizenry. Using content analysis to compare online blog context created by individuals engaged in weight loss and individuals who identify as pro-anorexia, we argue and evidence that both groups are engaged in body projects with shared parameters. Findings suggest each group is striving to embody a thin ideal through weight management. Specifically, weight loss bloggers and pro-ana bloggers demonstrate similar diet and exercise behaviours in online diaries detailing their weight loss experiences. Thus, weight loss and anorexia exist on the same spectrum of responsible bio-citizenry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Sheppard
- Department of Sociology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Rose Ricciardelli
- School of Maritime Studies, Fisheries and Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
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Bracci EL, Milte R, Keogh JB, Murphy KJ. Developing and Piloting a Novel Ranking System to Assess Popular Dietary Patterns and Healthy Eating Principles. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163414. [PMID: 36014923 PMCID: PMC9415867 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A multitude of weight loss diets exist. However, no one diet has been proven to be superior, despite their claims. Resultingly, this creates confusion amongst consumers and conflicting nutrition messages. The aim of the ranking system was to evaluate a range of dietary pattern’s nutrition profile and financial costs, as well as their potential long-term sustainability and associated adverse effects. Nutrition profile is typically the focal point of weight loss diets with less attention focused towards other factors that may affect their suitability. Five popular diets (Keto, Paleo, Intermittent Fasting, Optifast, and 8 Weeks to Wow) and two energy restricted healthy eating principles (Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the Mediterranean Diet) were compared for diet quality, cost, adverse effects, and support for behaviour change. In general, healthy eating principles scored more favourably compared to popular weight loss diets in all categories. Lower carbohydrate diets tended to score lower for diet quality due to restricting multiple food groups, had more associated adverse effects and did not encourage behaviour change compared to the other weight loss diets. Optifast was the only weight loss diet to receive a negative score for cost. There should be considerations when undertaking a change to dietary patterns beyond nutrition profile. Diets indeed vary in terms of diet quality, and in addition can be costly, incur adverse effects, and disregard behaviour change which is important for sustainable weight loss and maintenance. This ranking system could create a reference point for future comparisons of diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella L. Bracci
- Clinical and Health Sciences, Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Rachel Milte
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Jennifer B. Keogh
- Clinical and Health Sciences, Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Karen J. Murphy
- Clinical and Health Sciences, Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
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Giacomo DD, Ranieri J, Fiasca F, Mattei A. Lifestyle, body mass index and wellness in youth: Strengthens and weakness in Italian youth. Health Psychol Res 2019; 7:8035. [PMID: 31583290 PMCID: PMC6763709 DOI: 10.4081/hpr.2019.8035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the psychological wellbeing and body perception among young Italian people. Drinking, eating, and sexual behaviors have been examined in relation to body mass index (BMI) and psychological well-being by EPOCH framework. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted on Italian adolescent and young adult population through an online survey. Qualitative and quantitative data on lifestyle, BMI classes, and psychological characteristics of wellness in youth were obtained from a sample of 1221 Italian participants using a self-report questionnaire on body perception and habits, a socio-demographics inventory, and the EPOCH measure. Findings suggest that being underweight or overweight is associated with various factors, including gender, self-control regarding food, perception of one’s body, and the happiness domain. EPOCH framework revealed the psychological wellness of girls and young women did not seem strongly affected by BMI, though Perseverance and Happiness seemed reduced with increasing BMI. The Engagement, Optimism, and Connectedness domains were not significantly affected by the BMI variable. On the contrary, Perseverance and Happiness seemed reduced with increasing BMI and were related to physical shape. Our study offers a new perspective: promoting the development of positive psychological characteristics since adolescence to boost quality of life by improving wellness, by EPOCH approach could be functional reinforcing specific psychological aspects in young generations regarding future wellness, improving the positive perception and management of their own health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Di Giacomo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Jessica Ranieri
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Fabiana Fiasca
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonella Mattei
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
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Dumas AA, Desroches S. Women's Use of Social Media: What Is the Evidence About Their Impact on Weight Management and Body Image? Curr Obes Rep 2019; 8:18-32. [PMID: 30666619 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-019-0324-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW This review aims to summarize recent research on the effects of social media-delivered weight management interventions on weight loss and the impact of social media use on body image concerns in women and adolescent girls. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence supports the feasibility, but not the efficacy, of studies using single-component social media-delivered weight management interventions (i.e., including no other modes of intervention delivery) in women. Studies conducted in adolescent girls and women suggest that the impact of social media on body image outcomes is mostly detrimental, but is dependent on the context (e.g., exposure to idealized social media appearance images), peers' feedback, and constructs, such as appearance comparison tendency. More research is needed to conclude on the efficacy of social media-delivered interventions on both weight and body image outcomes and to understand how and when exposure to social media could promote effective weight management and also advocate positive body image in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrée-Anne Dumas
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, School of Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sophie Desroches
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, School of Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
- Université Laval, Pavillon des services, Office 2729-P, 2440 Hochelaga Boulevard, Quebec City, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Khajeheian D, Colabi AM, Ahmad Kharman Shah NB, Bt Wan Mohamed Radzi CWJ, Jenatabadi HS. Effect of Social Media on Child Obesity: Application of Structural Equation Modeling with the Taguchi Method. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15071343. [PMID: 29949902 PMCID: PMC6069160 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Through public health studies, specifically on child obesity modeling, research scholars have been attempting to identify the factors affecting obesity using suitable statistical techniques. In recent years, regression, structural equation modeling (SEM) and partial least squares (PLS) regression have been the most widely employed statistical modeling techniques in public health studies. The main objective of this study to apply the Taguchi method to introduce a new pattern rather than a model for analyzing the body mass index (BMI) of children as a representative of childhood obesity levels mainly related to social media use. The data analysis includes two main parts. The first part entails selecting significant indicators for the proposed framework by applying SEM for primary and high school students separately. The second part introduces the Taguchi method as a realistic and reliable approach to exploring which combination of significant variables leads to high obesity levels in children. AMOS software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) was applied in the first part of data analysis and MINITAB software (Minitab Inc., State College, PA, USA) was utilized for the Taguchi experimental analysis (second data analysis part). This study will help research scholars view the data and a pattern rather than a model, as a combination of different factor levels for target factor optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Datis Khajeheian
- Department of Media Management, Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran 141556311, Iran.
| | - Amir Mohammad Colabi
- Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 1439813141, Iran.
| | - Nordiana Binti Ahmad Kharman Shah
- Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | | | - Hashem Salarzadeh Jenatabadi
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
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Waring ME, Jake-Schoffman DE, Holovatska MM, Mejia C, Williams JC, Pagoto SL. Social Media and Obesity in Adults: a Review of Recent Research and Future Directions. Curr Diab Rep 2018; 18:34. [PMID: 29671135 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-018-1001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Social media is widely used and has potential to connect adults with obesity with information and social support for weight loss and to deliver lifestyle interventions. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent observational and intervention research on social media and obesity. RECENT FINDINGS Online patient communities for weight loss abound but may include misinformation. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that social media-delivered lifestyle interventions modestly impact weight, yet how social media was used and participant engagement varies widely. The rapidly changing social media landscape poses challenges for patients, clinicians, and researchers. Research is needed on how patients can establish supportive communities for weight loss and the role of clinicians in these communities. Emerging research on meaningful engagement in, and the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of, social media-delivered lifestyle interventions should provide insights into how to leverage social media to address the obesity epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly E Waring
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA.
| | - Danielle E Jake-Schoffman
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marta M Holovatska
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA
| | - Claudia Mejia
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA
| | - Jamasia C Williams
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Sherry L Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA
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He C, Wu S, Zhao Y, Li Z, Zhang Y, Le J, Wang L, Wan S, Li C, Li Y, Sun X. Social Media-Promoted Weight Loss Among an Occupational Population: Cohort Study Using a WeChat Mobile Phone App-Based Campaign. J Med Internet Res 2017; 19:e357. [PMID: 29061555 PMCID: PMC5673881 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.7861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Being overweight and obese are major risk factors for noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high throughout the world and these issues are very serious in the Shunyi District in China. As mobile technologies have rapidly developed, mobile apps such as WeChat are well accepted and have the potential to improve health behaviors. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile app (WeChat) as an intervention on weight loss behavior. Methods This study was conducted among an occupational population from August 2015 to February 2016 in the Shunyi District of Beijing. Before the intervention, the Shunyi District Government released an official document for weight loss to all 134 government agencies and enterprises in Shunyi District. Participants willing to use our official WeChat account were enrolled in a WeChat group and received 6 months of interventions for weight loss; those who were not willing to use the account were in a control group given routine publicity on weight loss. Results In total, 15,310 occupational participants including 3467 participants (22.65%) in the control group and 11,843 participants (77.35%) in the WeChat group were enrolled. Participants in the WeChat group lost more weight (mean 2.09, SD 3.43 kg) than people in the control group (mean 1.78, SD 2.96 kg), and the difference in mean weight loss between the two groups for males was significant based on the stratification of age and educational level. To control for confounding factors and to explore the effects of WeChat on weight loss, the propensity score method with a multinominal logistic regression was utilized. For males, this showed that the WeChat group (with both active and inactive subgroups) had a higher probability of maintaining weight, weight loss from 1 to 2 kg, or weight loss more than 2 kg than the control group. However, the control group had higher probability of weight loss from 0 to 1 kg. Being active in WeChat was likely to be associated with weight loss. The more active participants were in the weight loss program via WeChat, the more weight they lost. Conclusions The weight loss intervention campaign based on an official WeChat account focused on an occupation-based population in Shunyi District was effective for males. The more active male participants were in using WeChat, the more weight they lost. There might be no effect or there may even be a negative effect on weight loss for females. Future research should focus on how to improve adherence to the WeChat weight loss interventions, to improve and refine the WeChat content such as developing a variety of materials to attract interest, and to protect personal privacy, especially for females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao He
- Department of Health Education, Shunyi Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyan Wu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- Department of Health Education, Shunyi Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Health Education, Shunyi Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Department of Health Education, Shunyi Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Le
- Department of Health Education, Shunyi Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Health Education, Shunyi Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Siyang Wan
- Department of Health Education, Shunyi Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Changqing Li
- Department of Health Education, Shunyi Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yindong Li
- Department of Health Education, Shunyi Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Xinying Sun
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review describes the state-of-the-art for dietary assessment using smartphone apps and digital technology and provides an update on the efficacy of technology-mediated interventions for dietary change. RECENT FINDINGS Technology has progressed from apps requiring entry of foods consumed, to digital imaging to provide food intake data. However, these methods rely on patients being active in data collection. The automated estimation of the volume and composition of every meal consumed globally is years away. The use of text messaging, apps, social media, and combinations of these for interventions is growing and proving effective for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Effectiveness of text messaging for obesity management is improving and multicomponent interventions show promise. A stand-alone app is less likely to produce positive outcomes and social media is relatively unexplored. A concentrated effort will be needed to progress digital dietary assessment. Researcher-designed technology programs are producing positive outcomes for T2DM but further research is needed in the area of weight management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Allman-Farinelli
- University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Science, Level E 4 East, Charles Perkins Centre D17, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Luke Gemming
- University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Science, Level E 4 East, Charles Perkins Centre D17, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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