Obesity and mental health

Exploring socio-demographic determinants of obesity in Jordanian women of reproductive age: insights from a nationwide survey

BACKGROUND

In Jordan, obesity has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly among females, with a prevalence of 43.1%. This rising trend, exacerbates the burden of non-communicable diseases and places increasing strain on the healthcare system.

AIM

We aimed to explore the predictors associated with obesity among adult ever-married Jordanian women aged 20-49 years based on the Jordanian Population and Family Health Survey (JPFHS).

METHOD

Our study analyzed data from the JPFHS conducted in 2017-18, which initially included 14,689 ever-married women. We performed multivariable analyses to determine the socio-demographic predictors of obesity among these women.

RESULT

We included 4,339 Jordanian women in our study, of whom 2,189 were classified as obese and 2,150 had a normal body mass index (BMI). Multivariable analysis indicated that increasing age and living in Tafilahwere significantly associated with higher odds of developing obesity (p < 0.05). Conversely, factors such as being in the wealthiest category, residing in Ma'an and Aqaba, and smoking every day were significantly linked to reduced odds of obesity (p < 0.05). Additionally, no significant associations were found between obesity development and variables such as the type of place of residence, educational level, frequency of reading newspapers or magazines, radio listening, television watching, or internet use in the past month (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Appropriate and targeted interventions should be developed for Jordanian women to address obesity and its related health issues. Policymakers should adopt a multilevel approach that focuses on high-risk subgroups, including older women, and those living in Tafilh. Efforts should be made to raise awareness and provide preventative measures tailored to these groups to effectively reduce obesity and its associated complications.

Obesity in Latinx and White U.S. military veterans: Mental health, psychosocial burden, non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behavior

Obesity disproportionately affects Latinx communities and is linked to an increased risk of mental health problems. Military veterans are more likely to develop mental health problems, but the role of Latinx ethnicity in moderating the association between obesity and these problems is unclear. To address this gap, this study examined psychiatric and psychosocial correlates of obesity in a nationally representative sample of Latinx and White U.S. military veterans. Data were analyzed from the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, which surveyed 3524 Latinx and White veterans. Analyses revealed that Latinx ethnicity moderated associations between obesity and several measures. Specifically, among veterans with obesity, Latinx veterans had higher rates of major depression, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders, drug use disorders, non-suicidal self-injury, and higher levels of childhood trauma, loneliness, and hostility relative to White veterans. These findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive prevention and treatment efforts to help mitigate symptoms of internalizing disorders, drug use disorder, loneliness, and hostility, and to cultivate psychosocial resources such as resilience and coping self-efficacy among Latinx veterans with obesity.

High-fat diet effects on contractile performance of isolated mouse soleus and extensor digitorum longus when supplemented with high dose vitamin D

Evidence suggests vitamin D3 (VD) supplementation can reduce accumulation of adipose tissue and inflammation and promote myogenesis in obese individuals, and thus could mitigate obesity-induced reductions in skeletal muscle (SkM) contractility. However, this is yet to be directly investigated. This study, using the work-loop technique, examined effects of VD (cholecalciferol) supplementation on isolated SkM contractility. Female mice (n = 37) consumed standard low-fat diet (SLD) or high-fat diet (HFD), with or without VD (20,000 IU/kg-1 ) for 12 weeks. Soleus and EDL (n = 8-10 per muscle per group) were isolated and absolute and normalized (to muscle size and body mass) isometric force and power output (PO) were measured, and fatigue resistance determined. Absolute and normalized isometric force and PO of soleus were unaffected by diet (P > 0.087). However, PO normalized to body mass was reduced in HFD groups (P < 0.001). Isometric force of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) was unaffected by diet (P > 0.588). HFD reduced EDL isometric stress (P = 0.048) and absolute and normalized PO (P < 0.031), but there was no effect of VD (P > 0.493). Cumulative work during fatiguing contractions was lower in HFD groups (P < 0.043), but rate of fatigue was unaffected (P > 0.060). This study uniquely demonstrated that high-dose VD had limited effects on SkM contractility and did not offset demonstrated adverse effects of HFD. However, small and moderate effect sizes suggest improvement in EDL muscle performance and animal morphology in HFD VD groups. Given effect sizes observed, coupled with proposed inverted U-shaped dose-effect curve, future investigations are needed to determine dose/duration specific responses to VD, which may culminate in improved function of HFD SkM.

Socio-demographic predictors of obesity among 12,975 adult ever married Egyptian women of reproductive age group: evidence from nationwide survey

AIM

We aimed to explore the predictors associated with obesity among adult ever-married Egyptian women aged 20-49 years based on the Egyptian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS).

METHOD

We included adult ever married women from the EDHS conducted in 2014 that initially recruited 21,903 women. Univariate and multivariable analysis was conducted to identify socio-demographic predictors of women's obesity.

RESULT

We included 12,975 Egyptian women. Among them, 76% of the total respondents were obese where as 24% were with normal body mass index (BMI). In multivariable analysis, the results revealed that increasing age, higher wealth index, listening to radio at least once a week and women with primary and secondary education were at significant odds of developing obesity (p < 0.05). However, we found no association between residence of participants and the frequency of watching television upon the development of obesity (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Appropriate and targeted interventions should be implemented among the Egyptian reproductive age women to reduce the obesity as well as non-communicable diseases load associated with obesity. National Health Service policy makers should take multilevel approach targeting high risk sub-groups to raise awareness and to provide prevention against obesity and the subsequent complications.

How socioeconomic status affects weight status through health-related lifestyles: a latent class analysis

AIMS

Obesity levels have increased worldwide with serious public health concerns. However, weight status is related to socioeconomic status (SES), which may also influence health-related lifestyles. Here, we study the association between SES and obesity mediated by diet and physical activity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using cross-sectional data from 2006, 2011, 2014, and 2017 Spanish health surveys (the final sample consisted of 61 768 adults aged between 18 and 64 years), we conducted a latent class analysis to estimate health-related lifestyle clusters (based on dietary patterns and physical activity) and mediation analyses to evaluate the association of SES and obesity through the clustering of health-related lifestyles. In both men and women, SES was inversely related to obesity (P < 0.001) and positively related to healthier lifestyle classes (P < 0.001). Obesity was inversely related to healthier lifestyle classes (P < 0.001). A small-although significant-proportion mediated by the clustering of lifestyles was found as follows: 4.9%, 95% CI (6.6%, 3.2%) in men and 2.3%, 95% CI (3.4%, 1.3%) in women for educational attainment, 5.3%, 95% CI (7.2%, 3.6%) in men and 2.0%, 95% CI (2.9%, 1.1%) in women for occupational social class, and 4.9%, 95% CI (6.5%, 3.1%) and 1.9%, 95% CI (2.9%, 1.1%) combining the above two SES indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

SES is related to obesity through clustering health-related lifestyles, with greater emphasis on men. However, the complex relationship between SES and weight status also suggests other indicators that contribute to the social gradient of obesity.

Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) to Manage Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic and the Post-COVID-19 Health Crisis

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has had and will have impacts on public health and health system expenses. Indeed, not only it has led to high numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, but its consequences will remain even after the end of the COVID-19 crisis. Therefore, therapeutic options are required to both tackle the COVID-19 crisis and manage its consequences during the post COVID-19 era. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a biomolecule that is associated with various properties and functions that situate it as a candidate which may be used to prevent, treat and manage COVID-19 as well as the post-COVID-19-era health problems. This paper highlights how SPARC could be of such therapeutic use.

Contributory Factors Influencing Interdisciplinary Pediatric Weight Management Program Attendance for Racially Minoritized Youth

Childhood obesity is a complex medical condition associated with biopsychosocial complications that requires a multifaceted treatment approach. Historically weight management treatment has been challenging to access for racially minoritized youth. This study evaluated factors influencing treatment attendance for racially minoritized youth in a pediatric weight management program between 2018 and 2021. Medical information from 228 participants was collected, including demographics, insurance type, use of telehealth visits, measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), distance from the weight management program, and medical history. Although participants entering the weight management program came from across the state, racially minoritized participants from the Indianapolis area were more likely to attend the program. Racially minoritized participants farther from the program were comparatively underrepresented. Relative to families from majority backgrounds, racially minoritized families had the highest public health insurance rates. Specific physical and mental health comorbidities may further increase risk. Results have important implications for pediatric weight management programs to improve access and treatment opportunities for racially minoritized and underserved populations.

Relationships between retrospective parental feeding practices and Chinese university students' current appetitive traits, weight status, and satisfaction with food-related life

Accumulating evidence suggests that parental feeding practices during childhood are related to adults' eating behaviors and weight status, but research exploring these relationships is largely conducted in Western contexts. However, China, a country that holds the largest world population, has distinct patterns of eating habits and food culture from Western countries. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine relationships between retrospective parental feeding practices (e.g., concern, monitoring, pressure to eat, and restriction) and current body mass index (BMI) and satisfaction with food-related life in a sample of 476 Chinese university students (195 men; Mage = 19.78 years, SD = 1.23). We also examined whether appetitive traits mediated these associations. Retrospective parental feeding practices were significantly related with participants' current BMI (concern: r = 0.26, p < .001; pressure to eat: r = -0.15, p < .001) and satisfaction with food-related life (concern: r = 0.15, p < .001; monitoring: r = 0.12, p = .009; pressure to eat: r = 0.13, p = .006; restriction: r = 0.16, p < .001). Relationships were partially mediated by young adults' current appetitive traits (e.g., enjoyment of food, emotional overeating, satiety responsiveness, slowness in eating). These findings suggest that retrospective parental feeding practices are important correlates of young adults' current weight status and satisfaction with food-related life, and that appetitive traits partially explain these relationships in the Chinese context.

Age-Related Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction Is Aggravated by Obesity: An Investigation of Contractile Function, Implications and Treatment

Obesity is a global epidemic and coupled with the unprecedented growth of the world's older adult population, a growing number of individuals are both old and obese. Whilst both ageing and obesity are associated with an increased prevalence of chronic health conditions and a substantial economic burden, evidence suggests that the coincident effects exacerbate negative health outcomes. A significant contributor to such detrimental effects may be the reduction in the contractile performance of skeletal muscle, given that poor muscle function is related to chronic disease, poor quality of life and all-cause mortality. Whilst the effects of ageing and obesity independently on skeletal muscle function have been investigated, the combined effects are yet to be thoroughly explored. Given the importance of skeletal muscle to whole-body health and physical function, the present study sought to provide a review of the literature to: (1) summarise the effect of obesity on the age-induced reduction in skeletal muscle contractile function; (2) understand whether obesity effects on skeletal muscle are similar in young and old muscle; (3) consider the consequences of these changes to whole-body functional performance; (4) outline important future work along with the potential for targeted intervention strategies to mitigate potential detrimental effects.

Effectiveness of Web-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Relation to Mental Health and Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The need for effective interventions to improve mental health and emotional well-being at a population level are gaining prominence both in the United Kingdom and globally. Advances in technology and widespread adoption of Internet capable devices have facilitated rapid development of Web-delivered psychological therapies. Interventions designed to manage a range of affective disorders by applying diverse therapeutic approaches are widely available.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence base of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in a Web-based delivery format.

METHOD

A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was conducted. Two electronic databases were searched for Web-delivered interventions utilizing ACT for the management of affective disorders or well-being. Only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included.

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 59 articles. Of these, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria specified. The range of conditions and outcome measures that were identified limited the ability to draw firm conclusions about the efficacy of Web-delivered ACT-based intervention for anxiety or well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

ACT in a Web-based delivery format was found to be effective in the management of depression. Rates of adherence to study protocols and completion were high overall suggesting that this therapeutic approach is highly acceptable for patients and the general public.

Application of the Intervention Mapping protocol to develop Keys, a family child care home intervention to prevent early childhood obesity

Background

Many families rely on child care outside the home, making these settings important influences on child development. Nearly 1.5 million children in the U.S. spend time in family child care homes (FCCHs), where providers care for children in their own residences. There is some evidence that children in FCCHs are heavier than those cared for in centers. However, few interventions have targeted FCCHs for obesity prevention. This paper will describe the application of the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework to the development of a childhood obesity prevention intervention for FCCHs

Methods

Following the IM protocol, six steps were completed in the planning and development of an intervention targeting FCCHs: needs assessment, formulation of change objectives matrices, selection of theory-based methods and strategies, creation of intervention components and materials, adoption and implementation planning, and evaluation planning

Results

Application of the IM process resulted in the creation of the Keys to Healthy Family Child Care Homes program (Keys), which includes three modules: Healthy You, Healthy Home, and Healthy Business. Delivery of each module includes a workshop, educational binder and tool-kit resources, and four coaching contacts. Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Determination Theory helped guide development of change objective matrices, selection of behavior change strategies, and identification of outcome measures. The Keys program is currently being evaluated through a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Conclusions

The IM process, while time-consuming, enabled rigorous and systematic development of intervention components that are directly tied to behavior change theory and may increase the potential for behavior change within the FCCHs.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MENSTRUAL CYCLE CHARACTERISTICS AND PERCEIVED BODY IMAGE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY OF POLISH FEMALE ADOLESCENTS

The increasing prevalence of negative body perceptions among adolescent girls and the tendency towards wishing to be thinner have become a cultural norm in Western culture. Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to developing a negative body image due to physical and sexual changes occurring during puberty. This study aimed to evaluate the association between different measures of body image perceptions and different phases of the menstrual cycle after controlling for weight status and other potential confounders in Polish adolescent girls aged 12-18 years. Three-hundred and thirty participants of a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2009, normally cycling and with no eating disorders, completed a background questionnaire and the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale, and their anthropometric measurements were collected. The dependent outcome variables were measures of body image (actual body image, ideal body image and ideal-self discrepancy) and dichotomous body image perception (satisfied versus dissatisfied) adjusted for other predictor factors: socio-demographic variables, menstrual history and cycle phases, and weight status. One-way ANOVA indicated that weight status, age at menarche and menstrual cycle phase were associated with actual body image and rate of ideal-self discrepancy. Ideal body image was associated with weight status and menstrual cycle phase. General logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate associations of body dissatisfaction and all potential predictor variables. The final selected model of the multiple logistic regression analysis using the backward elimination procedure revealed that adjusted for other factors, negative body image was significantly associated with different phases of the menstrual cycle (p trend=0.033) and increasing body weight status (p trend=0.0007). The likelihood of body dissatisfaction was greatest during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle (OR=2.38; 95% CI 1.06, 5.32) and among girls in obesity class I (OR=8.04; 95% CI 2.37, 27.26). The study confirmed the association between body image dissatisfaction in adolescent girls and different phases of the menstrual cycle after controlling for weight status. The issue of negative body self-image is not only of cognitive, but also of practical value as understanding better the factors contributing to the formation of a negative body image may be instrumental in developing preventive health programmes targeted at young people.

Associations between body weight and depression, social phobia, insomnia, and self-esteem among Taiwanese adolescents

The aims of this cross-sectional study were to examine the associations between body weight and mental health indicators including depression, social phobia, insomnia, and self-esteem among Taiwanese adolescents in Grades 7-12. The body mass index (BMI) of 5254 adolescents was calculated based on self-reported weight and height measurements. Body weight status was determined by the age- and gender-specific International Obesity Task Force reference tables. By using participants of average weight as the reference group, the association between body weight status (underweight, overweight, and obesity) and mental health indicators (depression, social phobia, insomnia, and self-esteem) were examined by using multiple regression analysis. The possible moderating effects of sociodemographic characteristics on the association were also examined. After controlling for the effects of sociodemographic characteristics, both overweight (p < 0.05) and obese adolescents (p < 0.001) had a lower level of self-esteem than did those of average weight; however, no significant differences in depression, social phobia, or insomnia were found between those who were overweight/obese and those of average weight. No significant differences in the four mental health indicators were found between those who were underweight and those of average weight. Sociodemographic characteristics had no moderating effect on the association between body weight and mental health indicators. In conclusion, mental health and school professionals must take the association between overweight/obesity and self-esteem into consideration when approaching the issue of mental health among adolescents.

Mood, food, and obesity

Food is a potent natural reward and food intake is a complex process. Reward and gratification associated with food consumption leads to dopamine (DA) production, which in turn activates reward and pleasure centers in the brain. An individual will repeatedly eat a particular food to experience this positive feeling of gratification. This type of repetitive behavior of food intake leads to the activation of brain reward pathways that eventually overrides other signals of satiety and hunger. Thus, a gratification habit through a favorable food leads to overeating and morbid obesity. Overeating and obesity stems from many biological factors engaging both central and peripheral systems in a bi-directional manner involving mood and emotions. Emotional eating and altered mood can also lead to altered food choice and intake leading to overeating and obesity. Research findings from human and animal studies support a two-way link between three concepts, mood, food, and obesity. The focus of this article is to provide an overview of complex nature of food intake where various biological factors link mood, food intake, and brain signaling that engages both peripheral and central nervous system signaling pathways in a bi-directional manner in obesity.

Talk weight: an observational study of communication about patient weight in primary care consultations

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a major public health issue and primary care practitioners are well placed to opportunistically raise the issue of overweight or obesity with their patients.

AIM AND METHODS

This study investigated the prevalence of weight discussion in primary care consultations with overweight and obese patients, in a practice in Fife, Scotland, and described weight-related communication using video analysis.

FINDINGS

Weight was raised in 25% of consultations with overweight and obese patients. GPs initiated weight discussion more often than patients; however, these attempts were often blocked by patients. Weight-related outcomes were more common when patients initiated the weight discussion. This study confirms the potential of video analysis for understanding primary care weight discussion. It also suggests that GPs may benefit from a communication-based intervention to tackle patient blocking behaviours and contributes to the evidence suggesting that interventions targeted to increase the prevalence of weight-related discussions with their patients are needed.

Binge eating in obese adolescents: an evolutionary concept analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the concept of binge eating in obese adolescents.

METHODS

Rodgers' evolutionary approach was used to frame this analysis. A search was conducted within the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, and PsycINFO for publications between 1980 and 2011.

FINDINGS

Conceptual shifts in the meaning of binge eating have occurred over the past 30 years, yet the two enduring attributes are consumption of a large amount of food and a loss of control over eating.

CONCLUSION

Though this analysis demonstrates a consensus concerning the core attributes of binge eating, further refinement of the nuances, subtleties, and use of the concept in relation to adolescents is needed.