1
|
Guzman S, Melara RD. Effects of Covid-19-related anxiety on overeating and weight gain in a diverse college sample. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38579128 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2337009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has been linked with caloric overeating and weight gain. We employed a mediation analysis to determine whether pandemic-associated overeating was a direct effect of Covid-19-related anxiety (affect regulation theory) or mediated by a coping mechanism of escape eating (escape theory). A diverse pool of college students participated in a repeated cross-sectional study during three separate waves: May 2021 (wave 1, n = 349), December 2021 (wave 2, n = 253), and March 2022 (wave 3, n = 132). The results revealed a significant indirect effect of Covid-19-related anxiety on high-caloric overeating mediated by escape eating, but no direct path between Covid-19-related anxiety and caloric overeating. Analysis of racial/ethnic status uncovered significantly greater Covid-weight gain in Hispanic participants compared with White, Black, and Asian participants. Our results suggest that Covid-19 weight gain is a byproduct of a mediated escape mechanism differentially affecting racial/ethnic groups.
Collapse
|
2
|
Harris D, Baker E, Svacina J, Funderburk L. A Systematic Approach to Evidence-Based Design for Measurable Health and Wellness Outcomes: Curating and Translating Evidence to Practice. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2024; 17:17-29. [PMID: 37919935 DOI: 10.1177/19375867231209335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluating evidence from peer-review literature for use in evidence-based design is often challenging for the design disciplines, requiring access to the peer-reviewed literature, expertise in evaluating methods and findings, and translating the results into actionable design and operational recommendations. PURPOSE The purpose of this methods paper is to elucidate the process for systematic evaluation of research to translate evidence into practical application to improve design for occupant health and wellness. BACKGROUND Researchers have found strong connections in environmental design influence on health and wellness that have proven to be substantiative in the effort to improve health and well-being. Design has the capacity to encourage healthy choices and decisions within the built environment. Translation of evidence into applied design solutions may improve public health. METHODS A protocol is presented that culminates in the translation of evidence into design recommendations focused on improving occupant health. The protocol includes preparation for the literature search and review, search strategy, study selection, data analysis, and development of the literature review. RESULTS After evaluation of the evidence is completed, there were several positive findings in the example that stakeholders could utilize to improve the health of building occupants with programs and design to support nutrition, physical activity, and circadian entrainment. CONCLUSIONS There are a variety of software tools and processes to utilize in the curation of evidence to improve the built environment with relevant design recommendations and operational considerations affecting the personal, social, and economic health of our society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debra Harris
- Interior Design, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Erich Baker
- Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | | | - LesLee Funderburk
- Nutrition Sciences, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tal A, Grinstein A, Kleijnen M. Weighing heavy: Heavy serving dishes increase food serving. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288956. [PMID: 37624814 PMCID: PMC10456203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The current work demonstrates that people serve themselves greater amounts of food when carrying heavier serving dishes. This effect occurs because increases in carried weight lower consumers' sensitivity to the weight of the food served. Decreased sensitivity to weight of food served in turn leads people to continue serving past the point where they would normally stop. The paper demonstrates this effect across two lab studies involving actual food serving (with a third lab study extending the outcomes to unhealthy food choices reported in the S1 Appendix). The studies also demonstrate liking for the food moderates the effect, such that carrying greater weight leads people to serve an increased amount of liked, but not of less well liked, foods. The findings extend prior research regarding the effects of dish weight on food judgment to provide a first demonstration of effects of weight not only on judgment but on behavior. In this, they help expand our understanding of the ways in which elements in the eating environment effects food consumption. In addition, the studies provide initial evidence for the mechanism behind the phenomenon: reduced sensitivity to weight. The research carries important implications for public well being, given that increases in serving sizes may contribute to obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aner Tal
- College of Law and Business, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Amir Grinstein
- Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Erfani K, Grabowski A, Parker G, Garrity A, Peterson KE, Lee JM, Nanda U. Point of Decision Design to Address Adolescent Overweight and Obesity. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2023; 16:182-194. [PMID: 36946329 PMCID: PMC11042780 DOI: 10.1177/19375867231153365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to utilize the point of decision design framework to understand how, where, and why adolescents and families make decisions about diet and physical activity and to explore how modifications to the environment can help to promote healthier choices and reduce obesity. BACKGROUND Child and adolescent obesity is a critical public health problem. As environmental factors are a primary contributor, understanding the role of design in our surrounding environment highlights an important area of interdisciplinary study. Design strategies have been used successfully to increase stair use and reduce sedentary behavior and can be used to further promote healthier diet and activity choices among adolescents and families. METHODS We leveraged the human-centered design-thinking process through (1) qualitative interviews and survey instruments, (2) persona and prompt development, and (3) a design workshop with multidisciplinary stakeholders. RESULTS Five personas were developed from the qualitative data and used in a design-thinking workshop. During the workshop, participants generated 12 influential factors and nine points of decision which were used to generate 33 solutions spanning the design continuum (from information and policy design to the design of urban, architectural, and interior environments) aimed at improving nutrition and physical activity among adolescents. Additionally, a tool kit was prototyped, which includes interview guides, a persona framework, and a workshop facilitation guide. CONCLUSIONS Our novel process led to the generation of design solutions that can be implemented to expand and improve upon existing interventions for childhood obesity and create environments that encourage positive health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Erfani
- A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Aria Grabowski
- Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Grant Parker
- A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ashley Garrity
- Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karen E. Peterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Joyce M. Lee
- Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Upali Nanda
- A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mahmoodi Z, Gill P, Qorbani M, Mohammadian Khonsari N, Sheidaei A, Heshmat R, Heidari-Beni M, Kelishadi R. Socioeconomic inequality in different phenotypes of childhood obesity and its determinants in Iran: a Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1580. [PMID: 35986309 PMCID: PMC9392315 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood obesity has become a significant public health issue worldwide. Socioeconomic status is among its key determinants. This study examined the socioeconomic inequality in different phenotypes of childhood obesity at the national level in Iran. Methods This national, multistage school cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2015 on 14,400 students aged 7–18 years from urban and rural areas of 30 provinces of Iran. Using principal component analysis, socioeconomic status (SES) was categorized into tertiles. SES inequality in different phenotypes of obesity (i.e., generalized obesity", "abdominal obesity", and combined obesity) was estimated using the concentration index. The determinants of this inequality were assessed by the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method. Results Overall, 14,274 students completed the study (response rate: 99%). The mean age was 12.28 years, 50.6% were boys, and 71.42% lived in urban areas. The prevalence of generalized obesity and abdominal obesity was 20.8% and 11.3%, respectively. The concentration index for different phenotypes of obesity was positive, indicating that inequality is more common amongst the low SES groups. High SES, being male, living in a rural, and having a positive family history of obesity were associated with general obesity. Moderate physical activity and living in a rural area were associated with abdominal obesity. In addition, living in a rural area, having a high SES, being male, and having a positive family history of obesity were associated with combined obesity. Conclusion According to the present study findings, all childhood obesity phenotypes were more prevalent in Iranian children with high SES. Therefore, due to obesity and other diseases, it is essential to implement environmental changes in addition to designing macro-educational programs and prevention strategies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Leslie JL, Odar Stough C, Lee SY, Mitchell MJ, Kalarchian M. Healthy measures: Feasibility study of a moderate carbohydrate weight management intervention. Public Health Nurs 2021; 38:1126-1130. [PMID: 34132420 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People of all weights need to prevent changes that could lead to obesity, a leading public health issue. OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility of Healthy Measures, a moderate carbohydrate (160-300 g/d) nutrition education and behavioral intervention. DESIGN An uncontrolled intervention feasibility study including in-person group meetings every 2 weeks for 3 months. SAMPLE Fifteen participants of normal and overweight BMI. MEASUREMENTS We assessed feasibility of recruitment, attendance, retention and satisfaction as well as anthropometric measures and social cognitive variables with Healthy Measures, a nutrition-focused intervention with moderate carbohydrate portions that also emphasizes self-monitoring of anthropometric measurements. An intent-to-treat analysis was used. RESULTS Healthy Measures was feasible, with 13 participants (86.7%) completing pre- and post-intervention assessments. Eight participants lost or maintained weight (53.3%); four gained weight. Healthy eating self-efficacy increased overall (t = -2.54, p = .024). Increased protein and fat intake was associated with weight loss, while reduced protein, carbohydrate, and fat intake resulted in weight gain. CONCLUSIONS Healthy Measures shows promise for prevention of weight gain, with evidence of feasibility and positive outcomes. Further research is needed to establish efficacy relative to alternative approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Leslie
- College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Seung-Yeon Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Monica J Mitchell
- Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|