Association of Soda Drinks and Fast Food with Allergic Diseases in Korean Adolescents: A Nationwide Representative Study.

INTRODUCTION: A high consumption of carbonated soft drinks (i.e., soda drinks) and fast food is potentially associated with the observed global rise in adolescent allergic diseases. Thus, our study aimed to examine the potential associations between the consumption of soda drinks and fast food and allergic conditions, identifying specific relationships across subgroups and each allergic condition (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis). METHODS: This study uses large-scale data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (total n = 865,614). Soda drinks and fast food were defined by a self-reported questionnaire and allergic conditions by physician-diagnosed within 1 year. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the weighted odds ratios (ORs), along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for allergic diseases associated with the intake of soda drinks and fast food. RESULTS: Among 865,614 adolescents in grades 7-12 (male, 51.40%), patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were 18,568 (2.15%), 153,536 (17.74%), and 59,014 (6.82%), respectively. Current asthma was associated with soda drinks (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.12) and fast food consumption (1.25; 1.17-1.33). Interestingly, stronger associations were observed for female high schoolers, compared to male high schoolers and middle schoolers, in relation to the consumption of soda drinks (1.31; 1.19-1.44) and fast food (1.46; 1.26-1.69) with asthma. Current allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis had no significant association with fast food consumption and soda drinks. CONCLUSION: This first large-scale study suggests that fast food and soda drinks consumption are potentially associated with current asthma, with stronger associations observed in females than males, underscoring the need for sex-specific allergy prevention programs.

The Relationship Between Fast Food Consumption and Daily Lifestyle Changes During School Closures Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Adolescents in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: Increased fast food consumption can have adverse effects on health and well-being among adolescents, posing a significant public health concern. The school closures due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have led to changes in eating patterns and disrupted a balance diet among adolescents. This study explored the factors associated with fast food consumption among adolescents during school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A total of 1,710 middle and high school students in Gwangju, South Korea participated in a cross-sectional survey. The self-administered questionnaire included items assessing dietary intake, physical activity, sleep, media use, and sociodemographic information. The Patient Health Questonnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and three item version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale were also administered. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with increased fast food consumption. RESULTS: Approximately 34.6% of the surveyed adolescents reported increased fast food consumption during school closures, as well as increased sleep duration, increased sedentary behaviors including watching TV and using the internet, and reduced physical activity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that fast food consumption during school closures was associated with irregular patterns of main meals and sleep, decreased physical activity, increased internet use, and a lack of daytime adult supervision. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the need for dietary and lifestyle monitoring and guidelines to promote health among adolescents, especially during school closures. In conclusion, nutrition intervention programs aiming to limit fast food consumption and enhance healthy dietary habits among adolescents during long-term school closures are warranted.

Evaluation of the Consumption of Junk Food Products and Lifestyle among Teenagers and Young Population from Romania.

BACKGROUND: The long-term consumption of junk food products can lead to nutritional and metabolic imbalances, especially when it is associated with a lack of physical activity and the consumption of alcohol or other high-calorie products. METHODS: The evaluation of junk food consumption among teenagers and young people in Romania was carried out with the help of a cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total number of 1017 respondents participated in this study, comprising 470 males and 547 females aged between 16 and 25 years. Although the majority of young people fell into the normal-weight category (607 of them, p < 0.0001), some aspects can be noted that in the long term can produce a series of nutritional imbalances: an increased tendency toward sedentarism, with 553 (p = 0.613) of the respondents declaring that they performed sports rarely or not at all, and a tendency toward relatively high consumption of foods high in calories (fast food products and especially fried potatoes, hamburgers, shawarma, pastries, and snacks, along with sweetened drinks and even alcoholic beverages). The respondents participating in this study even indicated a perceived addiction to the consumption of certain products: coffee (50.48%), fried potatoes (38.9%), hamburgers (37.05%), shawarma (31.65%), and snacks (30.08%). Many of these products are rich in calories, saturated fat, and even trans fat. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a series of aspects that can have long-term negative effects related to the excess weight associated with other imbalances: consumption preferences among young people for hypercaloric fast food products, sweetened drinks associated with reduced physical activity, and even the development of some forms of food addictions for a series of hypercaloric foods.

Perception and Impact of Food and Beverage Marketing on Children's Eating Behaviors and Associated Health Issues.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Children are more susceptible to food and beverage marketing than adults, but little is known about the specific effects of marketing through the media most used by children. This study aims to discover variables that can help inform childhood obesity prevention strategies. Our findings indicate an association between food advertisements and children's consumption, evidencing a need for the concerned authorities to create strict guidelines that consider the nutritional value of advertised foods. This study aims to study the attitudes and practices of children related to their preference for unhealthy meals due to food marketing and their association with childhood obesity. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study of randomly selected guardians of children who were screened for obesity. A structured questionnaire was given to the children's parents. RESULTS: The study found that most of the participants' children prefer fast food (291, 78.0%), eat healthy meals (287, 76.9%), and eat fruits and vegetables every day (198, 53.1%). Furthermore, most participants (340, 91.2%) indicated that they were aware of unhealthy diets, and 105 (28.2%) said their children were overweight. Most participants (326, 87.4%) also indicated that watching television (TV) was associated with eating high-calorie foods. CONCLUSIONS: There is strong evidence that children exposed to food marketing develop attitudes about and choose unlimited healthy food and unhealthy foods, which negatively impacts their health. It is recommended that future research employs a wide range of methodologies to study contemporaneous marketing strategies.

Evaluation of Heavy Metal and Specific Trace Elements Levels Among Fast-Food Workers and Their Susceptibility to Atherosclerosis.

Fast-food workers in Iraq face significant health risks due to exposure to heavy metals from fumes and dust during cooking activities. Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni), are toxic to cells even at low concentrations and can cause health risks, including atherosclerosis, due to oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study assess the levels of heavy metals in fast-food workers and investigate their potential link to atherosclerosis development by monitoring the levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). A total of 120 male participants aged between 20 and 40 years were included in the study, with 40 fast-food workers, 40 patients with atherosclerosis, and 40 healthy individuals evaluated. The levels of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mg, Mn, and Fe in all blood samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results showed that the fast-food worker group had significantly higher levels of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Fe compared to the healthy control group, with increases of 57%, 75%, 30%, and 55%, respectively. Conversely, their levels of Zn and Mg were significantly lower, decreasing by 15% and 16%, respectively. On the other hand, the atherosclerosis patients' group had significantly higher levels of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Fe, with increases of 47%, 74%, 34%, and 28%, respectively, as well as significantly lower levels of Zn and Mg, decreasing by 17% and 21%, respectively, compared to the control group. These findings suggest that fast-food workers are at risk of developing atherosclerosis due to exposure to high levels of heavy metals and imbalances in essential trace elements. The results showed a significant increase in the levels of Pb and Cd in the sera of these workers, which was expected because of the long duration and high intensity of exposure to toxic heavy metals. This is a serious indicator that must be considered, as it has been previously established that increased levels of Pb and Cd in the body are linked to the risk of atherosclerosis. Additionally, an association between Pb and Cd levels and an imbalance in trace element levels (Cu, Zn, Mg, and Fe) were observed. The Implementation of stricter regulations and guidelines for maintaining cleanliness and safety in fast-food restaurants may be crucial for protecting workers and preventing long-term health complications.

Association between watching eating shows and unhealthy food consumption in Korean adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Eating habits formed during adolescence greatly influence the maintenance of health in adulthood. With the recent development of social media and easy access to the Internet, adolescents watch plenty of food videos, particularly Mukbang and Cookbnag(eating show)content. This media genre's impact on food choices has been covered in several studies; however, studies on unhealthy eating habits directly related to adolescents' exposure to eating shows are insufficient. METHODS: For this study, we used data from the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted in 2022 and finalized 50,451 participants. The extent of exposure to eating show media over the course of a week, as well as the consumption of fast food, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and high caffeinated beverages within that week were measured through self-reporting questionnaires. We classified the participants into two groups based on their frequency of watching eating shows. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between eating show and unhealthy food consumption. RESULTS: For both males and females, eating show exposure was strongly associated with the consumption of fast food (male: OR:1.37, 95% CI:1.26-1.49; female: OR:1.46, 95% CI:1.36-1.57), SSB (male: OR:1.42, 95% CI:1.26-1.60; female: OR:1.51, 95% CI:1.35-1.70), and high caffeinated beverage (male: OR:1.30, 95% CI:1.23-1.37; female: OR:1.24, 95% CI:1.18-1.31). It was observed that both sexes were more likely to frequently eat unhealthy food than students who did not watch eating shows. CONCLUSION: Among Korean adolescents, students exposed to eating shows, which primarily aim to entertain, were more likely to consume fast food, SSBs, and high caffeinated beverages. Therefore, this study's findings suggest that eating show could influence adolescents' food choices, highlighting the need for interest in emerging cultures and corresponding health policies.

Fast food consumption and its relationship with oral health among US adults: A cross-sectional NHANES-based study.

This study aimed to assess the link between fast-food consumption and oral health outcomes as measured by the mean number of decayed, missing due to dental disease, or filled permanent teeth (DMFT) and teeth with untreated dental caries. This study utilized data obtained from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). The data used was collected from 11,288 participants aged 20 and above from 2015 to 2018. The frequency of fast-food consumption was divided into two groups: "less than two meals over the past seven days" and "two meals or more over the past seven days." The mean number of DMFT and teeth with untreated dental caries were used to assess the participants' oral health. The link between fast-food consumption and these mean values was explored using Poisson regression analysis, in which confounding variables such as income, race, age, and sex were adjusted for. After adjusting for these variables, the results revealed that individuals who reported consuming two or more fast-food meals during the preceding seven days had higher mean numbers of DMFT and teeth with untreated dental caries compared to those who consumed less than two fast-food meals during the same period (adjusted mean ratio = 1.05; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.10 and mean ratio = 1.22; 95 % CI 1.01-1.47, respectively). Conclusion: This study revealed a link between poor oral health outcomes and fast-food consumption. Consequently, public health officials must focus on fast-food settings and availability of high-sugar-content items. Interventions that target fast-food outlets and what they offer may have a positive impact on oral health.

Association between density of food retailers and fitness centers and gestational diabetes mellitus in Eastern Massachusetts, USA: population-based study.

Background: Few studies have investigated the relationship between the food and physical activity environment and odds of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study quantifies the association between densities of several types of food establishments and fitness centers with the odds of having GDM. Methods: The density of supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, full-service restaurants, convenience stores and fitness centers at 500, 1000 and 1500 m (m) buffers was counted at residential addresses of 68,779 pregnant individuals from Eastern Massachusetts during 2000-2016. The 'healthy food index' assessed the relative availability of healthy (supermarkets) vs unhealthy (fast-food restaurants, convenience stores) food retailers. Multivariable logistic regression quantified the cross-sectional association between exposure variables and the odds of having GDM, adjusting for individual and area-level characteristics. Effect modification by area-level socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed. Findings: In fully adjusted models, pregnant individuals living in the highest density tertile of fast-food restaurants had higher GDM odds compared to those living in the lowest density tertile (500 m: odds ratio (OR):1.17 95% CI: [1.04, 1.31]; 1000 m: 1.33 95% CI: [1.15, 1.53]); 1500 m: 1.18 95% CI: [1.01, 1.38]). Greater residential density of supermarkets was associated with lower odds of GDM (1000 m: 0.86 95% CI: [0.74, 0.99]; 1500 m: 0.86 95% CI: [0.72, 1.01]). Similarly, living in the highest fitness center density tertile was associated with decreased GDM odds (500 m:0.87 95% CI: [0.76, 0.99]; 1500 m: 0.89 95% CI: [0.79, 1.01]). There was no evidence of effect modification by SES and no association found between the healthy food index and GDM odds. Interpretation: In Eastern Massachusetts, living near a greater density of fast-food establishments was associated with higher GDM odds. Greater residential access to supermarkets and fitness centers was associated with lower the odds of having GDM. Funding: NIH.

Factors That Most Influence the Choice for Fast Food in a Sample of Higher Education Students in Portugal.

The frequency of fast food consumption among higher education students is high, causing worrying implications for public health. This study aims to relate the factors that influence the choice for fast food with social factors, nutritional status, and fast food consumption in a sample of higher education students in Portugal. An online questionnaire was developed and disseminated by social networks among students during the first half of 2023. Two hundred and thirty-seven students participated, mainly female (65.4%), who were attending public higher education institutions (59.1%), with a median of age of 20.0 (19.0; 22.0) years, and about 20% of the sample had overweight. Approximately 80% consumed fast food, and almost 40% consumed it more than once or twice a week. Predominantly (78.0%), they chose hamburger meals, spending EUR 8.0 per meal. The factors that most influenced the choice of fast food were ease or convenience of preparation (59.9%), price (48.5%), and flavor (28.3%). There were also differences between sexes and between those attending public and private higher education institutions regarding whether they usually consume fast food or not. The body mass index was positively associated with age (r: 0.142; p = 0.029) and with fast food spending (r: 0.146; p = 0.024). The results have implications for public health and clinical nutrition, and can support more effective strategies to improve food choices in higher education students.

Metabolic Syndrome and Biotherapeutic Activity of Dairy (Cow and Buffalo) Milk Proteins and Peptides: Fast Food-Induced Obesity Perspective-A Narrative Review.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is defined by the outcome of interconnected metabolic factors that directly increase the prevalence of obesity and other metabolic diseases. Currently, obesity is considered one of the most relevant topics of discussion because an epidemic heave of the incidence of obesity in both developing and underdeveloped countries has been reached. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2023 report, 38% of the world population are presently either obese or overweight. One of the causes of obesity is an imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure, where nutritional imbalance due to consumption of high-calorie fast foods play a pivotal role. The dynamic interactions among different risk factors of obesity are highly complex; however, the underpinnings of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia for obesity incidence are recognized. Fast foods, primarily composed of soluble carbohydrates, non-nutritive artificial sweeteners, saturated fats, and complexes of macronutrients (protein-carbohydrate, starch-lipid, starch-lipid-protein) provide high metabolic calories. Several experimental studies have pointed out that dairy proteins and peptides may modulate the activities of risk factors of obesity. To justify the results precisely, peptides from dairy milk proteins were synthesized under in vitro conditions and their contributions to biomarkers of obesity were assessed. Comprehensive information about the impact of proteins and peptides from dairy milks on fast food-induced obesity is presented in this narrative review article.

How Do Anger and Impulsivity Impact Fast-Food Consumption in Transitional Age Youth?

Introduction: Consumption of fast food has been linked to psychiatric distress, violent behaviors, and impulsivity in adolescents. The relationship between eating fast food, anger, and impulsivity has not been widely investigated. The National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence community-based cohort consists of 831 youth, half at elevated risk factors for substance use disorders during adolescence, followed annually. Methods: Impulsivity using Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance, and Sensation Seeking Impulsive Behavior scale from annual assessments was examined in relation to self-reported fast-food consumption frequency and mobile application questions of anger. This study tested the hypotheses that youth anger may be predicted by fast-food consumption frequency and impulsivity using multiple regression, in addition to whether adolescent fast-food consumption frequency may be predicted by anger and impulsivity. Results: Among youth, higher anger levels and impulsivity predicted greater frequency of fast-food consumption, and greater fast-food consumption frequency and impulsivity predicted higher anger levels. Conclusions: This study's longitudinal findings are consistent with those of other studies that have found fast-food consumption and anger associated with impulsivity and also reveal a bidirectional link between anger and fast-food consumption. These results may point attention to food selection considerations for those at risk of anger and poorer psychiatric outcomes.

Drivers of consumer food choices of multinational corporations' products over local foods in Ghana: a maximum difference scaling study.

INTRODUCTION: The fundamental transformation of food systems and retail environments in low-income countries is influencing consumers' food choices and dietary habits in unfavourable directions through the consumption of highly processed, energy-dense foods, predominantly manufactured by multinational food corporations. This study aims to identify the principal factors driving consumers' preference for multinational foods over local foods in the urban Accra region of Ghana. METHOD: This cross-sectional survey involving a random sample of 200 consumers conducted in March/April 2023 using interviewer-administered questionnaires employed a maximum difference scaling approach to investigate the drivers of urban Ghanaian consumer food choices for multinational food corporations' products over local foods. The maximum difference scaling modelling analysis utilized in this study identifies the primary drivers of multinational food corporations' product preferences and the associated trade-offs. RESULT: The study discovered that food quality and safe packaging, perceived healthiness, taste and flavour, and nutritional value were the most significant factors driving consumer preference for multinational food corporations' products over local foods in Ghana. The criterion food quality and safe packaging had the significantly highest utility than all other attributes in terms of consumer preference for products/meals from multinational food corporations over local foods. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide significant contributions to the existing body of research, as previous studies have not identified these factors as primary drivers of multinational food products. Public health authorities and nutritionists can use the study's findings to implement targeted quality assurance measures in local markets and to address the drivers in health education campaigns.

Effects of changes in residential fast-food outlet exposure on Body Mass Index change: longitudinal evidence from 92,211 Lifelines participants.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the association between fast-food outlet exposure and Body Mass Index (BMI) remains inconsistent and is primarily based on cross-sectional studies. We investigated the associations between changes in fast-food outlet exposure and BMI changes, and to what extent these associations are moderated by age and fast-food outlet exposure at baseline. METHODS: We used 4-year longitudinal data of the Lifelines adult cohort (N = 92,211). Participant residential addresses at baseline and follow-up were linked to a register containing fast-food outlet locations using geocoding. Change in fast-food outlet exposure was defined as the number of fast-food outlets within 1 km of the residential address at follow-up minus the number of fast-food outlets within 1 km of the residential address at baseline. BMI was calculated based on objectively measured weight and height. Fixed effects analyses were performed adjusting for changes in covariates and potential confounders. Exposure-moderator interactions were tested and stratified analyses were performed if p < 0.10. RESULTS: Participants who had an increase in the number of fast-food outlets within 1 km had a greater BMI increase (B(95% CI): 0.003 (0.001,0.006)). Decreases in fast-food outlet exposure were not associated with BMI change (B(95% CI): 0.001 (-0.001,0.004)). No clear moderation pattern by age or fast-food outlet exposure at baseline was found. CONCLUSIONS: Increases in residential fast-food outlet exposure are associated with BMI gain, whereas decreases in fast-food outlet exposure are not associated with BMI loss. Effect sizes of increases in fast-food outlet exposure on BMI change were small at individual level. However, a longer follow-up period may have been needed to fully capture the impact of increases in fast-food outlet exposure on BMI change. Furthermore, these effect sizes could still be important at population level considering the rapid rise of fast-food outlets across society. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms and changes in consumer behaviours underlying associations between changes in fast-food outlet exposure and BMI change.

Partial validation of a six-month high-fat diet and fructose-glucose drink combination as a mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PURPOSE: The need to investigate the pathogenesis and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has led to the development of multiple mouse models. The aim of this study was to validate a fast food diet (FFD) mouse model that is introduced as being close to the human disease. METHODS: Eight to nine weeks old male and female C57BL/6 J mice were randomly allocated to a FFD group or to a chow diet (CD) group. Every four weeks, mice were weighed, and blood samples were collected for the measurement of glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TGs) and total cholesterol. After 25 weeks, mice were sacrificed, and liver tissue was histologically evaluated. RESULTS: FFD mice gained more weight (p = 0.049) and presented a higher liver-to-body weight ratio (p < 0.001) compared to CD mice. FFD group presented with greater steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning and NAFLD activity score (NAS), whereas lobular inflammation and fibrosis were not significantly different compared to CD. When stratified by sex, NAS was different between FFD and CD groups in both male and female mice. Group by time interaction was significant for weight, ALT and cholesterol, but not for glucose, AST and TGs. CONCLUSION: FFD mice presented with morphologic and biochemical features of NAFLD and with greater hepatic steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning and NAS, but not lobular inflammation and fibrosis, compared to CD mice. These results only partly validate the FFD mouse model for NAFLD, at least for a 6-month feeding period.

Constipation: A Pristine Universal Pediatric Health Delinquent.

Constipation suffered by children is a global public health problem. Functional constipation (FC) brings about deteriorating effects in the children's lives who suffer from it. The risk factors for the development of constipation include the consumption of a diet low in fiber and high in calories (such as the consumption of fast food), a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of exercise, a family history of constipation, and emotional and psychological stress endured by children in their families. It is one of the most common causes of stomachaches in children. FC may lead to fecal incontinence (FI), anal fissures, recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI), and enuresis in children. Severe constipation may result in stool becoming rock-hard and inflexible in the rectum, which is clinically identified as fecal impaction. It is imperative to perform clinical evaluation and treatment, including pharmacological (the use of stimulant and osmotic laxatives) and non-pharmacological (education, changes in diet, intervention to promote positive behavior and address any emotional issues, toilet training, and physiotherapy for the pelvic floor) interventions. In the case of refractory patients, neuromodulation, the irrigation of the anal canal, and surgical management may be needed. It is essential to lead a healthy, stress-free lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a balanced diet rich in fiber (such as fruits and vegetables) so children can have regular bowel habits and thrive.

Smartphone-based educational and counseling interventions for women with high body mass index at Urmia's health centers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Overweight and obesity in women of reproductive age not only contribute to chronic diseases but also lead to fertility issues, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and psychological challenges. Among the detrimental behaviors associated with obesity, the consumption of fast foods and sedentary lifestyles have the most significant impact on weight gain and require effective interventions. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of an educational and counseling smartphone intervention in raising awareness and modifying behaviors related to sedentary behavior and fast food consumption in women with high body mass index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with two parallel groups comprising 106 women of reproductive age who sought assistance at Urmia health centers in 2022. Participants with diverse social and economic backgrounds were included. They were randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group. Valid and reliable questionnaires were administered to assess awareness regarding sedentary behaviors and fast foods consumption, as well as engagement in sedentary behaviors and consumption of fast foods. In addition to standard care, the intervention group received educational and counseling sessions through a dedicated smartphone application. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20 software at a significance level of P < 0.05. FINDINGS: The results of a statistical t-test indicated a noteworthy disparity between the control and intervention groups concerning the average awareness scores related to fast foods consumption (P < 0.001) and sedentary behaviors (P < 0.001) before and 3 months after the intervention. Additionally, a substantial statistical difference was observed in the mean consumption of fast foods (P < 0.001) and hours of sedentary behaviors (P < 0.001) before and 3 months after the intervention when comparing the two groups. CONCLUSION: Educational and counseling programs, when applied effectively, can serve the dual purpose of enhancing awareness concerning sedentary behaviors and fast foods consumption while concurrently fostering a reduction in the prevalence of these behaviors. The study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT Id: IRCT20210722051953N1) at 04/08/2021.

The Difference between PC-Based and Immersive Virtual Reality Food Purchase Environments on Useability, Presence, and Physiological Responses.

Computer simulations used to study food purchasing behavior can be separated into low immersion virtual environments (LIVE), which use personal computers and standard monitors to display a scene, and high immersion virtual environments (HIVE) which use virtual reality technology such as head-mounted displays to display a scene. These methods may differ in their ability to create feelings of presence or cybersickness that would influence the usefulness of these approaches. In this present study, thirty-one adults experienced a virtual supermarket or fast-food restaurant using a LIVE system or a HIVE system. Feelings of presence and cybersickness were measured using questionnaires or physiological responses (heart rate and electrodermal activity). The participants were also asked to rate their ability to complete the set task. The results of this study indicate that participants reported a higher sense of presence in the HIVE scenes as compared to the LIVE scenes (p < 0.05). The participant's heart rate and electrodermal activity were significantly higher in the HIVE scene treatment when compared to the LIVE scene (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the participant's ability to complete tasks in the different scenes. In addition, feelings of cybersickness were not different between the HIVE and LIVE scenes.

Dietary patterns and their associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the specific dietary patterns in adult survivors of childhood cancer. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify dietary patterns specific to childhood cancer survivors and examine their associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. METHODS: Adult survivors of childhood cancer (mean:31 ± 8 y; n = 3022) and noncancer controls (n = 497) in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort self-reported diet over the past 12 mo using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis with 48 predefined food groups was performed to identify foods consumed together. Subsequently, cluster analysis with energy-adjusted factor scores was used to categorize survivors into a mutually exclusive dietary pattern. Dietary patterns were the primary outcomes. Multivariable multinomial logistic regressions were used to cross-sectionally examine associations between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and dietary patterns in cancer survivors. RESULTS: Among the 4 dietary patterns identified, the fast-food pattern (36 %) was the most common, followed by the Western contemporary (30 %), the plant-based (20 %), and the animal-based (14 %) patterns in childhood cancer survivors. By contrast, the plant-based (38 %) and fast-food patterns (29 %) were prevalent in controls. In survivors, male sex, younger age, lower educational attainment, and physical inactivity were associated with the fast-food, Western contemporary, or animal-based pattern. Compared with non-Hispanic White survivors consuming the plant-based diet, non-Hispanic Black survivors were 2-5 times more likely to consume the fast-food [odds ratio (OR:= 2.76; 95 % CI: 1.82, 4.18) or the animal-based diet (OR: 5.61; 95 % CI: 3.58, 8.78)]. Moreover, survivors residing in the most deprived area were 2-3 times more likely to consume the fast-food, Western contemporary, or animal-based diet. CONCLUSIONS: Unhealthy dietary patterns are prevalent in adult survivors of childhood cancer, especially those with lower socioeconomic status and racial minorities. Interventions to improve diet and health in childhood cancer survivors need to concurrently address disparities that contribute to adherence to healthy dietary practices. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00760656 (https://classic. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT00760656).

Ultra-processed and fast food consumption, exposure to phthalates during pregnancy, and socioeconomic disparities in phthalate exposures.

BACKGROUND: Consuming ultra-processed foods may increase exposure to phthalates, a group of endocrine disruptors prevalent in food contact materials. OBJECTIVES: Investigate associations between ultra-processed food intake and urinary phthalates during pregnancy, and evaluate whether ultra-processed foods mediate socioeconomic disparities in phthalate exposures. METHODS: In a socioeconomically diverse sample of 1031 pregnant women from the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) Study in the urban South, the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire was administered and urinary phthalate metabolites were measured in the second trimester. Linear regressions modeled associations between phthalates and overall ultra-processed food consumption, individual ultra-processed foods, and exploratory factor analysis dietary patterns. Causal mediation analyses examined whether ultra-processed food intake mediates relationships between socioeconomic disparities and phthalate exposures. RESULTS: Ultra-processed foods constituted 9.8-59.0 % (mean = 38.6 %) of participants' diets. 10 % higher dietary proportion of ultra-processed foods was associated with 13.1 % (95 %CI: 3.4 %-22.9 %) higher molar sum concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (ΣDEHP). 10 % higher consumption of minimally-processed foods was associated with lower ΣDEHP (10.8 %: 3.4 %-22.9 %). Ultra- and minimally-processed food consumption were not associated with non-DEHP metabolites. Standard deviation higher consumptions of hamburger/cheeseburger, French fries, soda, and cake were associated with 10.5 % (4.2 %-17.1 %), 9.2 % (2.6 %-16.2 %), 7.4 % (1.4 %-13.6 %), and 6.0 % (0.0 %-12.4 %), respectively, higher ΣDEHP. Exploratory factor analysis corroborated positive associations of processed food with ΣDEHP, and uncovered a healthy dietary pattern associated with lower urinary ΣDEHP, mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) (MEHHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) (MECPP), mono(2-carboxymethylhexyl) (MCMHP), and mono-isononyl (MINP) phthalates. Significant indirect effects indicated that lower income and education levels were associated with 1.9 % (0.2 %-4.2 %) and 1.4 % (0.1 %-3.3 %) higher ΣDEHP, respectively, mediated via increased ultra-processed food consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of ultra-processed foods may increase exposure to phthalates. Policies to reduce dietary phthalate exposures from food packaging and processing are needed, as socioeconomic barriers can preclude dietary recommendations as a sole means to reduce phthalate exposures.

Socio-demographic and economic factors associated with the consumption of processed foods in South Africa - Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey VII.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to examine the socio-demographic and economic factors associated with the consumption of processed foods in South Africa. STUDY DESIGN: This is an empirical study where secondary data analysis was performed from the South African Demographic and Health Survey VII. METHODS: A nationally representative sample of 10,336 participants (aged ≥15 years) was included in the analysis. Using regression models, we studied the association between socio-demographic and economic predictors and the intake of processed foods. RESULTS: The regression models found that the odds of consumption of any type of processed foods were significantly high in all South African provinces but specifically higher in urban settings, those with any level of education, and young adults. The odds of processed meat consumption were significantly higher among the coloured population, while that of fried food, fast food, and salty snacks was significant in the white population. The odds of consumption increased irrespective of marital status and were higher among males, specifically among those in the poorer and poorest wealth quintiles. CONCLUSION: These findings warrant advocacy and action for healthy food choices in the population. The role of industry, ethnic vulnerability, and gender stereotypes in food preparation are areas that need priority attention.