Obesity in childhood: associations with parental neglect, nutritional habits, and obesity awareness.

Background: The relationships underlying the dynamic between obesity and parental neglect in terms of nutritional habits and obesity awareness are unclear. Parental neglect remains a significant subject of concern that needs to be examined in the context of obesity. Methods: The aim was to examine the relationships between childhood obesity, parental neglect, children's eating habits and obesity. The study group consisted of 404 children and their parents from Ankara, Turkiye. As data collection tools, an Individual Information Form, Obesity Awareness Scale, the Parents Form of the Multidimensional Neglectful Behaviors Scale were administered. In addition, information on the children's body mass indexes was obtained by anthropometric measurements and the findings were recorded on the questionnaires of each child. Results: It was found that 98 (24.3%) of the children included in the study were overweight and 63 (15.6%) were obese. The results of the multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that in the underweight and overweight group, the parents' perception of their child's weight predicted body mass index in children, and in the obese group, along with the parents' perception of their child's weight, the age and gender of the child, eating fast, obesity in the family and parental neglect were also predictors. Conclusion: Practitioners such as nurses, dietitians and child developmentalists working in schools should consider weight problems in children as one of the indicators of parental neglect and should implement interventive efforts to enhance parental supervision of children at risk.

The Nexus of Training Duration, Body Image, Nutritional Practices, and Mental Health: Insights from a Strength Training Cohort.

This study investigated the intricate relationship between strength training and its effects on body image, psychological health, and nutritional habits. By examining 605 participants, divided into two groups based on training frequency, the research aimed to discern how varying intensities of training influenced different wellness facets. The investigation employed a comprehensive survey, gathering demographic data, training specifics, dietary patterns, and psychological characteristics, utilizing statistical tools for analysis. Results unveiled significant differences in dietary habits and psychological profiles between groups with higher and lower training frequencies. The group with more frequent training displayed less favourable health outcomes and suboptimal dietary habits, challenging the prevailing notion that increased training frequency leads to better health. The study emphasized the necessity of a balanced approach to physical training, highlighting the need for personalized strategies that encompass both physical and mental health considerations. The findings exposed the complexities of training regimens and their broader implications on individual health, suggesting that enhanced training frequency alone does not assure improved health outcomes. This research significantly contributed to the domain by providing insights into how the frequency of strength training could differentially affect health and well-being, offering valuable guidelines for fitness professionals and healthcare providers.

Nutritional Habits of Hungarian Older Adults.

There are many nutritional changes that come with aging, mostly as consequences of health regression. Malnutrition and overweight often start with inadequate food consumption, followed by alterations in biochemical indices and body composition. In our study, we aimed to analyze the feeding habits and energy and nutrient intake of a Hungarian elderly population, focusing on macronutrient, water, fruit, and vegetable consumption while searching for possible nutritional factors leading to NCD and many other chronic diseases in this population. Two questionnaires were used. These were the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and one asking about nutritional habits, and a 3-day feeding diary was also filled. Subjects (n = 179, 111; females (F), 68 males (M), older than 50 years were recruited. Based on MNA results, 78 adults (43.57% of the studied population) were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, although, according to BMI categories, 69% were overweight and 7.3% were obese among M, while 42.3% were overweight among F. The average daily meal number was diverse. The amount of people consuming fruit (11.7%) and vegetables (8.93%) several times a day was extremely low (15.3% of F and 4.4% of M). Daily fruit consumption in the whole sample was 79.3%. Overall, 36.3% consumed 1 L of liquid and 0.5 L of consumption was found in 15.1% of participants. A significant gender difference was found in water consumption, with F drinking more than M (p ≤ 0.01). In our sample, 27.93% of the respondents took dietary supplements. Further analysis and research are needed to explore the specific health implications of and reasons behind these findings.

Dietary Factors and the Risk of Depression among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

This study aimed to assess the association between dietary factors and depression in a group of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women and to evaluate potential interactions and the mediating role of BMI in this relationship. One hundred and sixteen women with PCOS were asked to complete the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire and the manual for developing of nutritional data (KomPAN questionnaire) and the Beck Depression Inventory. The population was divided into two groups: (1) not at risk of depression (ND), n = 61, and (2) at risk of depression (RD), n = 55. Significantly higher BMI values were observed in the RD group than in the ND group. In the RD group, the intake of vegetables and legumes was lower than in the LD group, but the consumption of sweet beverages and energy drinks was higher. Consumption of vegetables and legumes at least twice per day is known to be associated with a 62% lower probability of the risk of depression in PCOS women. Furthermore, women with overweight and obesity have a 5.82 times greater chance of depression than women with normal body weight. Our findings show that there is a significant association between certain dietary factors, BMI, and symptoms of depression in PCOS women.

Eating Behavior Disorders and Disordered Eating Habits in Spanish High-Performance Women's Olympic Wrestling Athletes.

Eating disorders (EDs) are a significant health issue in combat sports. This study investigated the differences between the different types of female wrestlers and the frequency at which EDs occur in the elite population, and it also sought to establish which factors are predictors of EDs. This study was comprised of 22 elite, female wrestlers who were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: having previously been the Spanish champion, being part of the Spanish national team, participating in at least one international championship, and having a history of ED. Data collection involved five questionnaires: demographic data, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Bulimic Investigatory Test, the Edinburgh (BITE), the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-3), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The results revealed diverse levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, with BITE scores indicating abnormal eating patterns. Group comparisons exposed significant distinctions in eating behaviors based on competition and training experience. Regression analyses showed competition and training experience as predictors of bulimia severity and symptoms. The study revealed prevalent extreme weight-control practices, including fasting, diuretic and laxative use, and binge eating. This research emphasizes the importance of EDs in Olympic wrestling, urging a comprehensive approach involving education, support, and policy implementation by coaches, health professionals, and sports organizations to prioritize athletes' well-being and discourage unhealthy weight-control practices.

Descriptive Analysis of Carrier and Affected Hereditary Fructose Intolerance in Women during Pregnancy.

(1) Background: Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder resulting from aldolase B deficiency, requiring a fructose, sorbitol and sucrose (FSS)-free diet. Limited information exists on the relationship between pregnancy outcomes and HFI. This study aims to analyze pregnancy-related factors in a cohort of thirty Spanish women, with twenty-three being carriers and seven being HFI-affected (45 pregnancies). (2) Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study utilized an anonymous questionnaire. (3) Results: Findings encompassed physical and emotional states, nutritional habits, pathology development and baby information. Notable results include improved physical and emotional states compared to the general population, with conventional analyses mostly within normal ranges. Persistent issues after pregnancy included hepatic steatosis, liver adenomas and hemangiomas. Carrier mothers' babies exhibited higher weight than those of patient mothers, while the weights of carrier children born with HFI were similar to disease-affected children. (4) Conclusions: Pregnant women with HFI did not significantly differ in physical and emotional states, except for nausea, vomiting, and cravings. Post-pregnancy, HFI patients and carriers exhibited persistent hepatic issues. Significantly, babies born to HFI-affected mothers had lower weights. This study sheds light on pregnancy outcomes in HFI, emphasizing potential complications and the need for ongoing monitoring and care.

Role of Nutritional Habits during Pregnancy in the Developing of Gestational Diabetes: A Single-Center Observational Clinical Study.

(1) Background and Objective: Excessive gestational weight gain is associated with serious complications such as pre-eclampsia, fetal macrosomia and a more frequent need for cesarean section. The aim of this study is to develop a simple screening model that includes maternal age, BMI and nutritive habits in the second trimester in order to predict the risk of GDM in the population of pregnant women in the territory of the Republic of Serbia. (2) Materials and Methods: This single-center, prospective and case-control study was performed in the University Clinical Center "Dr. Dragisa Misovic Dedinje", Belgrade, Serbia and included 54 women with singleton pregnancies during the second trimester from July 2023 to November 2023. We used basic demographic and socio-epidemiological data, as well as data of the present comorbidities and previous pregnancies/births. The Serbian version of the Nutritive Status Questionnaire (NSQ) was used to estimate the nutritive habits in GDM (n = 22) and non-GDM groups (n = 32). (3) Results: We observed less frequent vegetable and fruit consumption in the GDM group in comparison with the non-GDM group; meat and chicken intake was 2-3 times per week in both groups; meat products were consumed 2-3 times per week in the GDM group and 2-3 times per month in the non-GDM group; milk products were consumed once a day in 31.8% of GDM patients and twice per day in 24.1% of non-GDM patients. Sweets (cakes, ice creams, biscuits) were consumed very often (2-3 times per week) in the GDM group (36.4%), while in the non-GDM group this habit was less frequent (26.7%). Cronbach alpha and internal consistency for this instrument were very good (Cronbach alpha = 0.87). (4) Conclusions: We have found that a non-adequate intake of fruits/vegetables, dairy and whole grain, as well as an excessive intake of sugar/artificially sweetened beverages and dairy, was associated with a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.04; 95% CI).

Determination of the relationship between body composition and nutritional habits and chronotype in healthy Turkish adults.

This cross-sectional study aims to determine the relationship between chronotype characteristics, dietary habits, and body composition in 110 adults, of which 75.5% are female, residing in Mersin, Türkiye. Data collection included a descriptive information form, the Morningness-Eveningness Scale for assessing chronotype, a detailed 24-hour dietary record for evaluating dietary intake, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for accurate anthropometric measurements of body composition. The evening types had higher BMI, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, total fat mass, and lower body water ratio than the morning types. Positive correlations were found between sleep duration and body mass index, total fat mass, and fat percentage. The evening types tended to skip breakfast more frequently and had higher energy intake during dinners and snacks. Additionally, the evening types consumed more lipids, carbohydrates, sodium, and saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These findings suggest that chronotype influences anthropometric measurements, nutritional habits, and meal energy distribution. These findings highlight the importance of considering chronotype characteristics to understand how body composition and dietary patterns interact, underscoring the need for customized interventions to promote healthier lifestyles.

Assessing sugar intake rapidly - a short form of the Marburg Sugar Index (MSI).

BACKGROUND: Sugar intake is a major nutritional factor in the development of dental caries. To further clarify its contribution to oral health-related diseases, population-based investigations are recommended. To facilitate economic and reliable assessment of sugar intake, a short form of the approved Marburg Sugar Index (MSI) was developed. METHODS: According to the principles of item reduction based on original data, a six-item-short form was constructed. A total of 468 participants (aged 15-81) answered the short form together with the long form in a counterbalanced cross-over design, and with two questionnaires concerning self-efficacy and decisional balance in oral health to verify construct validity. RESULTS: Comparable item characteristics to the original MSI and a high correlation with the long form prove the usefulness of the short form, which was processed by the participants in less than one minute. Low correlations to the other two constructs show discriminant validity. CONCLUSION: The new short form of the MSI (MSI-S) can replace the long form, especially in population-based studies with no restrictions on assessment quality but with sufficient time saved to add other variables necessary to explore oral health-related issues.

Estimation of Obesity Levels through the Proposed Predictive Approach Based on Physical Activity and Nutritional Habits.

Obesity is the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue in the body that leads to health risks. The study aimed to classify obesity levels using a tree-based machine-learning approach considering physical activity and nutritional habits. Methods: The current study employed an observational design, collecting data from a public dataset via a web-based survey to assess eating habits and physical activity levels. The data included gender, age, height, weight, family history of being overweight, dietary patterns, physical activity frequency, and more. Data preprocessing involved addressing class imbalance using Synthetic Minority Over-sampling TEchnique-Nominal Continuous (SMOTE-NC) and feature selection using Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE). Three classification algorithms (logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)) were used for obesity level prediction, and Bayesian optimization was employed for hyperparameter tuning. The performance of different models was evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, recall, precision, F1-score, area under the curve (AUC), and precision-recall curve. The LR model showed the best performance across most metrics, followed by RF and XGBoost. Feature selection improved the performance of LR and RF models, while XGBoost's performance was mixed. The study contributes to the understanding of obesity classification using machine-learning techniques based on physical activity and nutritional habits. The LR model demonstrated the most robust performance, and feature selection was shown to enhance model efficiency. The findings underscore the importance of considering both physical activity and nutritional habits in addressing the obesity epidemic.

Association of Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Overweight and Obesity with Childhood Anthropometric Factors and Perinatal and Postnatal Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity in reproductive-aged women becomes a growing tendency in middle- and high-income populations. This study aimed to evaluate whether maternal excess body mass index (BMI) before gestation is associated with children's anthropometric characteristics, as well as perinatal and postnatal outcomes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study performed on 5198 children aged 2-5 years old and their paired mothers, assigned from 9 different areas of Greece. Maternal and childhood anthropometric data, as well as perinatal and postnatal outcomes, were collected from medical history records or validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Prevalences of 24.4% and 30.6% of overweight/obesity were recorded for the enrolled children and their mothers 2-5 years postpartum. Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity was more frequently observed in older mothers and female children, and was also associated with high childbirth weight, preterm birth, high newborn ponderal index, caesarean section delivery, diabetes type 1, and childhood overweight/obesity at pre-school age. In multivariate analysis, maternal pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity was independently associated with a higher risk of childhood overweight/obesity at pre-school age, as well as with a higher increased incidence of childbirth weight, caesarean section delivery, and diabetes type 1. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal overweight/obesity rates before gestation were related with increased childhood weight status at birth and 2-5 years postpartum, highlighting the necessity of encouraging healthy lifestyle promotion, including healthier nutritional habits, and focusing on obesity population policies and nutritional interventions among women of reproductive age.

Dietary Patterns, Gut Microbiota Remodeling, and Cardiometabolic Disease.

The cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, collectively known as cardiometabolic disease (CMD), are high morbidity and mortality pathologies associated with lower quality of life and increasing health-care costs. The influence of the gut microbiota (GM) in dictating the interpersonal variability in CMD susceptibility, progression and treatment response is beginning to be deciphered, as is the mutualistic relation established between the GM and diet. In particular, dietary factors emerge as pivotal determinants shaping the architecture and function of resident microorganisms in the human gut. In turn, intestinal microbes influence the absorption, metabolism, and storage of ingested nutrients, with potentially profound effects on host physiology. Herein, we present an updated overview on major effects of dietary components on the GM, highlighting the beneficial and detrimental consequences of diet-microbiota crosstalk in the setting of CMD. We also discuss the promises and challenges of integrating microbiome data in dietary planning aimed at restraining CMD onset and progression with a more personalized nutritional approach.

A Risk Profile for Disordered Eating Behaviors in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: A Latent Class Analysis Study.

(1) Background: This multi-center study aimed to identify a risk profile for disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) based on their dietary intake, lipid profile, body mass index (BMI-SDS), and glycometabolic control. (2) Methods: Adolescents aged 11 to 18 years from five centers across Italy were recruited. Lipid profile, HbA1c, BMI-SDS, and dietary intake data were collected. The risk for developing DEBs was assessed via the Diabetes Eating Problems Survey-R (DEPS-R) questionnaire. A latent class analysis (LCA) was performed using a person-centered approach. (3) Results: Overall, 148 participants aged 11-18 (12.1, ±3.34), 52% males with a mean diabetes duration of 7.2 (±3.4), were enrolled. Based on the results of the DEBS-R score, LCA allowed us to highlight two different classes of patients which were defined as "at-risk" and "not at-risk" for DEB. The risk profile for developing DEBs is characterized by higher BMI-SDS (23.9 vs. 18.6), higher HbA1c (7.9 vs. 7.1%), higher LDL cholesterol (99.9 vs. 88.8 mg/dL), lower HDL cholesterol (57.9 vs. 61.3 mg/dL), higher proteins (18.2 vs. 16.1%), and lower carbohydrates (43.9 vs. 45.3%). Adolescents included in the "at-risk" class were significantly older (p = 0.000), and their parents' SES was significantly lower (p = 0.041). (4) Conclusions: This study allowed us to characterize a risk profile for DEBs based on dietary behavior and clinical parameters. Early identification of the risk for DEBs allows timely intervention and prevention of behavior disorders.

Dental Caries, Dental Erosion and Periodontal Disease in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background: There is reportedly a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in healthy adults. Similar data for children are lacking in the literature. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dental erosion, dental caries, and periodontal disease in children with IBD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study. Using the established criteria of the World Health Organization, oral investigations and detailed questionnaires that covered nutritional habits were completed by the same pediatric dentist for 32 patients with IBD, aged 11 to 18 years (15.53 ± 2.00), and 32 healthy controls. Results: The decayed, missing, and filled tooth index showed no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.072). The frequency of consumption of salad, lemon gum, candy and sweetened milk was significantly higher in the control group (p = 0.041, 0.012, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively) than in the IBD group. No dental erosion was observed in the IBD group. Oral mucosal history determined that 20/32 patients with IBD (62.5%) had at least one oral extraintestinal manifestation. Despite no significant differences in plaque scores between the two groups, the gingival evaluation showed a much higher mean value of gingival index scores in the IBD group than in the control group (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Although the number of patients included in the study is small, we can conclude that oral extraintestinal manifestations and periodontal disease are more prevalent in paediatric patients with IBD than in healthy populations.

Gender Differences in Body Satisfaction Perception: The Role of Nutritional Habits, Psychological Traits, and Physical Activity in a Strength-Training Population.

The objective of this study is to examine gender disparities in body satisfaction perception, emphasizing the influence of nutritional habits, psychometric assessments, levels of physical activity, and health-related metrics. Employing a sample of 605 strength-trained participants (385 males and 224 females), aged between 20 and 35 years, and regularly engaged in strength training, we conducted a thorough analysis using Google Forms. We evaluated variables including age, anthropometric data, resistance training frequency, food consumption patterns, and psychological profiles. Our findings indicate significant gender-based differences in body satisfaction perception. Females tend to overestimate their muscular size and express heightened concern regarding gluteal shape, while males exhibit a more realistic self-perception, primarily focused on hip width. Dietary patterns also display gender-specific tendencies; females prefer healthier options like vegetables, whereas males consume more milk, fermented products, and carbohydrates. Hydration practices diverge as well, with females showing higher water intake in contrast to males' preference for alcoholic and carbonated beverages. Psychologically, males demonstrate greater extroversion, while females exhibit higher conscientiousness, openness, and a tendency toward negative thoughts and anxiety. Regarding physical activity, females engage in training sessions with greater volume compared to males. This study highlights the intricate interplay of social, cultural, and personal factors shaping gender-specific perceptions of body satisfaction and their subsequent impact on health and lifestyle choices. These insights pave the way for future specialized interventions and research, underscoring the importance of understanding gender-specific nuances to promote healthy body satisfaction and self-perception.

Post-COVID-19 Status and Its Physical, Nutritional, Psychological, and Social Effects in Working-Age Adults-A Prospective Questionnaire Study.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the evolution of physical and daily routine, dietary habits, and mental and social health in individuals with recent COVID-19 infection. METHODS: A qualitative prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 01 October 2021 to 01 March 2022, which included 80 working-age adults from the territory of Central Serbia who had PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in the previous six months. Two structured pre-coded closed-ended questionnaires were submitted to the participants: a questionnaire about post-COVID-19 status (pCOVq) and a shortened version of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). RESULTS: The presence of the COVID-19 disease in the previous period of 6 months among the working-age participants significantly affected the duration of aerobic, anaerobic, and high-intensity physical activities, but also the possibility of performing certain activities such as walking, which represents basic aerobic activity and a measure of general health among middle-aged participants. In the majority of cases (78%), in the post-COVID-19 period, participants indicated a decline in educational and productive activities. CONCLUSION: Post-COVID status in working-aged participants consists of reduced physical activity, lower quality of life, and similar nutritional habits. Health policies should be more focused on these findings.

Fantastic Foods and Where to Find Them-Advantages and Disadvantages of Nutri-Score in the Search for Healthier Food.

The composition and quality of food rations and the intake of nutrients with the diet are undoubtedly reflected in our health. In order to help the consumer choose the right food product, food manufacturers use front-of-pack labels, which are designed to convey concise information about the nutritional value of the product. Such labels include the Nutri-Score system. In this paper, we have critically analyzed this system. As the available data indicate, this system does not take into account a number of factors that affect the quality of a food product, including the size of the package, the contents of vitamins, minerals, and other selected health-promoting ingredients, the degree of processing, or the fatty acid profile of the product, and it discriminates against regional products, organic products, and juices and nectars. This system, although intuitive and created with good intentions, still has quite a few flaws that must be addressed before it can be considered to correctly indicate the nutritional value of food products.

Physical, Psychological, and Body Composition Differences between Active and Sedentary Adolescents According to the "Fat but Fit" Paradigm.

The practice of physical activity during adolescence is essential for the proper development of the population. In recent decades, the relevance of physical activity has been increasing, due to the development of the "fat but fit" paradigm. This paradigm shows that adolescents with a high level of physical fitness are healthier than adolescents with poorer physical fitness, regardless of their weight, giving importance to sports practice over other aspects. However, few previous studies have analyzed the differences in physical and body composition between active and sedentary adolescents in this paradigm. For this reason, the objectives of the present study were to establish the differences in body composition, physical performance, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet between active and sedentary adolescents; and to analyze the differences between active and sedentary adolescents according to the "fat but fit" paradigm. The sample consisted of 791 adolescent whose body composition, level of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical fitness were measured. It was found significant between active and sedentary adolescents in most of the anthropometric, AMD, and physical fitness variables, with a significant effect of the covariates gender, age, BMI, and biological maturation on the model. The binary logistic regression analysis performed shows that anthropometric variables, AMD, and VO2 max can be considered as primary outcomes to distinguish between active and sedentary groups of adolescents. Furthermore, the results showed that the active adolescents, regardless of their weight status, had lower fat mass and greater muscle mass, as well as a higher performance in the physical fitness tests, and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet than the sedentary adolescents. To conclude, the practice of physical activity is a determinant for the improvement of body composition, physical performance, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet of the adolescent population, regardless of their gender, age, weight, or maturity status.

Effects of Dietary Intervention and Education on Selected Biochemical Parameters and Nutritional Habits of Young Soccer Players.

In adolescence, the body requires sufficient amounts of adequate nutrients. This is especially important in the case of young athletes, for whom a nutrition plan should be as significant as a proper training plan. The aim of the study was a 17-week follow-up of the effects of individual and group nutrition intervention on changes in eating habits and selected biochemical parameters. 46 young soccer players aged 12-17 from the Soccer Academy in Northeastern Poland completed the study. One group received only individual recommendations, while the other additionally received group nutrition education. As a result of the dietary education, teenagers from the latter group consumed less saccharose (44 g vs. 39.2 g) in favor of digestible carbohydrates (266 g vs. 273 g) and dietary fiber (19.7 g vs. 22.2 g), further emphasizing the health-promoting profile of diets. The amount of fluid consumed (33% vs. 48% above 2 L of water a day) and the habits of the peri-workout hydration routine were also improved. Many of the participants (41%) reported faster regeneration while 26% experienced an overall better well-being. The short-term intervention produced positive results, but nevertheless it is the implementation of long-term dietary improvement schemes involving parents and coaches that should be the direction of future approaches.