News and research - ALL ITEMS

Spain: Differential Hippocampal Response to Chronic Alcohol Consumption of Young Adult and Mature Adult Rats

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:34:55 GMT

Aim: The focus of this work is aimed to determine local changes in the nNOS-like immunoreactive (nNOS-LIR) cell populations of the SGL after chronic ethanol exposure in young adult and mature adult rats. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to evaluate the relative importance of these findings, especially when considering human subjects.

New Zealand: Social smokers' management of conflicted identities

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:23:17 GMT

Aim: The authors explored how young adult social smokers viewed and defined smoking and the strategies they used to reconcile their conflicting smoker and non-smoker identities. Conclusion: Participants strongly supported extending the smoke-free areas outside bars, a measure that would help decouple their alcohol-fuelled behaviours from the identity to which they aspire.

Canada: Activity, and Obesity: A Multilevel Analysis of a Large Canadian City

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:58:41 GMT

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between variables from built and social environments and PA and overweight/obesity across 86 Ottawa, Canada neighborhoods. Conclusion: Findings revealed that park area, crime rates, and neighborhood food outlets may have different roles with LTPA and overweight/obesity in men and women and future prospective studies are needed.

USA: Comparing media and family predictors of alcohol use: a cohort study of US adolescents

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:40:23 GMT

Aim: To compare media/marketing exposures and family factors in predicting adolescent alcohol use. Conclusion: The results suggest that family focused interventions would have a larger impact on alcohol onset while limiting media and marketing exposure could help prevent both onset and progression.

UK: Dog Ownership during Pregnancy, Maternal Activity, and Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:36:15 GMT

Aim: Pet ownership and activity data were reported for 11,466 mothers. Conclusion: As walking is a low-risk exercise, participation of pregnant women in dog walking activities may be a useful context to investigate as part of a broader strategy to improve activity levels in pregnant women.

USA: Randomized controlled trial to improve primary care to prevent and manage childhood obesity: the High Five for Kids study.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:26:10 GMT

Aim: To examine the effectiveness of a primary care-based obesity intervention over the first year (6 intervention contacts) of a planned 2-year study. Conclusion: After 1 year, the High Five for Kids intervention was effective in reducing television viewing but did not significantly reduce BMI.

Germany: A cluster randomised school-based lifestyle intervention programme for the prevention of childhood obesity and related early cardiovascular disease (JuvenTUM 3).

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:20:28 GMT

Aim: In this study a comprehensive school-based randomized intervention programme will be investigated in 10-14-year old children addressing the influence of lifestyle intervention on inactivity, cardiometabolic risk factors and early signs of vascular disease. Conclusion: Our study aims to provide a feasible long-term intervention strategy to re-establish childhood health and to prevent obesity-related cardiovascular dysfunction in children.

Cost-effectiveness of an intervention to reduce overweight and obesity in 9-10-year-olds. The Cuenca study

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:12:51 GMT

Aim: To assess the cost-effectiveness a school-based intervention designed to reduce overweight/obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors in children. Conclusion: This type of after-school program for recreational physical activity to prevent obesity are likely to be a cost-effective use of public funds and warrant careful consideration by policy makers and program planners.

Australia: Mass media campaigns to promote smoking cessation among adults: an integrative review

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:49:14 GMT

Aim: This review summarises the impact of mass media campaigns on promoting quitting among adult smokers overall and for subgroups; the influence of campaign intensity and different channels; the effects of different message types. Conclusion: Mass media campaigns to promote quitting are important investments as part of comprehensive tobacco control programmes to educate about the harms of smoking, set the agenda for discussion, change smoking attitudes and beliefs, increase quitting intentions and quit attempts, and reduce adult smoking prevalence.

The Netherlands: Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease: do they really work?

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:33:06 GMT

Aim: The present review will focus on the current clinical uses of omega-3 fatty acids and provide an update on their effects and will examine the limitations of those data and suggest recommendations for the use of omega-3 fatty acids.

USA: Motivational Interviewing for Families with an Overweight/Obese Child

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:09:09 GMT

Aim: This article presents an overview of MI, components of MI, and the use of transtheoretical framework to guide providers in primary care in the use of MI for the prevention and management of obesity in children. Conclusion: Using this tailored approach to counselling on healthy eating activity shows promise for confronting childhood obesity.

USA: Insights from past millennia into climatic impacts on

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:38:46 GMT

Summary: Modern societies, although larger, better resourced, and more interconnected than past societies, are less flexible, more infrastructure-dependent, densely populated, and hence are vulnerable. Adverse historical climate-related health experiences underscore the case for abating human-induced climate change.

Early smoking initiation and associated factors among in-school male and female adolescents in seven African countries

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:45:41 GMT

Aim: This report examines the prevalence and common correlates of early smoking initiation among male and female school children across seven African countries. Conclusion: Specific interventions are needed for boys and girls in the preteen years, before smoking initiation.

Scotland: Ethnic variations in heart failure: Scottish Health and Ethnicity Linkage Study (SHELS)

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:38:57 GMT

Aim: Ethnic variations in heart failure are, apparently, large (eg, up to threefold in South Asians compared with White populations in Leicestershire, UK) but data are limited and conflicting. Conclusion:Ethnic variations in heart failure were important in this population setting and not abolished by adjusting for highest education, one important indicator of socioeconomic differences. The ethnic variations were substantial but did not support other studies showing 320-fold differences between ethnic groups.

Towards smoke-free rental cars: an evaluation of voluntary smoking restrictions in California

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:50:15 GMT

Aim: Some car rental companies in California and other states in the USA have established non-smoking policies for their vehicles. This study examined the effectiveness of these policies in maintaining smoke-free rental cars. Conclusion: Existing policies and practices were successful in lowering THS pollution levels in non-smoker cars compared with smoker cars.

Cohort profile: Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cohortchanges in diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and relationship with overweight/obesity in adolescents

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:45:30 GMT

Aim: The Ho Chi Minh Youth cohort study aimed to assess the change in nutritional status; indicators of adiposity; diet; physical activity and sedentary behaviours; home, neighbourhood and school microenvironments and their complex relationships in adolescents in urban areas of Ho Chi Minh City. Conclusion: The complete data analysis of this cohort study will allow a full exploration of the role of environmental and lifestyle behaviours on adolescent overweight and obesity and also identify the factors most strongly associated with excess weight gain and the appearance of overweight and obesity in different age groups of adolescents from this large city in Vietnam.

Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Sedentary Time and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:37:11 GMT

Aim: To examine the independent and combined associations between objectively measured time in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time with cardiometabolic risk factors. Conclusion: Higher MVPA time by children and adolescents was associated with better cardiometabolic risk factors regardless of the amount of sedentary time.

Impact of national smoke-free legislation on home smoking bans: findings from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project Europe Surveys

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:58:18 GMT

Aim: To measure changes in prevalence and predictors of home smoking bans (HSBs) among smokers in four European countries after the implementation of national smoke-free legislation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that smoke-free legislation does not lead to more smoking in smokers' homes. On the contrary, our findings demonstrate that smoke-free legislation may stimulate smokers to establish total smoking bans in their homes.

Nutrition standards for away-from-home foods in the USA

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:51:39 GMT

Aim: We review the rationale for developing nutritional performance standards for away-from-home foods in light of limited human capacity to regulate intake or physiologically compensate for a poor diet. Conclusion: Politically, regulatory standards contradict the belief that adults should be able to navigate dietary risks in away-from-home settings unaided.

Occupational and leisure time physical activity: risk of all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. A prospective cohort study

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:44:50 GMT

Aim: Men with low physical fitness and high occupational physical activity are recently shown to have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. The association between occupational physical activity with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality may also depend on leisure time physical activity. Conclusion: The findings suggest that high occupational physical activity imposes harmful effects particularly among men with low levels of leisure time physical activity.

Ambient Air Pollution and the Risk of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:00:49 GMT

Aim: The link between daily changes in level of ambient fine particulate matter (PM) air pollution (PM <2.5 µm in diameter [PM2.5]) and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is well established. Whether PM2.5 levels below current US National Ambient Air Quality Standards also increase the risk of ischemic stroke remains uncertain. Conclusion: These results suggest that exposure to PM2.5 levels considered generally safe by the US EPA increase the risk of ischemic stroke onset within hours of exposure.

Inviting Consumers To Downsize Fast-Food Portions Significantly Reduces Calorie Consumption

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:08:50 GMT

Aim: Policies that mandate calorie labeling in fast-food and chain restaurants have had little or no observable impact on calorie consumption to date. In three field experiments, we tested an alternative approach: activating consumers' self-control by having servers ask customers if they wanted to downsize portions. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential importance of portion-control interventions that specifically activate consumers' self-control.

The relationship between regular second-hand smoke exposure at home and indictors of lung function in healthy school boys in Khartoum

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:46:23 GMT

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine relationship between regular second-hand smoke exposure at home and the spirometric derived values forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow 50% and peak expiratory flow rate in healthy school boys in Khartoum. Conclusion: Regular second-hand smoke exposure at home causes significant reduction in FVC and FEV1 by about 7%8% in school pupils in Khartoum.

The association between socio-demographic characteristics and perceived stress among residents in a deprived neighbourhood in Denmark

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:35:41 GMT

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate how stress varies by socio-demographic characteristics of the residents in a deprived neighbourhood. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that variation in the stress levels across socio-demographic characteristics may have specific features among people in the low SES hierarchy, dwellers of a deprived neighbourhood.

Association of proximity to polluting industries, deprivation and mortality in small areas of the Basque Country (Spain)

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:28:29 GMT

Aim: The study is aimed at assessing social inequities in the location of polluting industries in the Basque Country, and at exploring if the effect on mortality of living near air polluting industries is modified by economic deprivation. Conclusion: There is a higher proportion of more deprived census sections around polluting industries in the Basque Country. Risks of mortality associated with proximity to polluting industries tend to be higher in more deprived areas.

Habitual salt intake and risk of gastric cancer: A meta-analysis of prospective studies

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:13:06 GMT

Aim: We carried out a meta-analysis to assess the association between habitual salt intake and risk of gastric cancer in prospective studies. Conclusion: Dietary salt intake was directly associated with risk of gastric cancer in prospective population studies, with progressively increasing risk across consumption levels.

The impact of neonatal breast-feeding on growth trajectories of youth exposed and unexposed to diabetes in utero: the EPOCH Study

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:23:48 GMT

Aim: To evaluate the influence of breast-feeding on the body mass index (BMI) growth trajectory from birth through 13 years of age among offspring of diabetic pregnancies (ODP) and offspring of non-diabetic pregnancies (ONDP). Conclusion: Breast-feeding in the early postnatal period may represent a critical opportunity to reduce the risk of childhood obesity.

Levels of Plasma trans-Fatty Acids in Non-Hispanic White Adults in the United States in 2000 and 2009

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:16:37 GMT

Aim: A preliminary study was conducted to determine plasma concentrations of TFAs in a subset of non-Hispanic white adults. Conclusion: Levels of trans-fatty acids in the blood had decreased by 58%.

Mortality and potential years of life lost attributable to alcohol consumption in Canada in 2005.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:54:56 GMT

Aim: Using new methodology we estimated 1) the number of deaths caused and prevented by alcohol consumption, and 2) the potential years of life lost (PYLLs) attributable to alcohol consumption in Canada in 2005. Conclusion: The mortality burden attributable to alcohol consumption for Canada is large, unnecessary, and could be substantially reduced in a short period of time if effective public health policies were implemented.

Interactive Influences of Neighborhood and Individual Socioeconomic Status on Alcohol Consumption and Problems.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:50:25 GMT

Aim: To assess cross-level interactions between neighborhood and individual socioeconomic status (SES) on alcohol consumption and problems, and investigate three possible explanations for such interactions, including the double jeopardy, status inconsistency and relative deprivation hypotheses. Conclusion: Consistent with the relative deprivation hypothesis, findings highlight alcohol-related health risks among low-SES men living in affluent neighborhoods. Future research should assess whether this pattern extends to other health risk behaviors, investigate causal mechanisms and consider how gender may influence these.

Undergraduate student drinking and related harms at an Australian university: web-based survey of a large random sample.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:40:38 GMT

Aim: There is considerable interest in university student hazardous drinking among the media and policy makers. However there have been no population-based studies in Australia to date. We sought to estimate the prevalence and correlates of hazardous drinking and secondhand effects among undergraduates at a Western Australian university. Conclusion: Half of men and over a third of women were drinking at hazardous levels and a relatively large proportion of students were negatively affected by their own and other students' drinking. There is a need for intervention to reduce hazardous drinking early in university participation.

An empirical approach to selecting community-based alcohol interventions: combining research evidence, rural community views and professional opinion.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:33:34 GMT

Aim: Given limited research evidence for community-based alcohol interventions, this study examines the intervention preferences of rural communities and alcohol professionals, and factors that influence their choices. Conclusion: In the absence of sufficient research evidence for effective community-based alcohol interventions, rural communities and professionals both strongly support school programs, promotion of safer drinking and community programs. Rural communities also supported police enforcement of alcohol laws and professionals supported GP training. The impact of a combination of these strategies needs to be rigorously evaluated.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Nature, Extent and Cost of Alcohol-Related Emergency Calls to the Ambulance Service in an English Region.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:27:50 GMT

Aim: AimsTo measure the prevalence, pattern and associated financial cost of alcohol-related ambulance call outs in the North East of England using routinely collected data from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS). Conclusion: In a 1-year period, we estimated that over 31,000 ambulance call outs were alcohol-related.

The Case for Europe as a Leader in Research and Innovation for Global Health

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:58:18 GMT

Summary: Europe is well placed to take a lead role in developing global health research and innovation. This paper explores the potential and makes recommendations for Europe's role in research and innovation to improve global health.

The cancer burden and cancer control in developing countries

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:42:49 GMT

Summary: For this reason any intervention should be kept logistically simple and incorporated into a general plan aiming at building gradually the infrastructure that is necessary to bring care to the population at large. The present contribution summarizes some of the priorities in cancer prevention in developing countries and the underlying evidence base, and addresses some of the challenges.

Lifetime Risks of Cardiovascular Disease

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:37:12 GMT

Aim: The lifetime risks of cardiovascular disease have not been reported across the age spectrum in black adults and white adults. Conclusion: ferences in risk-factor burden translate into marked differences in the lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease, and these differences are consistent across race and birth cohorts.

A bean-free diet increases the risk of all-cause mortality among Taiwanese women: the role of the metabolic syndrome

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:28:14 GMT

Aim: To evaluate the associations with chronic disease risk and mortality of the consequences of bean-free diets in Taiwanese adults with regard to gender. Conclusion: A bean-free diet may play a role in developing the metabolic syndrome in both genders, and is a significant predictor of all-cause mortality in Taiwanese women but not men.

Changes in fat contents of US snack foods in response to mandatory trans fat labelling

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:15:21 GMT

Aim: Impact of mandatory trans fat labelling on US snack food introductions is examined. Conclusion: This research suggests that, holding other factors constant, the policy has resulted in a decreased use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil in chip products without a corresponding increase in saturated fat content, but led to significantly higher levels of saturated fat and ratio of saturated fat to total fat in cookie products.

The efficacy of a brief, peer-led nutrition education intervention in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption: a wait-list, community-based randomised controlled trial

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:04:41 GMT

Aim: The objective of the present research was to test the efficacy of Fruit & Veg $ense sessions in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Conclusion: Fruit & Veg $ense is efficacious in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among parents of primary-school children.

Identifying effective behavioural models and behaviour change strategies underpinning preschool- and school-based obesity prevention interventions aimed at 46-year-olds: a systematic review

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:14:16 GMT

Aim: The aim of this comprehensive systematic review was to identify the most effective behavioural models and behaviour change strategies, underpinning preschool- and school-based interventions aimed at preventing obesity in 46-year-olds. Conclusion: It is suggested that interventions should also be focused on developing children's (and parents') perceived competence at making dietary and physical changes.

A narrative review of psychological and educational strategies applied to young children's eating behaviours aimed at reducing obesity risk

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:59:40 GMT

Aim: Strategies to reduce risk of obesity by influencing preschool children's eating behaviour are reviewed. Conclusion: Actively positive social modelling by adults and peers can be effective in encouraging healthier eating.

Influencing factors of screen time in preschool children: an exploration of parents' perceptions through focus groups in six European countries

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:49:55 GMT

Aim: This study aimed to explore parents' perceptions of their preschool children's screen time. Conclusion: Alternatives for screen activities and information on how to set rules for screen time should be provided to parents to assist them in decreasing their preschool children's screen time.

Energy balance-related behaviours associated with overweight and obesity in preschool children: a systematic review of prospective studies

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:28:05 GMT

Aim: The current review aimed to systematically identify dietary, physical activity and sedentary behaviours in preschool children (46 years of age) that are prospectively related to overweight or obesity later in childhood. Conclusion: Despite the lack of evidence for dietary behaviours from the present review, future interventions may already target specific dietary behaviours that are highly prevalent and for which there a clear rationale as well as preliminary evidence that these behaviours are associated with overweight.

Correlates of energy balance-related behaviours in preschool children: a systematic review

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:20:27 GMT

Aim: The interaction of behaviours such as physical activity, sedentary behaviour and eating behaviour determines whether or not a positive energy balance or weight gain is experienced. Knowing the correlates of these behaviours in 4- to 6-year-old children is of major interest for intervention development. Conclusion: Strategies aiming to influence energy balance-related behaviours in preschoolers should target both boys and girls and all ethnic groups from low as well as high social status. During the week, there should be a focus on decreasing sedentary behaviour and in the weekend on increasing physical activity. Focusing on television viewing and the consumption of snacks and sweet beverages could/should also be a strategy.

Intervention to Lower Household Wood Smoke Exposure in Guatemala Reduces ST-Segment Depression on Electrocardiograms

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:55:53 GMT

Aim: We tested the hypotheses that the stove intervention, compared with open fire use, would reduce ST-segment depression and increase heart rate variability (HRV). Conclusion: The stove intervention was associated with reduced occurrence of nonspecific ST-segment depression, suggesting that household wood smoke exposures affect ventricular repolarization and potentially cardiovascular health.

A systematic review of the influence on alcohol use of community level availability and marketing of alcohol

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:48:57 GMT

Aim: Exposure to a high number of alcohol outlets and adverts within a community may lead to higher alcohol use by local residents. The aim of this systematic review was to explore evidence on the influence on alcohol use of community level availability and marketing of alcohol. Conclusion: This review disentangled the existing evidence on the overall relationships between availability, marketing and alcohol use at a community level. Further studies are required to better understand the influence of these factors on alcohol use.

How far do children travel from their homes? Exploring children's activity spaces in their neighborhood

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:42:46 GMT

Aim: This study explored children's activity spaces. In 2007, children aged 1012 years (n=1480) completed a survey and mapping activity, and wore a pedometer for seven days. Conclusion: Traditionally defined neighborhoods may not reflect children's movements. Freedom, fewer local destinations and traffic safety may be important for increasing spatial ranges.

Adolescent physical activity and the built environment: A latent class analysis approach

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:36:01 GMT

Aim: This study used latent class analysis to classify adolescent home neighborhoods (n=344) according to built environment characteristics, and tested how adolescent physical activity, sedentary behavior, and screen time differ by neighborhood type/class. Conclusion: We found no difference in adolescent activity by neighborhood class. These results highlight the difficulty of disentangling the potential effects of the built environment on adolescent physical activity.

Place-focused physical activity research, human agency, and social justice in public health: Taking agency seriously in studies of the built environment

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:28:02 GMT

Aim: Built environment characteristics have been linked to health outcomes and health disparities. However, the effects of an environment on behavior may depend on human perception, interpretation, motivation, and other forms of human agency. Conclusion: Attention to how people understand their environment and navigate competing demands can improve the scientific value of ongoing efforts to promote active living and health, while also better fulfilling our ethical obligations to the individuals and communities whose health we strive to protect.

Understanding the determinants of active transportation to school among children: Evidence of environmental injustice from the Quebec longitudinal study of child development

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:19:21 GMT

Aim: To examine the combined influence of poverty and dangerousness of the neighborhood on active transportation (AT) to school among a cohort of children followed throughout the early school years. Conclusion: A public health concern is children experiencing environmental injustice. Since AT is most likely to be adopted by those living in poverty and because it is also associated with unsafe environments, some children are experiencing environmental injustice in relation to AT. Interventions may be implemented to reduce environmental injustice through improvements in road safety.

Getting sicker quicker: Does living in a more deprived neighbourhood mean your health deteriorates faster?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:12:37 GMT

Aim: Health in the Community was used to examine whether, over a 20 year period, the self-reported health of people living in deprived areas became poorer faster compared to those living in more affluent areas. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that attempts to reduce area differences in health should start young but also continue throughout the lifespan.

Neighbourhood development and public health initiatives: who participates?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:56:48 GMT

Aim: This study examines the individual characteristics of people who during the past 2 years have participated in a neighbourhood development process compared with potential and non-participants. Conclusion: Having frequent political discussions with neighbours was another behavioural factor that was found associated to people's participation in neighbourhood development. Among socio-demographic factors, only ethnicity was found significant after controlling for other factors; i.e. people born outside the Nordic countries were less likely to participate.

Application of the health literacy framework to diet-related cancer prevention conversations of older immigrant women to Canada

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:49:49 GMT

Aim: Application of the health literacy framework (HLF) to immigrant populations has been limited. Our objective was to apply the HLF to discourses about diet-related colon cancer prevention among English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) immigrant women. Conclusion: Women's diet-related conversations followed a continuum of increasing information needs supporting the HLF.

Dietary habits and the short-term effects of air pollution on mortality in the Chinese population in Hong Kong

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:26:18 GMT

Aim: Both diet and air pollution are associated with mortality risks. However, no epidemiological study has examined the potential interaction between diet and air pollution on mortality. We assessed their interaction on an additive scale. Conclusion: This study provides insight into dietary habit as one of the modifiers of health effects of air pollution. Our findings merit further studies to characterise the influence of diet on air pollution-related health and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Childhood, adolescent and early adult body mass index in relation to adult mortality: results from the British 1946 birth cohort

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:17:39 GMT

Aim: Adult body mass index (BMI) has been consistently related to mortality, but little is known about the impact of earlier life BMI on adult mortality. The aim is to investigate the impact of childhood, adolescent and early adult BMI on premature adult all-cause mortality. Conclusion: High and low BMI from early adulthood were related to adult premature mortality suggesting that promoting a normal weight in early adulthood could prevent premature mortality.

Assessing Self-Efficacy to Reduce One's Drinking: Further Evaluation of the Alcohol Reduction Strategies-Current Confidence Questionnaire

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:09:41 GMT

Aim: To evaluate the psychometric properties of a previously published questionnaire designed to assess young drinkers' self-efficacy to employ 31 cognitive-behavioral alcohol reduction strategies. Conclusion: Given this further demonstration of its psychometric qualities, this questionnaire holds promise as a clinical tool to identify clients who lack confidence in their ability to employ cognitive-behavioral coping strategies to reduce their drinking.

Alcohol Consumption and Mortality Risks in the USA

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:58:42 GMT

Aim: To estimate all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks by alcohol consumption level for the US population. Conclusion: US light to moderate drinkers may have reduced mortality risks, but some portion of their previously observed lower mortality may be due to factors other than alcohol consumption such as medical care and social integration, particularly among women. Alcohol consumption among former and heavy drinkers appears to have increased their mortality risks.

Impact of Different Reference Period Definitions in the Quantification of Alcohol Consumption: Results from a Nationwide STEPS Survey in Mozambique

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:50:17 GMT

Aim: To compare the estimates of alcohol consumption in Mozambique obtained with different reference period definitions. This is a critical methodological aspect when measuring alcohol consumption and its impact is likely to vary across settings. Conclusion: In this setting where alcohol consumption is a male-dominated behaviour, among drinkers the prevalence of gender-defined excessive amounts was higher in women. The concordance between different recall periods was low and this needs to be taken into account when comparing results from different studies.

Promoting Routine Stair Use

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:23:06 GMT

Aim: Although studies have demonstrated that stair prompts are associated with increased physical activity, many were conducted in low-rise buildings over a period of weeks and did not differentiate between stair climbing and descent. This study evaluated the impact of a prompt across different building types, and on stair climbing versus descent over several months. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the prompt was effective in increasing physical activity in diverse settings, and increases were maintained at 9 months.

Photographs in Lunch Tray Compartments and Vegetable Consumption Among Children in Elementary School Cafeterias

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:52:54 GMT

Aim: To increase healthy eating among children, the US government has recommended providing more vegetables in school lunches, and schools are attempting to comply. Children, however, still consume insufficient amounts of vegetables. We attempted to increase vegetable consumption by placing photographs of vegetables in school lunch tray compartments. We expected these photographs to indicate to the children that others typically select and place vegetables in those compartments and that they should do so too. Conclusion: Placing photographs in cafeteria lunch trays requires no special training and incurs minimal costs and labor (in this study, about $3 and 20 minutes per 100 trays), but was associated with an increase in vegetable consumption within the range of those found in more expensive interventions, including those that require multiple classroom sessions with trained instructors or parent involvement.5 The number of students taking vegetables and the amounts consumed, however, remained low and did not yet meet government recommendations. In addition, these findings were obtained from just 2 days in 1 school, so further research is needed to assess how well the effects generalize to other settings and persist over time.

Environmental perceptions and objective walking trail audits inform a community-based participatory research walking intervention

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:14:27 GMT

Aim: Given the documented physical activity disparities that exist among low-income minority communities and the increased focused on socio-ecological approaches to address physical inactivity, efforts aimed at understanding the built environment to support physical activity are needed. This community-based participatory research (CBPR) project investigates walking trails perceptions in a high minority southern community and objectively examines walking trails. The primary aim is to explore if perceived and objective audit variables predict meeting recommendations for walking and physical activity, MET/minutes/week of physical activity, and frequency of trail use. Conclusion: To improve physical activity levels, intervention efforts are needed to maximize the use of existing trails, as well as improve residents' perceptions related to incivilities, safety, conditions of trail, and amenities of the walking trails. This study provides important insights for informing development of the CBPR walking intervention and informing local recreational and environmental policies in this southern community.

Heart Disease Tradeoffs: The Built Environment, Air Pollution, and Activity

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:57:53 GMT

Aim: In many areas urban planners have begun to incorporate physical activity considerations into neighborhood design. But simply designing cities that encourage people to be more physically active may not go far enough to protect the population from heart disease, according to a study that compares the relative risks of inactivity and air pollution exposure within a large metropolitan population [EHP 120(2):247-253; Hankey et al.]. The new work is one of a small but growing number of studies to compare the health impacts of exercise and air pollution. Conclusion: The authors conclude that efforts to design healthy neighborhoods should account for both air pollution and physical inactivity, rather than addressing each one in isolation.

Associations between mothers' perceptions of the cost of fruit and vegetables and children's diets: Will children pay the price?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:44:05 GMT

Aim: Perceptions that fruit and vegetables are expensive are more common among the socio-economically disadvantaged groups and are linked to poor dietary outcomes. Such perceptions may be exacerbated in countries recently affected by natural disasters, where devastation of fruit and vegetable crops has resulted in increase in prices of fruit and vegetables. Examining the associations of perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability and children's diets can offer insights into how the high prices of fruit and vegetables might have an impact on the diets of children. Conclusion: Our results suggest a possible role for maternal perceptions of fruit affordability in children's diet, though further research is warranted.

Trends in food availability in Switzerland, 19612007

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:38:14 GMT

Aim: Trends in food availability in Switzerland were assessed using the Food and Agricultural Organization food balance sheets for the period 19612007. Conclusion: We conclude that between 1961 and 2007 total caloric availability remained relatively stable in Switzerland; the health effects of the increased and differing fat availability should be evaluated.

Infant diet and subcutaneous fat mass in early childhood: The Generation R Study

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:31:57 GMT

Aim: Breastfeeding has a protective effect on childhood obesity, but the influences on body composition in early childhood are not known. The objective of this study is to assess whether the duration and exclusiveness of breastfeeding, and the timing of introduction of solid foods are associated with the subcutaneous fat mass in early childhood. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a shorter duration and non-exclusive breastfeeding affect early body composition during the first 2 years of life. Follow-up studies at older ages are needed to explore the long-term consequences.

Beverage consumption among European adolescents in the HELENA study

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:21:04 GMT

Aim: Our objective was to describe the fluid and energy consumption of beverages in a large sample of European adolescents. Conclusion: European adolescents consume an average of 1455 ml/day of beverages, with the largest proportion of consumers and the largest fluid amount coming from water. Beverages provide 1609 kJ/day, of which 30.4%, 20.7% and 18.1% comes from SSBs, sweetened milk and fruit juice, respectively.

Relationship between body mass index and mortality among Europeans

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:07:58 GMT

Aim: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality from various causes. Conclusion: A U-shaped relationship of BMI with all-cause mortality but a graded relationship with CVD mortality at BMI >28.0 kg/m2 was detected. The relationship between cancer mortality and BMI largely depended on smoking status, and need to be further investigated with site-specific cancers.

Tracking of body mass indices over 2 years in Māori and European children

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:59:12 GMT

Aim: In 2002, the prevalence of overweight and obesity, defined by body mass index (BMI), was higher in New Zealand Māori (40%) and Pacific (60%) than in European (24%) children; however, this does not take into account interethnic differences in body composition. This study compared trajectories of anthropometric indices from 2004 to 2006 among 5- and 10-year-old Māori and European children. Conclusion: FM and FFM measures provide a more appropriate understanding of growth and body composition change in children than BMI, and vary with gender and ethnicity. Thus, FMI and FFMI should be tracked and compared among populations.

Dietary adequacy and dietary quality of Inuit in the Canadian Arctic who smoke and the potential implications for chronic disease

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:45:29 GMT

Aim: To compare dietary intake and quality among adult Inuit by smoking status. Conclusion: Adult smokers consumed fewer nutrient-dense, traditional foods, but had increased energy intake, which likely contributed to fewer dietary inadequacies compared with non-smokers. Promoting traditional food consumption supplemented with market-bought fruits and vegetables is important to improve dietary quality, especially among smokers.

Selected eating behaviours and excess body weight: a systematic review

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:30:17 GMT

Health indicators in Europe: availability and data needs

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:09:36 GMT

Aim: The European Union (EU) lacks adequate capacity for public health monitoring. The creation of a stable European Health Information System would help Member States to carry out evidence-based health policy. Such a system would also benefit EU health priorities by providing European wide comparable information. This study is the first comprehensive assessment of the availability of general health data in Europe. Conclusion: Valid health information is essential for improving people's health across Europe. There is an urgent need to develop harmonized methods for gathering and disseminating representative health data. These methods should be developed jointly by DG Health and Consumers, Eurostat and EU Member States.

Combined adverse effects of maternal smoking and high body mass index on heart development in offspring: evidence for interaction?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:40:39 GMT

Aim: To study the influence of a possible interaction between maternal smoking and high body mass index (BMI) on the occurrence of specific congenital heart anomalies (CHA) in offspring. Conclusion: Maternal overweight and smoking may have a synergistic adverse effect on the development of the fetal heart. Overweight women who wish to become pregnant should be strongly encouraged to stop smoking and to lose weight.

Outdoor smoking behaviour and support for outdoor smoking restrictions before and after France's national smoking ban

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:33:28 GMT

Aim: On January 1, 2008, the French government implemented a national ban on indoor smoking in hospitality venues. Survey results indicate the indoor ban has been successful at dramatically reducing indoor smoking; however, there are reports of an increased number of outdoor hospitality spaces (patios) where smoking can take place. This study sought to understand if the indoor ban simply moved smoking to the outdoors, and to assess levels of support for smoking restrictions in outdoor hospitality settings after the smoke-free law. Conclusion: The indoor smoking ban moved smoking to outdoor spaces; however, the ban is also associated with increased non-smoking behaviour. The majority of respondents support outdoor smoking restrictions in patio environments.

Associations of processed meat and unprocessed red meat intake with incident diabetes: the Strong Heart Family Study

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:08:30 GMT

Aim: Fifty percent of American Indians (AIs) develop diabetes by age 55 y. Whether processed meat is associated with the risk of diabetes in AIs, a rural population with a high intake of processed meat (eg, spam) and a high rate of diabetes, is unknown. We examined the associations of usual intake of processed meat with incident diabetes in AIs. Conclusion: The consumption of processed meat, such as spam, but not unprocessed red meat, was associated with higher risk of diabetes in AIs, a rural population at high risk of diabetes and with limited access to healthy foods.

National Diet and Nutrition Survey: fat and fatty acid intake from the first year of the rolling programme and comparison with previous surveys

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:44:11 GMT

Aim: High saturated fat intake is an established risk factor for several chronic diseases. The objective of the present study is to report dietary intakes and main food sources of fat and fatty acids (FA) from the first year of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) rolling programme in the UK.Conclusion: Dietary intake of fat and FA is moving towards recommended levels for the UK population. However, there remains room for considerable further improvement.

A review of the evidence for the effects of total dietary fat, saturated, monounsaturated and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on vascular function, endothelial progenitor cells and microparticles

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:35:49 GMT

Aim: Vascular dysfunction is recognised as an integrative marker of CVD. While dietary strategies aimed at reducing CVD risk include reductions in the intake of SFA, there are currently no clear guidelines on what should replace SFA. The purpose of this review was to assess the evidence for the effects of total dietary fat and individual fatty acids (SFA, MUFA and n-6 PUFA) on vascular function, cellular microparticles and endothelial progenitor cells. Conclusion: The lack of studies with comparable within-study dietary fatty acid targets, a variety of different study designs and different methods for determining vascular function all confound any clear conclusions on the impact of dietary fat and individual fatty acids on vascular function.

Maternal work hours in early to middle childhood link to later adolescent diet quality

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:17:41 GMT

Aim: Previous studies on maternal work hours and child diet quality have reported conflicting findings possibly due to differences in study design, lack of a comprehensive measure of diet quality and differing ages of the children under investigation. The present study aimed to prospectively examine the impact of parental work hours from age 1 year to age 14 years on adolescent diet quality. Conclusion: Having a mother stay at home in early to middle childhood is associated with better diet quality in adolescence. Support may be beneficial for families where the mother returns to full-time employment before the child reaches 8 years of age.

Energy balance-related behavioural patterns in 5-year-old children and the longitudinal association with weight status development in early childhood

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:10:39 GMT

Aim: The current study examined clustering of dietary intake and activity behaviours (i.e. physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour) in 5-year-old children, as well as the longitudinal association with BMI and overweight development. Conclusion: Cross-behavioural energy balance-related behavioural patterns exist at age 5 years. Different activity types (e.g. sports, television viewing) clustered differently with the behavioural patterns, indicating the need to incorporate these different types instead of one general PA measure in energy balance-related pattern analyses. The clustering and potential synergy between activity behaviours and dietary intake, as well as the associations with weight status development, stress the importance of an integrated approach to PA and healthy nutrition promotion in preventing childhood overweight.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of school-based interventions to reduce body mass index

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:41:41 GMT

Aim: Childhood obesity predisposes to adult obesity and increases the risk of many diseases. Schools provide a vehicle to deliver public health interventions to all children. Conclusion: There is growing evidence that school-based interventions that contain a physical activity component may be effective in helping to reduce BMI in children.

Secular trends in aerobic fitness performance in a cohort of Norwegian adolescents

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:31:41 GMT

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to compare 3000 m running test results between 1969 and 2009 in a cohort of Norwegian high school pupils. Conclusion: The decline in running performance was greater for boys than girls, and the gap between the most and the least fit is becoming considerably larger.

Effects of a physical education program on physical activity, fitness, and health in children: The JuvenTUM project

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:14:35 GMT

Aim: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a school-based prevention program on physical activity, fitness, and obesity. Conclusion: This easily administered preventative program involving children, parents, and teachers revealed that a generalized approach increasing physical activity will even be favorable in a subgroup of obese children.

Determinants of the decline in mortality from acute myocardial infarction in England between 2002 and 2010: linked national database study

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:40:14 GMT

Aim: To report trends in event and case fatality rates for acute myocardial infarction and examine the relative contributions of changes in these rates to changes in total mortality from acute myocardial infarction by sex, age, and geographical region between 2002 and 2010. Conclusion: Just over half of the decline in deaths from acute myocardial infarction during the 2000s in England can be attributed to a decline in event rate and just less than half to improved survival at 30 days. Both prevention of acute myocardial infarction and acute medical treatment have contributed to the decline in deaths from acute myocardial infarction over the past decade.

Effect of a cardiovascular prevention program on health behavior and BMI in highly educated adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:44:16 GMT

Aim: To examine the effects and dose-response effects of an intervention on health behavior (fat intake, physical activity, and smoking) and Body Mass Index (BMI) in a sample of highly educated adults. Conclusion: A higher intervention dose led to better results but allowing people to select their own intervention dose probably undermined the potential intervention effect. The present study highlights the importance of intervention dose and delivery mode for the development, evaluation, and optimization of health promotion programs.

Do community characteristics predict alcohol-related crime?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:38:24 GMT

Aim: Alcohol-related crime is a substantial community problem. There is evidence to suggest that certain geographic areas experience higher rates of alcohol-related crime and that both individual and community factors are associated with alcohol-related crime. There is limited research at the community level despite communities being the target of interventions designed to reduce alcohol-related harm. This study aims to determine whether there are differences in alcohol-related crime at the community level and examines whether certain community characteristics are associated with increased alcohol-related crime. Conclusion: Decreasing the socioeconomic well-being of a community is not appropriate; however, introducing additional taxes to increase the cost of alcohol may decrease consumption and therefore alcohol-related crime. Reducing or capping the number of licensed premises, specifically the number of pubs and clubs, may be an appropriate strategy to reduce alcohol-related crime in rural communities

Neighborhood variation in adolescent alcohol use: examination of socioecological and social disorganization theories.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:31:20 GMT

Aim: Risk factors for adolescent alcohol use are typically conceptualized as individual and interpersonal level factors; however, these factors do not fully explain adolescent drinking behavior. We used a socioecological model to examine the contribution of neighborhood factors in a risk and promotive model of adolescent alcohol use among urban high school youth (N = 711; 52% female; 82% African American; M = 18 years old). Conclusion: Our study contributes to a mixed body of literature on social context and adolescent health. Although our research highlights the importance of interpersonal relationships, we found no support for neighborhood influences. We conclude with future directions for research examining the link between adolescent drinking and neighborhood contexts.

Combating obesity through the built environment: is there a clear path to success?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:24:52 GMT

Summary: This article focuses on how an often-overlooked portion of PPACA, "Community Transformation Grants," might close the evidence gap in the relationship between obesity and the built environment and provide a pathway to effectively address this medically and economically costly epidemic.

Framing obesity: the framing contest between industry and public health at the New Zealand inquiry into obesity.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:19:49 GMT

Aim: Drawing on submissions to the 2006-2007 New Zealand Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, this article outlines how the food and marketing industries (industry) and the public health sector framed the issue of obesity. Conclusion: Industry emphasized education as the key solution to obesity, while public health groups argued for regulation of the activities of the food and marketing industries, and policies to address wider determinants of health and social inequalities. Identifying and documenting these frames, by making transparent the interests of the frame's sponsors, contributes to greater understanding of the wider policy context around obesity and provides useful information for public health advocacy.

Community accountability at peripheral health facilities: a review of the empirical literature and development of a conceptual framework

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:06:51 GMT

Aim: Public accountability has re-emerged as a top priority for health systems all over the world, and particularly in developing countries where governments have often failed to provide adequate public sector services for their citizens. One approach to strengthening public accountability is through direct involvement of clients, users or the general public in health delivery, here termed 'community accountability'. Conclusion: We highlight that the international interest in community accountability mechanisms linked to peripheral facilities has not been matched by empirical data, and present a conceptual framework and a set of ideas that might contribute to future studies.

Lifetime Risks of Cardiovascular Disease

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:32 GMT

Aim: The lifetime risks of cardiovascular disease have not been reported across the age spectrum in black adults and white adults. Conclusion: Differences in risk-factor burden translate into marked differences in the lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease, and these differences are consistent across race and birth cohorts.

Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages: a survey of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:56:48 GMT

Aim: To assess current beverage consumption patterns and anticipated reaction to an added 20 % tax on these products. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that an added tax on these beverages could influence some to cut down on their consumption, reducing their risk of obesity and related illnesses.

Sociodemographic, behavioural and environmental correlates of sweetened beverage consumption among pre-school children

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:49:27 GMT

Aim: To identify sociodemographic and environmental correlates of sweetened beverages (regular soft drinks, fruit juice) among children of pre-school age. Conclusion: Socio-economic and built environment factors are associated with soft drink consumption in children of pre-school age. These findings may help health professionals to advocate for policies that reduce soft drink consumption among children.

Availability of snacks, candy and beverages in hospital, community clinic and commercial pharmacies

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:40:03 GMT

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to measure the availability of energy-dense foods and sugar-sweetened beverages in pharmacies and to examine differences by pharmacy type and presence of a food policy. Conclusion: Candy, snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages are highly available in the pharmacy environment. Presence of a policy is associated with less food availability within 10 ft (3·05 m) of the pharmacy register and represents an important potential intervention strategy.

Intra-individual changes in body weight in population-based cohorts during four decades: the Finnish FINRISK study

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:06:19 GMT

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate trends in intra-individual weight changes over the last four decades in Finland. Conclusion: The amount of intra-individual annual increase in body weight among men remained stable over the decades, while it increased among women. The tendency to gain weight was most pronounced among the youngest and among those initially leanest.

A healthy school start - parental support to promote healthy dietary habits and physical activity in children: design and evaluation of a cluster-randomised intervention

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:55:15 GMT

Aims: Childhood obesity is multi-factorial and determined to a large extent by dietary habits, physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Previous research has shown that school-based programmes are effective but that their effectiveness can be improved by including a parental component. At present, there is a lack of effective parental support programmes for improvement of diet and physical activity and prevention of obesity in children. Conclusion: The results from this study will show if it is possible to promote a healthy lifestyle and a normal weight development among children from low-income districts with relatively limited efforts involving parents. Hopefully the study will provide new insights to the further development of effective programmes to prevent overweight and obesity in children.

A randomised controlled trial for overweight and obese parents to prevent childhood obesity--Early STOPP (STockholm Obesity Prevention Program)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:47:34 GMT

Aims: Overweight and obesity have a dramatic negative impact on children's health not only during the childhood but also throughout the adult life. Preventing the development of obesity in children is therefore a world-wide health priority. There is an obvious urge for sustainable and evidenced-based interventions that are suitable for families with young children, especially for families with overweight or obese parents. We have developed a prevention program, Early STOPP, combating multiple obesity-promoting behaviors such unbalanced diet, physical inactivity and disturbed sleeping patterns. We also aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the early childhood obesity prevention in a well-characterized population of overweight or obese parents. This protocol outlines methods for the recruitment phase of the study. Conclusion: The Early STOPP trial design addresses weaknesses of previous research by recruiting from a well-characterized population, defining a feasible, theory-based intervention and assessing multiple measurements to validate and interpret the program effectiveness. The early years hold promise as a time in which obesity prevention may be most effective. To our knowledge, this longitudinal RCT is the first attempt to demonstrate whether an early, long-term, targeted health promotion program focusing on healthy eating, physical activity/reduced sedentary behaviors and normalizing sleeping patterns could be effective. If proven so, Early STOPP may protect children from the development of overweight and obesity.

Are low wages risk factors for hypertension?

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:39:14 GMT

Aim: Socio-economic status (SES) is strongly correlated with hypertension. But SES has several components, including income and correlations in cross-sectional data need not imply SES is a risk factor. This study investigates whether wagesthe largest category within incomeare risk factors. Conclusion: The strongest evidence for low wages being risk factors for hypertension among working people were for women and persons aged 2544 years.

A selective follow-up study on a public health survey

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:34:41 GMT

Aims: The non-response rates in surveys are increasing which is problematic as it means that a progressively smaller proportion of the population represents the majority, and it is uncertain how health survey results are affected. This follow-up was performed on the non-responders to the postal questionnaire in the public health survey Life and Health, conducted in Örebro County Council, Sweden, where large differences in response rates had been found between different socio-demographic groups and geographical areas. The main objective was to analyse non-response bias regarding self-rated health. Conclusion: Public health surveys can be biased due to certain groups being under-represented or not represented at all. For this reason, in repeated public health surveys, we recommend selective follow-ups of such groups at regular intervals.

The long-term cost-effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions: systematic literature review

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:30:35 GMT

Aims: Obesity prevention provides a major opportunity to improve population health. As health improvements usually require additional and scarce resources, novel health technologies (interventions) should be economically evaluated. In the prevention of obesity, health benefits may slowly accumulate over time and it can take many years before an intervention has reached full effectiveness. Conclusion: Obesity prevention provides a major opportunity to improve population health. As health improvements usually require additional and scarce resources, novel health technologies (interventions) should be economically evaluated. In the prevention of obesity, health benefits may slowly accumulate over time and it can take many years before an intervention has reached full effectiveness.

Interactive Influences of Neighborhood and Individual Socioeconomic Status on Alcohol Consumption and Problems

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:26:52 GMT

Aims: To assess cross-level interactions between neighborhood and individual socioeconomic status (SES) on alcohol consumption and problems, and investigate three possible explanations for such interactions, including the double jeopardy, status inconsistency and relative deprivation hypotheses. Conclusion: Consistent with the relative deprivation hypothesis, findings highlight alcohol-related health risks among low-SES men living in affluent neighborhoods. Future research should assess whether this pattern extends to other health risk behaviors, investigate causal mechanisms and consider how gender may influence these.

The cost-effectiveness of school-based smoking prevention program in India

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:22:16 GMT

Aims: Intervention programs aimed at preventing tobacco use among youth have been shown to be effective in curbing tobacco use onset and progression. However, the effects of even very successful tobacco prevention programs may not always impress policy-makers and lay audiences. Conclusion: Our results show that the costs per quality-adjusted life-year added, due to averted smoking, was $2057, even without including averted medical costs. If we ignore student time, cost-effectiveness improves by roughly 10%. To put the cost-effectiveness of this smoking prevention program into context, it is over 24 times more cost-effective than dialysis in the USA, which costs $50 000 for a life-year.

Design and rationale of the tobacco, exercise and diet messages (TEXT ME) trial of a text message-based intervention for ongoing prevention of cardiovascular disease in people with coronary disease: a randomised controlled trial protocol

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:10:29 GMT

Aims: Although supporting lifestyle change is an effective way of preventing further events in people with cardiovascular disease, providing access to such interventions is a major challenge. This study aims to investigate whether simple reminders about behaviour change sent via mobile phone text message decrease cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: Primary ethics approval was received from Western Sydney Local Health Network Human Research Ethics CommitteeWestmead. Results will be disseminated via the usual scientific forums including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences

Child consumption of fruit and vegetables: the roles of child cognitions and parental feeding practices

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:34:11 GMT

Aim: To examine the roles of child cognitions and parental feeding practices in explaining child intentions and behaviour regarding fruit and vegetable consumption. Conclusion: The results from the present study supported the application of the ASE model for explaining the variance in child intentions to eat fruit and vegetables and in child consumption of fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, our findings indicated that some parental feeding practices do have an influence on child intentions and behaviour regarding fruit and vegetable consumption. However, the role of parental feeding practices, and the pathways between feeding practices and child eating intentions and behaviour, needs to be further investigated.

Overweight among children decreased, but obesity prevalence remained high among women in South Africa, 19992005

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:29:09 GMT

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess anthropometric status in South African children and women in 2005 in order to document temporal trends in selected anthropometric parameters. Conclusion: The double burden of undernutrition in children and overweight among women is evident in South Africa and getting worse due to increased childhood wasting combined with a high prevalence of obesity among urban women, indicating a need for urgent intervention.

Exploring walking differences by socioeconomic status using a spatial agent-based model

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:12:22 GMT

Aim: We use an exploratory agent-based model of adults' walking behavior within a city to examine the possible impact of interventions on socioeconomic differences in walking. Conclusion: Improving the safety level for the lower SES neighborhoods may be effective in increasing walking, however, the magnitude of its effectiveness varies by levels of land use mix, such that effects of safety are greatest when persons live in areas with a large mix of uses.

Neighborhood factors influence physical activity among African American and Hispanic or Latina women

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:00:33 GMT

Aim: This study investigated the relationship between neighborhood street-scale elements, such as traffic lights and crossing aids, and physical activity (PA) adoption and maintenance in African American and Hispanic or Latina women. Conclusion: Neighborhood factors may interact favorably with behavioral interventions to promote PA adoption and maintenance, and should be considered in health promotion efforts.

Out and about: Association of the built environment with physical activity behaviors of adolescent females

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:53:11 GMT

Aim: Locational data, logged on portable GPS units and matched with accelerometer data, was used to examine associations of the built environment with physical activity and sedentary behaviors of adolescent females. Conclusion: Understanding the places where physical activity and sedentary behaviors occur appears to be a promising strategy to clarify relationships and inform policy aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviors.

A study of community design, greenness, and physical activity in children using satellite, GPS and accelerometer data

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:43:48 GMT

Aim: This study examined relationships between greenness exposure and free-living physical activity behavior of children in smart growth and conventionally designed communities. Conclusion: An individual-level analysis found children who experienced >20 min of daily exposure to greener spaces (>90th percentile) engaged in nearly 5 times the daily rate of MVPA of children with nearly zero daily exposure to greener spaces (95% CI 3.097.20).

Impact and cost-effectiveness of family Fitness Zones: A natural experiment in urban public parks

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:36:41 GMT

Aim: We evaluated the impact of outdoor exercise equipment (FZ, Fitness Zones) in 12 parks serving diverse populations. We used the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to assess use and estimate energy expenditure prior to and twice after FZ installation. Conclusion: Longer-term follow-up measures are needed to determine if the early increases in physical activity associated with the Fitness Zone installations are sustained.

School sport policy and school-based physical activity environments and their association with observed physical activity in middle school children

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:34:51 GMT

Aim: Empirical research on the effects of school sport policies on children's physical activity is limited. This study examined sport policies (intramural vs. varsity), physical settings within schools, and supervision in relation to physical activity using the System for Observing Play and Leisure in Youth (SOPLAY). Conclusion: Significant associations between type of physical activity settings and physical activity levels were observed only for boys. Adult supervision was not associated with children's physical activity levels. Finally, descriptive results showed athletic facilities were under-utilized in all schools.

Impact of a pilot walking school bus intervention on children's pedestrian safety behaviors: A pilot study

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:33:13 GMT

Aim: Walking school buses (WSB) increased children's physical activity, but impact on pedestrian safety behaviors (PSB) is unknown. We tested the feasibility of a protocol evaluating changes to PSB during a WSB program. Conclusion: The protocol appears feasible for documenting changes to school-level PSB.

The impact of state safe routes to school-related laws on active travel to school policies and practices in U.S. elementary schools

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:31:19 GMT

Aim: This study examined the relationship between state laws requiring minimum bussing distances, hazardous route exemptions, sidewalks, crossing guards, speed zones, and traffic control measures around schools and active travel to school (ATS) policies/practices in nationally representative samples of U.S. public elementary schools between 20072009. Conclusion: Multivariate logistic and zero-inflated poisson regression indicated that all state law categories (except for sidewalks) relate to ATS. These laws should be considered in addition to formal safe routes to school programs as possible influences on ATS.

Economic evaluation of lifestyle interventions to treat overweight or obesity in children

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:20:32 GMT

Aim: To estimate lifetime cost effectiveness of lifestyle interventions to treat overweight and obese children, from the UK National Health Service perspective. Conclusion: Interventions to treat childhood obesity are potentially cost effective although cost savings and health benefits may not appear until the sixth or seventh decade of life.

Socio-demographic correlates of physical activity and physical fitness in German children and adolescents

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:04:35 GMT

Aim: Identifying factors that influence children's and adolescents' participation in physical activity (PA), as well as their physical fitness (PF), is essential for the development of effective intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare influential socio-demographic factors that affect PA such as socio-economic status (SES), ruralurban differences, immigration and age, as well as the effects of age and PA on PF as differentiated by gender. Conclusion: An intervention aiming to improve PA levels, and consequently PF levels, must, with respect to age and gender, refer to SES, as well as immigration background, but not to ruralurban differences.

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factor in the Chinese population: the 20072008 China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:59:21 GMT

Aim: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now the most prevalent and debilitating disease affecting the Chinese population. The goal of the present manuscript was to analyse cardiovascular risk factors and the prevalence of non-fatal CVDs from data gathered from the 20072008 China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study. Conclusion: Morbidity attributed to the five defined cardiovascular risk factors was high in the Chinese population, with multiple risk factors present in the same individual. Therefore, reasonable prevention strategies should be designed to attenuate the rapid rise in cardiovascular morbidity.

The concept of scalability: increasing the scale and potential adoption of health promotion interventions into policy and practice

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:50:20 GMT

Aim: Increased focus on prevention presents health promoters with new opportunities and challenges. In this context, the study of factors influencing policy-maker decisions to scale up health promotion interventions from small projects or controlled trials to wider state, national or international roll-out is increasingly important. This study aimed to: (i) examine the perspectives of senior researchers and policy-makers regarding concepts of 'scaling up' and 'scalability'; (ii) generate an agreed definition of 'scalability' and (iii) identify intervention and research design factors perceived to increase the potential for interventions to be implemented on a more widespread basis or 'scaled up'. Conclusion: Results showed that in health promotion research insufficient attention is given to issues of effectiveness, reach and adoption; human, technical and organizational resources; costs; intervention delivery; contextual factors and appropriate evaluation approaches. If these issues were addressed in the funding, design and reporting of intervention research, it would advance the quality and usability of research for policy-makers and by doing so improve uptake and expansion of promising programs into practice.

Does minimum pricing reduce alcohol consumption? The experience of a Canadian province

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:37:06 GMT

Aim: Minimum alcohol prices in British Columbia have been adjusted intermittently over the past 20 years. The present study estimates impacts of these adjustments on alcohol consumption. Conclusion: Increases in minimum prices of alcoholic beverages can substantially reduce alcohol consumption.

Physical activity levels, ownership of goods promoting sedentary behaviour and risk of myocardial infarction: results of the INTERHEART study

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:29:23 GMT

Aim: To evaluate the association between occupational and leisure-time physical activity (PA), ownership of goods promoting sedentary behaviour, and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in different socio-economic populations of the world. Studies in developed countries have found low PA as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, the protective effect of occupational PA is less certain. Moreover, ownership of goods promoting sedentary behaviour may be associated with an increased risk. Conclusion: Leisure-time PA and mild-to-moderate occupational PA, but not heavy physical labour, were associated with a reduced risk, while ownership of a car and TV was associated with an increased risk of MI across all economic regions.

Red and processed meat consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer: meta-analysis of prospective studies

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:20:03 GMT

Aim: Whether red and processed meat consumption is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarise the evidence from prospective studies of red and processed meat consumption and pancreatic cancer risk. Conclusion: Findings from this meta-analysis indicate that processed meat consumption is positively associated with pancreatic cancer risk. Red meat consumption was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in men. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Physical Activity and Performance at School

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:17:42 GMT

Aim: To describe the prospective relationship between physical activity and academic performance. Conclusion: Participation in physical activity is positively related to academic performance in children. Because we found only 2 high-quality studies, future high-quality studies are needed to confirm our findings. These studies should thoroughly examine the dose-response relationship between physical activity and academic performance as well as explanatory mechanisms for this relationship.

Alcohol availability and youth homicide in the 91 largest US cities, 1984-2006.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:26:35 GMT

Aim: The aggregate relationship between homicide and alcohol availability is well established across a number of national and sub-national settings in North America, Europe and some parts of Asia. However, results linking youth homicide and alcohol availability at the retail level are largely absent from the literature, especially at the city level and across longer time periods. Conclusion: An important policy implication of these findings is that the reduction of the density of retail alcohol outlets in a city may be an effective tool for violent crime reduction among such youth.

Active transportation environments surrounding Canadian schools.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:19:17 GMT

Aim: Walking or cycling to school represents an opportunity for children to engage in physical activity. The study objectives were to: 1) describe active transportation policies, programs, and built environments of Canadian schools and their surrounding neighbourhoods, and 2) document variations based on urban-rural location and school type (primary vs. secondary vs. mixed primary/secondary schools). Conclusion: Canadian children, particularly those from rural areas, face a number of impediments to active transportation as a method of travelling to school.

How much of racial/ethnic disparities in dietary intakes, exercise, and weight status can be explained by nutrition- and health-related psychosocial factors and socioeconomic status among US adults?

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:13:34 GMT

Aim: Large disparities exist in obesity and other chronic diseases across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status (SES) groups in the United States. This study examined how much of racial/ethnic differences in diet, exercise, and weight status could be explained by nutrition- and health-related psychosocial factors (NHRPF) and SES among US adults. Conclusion: In conclusion, NHRPF may explain very few, but SES may contribute some of the racial/ethnic disparities in diet, exercise, and weight status in the United States.

Addressing geographical variation in the progression of non-communicable diseases in Peru: the CRONICAS cohort study protocol

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:11:06 GMT

Aim: The rise in non-communicable diseases in developing countries has gained increased attention. Given that around 80% of deaths related to non-communicable diseases occur in low- and middle-income countries, there is a need for local knowledge to address such problems. Longitudinal studies can provide valuable information about disease burden of non-communicable diseases in Latin America to inform both public health and clinical settings. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to characterise the prevalence and burden of non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Peru is a middle-income country currently undergoing a rapid epidemiological transition. This longitudinal study will provide valuable information on cardiopulmonary outcomes in three different settings and will provide a platform to address potential interventions that are locally relevant or applicable to other similar settings in Latin America.

Long-term Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution, Blood Pressure and Self-Reported Hypertension in a Danish Cohort

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:15:41 GMT

Aim: Short-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with changes in blood pressure (BP) and emergency hospital visits for hypertension, but little is known about effects of long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution on BP and hypertension. To study whether long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with BP and hypertension. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution was associated with a slightly lower prevalence of BP at baseline, but was not associated with incident hypertension.

Is maternal nutrition knowledge more strongly associated with the diets of mothers or their school-aged children?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:00:14 GMT

Aim: Maternal nutrition knowledge has frequently been identified as an important target for nutrition promotion interventions. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether maternal nutrition knowledge is more strongly associated with the mother's own diet or that of her child. Conclusion: Promoting maternal nutrition knowledge may represent an important avenue for improving diet in mothers from socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods, but more information is needed on how and when this knowledge is translated to benefits for their children's diet.

Perceived quality and availability of fruit and vegetables are associated with perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability among socio-economically disadvantaged women

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:29:53 GMT

Aim: Perceptions that fruit and vegetables are expensive have been found to be associated with lower consumption of fruit and vegetables among disadvantaged women; however, the determinants of these perceptions are relatively unknown. The purpose of the current paper is to examine whether perceived availability and quality of fruit and vegetables, and social support for healthy eating, are associated with perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability among women residing in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Conclusion: Our results suggest that perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability are not driven exclusively by lack of financial or knowledge-related resources, but also by women's psychological response and interpretation of their local nutrition environment.

If you stock it, will they buy it? Healthy food availability and customer purchasing behaviour within corner stores in Hartford, CT, USA

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:23:06 GMT

Aim: Literature on food environments has expanded rapidly, yet most research focuses on stores and community characteristics without integrating customer-level data. The present study combines customer shopping behaviour with store food inventory data. Conclusion: There is a positive association between fruit and vegetable variety and the probability that a customer purchases fruits and vegetables. Increasing the selection of produce in corner stores may increase their consumption by food-insecure and low-income residents at risk for health disparities. These findings have implications for future store interventions and food policies.

Impact of sleep, screen time, depression and stress on weight change in the intensive weight loss phase of the LIFE study

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:12:15 GMT

Aim: The LIFE study is a two-phase randomized clinical trial comparing two approaches to maintaining weight loss following guided weight loss. Phase I provided a nonrandomized intensive 6-month behavioral weight loss intervention to 472 obese (body mass index 3050) adult participants. Phase II is the randomized weight loss maintenance portion of the study. This paper focuses on Phase I measures of sleep, screen time, depression and stress. Conclusion: Results suggest that clinicians and investigators might consider targeting sleep, depression and stress as part of a behavioral weight loss intervention.

Age differences in the association of childhood obesity with area-level and school-level deprivation: cross-classified multilevel analysis of cross-sectional data

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:01:57 GMT

Aim: Evidence suggests that area-level deprivation is associated with obesity independently of individual socioeconomic status; however, although the school may also have an impact on child health, few studies have investigated the association between school-level deprivation and the body mass index (BMI) of students. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the BMI for children of different ages and area-level and school-level deprivation. Conclusion: Deprivation explains a greater proportion of the variance in BMI for older compared with younger children, perhaps reflecting the impact of deprivation as children age, highlighting the widening of health inequalities through childhood. The association with school-level deprivation illustrates the impact of the school on BMI status throughout the primary school years.

Preventing and treating childhood obesity: time to target fathers

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:53:29 GMT

Aim: To examine the long-term effects of having one overweight or obese parent on child weight status and determine whether these effects vary according to parent sex. Conclusion: Children with overweight or obese fathers are at a higher risk of becoming obese. This suggests that interventions are urgently required to test the efficacy of treating overweight fathers as a key strategy for childhood obesity prevention and/or treatment.

Childhood obesity and risk of the adult metabolic syndrome: a systematic review

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:28:06 GMT

While many studies have demonstrated positive associations between childhood obesity and adult metabolic risk, important questions remain as to the nature of the relationship. In particular, it is unclear whether the associations reflect the tracking of body mass index (BMI) from childhood to adulthood or an independent level of risk. This systematic review aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood obesity and a range of metabolic risk factors during adult life. Objective was to perform an unbiased systematic review to investigate the association between childhood BMI and risk of developing components of metabolic disease in adulthood, and whether the associations observed are independent of adult BMI.

The effects of dietary weight loss with or without exercise training on liver enzymes in obese metabolic syndrome subjects

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:19:24 GMT

Aim: Insulin resistance and visceral adiposity are predisposing factors for fatty liver disease. The main objectives of this study were (i) to compare the effects of caloric restriction (CR) alone or together with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training (CR+EX) on liver enzymes, a surrogate marker of liver injury, in obese metabolic syndrome (MetS) subjects and (ii) to identify anthropometric, metabolic, cardiovascular and dietary predictors of changes in liver enzymes. Conclusion: Reductions in central adiposity and saturated fat intake are key drivers of improvement in liver enzymes during lifestyle interventions. Exercise training did not confer significant incremental benefits in this study.

Community Health and the Built Environment: examining place in a Canadian chronic disease prevention project

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:44:21 GMT

Aim: The Community Health and the Built Environment (CHBE) project investigated the role of place in interventions for chronic disease prevention in order to identify contextual factors that may foster or inhibit intervention success. This paper presents a project model comprising objective-outsider and subjective-insider perspectives in a multi-method, community-based participatory research approach with an emphasis on knowledge exchange. Conclusion: The CHBE project model contributes a mechanism for investigating how place influences health behaviours and the outcomes of health promotion interventions.

Effectiveness of diabetes and hypertension management by rural primary health-care workers (Behvarz workers) in Iran: a nationally representative observational study

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:36:56 GMT

Aim: Non-communicable diseases and their risk factors are leading causes of disease burden in Iran and other middle-income countries. Little evidence exists for whether the primary health-care system can effectively manage non-communicable diseases and risk factors at the population level. Our aim was to examine the effectiveness of the Iranian rural primary health-care system (the Behvarz system) in the management of diabetes and hypertension, and to assess whether the effects depend on the number of health-care workers in the community. Conclusion: Primary care systems with trained community health-care workers and well established guidelines can be effective in non-communicable disease prevention and management. Iran's primary care system should expand the number and scope of its primary health-care worker programmes to also address blood pressure and to improve performance in areas with few primary care personnel.

Government regulation to promote healthy food environments a view from inside state governments

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:09:39 GMT

Aim: Food policy interventions are an important component of obesity-prevention strategies and can potentially drive positive changes in obesogenic environments. This study sought to identify regulatory interventions targeting the food environment, and barriers/facilitators to their implementation at the Australian state government level. In-depth interviews were conducted with senior representatives from state/territory governments, statutory authorities and non-government organizations (n = 45) to examine participants' (i) suggestions for regulatory interventions for healthier food environments and (ii) support for pre-selected regulatory interventions derived from a literature review. Conclusion: The dominant themes were the need for whole-of-government and collaborative approaches; the influence of the food industry; conflicting policies/agenda; regulatory challenges; the need for evidence of effectiveness; and economic disincentives. While interventions such as public sector healthy food service policies were supported by participants, marketing restrictions and fiscal interventions face substantial barriers including a push for deregulation and private sector opposition.

Selected eating behaviours and excess body weight: a systematic review

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:52:22 GMT

Aim: The relationship between obesity and the intake of macronutrients and specific foods is uncertain. Thus, there is growing interest in some eating behaviours because they may reflect the joint effect of several foods and nutrients and, thus, increase the likelihood of finding a link to obesity. This study examined the association between selected eating behaviours and excess weight in the general population throughout a systematic review of publications written in English, Spanish or Portuguese identified in a PubMed search up to 31 December 2010. Conclusion: We found only small or inconsistent evidence of a relationship between excess weight and skipping breakfast, daily eating frequency, snacking, irregular meals, eating away from home, consumption of fast food, takeaway food intake, consumption of large food portions, eating until full and eating quickly. In conclusion, this review highlights the difficulty in measuring human behaviour, and suggests that a more systematic approach is needed for capturing the effects of eating behaviours on body weight.

Physical activity for obese individuals: a systematic review of effects on chronic disease risk factorsPhysical activity for obese individuals: a systematic review of effects on chronic disease risk factors

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:41:39 GMT

Aim: The purpose of this review was to determine the effectiveness of physical activity in improving chronic disease risk factors in obese individuals. A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized physical activity intervention studies reporting changes in risk factors among obese individuals published prior to March 2010. Conclusion: Obese individuals should be encouraged to undertake physical activity following general recommendations for weight loss and health. The degree to which physical activity is effective at lowering risk factor levels among high-risk obese individuals is not known.

An analysis of Liberia's 2007 national health policy: lessons for health systems strengthening and chronic disease care in poor, post-conflict countries

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:26:33 GMT

Aim: Globally, chronic diseases are responsible for an enormous burden of deaths, disability, and economic loss, yet little is known about the optimal health sector response to chronic diseases in poor, post-conflict countries. Liberia's experience in strengthening health systems and health financing overall, and addressing HIV/AIDS and mental health in particular, provides a relevant case study for international stakeholders and policymakers in other poor, post-conflict countries seeking to understand and prioritize the global response to chronic diseases. Conclusion: The way forward for chronic diseases in Liberia will require an increased emphasis on quality over quantity, better data management to inform rational health sector planning, corrective mechanisms to more efficiently align health infrastructure and personnel with existing needs, and innovative methods to improve long-term retention in care and bridge the rural health delivery gap.

Chronic non-communicable diseases in Cameroon - burden, determinants and current policies

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:22:11 GMT

Aim: Cameroon is experiencing an increase in the burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which accounted for 43% of all deaths in 2002. This article reviews the published literature to critically evaluate the evidence on the frequency, determinants and consequences of NCDs in Cameroon, and to identify research, intervention and policy gaps. Conclusion: Establishing more effective national-level tobacco control measures and food policies, as well as campaigns to promote healthy diets, physical activity and tobacco cessation would probably contribute to reducing the burden of NCDs.

Effects of breastfeeding and low sugar-sweetened beverage intake on obesity prevalence in Hispanic toddlers

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:37:51 GMT

Aim: Few studies have examined the independent and additive effects of breastfeeding (BF) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake in early life on overweight and obesity prevalence. The objective was to assess the effects of BF and SSB intake on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Hispanic toddlers. Conclusion: The results suggest that BF for 1 y and low SSB intake during the toddler years can have profound effects on reducing the prevalence of obesity in Hispanic toddlers.

French authorities approve soda tax legislation

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:03:08 GMT

French lawmakers have approved legislation for the proposed tax on sugar sweetened beverages in the country effective from January 2012.

Higher alcohol prices may curb drinking: study

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:20:41 GMT

A new Canadian study suggests increasing the minimum price of beer, liquor and other alcoholic beverages may reduce how much people drink.

Importance of physical activity recognised

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:54:47 GMT

Living Streets Scotland are delighted that the Scottish Government has included 'increasing physical activity' as a new national indicator in the refreshed National Performance Framework. We're also happy that there is a new indicator to 'reduce deaths on Scotland's roads' with recognition of pedestrians as one the most vulnerable groups.

Why public health and town planning share an unbreakable bond

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:49:36 GMT

Public health is coming home, apparently, to local government. Perhaps we can use this opportunity to reinstate another historic relationship, with town planning. The practice of public health and modern urban planning arose from the same stimulus, that of the appalling conditions and devastating death rates in the Victorian city.

The real thing? Coca-Cola water rebuked for its health claims

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:38:49 GMT

While the more gut-unfriendly sectors of the fast food industry were content to bring us ice cream burgers and deep-fried butter, leading manufacturers attempted to highlight the health credentials of their fizzy drinks and lolly pops. But firms including Coca-Cola have been rebuked as campaigners highlight the "dodgiest" advertising claims of the year.

Loudspeaker alarms used to stub out hospital smoking

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:33:56 GMT

Smokers who light up outside three hospitals in north Wales will trigger an alarm and loudspeaker message telling them to stop.

Purchases of ready-to-eat cereals vary across US household sociodemographic categories according to nutritional value and advertising targets

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:29:37 GMT

Aim: To describe ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal purchases in 2008 in the USA according to cereal nutritional quality and marketing strategy and household sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that improving the nutritional quality of RTE cereals with advertising targeted to children could also lead to increased consumption of healthier products by young people.

Accuracy and reliability of self-reported weight and height in the Sister Study

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:16:24 GMT

Aim: To assess the accuracy and reliability of self-reported weight and height and identify the factors associated with reporting accuracy. Conclusion: US women in the Sister Study were reasonably reliable and accurate in reporting weight and height. Women with normal-range BMI reported most accurately. Overweight and obese women and those with weight fluctuations were less accurate, but even among obese women, few under-reported their weight by >10 %.

Local evidenced-based policy options to improve food security in South Australia: the use of local knowledge in policy development

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:07:37 GMT

Aim: To examine realist policy options for the South Australian government to improve food security. Conclusion: Stakeholders offered detailed policy solutions for the local context. This illustrates how gathering local evidence expands understanding on an issue. The process used to generate these policy options is applicable to other public health problems and other contexts.

Parental nutrition knowledge and attitudes as predictors of 56-year-old children's healthy food knowledge

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:53:02 GMT

Aim: Young children's knowledge about healthy food may influence the formation of their eating behaviours, and parents have a major influence on the development of children's knowledge in the early years. Conclusion: Nutrition education for parents, targeted at low-SES areas at higher risk for obesity, may contribute to the development of healthy food knowledge in young children.

Who consumed 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day in 19861987 and in 20002001?

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:41:51 GMT

Aim: The aim of the study was to describe who ate 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day ('compliers') in 19861987 and in 20002001. Conclusion: Only 12·7 % participants in the Dietary and Nutritional Surveys of British Adults were classified as 'compliers' in 19861987 compared with 16·5 % in 20002001. There have been some important changes in the distribution of 'compliers', but the low levels overall support the need for a reinvigorated policy drive to improve compliance with fruit and vegetable goals.

Cardiovascular healthcare for women in India

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:26:07 GMT

Aim: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death among adult women in many parts of India and a major cause of morbidity. In some parts of the world, gender inequities have been observed in cardiovascular healthcare and cardiovascular outcomes. The authors discuss the data for potential disparities in cardiovascular healthcare for women in India. Conclusion: There is a particular lack of information about the prevention and management of atherosclerotic heart disease in women from a range of communities that comprise the extremely diverse population of India.

Effect of Dietary Protein Content on Weight Gain, Energy Expenditure, and Body Composition During Overeating

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:03:17 GMT

Aim: The role of diet composition in response to overeating and energy dissipation in humans is unclear. To evaluate the effects of overconsumption of low, normal, and high protein diets on weight gain, energy expenditure, and body composition. Conclusion: Among persons living in a controlled setting, calories alone account for the increase in fat; protein affected energy expenditure and storage of lean body mass, but not body fat storage.

Quitting Smoking Among AdultsUnited States, 2001-2010

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:50:50 GMT

Summary: Quitting smoking is beneficial to health at any age, and cigarette smokers who quit before age 35 years have mortality rates similar to those who never smoked. From 1965 to 2010, the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults in the United States decreased from 42.4% to 19.3%, in part because of an increase in the number who quit smoking. Since 2002, the number of former U.S. smokers has exceeded the number of current smokers. Mass media campaigns, increases in the prices of tobacco products, and smoke-free policies have been shown to increase smoking cessation.

Assessing the knowledge of the potential harm to others caused by second-hand smoke and its impact on protective behaviours at home

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:43:29 GMT

Aim: To examine peoples' knowledge of SHS-related illnesses in England over time, identify the determinants of good knowledge and to assess its importance in predicting SHS-protective behaviours. Conclusion: The low levels of knowledge of some SHS-related conditions, especially among smokers, and the relationship between knowledge and SHS-protective behaviours, suggest that greater efforts to educate smokers about the risks associated with SHS are worthwhile.

symptoms and obesity: a meta-analysis

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:38:14 GMT

Aim: Weight loss is a recognized alarm symptom for organic gastrointestinal (GI) disease, yet the association between obesity and specific GI symptoms remains poorly described. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine which GI symptoms predominate among obese individuals. Conclusion: Several key GI symptoms are associated with increasing BMI and obesity. In addition, there were a number of other GI symptoms that had no relationship with obesity. A greater knowledge of the GI symptoms associated with obesity along with the physiology will be important in the clinical management of these patients.

Green cities and health: a question of scale?

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:35:42 GMT

Aim: Cities are expanding and accommodating an increasing proportion of the world's population. It is important to identify features of urban form that promote the health of city dwellers. Access to green space has been associated with health benefits at both individual and neighbourhood level. We investigated whether a relationship between green space coverage and selected mortality rates exists at the city level in the USA. Conclusion: While considerable evidence suggests that access to green space yields health benefits, we found no such evidence at the scale of the American city. In the USA, greener cities tend also to be more sprawling and have higher levels of car dependency. Any benefits that the green space might offer seem easily eclipsed by these other conditions and the lifestyles that accompany them. The result merits further investigation as it has important implications for how we increase green space access in our cities.

The emotional impact of European tobacco-warning images

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:18:57 GMT

Aim: The emotional impact of the tobacco-warning images proposed by the European Commission to reduce tobacco consumption is evaluated in the context of the International Affective Picture System, a well-established procedure for investigating appetitive (approach) and defensive (avoidance) motivational tendencies evoked by images. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the capability of the European tobacco-warning images to prompt negative attitudes to reduce tobacco consumption might not extend to the general population but would be limited to specific target groups.

Prospective analysis of the development of the national nutrition agenda in Vietnam from 2006 to 2008

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:11:07 GMT

Aim: Improved understanding of how to advance national nutrition policy is critical to ensure greater policy investments in nutrition. We used a participant-observer, change-agent model to prospectively study why and how national nutrition policy advanced in Vietnam between 2006 and 2008. Conclusion: Findings indicate that that rapid nutrition policy advancement is possible if purposeful, contextually sensitive strategies are used where favourable conditions exist, or can be created. The participant-observer, change-agent model was successful in both contributing to policy advancement and documenting it.

Smokers get help to quit

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:41:27 GMT

A national TV and radio advertising campaign has been launched today to encourage smokers to quit. From today smokers can pick up a new and improved NHS Quit Kit from thousands of pharmacies across England to help them stop smoking.

Hospital patients served healthier food in Wales than in England

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:38:07 GMT

Campaigners today called on Health Secretary Andrew Lansley MP to introduce legally binding standards for hospital food in England after a new survey revealed that eight out of ten people would support the measure

Poor diet of shift workers an "Occupational Health Hazard"

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:12:49 GMT

The editors of a leading journal suggest that the poor diet of shift workers should be considered an occupational health hazard. They argue that working patterns should be treated as a specific risk factor for obesity and type 2 diabetes, which have reached epidemic proportions in the developed world, with the developing world not far behind.

Children and young people hoodwinked by cigarette packaging

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:57:51 GMT

Children and young people are being hoodwinked by glitzy cigarette packaging with more than a quarter of young smokers making health assumptions based on branding.

Fitness often not a priority for college students

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:31:27 GMT

Along with mother's cooking and the family dog, regular exercise is too often among the childish things young adults leave behind when they make the move from home to college.

Calories, not protein, matter most for fat gain

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:26:49 GMT

When it comes to packing on body fat, how many calories you eat seems to count more than where those calories come from -- lots of protein, or very little.

David Cameron plans minimum alcohol price in England

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:10:01 GMT

Drinkers will pay a minimum price for alcohol under plans instigated by David Cameron to tackle a growing health crisis, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.

School lunch deals to help take on the takeaways

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:07:24 GMT

Schools are being urged to compete with takeaways by offering meal deals to encourage pupils to eat healthy lunches.

What weight problem? Vast majority of the obese deny being unhealthy

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:43:18 GMT

A quarter of the population is obese, but the vast majority deny how severely their weight could be affecting their health, according to research

'No consistent standards' in hospital food

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:42:48 GMT

More than one in 10 patients rates hospital food as poor, according to the latest official survey of more than 60,000 NHS patients in England.

Tobacco display ban reminder for supermarkets

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:40:54 GMT

The government is reminding supermarket retailers in England to remove tobacco displays within the next 100 days.

Families encouraged to eat healthily on the cheap

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:31:29 GMT

An effort to convince families in England that they can eat healthily on a budget is being launched.

Academic performance at school linked to exercise

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:26:34 GMT

How well children perform in the classroom could be linked to how physically active they are, suggests a Dutch review of previous studies.

Experts call for 10% 'fat tax' on soft drinks to prevent obesity

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:19:00 GMT

Imposing a 10% "fat tax" on sugary drinks would help tackle soaring rates of obesity, according to new research by international experts. A price hike would cut consumption of heavily sugared drinks, which have been blamed for expanding waistlines, and prompt consumers to switch to healthier alternatives, claims the study, which has been published in the British Journal of Nutrition (BJN). Its four co-authors include Professor Susan Jebb, an eminent nutrition specialist who has been the government's main adviser on obesity since 2007.

Obese women 'should lose weight' before having a baby

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:50:33 GMT

As obesity rates are rising, more women are falling pregnant while already overweight and obese, putting themselves and their baby's health at risk.

Many Scots 'choose' to ignore lifestyle health advice

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:43:17 GMT

Many people understand advice on healthy lifestyle but fail to act on it, according to a report from NHS Health Scotland.

Neighborhood and parental supports for physical activity in minority adolescents.

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:21:51 GMT

Aim: Few studies have examined environmental, home, and parental supports for physical activity in underserved adolescents (low income, ethnic minority). Given the increasing incidence of obesity in minority adolescents, it is important to better understand ecologic determinants of physical activity in these youth. This study used an ecologic model to evaluate the significance of neighborhood, home, and parental supports for physical activity on moderate-to-vigorous (MV) physical activity in underserved adolescents. Conclusion: Support from parents and neighborhood quality are both associated with increased physical activity in underserved adolescents.

The development of salty taste acceptance is related to dietary experience in human infants: a prospective study

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:14:56 GMT

Aim: Sodium intake is related to hypertension and other diseases, but little is known about the early development of salty taste acceptance. The prospective study asked whether dietary experience with foods containing sodium is associated with development of infant salty taste preference. Conclusion: The findings suggest an influential role of early dietary experience in shaping salty taste responses of infants and young children.

Physical Activity and Other Health-Risk Behaviors During the Transition Into Early Adulthood

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:49:56 GMT

Aim: Research consistently demonstrates that physical activity declines with age. However, such declines do not occur linearly. The transition into early adulthood is one period in which disproportionate declines in physical activity have been evident, but much of our understanding of such declines among young adults has been based on either cross-sectional data or prospective studies that focus exclusively on college/university students. The purpose of the current study was to use multilevel modeling to discern patterns of physical activity based on gender and educational trajectory among a nationally representative cohort of Canadian adolescents (N=640; ages at baseline, 1215 years). Examinations of smoking and binge drinking also were conducted as a basis for comparison. Conclusion: Physical activity decline was evident during young adults' transition into early adulthood, with declines being steepest among men who entered a college/university. Although there were increases in several health-risk behaviors during adolescence, individuals tend to grow out of binge drinking and smoking as they mature.

Self-Reported Sitting Time and Markers of Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Adiposity

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:42:23 GMT

Aim: Sedentary behavior is emerging as an independent risk factor for chronic disease; however, potential mechanisms underpinning these observations are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the association of self-reported weekday sitting time with biomarkers linked to chronic low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and adiposity. Conclusion: Total self-reported weekday sitting time was associated with biomarkers linked to chronic low-grade inflammation and poor metabolic health in women, but not men, independent of physical activity.

Moderate Alcohol Consumption During Adult Life, Drinking Patterns, and Breast Cancer Risk

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:29:21 GMT

Aim: Multiple studies have linked alcohol consumption to breast cancer risk, but the risk of lower levels of consumption has not been well quantified. In addition, the role of drinking patterns (ie, frequency of drinking and binge drinking) and consumption at different times of adult life are not well understood. To evaluate the association of breast cancer with alcohol consumption during adult life, including quantity, frequency, and age at consumption. Conclusion: Low levels of alcohol consumption were associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk, with the most consistent measure being cumulative alcohol intake throughout adult life. Alcohol intake both earlier and later in adult life was independently associated with risk.

Vital Signs: Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults Aged 18 YearsUnited States, 2005-2010

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:23:20 GMT

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. The health consequences of tobacco use include heart disease, multiple types of cancer, pulmonary disease, adverse reproductive effects, and the exacerbation of chronic health conditions.1 Each year, approximately 443,000 persons in the United States die from smoking-related illnesses. In addition, smoking has been estimated to cost the United States $96 billion in direct medical expenses and $97 billion in lost productivity each year.

Do Media Messages Change People's Risk Perceptions for Binge Drinking?

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:16:56 GMT

Aim: The current study investigated the effect of a media health message for drinking on risk perception estimates (comparative optimism). Conclusion: These results highlighted that media messages can successfully change people's risk perception, and also that imagination can be a powerful tool in changing risk perceptions associated with binge drinking.

Gender and education play a large role in healthy convenience meal choices, study

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:41:04 GMT

Socio-demographic factors such as gender and education play a large role in consumer choice when it comes to buying health-orientated ready meals, but sensory appeal is still the dominant purchasing driver, finds a new study from Norway.

Fight festive over-indulgence with a Christmas walk

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:14:26 GMT

Did you know that thirty minutes or more of exercise can reduce the levels of fats such as cholesterol in your blood for up to two days?

Salt policy makers in the Netherlands are consuming more than the average daily recommended salt intake

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:08:00 GMT

Salt policy makers in the Netherlands are consuming more than the average daily recommended salt intake of 6 grams in one hot meal at their work canteens, finds a study in the Christmas issue published on bmj.com today.

Never too young to think about your blood pressure

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:03:17 GMT

Changes in blood pressure during middle age can affect someone's risk of heart and circulatory disease, according to new research.

Matthew Freud picks up £1m-a-year contract with Department of Health

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:47:57 GMT

The Department of Health announced that from January, its entire public relations work on public health would be handled by Matthew Freud's communication agency, which lists several fast and snack food producers among its clients.

High youth access to movies that contain smoking in Europe compared with the USA

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:29:14 GMT

Aim: Based on evidence that exposure to smoking in movies is associated with adolescent smoking, the WHO has called on countries to assign a rating that restricts youth access to such movies. Conclusion: Tobacco imagery is still common in popular films shown in European countries and the USA. None of the seven countries examined followed the WHO recommendations on restricting youth access to movies that portray smoking. Compared to the USA, European youths have access to substantially more movies in general, and this gives them access to more movies that portray smoking in particular.

The influence of newspaper coverage and a media campaign on smokers' support for smoke-free bars and restaurants and on secondhand smoke harm awareness: findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Netherlands Survey

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:18:08 GMT

Aim: To assess the influence of newspaper coverage and a media campaign about Dutch smoke-free legislation on smokers' support for smoke-free bars and restaurants and on secondhand smoke (SHS) harm awareness. Conclusion: Media attention on smoke-free legislation can influence smokers' support for the legislation and SHS harm awareness. Tobacco control advocates should aim to establish positive media attention that puts forward the health arguments for the legislation.

Increasing prevalence of smoke-free homes and decreasing rates of sudden infant death syndrome in the United States: an ecological association study

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:11:02 GMT

Aim: This study utilises an ecological design to analyse the relation between concurrent temporal trends in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rates and prevalence of smoke-free households with infants in the USA, controlling for an important risk factor, infant supine sleep position. Conclusion: The uptake of voluntary restrictions on smoking inside the home may present a public health benefit for infants in their first year of life. In light of inherent ecological study design limitations, these results warrant further individual level research linking postnatal SHS exposure and SIDS.

Early markers of adult obesity: a review

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:02:20 GMT

Aim: The purpose of this review was to evaluate factors in early childhood (5 years of age) that are the most significant predictors of the development of obesity in adulthood. Factors of interest included exposures/insults in the prenatal period, infancy and early childhood, as well as other socio-demographic variables such as socioeconomic status (SES) or birth place that could impact all three time periods. Conclusion: Possible early markers of obesity included maternal smoking and maternal weight gain during pregnancy. Probable early markers of obesity included maternal body mass index, childhood growth patterns (early rapid growth and early adiposity rebound), childhood obesity and father's employment (a proxy measure for SES in many studies). Health promotion programmes/agencies should consider these factors as reasonable targets to reduce the risk of adult obesity.

New predictor of heart attack or stroke

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:28:21 GMT

A hike in your blood pressure during middle age significantly raises the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke during your lifetime, according to new Northwestern Medicine research. The study offers a new understanding on the importance of maintaining low blood pressure early in middle age to prevent heart disease later in life.

Childhood obesity in England: find out how your area compares

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:43:56 GMT

A third of 11-year-old children in England are categorised as overweight or obese. Data collected by the National Childhood Measurement Programme show that in 2011, 33.4 percent of year six children are overweight or obese, equalling the percentage rate for children in 2010.

Short-term results of a community-based program on promoting healthy lifestyle for prevention and control of chronic diseases in a developing country setting: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:45:41 GMT

Aim: The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of a comprehensive community trial on behavioral modification after 2 years of intervention. Conclusion: Although the consumption of salty/fat snacks slightly decreased in the school students of the intervention area, it had a sharp increase in the reference area. This program succeeded in improving some aspects of lifestyle in its different target groups. The authors suggest that the synergy of activities intensified the dose of interventions and led to this improvement.

The epidemiology and characteristics of type 2 diabetes in urban, community-based young people.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:38:58 GMT

As little is known about the impact of type 2 diabetes amongst Australian youth despite international increases in childhood obesity, we aimed to identify and characterize people aged<25 years with type 2 diabetes in an urban community with 60,000 people aged 10-24 years. The estimated maximum prevalence (59/100,000 persons) was lower than US estimates but higher than in Asia and Europe. In eight patients assessed in detail, obesity and related comorbidities were common, and quality of life was low.

Type 2 diabetes incidence and socio-economic position: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:26:46 GMT

Aim: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, the first to our knowledge, summarizing and quantifying the published evidence on associations between type 2 diabetes incidence and socio-economic position (SEP) (measured by educational level, occupation and income) worldwide and when sub-divided into high-, middle- and low-income countries. Conclusion: The risk of getting type 2 diabetes was associated with low SEP in high-, middle- and low-income countries and overall. The strength of the associations was consistent in high-income countries, whereas there is a strong need for further investigation in middle- and low-income countries.

Child growth in urban deprived settings: Does household poverty status matter? At which stage of child development?

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:59:27 GMT

Aim: This paper uses longitudinal data from two informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya to examine patterns of child growth and how these are affected by four different dimensions of poverty at the household level namely, expenditures poverty, assets poverty, food poverty, and subjective poverty. Conclusions: These findings shed light on the degree of vulnerability of urban poor infants and children and on the influences of various aspects of poverty measures.

Is access to neighborhood green space associated with BMI among Egyptians? A multilevel study of Cairo neighborhoods

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:51:41 GMT

Aim: Evidence of a link between green space and obesity has increased in the developed world, but few studies have been conducted in the developing world. Our study tests whether availability of neighborhood green space is associated with BMI among adults in Cairo, Egypt. Conclusion: Other aspects of the urban environment should be evaluated to better understand neighborhood variations in obesity in Cairo.

Good practices and health policy analysis in European sports stadia: results from the 'Healthy Stadia' project

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:12:57 GMT

Aim: Sport plays an important role within society and sports stadia provide significant settings for public health strategies. In addition to being places of mass gathering, stadia are often located in less affluent areas and are traditionally attended by 'harder to reach' communities. Unfortunately sports stadia and the clubs they host are rarely perceived as places that promote healthy lifestyles. Fast food, alcohol and tobacco are commonly advertized, served and consumed during sports games giving the spectators and TV fans contradictory messages concerning healthy choices. As part of a wider programme of work part-funded by the European Union, a study was therefore designed to explore current 'good practice' relating to positive health interventions in sports stadia across a number of European countries. Conclusion: Based on the literature analysed, the examples of good practices collected through the study, and the subsequent instigation of a European Healthy Stadia Network, it shows that there is considerable potential for stadia to become health promoting settings.

New research into salt reduction planned

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:51:01 GMT

A new report on salt reduction methods in food production will be published next year. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) have teamed up with Leatherhead Food Research to fund and deliver the comprehensive report, which will be a free resource for manufacturers.

Parental influences on cardiovascular risk factors in Swedish children aged 514 years

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:22:54 GMT

Aim: Precursors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) originate in childhood. We investigated relationships of children's CVD risk factors with parent's socio-economic position (SEP) and lifestyle and how CVD risk factors correlate within families. Conclusion: Parental behaviours: smoking, alcohol consumption, low PA are associated with higher levels of CVD risk factors (BMI, OW/OB, cholesterol) in children. Strong correlations in CVD risk factors within families not related to parental SEP/lifestyle suggest a role of genetics in influencing children's CVD risk factors. Public health policies should target families with unhealthy lifestyles.

America's heart health needs improvement

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:48:57 GMT

America's heart and blood vessel health is far from ideal, according to data in the American Heart Association's "Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update 2012," published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

UMass clinical study reduces diabetes risk among Latinos

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:41:19 GMT

An inexpensive, culturally sensitive diabetes prevention program created by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School reduced pre-diabetes indicators in a Latino population at risk for developing diabetes. Results of this three-year study, which were published online in the American Journal of Public Health, are significant because they replicate results of earlier studies that were similar but carried out in more educated and higher-income populations, and much more expensive to conduct. The model for the Lawrence intervention could provide an affordable approach for similar low-income populations.

Fears over 'harmful' fake alcohol on sale across the UK

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:34:50 GMT

There's a warning that fake alcohol containing harmful ingredients is being sold in the UK. The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) says people should take extra care when buying alcohol over Christmas.

Report shows how junk food makers target children online

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:26:56 GMT

We've released a new report which reveals the tactics used by junk food manufacturers to plug their products to children while they're playing online.

A review of tobacco smoking and smoking cessation practices among physicians in China: 19872010

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:56:13 GMT

Aim: Tobacco use by physicians represents a significant barrier in promoting smoking cessation through physician interventions. To assess the need for and nature of smoking cessation services among physicians in China, a detailed literature review was conducted. Conclusion: The results of this review suggest that while smoking habits of Chinese physicians vary among studies and across physicians in different specialties; prevalence rates tend to be higher than in physicians in the developed countries. Quitting rates were low among Chinese physicians, and the delivery of advice on quitting smoking was not common across the studies. Strategies to improve Chinese physicians' engagement in smoking cessation should address multiple factors including tobacco use and quitting practices among the physicians, their training needs and awareness of their professional responsibility with a healthcare system change approach.

Smoking behaviour and associated factors of illicit cigarette consumption in a border province of southern Thailand

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:50:00 GMT

Aim: Illicit cigarette consumption has increased worldwide. It is important to understand this problem thoroughly. To investigate behaviours and factors associated with illicit cigarette consumption in southern Thailand. Conclusion: Illicit cigarette consumption has become more acceptable especially among young adult smokers. Age and extent of social networks are important factors associated with smoking illicit cigarettes.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics--2012 Update : A Report From the American Heart Association

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:35:13 GMT

Each year, the American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and other government agencies, brings together the most up-to-date statistics on heart disease, stroke, other vascular diseases, and their risk factors and presents them in its Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update. The Statistical Update is a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, healthcare policy makers, media professionals, the lay public, and many others who seek the best national data available on disease morbidity and mortality and the risks, quality of care, medical procedures and operations, and costs associated with the management of these diseases in a single document. Indeed, since 1999, the Statistical Update has been cited more than 8700 times in the literature (including citations of all annual versions). In 2010 alone, the various Statistical Updates were cited 1600 times (data from ISI Web of Science). In recent years, the Statistical Update has undergone some major changes with the addition of new chapters and major updates across multiple areas. For this year's edition, the Statistics Committee, which produces the document for the AHA, updated all of the current chapters with the most recent nationally representative data and inclusion of relevant articles from the literature over the past year and added a new chapter detailing various disorders of heart rhythm. Also, the 2012 Statistical Update is a major source for monitoring both cardiovascular health and disease in the population, with a focus on progress toward achievement of the AHA's 2020 Impact Goals. Below are a few highlights from this year's Update.

Obesity among kids in NY dropping

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:05:28 GMT

Aside from smoking, obesity is public health enemy number one. It's good news then that the number of overweight and obese children in New York is dropping. Perhaps the public awareness campaigns are starting to pay off.

Health Survey for England - 2010: Respiratory health

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:46:45 GMT

The Health Survey for England (HSE) is part of a programme of surveys commissioned by The NHS Information Centre for health and social care (NHS IC), and carried out since 1994 by the Joint Health Surveys Unit of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the UCL Medical School. The study provides regular information that cannot be obtained from other sources on a range of aspects concerning the public's health and many of the factors that affect health. The series of Health Surveys for England was designed to monitor trends in the nation's health, to estimate the proportion of people in England who have specified health conditions, and to estimate the prevalence of certain risk factors and combinations of risk factors associated with these conditions. The survey is also used to monitor progress towards selected health targets.

'Consumer friendly' juice labelling rules approved by EU Parliament

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:40:52 GMT

The European Parliament (EP) has approved new labeling rules for fruit juices and nectars that it says aim to prevent 'potentially misleading' names for mixed juices and 'no added sugar' claims.

Kids' sugary drink intake drops when calorie data is displayed

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:46:20 GMT

When calorie data on sugary drinks is displayed in convenience stores, teenagers buy fewer of them, especially African-Americans and children from lower-income neighborhoods, researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reported in the American Journal of Public Health.

Government consultation on putting tobacco in plain packs

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:24:31 GMT

The Government has announced today that the public consultation on tobacco packaging that was due to take place by the end of this year has been put back to Spring 2012. Although the delay is disappointing, ASH is pleased that the Department of Health is working hard to ensure that the consultation will be a success and that the consultation will be UK wide.

Trade names team of top boffins in bid to meet salt targets

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:56:06 GMT

A group of leading food scientists have been appointed by the industry to spearhead work reducing salt levels across a range of household favourites. Leatherhead Food Research, a well- known player in industry research, has won the tender, as companies continue to warn they may fail to hit salt reduction targets for 2012 under the government's Responsibility Deal.

Stroke risk driven by diet quality and overeating, rather than individual nutrients

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:53:17 GMT

A review published in the special stroke issue of The Lancet Neurology says that many of the numerous studies on stroke prevention have been based on unreliable evidence. The same applies to headlines that have highlighted potential benefits of specific nutrients and foods. According to researchers, the risk of stroke is more likely to be predicted by dietary patterns and excess energy intake, i.e. overeating.

New DEFRA Family Food 2010 report

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:33:32 GMT

Family Food is the source of detailed statistical information on purchased quantities, expenditure and nutrient intakes derived from both household and eating out food and drink. Data is collected for a sample of households in the United Kingdom using self-reported diaries of all purchases, including food eaten out, over a two week period. Where possible quantities are recorded in the diaries but otherwise estimated. Energy and nutrient intakes are calculated using standard nutrient composition data for each of some 500 types of food.

Report shows rise in obesity among final year primary school children

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:26:49 GMT

The proportion of children in England who are obese in their final year of primary school is rising, new NHS Information Centre figures show.

Obesity and cardiovascular disease risk among Turkish and Moroccan migrant groups in Europe: a systematic review

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:58:20 GMT

Aim: Migrants from Turkey and Morocco are among the largest ethnic minority groups in several European countries. In this review, we aimed to systematically search, assess and describe the available literature on cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity and other endogenous cardiovascular risk factors among these groups. Conclusion: With regard to CVD risk factors, we tentatively conclude that obesity and diabetes are more common among Turkish and Moroccan migrant groups in Europe than the western European population. In the Turkish population there is also a fair amount of evidence for unfavourable high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, more research on this topic among these major ethnic minorities is of high importance.

Smoking cessation and mortality among middle-aged and elderly Chinese in Singapore: the Singapore Chinese Health Study

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:38:25 GMT

Aim: This study determines if recent smoking cessation, compared with long-term cessation, can reduce mortality risk associated with smoking. Conclusion: Significant reduction in risk of total mortality, specifically for lung cancer mortality, can be achieved within 5 years of smoking cessation.

Association between local indoor smoking ordinances in Massachusetts and cigarette smoking during pregnancy: a multilevel analysis

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:25:07 GMT

Aim: To estimate the association between local clean indoor air ordinances and prenatal maternal smoking across 351 municipalities in Massachusetts before the 2004 statewide ban and to test the effect of time since ordinance adoption on the association. Conclusion: Preventing smoking among women of reproductive age is a public health priority. This study suggests that indoor smoking ordinances were associated with lower prenatal smoking prevalence and the favourable effect increased over time. Findings highlight the public health benefit of tobacco control policies.

The impact of structural packaging design on young adult smokers' perceptions of tobacco products

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:33:25 GMT

Aim: To examine the extent that novel cigarette pack shapes and openings have on smokers' perceptions of those packs and the cigarettes contained within. Conclusion: Pack shape and pack opening affect ever-smokers' perceptions of the packs and the cigarettes they contain. This means that they have the potential to create appeal and differentiate products and thus should be regulated.

The association between worksite social support, diet, physical activity and body mass index.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:44:02 GMT

Aim: Social support may be associated with improved diet and physical activity-determinants of overweight and obesity. Wellness programs increasingly target worksites. The aim was to evaluate the relationship between worksite social support and dietary behaviors, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). Conclusion: Our findings do not support a conclusive relationship between higher worksite social support and obesogenic behaviors, with the exception of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake. Future studies are needed to confirm these relationships and evaluate how worksite social support impacts trial outcomes.

Lack of association between body mass index and plasma adiponectin levels in healthy adults

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:46:30 GMT

Aim: To test the hypothesis that obesity (increase in fat mass) independently affects the level of adipokines: adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)-6. Conclusion: Data analysis based on studies performed on healthy adults did not support the hypothesis that obesity independently affects the plasma level of adiponectin and TNFα. Reported obesity-related changes in plasma adipokine levels may be a consequence of obesity-related metabolic disorders. Future studies are especially needed to understand the homeostasis of adiponectin.

Healthcare policy tools as determinants of health-system efficiency: evidence from the OECD

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:22:34 GMT

Aim: This paper assesses which policy-relevant characteristics of a healthcare system contribute to health-system efficiency. Conclusion: Significant contributors to efficiency are policy instruments that directly target patient behaviours, such as insurance coverage and cost sharing, and those that directly target physician behaviours, such as physician payment methods. From the perspective of the policymaker, changes in cost-sharing arrangements or physician remuneration are politically easier to implement than changes to the foundational financing structure of the system.

Kids won't eat veggies? Try rewards, a study says

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:32:48 GMT

If your preschoolers turn up their noses at carrots or celery, a small reward like a sticker for taking even a taste may help get them to eat previously shunned foods, a U.K. study said.

24,000 diabetes deaths a year 'could be avoided'

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:21:29 GMT

Up to 24,000 deaths from diabetes could be avoided in England each year, if patients and doctors better managed the condition, a report concludes.

Ban cut-price alcohol to save lives, leading doctors warn

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:21:56 GMT

Alcoholic drinks sold at pocket-money prices in supermarkets are costing thousands of lives and must be made more expensive, a group of leading doctors and academics warns today.

Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in the adult population of Spain, 20082010: the ENRICA study

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:56:23 GMT

Aim: This is the first study to report the prevalence of general obesity and abdominal obesity (AO) in the adult population of Spain based on measurements of weight, height and waist circumference. The data are taken from the ENRICA study, a cross-sectional study carried out between June 2008 and October 2010 in 12,883 individuals representative of the non-institutionalized population on Spain aged 18 years and older. Conclusion: The frequency of obesity and AO decreased with increasing educational level. For example, 29% of women with primary education or less had obesity vs. only 11% of those with university studies. The prevalence of obesity was very high in the Canary Islands and in the south of Spain.

Beverage intake and obesity in Australian children

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:43:34 GMT

Aim: There have been increases in the obesity and overweight rates in Australian children over the past 25 years and it has been suggested that sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) have played a role in this increase. The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine SSB intakes in the 2007 Australian Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2) relate SSB intake to rates of overweight and obesity, socio-economic status (SES), TV viewing time, and activity levels and (3) compare 2007 SSB intakes with data from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey. Conclusion: This cross-sectional data set provides evidence that SSB consumption for Australian children is still high despite the decrease since 1995 in some age groups. It provides little support to conclude that overweight in children is currently being driven by excessive SSB consumption although it may be factor in some obese children Conclusions are limited by the cross sectional nature of the study.

Association between TV viewing, computer use and overweight, determinants and competing activities of screen time in 4- to 13-year-old children

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:06:45 GMT

Aim: TV viewing and computer use is associated with childhood overweight, but it remains unclear as to how these behaviours could best be targeted. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent the association between TV viewing, computer use and overweight is explained by other determinants of overweight, to find determinants of TV viewing and computer use in the home environment and to investigate competing activities. Conclusions: Association between TV viewing and overweight is not explained by socio-demographic variables, drinking sugared drinks and eating snacks. Factors in the home environment influence children's TV viewing. Parents have a central role as they determine the number of TVs, rules and also their children's bedtime. Therefore, interventions to reduce screen time should support parents in making home environmental changes, especially when the children are young.

High birth weight and obesitya vicious circle across generations

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:16:46 GMT

Aim: Rates of high birth weight infants, overweight and obese children and adults are increasing. The associations between birth weight and adult weight may have consequences for the obesity epidemic across generations. We examined the association between mothers' birth weight for gestational age and adult body mass index (BMI) and these factors' joint effect on risk of having a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) offspring (>+2 s.d. above the mean). Conclusion: Prenatal conditions are important for the obesity epidemic. Prevention of LGA births may contribute to curtail the intergenerational vicious cycle of obesity.

Professional chefs visit schools to promote healthy eating

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:42:07 GMT

Clinton Foundation, the chef program is part of an ongoing effort to curb obesity. Nearly one in three children and teens in the United States is already overweight or obese, according to the foundation's statistics.

Society: Governments must tackle record gap between rich and poor, says OECD

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:34:03 GMT

The gap between rich and poor in OECD countries has reached its highest level for over over 30 years, and governments must act quickly to tackle inequality, according to a new OECD report. Divided We Stand: Why Inequality Keeps Rising finds that the average income of the richest 10% is now about nine times that of the poorest 10 % across the OECD.

Setback for Olympic legacy target

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:18:20 GMT

One of the government's flagship Olympics legacy targets has suffered another setback, with the release of sports participation figures that have virtually flatlined despite a hefty investment programme.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Obese Children and Its Relationship to Glucose Homeostasis

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:03:41 GMT

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in obese and non-overweight children in North Texas, to examine relationships between dietary habits and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level in obese children, and to examine the relationship between 25(OH)D level and markers of abnormal glucose metabolism and blood pressure. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common in children in this southern United States location and is significantly more prevalent in obese children. Lower 25(OH)D level is associated with risk factors for type 2 diabetes in obese children.

Low vitamin D in childhood obesity associated with increased diabetes risk

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:54:02 GMT

Low vitamin D levels are very common in obese children, in whom they are associated with impaired glucose tolerance, suggest US study findings. "Our study found that obese children with lower vitamin D levels had higher degrees of insulin resistance," said study co-author Micah Olson, in a press statement.

Test-retest reliability and construct validity of the ENERGY-child questionnaire on energy balance-related behaviours and their potential determinants: the ENERGY-project

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:48:01 GMT

Aim: Insight in children's energy balance-related behaviours (EBRBs) and their determinants is important to inform obesity prevention research. Therefore, reliable and valid tools to measure these variables in large-scale population research are needed. To examine the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the child questionnaire used in the ENERGY-project, measuring EBRBs and their potential determinants among 10-12 year old children. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the ENERGY-child questionnaire, assessing EBRBs of the child as well as personal, family, and school-environmental determinants related to these EBRBs, has good test-retest reliability and moderate to good construct validity for the large majority of items.

Is the objective food environment associated with perceptions of the food environment?

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:10:14 GMT

Aim: The present study examined whether objective measures of the food environment are associated with perceptions of the food environment and whether this relationship varies by socio-economic disadvantage. Conclusion: Further research is needed to understand the determinants of perceptions of the nutrition environment to enhance our understanding of the role of perceptions in nutrition choices and drivers of socio-economic inequalities in nutrition.

Front-of-pack nutrition labelling: are multiple formats a problem for consumers?

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:52:45 GMT

Aim: Nutrition labels are a potentially valuable tool to assist consumers in making healthy food choices. Front-of-pack labels are a relatively new format and are now widely used across many European countries, but it is unclear which of the many formats in use are best understood by consumers. It is also unclear whether the existence of multiple formats impedes understanding and use. This article addresses this question with findings from a study commissioned by the UK Food Standards Agency to provide evidence to inform policy decisions in this area. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the existence of multiple front-of-pack label formats in the marketplace may impede consumer comprehension and discourage use. They suggest that a single format may encourage consumers to use front-of-pack labels in making healthy food choices.

Failure of policy regarding smoke-free bars in the Netherlands

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:40:00 GMT

Aim: Tobacco companies consistently work to prevent and undermine smoke-free laws. The tobacco industry and its allies have funded hospitality associations and other third parties to oppose smoke-free laws, argue that smoke-free laws will economically damage hospitality venues, promote ventilation and voluntary smoker 'accommodation' as an alternative to smoke-free laws, and to challenge smoke-free laws in court. In 2008, the Netherlands extended its smoke-free law to hospitality venues. Conclusion: The policy failure in the Netherlands is the result of poor implementation efforts and the failure to anticipate and deal with opposition to the law. When implementing smoke-free laws it is important to anticipate opposition, used the media to target non-smokers to reinforce public support, and actively enforce the law.

Tailored nutrition education: is it really effective?

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:21:14 GMT

Aim: There has been a growing interest in tailored nutrition education over the previous decade, with a number of literature reviews suggesting this intervention strategy holds considerable potential. Nevertheless, the majority of intervention trials undertaken to date have employed subjective self-report outcome measures (such as dietary recalls). The aim of the present review is to further consider the likely true effect of tailored nutrition education by assessing the findings of tailored nutrition education intervention trials where objective outcome measures (such as sales data) have been employed. Conclusions: Trials employing objective outcome measures strongly suggest tailored nutrition education is not effective as a stand-alone strategy. However, further large, high-quality trials employing objective outcome measures are needed to determine the true effectiveness of this popular nutrition intervention strategy. Regardless, education plays an important role in generating social understanding and acceptance of broader interventions to improve nutrition.

Alcohol hospital admissions double in a decade

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:25:53 GMT

Some 1,173,386 people in England were admitted to casualty for injuries or illnesses caused by drinking in 2010/11, compared with just 510,780 in 2002/3, according to the data.

Obesity related eating behaviour patterns in Swedish preschool children and association with age, gender, relative weight and parental weight - factorial validation of the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:15:35 GMT

Aim: The Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) is a multi-dimensional, parent-reported questionnaire measuring children's eating behaviours related to obesity risk, i.e. 'enjoyment of food', 'food responsiveness', 'slowness in eating' and 'satiety responsiveness'. It has not previously been validated in a Swedish population, neither on children under the age of 2 years. In the present study we examined the factor structure and the reliability of the Swedish version of the CEBQ, for use in an obesity intervention programme targeting preschool children 1-6 years. Further, the associations between eating behaviours and children's age, gender and relative weight (BMI SDS) and parental weight were investigated. Conclusion: Our results support the use of the CEBQ as a psychometric instrument for assessing children's eating behaviours in Swedish children aged 1-6 years. Measuring obesity related eating behaviours in longitudinal and interventional studies would offer opportunities for studying causal effects of eating behaviours in the development of obesity in children.

Calorie menu labeling on quick-service restaurant menus: an updated systematic review of the literature

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:02:10 GMT

Aims: Nutrition labels are one strategy being used to combat the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 mandates that calorie labels be added to menu boards of chain restaurants with 20 or more locations. This systematic review includes seven studies published since last review on the topic in 2008. Conclusion: The current evidence suggests that calorie labeling does not have the intended effect of decreasing calorie purchasing or consumption.

Diet quality scores and oxidative stress in Korean adults

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:14:20 GMT

Aims: The purpose of diet-quality indices is to assess and guide individual dietary intake for the promotion of health and prevention of disease, and food based dietary-quality indices need to be applied by using each country's own unique diet. We assessed the relationships between relatively simple dietary quality scores modified for a Korean diet, such as the Recommended Food Score (RFS) and alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (aMDS), and oxidative stress biomarkers in Korean adults. Conclusions: Higher RFS and aMDS scores were related to lower oxidative stress. Therefore, good quality of diet may be useful in reducing oxidative stress.

Overweight women trained in stress reduction and mindful eating to curb weight gain

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:56:41 GMT

Many dread gaining weight during the holiday season, but there may be hope for those who find that stress causes them to reach for yet another helping of holiday goodies. In a study by UCSF researchers published online in the Journal of Obesity, mastering simple mindful eating and stress-reduction techniques helped prevent weight gain even without dieting.

Obesity and diabetes undermining America's overall health

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:14:58 GMT

America's overall health is being undermined by obesity and diabetes, other chronic diseases, and child poverty; these detriments have been deemed greater than the benefits from improvements in cardiovascular deaths, preventable hospitalizations and smoking cessation, says a new report titled 2011 America's Health Rankings.

Walk on the wild side: Pedestrians could soon be given equal footing with cars

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:09:56 GMT

Traditional planning put cars at the centre of our streets but a radical rethink of how modern cities work could change all that.

Where does hospital food come from? Only 10% of hospitals know

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:46:07 GMT

Today, a freedom of information request by The Countryside Alliance Foundation reveals that British food is not ranked highly on the procurement agenda of NHS Trusts. The Countryside Alliance Foundation raise the point that buying British food would inevitably improve the quality of the food recovering patients consume, while helping pump money back into the local economy; especially hard-pressed farmers in Britain, and also reduce the environmental damage caused by importing low cost produce from foreign countries.

Some children's cereals have more sugar than twinkies and cookies

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:33:11 GMT

Parents wishing to give their kids a good start to the day have good reason to be concerned about the amount of sugar in children's breakfast cereals, says the Environmental Working Group (EWG), in its recent review of 84 popular brands sold in the United States. According to EWG's analysis, the worst offender is Kellogg's Honey Smacks, which comprises nearly 56% sugar by weight; in fact, a one-cup serving of this cereal contains 20 grams of sugar, which is more than you will find in a Hostess Twinkie snack cake. And one cup of any of another 44 cereals, including the popular Cap'n Crunch and Honey Nut Cheerios, contains more sugar than three Chips Ahoy! cookies, or about three teaspoons.

Low vitamin C levels due to smoke and poor diet in India's elderly population

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:29:32 GMT

Up to three quarters of elderly people in parts of India have vitamin C deficiency, a study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for human health, playing a role from maintenance and repair of tissues to antioxidant activities. This study is the first ever large screening of vitamin C blood levels in the older Indian population.

Wales' life expectancy gap between richest and poorest growing

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:34:26 GMT

The life expectancy gap between the richest and poorest people in Wales is growing, according to new figures.

Women on rotating night-shifts at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, weight gain

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:05:52 GMT

In women, there is a positive association between rotating night shift work and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and, furthermore, long duration of shift work may be associated with greater weight gain. These findings from a study by Frank Hu and colleagues from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, USA, published in this week's PLoS Medicine, are of potential public health significance as a large proportion of the working population is involved in some kind of permanent night and rotating night shift work.

Efforts to protect children against respiratory diseases

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:16:52 GMT

Asthma and hay fever and other chronic respiratory diseases are the most common non-communicable diseases in children, and they have been on the rise in recent decades. That is why the Polish Presidency has made their prevention, early diagnosis and treatment a priority for the public health.

Community wide interventions for increasing physical activity

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:53:32 GMT

Aim: To evaluate the effects of community wide, multi-strategic interventions upon population levels of physical activity. Conclusion: Although numerous studies have been undertaken, there is a noticeable inconsistency of the findings of the available studies and this is confounded by serious methodological issues within the included studies. The body of evidence in this review does not support the hypothesis that multi-component community wide interventions effectively increase population levels of physical activity. There is a clear need for well-designed intervention studies and such studies should focus on the quality of the measurement of physical activity, the frequency of measurement and the allocation to intervention and control communities.

Contribution of Take-Out Food Consumption to Socioeconomic Differences in Fruit and Vegetable Intake: A Mediation Analysis

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:40:45 GMT

Aim: Lower fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups has been well documented, and may be a consequence of a higher consumption of take-out foods. This study examined whether, and to what extent, take-out food consumption mediated (explained) the association between socioeconomic position and F/V intake. Conclusion: The consumption of less healthy take-out food partly explained (mediated) education differences in F/V intake; however, no mediating effects were observed for overall and healthy take-out consumption. Regular consumption of less healthy take-out items may contribute to socioeconomic differences in F/V intake, possibly by displacing these foods.

Who is missing the message? Targeting strategies to increase food label use among US adults

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:00:15 GMT

Aim: To evaluate the associations between sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics and food label (FL) use in US adults. Conclusion: Men, especially black men, women of low SES, rural residents and overweight Americans with inaccurate self-perception of body weight are less likely to use FL and should be targeted for increased intervention.

Measures of the home environment related to childhood obesity: a systematic review

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:51:18 GMT

Aim: Due to a proliferation of measures for different components of the home environment related to childhood obesity, the purpose of the present systematic review was to examine these tools and the degree to which they can validly and reliably assess the home environment. Conclusions: Many researchers chose to design new measures for their studies but often the items employed were brief and there was a lack of transparency in the psychometric properties. Many of the current measures of the home food and PA environment focus on one or two constructs; more comprehensive measures as well as short screeners guided by theoretical models are necessary to capture influences in the home on food and PA behaviours of children. Finally, the current measures of the home environment do not necessarily translate to specific sub-populations. Recommendations were made for future validation of measures in terms of appropriate psychometric testing.

Food insecurity among adults residing in disadvantaged urban areas: potential health and dietary consequences

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:40:12 GMT

Aim: Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability or access to nutritionally adequate, culturally appropriate and safe foods. Food insecurity may result in inadequate dietary intakes, overweight or obesity and the development of chronic disease. Internationally, few studies have focused on the range of potential health outcomes related to food insecurity among adults residing in disadvantaged locations and no such Australian studies exist. The objective of the present study was to investigate associations between food insecurity, sociodemographic and health factors and dietary intakes among adults residing in disadvantaged urban areas. Conclusion: Food insecurity is prevalent in urbanised disadvantaged areas in developed countries such as Australia. Low-income households are at high risk of experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity may result in significant health burdens among the population, and this may be concentrated in socio-economically disadvantaged suburbs.

Reference curves for BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio for Azorean adolescents (Portugal)

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:27:06 GMT

Aim: There are no percentile curves for BMI, waist circumference (WC) or waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) available for Portuguese children and adolescents. The purpose of the present study was to develop age- and sex-specific BMI, WC and WHtR percentile curves for a representative sample of adolescents living in the Portuguese islands of Azores, one of the poorest regions of Europe, and to compare them with those from other countries. Conclusion: The reference curves presented herein provide baseline data for the long-term surveillance of Azorean adolescents, as well as for national and international comparisons.

Preventing childhood obesity

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:17:05 GMT

Targeting children aged six to 12 with school-based programmes that encourage healthy eating, physical activity and positive attitudes to body image are among a range of interventions that can help reduce levels of obesity, according to a new review of the evidence. While some people argue against taking action because they worry that the action could itself do harm, evidence of harm due to the interventions themselves was not found across the studies.

Cigarettes, diet, alcohol and obesity behind more than 100,000 cancers

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:38:02 GMT

More than 100,000 cancers equivalent to one third of all those diagnosed in the UK each year are being caused by smoking, unhealthy diets, alcohol and excess weight, according to new research* by Cancer Research UK.

Obese people turn a blind eye to health risks

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:37:08 GMT

More than a quarter of obese and overweight people do not want to lose weight and many more are unaware of the benefits brought by a healthy lifestyle, a new survey by Cancer Research UK reveals. More than half of the 4000 men and women surveyed were overweight or obese. But 87 per cent of obese people and 32 per cent of overweight people failed to identify their correct weight category.

Impacts of fast food and the food retail environment on overweight and obesity in China: a multilevel latent class cluster approach

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:24:44 GMT

Aim: To simultaneously identify consumer segments based on individual-level consumption and community-level food retail environment data and to investigate whether the segments are associated with BMI and dietary knowledge in China. Conclusion: The widespread discussion about the relationships between fast-food consumption and overweight/obesity is irrelevant for Chinese segments that do not have access to fast food. Factors that are most associated with segments with a higher BMI are consumers' (incorrect) dietary knowledge, the food retail environment and sociodemographics. The results provide valuable insight for policy interventions on reducing overweight/obesity in China. This study also indicates that despite the breathtaking changes in modern China, the impact of 'obesogenic' environments should not be assessed too strictly from a 'Western' perspective.

Long-Term Effects of Changes in Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Body Mass Index on All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Men

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:59:00 GMT

Aim: The combined associations of changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index (BMI) with mortality remain controversial and uncertain. Conclusion: Maintaining or improving fitness is associated with a lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in men. Preventing age-associated fitness loss is important for longevity regardless of BMI change.

A healthy weight and physical activity perfect partners for your heart

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:28:12 GMT

New research shows being physically fit could have more of an impact on your health than controlling your weight.

Weighing up fat tax

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:06:00 GMT

A 'sin tax' applied to sweetened goods on store shelves is not the most efficient, effective method of lowering caloric intake from sweet food and would be more disruptive to consumers than necessary, according to Iowa State University research.

Chocolate helps you grow? EU sifts the evidence

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:56:32 GMT

A European Union committee approved more than 200 health claims Monday for use on food products, which could offer a competitive advantage to companies seeking to target health-conscious EU consumers.

Recess and PE policies mean more activity for kids

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:53:59 GMT

According to a new nationwide survey of elementary school principals, kids are more likely to get the recommended amount of recess and physical education if they live in states or districts with policies that call for more of those types of activity.

Low vitamin D linked to Type 2 diabetes risk

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:42:36 GMT

Researchers found those with lower vitamin D levels were more likely to be obese and have higher degrees of insulin resistance, when the hormone becomes less effective at lowering blood sugar. However, the team at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas conceded their study could not determine if low vitamin D levels played an active role in developing the disease at all.

Fruit and vegetable consumption the influence of aspects associated with trust in food and safety and quality of food

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:39:38 GMT

Aim: To profile adults who eat less than the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Conclusion: To increase fruit and vegetable consumption, research into a broad range of determinants associated with behaviours should be coupled with a deeper understanding of the process associated with changing behaviours. While levels of trust are related to behaviour change, knowledge and attitudes about aspects associated with safety and quality of food are also of importance

Defining the complexity of childhood obesity and related behaviours within the family environment using structural equation modelling

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:25:41 GMT

Aim: The present study aimed to define the complexity of the relationships between the family environment, health behaviours and obesity. A conceptual model that quantifies the relationships and interactions between parent factors, family environment, and certain aspects of children's behaviour and weight status is presented. Conclusions: A conceptual model that quantifies the complex network of family environment factors influencing children's behaviour and weight status is presented. The model provides a basis for future research on larger representative samples with a view to guiding obesity prevention interventions.

Food concern and its associations with obesity and diabetes among lower-income New Yorkers

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:15:45 GMT

Aim: To examine food concern (FC) and its associations with obesity and diabetes in a racially diverse, urban population. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among FC whites and certain subgroups of blacks. FC was positively associated with obesity risk among lower-income white New Yorkers. Programmes designed to alleviate FC and poverty should promote the purchase and consumption of nutritious, lower-energy foods to help address the burden of obesity in lower-income urban populations.

Exploring implementation of the 2010 Institute of Medicine's Child and Adult Food Care Program recommendations for after-school snacks

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:54:13 GMT

Aims:The aim of the present study was to explore the implementation of nutrition recommendations made in the 2010 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, Child and Adult Care Food Program: Aligning Dietary Guidance for All, in school-based after-school snack programmes. Conclusions: Opportunities for government and industry policy development and partnerships to support schools in their efforts to promote healthy after-school food environments remain. Several federal, state and industry leadership opportunities are proposed: provide product labelling that makes identifying snacks which comply with the 2010 IOM CACFP recommended standards easy; encourage compliance with recommendations by providing incentives to programmes; prioritize the implementation of paperwork and technology that simplifies enrolment and accountability systems; and provide support for food safety training and/or certification for non-food service personnel.

Social Norm Influences on Evaluations of the Risks Associated with Alcohol Consumption: Applying the Rank-Based Decision by Sampling Model to Health Judgments

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:38:00 GMT

Aim: The research first tested whether perceptions of other people's alcohol consumption influenced drinkers' perceptions of the riskiness of their own consumption. Second, the research tested how such comparisons are madewhether, for example, people compare their drinking to the 'average' drinker's or 'rank' their consumption amongst other people's. The latter untested possibility, suggested by the recent Decision by Sampling Model of judgment, would imply different cognitive mechanisms and suggest that information should be presented differently to people in social norm interventions. Conclusions: Drinking comparisons are rank-based, which is consistent with other judgments in social, emotional and psychophysical domains. Interventions should be designed to work with people's natural ways of information processing, through providing clients with information on their drinking rank rather than how their drinking differs from the average.

San Francisco healthy meal law takes effect despite McDonald's threats

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:55:39 GMT

This Thursday, San Francisco's groundbreaking Healthy Meals Incentive law takes effect. The law sets basic nutritional standards for kids' meals that are accompanied by toy giveaways. Its passage last November garnered international media attention, helping spur a cascade of developments in curbing junk food marketing to kids.

Food served in children's hospitals rated largely unhealthy

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:32:29 GMT

Given the obesity epidemic among the nation's young, one would hope that children's hospitals would serve as a role model for healthy eating. But hospitals in California fall short, with only 7 percent of entrees classified as "healthy" according to a new study published in Academic Pediatrics.

Alcohol-induced liver problems soar among young adults

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:18:14 GMT

There has been a huge increase in the number of young adults treated in hospital for serious liver problems brought on by drinking too much, NHS figures show. The biggest increase in hospital admissions for alcohol-related liver disease has been seen in 25 to 29-year-olds. In 2002-03 a total of 182 men and 100 women in England were treated for it, but by 2009-10 those figures had risen to 291 and 188, up by 60% and 88% respectively.

Antioxidant-rich diet may ward off stroke in women

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:45:39 GMT

The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of a woman's diet is inversely related to her risk for having a stroke, study findings suggest. "To the best of our knowledge, no study has assessed the relation between dietary TAC and stroke risk in participants with a previous history of cardiovascular disease," said study author Susanne Rautiainen (Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden), in a press statement.

Health gap has grown among young US adults, study finds

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:43:23 GMT

Levels of health disparity have increased substantially for people born in the United States after 1980, according to new research. The study also found that health disparity tends to increase as people move into middle age, before declining as people reach old age.

Could a treadmill desk save your life?

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:14:33 GMT

In 2006, James Levine, a British scientist based at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, conducted a very strange experiment. He wanted to measure something which goes by the cumbersome title of Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis or NEAT. Essentially, this examines how people move about during an average day not when they're exercising, but when they're making no special effort to keep fit.

'Fat-free' foods could work against dieters

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:59:31 GMT

Scientists have discovered that fat substitutes confuse the body, gearing it up to receive calories that are never delivered. This prompts the person to take action and raid the fridge for something a little more satisfying.

Call for council 'diet police' to inspect the private sector counci

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:53:10 GMT

Drastic action is needed to halt the cycle of ill health amid an alarming sick note culture, it found. The report from 2020Health, a think tank, found that the economy is losing tens of billions of pounds in productivity because of a high number of sick days.

Council 'put child, 5, into care for being obese'

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:45:00 GMT

The child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, reportedly had a body mass index of 22.6, which is considered clinically obese for such an age. They are understood to weigh around 4 stone 4lb, which medical experts said was about a stone and a half more than the average weight for a similar-aged child.

Objective measurement of area differences in 'private' smoking behaviour: observing smoking in vehicles

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:02:42 GMT

Aim: The objective is to (a) refine and use methods to measure the point prevalence of smoking and of secondhand smoke exposure in moving vehicles and (b) compare these prevalences (1) between two areas of contrasting socioeconomic status and (2) over time. Conclusion: Observing smoking in vehicles using a single-observer method provides a feasible and objective indicator of the different smoking behaviours, especially around children, within an area. This study further supports the evidence from this country and internationally that adults and children from high-deprivation areas are much more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke

Cigarette butts near building entrances: what is the impact of smoke-free college campus policies?

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:54:17 GMT

Aim: Indoor and outdoor tobacco-free campus policies for schools, hospitals and universities are increasingly being adopted. Yet, little direct evidence exists on the impact of tobacco-free campuses on tobacco outcomes. To identify differences in cigarettes smoked at main campus building entrances by campus policy strength.Conclusions: This study provides some of the first evidence on the impact of 100% tobacco-free outdoor policies on college campuses using an objective and reproducible measure. Such policies likely provide a more healthful environment for students, staff, faculty and visitors.

New cardiovascular strategy must tackle inequalities

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:33:42 GMT

The Government has announced today that it will start work on a new strategy to tackle cardiovascular disease in the UK.

New research finds obesity negatively impacts income, especially for women

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:31:34 GMT

A new report from The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services' Department of Health Policy (GW) uncovered an overall wage differential between those of normal weight and those who are obese, especially when it comes to women. The research, released today, demonstrates the impact obesity may have on a person's paycheck.

Leading out-of-school-time organizations unite to combat childhood obesity epidemic

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:56:29 GMT

ChildObesity180, an alliance of multi-sector national leaders committed to reversing the trend of childhood obesity, announced today a unique partnership of leading out-of-school-time organizations that have united to adopt consistent principles for nutrition and physical activity.

Food Advertising Unit to study effect of ads on children

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:39:30 GMT

The Advertising Association (AA) is understood to be preparing a research project into the food advertising viewed by children, in response to the government's crackdown on 'inappropriate' marketing to the under-16s.

Canberra turns off traffic light health plan

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:30:10 GMT

The Gillard government has baulked at introducing traffic light food labels, prompting widespread criticism from health and consumer leaders that it has put industry profits ahead of Australians' health. The traffic light labels would give red, amber or green ratings for key ingredients such as fat, salt and sugar in food.

Joint associations of physical activity and screen time with overweight among Japanese adults

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:27:09 GMT

Aim: Although both insufficient physical activity (PA) and high screen time (ST) are independent risk factors for obesity, how the combination of sufficient/insufficient PA and high/low ST could increase obesity risk among the adult population of Japan is not known. This study examined joint associations of PA and ST with overweight among Japanese adults. Conclusion: Both insufficient PA and prolonged ST contribute to overweight and obesity among Japanese adults. Public health initiatives addressing obesity in Japan need to consider both promoting PA and reducing ST, especially in men.

Associations of food group and nutrient intake, diet quality, and meal sizes between adults and children in the same household: a cross-sectional analysis of U.S. households

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:10:49 GMT

Aim: One might assume that individuals living in the same household have similar dietary intakes of food groups and nutrients. However, the manner in which an adult's dietary intake affects children's food consumption, diet quality (defined as meeting intake recommendations), and meal sizes is understudied to date. The objective of this study was to estimate these relationships between minor children and the female or male head of household. Conclusion: Female and male adults living in the same household significantly affect children's food group and nutrient intakes, diet quality, and meal sizes. There is an urgent need for in-depth analysis to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, especially for studies involving both the female and male HH.

The "Snacking Child" and its Social Network: Some Insights from an Italian Survey

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:02:45 GMT

Aim: The hypothesis underlying this work is that the social network of a child might have an impact on the alimentary behaviors, in particular for what concerns snack consumption patterns. Conclusion: The snacking child has more active peer-to-peer social relationships, mostly related with sport activities. However, spending leisure time in sportive activities implies being part of a social environment which is definitely a positive one from the point of view of obesity control, and indeed, no increase of overweight/obesity is seen in relation to snack consumption.

Eating out of home and its association with dietary intake: a systematic review of the evidence

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:31:08 GMT

Aim: During the last decades, eating out of home (OH) has gained importance in the diets worldwide. We document the nutritional characteristics of eating OH and its associations with energy intake, dietary quality and socioeconomic statusConclusion: Eating OH was associated with a higher total energy intake, energy contribution from fat in the daily diet and higher socioeconomic status. Two large studies showed how eating OH was also associated with a lower intake of micronutrients, particularly vitamin C, Ca and Fe. Although the studies were cross-sectional and heterogeneous in the way they classified eating OH, we conclude that eating OH is a risk factor for higher energy and fat intake and lower micronutrient intake.

EPODE approach for childhood obesity prevention: methods, progress and international development

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:25:16 GMT

Aim: Childhood obesity is a complex issue and needs multistakeholder involvement at all levels to foster healthier lifestyles in a sustainable way. 'Ensemble Prévenons l'ObésitéDes Enfants' (EPODE, Together Let's Prevent Childhood Obesity) is a large-scale, coordinated, capacity-building approach for communities to implement effective and sustainable strategies to prevent childhood obesity. This paper describes EPODE methodology and its objective of preventing childhood obesity. Conclusion: Further important lessons are to be learned from a detailed evaluation of EPODE. Childhood obesity prevention programmes, which aspire to have a wide reach, may benefit from the insights into the EPODE methodology. Already EPODE is referenced in several national and international reports, position papers and conferences as an innovative example of a community-based project aimed at promoting healthy behaviours in children . Further insights will follow from the standardization of actions and monitoring across all EPODE programmes around the world.

Socioeconomic status may explain racial disparities in diet, exercise, and weight

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:17:12 GMT

Large disparities exist in obesity and other chronic diseases across racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Are racial differences in diet, exercise, and weight status related to better knowledge about healthy eating and awareness of food-related health risks? Or are they more closely related to differences in socioeconomic status (SES)? A new study published in the December issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds that people with a lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be overweight, regardless of racial/ethnic background, and that the level of nutritional knowledge and health awareness did not lead to significant racial differences in weight and diet.

Americans have put on 20 pounds in 20 years

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:01:45 GMT

American adults now weigh an average of 20 pounds more than they did two decades ago, and their view of what they should ideally weigh has also increased, according to Gallup's annual Health and Healthcare survey, which questioned 532 men and 480 women who come from 50 US states and the District of Columbia (selected using random-digit-dial sampling). 61.6% of American adults today are overweight, but only 39% say they think they are.

US teens not eating enough fruit and veg, CDC report

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:56:05 GMT

US teens are eating less than the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables, according to the latest report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that was published on 25 November.

Helping consumers make a more conscious nutritional choice: acceptability of nutrition information at a cafeteria

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:51:08 GMT

Aim: A few studies link out-of-home eating to higher energy consumption, overweight and obesity in both adults and children. The present study was undertaken to investigate the nutritional value of meals available in a university cafeteria, in order to develop a target nutritional tool to help consumers make a more conscious nutritional choice. Conclusion: Availability of nutrition information in the cafeteria was well accepted by the customers who could plan their meals according to a more balanced diet.

Availability and marketing of food and beverages to children through sports settings: a systematic review

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:45:05 GMT

Aim: The current systematic review aimed to identify and critically appraise research on food environments in sports settings, including research into the types of food and beverages available, the extent and impact of food and beverage sponsorship and marketing, and views about food environments among key stakeholders. Conclusions: Further research, including comprehensive studies of the food environment in sports settings, is required to document the availability, sponsorship and marketing of food and beverages at national, regional and club levels and to estimate how sports settings may influence children's diets.

Energy balance-related behavioural patterns in 5-year-old children and the longitudinal association with weight status development in early childhood

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:32:23 GMT

Aim: The current study examined clustering of dietary intake and activity behaviours (i.e. physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour) in 5-year-old children, as well as the longitudinal association with BMI and overweight development. Conclusions: Cross-behavioural energy balance-related behavioural patterns exist at age 5 years. Different activity types (e.g. sports, television viewing) clustered differently with the behavioural patterns, indicating the need to incorporate these different types instead of one general PA measure in energy balance-related pattern analyses. The clustering and potential synergy between activity behaviours and dietary intake, as well as the associations with weight status development, stress the importance of an integrated approach to PA and healthy nutrition promotion in preventing childhood overweight.

Improving nutrition in home child care: are food costs a barrier?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:21:08 GMT

Aim: Child-care providers have a key role to play in promoting child nutrition, but the higher cost of nutritious foods may pose a barrier. The present study tested the hypothesis that higher nutritional quality of foods served was associated with higher food expenditures in child care homes participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Conclusions: The results indicate that improving the nutritional quality of foods in child care may require higher food spending.

Fish Consumption and the Risk of Stroke

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:58:20 GMT

Aim: Fish consumption has been postulated to reduce the risk of stroke. We conducted a doseresponse meta-analysis to summarize the evidence from prospective studies regarding the association between fish consumption and stroke risk. Conclusions: These findings indicate that fish consumption is weakly inversely associated with the risk of stroke.

Booze bill sees sales slump

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:31:04 GMT

SALES of beer in Scotland have slumped dramatically since the introduction of a ban on discount deals and multi-buy options. Off-sales from shops plunged by 14 per cent within just four weeks of the Scottish Government introducing the ban, according to new independent research.

Healthy Air Campaign launches short film

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:32:14 GMT

The Healthy Air Campaign has launched a short film about the public health crisis caused by poor air quality and calling on the government to take action.

Quality of sleep impacted by physical activity

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:28:36 GMT

People sleep significantly better and feel more alert during the day if they get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, a new study concludes.

It's not obesity that's killing us it's the lack of exercise

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:23:00 GMT

Almost a quarter of British women are obese, and nearly as many men, according to the European health interview survey published by the EU's statistical office Eurostat. Meanwhile, Jamie Oliver continues his campaign to improve school food, asking the prime minister to ensure that academies don't undermine it, and again focusing on "rocketing obesity rates in the UK".

Large families 'protect' mother's health

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:05:43 GMT

Despite the stresses involved with having a large family, a study has found, that four or more children might be good for women. Research involving 1300 women in California suggested those who had four or more children were one third less likely to due from cardiovascular disease. The majority of the effect seemed to result from the prevention of stroke, as mothers of large families were almost 50 per cent less likely to die of a stroke.

Weight loss undermined by mid-morning snacks

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:39:50 GMT

Adult females who are dieting in order to lose weight, may find their pounds come off much more slowly if they have a snack between their breakfast and lunch, researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center reported in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The authors suggest that a dietary weight-loss intervention should carefully consider the effects of timing, frequency, and snack quality on weight loss.

A systematic review of the influence on alcohol use of community level availability and marketing of alcohol

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:43:05 GMT

Perceptions of portion size and energy content: implications for strategies to affect behaviour change

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:36:59 GMT

Aim: To assess Australian consumers' perception of portion size of fast-food items and their ability to estimate energy content. Conclusion: Knowledge of the energy content of standard and fast-food meals in fast-food consumers in Australia is poor. Awareness of dietary energy should be a focus of health promotion if nutrition information, in its current format, is going to alter behaviour.

Does consuming breakfast influence activity levels? An experiment into the effect of breakfast consumption on eating habits and energy expenditure

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:07:26 GMT

Aim: To experimentally compare the effects of eating or skipping breakfast on energy expenditure, activity levels and dietary habits. Conclusions: Although the suggestion that breakfast is a behavioural marker for appropriate dietary and physical activity patterns is not refuted by the present findings, our data suggest that the effect of breakfast may vary as a function of gender and morning eating habits, and thus there may be other mechanisms that link BMI and breakfast consumption behaviour.

Reducing the population's sodium intake: the UK Food Standards Agency's salt reduction programme

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:18:17 GMT

Aim: To describe the UK Food Standards Agency's (FSA) salt reduction programme undertaken between 2003 and 2010 and to discuss its effectiveness. Conclusions: The UK's salt reduction programme successfully reduced the average salt intake of the population and increased consumers' awareness. Significant challenges remain in achieving the population average salt intake of 6 g/d recommended by the UK's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. However, the UK has demonstrated the success of its programme and this approach is now being implemented elsewhere in the world.

Coke and McDonald's in online unhealthy products promo ban

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:57:46 GMT

Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Nestlé and Mars are among 19 food and drink industry signatories to a pan-European pledge to only promote nutritious products on their own websites.

Healthier food choices impacted by low motivation and attention, not the labeling itself

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:41:20 GMT

The final results from the Food Labeling to Advance Better Education for Life (FLABEL) project, which provides the latest research on consumer behavior and nutrition labels, demonstrate that even though the nutritional information on European food labels is well understood, consumers lacking motivation and attention nevertheless prevent the labels from making a positive impact on food choices.

Consumption of processed meats associated with prostate cancer

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:34:20 GMT

Increased consumption of ground beef or processed meat is positively associated with aggressive prostate cancer, according to a study published in the online journal PLoS ONE. The research team, led by John Witte of University of California, San Francisco, also found that the correlation was primarily driven by red meat that was grilled or barbequed, especially when well done.

Overweight individuals more susceptible to risk factors for further weight gain

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:22:42 GMT

Some risk factors for obesity become stronger the more overweight a person is, according to a study published in the online journal PLoS ONE. Paul Williams of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California found that certain risk factors - lower education level, parental obesity, and high meat/low fruit diets - produced a greater risk for excess body weight for subjects with a higher body mass index (BMI) than for those with lower BMI.

UK women are 'fattest in Europe'

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:35:39 GMT

The UK has more obese women than any other country in Europe, according to European Union figures. Data agency Eurostat, which looked at 19 countries, found nearly a quarter of UK women - 23.9% - were recorded as being obese in the year 2008 to 2009.

Is dieting behaviour decreasing in young adolescents?

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:46:52 GMT

Aims: To report trends in underweight, overweight and obesity in 1215-year-old adolescents and examine changes in dieting behaviour, which have been less well documented. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity are continuing to increase in adolescents despite government and media awareness strategies. There also appears to be reduced dieting behaviour, despite increasing body weight, particularly in girls from manual socio-economic backgrounds.

Colour Me In an empirical study on consumer responses to the traffic light signposting system in nutrition labelling

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:39:11 GMT

Aim: As a means of empowering consumers, nutrition labelling has become a widely discussed topic. Simplicity and uniformity of labelling systems are regarded as the prevailing demands from the consumer side. In the present study, we analyse the effects of the traffic light signposting scheme on consumers' food choices. Conclusions: Our results confirm the signalling effect of colour coding as it helps reduce the complexity of decision making. Our findings shed new light on the ongoing discussion concerning appropriate and efficient nutrition labelling and provide interesting insights for further research as well as implications for public policy making.

Exposure to secondhand smoke in Italian non-smokers 5 years after the Italian smoking ban

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:24:44 GMT

Aim: No data on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure are available on a national level in Italy. To assess the prevalence of exposure to SHS in indoor public places, home and cars in non-smoking Italian population, we conducted a survey 5 years after the national smoking ban. Conclusions: The Italian smoking ban substantially decreased SHS exposure. However, specific subpopulations, including the young, are still frequently exposed both in public and private places. We observed a relatively high SHS exposure in private vehicles. Thus, further control to improve compliance with the smoking ban and an extension of the smoke-free legislation to motor vehicles are needed.

Civil society organisations, social innovation and health research in Europe

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:16:24 GMT

Aim:European Union strategies and programmes identify research and innovation as a critical dimension for future economic and social development. While European research policy emphasizes support for industry, the health field includes not-for-profit civil society organisations (CSOs) providing social innovation. Yet, the perspectives of CSOs towards health research in Europe are not well understood. Conclusions: Health CSOs contribute social innovation in organising services and activities such as advocacy that cannot be satisfactorily met by industry. Engaging CSOs in research and innovation will strengthen the European Research Area.

Chronic Non-communicable Diseases in Cameroon- burden, determinants and current policies

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:15:15 GMT

Aim: Cameroon is experiencing an increase in the burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which accounted for 43% of all deaths in 2002. This article reviews the published literature to critically evaluate the evidence on the frequency, determinants and consequences of NCDs in Cameroon, and to identify research, intervention and policy gaps. The rising trends in NCDs have been documented for hypertension and diabetes, with a 2-5 and a 10-fold increase in their respective prevalence between 1994 and 2003. Conclusion: Establishing more effective national-level tobacco control measures and food policies, as well as campaigns to promote healthy diets, physical activity and tobacco cessation would probably contribute to reducing the burden of NCDs.

Nutrition policy in whose interests? A New Zealand case study

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:57:52 GMT

Aims: In the context of the global obesity epidemic, national nutrition policies have come under scrutiny. The present paper examines whose interests industry or public health are served by these policies and why. Conclusions: The dominance of the food industry in national nutrition policy needs to be addressed. It is in the interests of the public, industry and the state that government regulates the food and advertising industries and limits the involvement of industry in policy making. Failure to do so will be costly for individuals, in terms of poor health and earlier death, costly to governments in terms of the associated health costs, and costly to both the government and industry due to losses in human productivity.

Alarm as corporate giants target developing countries

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:44:27 GMT

Diabetes, obesity and heart disease rates are soaring in developing countries, as multinationals find new ways of selling processed food to the poor

New data from the Active People Survey: New APS data from April 2010 - April 2011 available

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:16:42 GMT

The data measure the number of adults (aged 16 and over) participating in sport and/or undertaking some form of physical activity at moderate intensity. The activities included are: sport, recreational cycling, recreational walking, walking for active travel purposes, cycling for active travel purposes, dance and gardening.

Hypertension in early adulthood linked to adverse CV outcomes later in life

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:54:43 GMT

Higher blood pressure (BP) in early adulthood is associated with an increased risk for adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes later in life, suggest Harvard Alumni Health Study (HAHS) results. The finding lends weight to starting BP-lowering strategies at an earlier age than is currently the norm, write Linsay Gray (MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Glasgow, UK) and team.

Unhealthy food 'returning to school' warn caterers

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:44:38 GMT

Unhealthy snacks could be returning to schools in England, caterers are warning. Six years after the Jamie Oliver campaign and the introduction of strict nutritional guidelines, caterers say they are getting requests for fatty foods and sweets.

'Fat taxes' : answer to obesity and austerity ?

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:23:08 GMT

Today, 24 November 2011, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) Europe's leading NGO advocating for better health, is launching its briefing on 'Fiscal measures applied to food policy'. Food taxation offers governments a two pronged arrow to deal with two of the most pertinent issues they face : not only offering important action to tackle the obesity epidemic, the revenues produced can also boost austerity-stricken budgets.

EPHA briefing on food taxation and other fiscal measures

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:28:40 GMT

Because the price of a product is one of the elements that strongly influences its purchase, an increasing number of countries is implementing fiscal measures such as food taxation, as a response to the obesity epidemics and its consequences (eg France, Denmark or Hungary). EPHA developed a Briefing Paper assessing the possibility of improving people's diet and health through the implementation of fiscal measures, an issue that is increasingly encouraged by high level organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization (WHO) and recently by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Olivier De Schutter

Exercise may encourage healthy eating via brain changes

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:52:27 GMT

Exercise may encourage healthy eating by changing parts of the brain that influence impulsive behaviour, according to a new review of the available literature by researchers from Spain and the US published in Obesity Reviews. The researchers conclude that in a society where we are surrounded by temptations and triggers that facilitate over-eating and excess, the part of the brain responsible for "inhibitory control" undergoes "relentless strain" (they note it has limited capacity anyway), and doing exercise on a regular basis enhances it.

No surprise here: teens eat too little fruit, vegetables

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:46:15 GMT

A third of high school students do not eat vegetables each day and more than a fourth do not always have a daily serving of fruit, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday in a report highlighting the need for healthier school lunches.

Cycling for transport and public health: a systematic review of the effect of the environment on cycling

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:45:40 GMT

Aim: Active transport policies are being developed across Europe designed to have health and environmental benefits. There is little evidence of impact on physical activity of active transport strategies which modify the built environment. Cycling represents one virtually carbon-neutral form of transport that can help to address declining levels of exercise. Conclusion: Although the study identified environmental factors with positive and negative associations with cycling behaviour, many other types of environmental policies and interventions have yet to be rigorously evaluated. Policies promoting cycle lane construction appear promising but the socio-demographic distribution of their effects on physical activity is unclear. The wider impact of active transport policies on health and inequalities across Europe must be explored.

Childhood socio-economic position and risk of coronary heart disease in middle age: a study of 49 321 male conscripts

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:34:41 GMT

Aim: Poor social circumstances in childhood are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). In previous studies, social circumstances and risk factors in adulthood have been suggested to explain this association. In the present study, we included potential explanatory factors from childhood and adolescence. Conclusion: Results showed that social, cognitive and behavioural factors evident prior to adulthood may be of greater importance in explaining the association between childhood SEP and CHD later in life than socio-economic indicators in adulthood.

New pan-European report calls for tougher regulation of the food industry to tackle Europe's health crisis

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:32:37 GMT

An alarming report by the European Heart Network (EHN) calls for policy makers to take decisive action in the face of disturbing facts on the impact of diet and physical activity on coronary heart disease and stroke (CVD) in Europe. As with tobacco, a more robust approach is overdue from European governments to tackle the problem, said Dr. Mike Rayner, head of the EHN nutrition expert group and director of the British Heart Foundation Health Promotion Research Group at the University of Oxford, presenting the report today at a conference in Brussels, particularly so because the food industry is not measuring up. He highlights the ubiquitous presence on our shop shelves and television screens of sugary drinks, processed foods such as confectionery, fatty and salty snack foods, fast food meals which are high in salt, saturated fats and sugar, and have confusing labels with irrelevant health claims by manufactures. This is a challenge which governments must face in the public interest, said Dr. Rayner.

Study finds 25 percent of Canadians aged 31 To 50 exceed safe limit of total calories derived from fats

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:59:47 GMT

Too much fast food, poor meal choices and bad eating habits are causing more Canadians to be overweight or obese. Despite this trend, individuals who eat well are 20 per cent less likely to be obese, according to a study by Concordia University economists published in the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health.

The real five-a-day? UK kids feast on chocolate, energy drinks and crisps

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:57:33 GMT

Our new survey results reveal UK kids are turning their backs on fruit and veg in favour of snacks loaded with fat, salt and sugar. Nearly one in three UK kids (29%) is indulging by eating sweets, chocolate and crisps three or more times a day. And almost half of kids surveyed (40%) also admit they normally drink fizzy or energy drinks during the day.

Coffee drinkers show lower uterine cancer risk

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:38:43 GMT

Women who down four or more cups of coffee a day may have a reduced risk of developing cancer in the lining of their uterus, researchers reported Tuesday.

Food intake of European adolescents in the light of different food-based dietary guidelines: results of the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:37:29 GMT

Aim: Since inadequate food consumption patterns during adolescence are not only linked with the occurrence of obesity in youth but also with the subsequent risk of developing diseases in adulthood, the establishment and maintenance of a healthy diet early in life is of great public health importance. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe and evaluate the food consumption of a well-characterized sample of European adolescents against food-based dietary guidelines for the first time. Conclusion: The results urge the need to improve the dietary habits of adolescents in order to maintain health in later life.

Urban v. suburban perceptions of the neighbourhood food environment as correlates of adolescent food purchasing

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:09:31 GMT

Aim: To assess the relationship between adolescent perception of time to walk to neighbourhood food retail outlets and purchasing of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), fast and convenience food items, and to test for differences by urban v. suburban environment. Conclusion: A reduction in consumption of SSB and other energy-dense snacks is an important obesity prevention approach. An approach offering alternatives or reducing exposure in addition to education to alter purchasing habits may contribute to improving dietary habits and reducing the obesity epidemic.

The public health nutrition intervention management bi-cycle: a model for training and practice improvement

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:04:21 GMT

Aim: The present paper describes a model for public health nutrition practice designed to facilitate practice improvement and provide a step-wise approach to assist with workforce development. Conclusions: Public health nutrition practice is dynamic and varied, and models need to be adaptable and applicable to practice context to have utility. The paper serves to stimulate debate in the public health nutrition community, to encourage critical feedback about the validity, applicability and utility of this model in different practice contexts.

Positive impact of a pre-school-based nutritional intervention on children's fruit and vegetable intake: results of a cluster-randomized trial

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:50:48 GMT

Aim: To assess the short-term impact of a nutritional intervention aimed at reducing childhood overweight in German pre-school children. Conclusions: Nutritional interventions in pre-schools have the potential to change eating behaviours in young children, which in the long term might reduce risk for developing overweight.

Nottingham gets moving on two wheels

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:33:03 GMT

Cycling levels have increased in Nottingham, and car journeys declined, following the first phase of a project in the city enabling staff and students at the universities and hospital to make more of their everyday journeys on bike. Charity Sustrans has been working with Nottingham University, Nottingham Trent University and the University Hospitals NHS Trust as part of the UCycle Nottingham project.

NHS to part-fund 20 mph in Liverpool

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:30:23 GMT

Living Streets welcomes the news that Liverpool's Primary Care Trust (PCT) is to part-fund the implementation of 20 mph speed limits on residential roads across the city. In recognition of the public health benefits of 20 mph in terms of preventing road deaths, injuries and transport-related illness, the PCT will contribute £400,000 towards the £1.4m anticipated cost of the council program to implement 20 mph signed only limits over the next four years. The Trust will also fund a £265,000 program of community engagement work on slower speeds. The program will bring the total proportion of roads with a 20 mph speed limit in Liverpool to 70%.

Children double cycling levels in one year

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:24:24 GMT

Sustrans' work with schools and young people is reversing the decline in children cycling. The latest hands-up survey results for schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that work with Sustrans show that the percentage of children cycling to school every day has more than doubled within the first year of engagement with the charity

Stop holiday weight gain before it starts

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:06:53 GMT

Every year people agonize over the best way to fight weight gain that seems to go hand in hand with the holiday season. While recent studies have shown that the average American only gains about a pound over the holidays, each pound adds up over time. But who has time to practice healthy habits while enjoying a celebratory holiday season?

'Tsunami' of obesity-related disease warning for NI

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:02:42 GMT

Northern Ireland faces a "tsunami" of obesity-related diseases with which the health service will struggle to cope. That is the stark warning from Dr Mike Ryan, who runs a weight management clinic in the Northern Health Trust.

Purchase rates and energy content of nutritionally promoted and traditional fast foods purchased at lunchtime in Australia a pilot study

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:59:40 GMT

Objective Nutritionally promoted foods are now available at fast-food establishments. Little is known about their popularity, who is purchasing them, or their impact on dietary intake. Our study aimed to determine: how often nutritionally promoted fast foods were purchased; the demographic characteristics of people purchasing these foods; and if purchasing these foods resulted in reduced energy, and increased vegetable, content of lunches compared with those who purchased traditional fast foods. Conclusions Nutritionally promoted fast foods may reduce lunchtime energy content, however these foods were infrequently chosen.

Consumption of dietary salt measured by urinary sodium excretion and its association with body weight status in healthy children and adolescents

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:54:09 GMT

Objective Highly processed foods such as convenience foods usually have a high salt content and therefore might indirectly act as adipogenic due to an increasing consumption of sugar-containing beverages (SCB). We examined the association between dietary salt and body weight status. Conclusions Our results suggest that a high intake of processed salty foods could have a negative impact on body weight status in children and adolescents independently from their consumption of SCB.

Quality of Internet information related to the Mediterranean diet

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:40:14 GMT

Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of Internet information on the Mediterranean diet and to determine the relationship between the quality of information and the website source. Conclusions Due to the poor quality of website information on the Mediterranean diet, patients or consumers who are interested in the Mediterranean diet should get advice from physicians or dietitians.

Greens seek ban on junk food ads

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:30:35 GMT

THE Greens will today resume their war against junk food with a proposed blanket ban on advertising during morning and evening peak television viewing times. Under the minor party's latest Mac attack, all ads for junk food would be stripped from commercial television for three hours on school mornings and between 4pm and 9pm on weeknights.

'Missed Olympic opportunity' to get children exercising

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:03:46 GMT

Childhood obesity remains an issue. One in three 10 and 11-year-olds in England are overweight or obese. In this week's Scrubbing Up, Dr Andrew Franklyn-Miller says the build-up to the London 2012 Olympics offers the perfect chance to encourage children to be more active - but that it is an opportunity being missed

Overweight people eat less often: study

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:01:55 GMT

Overweight adults eat less often than people in the normal body weight range, but still take in more calories and are less active over the course of the day, according to a U.S. study.

New institute to help narrow the health gap

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:55:57 GMT

A new University College London (UCL) Institute that aims to reduce health inequalities through action on social determinants was launched today. The UCL Institute of Health Equity, which will be led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, will receive £1 million funding from the Department of Health over the next three years to take forward action that will reduce health inequalities in England

Afternoon sleepiness? Protein, not sugar, keeps us awake

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:28:04 GMT

A new study finds that protein, not sugar, stimulates certain brain cells into keeping us awake, and also, by telling the body to burn calories, keeping us thin. Study leader Dr Denis Burdakov, from the University of Cambridge in the UK, and colleagues, write about their findings in the 17 November issue of Neuron. They suggest their discovery will increase understanding of obesity and sleep disorders.

Nutritionists say willpower no match for cheap food, big portions

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:12:15 GMT

Ditching the diet for Thanksgiving? Turkey with all the fixings isn't the only temptation causing would-be dieters to miss their goals, according to a new Cornell University review article that finds powerful environmental cues are subconsciously bending willpower every day.

A systematic review to determine the effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent overweight and obesity in pre-adolescent girls

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:38:53 GMT

Aim: Childhood overweight/obesity is recognized as an increasing health problem. The objective of this review was to determine the effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent overweight and obesity in pre-adolescent girls. The papers included were those studying children (must include results for girls) from within the 711 years age range from any country and ethnic background. The included interventions lasted at least 12 weeks and modified a combination of nutrition, physical activity, knowledge, attitudes or health-related behaviours associated with the development of childhood overweight and obesity. Conclusion: There is the potential for interventions aimed at pre-adolescent girls to reduce the risk factors associated with childhood overweight and obesity, although the sustainability of the effects of such interventions is less clear.

Less exercise and more TV: leisure-time physical activity trends of Shanghai elders, 19982008

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:31:33 GMT

Aim: Surveillance of physical activity trends in older adults is limited in developing nations. This study examined 10-year leisure-time physical activity trends of elderly residents of Shanghai, the largest Chinese city with the nation's highest proportion of senior citizens. Conclusion: An increasingly sedentary lifestyle has evolved over the past decade in Shanghai. This highlights a need for public health agencies to develop effective active lifestyle interventions and physical activity promotion programs for local elders

The economic burden of ill health due to diet, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol and obesity in the UK: an update to 200607 NHS costs

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:20:49 GMT

Aim: Estimates of the economic cost of risk factors for chronic disease to the NHS provide evidence for prioritization of resources for prevention and public health. Previous comparable estimates of the economic costs of poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol and overweight/obesity were based on economic data from 199293. Conclusion: The estimates of the economic cost of risk factors for chronic disease presented here are based on recent financial data and are directly comparable. They suggest that poor diet is a behavioural risk factor that has the highest impact on the budget of the NHS, followed by alcohol consumption, smoking and physical inactivity.

The relation between self-reported body weight and health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study in Japan

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:12:11 GMT

Aim: Whilst being obese is associated with increased mortality, less is known about the relationship between body weight and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We aimed to examine this relationship in the general Japanese population, focusing on both underweight and overweight individuals. Conclusions: Although the differences were small, being overweight was correlated with impaired physical HRQOL but not with mental HRQOL.

Childhood obesity and coronary heart disease

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:03:22 GMT

Obesity is the most common nutritional problem among children in both developed and underdeveloped countries. Despite efforts over the past decade to prevent and control obesity, data from the 20032006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) show that 16.3% of children and adolescents, 2 to 19 years of age, are obese (i.e., have a body-mass index [BMI] above the 95th percentile for age and sex).

Childhood Adiposity, Adult Adiposity, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:56:47 GMT

Aim: Obesity in childhood is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. It is uncertain whether this risk is attenuated in persons who are overweight or obese as children but not obese as adults. Conclusion: Overweight or obese children who were obese as adults had increased risks of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and carotid-artery atherosclerosis. The risks of these outcomes among overweight or obese children who became nonobese by adulthood were similar to those among persons who were never obese.

Quitting smoking for 3 years improves heart disease prognosis

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:30:40 GMT

Quitting cigarette smoking for at least 3 years is associated with important improvements in exercise parameters that predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, US research shows.

Can weight loss reset health risks in heavy kids?

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:23:50 GMT

Overweight children who shed their excess pounds in adulthood don't face a higher risk of obesity-related health problems, an analysis of four studies involving children and adults in the United States, Australia and Finland has concluded.

Smog pollutant may be tied to stroke risk

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:20:22 GMT

People who live in areas with high levels of traffic-related air pollution might have a slightly increased risk of dying from stroke, Danish researchers suggest in a new study.

Hunger primes the brain for junk food

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:13:25 GMT

The first law of home economics states that the amount of food in a supermarket trolley rises in direct proportion to the shopper's hunger level. But while the danger is well known to shoppers who venture out on an empty stomach, how the problem arises in the brain has remained a mystery.

Sea salt health claims 'flawed'

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:31:51 GMT

Rock and sea salt is no different to ordinary table salt, despite claims it is natural and more healthy, say consumer groups. Research for Which? and Consensus Action on Salt and Health found no difference in chemical content between regular salt and costly gourmet brands.

Cigarette safety standards tightened across EU

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:24:36 GMT

New cigarette safety standards have come into force in an attempt to cut the number of people killed in house fires. They mean that every cigarette sold in the EU must meet a reduced ignition propensity (RIP) requirement.

Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and type 2 diabetes prevalence in a cross-sectional screening-study in the Netherlands.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:01:20 GMT

Aim: Air pollution may promote type 2 diabetes by increasing adipose inflammation and insulin resistance. This study examined the relation between long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and type 2 diabetes prevalence among 50- to 75-year-old subjects living in Westfriesland, the Netherlands. Conclusion: We did not find consistent associations between type 2 diabetes prevalence and exposure to traffic-related air pollution, though there were some indications for a relation with traffic in a 250 m buffer.

Mediterranean Diet Effect: an Italian picture

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:47:25 GMT

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall diet quality effects, mainly on antioxidant nutritional status and some cytokines related to the cellular immune response as well as oxidative stress in a healthy Italian population group. Conclusion: Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with significant amelioration of multiple risk factors, including a better cardiovascular risk profile, reduced oxidative stress and modulation of inflammation.

At 3.5 years of age future obesity may be predicted

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:28:37 GMT

Researchers can predict which children are most likely to become obese by examining their mothers' behaviour around their birth, according to a recent University of Montreal study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. "Although behaviour is extremely hard to change and is also influenced by a complex tangle of influencing factors in the environment, I hope these findings will help improve the social and medical services we offer to mothers and infants," said lead author Laura Pryor, a PhD candidate at the university's Department of Social and Preventive Medicine. The findings come as the province of Quebec, like other societies, grapples with a surge in childhood obesity over the last generation.

Obesity advisory group disbanded by government

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:37:06 GMT

The government has disbanded its expert advisory group on obesity, most of whose members were critical of health secretary Andrew Lansley's decision to fight the epidemic through close collaboration with the food and drinks industries.

Fruit fight: Kiwi tops apple in blood pressure study

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:38:43 GMT

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but three kiwis could lower your blood pressure.

Ban smoking in cars, says British Medical Association

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:25:23 GMT

All smoking in cars should be banned across the UK to protect people from second-hand smoke, doctors say. The British Medical Association called for the extension of the current ban on smoking in public places after reviewing evidence of the dangers. It highlighted research showing the levels of toxins in a car can be up to 23 times higher than in a smoky bar.

Efficacy of a compulsory homework programme for increasing physical activity and healthy eating in children: The Healthy Homework Pilot Study

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:15:12 GMT

Aim: Most physical activity and nutrition interventions in children focus on the school setting; however, evidence suggests that children are less active and have greater access to unhealthy food at home. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the efficacy of a compulsory homework programme for increasing physical activity and healthy eating in children. Conclusion: Compulsory health-related homework appears to be an effective approach for increasing physical activity and improving vegetable and unhealthy food consumption in children. Further research in a larger study is required to confirm these initial results.

Effect of alcohol and tobacco use on vascular dementia: a matched case control study

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:57:22 GMT

Aim: Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia in the United States. The underlying association of tobacco and alcohol with vascular dementia is not completely understood. This study is to determine the relationship of tobacco and alcohol use with the development of vascular dementia (VaD). Conclusion: Current alcohol use appears to have protective effects against the development of vascular dementia. The effects are more pronounced in subjects under age 80. This may reflect the direct vascular effects of alcohol on the vascular system or may represent a surrogate for better social or functional status. Previous alcohol use was not protective. Tobacco use was not a risk factor for VaD status, which was possibly an indication of survivorship bias in the cohort. FULL TEXT AVAILABLE

Weight loss and AfricanAmerican women: a systematic review of the behavioural weight loss intervention literature

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:45:06 GMT

Aim: The excess burden of obesity among AfricanAmerican women is well documented. However, the behavioural weight loss intervention literature often does not report results by ethnic group or gender. The purpose of this article is to conduct a systematic review of all behavioural weight loss intervention trials published between 1990 and 2010 that included and reported results separately for AfricanAmerican women. Conclusion: AfricanAmerican women lose less weight than other subgroups in behavioural weight loss interventions. It is now critical to expand on individual-level approaches and incorporate the biological, social and environmental factors that influence obesity. This will help enable the adoption of healthier behaviours for this group of women disproportionately affected by obesity.

Trinidad and Tobago Health Minister tagerts junk food industry

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:04:47 GMT

Dr Fuad Khan, Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Health, wants the makers of soft drinks and fast food to sit on sit on the country's new Working Committee on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) so they might be persuaded to put less sugar in their products. Khan said the Ministry will draft a note to Cabinet to seek to allow these industries to sit on the committee.

NGOs call for a comprehensive Alcohol Policy Strategy in the European Union 2013-2020

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:40:35 GMT

77 NGOs at both European and Member States level are calling for a comprehensive Alcohol Policy Strategy in the European Union 2013-2020. Eurocare has together with 77 other NGOs signed the call for a new Alcohol Policy Strategy. The signatories would like to call in the Ministries of Health in Europe to acknowledge the need for a comprehensive alcohol policy framework. The Committee on National Alcohol Policy and Action are meeting on 17th November and the NGOs urge them to put forward a request to the European Commission for a future European Alcohol Strategy 2013-2020.

Finding the sweet spot in group fitness

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:43:35 GMT

Doctors and nutritionists have long recommended avoiding all animal fats to trim cholesterol, but Danish researchers report that cheese may not be so bad, and probably shouldn't be lumped in the same category with butter.

A scientific study describes new benefits of nut consumption

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:23:43 GMT

A recent scientific study has revealed the relationship between nut consumption and a high level of serotonin metabolites (an important neurotransmitter) in patients with metabolic syndrome, who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. The article, published in the Journal of Proteome Research and reported by the American Chemical Society News Service, is signed by Cristina Andrés-Lacueva, Sara Tulipani (first author), Rafael Llorach and Mar Garcia-Aloy, from the University of Barcelona's Department of Nutrition and Bromatology,

In search of causality: a systematic review of the relationship between the built environment and physical activity among adults

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:17:52 GMT

Aim: Empirical evidence suggests that an association between the built environment and physical activity exists. This evidence is mostly derived from cross-sectional studies that do not account for other causal explanations such as neighborhood self-selection. Experimental and quasi-experimental designs can be used to isolate the effect of the built environment on physical activity, but in their absence, statistical techniques that adjust for neighborhood self-selection can be used with cross-sectional data. Previous reviews examining the built environment--physical activity relationship have not differentiated among findings based on study design. To deal with self-selection, we synthesized evidence regarding the relationship between objective measures of the built environment and physical activity by including in our review: 1) cross-sectional studies that adjust for neighborhood self-selection and 2) quasi-experiments. Conclusion: More quasi-experiments that examine a broader range of environmental attributes in relation to context-specific physical activity and that measure changes in the built environment, neighborhood preferences and their effect on physical activity are needed.

Developing and applying a socio-ecological model to the promotion of healthy eating in the school

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:00:22 GMT

Aim: To develop and apply a socio-ecological model (SEM) for healthy eating in school students, to better understand the association between factors at different levels of the SEM and pupils' dietary choices. Conclusions Using the SEM and multilevel analysis allowed us to study how factors were associated with the choice of different foods at different times of the day by students. Interventions can use an SEM to target specific correlates and change health outcomes in the school.

Relationship between ultra-processed foods and metabolic syndrome in adolescents from a Brazilian Family Doctor Program

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:31:45 GMT

Aim: To estimate the association between food intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Conclusions High consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with the prevalence of MetS in this adolescents group.

The role of health-related, motivational and sociodemographic aspects in predicting food label use: a comprehensive study

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:45:03 GMT

Aim: Previous studies focused on a limited number of determinants of food label use. We therefore tested a comprehensive model of food label use consisting of sociodemographic, health-related and motivating variables. These three predictor groups were chosen based on the previous literature and completed with new predictors not yet examined in a comprehensive study of frequency of label use. Conclusions: People's health consciousness should be raised in order to increase the frequency of food label use. Furthermore, it should be stressed that reading labels and keeping a healthy diet do not contradict 'good eating', and that both of these aspects can be combined with the help of food labels.

Teen diets should include more fibre, but not necessarily less fat

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:29:02 GMT

A diet high in fiber - but not necessarily one low in saturated fat or cholesterol - is tied to a lower risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes in teenagers, according to new findings from Michigan State University.

Sugary drinks may increase heart, diabetes risk in women, even of normal weight

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:17:40 GMT

Women who drink two or more sugary drinks a day, even if they are of normal weight, appear to be at higher risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to a new study presented over the weekend to the American Heart Association's (AHA's) Scientific Sessions 2011, which is running from 12-16 November, in Orlando, Florida. An abstract of the study is available to view online in the AHA journal Circulation.

UK's oesophageal cancer rate is worst in Europe

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:15:11 GMT

Heavy drinking and growing obesity are contributing to an increase in oesophageal cancer, a new analysis has claimed, as the UK topped a European survey of the disease. Cutting back on smoking and alcohol and eating healthier would help Britons reduce their risk of contracting the cancer, according to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). It rates the UK as joint 31st-worst in the world, alongside some of Africa and Asia's poorest countries.

Study reveals health value to children of National School Lunch Program

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:07:04 GMT

The federally funded National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides free and reduced-price meals to more than 31 million children every school day, according to its website1. And a recent study by current and former Iowa State University researchers confirmed that school lunches improve the health outcomes of children who reside in low-income households.

Fish consumption linked to lower diabetes and cardiovascular risk

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:47:42 GMT

People who regularly eat fish as their primary source of animal protein have lower blood-glucose concentrations and a reduced risk of developing diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular disease, compared to other people, researchers from the University of Valencia reported in the journal Nutrición Hospitalaria.

Too little exercise, too much TV tied to depression

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:33:17 GMT

Older women who got more exercise and less television time were the least likely to be diagnosed with depression, according to a U.S. study of thousands of women -- with physical activity having the biggest impact.

Socio-economic differences in takeaway food consumption among adults

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:37:04 GMT

Objective To examine socio-economic differences in the frequency and types of takeaway foods consumed. Conclusions The frequency and types of takeaway foods consumed by socio-economically disadvantaged groups may contribute to inequalities in overweight or obesity and to chronic disease.

Awareness and use of the Heart Symbol by Finnish consumers

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:26:55 GMT

Objective: To study the awareness of the Heart Symbol in different age and educational groups, and changes in the awareness over a 9-year period. In addition, the reported use of products with the symbol was examined.

Conclusions: The majority of Finnish adults are familiar with the Heart Symbol, and the reported use of such products increased in all age and educational groups, especially among the less educated. The symbol may work as an effective measure to diminish nutrition-related health inequalities.

Process evaluation of a cluster randomised controlled trial of a school-based fruit and vegetable intervention: Project Tomato

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:19:49 GMT

Objective The present analysis evaluates the overall appreciation and implementation of an intervention, Project Tomato, designed to maintain fruit and vegetable intake in children aged 8–9 years. Conclusions Implementation of the trial components was poor. However, the results identified the importance of parental environment and mealtime structure on children's fruit and vegetable intake.

A synthesis of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of school-based behavioural interventions for controlling and preventing obesity

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:02:24 GMT

Aim: Schools are an attractive and popular setting for implementing interventions for children. There is a growing body of empirical research exploring the efficacy of school-based obesity prevention programs. While there have been several reviews on the topic, findings remain mixed. To examine the quality of evidence and compare the findings from existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of school-based programs in the prevention and control of childhood obesity.Conclusion: Of the eight reviews, five were deemed of high quality and yet limited evidence was found on which to base recommendations. As no single intervention will fit all schools and populations, further high-quality research needs to focus on identifying specific program characteristics predictive of success.

The Impacts of Building a Greenway on Proximate Residents' Physical Activity

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:50:01 GMT

Aim: A significant association has been identified between physical activity and proximity to greenways. However, residents more likely to be active may have selected to live near existing greenways. The purpose of this study was to determine whether development of a new greenway has the potential to increase activity levels of existing, proximate residents. Conclusions: Although evidence is inconclusive, apparent increases in walking and moderate activity suggest development of a greenway proximate to residents' homes is likely to have a positive effect on participation levels. Additional research is needed to address article limitation

Improving shop floor compliance with age restrictions for alcohol sales: effectiveness of a feedback letter intervention

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:30:14 GMT

Aim: In this study, we investigated the effects and handling of an intervention to increase compliance with age limits regarding alcohol sales. The intervention tested in this field experiment was a feedback letter sent to alcohol outlets about their individual compliance results based on a mystery shopping study. Conclusion: Positive feedback letters are more often copied and shared integrally with personnel, compared with negative letters. Compliance with respect to underage alcohol sales can be improved, although compliance levels remain low in the Netherlands.

Neighborhoods, Obesity, and Diabetes A Randomized Social Experiment

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:54:20 GMT

Aim: The question of whether neighborhood environment contributes directly to the development of obesity and diabetes remains unresolved. The study reported on here uses data from a social experiment to assess the association of randomly assigned variation in neighborhood conditions with obesity and diabetes. Conclusion: The opportunity to move from a neighborhood with a high level of poverty to one with a lower level of poverty was associated with modest but potentially important reductions in the prevalence of extreme obesity and diabetes. The mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear but warrant further investigation, given their potential to guide the design of community-level interventions intended to improve health. (Funded by HUD and others.)

Cycling to School and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Longitudinal Study; page 1025

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:58:18 GMT

Background: Cycling to school may potentially increase physical activity level in sedentary children. Transport to school occur twice a day and could improve cardiovascular health in children. Commuter cycling is associated with lower mortality and cardiovascular disease rate in adults, but limited evidence exists in children. Conclusion: Cycling to school may contribute to a better cardiovascular risk factor profile in young people.

Further evidence that eating slower reduces food intake

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:54:11 GMT

Two new studies by researchers at the University of Rhode Island are providing additional insights into the role that eating rate plays in the amount of food one consumes. The studies found that men eat significantly faster than women, heavier people eat faster than slimmer people, and refined grains are consumed faster than whole grains, among other findings.

Stick to salt guidelines for now

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:02:04 GMT

Reducing the amount of salt you eat might not have an overall positive impact on heart health, a new piece of research claims.

Clock change 'stops outdoor play'

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:28:33 GMT

Not putting the clocks back would help in the fight against child obesity, a study suggests.

Australia cigarette 'plain packaging' law passes Senate

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:23:19 GMT

Laws banning brand labels on cigarette packaging have been passed by the Australian Senate, their last key hurdle before coming into effect.

Fibre and whole grains 'reduce bowel cancer risk'

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:17:53 GMT

Eating more cereals and whole grains could reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, a BMJ study says.

Age standardization in mapping adult overweight and obesity trends in the WHO European Region

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:26:19 GMT

Aim: This study aims to improve comparability of available data within the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region taking into account differences related to the aging of the population. Surveys were included if they were conducted on adults aged 25–64 years between 1985 and 2010 in the WHO European Region. Overweight/obesity prevalences were adjusted to the European standard population aged 25–64. Data were entered for each of the 5-year categories between 1981 and 2010. Measured height and weight data were available for males in 16 and females in 24 of the 53 countries. The 50–64-year-olds had higher prevalence of overweight and obesity as compared to the 25–49-year-olds. This pattern occurs in every country, by male and female, in almost all surveys. Conclustion: Age-standardized overweight prevalence was higher among males than females in all countries. Trend data showed increases in most countries. Age-standardized maps were based on self-reported data because of insufficient availability of measured data. Results showed more countries with available data as well as the higher category of obesity in the later surveys. Measured values are needed and age adjustment is important in documenting emerging overweight and obesity trends, independent of demographic changes, in the WHO European Region.

Television viewing and variations in energy intake in adults and children in the USA

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:18:55 GMT

Objective Examine the association between energy intake and television (TV) viewing in Americans. Conclusions TV viewing was associated with energy intake in US children and adults only in 12–18-year-old girls and men. For girls, the high TV viewing category consumed more energy daily (816·3 kJ (195 kcal)) than the low category. In men, the middle and high TV viewing categories consumed less energy daily (548·4 kJ (131 kcal) and 473·0 kJ (113 kcal), respectively) than the low category. Our findings support some, but not all previous research. Future research is needed to explore this complicated relationship with rigorous measures of energy intake and TV viewing.

Western and Mediterranean dietary patterns among Balearic Islands' adolescents: socio-economic and lifestyle determinants

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:11:19 GMT

Objective To assess prevailing food patterns among Balearic Islands' adolescents, and socio-economic and lifestyle determinants. Conclusions The present study shows the existence of two major dietary patterns among Balearic Islands' adolescents: 'Western' and 'Mediterranean', but girls are more 'Mediterranean' than boys. This evidence supports that the food pattern of Balearic Islands' adolescents is in a transitional state characterised by the loss of the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern towards a Western dietary pattern. Low parental socio-economic status, much leisure-time on sedentary behaviours such as media screen time and body image are factors associated with the 'Western' dietary pattern.

Is the intake of sugar-containing beverages during adolescence related to adult weight status?

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:59:00 GMT

Aim: To investigate the relationship between the intake of sugar-containing beverages (SCB) at the age of 13 years and adult weight status 24–30 years later. Conclusions Intake of SCB excluding 100 % fruit juices at the age of 13 years was positively associated with adult %total fat and %trunk fat in males, but not in females.

Association of weight change in different periods of adulthood with risk of type 2 diabetes in Japanese men and women: the Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:42:14 GMT

Background Few studies have examined the impact of weight change in different periods of lifetime on type 2 diabetes risk, and the association of weight loss with type 2 diabetes is unclear. We prospectively investigated the association of weight change since age 20 y and that during middle-to-late adulthood with the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Conclusions These results suggest that long-term weight gain from early adulthood to middle-age increases risk of type 2 diabetes in men and women and that risk is further enhanced by weight gain in later life in women.

Medics miss key opportunities to prevent cancers linked to obesity

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:26:45 GMT

People who work in health care are failing to give patients crucial information about the link between obesity and cancer according to new research presented today at the National Cancer Research Institute Cancer Conference (NCRI) in Liverpool.

Web-based intervention appears ineffective for preventing weight gain in adolescents

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:18:47 GMT

A web-based computer-tailored intervention aiming to increase physical activity, decrease sedentary behavior, and promote healthy eating among adolescents was not associated with positive long-term outcome measures, but may have positive short-term effects on eating behaviors, according to a report published Online First by Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Exercise referrals ineffective

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:14:20 GMT

While it is acknowledged that physical activity promotion is a key public health message, a new study questions the effectiveness of current exercise referral schemes and whether improvements to existing schemes or better targeting should be sought.

Classroom cookery lessons to fight obesity head on

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:09:17 GMT

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other studies revealed that obesity among children has tripled over the past 3 decades, it is vital that we teach children early to form healthy food habits. However, as teachers curriculums are already packed, where does nutritional education in elementary schools fit in? Maybe in subjects, such as math, science, geography and the study of other cultures

School soda bans don't cut kids' consumption

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:52:32 GMT

Kids down a similar amount of soda and other sugary drinks whether or not their schools ban the beverages, suggests a new study.

Fiber-loving teens have lower heart, diabetes risks

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:32:55 GMT

Teenagers who eat a lot of fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables and whole grains, are less likely to have risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, a new study shows.

A national health inequalities fund for Wales: Concept, design and implementation

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:46:50 GMT

Aim: To evaluate the potential for a national innovation fund, in the context of devolved health policy, to stimulate local action to deliver national priorities, using as a case study the conception, design and implementation of the £30m Welsh Assembly Government's (WAG) Inequalities in Health Fund (IiHF) 2001–08. Conclusion: National funds can be a useful lever for change, if appropriately conceived, designed and implemented. However, in the context of competing healthcare and other policy priorities, 'good practice' is often difficult to achieve, and somewhat simplistic incentives are often subverted locally, diluting the original purpose of the initiative

Proximity to Food Establishments and Body Mass Index in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort Over 30 Years

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:44:53 GMT

Aim: Existing evidence linking residential proximity to food establishments with body mass index (BMI; weight (kg)/height (m)2) has been inconclusive. In this study, the authors assessed the relation between BMI and proximity to food establishments over a 30-year period among 3,113 subjects in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort living in 4 Massachusetts towns during 1971–2001. Conclusion: Each 1-km increase in distance to the closest fast-food restaurant was associated with a 0.11-unit decrease in BMI (95% credible interval: −0.20, −0.04). In sex-stratified analyses, this association was present only for women. Other aspects of the food environment were either inconsistently associated or not at all associated with BMI. Contrary to much prior research, the authors did not find a consistent relation between access to fast-food restaurants and individual BMI, necessitating a reevaluation of policy discussions on the anticipated impact of the food environment on weight gain.

Can attending preschool reduce the risk of tobacco smoking in adulthood? The effects of Kindergarten Union participation in South Australia

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:43:24 GMT

Aim: Innovative strategies beyond the health system are required to reduce the prevalence of smoking. Early child development interventions are examples of interventions that can help set children on positive social and educational trajectories, which in turn may also reduce the prevalence of smoking. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of attendance at Kindergarten Union preschools on tobacco smoking in adulthood. Conclusion: Attendance at the high-quality Kindergarten Union preschools was associated with a reduction in the initial uptake of smoking and thus the probability of being a current smoker. Among their other potential social benefits, high-quality, universal preschool programmes have the potential to help reduce smoking prevalence across the population.

Do different measures of early life socioeconomic circumstances predict adult mortality? Evidence from the British Whitehall II and French GAZEL studies

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:40:12 GMT

Aim: Father's occupational position, education and height have all been used to examine the effects of adverse early life socioeconomic circumstances on health, but it remains unknown whether they predict mortality equally well. Conclusion: The association between early life socioeconomic circumstances and mortality depends on the socioeconomic indicator used and the cause of death examined. Height is not a straightforward measure of early life socioeconomic circumstances as taller people do not have a health advantage for all mortality outcomes.

Smoking accessories for cessation? Mixed messages in Hong Kong

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:44:19 GMT

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, adopted in 2003, urges governments to enact and enforce laws to protect the general public from the harms of tobacco products. In Hong Kong, China, a high price has already been paid for smoking in terms of both human suffering and healthcare costs. Principally, this has been among men, but the increasing prevalence of young and female smokers poses a growing challenge for public health. While the Hong Kong government has made efforts to combat smoking by banning tobacco advertisements, extending non-smoking areas and raising tobacco tax, loopholes still exist. Recently, a company has been promoting a wide range of smoking accessories called 'Smokerhood' that seems to be trying to create an 'ideal smoker' identity, a light and environmentally aware smoker

Relationships between neighborhood walkability and adults' physical activity: How important is residential self-selection?

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:37:50 GMT

Abstract: The study's aims were to examine whether residential self-selection differed according to socio-demographic characteristics and objectively assessed neighborhood walkability; and, whether objectively assessed walkability was a significant correlate of physical activity (PA) beyond residential self-selection. In total, 412 adults (aged 20-65 years) completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the long IPAQ, a neighborhood selection questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for seven days. Walkability characteristics were an important reason for selecting the current neighborhood and were more important for women, older and less-educated adults, but not for high-walkable neighborhood residents. Both in the total sample and in participants with high residential self-selection scores, walkability was positively related to active transportation and objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous PA. Designing walkable neighborhoods may help to increase adults' PA, even in those for whom walkability is an important criterion when choosing their neighborhood. However, findings from studies with longitudinal and controlled designs are required to provide more strongly causal evidence.

Socio-economic patterns of obesity among aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians.

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:31:42 GMT

OBJECTIVES: Large disparities exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians in both obesity and socio-economic status (SES). The purpose of this paper was to assess associations between obesity and three indicators of SES - employment, education and income - in conjunction with demographic and lifestyle factors. CONCLUSION: Unemployment among obese Aboriginal Canadians warrants attention. The knowledge that both high and low SES Aboriginal Canadians, of varying socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle, experience high rates of obesity can lead to new hypotheses of how obesity develops in this population and influence how interventions are planned.

The closer the sportier? Children's sports activity and their distance to sports facilities

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:22:29 GMT

Abstract: We investigate whether the distance between the next sports facilities and children's homes matter for their sports activities inside and outside of sports clubs. Our analysis is based on a large and informative cross-section of individual data on children and their families, the so-called German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents data. We use a semiparametric econometric method to investigate this relationship empirically. Our results suggest that while the distance does not matter in larger towns and cities, it does matter in smaller towns and in particular on the countryside.

What is the real cost of our food? Implications for the environment, society and public health nutrition

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:13:57 GMT

The current, globalised food system supplies 'cheap' food to a large proportion of the world's population, but with significant social, environmental and health costs that are poorly understood. The present paper examines the nature and extent of these costs for both rural and urban communities, by illustrating the financial pressures on food producers and manufacturers to produce cheap food, the disconnection people experience with how and where their food is produced, and the rise in obesity levels that plague the globe. The paper then proposes that community food systems may play an important role in mitigating the adverse environmental, economic and social effects of the dominant food system, by the use of more sustainable food production methods, the development of local economies and enabling closer connections between farmers and consumers. There are many opportunities for public health nutritionists to contribute to the local food system literature to ascertain whether these systems improve inequities, provide better access to healthy food and help stem the tide of rising global obesity levels. Public health nutritionists can play a key role in supporting people to become food citizens and to advocate for democratic and sustainable food systems.

Reference curves for BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio for Azorean adolescents (Portugal)

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:57:38 GMT

Objective There are no percentile curves for BMI, waist circumference (WC) or waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) available for Portuguese children and adolescents. The purpose of the present study was to develop age- and sex-specific BMI, WC and WHtR percentile curves for a representative sample of adolescents living in the Portuguese islands of Azores, one of the poorest regions of Europe, and to compare them with those from other countries. Conclusions The reference curves presented herein provide baseline data for the long-term surveillance of Azorean adolescents, as well as for national and international comparisons.

Food insecurity among adults residing in disadvantaged urban areas: potential health and dietary consequences

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:40:13 GMT

Objective Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability or access to nutritionally adequate, culturally appropriate and safe foods. Food insecurity may result in inadequate dietary intakes, overweight or obesity and the development of chronic disease. Internationally, few studies have focused on the range of potential health outcomes related to food insecurity among adults residing in disadvantaged locations and no such Australian studies exist. The objective of the present study was to investigate associations between food insecurity, sociodemographic and health factors and dietary intakes among adults residing in disadvantaged urban areas. Conclusions Food insecurity is prevalent in urbanised disadvantaged areas in developed countries such as Australia. Low-income households are at high risk of experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity may result in significant health burdens among the population, and this may be concentrated in socio-economically disadvantaged suburbs.

Rewards can be used effectively with repeated exposure to increase liking of vegetables in 46-year-old children

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:37:23 GMT

Objective To examine whether parents offering a sticker reward to their child to taste a vegetable the child does not currently consume is associated with improvements in children's liking and consumption of the vegetable. Conclusions The findings provide support for the effectiveness of using a sticker reward with a repeated exposure strategy. In particular, such rewards can facilitate the actual tastings necessary to change liking.

Promoting physical activity in primary care

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:21:47 GMT

Although it is widely recognised that physical activity is important for health, most of the population remains sedentary. Policy change has been proposed at several levels, including promotion of physical activity promotion in primary care. Exercise referral schemes are one method of doing this, and the linked systematic review by Pavey and colleagues (doi: 10.1136/bmj.d6462 ) assesses their effectiveness.

Midlife Weight Loss Cuts Heart Risk

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:59:30 GMT

Being overweight as a teenager carries a greater risk of being an overweight adult, along with an increased risk of dying of heart disease. But overweight adolescents who slim down in middle age may lower their risk, a new study shows.

Breakfast consumption and daily physical activity in 910-year-old British children

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:52:26 GMT

Objective To compare food and nutrient intakes from midday meals provided by schools with those from packed lunches and to estimate the contribution from food eaten at midday to the total daily energy and nutrient intakes of teenagers. Conclusions There has been concern that schoolchildren who are not opting for lunch provided by schools are compromising the overall quality of their diet, but the present study showed small differences in nutrient content between packed and school lunches. These data were collected in 20052007 before the government programme of improvements reached secondary schools.

Diet quality, physical activity, body weight and health-related quality of life among grade 5 students in Canada

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:01:46 GMT

Objective: To assess how diet quality, physical activity and body weight are related to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among children in the Canadian province of Alberta. Conclusions: The importance of diet quality, physical activity and body weight status for HRQOL may help justify broader implementation of school health programmes that promote healthy eating and active living, as these programmes will help reduce the burden of childhood obesity and improve quality of life.

Avoid cancer by getting off your butt

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:19:56 GMT

Researchers have linked nearly fifty thousand cases of breast cancer per year and over forty thousand cases of colon cancer to a simple lack of activity. Just by getting away from our desks and TVs and getting off our butt we can do a large part towards avoiding cancer scientists say.

Vegetarian diet, exercise, reduces diabetes risk in African Americans

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:06:29 GMT

New research published online recently suggests that following a vegetarian diet and exercising at least three times a week significantly reduces the risk of diabetes among African Americans, who are normally twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. You can read about the study, led by Dr Serena Tonstad, a professor at Loma Linda University in California, online in the October edition of Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases.

Study challenges assumed links between poverty, fast food and obesity

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:54:30 GMT

A new national study of eating out and income shows that fast-food dining becomes more common as earnings increase from low to middle incomes, weakening the popular notion that fast food should be blamed for higher rates of obesity among the poor.

Predicting the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes via age and BMI

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:46:45 GMT

Age and body mass index (BMI) are important risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) particularly amongst South Asian and Black African women finds new research published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Economic, health benefits offered by increased use of bicycles for commuting

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:37:01 GMT

Cutting out short auto trips and replacing them with mass transit and active transport would yield major health benefits, according to a study just published in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The biggest health benefit was due to replacing half of the short trips with bicycle trips during the warmest six months of the year, saving about $3.8 billion per year from avoided mortality and reduced health care costs for conditions like obesity and heart disease.

Tobacco-ad ban 'supported by public'

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:18:30 GMT

In a boost to UK tobacco control policy, a Canadian study has shown that smokers and non-smokers alike strongly support the banning of tobacco adverts and displays. The researchers asked 4,580 smokers across 10 Canadian provinces about their thoughts before and after the country phased in a ban between 2004 and 2010.

South Asian children 'less active' than peers

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:12:18 GMT

South Asian children are less physically active than other children according to findings of research being carried out for the British Heart Foundation. Asian children are more likely to spend their evenings studying, playing computer games or watching TV than playing outdoors or doing sports.

More evidence obesity tied to colon cancer: study

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:46:56 GMT

Older adults who are heavy, especially around the middle, seem to have a higher risk of developing colon cancer than their thinner peers -- and exercise may lower the incidence of the disease, especially for women, a European study said.

Greenspace in urban neighbourhoods and residents' health: adding quality to quantity

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:53:27 GMT

Background Previous research shows a positive link between the amount of green area in one's residential neighbourhood and self-reported health. However, little research has been done on the quality of the green area, as well as on quantity and quality of smaller natural elements in the streetscape. This study investigates the link between the objectively assessed quantity and quality of (1) green areas and (2) streetscape greenery on the one hand and three self-reported health indicators on the other. Conclusions The quantity and also the quality of greenspace in one's neighbourhood seem relevant with regard to health. Furthermore, streetscape greenery is at least as strongly related to self-reported health as green areas.

Greenspace in urban neighbourhoods and residents' health: adding quality to quantity

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:50:11 GMT

Public health champion must be independent, say MPs

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:32:38 GMT

The new public health body for England must be, and be seen to be, a fearlessly independent champion of public health standards and objectives say MPs on the Health Select Committee in a report published on 2 November 2011. The MPs also warned of the need for more clarity about who will be in charge in a public health emergency such as a flu pandemic.

Obesity, orbitofrontal structure and function are associated with food choice: a cross-sectional study

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:09:05 GMT

Objectives Obesity is on the rise in the US and is linked to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Emerging evidence over the last decade suggests that obesity may also adversely affect executive function and brain structure. Although a great deal of research focuses on how diet affects the brain and cognitive performance, no study focuses on how food choice may be associated with brain integrity. Here we investigated how lean and overweight/obese (o/o) adults differed in their food choices and how brain structure and cognition may be associated with those choices. Results and conclusions The lean group ate more high quality foods and less low quality foods compared to the o/o group. In the o/o group, high quality food choices were associated with orbitofrontal cortex volume. The lean group performed better than the o/o group on neurocognitive measures of executive function, such as the Stroop Interference Test, the Wisconsin Card Sort Test and the Trail Making Test B-A, and on attention and concentration tasks such as the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Taken together, these preliminary data suggest that in obesity poor food choices may be associated with frontal cognitive impairments that may be the result of, or contribute to, decreases in orbitofrontal cortex volume. Therefore, longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate a causal link between food choice and executive functioning.

'Smokefree generation' lobbies parents

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:41:55 GMT

A heightened awareness of the dangers of smoking among the younger generation has been highlighted by the findings of a new Department of Health survey.

Cancer is the biggest premature killer

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:35:29 GMT

Cancer is responsible for killing 40 per cent of all the men and women who die prematurely between the ages of 25 and 74 in the UK according to a new analysis of the figures released today by Cancer Research UK.

In developing world, poor still means thin

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:32:03 GMT

Although "first-world" health problems like obesity and heart disease are gaining ground in developing nations, a new study finds they are mostly afflicting the rich and middle class while poor people remain undernourished and underweight.

English-style diet 'could save 4,000' in rest of UK

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:09:55 GMT

Eating like the English could save 4,000 lives a year in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, a study claims.

Improving fitness and reducing obesity in preschool children

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:50:05 GMT

We are now in the midst of a global obesity epidemic that extends into early childhood; the World Health Organization estimated in 2010 that more than 42 million children under the age of 5 were overweight. Excess fat gain during this crucial developmental period can lay the groundwork for adverse psychological, social, and health outcomes. During the preschool years children approach an adiposity rebounda rise in body mass index that occurs between 3-7 yearsthe timing of which determines the probability of developing obesity later in life. Of particular concern is the comparatively high prevalence of overweight and obesity among children from migrant communities and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Finding ways to reduce the burden of obesity in these high risk populations is a key priority in many counties.

Air Quality and Exercise-Related Health Benefits from Reduced Car Travel in the Midwestern United States

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:42:23 GMT

OBJECTIVE: To quantify benefits from reducing automobile usage for short urban and suburban trips. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that significant health and economic benefits are possible if bicycling replaces short car trips. Less auto dependence in urban areas would also improve health in downwind rural settings.

Dietary fat intake and quality of life: the SUN project

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:35:32 GMT

Background: Few studies have related nutritional factors with quality of life in healthy populations. The purpose of the study was to assess whether dietary fat intake is associated to mental and physical quality of life. Conclusions: A detrimental relationship between TFA intake at baseline and most of the SF-36 mental domains measured 4 years later were found, whereas weak inverse associations were found for SFA intake and some physical domains.

Moderate Alcohol Consumption During Adult Life, Drinking Patterns, and Breast Cancer Risk

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:14:42 GMT

Objective To evaluate the association of breast cancer with alcohol consumption during adult life, including quantity, frequency, and age at consumption. Conclusions Low levels of alcohol consumption were associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk, with the most consistent measure being cumulative alcohol intake throughout adult life. Alcohol intake both earlier and later in adult life was independently associated with risk.

Alcohol and Risk of Breast Cancer

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:12:05 GMT

In this issue of JAMA, Chen and colleagues report findings from the Nurses' Health Study exploring the relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk. The authors' principal findings were that the cumulative amount of alcohol a woman consumes during adulthood is the best predictor of her breast cancer risk and that low levels of alcohol consumption (as few as 3 drinks a week) are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. In addition, the risk of breast cancer was increased with the quantity consumed; for example, women who drank 2 or more drinks per day had a risk of breast cancer approximately 1.5 times higher than women who never consumed alcohol, and their 10-year risk of breast cancer increased by 1.3% (from 2.8% to 4.1%).

Million Hearts: Strategies to Reduce the Prevalence of Leading Cardiovascular Disease Risk FactorsUnited States, 2011

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:08:58 GMT

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes one in three (approximately 800,000) deaths reported each year in the United States. 1 Annual direct and overall costs resulting from CVD are estimated at $273 billion and $444 billion, respectively. 2 Strategies that address leading CVD risk factors, such as hypertension, high cholesterol levels, and smoking, can greatly reduce the burden of CVD. 3 To estimate the U.S. prevalence of these three risk factors, CDC analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) on uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and current smoking. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which found that 49.7% of U.S. adults aged 20 years (an estimated 107.3 million persons) have at least one of the three risk factors.

Vital Signs: Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults Aged 18 YearsUnited States, 2005-2010

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:58:55 GMT

Introduction: Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. The health consequences of tobacco use include heart disease, multiple types of cancer, pulmonary disease, adverse reproductive effects, and the exacerbation of chronic health conditions. 1 Each year, approximately 443,000 persons in the United States die from smoking-related illnesses. In addition, smoking has been estimated to cost the United States $96 billion in direct medical expenses and $97 billion in lost productivity each year. 2 Monitoring tobacco use provides important information about the extent of tobacco use and helps to guide decisions about tobacco control strategies for the overall population and its subgroups.* To assess recent progress toward achieving the Healthy People 2020 objective to reduce the national prevalence of current cigarette smoking to 12.0% (objective TU-1), this report provides national and state-level estimates from the

Obesity gene's effect reduced by exercise

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:49:51 GMT

New research published in this week's PLoS Medicine reveals that by living a physically active lifestyle, the genetic predisposition to obesity caused by the 'fat mass and obesity associated' (FTO) gene can be significantly reduced. The large international collaboration was led by Ruth Loos from the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit in Cambridge, UK, and showed that the effect of the FTO gene on obesity risk is nearly 30% weaker among physically active adults compared with those who are physically inactive.

One glass of wine a day increases risk of breast cancer: research

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:25:06 GMT

Women who drink within the recommended limits are still putting their health at risk it has emerged as new research shows less than one small glass of wine a day increases the risk of breast cancer.

Heart health when life is satisfying: evidence from the Whitehall II cohort study

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:47:20 GMT

Aims Negative psychological states such as stress and depression are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), but it is unclear whether some positive states are protective. We investigated satisfaction with specific life domains as predictors of incident CHD. Conclusions Satisfaction in most life domains was associated with reduced CHD risk, with definite angina being mostly responsible for this association. These findings suggest that satisfaction with life may promote heart health. Further research should examine whether interventions to enhance life satisfaction in specific domains reduce CHD risk and whether life satisfaction is primarily associated with atherosclerosis rather than thrombotic factors associated with plaque rupture.