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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the glycemic control, eating habits, and body compositions of people with diabetes mellitus: A retrospective longitudinal observational study.
Sawada, M, Ohkuma, K, Aihara, M, Doi, S, Sekine, R, Kaneko, T, Iimuro, S, Ichi, I, Usami, S, Ohe, K, et al
Journal of diabetes investigation. 2023;14(2):321-328
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Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted to evaluate the prognosis of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in people with diabetes mellitus have reported an approximately two- to three-fold higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 in people with diabetes mellitus compared with those without diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of emergency on the glycaemic control, eating habits, and body composition of people with diabetes mellitus. This study is a retrospective, longitudinal observational study in outpatients with diabetes mellitus. A total of 408 participants were included in this study, including 239 men (58.6%) and 169 women (41.4%). People with type 2 diabetes mellitus were predominant in this study (96.8%). Results show that: - there was a significant increase of the haemoglobin A1c level in people with diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 pandemic. - there was an increase in the changes in body weight and percent fat (increased) and skeletal muscle masses (decreased). Authors conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a negative impact on the glycaemic control and body composition in people with diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the increase of body weight and fat mass and the decrease of the skeletal muscle mass during the pandemic were associated with poor glycaemic control, independent of the age and sex, in people with diabetes mellitus.
Abstract
AIMS/INTRODUCTION To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the glycemic control, eating habits, and body composition of people with diabetes mellitus; to identify the determinants of worsening glycemic control in people with diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective, longitudinal observational study was performed in outpatients with diabetes mellitus who visited our hospital between April 2019 and March 2020 (pre-COVID-19 period) and continued for follow up from April 2020 to March 2021 (COVID-19 period). We compared the glycemic control, nutritional intakes, and body composition of people with diabetes mellitus between the two periods. The changes in the HbA1c values (ΔHbA1c) and other study variables were compared between the two periods. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the increase of HbA1c levels. RESULTS A significant increase of HbA1c was observed during the COVID-19 period. The percent fat mass (FM) also increased, while the percent skeletal muscle mass (SMM) decreased during the COVID-19 period. After adjustments for age and sex, the ΔBMI (OR:2.33), ΔFM (OR:1.45), and ΔSMM (OR:0.51) were identified as being associated with elevated levels of HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the glycemic control and body composition of people with diabetes mellitus. The increased body weight and FM and decreased SMM observed during the pandemic were associated with poor glycemic control in people with diabetes mellitus.
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Association of prior metabolic and bariatric surgery with severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with obesity.
Aminian, A, Fathalizadeh, A, Tu, C, Butsch, WS, Pantalone, KM, Griebeler, ML, Kashyap, SR, Rosenthal, RJ, Burguera, B, Nissen, SE
Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. 2021;17(1):208-214
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A growing body of evidence indicates that patients with obesity are disproportionately affected with a severe form of SARS-CoV-2 infection and may experience resultant higher mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the association of prior metabolic surgery with severity of SARSCoV-2 infection in patients with severe obesity. This study is a retrospective, matched-cohort analysis of a prospective, observational, institutional review board–approved clinical registry of all patients tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study population included a total of 363 patients, including 33 individuals who had metabolic surgery and 330 matched patients who tested positive. Results indicate that a history of metabolic surgery is associated with lower severity of SARSCoV-2 infection in patients with severe obesity, as manifested by lower risks of hospital and ICU admission. Authors conclude that prior metabolic surgery with subsequent weight loss and improvement of metabolic abnormalities could potentially reduce morbidity from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a risk factor for poor clinical outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between prior metabolic surgery and the severity of COVID-19 in patients with severe obesity. SETTING Cleveland Clinic Health System in the United States. METHODS Among 4365 patients who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) between March 8, 2020 and July 22, 2020 in the Cleveland Clinic Health System, 33 patients were identified who had a prior history of metabolic surgery. The surgical patients were propensity matched 1:10 to nonsurgical patients to assemble a cohort of control patients (n = 330) with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 at the time of SARS-CoV-2 testing. The primary endpoint was the rate of hospital admission. The exploratory endpoints included admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), need for mechanical ventilation and dialysis during index hospitalization, and mortality. After propensity score matching, outcomes were compared in univariate and multivariate regression models. RESULTS The average BMI of the surgical group was 49.1 ± 8.8 kg/m2 before metabolic surgery and was down to 37.2 ± 7.1 at the time of SARS-CoV-2 testing, compared with the control group's BMI of 46.7 ± 6.4 kg/m2. In the univariate analysis, 6 (18.2%) patients in the metabolic surgery group and 139 (42.1%) patients in the control group were admitted to the hospital (P = .013). In the multivariate analysis, a prior history of metabolic surgery was associated with a lower hospital admission rate compared with control patients with obesity (odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.88; P = .028). While none of the 4 exploratory outcomes occurred in the metabolic surgery group, 43 (13.0%) patients in the control group required ICU admission (P = .021), 22 (6.7%) required mechanical ventilation, 5 (1.5%) required dialysis, and 8 (2.4%) patients died. CONCLUSION Prior metabolic surgery with subsequent weight loss and improvement of metabolic abnormalities was associated with lower rates of hospital and ICU admission in patients with obesity who became infected with SARS-CoV-2. Confirmation of these findings will require larger studies.
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Changes in Weight and Nutritional Habits in Adults with Obesity during the "Lockdown" Period Caused by the COVID-19 Virus Emergency.
Pellegrini, M, Ponzo, V, Rosato, R, Scumaci, E, Goitre, I, Benso, A, Belcastro, S, Crespi, C, De Michieli, F, Ghigo, E, et al
Nutrients. 2020;12(7)
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The pandemic of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has caused significant disruption in everyday lifestyle. The aim if this study was to evaluate the changes in weight and dietary habits in a sample of individuals with obesity attending the Obesity Unit after 1 month of enforced lockdown. This is an observational retrospective study were patients followed a 12-month multidisciplinary weight loss program. Results showed that patients with obesity attending an Obesity Unit in Northern Italy showed a ≈1.5 kg self-reported weight gain after the first month of lockdown. Lower education level, self-reported anxiety/depression, and not paying attention to the healthiness of food choices were significantly associated with weight and body mass index increase. Authors conclude that the adverse mental burden linked to the COVID-19 pandemic might be associated with their increased weight.
Abstract
Our aim is evaluating the changes in weight and dietary habits in a sample of outpatients with obesity after 1 month of enforced lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Italy. In this observational retrospective study, the patients of our Obesity Unit were invited to answer to a 12-question multiple-choice questionnaire relative to weight changes, working activity, exercise, dietary habits, and conditions potentially impacting on nutritional choices. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations among weight/BMI changes and the analyzed variables. A total of 150 subjects (91.5%) completed the questionnaire. Mean self-reported weight gain was ≈1.5 kg (p < 0.001). Lower exercise, self-reported boredom/solitude, anxiety/depression, enhanced eating, consumption of snacks, unhealthy foods, cereals, and sweets were correlated with a significantly higher weight gain. Multiple regression analyses showed that increased education (inversely, β = -1.15; 95%CI -2.13, -0.17, p = 0.022), self-reported anxiety/depression (β = 1.61; 0.53, 2.69, p = 0.004), and not consuming healthy foods (β = 1.48; 0.19, 2.77, p = 0.026) were significantly associated with increased weight gain. The estimated direct effect of self-reported anxiety/depression on weight was 2.07 kg (1.07, 3.07, p < 0.001). Individuals with obesity significantly gained weight 1 month after the beginning of the quarantine. The adverse mental burden linked to the COVID-19 pandemic was greatly associated with increased weight gain.
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Estimation of Primary Prevention of Gout in Men Through Modification of Obesity and Other Key Lifestyle Factors.
McCormick, N, Rai, SK, Lu, N, Yokose, C, Curhan, GC, Choi, HK
JAMA network open. 2020;3(11):e2027421
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Gout is prevalent in most Western countries. Modifying the contributary factors such as obesity and alcohol intake could prevent gout, however the impact this could have on prevention is unknown. This cohort study of 44,654 men, aimed to estimate the proportion of gout cases that could be prevented through the modification of risk factors. The results showed that the most important risk factor for gout was body mass index (BMI) and modifying other risk factors did not prevent gout. 77% of gout cases could be prevented if all men had been of normal weight, had no alcohol intake, if they adhered to a diet known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and if they didn't take drugs to increase urine output. It was concluded that weight loss in men determines their ability to prevent gout, regardless of whether they have modified other contributory factors. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that unless weight loss is achieved in individuals who are overweight and have gout, then other interventions may have minimal impact. Recommending the DASH diet to achieve weight loss, may be more successful in the long-term management of gout.
Abstract
Importance: The population impact of modifying obesity and other key risk factors for hyperuricemia has been estimated in cross-sectional studies; however, the proportion of incident gout cases (a clinical end point) that could be prevented by modifying such factors has not been evaluated. Objective: To estimate the proportion of incident gout cases that could be avoided through simultaneous modification of obesity and other key risk factors. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Health Professionals Follow-up Study is a US prospective cohort study of 51 529 male health professionals enrolled in 1986 and followed up through questionnaires every 2 years through 2012. Self-reported gout cases were confirmed through June 2015. Clean and complete data used for this analysis were available in June 2016, with statistical analyses performed from July 2016 to July 2019. Exposures: From data collected in the validated questionnaires, men were categorized to low-risk groups according to combinations of the following 4 factors: normal body mass index (BMI [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared]; <25), no alcohol intake, adherence to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-style diet (highest quintile of DASH diet score), and no diuretic use. Main Outcomes and Measures: Population attributable risks (PARs) for incident gout meeting the preliminary American College of Rheumatology survey criteria, overall and stratified by BMI. Results: We analyzed 44 654 men (mean [SD] age, 54.0 [9.8] years) with no history of gout at baseline. During 26 years of follow-up, 1741 (3.9%) developed incident gout. Among all participants, PAR for the 4 risk factors combined (BMI, diet, alcohol use, and diuretic use) was 77% (95% CI, 56%-88%). Among men with normal weight (BMI <25.0) and overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9), we estimated that more than half of incident gout cases (69% [95% CI, 42%-83%] and 59% [95% CI, 30%-75%], respectively) may have been prevented by the combination of DASH-style diet, no alcohol intake, and no diuretic use. However, among men with obesity (BMI ≥30), PAR was substantially lower and not significant (5% [95% CI, 0%-47%]). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study suggest that addressing excess adiposity and other key modifiable factors has the potential to prevent the majority of incident gout cases among men. Men with obesity may not benefit from other modifications unless weight loss is addressed.
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Lifestyle Changes in Relation to Initiation of Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Medication: A Cohort Study.
Korhonen, MJ, Pentti, J, Hartikainen, J, Ilomäki, J, Setoguchi, S, Liew, D, Kivimäki, M, Vahtera, J
Journal of the American Heart Association. 2020;9(4):e014168
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Lifestyle modification remains a key component of cardiovascular disease prevention before and concurrently with pharmacologic interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which initiation of antihypertensive or lipid-lowering (statin) therapy predicts changes in lifestyle factors in Finnish adults. The study is a large cohort study. Participants (84% = females) were drawn from the Finnish Public-Sector study cohort of employees of 10 towns and 6 hospital districts. Results show that: - initiators experienced greater increases in body mass index and were more likely to become obese than did non-initiators. - the likelihood of becoming physically inactive was higher among initiators. - smokers who initiated preventive medication were more likely to either quit or decrease smoking compared with untreated smokers. - although average alcohol consumption decreased more among initiators than non-initiators, there was no difference in the odds of heavy drinking. Authors conclude that more effective measures are needed to support the recommended lifestyle change in relation to the initiation of pharmacologic interventions for primary prevention.
Abstract
Background Lifestyle modification is a key component of cardiovascular disease prevention before and concurrently with pharmacologic interventions. We evaluated whether lifestyle factors change in relation to the initiation of antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medication (statins). Methods and Results The study population comprised 41 225 participants of the FPS (Finnish Public Sector) study aged ≥40 years who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline and responded to ≥2 consecutive surveys administered in 4-year intervals in 2000-2013. Medication use was ascertained through pharmacy-claims data. Using a series of pre-post data sets, we compared changes in body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking between 8837 initiators and 46 021 noninitiators of antihypertensive medications or statins. In participants who initiated medication use, body mass index increased more (difference in change 0.19; 95% CI, 0.16-0.22) and physical activity declined (-0.09 metabolic equivalent of task hour/day; 95% CI, -0.16 to -0.02) compared with noninitiators. The likelihood of becoming obese (odds ratio: 1.82; 95% CI, 1.63-2.03) and physically inactive (odds ratio: 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17) was higher in initiators. However, medication initiation was associated with greater decline in average alcohol consumption (-1.85 g/week; 95% CI, -3.67 to -0.14) and higher odds of quitting smoking (odds ratio for current smoking in the second survey: 0.74; 95% CI, 0.64-0.85). Conclusions These findings suggest that initiation of antihypertensive and statin medication is associated with lifestyle changes, some favorable and others unfavorable. Weight management and physical activity should be encouraged in individuals prescribed these medications.
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Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Lifestyle Behaviors in Children with Obesity Living in Verona, Italy: A Longitudinal Study.
Pietrobelli, A, Pecoraro, L, Ferruzzi, A, Heo, M, Faith, M, Zoller, T, Antoniazzi, F, Piacentini, G, Fearnbach, SN, Heymsfield, SB
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). 2020;28(8):1382-1385
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had far reaching health, social, and economic implications. Among them is the abrupt cessation of school programs for children and adolescents in Italy. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that factors contributing to weight gain among children and adolescents with overweight and obesity are exacerbated during a pandemic-associated lockdown. This study is a longitudinal clinical trial which enrolled non-adult participants (n=41) with obesity as controls in the ongoing longitudinal observational OBELIX Study in Verona, Italy. Results indicate that eating, activity, and sleeping behaviours changed in an unfavourable direction just after three weeks into their confinement during the national lockdown. Thus, findings support the hypothesis that lockdown appears to create an unfavourable environment for maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviours Authors conclude that recognition of the lockdown phenomenon is the first step in taking preventive measures.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that youths with obesity, when removed from structured school activities and confined to their homes during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, will display unfavorable trends in lifestyle behaviors. METHODS The sample included 41 children and adolescents with obesity participating in a longitudinal observational study located in Verona, Italy. Lifestyle information including diet, activity, and sleep behaviors was collected at baseline and 3 weeks into the national lockdown during which home confinement was mandatory. Changes in outcomes over the two study time points were evaluated for significance using paired t tests. RESULTS There were no changes in reported vegetable intake; fruit intake increased (P = 0.055) during the lockdown. By contrast, potato chip, red meat, and sugary drink intakes increased significantly during the lockdown (P value range, 0.005 to < 0.001). Time spent in sports activities decreased by 2.30 (SD 4.60) h/wk (P = 0.003), and sleep time increased by 0.65 (SD 1.29) h/d (P = 0.003). Screen time increased by 4.85 (SD 2.40) h/d (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Recognizing these adverse collateral effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic lockdown is critical in avoiding depreciation of weight control efforts among youths afflicted with excess adiposity. Depending on duration, these untoward lockdown effects may have a lasting impact on a child's or adolescent's adult adiposity level.
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Assessment of sleep and obesity in adults and children: Observational study.
Bonanno, L, Metro, D, Papa, M, Finzi, G, Maviglia, A, Sottile, F, Corallo, F, Manasseri, L
Medicine. 2019;98(46):e17642
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Sleep is essential to support the functions and health of the entire body. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sleep duration and quality, and overweight risk and obesity in children and adults. The study was conducted on secondary school children. It involved 199 subjects of which 71 were adults (29 males and 42 females) with age between 29 and 65 years, and 128 children (73 males and 55 females) with age between 10 and 13 years. Results indicate that the duration and quality of sleep can represent a risk factor of overweight and obesity in examined subjects (both adults and children irrespective of their gender). Authors conclude that sufficient sleep is required to maintain a normal weight.
Abstract
The sleep allows many psychological processes, such as immune system activity, body metabolism and hormonal balance, emotional and mental health, learning, mnemonic processes. The lack of sleep could undermine mental and physical purposes, causing an alteration in cognitive functions or metabolic disorders. In our study, we have examined the irregular sleep effects with the overweight and obesity risk in children and adults.The sample was composed of 199 subjects, of which 71 adults, (29 males and 42 females), and 128 children (73 males and 55 females). We have measured the weight and height with standard techniques; we also have measured the body mass index dividing the weight in kg with the height square expressed in meters (kg/m). Subjects were divided into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. Were administered some questionnaires to measure the quantity and quality of sleep, and eating habits and individual consumption of food.Analysis of demographic variables not showed significant differences between male and female groups but highlighted a significant trend differences in normal-weight score. The clinical condition has a substantial impact on body mass index score and sleep hours were significant predictor on this.Quantity and quality sleep can also represent a risk factor of overweight and obesity, so sufficient sleep is a factor that influence a normal weight. Adults and children that sleep less, have an increase in obesity and overweight risk with dysfunctional eating behaviors, decreased physical activity, and metabolic changes.
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Impact of red meat, processed meat and fibre intake on risk of late-onset chronic inflammatory diseases: prospective cohort study on lifestyle factors using the Danish 'Diet, Cancer and Health' cohort (PROCID-DCH): protocol.
Rasmussen, NF, Rubin, KH, Stougaard, M, Tjønneland, A, Stenager, E, Lund Hetland, M, Glintborg, B, Bygum, A, Andersen, V
BMJ open. 2019;9(3):e024555
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Chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) can be considered as systemic diseases which primarily affect one organ such as the intestine, skin, joints or the brain. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fibre, red meat and processed meat on disease risk outcomes of late-onset CID in the ‘Diet, Cancer and Health’ (DCH) cohort. The study is an observational prospective cohort study. The study will use data from 57,053 persons from the prospective Danish cohort study ‘Diet, Cancer and Health’ together with National Health Registry data. The study does not only target one CID but it looks at several CIDs. Furthermore, the linkage to Danish health registries will ensure almost complete follow-up of the study population since the Danish health registries are considered the internationally most comprehensive with high validity.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis) are diseases of the immune system that have some shared genetic and environmental predisposing factors, but still few studies have investigated the effects of lifestyle on disease risk of several CIDs. The primary aim of this prospective cohort study is to investigate the impact of fibre, red meat and processed meat on risk of late-onset CID, with the perspective that results of this study can contribute in supporting future diet recommendations for effective personalised prevention. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study will use data from 57 053 persons from the prospective Danish cohort study 'Diet, Cancer and Health' together with National Health Registry data. The follow-up period is from December 1993 to December 2018. Questionnaire data on diet and lifestyle were collected at entry to the Diet, Cancer and Health study. The outcome CID is defined as having a diagnosis of one of the CIDs registered in the National Patient Registry or, for multiple sclerosis, in the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry during follow-up and being treated with a drug used for the specific disease. The major outcome of the analyses will be to detect variability in risk of late onset of any CID and, if power allows, disease risk of late onset of each CID diagnosis between persons with different fibre and red meat, and processed meat intake. The outcome will be adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, energy, alcohol, fermented dairy products, education, smoking status, hormone replacement therapy and comorbidity. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study is approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency (2012-58-0018). The core study is an open register-based cohort study. The study does not need approval from the Ethics committee or Institutional Review Board by Danish law. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, patient associations and presentations at international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03456206; Post-results.
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Association between sleep duration and musculoskeletal pain: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2015.
Chun, MY, Cho, BJ, Yoo, SH, Oh, B, Kang, JS, Yeon, C
Medicine. 2018;97(50):e13656
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Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent in old age and can be disabling to sufferers, resulting in significant economic burden and a detrimental impact on quality of life. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between self-reported sleep duration and musculoskeletal pain in Korean adult population. The study showed that extreme sleep duration is prevalent in musculoskeletal pain subjects and it is more prevalent in subjects with multi-site joint pain. Thus, both longer and shorter sleep durations were linked with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. Authors conclude that specific assessment and treatment of sleep disturbance should be included as an important part of pain management in patients with musculoskeletal pain.
Abstract
Both extremely long and short sleep durations have been associated with increased risk of numerous health problems. This study examined the association between self-reported sleep duration and reporting of musculoskeletal pain in the adult Korean population.This study included data from 17,108 adults aged ≥50 years, obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2012 and 2013-2015. Self-reported daily hours slept and the presence of musculoskeletal pain in knee joint, hip joint, or low back were examined. Patients were stratified into 5 groups by their sleep duration: ≤5, 6, 7, 8, or ≥9 h. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for covariates including age, sex, marital status, smoking, alcohol use, family income level, education, physical exercise, body mass index (BMI), and stress level.A U-shaped relationship was observed between the length of sleep duration and the presence of musculoskeletal pain. After adjusting for covariates, sleep duration of ≤5 h or ≥9 h was significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain experienced for more than 30 days over a 3-month period. We also found that the presence of multi-site musculoskeletal pain was significantly higher among those who slept for ≤5 h or ≥9 h than in those who slept for 7 h.These findings suggest that either short or long sleep duration is associated with musculoskeletal pain among Korean adults.
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Relationship between screen time and nutrient intake in Japanese children and adolescents: a cross-sectional observational study.
Tsujiguchi, H, Hori, D, Kambayashi, Y, Hamagishi, T, Asakura, H, Mitoma, J, Kitaoka, M, Anyenda, EO, Nguyen, TTT, Yamada, Y, et al
Environmental health and preventive medicine. 2018;23(1):34
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Literature indicates that sedentary behaviours are linked to adverse health outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between screen time, including personal computer and mobile phone use, and nutrient intake among children and adolescents. The study used cross-sectional data from the Shika study which recruited Japanese children aged between 6 to 15 years of age. Results indicate a relationship between longer television viewing times and less protein, minerals, vitamins, and total dietary fibre intake. A relationship was also found between personal computer use in boys and less minerals and vitamins intake. Authors conclude that children and adolescents need to reduce the amount of time they spend watching television as well as the frequency of eating in front of the television screen in order to reduce health risk.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sedentary behaviors have recently become an important public health issue. We aimed to investigate the relationship between screen time and nutrient intake in children and adolescents. METHODS The present study was conducted in 2013. Data were collected from children and adolescents aged between 6 and 15 years old in Shika town. Questionnaires were distributed to 1459 subjects, 1414 of whom participated in the study (96.9%). Sedentary behaviors were assessed based on participants' screen behaviors (television (TV) viewing, personal computer (PC) use, and mobile phone (MP) use). The main outcomes were the intake of nutrients from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine the significance of differences in nutrient intake estimates. Multivariate linear regression analyses, adjusting for age, BMI, and physical activity, were used to provide parameter estimates (β) and 95% CI for the relationship between screen time and nutrient intake. RESULTS In boys, longer TV viewing times correlated or tended to correlate with a lower intake of protein, potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin K, vitamin B-2, and total dietary fiber. In girls, longer TV viewing times correlated with a lower intake of protein, sodium, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B-2. Longer TV viewing times correlated with a higher intake of n-6 fatty acids in girls. PC use was related or tended to be related to a lower intake of potassium, iron, vitamin K, and folic acid in boys, but not in girls. A relationship was observed between MP use and a lower intake of vitamin K in boys, and MP use and a higher intake of vitamin D in girls. CONCLUSIONS The present results revealed that longer TV viewing times are associated with less protein, minerals, vitamins, and total dietary fiber intake in children and adolescents. It was also revealed that boys with PC use have less minerals and vitamins. These results support the need to design intervention programs that focus on decreasing TV viewing time in both sexes and PC use in boys while encouraging adherence to dietary guidelines among children and adolescents.