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Benchmarking as a Public Health Strategy for Creating Healthy Food Environments: An Evaluation of the INFORMAS Initiative (2012-2020).
Sacks, G, Kwon, J, Vandevijvere, S, Swinburn, B
Annual review of public health. 2021;:345-362
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Abstract
Diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity are the leading contributors to poor health worldwide. Efforts to improve population diets need to focus on creating healthy food environments. INFORMAS, established in 2012, is an international network that monitors and benchmarks food environments and related policies. By 2020, INFORMAS was active in 58 countries; national government policies were the most frequent aspect benchmarked. INFORMAS has resulted in the development and widespread application of standardized methods for assessing the characteristics of food environments. The activities of INFORMAS have contributed substantially to capacity building, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and policy evaluation in relation to creating healthy food environments. Future efforts to benchmark food environments need to incorporate measurements related to environmental sustainability. For sustained impact, INFORMAS activities will need to be embedded within other existing monitoring initiatives. The most value will come from repeated assessments that help drive increased accountability for improving food environments.
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Prevalence of Health Misinformation on Social Media: Systematic Review.
Suarez-Lledo, V, Alvarez-Galvez, J
Journal of medical Internet research. 2021;(1):e17187
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although at present there is broad agreement among researchers, health professionals, and policy makers on the need to control and combat health misinformation, the magnitude of this problem is still unknown. Consequently, it is fundamental to discover both the most prevalent health topics and the social media platforms from which these topics are initially framed and subsequently disseminated. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to identify the main health misinformation topics and their prevalence on different social media platforms, focusing on methodological quality and the diverse solutions that are being implemented to address this public health concern. METHODS We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published in English before March 2019, with a focus on the study of health misinformation in social media. We defined health misinformation as a health-related claim that is based on anecdotal evidence, false, or misleading owing to the lack of existing scientific knowledge. We included (1) articles that focused on health misinformation in social media, including those in which the authors discussed the consequences or purposes of health misinformation and (2) studies that described empirical findings regarding the measurement of health misinformation on these platforms. RESULTS A total of 69 studies were identified as eligible, and they covered a wide range of health topics and social media platforms. The topics were articulated around the following six principal categories: vaccines (32%), drugs or smoking (22%), noncommunicable diseases (19%), pandemics (10%), eating disorders (9%), and medical treatments (7%). Studies were mainly based on the following five methodological approaches: social network analysis (28%), evaluating content (26%), evaluating quality (24%), content/text analysis (16%), and sentiment analysis (6%). Health misinformation was most prevalent in studies related to smoking products and drugs such as opioids and marijuana. Posts with misinformation reached 87% in some studies. Health misinformation about vaccines was also very common (43%), with the human papilloma virus vaccine being the most affected. Health misinformation related to diets or pro-eating disorder arguments were moderate in comparison to the aforementioned topics (36%). Studies focused on diseases (ie, noncommunicable diseases and pandemics) also reported moderate misinformation rates (40%), especially in the case of cancer. Finally, the lowest levels of health misinformation were related to medical treatments (30%). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of health misinformation was the highest on Twitter and on issues related to smoking products and drugs. However, misinformation on major public health issues, such as vaccines and diseases, was also high. Our study offers a comprehensive characterization of the dominant health misinformation topics and a comprehensive description of their prevalence on different social media platforms, which can guide future studies and help in the development of evidence-based digital policy action plans.
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Public interest in dietary supplements for prostate cancer prevention.
Patel, DN, Kuhlmann, P, Lin, PH, Freedland, SJ
Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases. 2021;(1):58-60
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Socio-demographic patterning of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviours in eight Latin American countries: Findings from the ELANS study.
Ferrari, GLM, Kovalskys, I, Fisberg, M, Gómez, G, Rigotti, A, Sanabria, LYC, García, MCY, Torres, RGP, Herrera-Cuenca, M, Zimberg, IZ, et al
European journal of sport science. 2020;(5):670-681
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Abstract
Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours (SB) are two independent risk factors for non-communicable diseases. However, there is a lack of objectively measured information on PA and SB in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to use objective data to characterise socio-demographic patterns of PA and SB in eight Latin American countries. 2732 participants (aged 15-65 years) from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) were included. PA and SB data were collected using accelerometers. Overall and country-specific average levels of time spent in PA and SB were compared by sex, age, socioeconomic and education level. Overall, the mean time spent in SB was 571.6 min/day, ranging from 553.8 min/day in Chile to 596.7 min/day in Peru. Average levels of light, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total PA were 311.1 min/day (95% CI: 307.7; 314.5), 34.9 min/day (95% CI: 34.0; 35.9) and 7531.2 MET-min/week (95% CI: 7450.4; 7611.9), respectively. MVPA and total PA were higher in men than women. The prevalence of physical inactivity was 40.6%, ranging from 26.9% (Chile) to 47% (Costa Rica and Venezuela). Women were more physically inactive than men (47.7% versus 33.0%). SB levels were highest among those with higher education; PA graded positively with socioeconomic level. Our findings can inform the planning of health policies and programmes designed to reduce levels of physical inactivity, as well as inform the local and cultural adaptation of these policies and programmes for implementation in Latin America. Highlights Worldwide studies of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours (SB) have historically under-represented Latin American countries due to the lack of surveillance data. Across eight Latin American countries, the ELANS study collected data on PA and SB using an objective method (accelerometers) which we have analysed to quantify and characterise socio-demographic patterns. Over four-in-ten participants were physically inactive (40.6%); with a gender gap (47.7% women; 33.0% men); and striking differences between countries (47% Costa Rica and Venezuela; 26.9% Chile). In all countries, levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were lowest, and levels of SB were highest, among participants in the higher education groups. Our findings on the unequal distribution of PA and SB increases the evidence base and can help to inform future intervention strategies in Latin America.
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The Importance of Food Supplements for Public Health and Well-Being.
Coppens, P
World review of nutrition and dietetics. 2020;:66-72
Abstract
Food supplements are foods presented in small unit dose form and containing concentrated sources of nutrients and other food components. The composition, manufacturing, and safety is strictly regulated by an extensive body of legislation, both at EU and at national level. Evidence from dietary surveys indicates that intake of most vitamins and minerals is below recommended amounts and that certain groups of the population do not achieve an adequate intake of critical nutrients, such as vitamin D and iron. In addition, recommended amounts have been established to prevent deficiency rather than to achieve optimal health. Health benefits have been identified at levels that are above these recommended amounts and effects that contribute to the reduction of the risk of chronic diseases mostly require higher intakes than what is feasible through the normal diet. The burden of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, especially in the ageing population, is a further challenge for which targeted supplementation of the diet can have a significant impact. Despite current knowledge about the role that food supplements can have for public health, there remains much reluctance to integrate food supplement use in nutritional policies. Research carried out by Food Supplements Europe has demonstrated the potential for food supplement use to reduce the incidence of disease-related events and healthcare cost spending.
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Association of Multisetting Community Programs and Policies With Child Body Mass Index: The Healthy Communities Study.
Collie-Akers, VL, Fawcett, SB, Schultz, JA, Fleming, KK, Swinburne Romine, RE, Ritchie, LD, Frongillo, EA, Arteaga, SS
Preventing chronic disease. 2020;:E34
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Expert opinion suggests that efforts to address childhood obesity should seek to transform the environments in which children operate. The objective of this study was to describe the extent to which multisetting programs and policies interact with community and child predictors and are associated with child body mass index (BMI) in the 130 US communities participating in the Healthy Communities Study. METHODS For 2 years beginning in fall 2013, we collected data through key informant interviews on community programs and policies related to healthy weight among children that occurred in the 10 years before the interview. We characterized community programs and policies by intensity of efforts and the number of settings in which a program or policy was implemented. Child height and weight were measured during household data collection. We used multilevel modeling to examine associations of community programs and policies in multiple settings and child and community predictors with BMI z scores of children. RESULTS The mean number of settings in which community policies and programs were implemented was 7.3 per community. Of 130 communities, 31 (23.8%) implemented community programs and policies in multiple settings. Higher-intensity community programs and policies were associated with lower BMI in communities that used multiple settings but not in communities that implemented programs and policies in few settings. CONCLUSION Efforts to prevent childhood obesity may be more effective when community programs and policies are both intensive and are implemented in multiple settings in which children live, learn, and play.
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Obesity: A preventable, treatable, but relapsing disease.
De Lorenzo, A, Romano, L, Di Renzo, L, Di Lorenzo, N, Cenname, G, Gualtieri, P
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2020;:110615
Abstract
In 2013, the American Medical Association recognized obesity as a disease, of growing scientific, social, and political interest. In 2016 in the United States, prevalence rates of preobesity and obesity exceeded 60%. In Italy, these rates exceeded 40%. Total costs related to excess weight reached 9.3% of the U.S. gross domestic product, whereas in Italy the total annual cost of diabetes alone was estimated at 20.3 billion euros/y. The expansion of adipose tissue and visceral fat causes compression, joint stress, metabolic disorders, organ dysfunction, and increased mortality. The increase in peripheral and central fat mass is a chronic and potentially reversible process with appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, fattening can turn into a chronic relapsing form, complicated by comorbidities and cardiovascular events. The increased risk for mortality and morbidity also can affect metabolically healthy obese individuals, if the condition is underestimated, with disease progression. Due to its inaccuracy, body mass index must be replaced with body composition for the diagnosis of obesity. The chances of obesity reversibility are closely linked to improving the diagnosis and to timely nutritional interventions. Generalization and stigma hinder the treatment of obese individuals. The recognition of obesity as a disease and institutional interest can shift the focus onto obesity and not on the obese, with improvements in adherence to prevention plans. Anthropogenic factors and gut microbiota can influence human behavior and food choice, such as food addiction. Obesity has all the criteria to be recognized as a disease. Proper clinical management will lead to cost and complications savings, such as in diabetes. The aim of this review was to discuss in detail the criteria for defining primary obesity as a disease in a step-by-step manner.
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Sedentary Behavior and Public Health: Integrating the Evidence and Identifying Potential Solutions.
Owen, N, Healy, GN, Dempsey, PC, Salmon, J, Timperio, A, Clark, BK, Goode, AD, Koorts, H, Ridgers, ND, Hadgraft, NT, et al
Annual review of public health. 2020;:265-287
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In developed and developing countries, social, economic, and environmental transitions have led to physical inactivity and large amounts of time spent sitting. Research is now unraveling the adverse public health consequences of too much sitting. We describe improvements in device-based measurement that are providing new insights into sedentary behavior and health. We consider the implications of research linking evidence from epidemiology and behavioral science with mechanistic insights into the underlying biology of sitting time. Such evidence has led to new sedentary behavior guidelines and initiatives. We highlight ways that this emerging knowledge base can inform public health strategy: First, we consider epidemiologic and experimental evidence on the health consequences of sedentary behavior; second, we describe solutions-focused research from initiatives in workplaces and schools. To inform a broad public health strategy, researchers need to pursue evidence-informed collaborations with occupational health, education, and other sectors.
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Clinical utility of 30-min plasma glucose for prediction of type 2 diabetes among people with prediabetes: Ancillary analysis of the diabetes community lifestyle improvement program.
Jagannathan, R, Weber, MB, Anjana, RM, Ranjani, H, Staimez, LR, Ali, MK, Mohan, V, Narayan, KMV
Diabetes research and clinical practice. 2020;:108075
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Abstract
AIMS: To examine the clinical utility of 30-min plasma glucose (30-min-PG) measurement during an oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) in predicting type 2 diabetes (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data from a 3-year, randomized, controlled, primary prevention trial among 548 Asian Indians with prediabetes were analyzed. Participants underwent OGTT with PG measurements at fasting, 30-min, and 2-h at baseline and annually until the end of the study. Multivariable Cox regression models were constructed to calculate the risk of developing diabetes based on 30-min-PG levels. Improvement in prediction performance gained by adding an elevated level of 30-min-PG over prediabetic categories was calculated using the area-under-curve (AUC), net-reclassification (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) statistics. RESULTS At the end of follow-up, 30.4% of individuals had been diagnosed with T2DM by ADA criteria. Based on the maximally selected log-rank statistics, the optimal 30-min-PG cut point for predicting incident T2DM was >182 mg/dl. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models showed an independent association between elevated 30-min-PG (>182 mg/dl) and incident diabetes (hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.85 [1.32, 2.59]; Dxy = 0.353, c-statistic = 0.676). The addition of an elevated 30-min-PG (>182 mg/dl) model significantly improved the prediction of diabetes (Δdeviance: -15.4; ΔAUC: 0.11; NRIcontinuous: 0.51; IDI: 0.08) compared with IFG model alone) in individuals with prediabetes. CONCLUSION In prediabetic individuals, baseline 30-min-PG independently predicted T2DM and significantly improved reclassification and discrimination. Therefore, 30-min-PG should be considered as part of the routine testing in addition to FPG and 2-h-PG for better risk stratification.
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Changes in patterns of the double burden of undernutrition and overnutrition in Nepal over time.
Wei, J, Bhurtyal, A, Dhungana, RR, Bhattarai, B, Zheng, J, Wang, L, Sun, X, Maskey, M, Wang, Y
Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity. 2019;(9):1321-1334
Abstract
Knowledge regarding nutrition transition in Nepal remains limited. This systematic review examined the shifts in undernutrition and overnutrition in Nepal during the past two decades. We searched PubMed for studies and reports published between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2018. Publications with a sample size greater than or equal to 500 that reported prevalence of nutritional status were included. Six large national reports and 36 studies met study inclusion criteria and were included. Overall, available nationally representative data remained limited. The Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2001 to 2016 showed that underweight prevalence decreased from 26.7% to 17.2% and prevalence of overweight/obesity increased from 6.5% to 22.1% among women of reproductive age (15-49 years). In preschool children, prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight decreased from 57.2% to 35.8%, 11.2% to 9.7%, and 42.7% to 27.0%, respectively. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was low among children and was higher in higher socio-economic status (SES) groups. The overweight-obesity/underweight ratios indicate a shift from undernutrition to overnutrition problem; it was more evident in urban areas and higher SES groups. In conclusion, Nepal is experiencing a nutrition transition. More research is warranted to address this shift, and well-tailored public health efforts need to combat the double burden of overweight/obesity and undernutrition.