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Health behavior patterns of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among Brazilian adolescents in a nationally representative school-based study.
Rocha, LL, Pessoa, MC, Gratão, LHA, Carmo, ASD, Cunha, CF, Oliveira, TRPR, Mendes, LL
PloS one. 2021;16(1):e0245203
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Sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) are ultra-processed foods containing several man-made chemicals, which heavily feature in the diets of adolescents in many developing countries. This cross-sectional study of 74,589 adolescents aimed to determine health behaviour patterns that affect SSB consumption to focus education and policy efforts to reduce consumption. The results showed that most adolescents who consumed SSB’s had higher consumption of processed foods, more screen time, more days of alcoholic beverage consumption, were more likely to purchase food from the school canteen, and a smoking habit. Those who had a higher consumption of water, minimally processed foods and frequent physical activity were less likely to consume SSB’s. It was concluded that healthy habits can aid implementation of other beneficial health behaviours. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the importance of adopting healthy habits to decrease SSB and ultra-processed food consumption.
Abstract
Studies on sugar-sweetened beverage consumption patterns can help in the individual and population level management of chronic non-communicable diseases and other conditions. This study aimed to identify the association between health behavior patterns and the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among Brazilian adolescents from a nationally representative school-based study. A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 71,553 adolescents aged 12-17 years who attended public and private schools in Brazilian cities, from the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents. Principal component analysis was performed to identify health behavior patterns, and ordered logistic regression was performed to identify the association between health behavior patterns and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (mL/day) was used as the dependent variable. The analyses were performed using Stata software version 14.0 with a significance level of 0.05. Patterns 2 (alcoholic beverage and smoking habit) and 3 (ultra-processed food and screen time) of health behaviors and regularly purchasing snacks in the school cafeteria increased the odds of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, while pattern 1 (water, unprocessed and minimally processed food and physical activity) decreased these odds. The adoption of healthy habits can indirectly stimulate the adoption of other habits beneficial to health. These results indicate the importance of adopting a set of regulatory measures to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
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A Vegan Diet Is Associated with a Significant Reduction in Dietary Acid Load: Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Individuals.
Müller, A, Zimmermann-Klemd, AM, Lederer, AK, Hannibal, L, Kowarschik, S, Huber, R, Storz, MA
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2021;18(19)
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Diets high in meat and cheese, which are acidogenic and low in fruits and vegetables, which are alkalising, increase the dietary acid load (DAL) of the diet. Diets with a high DAL have been associated with poor health outcomes and the development of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Plant-based diets have been associated with a lower DAL, however very little research exists on this. Individuals following a vegan diet have been shown in previous studies to have a reduced DAL, however it is unclear whether this was due to a reduced calorie intake or because of the diet composition. This post-hoc study aimed to investigate this and determine whether eating a vegan diet for 4-weeks reduced DAL and how this compares to 4-weeks of a diet rich in meat. The results showed that after 3-weeks, the vegan diet significantly reduced the DAL compared to the meat-rich diet, which increased the DAL. Interestingly all the participants in this study were put on the same balanced diet for 7 days prior to commencing the trial, reducing the chance that results would be affected by a prior diet. It was concluded that a vegan diet as opposed to a meat-rich diet may be of benefit to health outcomes through lowering DAL. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that a balanced vegan diet may be of benefit to those who have heart disease and/or type 2 diabetes. However as this trial did not measure indicators of type 2 diabetes or heart disease, these associations are speculative.
Abstract
The composition of diet strongly affects acid-base homeostasis. Western diets abundant in acidogenic foods (meat and cheese) and deficient in alkalizing foods (fruits and vegetables) increase dietary acid load (DAL). A high DAL has been associated with numerous health repercussions, including cardiovascular disease and type-2-diabetes. Plant-based diets have been associated with a lower DAL; however, the number of trials exploring this association is limited. This randomized-controlled trial sought to examine whether an isocaloric vegan diet lowers DAL as compared to a meat-rich diet. Forty-five omnivorous individuals were randomly assigned to a vegan diet (n = 23) or a meat-rich diet (n = 22) for 4 weeks. DAL was determined using potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) scores at baseline and after 3 and 4 weeks, respectively. After 3 weeks, median PRAL (-23.57 (23.87)) and mean NEAPR (12.85 ± 19.71) scores were significantly lower in the vegan group than in the meat-rich group (PRAL: 18.78 (21.04) and NEAPR 60.93 ± 15.51, respectively). Effects were mediated by a lower phosphorus and protein intake in the vegan group. Our study suggests that a vegan diet is a potential means to reduce DAL, whereas a meat-rich diet substantially increases the DAL burden.
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The Role of Diet Quality in Mediating the Association between Ultra-Processed Food Intake, Obesity and Health-Related Outcomes: A Review of Prospective Cohort Studies.
Dicken, SJ, Batterham, RL
Nutrients. 2021;14(1)
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Diet has long been a cornerstone of weight management, with dietary policies being a core feature of government and health organisation strategies to reduce obesity worldwide. Indeed, poor diets are a leading cause of preventable obesity-related death and non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to provide novel insights into the relative impact of nutrient content and dietary patterns vs. ultra-processing on obesity and adverse health-related outcomes. This study is a review of prospective cohort studies. Findings show that adjustment for fat, sugar and sodium intake, or adjustment for adherence to a range of healthy or unhealthy dietary patterns has a minimal impact on the adverse associations between UPF intake and a diverse range of health-related outcomes. Authors conclude that their findings raise important questions regarding current policy and future research needs, suggesting that the nature and extent of processing is an important dietary dimension.
Abstract
Prospective cohort studies show that higher intakes of ultra-processed food (UPF) increase the risk of obesity and obesity-related outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Whether ultra-processing itself is detrimental, or whether UPFs just have a lower nutritional quality, is debated. Higher UPF intakes are inversely associated with fruit, vegetables, legumes and seafood consumption. Therefore, the association between UPFs and poor health could simply be from excess nutrient intake or from a less healthful dietary pattern. If so, adjustment for dietary quality or pattern should explain or greatly reduce the size of the significant associations between UPFs and health-related outcomes. Here, we provide an overview of the literature and by using a novel approach, review the relative impact of adjusting for diet quality/patterns on the reported associations between UPF intake and health-related outcomes in prospective cohort studies. We find that the majority of the associations between UPFs, obesity and health-related outcomes remain significant and unchanged in magnitude after adjustment for diet quality or pattern. Our findings suggest that the adverse consequences of UPFs are independent of dietary quality or pattern, questioning the utility of reformulation to mitigate against the obesity pandemic and wider negative health outcomes of UPFs.
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Pasta meal intake in relation to risks of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women : findings from the Women's Health Initiative.
Huang, M, Lo, K, Li, J, Allison, M, Wu, WC, Liu, S
BMJ nutrition, prevention & health. 2021;4(1):195-205
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Among major sources of dietary carbohydrates, pasta has long been a staple food in diverse human cultures around the world. Interest in the health effects of pasta on the human body has steadily increased since the 1980s. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between pasta meal intake and long-term risk of developing diabetes or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke) in postmenopausal women. This study is a large prospective cohort study of 84, 555 post-menopausal women aged between 50 and 79 years. Results show a significant association between higher intakes of pasta meal and long-term risk of developing stroke and ASCVD, and a suggestive association between higher intakes of pasta meal and long-term risk of developing CHD, while no significant relation was observed between pasta meal intake and risk of developing diabetes. Authors conclude that substituting pasta meal for other commonly consumed starchy foods such as fried potato or white bread may possibly represent a feasible and easy-to-implement method of dietary modification to improve cardiometabolic outcomes.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between pasta meal intake and long-term risk of developing diabetes or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke) in postmenopausal women. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Women's Health Initiative (WHI) in the USA. PARTICIPANTS 84 555 postmenopausal women aged 50-79 in 1994, who were free of diabetes, ASCVD and cancer at baseline who were not in the dietary modification trial of the WHI, completed a validated food frequency questionnaire, and were evaluated for incident diabetes and ASCVD outcomes during the follow-up until 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Diabetes and ASCVD. RESULTS Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association (HR) between quartiles of pasta meal consumption (residuals after adjusting for total energy) and the risk of incidence diabetes, CHD, stroke or ASCVD, accounting for potential confounding factors, with testing for linear trend. We then statistically evaluated the effect of substituting white bread or fried potato for pasta meal on disease risk. When comparing the highest to the lowest quartiles of residual pasta meal intake, we observed significantly reduced risk of ASCVD (HR=0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.96, p trend=0.002), stroke (HR=0.84, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.93, p trend=0.001), CHD (HR=0.91, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.00, p trend=0.058) and no significant alteration in diabetes risk (HR=1.02, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.07, p trend=0.328). Replacing white bread or fried potato with pasta meal was statistically associated with decreased risk of stroke and ASCVD. CONCLUSIONS Pasta meal intake did not have adverse effects on long-term diabetes risk and may be associated with significant reduced risk of stroke and ASCVD. The potential benefit of substituting pasta meal for other commonly consumed starchy foods on cardiometabolic outcomes warrants further investigation in additional high-quality and large prospective studies of diverse populations.
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Sugar- and Artificially Sweetened Beverages Consumption Linked to Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.
Meng, Y, Li, S, Khan, J, Dai, Z, Li, C, Hu, X, Shen, Q, Xue, Y
Nutrients. 2021;13(8)
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Sugary drinks and excess dietary sugars have been related to the development of many non- communicable diseases such as obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Drinks with added sweeteners as a replacement for sugar are often regarded as a healthier alternative, however the exact effect on many non-communicable diseases is unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 cohort studies assessed the effect of sugary drinks and artificially sweetened beverages (ASB’s) on the risk of death, T2D, and heart disease. The results showed that the consumption of sugary drinks and ASB’s increased the risk of developing T2D, heart disease and death from any cause. It was concluded that long-term consumption of ASB’s and sugary drinks will have detrimental health effects. Reasons for the increased risk of T2D, heart disease and death by any cause following consumption of ASB’s still remains unclear. However relationships between poor health outcomes and sugary drinks may be due to many different mechanisms such as increased blood sugar levels encouraging obesity and an increase in blood pressure following consumption. Healthcare professionals could use this paper to recommend a diet without ASB’s and sugary drinks to prevent the development of these non-communicable diseases.
Abstract
Although studies have examined the association between habitual consumption of sugar- (SSBs) and artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) and health outcomes, the results are inconclusive. Here, we conducted a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies in order to summarize the relationship between SSBs and ASBs consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and all-cause mortality. All relevant articles were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, and Ovid databases until 20 June 2020. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for analysis. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using random effects or fixed-effects model for highest versus lowest intake categories, as well as for linear and non-linear relationships. With each additional SSB and ASB serving per day, the risk increased by 27% (RR: 1.27, 95%CI: 1.15-1.41, I2 = 80.8%) and 13% (95%CI: 1.03-1.25, I2 = 78.7%) for T2D, 9% (RR: 1.09, 95%CI: 1.07-1.12, I2 = 42.7%) and 8% (RR: 1.08, 95%CI: 1.04-1.11, I2 = 45.5%) for CVDs, and 10% (RR: 1.10, 95%CI: 0.97-1.26, I2 = 86.3%) and 7% (RR: 1.07, 95%CI: 0.91-1.25, I2 = 76.9%) for all-cause mortality. Linear relationships were found for SSBs with T2D and CVDs. Non-linear relationships were found for ASBs with T2D, CVDs, and all-cause mortality and for SSBs with all-cause mortality. The findings from the current meta-analysis indicate that increased consumption of SSBs and ASBs is associated with the risk of T2D, CVDs, and all-cause mortality.
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Digital messaging to support control for type 2 diabetes (StAR2D): a multicentre randomised controlled trial.
Farmer, A, Bobrow, K, Leon, N, Williams, N, Phiri, E, Namadingo, H, Cooper, S, Prince, J, Crampin, A, Besada, D, et al
BMC public health. 2021;21(1):1907
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Many individuals with type 2 diabetes find it challenging to adhere to treatments possibly due to lack of support. Text messaging has been shown to be effective for treatment adherence in various parts of the world, yet it is unclear on its effect in Malawi and sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this randomised control trial of 1186 individuals was to determine the effect of motivational and educational text messages three to four times per week for 12 months on treatment success. The results showed that SMS text messages resulted in improved blood pressure and achievement of treatment goals, yet no effect on blood sugar control. It was concluded that text messaging without other support from health care professionals may be inadequate for the self-management of type 2 diabetes. This study could be used by health care professionals to understand that there are additional support strategies for individuals with type 2 diabetes, yet these should be secondary to the input from professionals.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure to take medicines for diabetes as prescribed contributes to poor outcomes from the condition. Mobile phones are ubiquitous and short message service (SMS) texts have shown promise as a low-cost intervention. We tested the effectiveness of SMS-text messaging in improving outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS StAR2D was a 12-month two-arm randomised trial of SMS-text messaging and usual care in Cape Town, South Africa and Lilongwe, Malawi. Messages used behaviour change theory and were developed with patients and staff. The intervention group received four messages each week. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients who collected > 80% medication and changes in systolic blood pressure, lipids, cardiovascular risk, and the proportion of the participants reaching treatment goals. RESULTS The trial took place between 1 October, 2016 and 1 October 2018, 1186 participants were randomised to intervention (593) and control (593) groups. 91% of participants completed follow-up. There was a reduction in HbA1c (DCCT) in both groups but not in mean change (95% CI) between groups (- 0.08% (- 0.31 to 0.16) (IFCC - 0.82 mmol/mol (- 3.44 to 1.79). There was a small but not significant increase in the proportions of participants likely to have collected 80% or more of medication (Relative risk 1.11 (0.84 to 1.47; P = 0.47). There was a significant difference between groups in change in systolic blood pressure from baseline of 3.46 mmHg (1.48 to 5.44, P = 0.001) in favour of the intervention group. The between group difference in change in 10-year risk of coronary heart disease was - 0.71% (- 1.46 to 0.04, P = 0.064). The proportion of participants meeting treatment goals in the intervention group was 36.0% and in the control group 26.8% (Relative risk 1.36 (1.13 to 1.63, P = 0.001). Participants reported many challenges to adherence despite finding messages acceptable and useful. CONCLUSIONS Whilst SMS text messages do not lead to improved glycaemia in these low-resource settings there appeared to be an impact on blood pressure and achievement of treatment goals but the mechanisms for this are unclear. Text messages alone, may be unsuccessful unless accompanied by health system strengthening and other forms of self-management support for type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN70768808. Registered 1 July 2015, http://www.isrctn.com/I ISRCTN70768808.
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Nutrition in Menopausal Women: A Narrative Review.
Silva, TR, Oppermann, K, Reis, FM, Spritzer, PM
Nutrients. 2021;13(7)
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Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstrual cycles following the loss of ovarian follicular activity. It is associated with increased prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. The aim of this narrative review was to discuss the current evidence on the association between dietary patterns and clinical endpoints in postmenopausal women (body composition, bone mass, and risk markers for cardiovascular disease), and thereby providing novel insight into the establishment of optimal dietary guidelines for healthy postmenopausal period. Research shows that: - the changes in weight and fat distribution in women are associated with aging and mainly with the decrease in oestradiol levels during peri- and post-menopause. - calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, selenium, magnesium, and beta-carotene adequate intake could be linked with better BMD in postmenopausal women. - diet is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and could be a powerful intervention to reduce cardiovascular risks in postmenopausal women. - the Mediterranean diet is composed of healthy foods that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Authors indicate that future studies evaluating the effects of low-fat, plant-based diets on fat mass in post-menopausal women are needed.
Abstract
Among the various aspects of health promotion and lifestyle adaptation to the postmenopausal period, nutritional habits are essential because they concern all women, can be modified, and impact both longevity and quality of life. In this narrative review, we discuss the current evidence on the association between dietary patterns and clinical endpoints in postmenopausal women, such as body composition, bone mass, and risk markers for cardiovascular disease. Current evidence suggests that low-fat, plant-based diets are associated with beneficial effects on body composition, but further studies are needed to confirm these results in postmenopausal women. The Mediterranean diet pattern along with other healthy habits may help the primary prevention of bone, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases in the postmenopausal period. It consists on the use of healthy foods that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is associated with a small but significant decrease in blood pressure, reduction of fat mass, and improvement in cholesterol levels. These effects remain to be evaluated over a longer period of time, with the assessment of hard outcomes such as bone fractures, diabetes, and coronary ischemia.
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Sociodemographic and lifestyle-related risk factors for identifying vulnerable groups for type 2 diabetes: a narrative review with emphasis on data from Europe.
Kyrou, I, Tsigos, C, Mavrogianni, C, Cardon, G, Van Stappen, V, Latomme, J, Kivelä, J, Wikström, K, Tsochev, K, Nanasi, A, et al
BMC endocrine disorders. 2020;20(Suppl 1):134
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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results from progressive loss of insulin secretion, which is typically combined with various degrees of insulin resistance. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of key sociodemographic and lifestyle-related risk factors for identifying vulnerable groups for T2DM with emphasis on data from Europe. This study is a narrative review which includes 101 publications. Literature shows that prevention of T2DM should be a collaborative effort which mobilizes multiple partners/ stakeholders at a national and international (e.g. European) level. In addition, a holistic approach is becoming increasingly essential in order to put into effect multidimensional public health programs and integrated interventions for effective T2DM prevention which will take into account both traditional and socioeconomic/socioecological factors. Authors conclude that a multidimensional approach for the prevention of T2DM may have a broader impact against the current diabesity epidemic within and across countries in Europe.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) comprises the vast majority of all diabetes cases in adults, with alarmingly increasing prevalence over the past few decades worldwide. A particularly heavy healthcare burden of diabetes is noted in Europe, where 8.8% of the population aged 20-79 years is estimated to have diabetes according to the International Diabetes Federation. Multiple risk factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of T2DM with complex underlying interplay and intricate gene-environment interactions. Thus, intense research has been focused on studying the role of T2DM risk factors and on identifying vulnerable groups for T2DM in the general population which can then be targeted for prevention interventions. METHODS For this narrative review, we conducted a comprehensive search of the existing literature on T2DM risk factors, focusing on studies in adult cohorts from European countries which were published in English after January 2000. RESULTS Multiple lifestyle-related and sociodemographic factors were identified as related to high T2DM risk, including age, ethnicity, family history, low socioeconomic status, obesity, metabolic syndrome and each of its components, as well as certain unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. As Europe has an increasingly aging population, multiple migrant and ethnic minority groups and significant socioeconomic diversity both within and across different countries, this review focuses not only on modifiable T2DM risk factors, but also on the impact of pertinent demographic and socioeconomic factors. CONCLUSION In addition to other T2DM risk factors, low socioeconomic status can significantly increase the risk for prediabetes and T2DM, but is often overlooked. In multinational and multicultural regions such as Europe, a holistic approach, which will take into account both traditional and socioeconomic/socioecological factors, is becoming increasingly crucial in order to implement multidimensional public health programs and integrated community-based interventions for effective T2DM prevention.
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Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Weight Status: A Systematic Review.
Tran, E, Dale, HF, Jensen, C, Lied, GA
Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy. 2020;13:3433-3448
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Being overweight or obese is a huge risk factor for many detrimental conditions. It is estimated that around one-third of the world’s population will be overweight or obese by 2025. Hence there is a need to look at dietary strategies in the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity. Plant-based diets have always existed, however interest in the topic has increased recently and more research is being done on the health-related effects of different plant-based diets. There are many reasons why someone might convert to a plant-based diet, possible health benefits such as weight management are among the most common. The purpose of this review was to evaluate intervention studies assessing the effects of different plant-based diets on body mass index and weight. The results suggest that plant-based diets may improve weight status in some patient groups. It should be noted that only one study out of the 19 included in the review had normal weight, clinically healthy participants. The study populations for the rest were overweight, obese or had type 2 diabetes. Future research should aim to include a representative study population and apply study diets without dietary restrictions.
Abstract
There is an increasing number of people who convert to a plant-based diet. The desire for health benefits, including weight management, is often a contributing factor behind this dietary choice. The purpose of this review was to evaluate intervention studies assessing the effects of different plant-based diets on body mass index and weight. A literature search was conducted in PubMed until December 2019. Twenty-two publications from 19 studies were included. The majority of them were randomized controlled trials comparing a low-fat vegan diet to an omnivore diet in participants with overweight, type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or cardiovascular disease. All studies reported weight reductions, of which seven revealed significant differences, and four revealed non-significant differences between the intervention and the control groups. The results suggest that plant-based diets may improve weight status in some patient groups. Due to restrictions in fat intake in many studies, followed by reduced energy intake, the effects of the different interventions differ depending on the specific plant-based diets investigated. Future research should aim to include a representative study population and apply study diets without dietary restrictions.
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The effect of exercise on anxiety in the elderly worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Kazeminia, M, Salari, N, Vaisi-Raygani, A, Jalali, R, Abdi, A, Mohammadi, M, Daneshkhah, A, Hosseinian-Far, M, Shohaimi, S
Health and quality of life outcomes. 2020;18(1):363
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Anxiety occurs in all age groups. In the US 15-52% of the elderly have anxiety related symptoms and these tend to manifest as physical problems such as insomnia, behavioural, sensory, urinary, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal disorders. The elderly are more prone to anxiety due to loss or reduction of self-esteem, reduction of activity and stimulation, loss of friends and relatives, loss of physical independence, chronic diseases, changes in daily life or living environment, fear of death and lack of social support. Physical activity is a simple, cheap therapeutic approach. There are several preliminary studies on the effect of exercise training on reducing anxiety in the elderly, but there are inconsistencies between their results. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to resolve such inconsistencies. This meta-analysis included 19 studies published from 1999 until December 2019. Results of this study showed that sport significantly reduces anxiety in the elderly. Therefore, a regular exercise plan can be considered as a part of the elderly care program.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity and exercise are among the most important, simplest, and cheapest approaches to anxiety treatment, especially for the elderly. Their positive effects on improvement of mental disorders in the elderly have attracted a considerable level of attention. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of sport on reducing anxiety in the elderly using meta-analysis. METHODS In this study, national and international databases of SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, Cochrane, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to find studies published electronically from 1999 to 2019. Heterogeneity between the collected studies was determined using the Cochran's test (Q) and I2. Due to presence of heterogeneity, the random effects model was used to estimate the standardized mean difference of sport test scores obtained from the measurement of anxiety reduction among the elderly, between the intervention group before and after the test. RESULTS In this meta-analysis and systematic review, 19 papers finally met the inclusion criteria. The overall sample size of all collected studies for the meta-analysis was 841 s. Mean anxiety score before and after intervention were 38.7 ± 5.6 33.7 ± 3.4 respectively, denoting a decrease in anxiety score after intervention. CONCLUSION Results of this study indicates that Sport significantly reduces Anxiety in the Elderly. Therefore, a regular exercise program can be considered as a part of the elderly care program.
keywords:"Cardiovascular Diseases" OR (Cardiovascular AND Diseases) OR "Cardiovascular Diseases" OR (cardiovascular AND disease) OR "cardiovascular disease"