The growing prevalence of overweight and obesity among United States (U.S.) elderly people today is a health concern. Higher incidences of obesity and obesity-related health conditions and mortality exist in the southern area of the U.S. Understanding obesity in relation to obesity-related factors in this population is crucial. The purpose of this study was to identify regional differences and associations between obesity and obesity-related factors in Southern U.S. elderly people, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, using data from the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an existing telephone health survey administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Through frequency tests, chi-square tests, and a multinomial logistic regression, the results revealed no regional difference in weight status among U.S. elderly people. However, multinomial logistic regression indicated some consistent associations with weight status among Southern U.S. elderly people. Males, Blacks and married elderly people, along with those diagnosed with high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension were associated with both overweight and obesity. Associations found between Southern U.S. elderly people who were overweight or obese and obesity-related factors support the need to continue to encourage elderly people living in the South to control their weight.

Access to abstract restricted until 05/2017. / Access to thesis restricted until 05/2017. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

The current research was conducted to determine if some social cognitive and psychosocial variables (e.g., maintenance self-efficacy, action planning, & depression) would accurately classify bariatric patients into one of three groups—maintenance, relapse, or recovery—related to adherence to post-surgical nutrition recommendations. One hundred sixty one female bariatric patients aged 18 years or older who had undergone surgery at least six months prior to participation were recruited for this study. Participants completed instruments that assessed social cognitive variables, psychosocial variables, and current nutrition behaviors. In general, it was hypothesized that the combination of the social cognitive and psychosocial variables would predict membership in one of the three groups. Each of the three discriminant analyses performed to test the hypotheses yielded a significant first function. The second function of the first analysis was also significant. The findings of the current study suggested that the social cognitive (54%) and psychosocial (57%) variables as well as a combination of the social cognitive and psychosocial variables (59%) were able to predict a patient's group membership at a rate better than chance. The findings, therefore, revealed that it was possible to predict group membership in terms of adherence to post-surgical nutrition recommendations at a rate better than chance. This study represented a first step toward identifying bariatric patients who were at-risk for non-adherence to nutrition recommendations, which researchers have argued is responsible for poor outcomes after bariatric surgery. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Body composition profiles including stunting, wasting and underweight, overweight and obesity, can all affect the health, motor development and academic achievements of children. South Africa (SA), a developing, middle-income country, with large socio-economic inequalities, is one of the most complex nations with regard to race and ethnicity. It therefor results in different body composition profiles of children and adolescents, where undernutrition and obesity can occur among children and adolescents in the same socio-geographic population in disadvantaged communities, as well as in the same household. The aim of this study was firstly, to determine the incidence of overweight and obesity among Grade 1-learners in the North West Province of SA and to determine whether this incidence is related to gender, race and the socio-economic circumstances in which these learners live. Secondly, the study aimed to determine the incidence of stunting, wasting and underweight among this group of Grade 1-learners and to determine whether these incidences are related to gender, race and the socio-economic circumstances in which these learners live. The anthropometric measurements that were used in the study were height (cm), body mass (kg), 3 skinfolds [(sub-scapular, triceps and medial calf)] (mm) and waist circumference (cm). These measurements were taken by trained researchers according to the guidelines International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Body mass index (BMI) [(body mass (kg)/height (m)2)] was calculated and international age-specific cut-off points for BMI was used to determine whether a learner was overweight or obese. Z-scores of less than -2 standard deviation (SD) for height-for-age and weight-for-age were calculated to determine the prevalence of stunting and underweight, while the Z-scores for wasting was determined using BMI-for-age, under the 5th percentile from an international reference population. The Statistica-computer programme (Statsoft, 2011) and AntroPlus software (version 1.0.2) in SAS (Statistical Analysis System) were used to analyse the data. Data were descriptively analysed by using percentages, means (), minimum and maximum values and standard deviations (SD). Two-way frequency tables were used to analyse the incidence for overweight, obesity, stunting, wasting and underweight. Pearson Chi Square analysis p≤0,05 was used to determine statistical significance of differences in stunting, wasting and underweight between school types, race and genders. Practical significance of differences was determined using effect sizes (d≥0,1 which indicates a small effect, d≥0,3 indicating a medium effect and d≥0,5 indicating a large effect). Tukey’s Post Hoc tests were used to determine the significance of differences between the groups and genders. The results revealed an incidence of 11,6% of overweight and obesity in the group (N=816) of Grade 1-learners. Overweight in the group was 7,8% and overweight was more prevalent in 7 year old learners with 10,5%, compared to 6 year old learners with 6,3%. Obesity (3,8%) showed a lower incidence compared to overweight, were 2,5% learners at 6 years and 0,7% learners at 7 years were obese. The boys showed the highest prevalence for severe obesity at 6 and 7 years (2,4%). White learners showed the highest prevalence for overweight, obesity and severe obesity at 6 and 7 years. The group of Grade 1-learners furthermore showed lower percentages of stunting (4,3%), wasting (7,4%) and underweight (4,3%) compared to overweight and obesity incidences. A higher prevalence of wasting and underweight were found among the boys (8,4%; 6,0%) compared to the girls (6,3%; 2,5%), although the difference was only significant for underweight (p=0,02), while stunting was similar among girls (4,5%) and boys (4,1%; p>0,05). Black learners showed the highest incidence for underweight (5,5%; p<0,01), while small percentages of underweight were found in the white learners. Only the black learners showed stunting (p<0,01), while wasting occurred in black (n=39) and white (n=15) learners. Quintile 1-3 schools had the highest prevalence of underweight (5,1% – 8,2%) and stunting (3,9% – 10,7%), which was significantly higher than in Quintile 4 and 5 schools (p<0,01), and agreed with higher prevalences found in rural areas in other South African studies. Knowledge about the body composition profiles of young school beginners is important since extremes such as obesity, stunting and wasting play an important role in the further development and health of children. The results of this study make a valuable contribution to knowledge that can be used in this regard for preventative purposes. / Thesis (MSc (Kinderkinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Body composition profiles including stunting, wasting and underweight, overweight and obesity, can all affect the health, motor development and academic achievements of children. South Africa (SA), a developing, middle-income country, with large socio-economic inequalities, is one of the most complex nations with regard to race and ethnicity. It therefor results in different body composition profiles of children and adolescents, where undernutrition and obesity can occur among children and adolescents in the same socio-geographic population in disadvantaged communities, as well as in the same household. The aim of this study was firstly, to determine the incidence of overweight and obesity among Grade 1-learners in the North West Province of SA and to determine whether this incidence is related to gender, race and the socio-economic circumstances in which these learners live. Secondly, the study aimed to determine the incidence of stunting, wasting and underweight among this group of Grade 1-learners and to determine whether these incidences are related to gender, race and the socio-economic circumstances in which these learners live. The anthropometric measurements that were used in the study were height (cm), body mass (kg), 3 skinfolds [(sub-scapular, triceps and medial calf)] (mm) and waist circumference (cm). These measurements were taken by trained researchers according to the guidelines International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Body mass index (BMI) [(body mass (kg)/height (m)2)] was calculated and international age-specific cut-off points for BMI was used to determine whether a learner was overweight or obese. Z-scores of less than -2 standard deviation (SD) for height-for-age and weight-for-age were calculated to determine the prevalence of stunting and underweight, while the Z-scores for wasting was determined using BMI-for-age, under the 5th percentile from an international reference population. The Statistica-computer programme (Statsoft, 2011) and AntroPlus software (version 1.0.2) in SAS (Statistical Analysis System) were used to analyse the data. Data were descriptively analysed by using percentages, means (), minimum and maximum values and standard deviations (SD). Two-way frequency tables were used to analyse the incidence for overweight, obesity, stunting, wasting and underweight. Pearson Chi Square analysis p≤0,05 was used to determine statistical significance of differences in stunting, wasting and underweight between school types, race and genders. Practical significance of differences was determined using effect sizes (d≥0,1 which indicates a small effect, d≥0,3 indicating a medium effect and d≥0,5 indicating a large effect). Tukey’s Post Hoc tests were used to determine the significance of differences between the groups and genders. The results revealed an incidence of 11,6% of overweight and obesity in the group (N=816) of Grade 1-learners. Overweight in the group was 7,8% and overweight was more prevalent in 7 year old learners with 10,5%, compared to 6 year old learners with 6,3%. Obesity (3,8%) showed a lower incidence compared to overweight, were 2,5% learners at 6 years and 0,7% learners at 7 years were obese. The boys showed the highest prevalence for severe obesity at 6 and 7 years (2,4%). White learners showed the highest prevalence for overweight, obesity and severe obesity at 6 and 7 years. The group of Grade 1-learners furthermore showed lower percentages of stunting (4,3%), wasting (7,4%) and underweight (4,3%) compared to overweight and obesity incidences. A higher prevalence of wasting and underweight were found among the boys (8,4%; 6,0%) compared to the girls (6,3%; 2,5%), although the difference was only significant for underweight (p=0,02), while stunting was similar among girls (4,5%) and boys (4,1%; p>0,05). Black learners showed the highest incidence for underweight (5,5%; p<0,01), while small percentages of underweight were found in the white learners. Only the black learners showed stunting (p<0,01), while wasting occurred in black (n=39) and white (n=15) learners. Quintile 1-3 schools had the highest prevalence of underweight (5,1% – 8,2%) and stunting (3,9% – 10,7%), which was significantly higher than in Quintile 4 and 5 schools (p<0,01), and agreed with higher prevalences found in rural areas in other South African studies. Knowledge about the body composition profiles of young school beginners is important since extremes such as obesity, stunting and wasting play an important role in the further development and health of children. The results of this study make a valuable contribution to knowledge that can be used in this regard for preventative purposes. / Thesis (MSc (Kinderkinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is on the rise. Being overweight or obese is associated with serious medical, psychological, and social consequences. The main social consequence of being overweight or obese is stigma, which is detrimental to overweight and obese people. Three types of obesity stigma reduction interventions have been proposed and tested: changing attributions, increasing empathy, and social consensus. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of these interventions and to determine the effectiveness of an intervention that incorporates major elements of the three interventions. Three hundred eighty one University of Manitoba undergraduate students participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to one of five intervention groups: status quo group, changing attributions group, increasing empathy group, social consensus group, and multi-level intervention group. The interventions involved presenting participants with information intended to influence participants’ perceptions of overweight and obese individuals. Pre-test and post-test ratings were obtained on participants’ attributions about weight, feelings about obese people, and endorsement of positive and negative stereotypes of obese people. Analyses of these ratings revealed that the empathy and multi-level interventions are the only interventions that improved attributions, feelings, and endorsement of stereotypes, and this suggests that the multi-level and empathy interventions were the most powerful. On the other hand, the attribution intervention had the largest overall effect and affected attributions, feelings, and negative stereotypes. Therefore, there are reasons to believe that the attribution intervention was the most powerful in this study. Participants were subsequently asked to rate a target overweight person. Half of all participants were informed that the target was overweight because of medical reasons, while the other half were informed that the target was overweight because of regular overeating and a sedentary lifestyle. Surprisingly, the intervention groups did not significantly differ in target ratings on any variable. Reasons for this lack of effect are discussed. A main effect did occur in the ratings of the target for controllability information. Specifically, participants who were informed that the target was overweight for uncontrollable reasons (e.g., glandular disorder) reported more favorable ratings in liking her and not blaming her, as compared to participants who were informed that the target was overweight for controllable reasons (e.g., regular overeating and sedentary lifestyle). Ratings of the target’s characteristics and physical attractiveness did not change with this manipulation. Overall, this study provided logical and consistent results, while adding specific information to the literature. Further, this study offered a new, effective intervention for obesity stigma reduction, as well as providing some support for the empathy and attribution interventions. These three interventions proved to be the strongest in this study, and perhaps they will one day be used as part of a more global intervention to reduce stigma and discrimination toward overweight and obese people.

No description available.

Purpose &lt;br&gt;The purpose of this focused ethnography is to understand the meaning and cultural influences of healthy eating and the role of nursing in the promotion of healthy eating practices from the Mexican American child's point of view. &lt;br&gt;Background &lt;br&gt;No current studies directly measure the meaning of healthy eating from the Mexican American child's perspective. Mexican American children have a unique perspective and understanding of the meaning of healthy eating and can help identify cultural norms and other factors that may be vital in directing culturally appropriate health promotion interventions. &lt;br&gt;Research Design &lt;br&gt;A focused ethnography method using Leininger's four phases of data analysis was utilized. &lt;br&gt;Informants &lt;br&gt;The researcher interviewed twenty-one children aged eleven to thirteen for the study. Fifteen individual interviews and two group interviews were completed. &lt;br&gt;Data Collection and Analysis &lt;br&gt;Data gathering and data analysis occurred simultaneously. Leininger's four phases of qualitative data analysis and utilized NVivo9 qualitative data management software. &lt;br&gt;Results &lt;br&gt;The data emerged into three themes within the culture. Theme one: Mexican American children connect healthy eating with familiar foods in the context of their Mexican American culture. Theme two: Foods that provide feelings of happiness and well being are essential for healthy eating. Theme three: Sources of food and health information education are valued when provided by familiar and trusted sources. &lt;br&gt;Conclusions and Implications &lt;br&gt;For the informants of this study the meaning of healthy eating is closely tied to the cultural life ways learned and valued by the Mexican American culture. Culture cannot be separated from the child when considering the meaning of healthy eating. Mexican American children view healthy eating within the context of culture, associating familiar foods that provide a feeling of happiness and well being with healthy foods. Mexican American children view eating habits as healthy when taught by familiar and trusted sources. &lt;br&gt;This study provides nurses an enhanced understanding of the meaning of healthy eating and valuable information to improve nutritional health education and promotion activities, better assists children and their families to improve and maintain health and provides culturally congruent care that is valued by the population. / School of Nursing / Nursing / PhD / Dissertation

Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University of Adelaide Library. / The overall objective of the studies that comprise this thesis is to compare the effect of various dietary proteins and carbohydrates on acute postprandial changes in appetite sensations, ad libitum energy intake and associated regulatory hormones in overweight/obese adults. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1289323 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, 2007

This thesis investigated the effect of high intensity, intermittent exercise (HIIE) on fat loss in young, sedentary women. It attempted also to identify possible mechanisms underpinning exercise-induced changes in adiposity. Study 1 investigated some of the metabolic and hormonal responses to two variations of HIIE. Sixteen female subjects were tested. The first session involved a cycle ergometer VO2peak test. The next two sessions were completed in random order. After baseline measures the women did 20 min of HIIE. There was a short bout exercise of 8 s work, followed by 12 s relative rest and a long bout exercise of 24 s work followed by 36 s relative rest. Seven subjects had excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and resting metabolic rate determined. Both exercise modalities made significant demands on the participants??? oxygen delivery systems. RER diminished over the 20 min of exercise and plasma glycerol concentrations increased. Lactate concentrations rose. Catecholamine concentrations were elevated postexercise. There was an elevated EPOC associated with above baseline fat utilisation. Study 2, a 15-week training study, was a randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of short bout HIIE and steady state (SS) exercise on fat loss. Forty-five women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: HIIE, SS, or control. Preliminary and posttraining testing included a DEXA scan and a VO2peak test including blood collection. All participants completed 3-d diet diaries and maintained their current diet for the course of the study. Participants exercised three times a week for the next 15 weeks under supervision. The HIIE group did 20 min of HIIE (8 s work:12 s rest) at a workload determined from the VO2peak test. The SS group cycled at 60%VO2peak , building to a maximum of 40 min exercise. Both exercise groups increased VO2peak . The HIIE group had a significant loss of total body mass (TBM) and fat mass (FM) when compared to the other groups. There was no change in dietary intake. There have been a number of studies examining the acute effects of HIIE but, to our knowledge, this is the first study examining the chronic effects of this particular exercise protocol.