Sensory processing and child appetitive traits: findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Oral sensory hypersensitivity has been linked with fussy eating predominantly in non-typically developing children. We hypothesized that child 'Oral' (touch, smell and taste in the mouth) and 'Social-Emotional' (response to social expectations) sensory processing are associated with child appetitive traits in typically developing preteen children. Additionally, we explored relationships between maternal sensory profiles and their offspring's sensory profile. METHODS: This is secondary analysis of 130 mother-child dyads from the 9-11-year-old follow-up of the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study. The Dunn Sensory Profile (Adolescent/Adult) and the Dunn Child Sensory Profile 2 were used to assess maternal and child sensory profiles, respectively. The Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire was used to assess child appetitive traits. Multiple linear regression examined associations between 'Oral' and 'Social-Emotional' segments of the child sensory profile and child appetitive traits. Associations between maternal and child sensory profiles were examined using sensory profile quadrants (Dunn's sensory processing framework). These refer to four distinct patterns of sensory processing that indicate how an individual responds to sensory input. RESULTS: In total, 130 mother-child dyads were included. In adjusted analysis child 'Oral' sensory processing was associated with higher mean scores in the appetitive traits 'Desire to Drink' (B = 0.044, 95% CI = 0.025,0.062) and 'Food Fussiness' (B = 0.080, 95% CI = 0.059,0.101) and with lower mean scores in 'Enjoyment of Food' (B=-0.038, 95% CI -0.055,-0.022). Child 'Social-Emotional' responses were associated with higher mean scores in 'Desire to Drink' and 'Food Fussiness'. Higher scores in the maternal sensory profile quadrants of 'Sensitivity', 'Avoiding' and 'Registration' were positively associated with higher scores in the corresponding child sensory profile quadrants. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that in typically developing children presenting with fussy eating, oral sensory hypersensitivity and higher scores in social-emotional responses to sensory processing may be an underlying determinant. The relationship observed between 'Oral' and 'Social-Emotional' sensory processing segments and 'Desire to Drink' requires further research to ascertain the type of drinks being consumed and how this impacts appetite. Further research is also required to explore the influence of maternal sensory profile on their offsprings response to sensory input.

Development of the two-factor modified Kids Eating Disorder Survey (M-KEDS): a validation study with hispanic adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction are highly prevalent among adolescents and linked to negative health outcomes. While Hispanic adolescents appear to be at high risk of disordered eating and body dissatisfaction, validated tools for assessment of these health concerns among this population are lacking. METHODS: This study used Confirmatory Factor Analysis to establish factorial validity for the Kids Eating Disorder Survey (KEDS) among a community sample of Hispanic adolescents. Internal consistency was measured by the Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20). RESULTS: Participants (N = 690) were Hispanic (100%) and female (53%), with a mean age of 12 years. After testing the psychometric properties of KEDS and implementing modifications, the resulting two-factor KEDS model (M-KEDS) showed acceptable fit (TLI = 0.98, CFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.06) for the Weight Dissatisfaction (renamed to Negative Weight Attitudes) and Purging/Restriction (renamed to Extreme Weight Control Behaviors) sub-scales and good internal consistency (KR-20 = 0.77). CONCLUSION: M-KEDS is a factorial valid instrument for assessing Extreme Weight Control Behaviors and Negative Weight Attitudes among Hispanic adolescents. Hispanics are among the fastest-growing racial/ethnic groups in the United States, warranting further research on negative weight attitudes and extreme weight control behaviors in this population.

Loss of Control Eating in Adults With Impulsive and/or Inattentive Tendencies.

OBJECTIVE: Previous research has tended to consider impulsive, inattentive, and loss of control eating (LOC) tendencies as symptoms of greater pathologies in treatment-seeking samples. However, inattentive and impulsive tendencies and LOC often co-occur. Although LOC is an important diagnostic component of disordered eating (ED), it has recently been argued to be a dysregulated eating behavior in its own right. The purpose of the current self-report study was, therefore, to investigate the association between impulsive and inattentive tendencies and LOC in adults after accounting for ED. METHOD: A community sample of 516 adults was surveyed online about their inattentive and impulsive tendencies, LOC, and ED behaviors. RESULTS: A hierarchical multiple linear regression revealed ED, inattentive, and impulsive symptoms to be independent, significant, positive predictors of LOC. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that the levels of inattentive and, to a lesser extent, impulsive tendencies are significantly associated with LOC in adults, even after ED is accounted for. Moreover, inattentive tendencies were found to be more significantly associated with LOC than impulsive tendencies. These are novel and important findings that can be used to inform both clinicians and individuals with inattentive and impulsive tendencies alike of this association. Considering the well-documented adverse health and wellbeing outcomes associated with LOC, future feasibility trials are needed aimed at treating this co-occurrence.

Food choice, embodied knowledge and circumscribed agency: factors influencing adolescent girls' and boys' dietary practices in three states in northern Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore adolescent dietary practices, related norms and acceptable communication platforms in northern Nigeria to inform future nutrition project design. DESIGN: This was a qualitative formative research study. We used purposive sampling and conducted thirty focus group discussions with male and female adolescents aged 10-14 and 15-19 years (n 180) and six with adult influencers (n 36). We also administered a 24-h dietary recall with the adolescents using the Diet Quality Questionnaire. SETTING: The study was conducted in urban and rural areas in three states in northern Nigeria. RESULTS: Adolescents reported consuming six nutritious food groups the previous day on average. However, there was a wide disparity and only half consumed all five recommended food groups. Adolescents' food choices were influenced by perceptions of the functional and physical benefits of nutritious foods and preferences for satisfying foods. Diverse foods were available in the food environment, but affordability constrained access to nutritious foods. Limited access to income and gender norms constrained adolescent agency over food choice. Girls, particularly those who were pregnant, had less agency related to food than boys. Adolescents thought that peers should be reached through group discussions, radio and phones, among other communication platforms. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents consumed relatively diverse diets. Adolescent food choice was influenced by their embodied experience and knowledge related to nutrition and taste, home food environment and circumscribed agency. Opportunities exist to support healthy diets for adolescents by strengthening adolescents' embodied knowledge, food environments and social support.

Skipping Breakfast and Academic Grades, Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Hopelessness, and School Connectedness Among High School Students - Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023.

Breakfast consumption is positively associated with academic achievement and diet quality among students, whereas skipping breakfast has been linked with poor mental health. Data from CDC's 2023 nationally representative Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used to describe how often high school students ate breakfast in the past 7 days and the associations between skipping breakfast every day (ate breakfast on 0 of the past 7 days), experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, school connectedness, and self-reported grades. Prevalence estimates and corresponding 95% CIs were calculated, and t-tests were used to identify differences within demographic groups (e.g., sex, race and ethnicity, and sexual identity). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate prevalence ratios describing breakfast skipping, adjusting for demographics, and stratified by sex and race and ethnicity. Most students missed breakfast ≥1 time in the past 7 days (72.6%), and 17.9% of students skipped breakfast every day, with differences by sex, sexual identity, and race and ethnicity. Overall, and among both males and females, students who experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness were more likely to skip breakfast every day. The association between feelings of sadness and hopelessness and skipping breakfast was generally consistent across racial and ethnic groups. In contrast, greater levels of school connectedness and earning mostly As or Bs were inversely associated with skipping breakfast. Students who had higher school connectedness were approximately 30% less likely to skip breakfast on all 7 days. Skipping breakfast and poor mental health co-occur among many adolescents and might impede students' readiness to learn. School efforts to make breakfast accessible and appealing to high school students might yield multiple benefits and help reinforce school administrators' efforts to recover student learning losses that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents, school decision-makers, and organizations that partner with schools and families can use these findings to guide efforts to promote breakfast consumption.

Knowledge, attitude and purchasing behavior of Saudi mothers towards food additives and dietary pattern of preschool children.

Background: There are over 506 children's products containing one or more types of additives. Maternal awareness of these additives is essential for the health of preschool-aged children, as this period is vital for children's growth and development. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and purchasing behaviors related to food additives among mothers living in the western region of Saudi Arabia, as well as the dietary patterns of preschool children. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey with a convenience sample of 521 mothers of preschool-aged children (3-5 years old). The survey gathered data on the child's age, number of children, the youngest child's weight and height, food intolerance, tooth decay, as well as the dietary patterns of preschool children. It also assessed the mother's knowledge, attitude, and purchasing behaviors related to food additives. Results: The study found that 46.6% of mothers demonstrated good knowledge of food additives, while 56.0% demonstrated fair attitudes and 78.5% good purchasing behavior regarding additives. Additionally, the majority of mothers reported favorable dietary patterns for their preschool-aged children. "Biscuits and crackers" had the highest consumption frequency (4.98 ± 1.50), with 36.7% of children consuming them once daily, while "Soft beverages" had the lowest consumption frequency (2.73 ± 2.04), with 46.6% of children never consuming them. Statistically significant differences were identified between mothers' knowledge and their age, education level, occupation status, and economic status (p < 0.05). ANOVA results also indicated a statistically significant difference between mothers' attitudes and occupation status (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there were significant positive correlations between mothers' knowledge of food additives and their attitudes (r = 0.293) and purchasing behaviors (r = 0.284) related to additives. Conclusion: The findings suggest that mothers possess a relatively good level of knowledge of food additives and hold fair attitudes toward them, tending to result in healthier purchasing behaviors and dietary practices for their preschool-aged children. To increase awareness, nutrition intervention programs are required across various socio-economic groups of mothers in the western region of Saudi Arabia. These programs can significantly contribute to promoting healthier dietary practices for preschool-aged children and improving overall family health and well-being.

A Self-Administered Eating Behavior Scale for Patients With Heart Failure Living at Home: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Scale Development Study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is increasing worldwide, with the associated mortality rates rising consistently. Preventing HF progression requires adherence to restricted sodium intake alongside sufficient and balanced nutritional consumption. For patients at home, preparing nutritionally balanced meals is essential, either self-assisted or with the aid of close individuals. Patients with HF frequently experience decreased exercise tolerance, depression, anxiety, and social isolation, which interfere with eating behaviors, leading to inadequate dietary habits. However, measures focusing on the determinants of eating behavior among patients with HF are currently lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop a self-administered scale to assess the eating behaviors of patients with HF living at home (Self-Administered Eating Behaviors Scale for Heart Failure [SEBS-HF]). METHODS: This study encompasses 3 phases. Phase 1 involves identifying factors influencing eating behaviors in patients with HF. First, a literature review will be conducted using PubMed and CINAHL databases. The specified literature will be analyzed qualitatively and inductively. Additionally, verbatim transcripts obtained from semistructured interviews of patients with HF and medical experts will be qualitatively analyzed. Based on the Phase 1 results, a preliminary scale will be constructed. In Phase 2, cognitive interviews will be conducted with patients with HF and experts; the preliminary scale will be used to qualitatively evaluate its content validity. After validation, the scale will be used in Phase 3 to conduct a cross-sectional study involving patients with HF. In Phase 3, data will be collected from clinical records and self-administered questionnaires or scales. After conducting a preliminary survey, the main survey will be conducted. The reliability and validity of the scale will be assessed using statistical methods. RESULTS: The first phase of this study commenced in September 2023, and by May 2, 2024, a total of 7 patients with HF and 6 expert professionals were enrolled as study participants. The draft creation of the scale will be completed in 2024, and the content validity evaluation of the draft scale is expected to be finished by early 2025. The third phase will begin its investigation in mid-2025 and is expected to be completed by late 2025, after which the SEBS-HF will be published. CONCLUSIONS: The development and use of this scale will enable a more comprehensive evaluation of the factors influencing eating behaviors in patients with HF. Thus, medical and welfare professionals should provide appropriate support tailored to the specific needs of patients with HF. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/60719.

The impact of explaining vegetarian meal requests on the affective responses and perceptions of meat eaters.

Social situations can present challenges for those looking to reduce or avoid eating meat. In an experimental vignette study with a large representative sample of 1,117 UK-based meat eaters, we explore affective responses to requests for vegetarian meals and perceptions of those making the request across four social situations: a BBQ, a pub, a restaurant dinner, and a dinner party. We examine moderators of these perceptions including whether the requester presents themselves as vegetarian or a meat restrictor and whether they cite health, environmental or no motives for their request. Overall, we find that these moderators have a greater impact on meat eaters' perceptions of the requester than on their affective responses to the request. We also find that these outcomes are more impacted by the mention of motives than they are diet type. Standout findings include evidence that people citing environmental motives for their vegetarian meal request are perceived more negatively, while those with health motives are perceived more positively. We also identify substantial heterogeneity across the respondents' levels of meat attachment: those who are more attached to meat have more negative perceptions of vegetarian meal requesters and experience higher negative affect and lower positive affect in response to the request.

Caregivers' perceptions of feeding practices and diet diversity among children aged 12-59 months in a rural district of South India: an analytical cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to assess caregivers' perceptions of feeding practices (breastfeeding and complementary feeding) and diet diversity among children aged 12-59 months in a rural district of South India. The secondary objective was to identify potential predictors of these perceptions and diet diversity. DESIGN: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed from March 2023 to May 2023. SETTING: In a rural district of Tamil Nadu, South India. PARTICIPANTS: This study included 301 mothers/caregivers of children between 12 and 59 months of age in a rural district of Tamil Nadu. The research gathered demographic information from caregivers, including details such as age, educational background, occupation, relationship with the child and place of residence. Additionally, the caregivers' perspectives were evaluated through a questionnaire focused on breastfeeding/complementary feeding, and the diet diversity of the children was also assessed. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the perceptions of mothers/caregivers of children between 12 and 59 months of age about breastfeeding/complementary feeding practices, and the diet diversity of the children was measured. Additionally, predictors associated with these perceptions were evaluated through regression analysis. RESULTS: In the present study, 188 (62.5%) and 179 (59.5%) of the participants had good perceptions of breastfeeding practices and complementary feeding practices, respectively. This binomial regression revealed that subjects with unstable occupations (adjusted OR=2.24, 95% CI 1.25 to 4.01), schooling (7.71, 95% CI 2.73 to 8.9) and higher education (38.32, 95% CI 4.63 to 316.85) had increased chances of having good perceptions of breastfeeding practices. Subjects with unstable occupations (0.23, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.85), stable occupations (0.13, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.51), schooling (0.43, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.74), higher education (0.15, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.50) and increased birth weights (2.54, 95% CI 1.35 to 4.78) had increased chances of having good perceptions of complementary feeding practices (p<0.05). This study revealed that 86.4% of the children had adequate diet diversity. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that most caregivers, particularly mothers, possess a strong understanding of breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, with education and occupation exerting a notable influence. However, there is a crucial necessity to translate this knowledge into practical applications to effectively obtain feeding indicators.

Understanding mealtime behavioral problems in nursing home residents living with dementia: a group concept mapping approach.

BACKGROUND: Persons with dementia frequently experience mealtime behavioral problems that can result in reduced or lack of intake of food or fluids. Multiple underlying causes and expressions of mealtime behavioral problems complicate its interpretation and intervention, because problems originating from cognitive and functional decline and behavioral changes may interact. Healthcare professionals and family caregivers may encounter a variety of practical and moral dilemmas in dealing with these problems. We aimed at a better understanding of mealtime behavioral problems and related complex issues in nursing home residents with dementia from a daily practice perspective. METHODS: We used a mixed-method Group Concept Mapping approach in this study, and collected data online with a panel of 67 healthcare professionals, researchers and relatives from across The Netherlands. The participants contributed to either or all of the following phases: (1) the generation of ideas (brainstorm), (2) sorting, and (3) rating of the ideas. Subsequent phases included data analysis with Groupwisdom® software and interpretation of the results. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis resulted in a concept map visualizing the coherence and importance of ideas. Bridging values were calculated, with low values indicating a distinct, clear concept. RESULTS: Brainstorming resulted in 285 statements representing 85 ideas. The concept map visualized three categories capturing ten clusters which describe the management of mealtime behavioral problems, causes of mealtime behavioral problems, and expressions and interpretations of mealtime behavioral problems. Concepts reflecting direct consequences, ethical components, and considerations to handle challenging situations overlapped on the concept map with the highest bridging values (range 0.58-0.87). CONCLUSION: This study added to unraveling the complex nature of mealtime behavioral problems, as perceived in practice. It is recommended to comprehensively analyze all components in the management of these problems, in particular being aware of ethical factors and align care for residents with dementia accordingly.

The effect of diet quality and body mass index on depression in older adults: a growth curve analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition not only plays an important role in one's physical health, but also mental health. The causal association between nutrition and mental health remains unclear. While a healthy dietary pattern may protect one against mental illness, it is also possible that poor mental health could lead to unhealthy eating habits or choices. Furthermore, emerging studies suggest that a higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms in older adults, contrasting the effect observed in other populations. With an ageing population, this study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of a healthy dietary pattern, BMI, and other covariates on depressive symptoms in older adults. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study between 2014 and 2017, with each follow-up assessment being one year apart. A total of 2081 participants above 65 years old (M = 79.65, SD = 7.94) completed the baseline assessment in 2014, which included basic demographics, self-reported eating habits, depressive symptoms, and the measurement of height and weight. Distance to supermarkets and fast food was calculated based on participants' residential addresses. Two growth models were performed to assess the trajectory of change in depressive symptoms over time. RESULTS: Older adults experienced a significant decrease in depressive symptoms over time (intercept = 2.68, p < .001; slope = -0.25, p < .001). At baseline, a higher diet quality (B = -0.95, p < .001), higher BMI (B = -0.09, p < .001), younger age (B = 0.40, p = .001), being a male (B = 0.76, p < .001), and having fewer chronic diseases (B = 0.39, p < .001) were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Over time, a higher diet quality (B = 0.14, p = .05), higher BMI (B = 0.02, p = .04), and fewer chronic diseases (B = -0.08, p < .001) predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms over time. CONCLUSIONS: A higher diet quality and higher BMI may serve as protective factors for depressive symptoms in older adults. Potential implications are being discussed.

Dietary Behaviour of Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: The Missing Aspect of Care.

Background: Nutrition and adequate dietary intake during pregnancy strongly influence the health and well-being of the mother, as well as the physical and cognitive development of the unborn child. While previous studies have documented factors associated with the dietary behaviour of pregnant women in Ethiopia, a comprehensive overview is missing. Objective: The aim of this study was to close this research gap. Methodology: We conducted a mapping review, including 37 studies published between 2000 and 2022 in our analysis. Dietary behaviour refers to all phenomena related to food choice, eating behaviour and dietary intake. We used an innovative approach by integrating a socio-ecological framework with UNICEF's conceptual framework on maternal and child nutrition, which specifies multidimensional individual, underlying and enabling determinants associated with the nutritional status of women. Importantly, we integrated a focus on care for women and healthy environments. Results: A total of 68 factors were identified as influencing the dietary behaviour of pregnant women, with a focus on the intra- (31/68) and interpersonal (21/68) levels, while factors at the community (11/68) and the institutional levels (5/68) were scarce. Few studies investigated socio-cultural aspects, such as gender roles, decision-making power and workload of women, psychological factors and eating practices related to food taboos. None of the studies explored the influence of resources at the institutional level. Conclusions: This attests that the focus in maternal nutrition is still placed on the individual responsibility of women, instead of addressing the structural conditions that would enable women to access resources such as land, education and nutrition information.

Tackling Cravings in Medical Weight Management: An Update on Pathophysiology and an Integrated Approach to Treatment.

Background/Objectives: Food cravings involve a strong drive to consume palatable foods irrespective of nutritional status. Importantly, cravings contribute substantially to the obesity epidemic. Managing hunger alone is insufficient for weight management as this relates only to homeostatic eating and does not address the complex aetiology of hedonic eating and its crucial role in food cravings. Medical weight management clinics and anti-obesity medication trials do not routinely identify and address food cravings. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the literature consisting of 115 peer-reviewed articles (original articles and reviews). We included articles focused on food craving pathophysiology, assessment, and management strategies providing contrasts against the current medical model of weight management seen in obesity pharmacotherapy trials as well as the current standard of practise. Results: We outline the neurohormonal and psychological drivers of cravings, which lead to a spectrum of eating behaviours, from comfort food eating to binge eating disorders. We provide an overview of ways of identification and measurement options, including their strengths and weaknesses, and an overview of management strategies and their cravings control efficacy, spanning lifestyle modifications like nutrition and sleep, psychological therapies (i.e., cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT], acceptance-based therapies such as mindfulness) and, last but not least, medications that not only are approved for weight reduction but reduce cravings. Finally, based on these findings, we provide a proposed integrated and iterative model that is able to evolve and adapt to the individual over time in tackling cravings for long-term weight loss maintenance. Conclusions: The findings emphasise the importance of cravings management and provide a synthesis on how cravings can be identified in a medical weight management setting, which can be practically implemented in an integrated iterative model spanning anti-obesity medications that have craving control data to evidence-based lifestyle and psychological interventions.

Psychometric Properties of the Preference for Intuition and Deliberation in Eating Decision-Making Scale among Brazilian Adult Women.

The Preference for Intuition and Deliberation in Food Decision-Making Scale (E-PID) was developed to evaluate both intuitive and deliberative food decision-making within a single instrument. However, its psychometric properties have only been assessed among German-speaking participants. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate evidence of validity and reliability of the E-PID among 604 Brazilian adult women. Exploratory (n = 289) and confirmatory factor analyses (n = 315) were conducted to evaluate the factor structure of the E-PID. Convergent validity was assessed correlating the E-PID with measures of eating behaviors (Tree-Factor Eating Questionnaire-18), intuitive eating (Intuitive Eating Scale-2), and a measure of beliefs and attitudes towards food (Food-Life Questionnaire-SF). McDonald's Omega coefficient (ω) was used to test the internal consistency of the E-PID. Results from an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure with seven items. We found good internal consistency (McDonald's ω = 0.77-0.81). Furthermore, the E-PID demonstrated adequate convergent validity with measures of intuitive, restrictive, emotional and uncontrolled eating, and beliefs and attitudes towards food. Results support the use of the E-PID as a measure of intuition and deliberation in food decision-making among Brazilian adult women, expanding the literature on eating decision-making styles.

Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours toward Salt and Sugar Consumption in the Central Division of Fiji.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess salt and sugar-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours (KAB) of adults in the Central Division of Fiji. METHODS: A randomised stratified sample of 700 adults were selected. Questions on salt and sugar-related KABs were developed. The survey took place from March to June 2022. For analyses, population and sample weights were applied, and differences between predefined subgroups (sex, age, ethnicity and area) were compared using weighted chi-square tests. RESULTS: 534 adults participated (response rate 76%). Over 80% of participants (82% (95% CI 78.5 to 84.9%)) identified that consuming too much salt or salty sauce can lead to hypertension. More than 90% recognised that consuming too much sugar can lead to diabetes (92.3% (89.7 to 94.3%)). Approximately 80% of participants thought it was somewhat or very important to lower salt and sugar intake in their diet (79.8% (76.1 to 83.0) and 84.2% (80.8 to 87.1%), respectively). However, almost 40% reported adding salt or salty sauces when cooking (37.3% (32.7 to 42.2%)) and 65% (60.6 to 68.5%) adding sugar to drinks daily. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having positive knowledge and attitudes, many people reported behaviours likely to contribute to excess salt and sugar intake, highlighting the need for interventions that support behaviour change and the creation of healthier food environments.

Selected Determinants of Diet Health Quality among Female Athletes Practising Team Sports.

This study's aim was an analysis regarding selected determinants of diet health quality in a group of elite Polish female team sport players. Relationships were assessed between age, sport experience, personal resources and personality traits with regard to the Big Five model and the pro-Health (pHDI-10) and non-Healthy (nHDI-14) Diet Indices. This study was conducted among 181 women (median age-25 years; sport experience-7 years) with the use of the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire (KomPAN), Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC-B) and NEO-PI-R personality inventory. Statistical analysis was carried out via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskal-Wallis's ANOVA, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and forward stepwise regression at a significance level of α = 0.05. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the value of the pro-Health Diet Index (pHDI-10) was positively explained by professional experience and extraversion, while negatively by openness to experiences (12% of the pHDI-10 variance). In turn, a higher value of the non-Healthy Diet Index (nHDI-14) was associated with the discipline of basketball (2% of the nHDI-14 variance). In summary, the demonstrated diet health quality was low and the predictive significance of competitive experience as well as type of discipline and selected personality traits was exhibited for diet quality among female team sport players.

Orthorexia as an Eating Disorder Spectrum-A Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze research studies focused on orthorexia nervosa (ON) as a spectrum of eating disorders, and to summarize potential risk factors in different age and social groups. ON is characterized by an obsession with healthy eating, which leads to a restrictive diet and health problems. METHODS: Due to a lack of comprehensive analyses, this review re-examined studies from 2006 to 2023, initially retrieving 53,134 articles. Upon refining the criteria and risk factors for eating disorders, 34 notable records were identified. These studies employed diagnostic tools such as ORTO and BOT, focusing on risk factors for ON. RESULTS: Results indicate that individuals suffering from eating disorders, losing weight, exercising heavily, developing relationship problems, and suffering from body dysmorphic disorder are at high risk of developing ON. A significant correlation was found between ON, BMI, and gender, but not between ON and OCD. Interestingly, ON symptoms appear to overlap with those of other eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, especially in terms of obsessive control over dieting and fear of gaining weight, indicating a close relationship between the two. CONCLUSIONS: Interestingly, orthorexia nervosa may serve as a coping mechanism for anorexia, providing a sense of control. However, further research on its long-term effects is required.

Association of Fast-Food Intake with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms among Young Adults: A Pilot Study.

Background: High intake of fast food has been linked to increased risks of both depressive and anxiety disorders. However, associations between individual fast-food items and depressive/anxiety disorders are rarely examined. Method: Using cross-sectional survey the association between common fast-food items and depressive/anxiety symptoms among 142 young Hong Kong adults aged 18-27 years old was examined. A qualitative food frequency questionnaire was employed to measure the intake frequency of 22 common fast-food items found in Hong Kong. Occurrence of significant depressive and anxiety symptoms was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Primary measures were multivariate-adjusted odds ratios for occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms compared with the low intake frequency group for common fast-food items. Results: Our observations suggest that frequent intake of high-fat, -sugar, and -sodium fast-foods increased depressive symptoms, while frequent high-fat fast-food intake was associated with anxiety symptoms. However, frequent intake of sugar-free beverages reduced the risk of depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Habitual intake of certain fast foods were related to depressive/anxiety symptoms in young adults.

The Role of Nutrition in Maintaining the Health and Physical Condition of Sports Volunteers.

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and physical condition, particularly for active individuals, including athletes. It can therefore be assumed that individuals performing physically demanding tasks during the organization of sporting events, such as volunteers, should also pay attention to their nutrition. While the importance of diet for athletes has been widely studied, the impact of nutrition on sports volunteers remains under-researched. Volunteers often have to cope with varying degrees of physical and mental exertion, which may affect their nutritional needs. A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth individual interviews (IDIs) with 17 sports volunteers who had experience in organizing various sporting events. Participants were purposefully selected based on specific inclusion criteria, which included active involvement in sports volunteering (with a minimum of two years of experience in volunteer activities) as well as volunteering experience at sports events of various scales. The interviews aimed to understand the eating habits, dietary awareness, and impact of nutrition on health and physical fitness. The data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis, focusing on coding responses and identifying recurring themes. Most participants did not place much importance on their diet, making random food choices due to a busy lifestyle and lack of time. Only a few volunteers consciously adjusted their diet when they had knowledge of the physically demanding tasks they were expected to perform during their volunteer work. The majority of volunteers relied on less reliable sources of nutritional information, such as blogs or social media, rather than credible sources of knowledge. This study revealed that many individuals involved in sports volunteering are unaware of the impact of diet on their fitness and health. There is a need for nutritional education for this group to improve their awareness of the importance of a balanced diet in the context of increased physical activity. It is also advisable to provide better nutritional conditions during sporting events and to promote the use of professional sources of information about healthy eating.

Nutritional Nesting (Nestrition): Shaping the Home Food Environment in the First Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate primiparous women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the physical home food environment (PHFE) and to assess if the first pregnancy provides a teachable opportunity to enhance the PHFE of first-time pregnant couples. DESIGN: Longitudinal in-depth qualitative study involving questionnaires and individual interviews during and after pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen primigravida women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning PHFE; lifestyle and dietary habits; and interest in guidance regarding healthy PHFE during the first pregnancy and the transition to motherhood. ANALYSIS: Thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Key findings include the significance of health, nutrition, and spousal support in the transition to motherhood. The first pregnancy was recognized as a critical period for establishing a healthy PHFE, while noting the physical and emotional challenges involved. A gap was found in guidance regarding PHFE for first-time pregnant women despite their interest in practical advice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The first pregnancy presents a significant opportunity to improve PHFE. 'Nestrition' (nutritional nesting), a new health-promotion strategy, incorporates nutrition education to enhance this process. These data support future research encompassing partners and diverse at-risk populations prior to the development of effective nutrition education for PHFE in the first pregnancy.