Adolescents with a Favorable Mediterranean-Style-Based Pattern Show Higher Cognitive and Academic Achievement: A Cluster Analysis-The Cogni-Action Project.

A Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has emerged as a crucial dietary choice, not only in attenuating various adolescents' metabolic health issues but it has also been associated with improved cognitive and academic achievement. However, few studies have established patterns of food consumption linked to both cognitive and academic achievement in adolescents living in a developing country with non-Mediterranean-based food. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1296 Chilean adolescents (50% girls) aged 10-14 years. The MedDiet Quality Index was used to assess adherence to the MedDiet in children and adolescents. Through cluster analysis, four distinct dietary patterns were identified: Western diet (WD = 4.3%); low fruit and vegetables, high-sugar diet (LFV-HSD = 28.2%); low fruit and vegetables, low-sugar diet (LFV-LSD = 42.2%); and the MedDiet (25.3%). A mixed-model analysis was conducted to compare these clusters and their relationships with cognitive and academic achievements. Principal component analysis was performed to identify four primary cognitive domains: working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and fluid reasoning. Academic achievement was determined with five school subjects (Language, English, Mathematics, Science, and History) and included the Academic-PISA score derived from the mean scores in Language, Mathematics, and Science. Results: A marked difference was observed between the four clusters, which was mainly related to the consumption of sugar, ultra-processed foods, fruits, and vegetables. According to cognitive performance, the MedDiet group showed higher performance across all domains than the LFV-HSD, LFV-LSD, and WD groups. Regarding academic achievement, the WD underperformed in all analyses compared to the other groups, while the MedDiet was the unique profile that achieved a positive difference in all academic subjects compared to the WD and LFV-HSD groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that higher adherence to Mediterranean-style-based patterns and better food quality choices are associated with improved cognitive and academic achievements.

The effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on physical activity of people with obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association of changes on physical activity levels during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak of individuals with normal weight and overweight/obesity, and the influence of sex in this relationship. METHODS: This cross-sectional study (survey research) was conducted in Brazil between May 5 and May 17, 2020. Participants (n=1,828 / 1,062 women >18 years) were invited through social media to answer a structured questionnaire via Google Forms. The online assessment included self-reported responses to questions on physical activity, overall health, weight, and height. Binary logistic regression analyzed the relationship between overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥25kg/m2), the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity level, and the influence of sex. RESULTS: Compared to normal weight people, those with overweight/obesity practice less moderate to vigorous physical activity (p<0.001). There were associations between women and men with overweight/obesity and the impact of COVID-19 on the physical activity practice compared to normal weight people, adjusted by age, education level, social isolation, and previous physical activity level (p<0.017). CONCLUSION: The study found an association of weight and changes in physical activity levels. Individuals with overweight/obesity were more likely to have a lower physical activity level during COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of sex.

Associations between Anthropometrics, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Metabolic Syndrome Components in Brazilian Adolescents with Obesity.

Purpose: To describe the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Brazilian adolescents with obesity, and to compare anthropometric and cardiorespiratory fitness measurements in relation to the presence of MS. Methods: Sixty-seven adolescents (13-18 years, 36 girls) with obesity (body mass index z-score ≥2.0) were enrolled. The following were assessed for each participant: anthropometrics, body composition, lipid profile, glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance, blood pressure (BP), and cardiorespiratory fitness. Results: The presence of MS was found in 47.76% of the sample. The following abnormal measurements were most frequently reported: waist circumference (WC) (100.0%), BP (85.07%), and triglycerides (TG) (50.75%). Boys with obesity were more likely to meet MS criteria when compared to girls (P = 0.040; odds ratio = 2.80 [1.04-7.56]). Conclusion: The presence of MS in Brazilian adolescents with obesity in this study was 47.76%. Among this sample, the most frequently reported MS variables above the established cutoffs were WC (100%), followed by altered BP (85%) and TG (50%). These data further support previously published studies that low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness may increase the risk of MS among adolescents with obesity.

Recreational Physical Activity Improves Adherence and Dropout in a Non-Intensive Behavioral Intervention for Adolescents With Obesity.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare adherence and dropout rates in adolescents with obesity participating in a behavioral-counseling intervention with or without recreational physical activity (PA). Material and methods: Seventy-four adolescents (13 to 18y, 40 girls and 34 boys) with obesity (body mass index [BMI] z-score ≥ 2.0) were randomized into a counseling group (CG; n = 37) and a counseling + recreational physical activity group (CPAG; n = 37). Adolescents from both groups received behavioral counseling once a week for 12 weeks and monthly for an additional 12 weeks. CPAG adolescents participated in supervised recreational physical activity sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. Body composition, body image dissatisfaction, symptoms of depression, binge eating, bulimia, anorexia and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after 24-weeks. Result: The dropout rate was 2.73 times higher in adolescents from CG compared to CPAG (χ2 = 4.48; p = .034; R2McF = 0.044). Girls were 2.56 times more likely to withdraw when compared to boys (χ2 = 3.86; p = .049; R2McF = 0.038). Binomial logistic regression which incorporated sex, intervention group, BMI z-score and BSQ score at baseline (R2McF = 0.177) explained 75% of the dropout rate. Both interventions were effective in reducing waist circumference (p < .01) and improving quality of life, symptoms of depression, bulimia and binge eating (p < .01). Conclusion: Incorporating a recreational physical activity component to a non-intensive behavioral intervention may be a feasible strategy to reduce dropout rates in adolescents with obesity seeking treatment.

The effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on physical activity of people with obesity

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the association of changes on physical activity levels during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak of individuals with normal weight and overweight/obesity, and the influence of sex in this relationship. Methods This cross-sectional study (survey research) was conducted in Brazil between May 5 and May 17, 2020. Participants (n=1,828 / 1,062 women >18 years) were invited through social media to answer a structured questionnaire via Google Forms. The online assessment included self-reported responses to questions on physical activity, overall health, weight, and height. Binary logistic regression analyzed the relationship between overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥25kg/m2), the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity level, and the influence of sex. Results Compared to normal weight people, those with overweight/obesity practice less moderate to vigorous physical activity (p<0.001). There were associations between women and men with overweight/obesity and the impact of COVID-19 on the physical activity practice compared to normal weight people, adjusted by age, education level, social isolation, and previous physical activity level (p<0.017). Conclusion The study found an association of weight and changes in physical activity levels. Individuals with overweight/obesity were more likely to have a lower physical activity level during COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of sex.

Increased Screen Time Is Associated With Alcohol Desire and Sweetened Foods Consumption During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Elevated screen time has been associated with addictive behaviors, such as alcohol and sugar intake and smoking. Considering the substantial increase in screen time caused by social isolation policies, this study aimed to analyze the association of increased screen time in different devices during the COVID-19 pandemic with consumption and increased desire of alcohol, smoking, and sweetened foods in adults. Methods: A sample of 1,897 adults with a mean age of 37.9 (13.3) years was assessed by an online survey, being composed by 58% of women. Participants were asked whether screen time in television, cell phone, and computer increased during the pandemic, as well as how much time is spent in each device. Closed questions assessed the frequency of alcohol and sweetened food consumption, smoking, and an increased desire to drink and smoke during the pandemic. Educational level, age, sex, feeling of stress, anxiety, depression, and use of a screen device for physical activity were covariates. Binary logistic regression models considered adjustment for covariates and for mutual habits. Results: Increased television time was associated with increased desire to drink (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.12; 1.89) and increased sweetened food consumption (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.18; 1.99), while an increase in computer use was negatively associated with consumption of alcohol (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.53; 0.86) and sweetened foods (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62; 0.98). Increased cell phone time was associated with increased sweetened food consumption during the pandemic (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.18; 2.67). Participants with increased time in the three devices were less likely to consume sweetened foods for ≥5 days per week (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.39; 0.99) but were twice as likely to have sweetened food consumption increased during pandemic (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.07; 3.88). Conclusion: Increased screen time was differently associated with consumption and desire for alcohol and sweets according to screen devices. Increased time in television and cell phones need to be considered for further investigations of behavioral impairments caused by the pandemic.

Barriers to physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults: a cross-sectional study.

Social isolation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has reduced physical activity levels in both men and women. The identification of barriers to physical activity may assist in developing strategies to increase levels of physical activity during this pandemic. The study aim was identify the barriers to regular participation in physical during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazilian adults. This cross-sectional study included 1570 [56.6% women; aged: 39.1 (37.7-40.7) years old] in social isolation due COVID-19. Barriers to physical activity were obtained using the validated questionnaires. "Laziness and fatigue" (50.2%), "lack of motivation" (31.2%), "lack of appropriate facilities/equipment/space" (17.4%), and "lack of time" (13.0%) were the barriers most prevalent in the study. Lack of motivation (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.19-1.86) and lack of appropriate facilities/equipment/space (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.57-2.83) were most associated with impacting physical activity levels due to the COVID-19, independent of sex, age, education level, days of social isolation and status weight. In conclusion, personal barriers to physical activity are common between both sexes, with lack of motivation and lack of appropriate facilities/equipment/space most associated with a decreased level of physical activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic stay at home order and social isolation on physical activity levels and sedentary behavior in Brazilian adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic on physical activity levels and sedentary behavior among Brazilians residents aged ≥18 years. METHODS: An online survey was distributed through a social media platform between May 5 and 17, 2020. Participants completed a structured questionnaire in Google Forms, which assessed the physical activity level and sedentary behavior of adults in Brazil during the pandemic. RESULTS: Age (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.97-0.99), chronic disease (OR: 1.29; 95%CI: 1.03-1.63), physical inactivity before the coronavirus 2019 pandemic (OR: 2.20; 95%CI: 1.78-2.72) and overweight (OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.09-1.65) showed higher risk of impact on physical activity levels. Increased sitting time was associated with older individuals (OR: 0.97; 95%CI: 0.96-0.98), inactivity (OR: 1.51; 95%CI: 1.16-1.96), chronic disease (OR: 1.65; 95%CI: 1.23-2.22), higher number of days in social isolation (OR: 1.01; 95%CI: 1.00-1.02) and higher schooling levels (OR: 1.87; 95%CI: 1.26-2.78). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that advanced age, chronic disease and physical inactivity before social isolation had a greater risk of impact on reduced physical activity levels and increased sitting time during the coronavirus 2019 disease pandemic.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic stay at home order and social isolation on physical activity levels and sedentary behavior in Brazilian adults / Impacto da permanência em casa e do isolamento social, em função da COVID-19, sobre o nível de atividade física e o comportamento sedentário em adultos brasileiros

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the impact of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic on physical activity levels and sedentary behavior among Brazilians residents aged ≥18 years. Methods An online survey was distributed through a social media platform between May 5 and 17, 2020. Participants completed a structured questionnaire in Google Forms, which assessed the physical activity level and sedentary behavior of adults in Brazil during the pandemic. Results Age (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.97-0.99), chronic disease (OR: 1.29; 95%CI: 1.03-1.63), physical inactivity before the coronavirus 2019 pandemic (OR: 2.20; 95%CI: 1.78-2.72) and overweight (OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.09-1.65) showed higher risk of impact on physical activity levels. Increased sitting time was associated with older individuals (OR: 0.97; 95%CI: 0.96-0.98), inactivity (OR: 1.51; 95%CI: 1.16-1.96), chronic disease (OR: 1.65; 95%CI: 1.23-2.22), higher number of days in social isolation (OR: 1.01; 95%CI: 1.00-1.02) and higher schooling levels (OR: 1.87; 95%CI: 1.26-2.78). Conclusion Our results demonstrated that advanced age, chronic disease and physical inactivity before social isolation had a greater risk of impact on reduced physical activity levels and increased sitting time during the coronavirus 2019 disease pandemic.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o impacto da pandemia de coronavírus 2019 sobre o nível de atividade física e comportamento sedentário entre brasileiros com idade ≥18 anos. Métodos Uma pesquisa on-line foi distribuída por meio de mídias sociais entre 5 e 17 de maio de 2020. Os participantes responderam a um questionário estruturado no Google Forms, que avaliou o nível de atividade física e comportamento sedentário de adultos no Brasil durante a pandemia. Resultados Idade (RC: 0,98; IC95%: 0,97-0,99), doença crônica (RC: 1,29; IC95%: 1,03-1,63), inatividade física antes da pandemia de coronavírus 2019 (RC: 2,20; IC95%: 1,78-2,72) e excesso de peso (RC: 1,34; IC95%: 1,09-1,65) apresentaram maior risco de impacto no nível de atividade física. O aumento do tempo sentado foi associado a indivíduos mais velhos (RC: 0,97; IC95%: 0,96-0,98), inatividade (RC: 1,51; IC95%: 1,16-1,96), doença crônica (RC: 1,65; IC95%: 1,23-2,22), maior número de dias no isolamento social (RC: 1,01; IC95%: 1,00-1,02) e níveis de escolaridade mais altos (RC: 1,87; IC95%: 1,26-2,78). Conclusão Nossos resultados demonstraram que a idade, a presença de doenças crônicas e a inatividade física antes do isolamento social tiveram maior risco de impacto na redução do nível de atividade física e maior tempo sentado durante a pandemia de coronavírus 2019.

Aerobic training in obese adolescents: a multidisciplinary approach / Treinamento aeróbio em adolescentes obesos: uma abordagem multidisciplinar / Entrenamiento aeróbico en obesos adolescentes: un enfoque multidisciplinario

ABSTRACT Introduction: The prevalence of excess weight/obesity in adolescence has increased, and physical training may be effective in combating this scenario. Objective: To analyze the effect of different intensities of aerobic training on the body composition of obese adolescents undergoing multidisciplinary intervention. Methods: In this study, 107 pubertal (Tanner 3 and 4), obese (BMI=34.72±4.10 kg/m²) adolescents (14.85±1.44 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: high intensity training (HITG - ventilatory threshold I (VTI)); low intensity training (LITG - 20% below the VTI) and control group (CG), without intervention. The adolescents in the HITG and LITG underwent nutritional and psychological (1x/week) and clinical (1 x/month) follow-up and physical training (3x/week) for 12 weeks. Results: Reductions in fat mass (FM) and body fat percentage (BFP) (p< 0.001) and an increase in fat-free mass (FFM) (p<0.001) were observed in all groups. There was a reduction in BMI only in the experimental groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: The effects of multidisciplinary treatment on the body composition of obese adolescents occur independently of the intensity of aerobic physical training. Level of Evidence I; High quality randomized clinical studies with or without statistically significant difference, but with narrow confidence intervals.

RESUMO Introdução: A prevalência de sobrepeso / obesidade na adolescência aumentou, e treinamento físico pode ser eficaz para combater este cenário. Objetivo: Analisar o efeito de diferentes intensidades de treinamento aeróbio sobre a composição corporal de adolescentes obesos, submetidos à intervenção multidisciplinar. Métodos: Neste estudo, 107 adolescentes (14,85±1,44 anos), púberes (Tanner 3 e 4) e obesos (34,72±4,10 kg/m²) foram aleatoriamente alocados em três grupos: treinamento de alta intensidade (GTAI - limiar ventilatório I (LVI)), treinamento de baixa intensidade (GTBI - 20% abaixo do LVI) e grupo controle (GC), sem intervenção. Os adolescentes do GTAI e GTBI receberam acompanhamento nutricional e psicológico (1x/semana), clínico (1x/mês) e treinamento físico (3x/semana) durante 12 semanas. Resultados: Foram observadas reduções na massa gorda (MG) e no percentual de gordura (%G) em todos os grupos (p<0,001) e um aumento na massa livre de gordura (MLG) (p<0,001). Houve redução no IMC apenas nos grupos experimentais (p<0,001). Conclusão: Os efeitos do tratamento multidisciplinar sobre a composição corporal de adolescentes obesos ocorrem independentes da intensidade do treinamento físico aeróbio. Nível de Evidência I; Estudos clínicos randomizado de alta qualidade com ou sem diferença estatisticamente significante, mas com intervalos de confiança estreitos.

RESUMEN Introducción: La prevalencia de sobrepeso / obesidad en la adolescencia aumentó, y el entrenamiento físico puede ser eficaz para combatir este escenario. Objetivo: Analizar el efecto de diferentes intensidades de entrenamiento aeróbico sobre la composición corporal de adolescentes obesos sometidos a la intervención multidisciplinaria. Métodos: En este estudio, 107 adolescentes (14,85 ± 1,44 años), púberes (Tanner 3 y 4), obesos (34,72 ± 4,10 kg / m²) fueron aleatoriamente asignados en tres grupos: entrenamiento de alta intensidad (GEAI - umbral de ventilación I (LVI)); El entrenamiento de baja intensidad (GEBI - 20% por debajo del LVI) y el grupo de control (GC), sin intervención. Los adolescentes del GEAI y GEBI recibieron seguimiento nutricional y psicológico (1x/semana), clínico (1x/mes) y entrenamiento físico (3x/ semana) durante 12 semanas. Resultados: Se observaron reducciones en la masa grasa (MG) y en el porcentaje de grasa (% G) en todos los grupos (p<0,001) y un aumento en la masa libre de grasa (MLG) (p<0,001). Se observó una reducción en el IMC sólo en los grupos experimentales (p<0,001). Conclusión: Los efectos del tratamiento multidisciplinario sobre la composición corporal de adolescentes obesos ocurren independientes de la intensidad del entrenamiento físico aeróbico. Nivel de Evidencia I; Estudio clínico aleatorio de alta calidad, con o sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa, pero con estrechos intervalos de confianza.

Non-traditional biomarkers of eating disorder symptoms among female college students.

Background: Eating disorders (ED) are often diagnosed at an advanced stage because traditional symptoms related to unhealthy eating habits are poorly recognized. ED may be also associated with non-traditional and objective biomarkers, which could prove an important screening tool to support health care professionals in diagnosing, treating, and ultimately preventing ED. Aim: To investigate the association between non-traditional physiological ED biomarkers and symptoms of ED among female college students. Methods: This study included 113 female college students, aged 18 to 23 years, enrolled in their first semester as a Bachelor of Health Sciences undergrad at public universities in the urban zone of Recife, Brazil. Symptoms of ED were measured by self-report questionnaires. Circulating levels of IL-6, IL-10, leptin, insulin, ghrelin, PYY and adiponectin were assessed using commercial immunoassays. Results: Students with symptoms of an ED exhibited higher values of IL-6 (p = 0.03) and leptin (p < 0.001) compared to those without symptoms. A positive correlation was found between leptin levels and bulimia nervosa (r = 0.42; p = 0.00), between leptin levels and binge eating (r = 0.38; p = 0.00), and between IL-6 concentrations and binge eating (r = 0.25; p = 0.04). Multiple linear regression analysis with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating as dependent variables showed that IL-6 and leptin best explained ED symptoms, even when adjusted for body mass index (BMI). Conclusions: These findings suggest that peripheral peptides, namely leptin and IL-6, are associated with symptoms of ED in female college students. Future studies are needed to determine if there is a causal relationship between these biomarkers and the onset of ED. Relevance for patients: If future longitudinal studies demonstrate causality between the biomarkers assessed here and ED symptoms, these serum makers could be used as screening tool for inappropriate eating behavior. This may in turn improve the early diagnosis, treatment, and, ultimately, the prognosis of patients with ED.

Obstetric complications and mother's age at delivery are predictors of eating disorder symptoms among Health Science college students.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the association between perinatal/neonatal factors and symptoms of eating disorders among college students. METHODS: Four hundred and eight college students (283 women), aged 18 to 23 years old, enrolled in the first semester of a Bachelor of Health Science degree program were included in the sample. Eating disorder symptoms and body image dissatisfaction were assessed with the Eating Attitudes Test and Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh. Information regarding birth weight, breastfeeding, obstetric complications, mother's age at delivery, type of delivery, and birth order were self-reported by the volunteers after consulting their parents. Association between perinatal and neonatal factors and symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa were assessed by binary logistic regression adjusted for sex, age, and body mass index. RESULTS: The likelihood of presenting with symptoms of anorexia nervosa was 0.5 time lower for those students born from the oldest mothers (odds ratio - OR=0.37; 95% confidence interval - 95%CI: 0.17-0.83). Relative to bulimia nervosa, the risk was higher among students who reported obstetric complications (OR=2.62; 95%CI: 1.03-6.67). CONCLUSION: We observed the association between perinatal and neonatal factors with symptoms of eating disorders in college students.

Effect of a 12-Week Low vs. High Intensity Aerobic Exercise Training on Appetite-Regulating Hormones in Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Exercise Intervention Study.

Little is known about how the intensity of aerobic training influences appetite-regulating hormones in obese adolescents. Our goal was to assess the effect of low and high intensity aerobic trainings on food intake and appetite-regulating hormones in obese adolescents. Forty three obese adolescents (age: 13-18y, BMI: 34.48 ± 3.94 kg/m2) were randomized into high intensity training (HIT; n = 20) or low intensity training (LIT; n = 23) groups for 12 weeks. All participants also received the same nutritional, psychological and clinical counseling. Pre- and postintervention energy intake (EI) and circulating levels of insulin, leptin, peptide YY3-36 (PYY3-36) and ghrelin were measured. Adolescents in the HIT showed a reduction in total EI and an increase in PYY3-36 (p < .05). Aerobic exercise training performed at ventilatory threshold 1 intensity, reduced EI and augmented PYY3-36 in obese adolescents, compared with LIT. The data suggest that HIT and LIT have differential effects in the regulation of appetite signals and subsequent EI in obese adolescents.

Obstetric complications and mother’s age at delivery are predictors of eating disorder symptoms among Health Science college students / Complicações obstétricas e idade materna no parto são preditores de sintomas de transtornos alimentares em estudantes universitários da área da Saúde

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the association between perinatal/neonatal factors and symptoms of eating disorders among college students. Methods Four hundred and eight college students (283 women), aged 18 to 23 years old, enrolled in the first semester of a Bachelor of Health Science degree program were included in the sample. Eating disorder symptoms and body image dissatisfaction were assessed with the Eating Attitudes Test and Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh. Information regarding birth weight, breastfeeding, obstetric complications, mother’s age at delivery, type of delivery, and birth order were self-reported by the volunteers after consulting their parents. Association between perinatal and neonatal factors and symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa were assessed by binary logistic regression adjusted for sex, age, and body mass index. Results The likelihood of presenting with symptoms of anorexia nervosa was 0.5 time lower for those students born from the oldest mothers (odds ratio – OR=0.37; 95% confidence interval – 95%CI: 0.17-0.83). Relative to bulimia nervosa, the risk was higher among students who reported obstetric complications (OR=2.62; 95%CI: 1.03-6.67). Conclusion We observed the association between perinatal and neonatal factors with symptoms of eating disorders in college students.

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar a associação entre fatores perinatais/neonatais e sintomas de transtornos alimentares entre estudantes universitários. Métodos Quatrocentos e oito estudantes universitários (283 mulheres), com idade entre 18 e 23 anos, matriculados no primeiro semestre de cursos de Bacharelado na área das Ciências da Saúde foram incluídos na amostra. Sintomas de transtornos alimentares e de insatisfação com a imagem corporal foram avaliados por meio do Eating Attitudes Test e do Bulimic Investigatoty Test of Edinburgh. Informações sobre o peso ao nascer, aleitamento materno, complicações obstétricas, idade materna no momento do parto, tipo de parto e ordem de nascimento foram relatadas pelos voluntários após consulta com seus pais. A associação entre fatores perinatais/neonatais e sintomas de anorexia nervosa e bulimia nervosa foi avaliada por meio de regressão logística binária ajustada por sexo, idade e índice de massa corporal. Resultados A probabilidade de apresentar sintomas de anorexia nervosa foi 0,5 vez mais baixa para os alunos nascidos de mães mais velhas (odds ratio – OR=0,37; intervalo de confiança de 95% – IC 95%=0,17-0,83). Em relação à bulimia nervosa, o risco foi maior entre os estudantes que relataram complicações obstétricas (OR=2,62; IC 95%=1,03-6,67). Conclusão Observou-se associação entre fatores perinatais e neonatais com sintomas de transtornos alimentares em estudantes universitários.

Multidisciplinary intervention in obese adolescents: predictors of dropout.

OBJECTIVE: To identify biological and psychosocial factors associated with dropout in a multidisciplinary behavioral intervention in obese adolescents. METHODS: A total of 183 adolescents (15.4±1.6 years), pubertal (Tanner stage 3 or 4) and obese (34.7±4.0kg/m2), were enrolled in a 12-week behavioral intervention, which included clinical consultations (monthly), nutritional and psychological counseling (once a week), and supervised aerobic training (three times/week). The studied variables were weight, height, body mass index, body composition (skinfold), cardiorespiratory fitness (direct gas analysis), blood lipids and self-reported symptoms of eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia and binge eating), anxiety, depression, body image dissatisfaction and quality of life. Statistical analysis included binary logistic regression and independent t-tests. RESULTS: Of the adolescents, 73.7% adhered to the program. The greatest chance for dropout was observed among adolescents older than 15 years (odds ratio of 0.40; 95%CI: 0.15-0.98), with more anorexia symptoms (odds ratio of 0.35; 95%CI: 0.14-0.86) and hypercholesterolemia (odds ratio of 0.40; 95%CI: 0.16-0.91) at baseline. CONCLUSION: Older adolescents, with more symptoms of eating disorders and total cholesterol have less chance to adhere to multidisciplinary treatments.

Multidisciplinary intervention in obese adolescents: predictors of dropout / Intervenção multidisciplinar em adolescentes obesos: preditores de desistência

Objective To identify biological and psychosocial factors associated with dropout in a multidisciplinary behavioral intervention in obese adolescents.Methods A total of 183 adolescents (15.4±1.6 years), pubertal (Tanner stage 3 or 4) and obese (34.7±4.0kg/m2), were enrolled in a 12-week behavioral intervention, which included clinical consultations (monthly), nutritional and psychological counseling (once a week), and supervised aerobic training (three times/week). The studied variables were weight, height, body mass index, body composition (skinfold), cardiorespiratory fitness (direct gas analysis), blood lipids and self-reported symptoms of eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia and binge eating), anxiety, depression, body image dissatisfaction and quality of life. Statistical analysis included binary logistic regression and independent t-tests.Results Of the adolescents, 73.7% adhered to the program. The greatest chance for dropout was observed among adolescents older than 15 years (odds ratio of 0.40; 95%CI: 0.15-0.98), with more anorexia symptoms (odds ratio of 0.35; 95%CI: 0.14-0.86) and hypercholesterolemia (odds ratio of 0.40; 95%CI: 0.16-0.91) at baseline.Conclusion Older adolescents, with more symptoms of eating disorders and total cholesterol have less chance to adhere to multidisciplinary treatments.

Objetivo Identificar os fatores biológicos e psicossociais associados à desistência de uma intervenção multidisciplinar comportamental em adolescentes obesos.Métodos Foram selecionados para participar das 12 semanas de intervenção 183 adolescentes (15,4±1,6 anos), púberes (Tanner 3 ou 4) e obesos (34,7±4,0 kg/m2). A intervenção incluiu consultas clínicas (mensal), aconselhamento nutricional e psicológico (uma vez/semana), e treinamento aeróbio supervisionado (três vezes/semana). As variáveis estudadas foram peso, altura, índice de massa corporal, composição corporal (dobras cutâneas), aptidão cardiorrespiratória (análise direta de gases), perfil lipídico e sintomas autorrelatados de transtornos alimentares (bulimia, anorexia e compulsão alimentar), ansiedade, depressão, insatisfação com a imagem corporal e qualidade de vida. A análise estatística incluiu regressão logística binária e teste tde Student independente.Resultados Aderiram ao programa 73,7% dos adolescentes. A maior chance de desistência foi observada entre aqueles com mais de 15 anos (odds ratiode 0,40; IC95%: 0,15-0,98), com mais sintomas de anorexia (odds ratio de 0,35; IC95%: 0,14-0,86) e com hipercolesterolemia (odds ratio de 0,40; IC95%: 0,16-0,91) no início do estudo.Conclusão Adolescentes mais velhos, com mais sintomas de transtornos alimentares e de níveis de colesterol total, têm menor chance de aderir a tratamentos multidisciplinares.

Eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction among college students / Transtornos alimentares e insatisfação com a imagem corporal em estudantes universitários

Introduction: Body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior increase during college. Objectives: To identify symptoms of eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction in college students and to verify the relationship between eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 408 college students (283 females), aged 18-23y, enrolled in the first semester of health science in public universities from Recife-PE. Symptoms of eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction were assessed by self-report questionnaires (EAT-26, BITE, BES, BSQ). Results: Body image dissatisfaction was independently associated with a 22-fold increased risk for anorexia nervosa, 18-fold for bulimia nervosa and 25-fold for binge eating. Female college students (32.5%; CI95%=27.2-38.1%) have higher symptoms of eating disorders than males (18.4%; CI95%=12.3-25.9%). Specifically for bulimia, both females (26.1%; CI95%=21.3-31.5%) and males (21.6%; CI95%=15.1-29.5%) are at greater risk of developing this illness. Conclusion: The current findings provide preliminary evidence about risks of college health sciences students with body image dissatisfaction to develop eating disorders.

Introdução: Insatisfação com a imagem corporal e comportamentos alimentares inadequados aumentam durante a faculdade. Objetivo: Identificar sintomas de transtornos alimentares e insatisfação com a imagem corporal em universitários e verificar a correlação entre sintomas de transtornos alimentares e insatisfação com a imagem corporal. Métodos: Estudo transversal conduzido com 408 estudantes universitários (283 mulheres), idade 18 a 23 anos, matriculados no primeiro semestre de cursos de graduação da área da saúde. Sintomas de transtornos alimentares e insatisfação com a imagem corporal foram avaliados por questionários autoaplicáveis (EAT-26, BITE, BES, BSQ). Resultados: A imagem corporal foi associada com o aumento do risco em 22 vezes para anorexia nervosa, 18 vezes para bulimia nervosa e 25 vezes para compulsão alimentar. Mulheres (32,5%; IC95%=27,2-38,1%) apresentaram maior prevalência de sintomas quando compradas com homens (18,4%; CI95%=12,3-25,9%). Para bulimia, tanto mulheres (26,1%; CI95%=21,3-31,5%) quanto homens (21,6%; CI95%=15,1-29,5%) demonstraram elevado risco para o desenvolvimento da doença. Conclusão: Os resultados apresentam evidências preliminares sobre o risco de estudantes universitários da área da saúde com insatisfação da imagem corporal em desenvolver transtornos alimentes.

Improvements on Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors in Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Exercise Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear how different exercise intensities affect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in obese adolescents. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity (HIT) vs. low-intensity (LIT) aerobic training on CVD risk factors in obese adolescents. METHODS: Forty-three obese adolescents (age: 15.7 ± 1.3 years, BMI: 34.3 ± 4.1 kg/m(2)) participated this study either HIT (corresponding to ventilatory threshold I; N = 20) or LIT (20% below ventilatory threshold I; N = 23) for 12 weeks. All sessions were isocaloric (350 kcal). All participants received the same nutritional, psychological, and clinical counseling. Subjects were assessed in fatness, fitness, lipid profile, and glucose at baseline and after 12 weeks. The CVD risk factors assessed were waist circumference (WC), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose, and fitness, which were single and clustered analyzed (z scores sum). RESULTS: Body mass, Body Mass Index, fatness, and WC were improved (P < .001) in both groups. The sum of z scores (WC + TC + glucose-fitness-HDL) improved in both HIT (12 weeks = -2.16 SD; Cohen's d = .45) and LIT (12 weeks = -2.13 SD; Cohen's d = .60) without groups differences. Changes in fitness were associated with changes in WC (r = -.48; P = .003). CONCLUSION: HIT does not promote any additional improvements in CVD risk factors than LIT in obese adolescents.

Efeitos de diferentes intensidades de treinamento aeróbio sobre a composição corporal em adolescentes obesos / Effects of different intensities of aerobic training on body composition in obese adolescents

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar os efeitos de diferentes intensidades de treinamento físico aeróbio sobre a composição corporal de adolescentes obesos submetidos à intervenção multidisciplinar. O estudo caracterizou-se como ensaio clínico aleatorizado. Quarenta e dois adolescentes (13 a 17 anos) obesos (IMC = 34,48±3,88 kg/m²) púberes (estágio 3 e 4) participaram de 12 semanas de intervenção multidisciplinar. Os adolescentes foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos experimentais: treinamento de alta intensidade (TAI) (n=20) - intensidade correspondente ao limiar ventilatório I (LVI); e treinamento de baixa intensidade (TBI) (n=22) - 20% abaixo do LVI. As sessões de exercício foram isocalóricas (350 kcal). Todos os voluntários receberam acompanhamento clínico, nutricional e psicológico. A massa corporal (kg), estatura (cm) e dobras cutâneas (mm) foram mensuradas. O percentual de gordura foi estimado por meio da equação de Slaughter, em seguida, a massa magra e massa gorda foram estimadas. Após 12 semanas de intervenção foram verificadas reduções na massa corporal, IMC e adiposidade em ambos os grupos (p<0,001), bem como elevação da massa magra dos adolescentes (p<0,001). No presente estudo, a intervenção multidisciplinar se mostrou efetiva na modulação da composição corporal e da adiposidade dos adolescentes obesos. Entretanto, tais resultados parecem ser independentes da intensidade de treinamento aeróbio a qual os grupos foram submetidos.

This randomized clinical trial aimed to verify the effects of different aerobic training intensities on body composition in obese adolescents submitted to a 12-week multidisciplinary intervention. Participants were 42 obese and pubscent adolescents (BMI = 34.48 ± 3.88 kg/m2; aged 13-17 years). The adolescents were randomized into two experimental groups: high intensity training (HIT) (n=20) - corresponding to the ventilatory threshold I (LVI); and low intensity training (LIT) (n=22) - 20% below LVI. Exercise sessions were isocaloric (350 kcal). All participants received nutritional, psychological and clinical follow-up. Body mass (kg), height (cm) and skinfold thickness (mm) were measured. Body fat (%) was estimated using the Slaughter equation, followed by the calculation of lean mass and fat mass. After the 12-week intervention, we observed a decrease in body weight, BMI and body fat in both groups (p<0.001), as well as an increase in lean body mass of the adolescents (p <0.001). In this study, the multidisciplinary intervention was effective to modulate body composition and adiposity among obese adolescents. However, the results seem to be independent of aerobic training intensities.

Ansiedade pré-competitiva em jovens atletas de nado sincronizado: uma análise à luz dos aspectos emocionais / Pre-competitive anxiety in young athletes of synchronized swimming: an analysis in the light of emotional aspects

A ansiedade dos atletas nos momentos pré-competitivos coloca em cena as emoções, capazes de provocar comportamentos positivos e/ou negativos que influenciarão no desempenho dos mesmos. O estudo objetivou identificar as emoções negativas e positivas em jovens atletas de nado sincronizado e, assim, compreender os sentimentos vivenciados nos momentos que antecedem uma competição. A amostra foi composta por 19 atletas (sexo feminino) de nado sincronizado com idades entre 12 e 19 anos. Os instrumentos foram: Ficha de Identificação Sociodemográfica e Inventário de Ansiedade Traço e Estado (IDATE). Os dados foram analisados por meio do SPSS versão 10.0. Em seguida, os resultados foram expostos de forma descritiva, utilizando a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. Para construção dos diagramas, foi utilizado o software GoDiagram Express v.2.6.2. Os resultados apontaram que as atletas estão vulneráveis a fatores emocionais positivos (Realização Pessoal, Tranquilidade Ambiental e Equilíbrio Emocional) e/ou negativos (Preocupação, Ansiedade, Obstáculos e Desânimo/Cansaço).

The anxiety of athletes in the pre-competitive stage puts in evidence the emotions and behaviors that can cause positive and/or negative influence on their performance. The study aimed to identify negative and positive emotions in young synchronized swimmers and thus understand the feelings experienced in moments before a competition. The sample consisted of 19 synchronized swimmers aged between 12 and 19 years. The instruments were: Sociodemographic Identification Form and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Data were analyzed using SPSS 10.0. The results were presented in a descriptive way, using the content analysis technique. For constructing the diagrams it was used the software GoDiagram Express 2.6.2. The results showed that athletes are vulnerable to emotional factors whether positive (Personal Achievement, Environmental Tranquility and Emotional Balance) and/or negative (Worry, Anxiety, Obstacles and Discouragement/fatigue).