Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors Associated with Diagonal Earlobe Crease (Frank Sign) in Mexican Adults: Aging, Obesity, Arterial Hypertension, and Being Male Are the Most Important.

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia enfold heart disease morbimortality. Diagonal earlobe crease has been proposed as a prognostic marker of extension and severity of illness in patients with acute coronary syndrome. But its usefulness remains unclear in patients with or without coronary disease. Methods: A case-control study was carried out on a total of 805 patients with and without cardiovascular risk factors or acute coronary syndrome. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the probability of having diagonal earlobe crease with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and acute coronary syndrome. Data were summarized as odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals and P values. Results: An unadjusted (univariate) analysis showed that being male, being older than 55 years, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia, as well as having acute coronary syndrome, were associated with the presence of diagonal earlobe crease. The multivariate analysis showed that men (OR 1.6, 95% IC 1.1-2.4, P=0.007), being over 55 years old (OR 4.8, 95% IC 3.2-7.2, P < 0.001), being obese (OR 2.1, 95% IC 1.4-3.1, P < 0.001), having arterial hypertension (1.5, 95% IC 1.1-2.3, P=0.025), or suffering from acute coronary syndrome (OR 5.3, 95% IC 2.5-11.1, P < 0.001), were independent factors associated with diagonal earlobe crease. The rest of cardiovascular risk factors were not relevant in the multivariate model. Conclusions: In Mexican adults, having an acute coronary syndrome is not the only factor associated with diagonal earlobe crease but also being a man, older than 55 years, having high blood pressure and obesity. Diagonal earlobe crease may simply be caused by changes in the skin and connective tissues of the ears because of the aging process, obesity, and/or being male. These factors, by themselves, enfold cardiovascular risk due to well-known pathophysiological causes.

Evaluation of depression, anxiety, risky eating behaviors, eating habits and physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents in Mexico City.

INTRODUCTION: during the pandemic, an increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as lifestyle changes in adolescents has been reported. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate anxiety and depression symptoms, risky eating behaviors (REB), eating habits and physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexican adolescents; to associate the study variables with the development of REB. METHODS: a study was performed with a sample of 2,710 adolescents. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Questionnaire to measure Risky Eating Behaviors were applied; eating habits and physical activity were evaluated. A Multivariate Logistic Regression analysis was performed to evaluate an association between study variables and REB. RESULTS: it was found that 34.4 % and 47.2 % of the adolescents presented symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. Furthermore, 10.6 % had REB and 18.1 % were at risk of REB. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 46.5 %; only 13.1 % of the participants had healthy eating habits and 18.2 % adequate physical activity. Symptoms of depression (p < 0.0001), anxiety (p < 0.0001), higher BMI (p < 0.0001), female sex, excessive consumption of sugary drinks, eating outside the home (p < 0.0001), and lifestyle (p = 0.001) were associated with REB. CONCLUSIONS: confinement caused chaos on the lifestyle of adolescents as well as their psychological health. It is essential to develop educational programs that involve government authorities, parents and health agencies to reinforce the topics of healthy eating, physical activity and mental health in the country's secondary schools.

Epidemiological Overview of Overweight and Obesity Related to Eating Habits, Physical Activity and the Concurrent Presence of Depression and Anxiety in Adolescents from High Schools in Mexico City: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Overweight and obesity in adolescents has become a serious public health problem worldwide and Mexico City is no exception. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiological panorama of overweight and obesity related to eating habits, physical activity and the concurrent presence of depression and anxiety in adolescents from high schools in Mexico City. Anthropometric measurements were taken from 2710 adolescents from 33 participating high schools. Likewise, a previously validated eating habit and physical activity questionnaire was administered, which consisted of four different sections, where each of the sections focused on key aspects of the participants' lifestyle: (1) eating habits, (2) intake of non-recommended foods, (3) food and company environment, and (4) physical activity. Moreover, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for anxiety and depression was applied. In this study, a high prevalence of overweight and obesity (26.5% overweight and 20.0% obese) was found in adolescents from high schools in Mexico City. Only 13.14% of participants had adequate eating habits and 18.19% physical activity habits. An association was found between having inadequate eating habits and obesity in adolescent women (OR = 1.95; CI 1.009-3.76). Additionally, associations were observed between depression symptoms and obesity (OR = 5.68, CI 1.36-32.81; p = 0.01), while anxiety was associated with underweight and obesity adjusted by other dietary habits and psychological factors. Therefore, it is important to identify adolescents with overweight or obesity and establish prevention strategies for weight control in this age group, promoting healthy eating, physical activity and education in mental health.

[Impact of different front-of-pack nutrition labels on foods according to their nutritional quality: a comparative study in Mexico]. / Impacto de diferentes etiquetados frontales de alimentos según su calidad nutricional: estudio comparativo en México.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare consumers' objec- tive understanding of five FoPLs [Health Star Rating system (HSR), Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL), Nutri-Score, Reference Intakes (RIs), Warning Symbol] in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1 001 Mexican consumers were recruited and asked to rank three sets of label-free products according to their nutritional quality, via a survey. Upon completion of this task, participants were randomized to one of five FoPL condi- tions and were again asked to rank the same sets of products, this time with a FoPL displayed on pack. Change in ability to correctly rank products across the two tasks was assessed by FoPL using ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: Nutri-Score and MTL performed best, followed Warning Symbol, HSR and RIs. CONCLUSIONS: Nutri-Score and MTL appear as efficient schemes to inform consumers on the nutritional quality of foods, in particular in Mexico, where it would be a helpful tool for consumers in purchasing situations.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la comprensión objetiva de cinco tipos de etiquetados frontales de paquetes (EFP) (Sistema de Clasifi- cación de Estrellas de Salud, Semáforo Múltiple, Nutri-Score, Ingestas de Referencia y Símbolo de Advertencia) en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se reclutaron 1 001 consumidores mexicanos para clasificar tres productos de tres categorías de alimentos sin EFP, según su calidad nutricional. Se les asignó al azar uno de los cinco EFP para clasificar los mismos productos, esta vez con un EFP en el empaque. El cambio en la capacidad para clasificar correctamente los productos en las dos tareas fue evaluado por EFP, utilizando un modelo de regresión logística ordinal. RESULTADOS: Nutri-Score y Semáforo Múltiple obtuvieron un mejor desempeño, seguidos del Símbolo de Advertencia, Sistema de Clasificación de Estrellas de Salud e Ingestas de Referencia. CONCLUSIONES: Nutri-Score y el Semáforo Múltiple surgen como esquemas eficientes para informar a los consumidores sobre la calidad nutricional de los alimentos en México, donde podrían ser una herramienta útil para los consumidores en situación de compra.

Impacto de diferentes etiquetados frontales de alimentos según su calidad nutricional: estudio comparativo en México / Impact of different front-of-pack nutrition labels on foods according to their nutritional quality: a comparative study in Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la comprensión objetiva de cinco tipos de etiquetados frontales de paquetes (EFP) (Sistema de Clasificación de Estrellas de Salud, Semáforo Múltiple, Nutri-Score, Ingestas de Referencia y Símbolo de Advertencia) en México. Material y métodos: Se reclutaron 1 001 consumidores mexicanos para clasificar tres productos de tres categorías de alimentos sin EFP, según su calidad nutricional. Se les asignó al azar uno de los cinco EFP para clasificar los mismos productos, esta vez con un EFP en el empaque. El cambio en la capacidad para clasificar correctamente los productos en las dos tareas fue evaluado por EFP, utilizando un modelo de regresión logística ordinal. Resultados: Nutri-Score y Semáforo Múltiple obtuvieron un mejor desempeño, seguidos del Símbolo de Advertencia, Sistema de Clasificación de Estrellas de Salud e Ingestas de Referencia. Conclusión: Nutri-Score y el Semáforo Múltiple surgen como esquemas eficientes para informar a los consumidores sobre la calidad nutricional de los alimentos en México, donde podrían ser una herramienta útil para los consumidores en situación de compra.

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to compare consumers' objective understanding of five FoPLs [Health Star Rating system (HSR), Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL), Nutri-Score, Reference Intakes (RIs), Warning Symbol] in Mexico. Materials and methods: 1 001 Mexican consumers were recruited and asked to rank three sets of label-free products according to their nutritional quality, via a survey. Upon completion of this task, participants were randomized to one of five FoPL conditions and were again asked to rank the same sets of products, this time with a FoPL displayed on pack. Change in ability to correctly rank products across the two tasks was assessed by FoPL using ordinal logistic regression. Results: Nutri-Score and MTL performed best, followed Warning Symbol, HSR and RIs. Conclusion: Nutri-Score and MTL appear as efficient schemes to inform consumers on the nutritional quality of foods, in particular in Mexico, where it would be a helpful tool for consumers in purchasing situations.

Prevalence of alexithymia in eating disorders in a clinical sample of 800 Mexican patients.

INTRODUCTION: The inability to identify, express feelings, and not distinguish between emotions and bodily sensations, is known as alexithymia. In 1988, it developed The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), consists of 20 items and three factors: a) difficulty of identifying feelings and differences between feelings and bodily sensations; b) difficulty of describing feelings; and c) externally oriented thinking. It's considered that people with eating disorders have specific deficits in identify and communicate their feelings. OBJECTIVE: The present study has as purpose to the instrument validation. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study and psychometric character design of a single sample, formed of 435 persons suffering eating disorder (ED), with an age range of 12-68 years, of which 91% were women and 9% were men. To obtain the reliability of the instrument, applies internal consistency test, which resulted in an alpha of 0.89, then applied a factor analysis of principals components with oblimin rotation. RESULTS: According to statistical analysis, were eliminated six items, so the scale finished with 14 items, and to analyze it observed that these items correspond with the two main factors of the original scale. The ED patients present alexithymia. DISCUSSION: The scale satisfies the criteria of validity necessary for use in this population.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La incapacidad para identificar y expresar sentimientos, y no distinguir entre las emociones y las sensaciones corporales, se conoce como alexitimia. En 1988 se desarrolló la Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto (TAS-20), que está conformada por 20 reactivos y tres factores: a) dificultad para identificar los sentimientos y las diferencias entre sentimientos y sensaciones corporales; b) dificultad para describir sentimientos; y c) pensamiento orientado externamente. Se considera que las personas con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) tienen déficits específicos en la identificación y la comunicación de sus sentimientos. OBJETIVO: Realizar la validación de dicho instrumento. MÉTODO: Estudio de tipo transversal y de carácter psicométrico con diseño de una sola muestra, conformada por 435 personas con diagnóstico de TCA, con un rango de edad de 12 a 68 años, de las cuales el 91% eran mujeres y el 9% eran hombres. Para obtener la confiabilidad del instrumento se aplicó una prueba de consistencia interna, que dio como resultado un alfa de 0.89; posteriormente se hizo un análisis factorial de componentes principales con rotación oblimin. RESULTADOS: De acuerdo con el análisis estadístico, se eliminaron seis reactivos, de tal forma que la escala finalizó con 14 reactivos, y al analizarlos se observó que concordaban con los dos factores principales de la escala original. Las pacientes con TCA presentan alexitimia. DISCUSIÓN: La escala satisface los criterios de validez necesarios para ser utilizada en dicha población.

NutriNet-Salud Mexico. Prospective study online: 2018-2028. Relationship between nutrition and health and determinants of dietary habits and nutritional status.

BACKGROUND: NutriNet-Salud Mexico is a digital health information system, e-epidemiology instrument, online, open and free, to recording and analysis the determinants of dietary habits and nutritional status of the Mexican population, for the prevention of overweight, obesity and noncommunicable diseases for the period 2018-2028. OBJECTIVE: Describe the design, development and implementation of NutriNet-Salud Mexico from the French model NutriNet-Santé France 2008-2018. METHOD: NutriNet-Salud Mexico platform is the basis for the development of health information system for prospective cohort study, scheduled for a period of 10 years (2018-2028), with a dedicated website, and its development will enable to have multiple study populations within an initial set of five self-applicable questionnaires validated in Mexican population. RESULTS: The information will enable to develop applied research, learn and monitor food contributions and nutritional status of the population, assess the impact of public health actions on feeding behavior and nutritional status, comparing populations between countries (Mexico, France, Belgium and Switzerland) and national institutes, universities and states. CONCLUSIONS: NutriNet-Salud Mexico will provide information for assist in research and public action, especially to guide public policies on nutrition Mexico. The scientific elements will make appropriate nutritional recommendations to different populations and access to a representative nominal population sample with low-cost, in real-time, and with dual approach to e-epidemiology: cohort study to identify causality and cross-sectional studies (descriptive research, monitoring and evaluation).

INTRODUCCIÓN: NutriNet-Salud México es un sistema de información en salud digital, instrumento de e-epidemiología, en línea, abierto y gratuito, para el registro y el análisis de los factores determinantes de los hábitos alimentarios y el estado nutricional de la población mexicana, para la prevención del sobrepeso, la obesidad y las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles para el período 2018-2028. OBJETIVO: Describir el diseño, el desarrollo y la implementación de NutriNet-Salud México a partir del modelo francés NutriNet-Santé France 2008-2018. MÉTODO: La plataforma NutriNet-Salud México es la base digital para el desarrollo de un sistema de información en salud ­para un estudio de cohorte prospectivo programado para 10 años (2018-2028)­ con un sitio web dedicado cuyo desarrollo permite tener varias poblaciones de estudio que responden un conjunto inicial de cinco cuestionarios autoaplicables validados en población mexicana. RESULTADOS: La información obtenida permitirá desarrollar investigación aplicada, conocer y vigilar los aportes alimentarios y el estado nutricional de la población, evaluar el impacto de acciones de salud pública sobre el comportamiento alimentario y el estado nutricional, y comparar poblaciones entre países (México, Francia, Bélgica y Suiza) e institutos nacionales, universidades y Estados. CONCLUSIONES: NutriNet-Salud México permitirá coadyuvar en investigación y acción pública, especialmente en la orientación de políticas públicas de México en materia de nutrición. Los elementos científicos aportarán recomendaciones nutricionales adecuadas a diferentes poblaciones, y permitirán acceder a una representativa muestra poblacional nominal a bajo costo y en tiempo real con doble abordaje de e-epidemiología: estudio de cohorte para identificar causalidad y estudios transversales periódicos (investigación descriptiva, monitoreo y evaluación).

NutriNet-Salud México. Prospective study online: 2018-2028. Relationship between nutrition and health and determinants of dietary habits and nutritional status. / NutriNet-Salud México. Estudio prospectivo por Internet: 2018-2028. Relación de nutrición y salud y factores determinantes de los hábitos alimentarios y el estado nutricional

Background: NutriNet-Salud Mexico is a digital health information system, e-epidemiology instrument, online, open and free, to recording and analysis the determinants of dietary habits and nutritional status of the Mexican population, for the prevention of overweight, obesity and noncommunicable diseases for the period 2018-2028. Objective: Describe the design, development and implementation of NutriNet-Salud Mexico from the French model NutriNet-Santé France 2008-2018. Method: NutriNet-Salud Mexico platform is the basis for the development of health information system for prospective cohort study, scheduled for a period of 10 years (2018-2028), with a dedicated website, and its development will enable to have multiple study populations within an initial set of five self-applicable questionnaires validated in Mexican population. Results: The information will enable to develop applied research, learn and monitor food contributions and nutritional status of the population, assess the impact of public health actions on feeding behavior and nutritional status, comparing populations between countries (Mexico, France, Belgium and Switzerland) and national institutes, universities and states. Conclusions: NutriNet-Salud Mexico will provide information for assist in research and public action, especially to guide public policies on nutrition Mexico. The scientific elements will make appropriate nutritional recommendations to different populations and access to a representative nominal population sample with low-cost, in real-time, and with dual approach to e-epidemiology: cohort study to identify causality and cross-sectional studies (descriptive research, monitoring and evaluation).

Introducción: NutriNet-Salud México es un sistema de información en salud digital, instrumento de e-epidemiología, en línea, abierto y gratuito, para el registro y el análisis de los factores determinantes de los hábitos alimentarios y el estado nutricional de la población mexicana, para la prevención del sobrepeso, la obesidad y las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles para el período 2018-2028. Objetivo: Describir el diseño, el desarrollo y la implementación de NutriNet-Salud México a partir del modelo francés NutriNet-Santé France 2008-2018. Método: La plataforma NutriNet-Salud México es la base digital para el desarrollo de un sistema de información en salud ­para un estudio de cohorte prospectivo programado para 10 años (2018-2028)­ con un sitio web dedicado cuyo desarrollo permite tener varias poblaciones de estudio que responden un conjunto inicial de cinco cuestionarios autoaplicables validados en población mexicana. Resultados: La información obtenida permitirá desarrollar investigación aplicada, conocer y vigilar los aportes alimentarios y el estado nutricional de la población, evaluar el impacto de acciones de salud pública sobre el comportamiento alimentario y el estado nutricional, y comparar poblaciones entre países (México, Francia, Bélgica y Suiza) e institutos nacionales, universidades y Estados. Conclusiones: NutriNet-Salud México permitirá coadyuvar en investigación y acción pública, especialmente en la orientación de políticas públicas de México en materia de nutrición. Los elementos científicos aportarán recomendaciones nutricionales adecuadas a diferentes poblaciones, y permitirán acceder a una representativa muestra poblacional nominal a bajo costo y en tiempo real con doble abordaje de e-epidemiología: estudio de cohorte para identificar causalidad y estudios transversales periódicos (investigación descriptiva, monitoreo y evaluación).

Prevalence of alexithymia in eating disorders in a clinical sample of 800 Mexican patients. / Prevalencia de alexitimia en los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en una muestra clínica de 800 pacientes mexicanas

Introduction: The inability to identify, express feelings, and not distinguish between emotions and bodily sensations, is known as alexithymia. In 1988, it developed The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), consists of 20 items and three factors: a) difficulty of identifying feelings and differences between feelings and bodily sensations; b) difficulty of describing feelings; and c) externally oriented thinking. It's considered that people with eating disorders have specific deficits in identify and communicate their feelings. Objective: The present study has as purpose to the instrument validation. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study and psychometric character design of a single sample, formed of 435 persons suffering eating disorder (ED), with an age range of 12-68 years, of which 91% were women and 9% were men. To obtain the reliability of the instrument, applies internal consistency test, which resulted in an alpha of 0.89, then applied a factor analysis of principals components with oblimin rotation. Results: According to statistical analysis, were eliminated six items, so the scale finished with 14 items, and to analyze it observed that these items correspond with the two main factors of the original scale. The ED patients present alexithymia. Discussion: The scale satisfies the criteria of validity necessary for use in this population.

Introducción: La incapacidad para identificar y expresar sentimientos, y no distinguir entre las emociones y las sensaciones corporales, se conoce como alexitimia. En 1988 se desarrolló la Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto (TAS-20), que está conformada por 20 reactivos y tres factores: a) dificultad para identificar los sentimientos y las diferencias entre sentimientos y sensaciones corporales; b) dificultad para describir sentimientos; y c) pensamiento orientado externamente. Se considera que las personas con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) tienen déficits específicos en la identificación y la comunicación de sus sentimientos. Objetivo: Realizar la validación de dicho instrumento. Método: Estudio de tipo transversal y de carácter psicométrico con diseño de una sola muestra, conformada por 435 personas con diagnóstico de TCA, con un rango de edad de 12 a 68 años, de las cuales el 91% eran mujeres y el 9% eran hombres. Para obtener la confiabilidad del instrumento se aplicó una prueba de consistencia interna, que dio como resultado un alfa de 0.89; posteriormente se hizo un análisis factorial de componentes principales con rotación oblimin. Resultados: De acuerdo con el análisis estadístico, se eliminaron seis reactivos, de tal forma que la escala finalizó con 14 reactivos, y al analizarlos se observó que concordaban con los dos factores principales de la escala original. Las pacientes con TCA presentan alexitimia. Discusión: La escala satisface los criterios de validez necesarios para ser utilizada en dicha población.

Validación de la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión en población mexicana con trastorno de la conducta alimentaria / Validation of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in Mexican population with eating disorders

Resumen Los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) son trastornos mentales caracterizados por la alteración del patrón de ingesta calórica. A su vez, los TCA presentan una alta comorbilidad con la depresión y la ansiedad. En México, la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión (HADS) ha mostrado ser un instrumento de evaluación válido y confiable en pacientes con VIH, cáncer u obesidad, pero no se han examinado sus propiedades psicométricas en pacientes con TCA, siendo este el objetivo del presente trabajo. Participaron 325 pacientes (M edad = 22.0, DE =9.7), quienes completaron la HADS. Con base en el análisis de componentes principales, con rotación oblimin, la escala quedó conformada por 12 reactivos divididos en las dos subescalas predichas: Depresión (con nueve ítems) y Ansiedad (con tres ítems). Con base en esta estructura, se confirmó la consistencia interna tanto de la escala (α = 0.88) como de sus dos subescalas (α > 0.80). Sin embargo, los reactivos no se agruparon de forma similar a la escala original, por lo que se analiza en detalle la reconfiguración de la HADS a la luz de las características de la población con TCA en que se examinó la escala.

Abstract Eating disorders (ED) are psychiatric diseases characterized by the alteration of the caloric intake. Besides, ED have a high comorbidity with depression and anxiety. In Mexico, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) has shown to be a valid and reliable instrument in patients with HIV, cancer, and obesity but its psychometric properties have not been assessed in patients with ED, being the latter the aim of this research. A total of 325 patients (M age = 22.0, SD = 9.7), completed the HADS. Based on principal axis factoring and oblimin rotation the scale yielded 12 items divided into two subscales: Depression (with nine items) and Anxiety (with three items). With this structure was confirmed the internal consistency of the scale (α = 0.88) and the two subscales (α > 0.80), however the items did not group in the same order than they did in the original scale, for this reason the new configuration of the HADS was analyzed in detail based on the features of the population where the scale was examined, this means, in patients with ED.

Prevalence of abnormal eating behaviors in adolescents in Mexico: Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2006.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of abnormal eating behaviors in a population-based nationwide survey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A stratified, probabilistic, multistage design sampling process was used. The Brief Questionnaire for Risky Eating Behaviors was included in the Mexican Health and Nutrition Survey 2006 (ENSANUT 2006) and administered to participants 10-19 years old (n= 25 166). The study had the power to describe nationwide characteristics by age, regions and urban/rural settings. RESULTS: A high risk for having an eating disorder was found in 0.8% of the total participants (0.4% male adolescents and 1.0% female). Inhabitants in large cities showed higher risk for having an abnormal eating behavior compared to subjects living in other settings. The highest prevalences were found in males > 15 years old and females > 13 years old for all evaluated behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Results show less prevalence of risky eating behaviors among adolescents in comparison to other populations. The female/male ratio was 3:1, far different from the 9:1 shown in a previous study in Mexico City, but similar to results from the US national eating disorders screening.

Prevalence of abnormal eating behaviors in adolescents in Mexico: Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2006 / Prevalencia de conductas alimentarias anormales de adolescentes en México: Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición ENSANUT 2006

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of abnormal eating behaviors in a population-based nationwide survey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A stratified, probabilistic, multistage design sampling process was used. The Brief Questionnaire for Risky Eating Behaviors was included in the Mexican Health and Nutrition Survey 2006 (ENSANUT 2006) and administered to participants 10-19 years old (n= 25 166). The study had the power to describe nationwide characteristics by age, regions and urban/rural settings. RESULTS: A high risk for having an eating disorder was found in 0.8 percent of the total participants (0.4 percent male adolescents and 1.0 percent female). Inhabitants in large cities showed higher risk for having an abnormal eating behavior compared to subjects living in other settings. The highest prevalences were found in males > 15 years old and females > 13 years old for all evaluated behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Results show less prevalence of risky eating behaviors among adolescents in comparison to other populations. The female/male ratio was 3:1, far different from the 9:1 shown in a previous study in Mexico City, but similar to results from the US national eating disorders screening.

OBJETIVOS: Describir la prevalencia de conductas alimentarias anormales en una encuesta nacional de base poblacional. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Diseño muestral probabilístico, polietápico, por conglomerados y estratificado. Se utilizó el Cuestionario Breve de de Conductas Alimentarias de Riesgo de la ENSANUT 2006, en adolescentes entre 10 y 19 años de edad (n= 25 166) de ambos sexos, con resultado nacional, por región y tipo de localidad. RESULTADOS: En 0.8 por ciento de los participantes se encontró alto riesgo de desarrollar un trastorno de conducta alimentaria (0.4 por ciento hombres y 1.0 por ciento mujeres). La edad de mayor riesgo fue > 15 años en hombres y > 13 en mujeres. Los habitantes de áreas metropolitanas presentan un riesgo mayor que la población rural y urbana. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de conductas alimentarias de riesgo en adolescentes es menor en comparación con otras poblaciones. La relación mujer/hombre resultó de 3:1, muy diferente del 9:1 encontrado en población estudiantil de la Ciudad de México, pero similar a lo reportado en la encuesta nacional de trastornos alimentarios en EUA.

[Chronic non-communicable diseases in Mexico: epidemiologic synopsis and integral prevention]. / Las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en México: sinopsis epidemiológica y prevención integral.

The federal government has implemented several strategies to reduce mortality caused by chronic non-communicable diseases (CNTD). One example is the development of medical units specialized in the care of CNTD (i.e. overweight, obesity, cardiovascular risk and diabetes), named UNEMES (from its Spanish initials). These units--consisting of an ad-hoc, trained, multi-disciplinary team--will provide patient education, help in the resolution of obstacles limiting treatment adherence, and involve the family in patient care. Treatment will be provided using standardized protocols. The efficacy of the intervention will be regularly measured using pre-specified outcomes. We expect that these UNEMES will result in significant savings. In summary, our health care system is developing better treatment strategies for CNTD. Evaluating the performance of the UNEMES will generate valuable information for the design of future preventive actions.

Las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en México: sinopsis epidemiológica y prevención integral / Chronic non-communicable diseases in Mexico: epidemiologic synopsis and integral prevention

El gobierno federal desarrolla acciones para reducir la mortalidad por las "enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles" (ECNT). Una de ellas es la creación de unidades médicas de especialidad (Uneme) diseñadas para el tratamiento especializado de las ECNT (sobrepeso, obesidad, riesgo cardiovascular y diabetes). La intervención se basa en la participación de un grupo multidisciplinario entrenado ex profeso, la educación del paciente sobre su salud, la incorporación de la familia al tratamiento y la resolución de las condiciones que limitan la observancia de las recomendaciones. El tratamiento está indicado con base en protocolos estandarizados. La eficacia de la intervención se evalúa en forma sistemática mediante indicadores cuantitativos predefinidos. Se espera que las Uneme resulten en ahorros para el sistema de salud. En suma, este último desarrolla mejores medidas de control para las ECNT. La evaluación del desempeño de las Uneme generará información para planear acciones preventivas futuras.

The federal government has implemented several strategies to reduce mortality caused by chronic non-communicable diseases (CNTD). One example is the development of medical units specialized in the care of CNTD (i.e. overweight, obesity, cardiovascular risk and diabetes), named UNEMES (from its Spanish initials). These units -consisting of an ad-hoc, trained, multi-disciplinary team- will provide patient education, help in the resolution of obstacles limiting treatment adherence, and involve the family in patient care. Treatment will be provided using standardized protocols. The efficacy of the intervention will be regularly measured using pre-specified outcomes. We expect that these UNEMES will result in significant savings. In summary, our health care system is developing better treatment strategies for CNTD. Evaluating the performance of the UNEMES will generate valuable information for the design of future preventive actions.

[Eating disorders as risk factors for osteoporosis]. / Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria como factor de riesgo para osteoporosis.

Eating disorders (TCA per its abbreviation in Spanish) are common in young women, with an estimated prevalence of 4-5%. One of the physical complications of eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa (AN) and eating disorder not otherwise specified (TANE) is bone mass loss, which affects both cortical and trabecular bone. The synergistic effect of malnutrition and estrogen deficiency produces significant bone mass loss, resulting from the uncoupling of bone turnover characterized by a decrease in osteoblastic bone formation and an increase in osteclastic bone resorption. The mechanisms implied in the pathogenesis of bone loss are the hypoestrogenism, hypercortisolism, serum leptin levels and insulin-like growth factor decrease. Severity of bone loss in anorexia nervosa varies depending on duration of illness, the minimal weight ever and sedentarism or strenuous exercise. Long term consequences occur, such as a fracture risk increase in patients who have suffered anorexia nervosa, compared with the general population. The first treatment line to recover bone mass is nutritional rehabilitation together with weight gain. Hormonal replacement therapy may be effective if combined with an anabolic method. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are terms adopted to define the deficiency of bone mass in adults. Authors have used these terms to define densitometric data in young subjects who have not reached their peak bone mass. We suggest the term "hypo-osteogenesia" to define the deficiency in the development of bone mass in adolescents or children.

Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria como factor de riesgo para osteoporosis / Eating disorders as risk factors for osteoporosis

Los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria son comunes en mujeres jóvenes con una prevalencia estimada de entre 4-5 por ciento. La pérdida de masa ósea es una complicación física de la anorexia nervosa y trastorno alimentario no especificado que afecta tanto a hueso cortical como trabecular. El efecto sinérgico de la desnutrición y la deficiencia de estrógenos produce una pérdida de masa ósea a través del desacoplamiento entre resorción osteoclástica y formación osteoblástica. La severidad varía dependiendo de la duración de la enfermedad, el peso menor alcanzado y la actividad física. La repercusión a largo plazo es evidente pues existe un incremento en el riesgo de fractura en las pacientes que han padecido anorexia nervosa. La primera línea de tratamiento para recuperar la masa ósea es la rehabilitación nutricia y un incremento de peso. La terapia de reemplazo hormonal podría ser efectiva si se combina con métodos anabólicos. Los términos osteopenia y osteoporosis fueron adoptados para definir la deficiencia de masa ósea en adultos. Los autores de las publicaciones que fueron revisadas utilizaron dichos términos para definir datos densitométricos en sujetos jóvenes que no han alcanzado la masa ósea pico. Sugerimos el término "hipo-osteogenesia" para definir el desarrollo deficiente de masa ósea en adolescentes o niños.