The association between parameters of physical activity and olfactory function-the importance of frequency and moderate intensity.

Introduction: Overall physical activity (PA) has been linked to decreased olfactory dysfunction and could improve olfactory function. Additionally, decreased olfactory function can contribute to reduced overall PA levels, given its association with neurodegenerative disorders. This study aims to examine the relationship between specific PA parameters (duration, frequency, intensity) and olfactory function in adults. Methods: A total of 3,527 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 underwent assessments for weekly PA duration, frequency, and intensity, alongside a smell test (including odors such as chocolate, strawberry, grape, onion, smoke, natural gas, leather, and soap). Correlation analyses and binary logistic regressions using SPSS were used to evaluate associations. Results: The total smell score exhibited small yet significant positive correlations with the duration, frequency, and volume of moderate PA (correlation coefficients ranging between 0.05 and 0.08; all p ≤ 0.05) and frequency of vigorous PA (correlation coefficient of 0.05; p < 0.05). For moderate PA, the duration, frequency, and volume were significantly and positively associated with the ability to correctly detect the smell of grapes while the frequency was significantly and positively associated with the ability to identify smoke and leather odors (odds ratios ranging from 1.01 to 1.07; p < 0.05). For vigorous PA, the frequency of PA was positively associated with the detection of grape smell (odds ratio of 1.05; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Some parameters of an active lifestyle are associated with improved odds of accurately identifying odors by up to 7.4%. Moderate PA duration, frequency, and volume were linked to better olfactory scores, while high-intensity PA had limited associations.

Activate Your Health: impact of a real-life programme promoting healthy lifestyle habits in Canadian workers.

The workplace has been suggested as a good setting for the promotion of healthy lifestyles. This article examines the impact of Activate Your Health programme, provided over an average of 1.35 years, on employee health and lifestyle habits (actual and intention to improve). Companies selected one of the programme's four options (number of interventions in parentheses): Control (2), Light (8), Moderate (13) and High (14). Employees (n = 524) completed an online questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. Mixed-effect models and generalized estimating equations models were used, where appropriate. There was an interaction effect of time by option for the number of employees intending to improve sleep habits (p = 0.030): +11.0% in Light (p = 0.013). No significant interaction effect of time by option was observed for body weight, body mass index, number of health problems or lifestyle habits (actual and intention to improve). When stratified by sex, there was an interaction effect of time by option for the number of women intending to improve sleep habits (p = 0.023): -26.1% in Moderate (p = 0.014). There was an interaction effect of time by option for body weight in men (p = 0.001): -0.58 kg in High (p = 0.031) and +2.58 kg in Control (p = 0.005). Other outcomes of interest were stable or improved post-intervention, regardless of option. The Activate Your Health programme allowed employees to maintain or improve outcomes related to health and lifestyle habits. A package like High may be beneficial for body weight regulation in men.

Body image and health-related behaviors among fitspirit participants.

BACKGROUND: Body image variables such as body size perception (BSP) and body size dissatisfaction (BSD) can influence health-related behaviors. However, few studies have investigated these body image variables in adolescent girls participating in a physical activity intervention. Therefore, the study objectives were to examine the 1) associations between health-related behaviors (physical activity, screen-time, eating habits and sleep duration) and BSP and BSD among girls participating in FitSpirit, a physical activity intervention for girls; and 2) influence of weight control practices on the association between health-related behaviors and BSP and BSD. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed a sample of 545 adolescent girls (mean age: 15.0±1.5 years) from 240 schools. Body mass index, health-related behaviors, perceived actual body size and desired body size variables were self-reported and collected via an online questionnaire at the end of the FitSpirit intervention. A negative BSP score [perceived actual body size - calculated BMI z-score] indicates an underestimation of body size. A positive BSD score [perceived actual body size - desired body size] indicates a desire to reduce body size. A multiple linear regression analysis examined the effects of age, zBMI and health behaviors on BSP and BSD. A second multiple linear regression analysis examined the independent associations between BSP and BSD by weight control practice. The linear relationships between BSP and BSD were evaluated with Pearson's correlations. RESULTS: Underestimation and dissatisfaction of body size are more prevalent in participants living with overweight/obesity. Screen-time and sleep duration were independently associated with BSP score (Beta=0.02; P<0.05 and Beta=-0.07; P<0.05, respectively), whereas only screen-time was associated with the BSD score (Beta=0.07; P<0.001). Physical activity was independently associated with the BSP score only in participants trying to control (maintain) their weight (Beta=-0.18; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Body size overestimation and dissatisfaction are associated with health-related behaviors, specifically with more screen-time and less optimal sleeping habits. Physical activity level does not appear to be associated with body image in girls engaged in a physical activity intervention and who want to lose or gain weight. Health promotion interventions could include screen-time and sleep components as they may influence body image.

Healthier Lifestyle for Girls Who Accumulate More Years in the FitSpirit School-Based Intervention.

The main aim was to verify in a group of adolescent girls undergoing a school-based intervention if the number of years of participation in the intervention is related to healthy lifestyle habits, body weight status, and perceived health. Cross-sectional analysis of the FitSpirit data was performed. Body mass index, lifestyle variables, and perceived health were collected through an online questionnaire. Chi-square test, Fisher's test, and ANOVA were performed. Mean age of the 272 girls was 14.7 ± 1.5 years. Higher percentage of girls with 3 or more years of participation met the recommendations for physical activity (PA) and sleep duration (P < .05). Girls who participated ≥3 years showed higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous PA than girls with 1 and 2 years of participation (P < .01). No differences were found between the number of years of participation and body mass index, screen time, fruit/vegetable consumption, or perceived health. A healthier body weight status and following recommendations for healthier habits (PA, screen time, sleep, fruit/vegetable consumption) were related to better perceived health (P < .05). Girls with more years in FitSpirit had healthier lifestyle habits (PA and sleep) compared to those with fewer years. A healthier body weight status and meeting healthy lifestyle recommendations were related to better perceived health.

Improvement Predictors in a Workplace Program Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Habits.

BACKGROUND: The baseline characteristics of employees to predict improvements in healthy lifestyle habits (LHs) following workplace health promotion programs are underexplored. This study sought to identify predictors of improvements in physical activity (PA), eating habits, sleep habits, and stress management, and health risk factors resulting from healthy LHs. METHODS: The Activate Your Health program included 3 packages of an increasing number of interventions: light, moderate, and high. Participating employees (n = 506) completed baseline and postintervention questionnaires that collected sociodemographic data, health- and LH-related variables, stress-related variables, and perceptions of general health and life satisfaction. Only those with the potential to improve were included in each improvement outcome analysis. RESULTS: Being in high and intending to reduce alcohol consumption increased the odds of improving PA. Very good/excellent perceived general health, poor sleep habits, high alcohol consumption, and intending to improve stress management increased the odds of improving stress levels at work. Depression and intending to improve sleep habits increased the odds of improving stress management. Reporting feelings of pleasure increased the odds of improving body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline characteristics predicting improvements differed for each LH. A targeted approach may be needed to help employees improve LHs and related outcomes.

The FitSpirit approach for increasing physical activity in canadian teenage girls: protocol of a longitudinal, quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, most adolescent girls do not meet physical activity (PA) recommendations and very few PA programs are tailored specifically towards them. Even fewer information exists about the long-term effects of such programs. Some Canadian schools have implemented the FitSpirit PA intervention designed specifically for girls aged 12 to 17 years old. This paper describes the protocol of a quasi-experimental study evaluating long-term changes in health behaviours and outcomes following FitSpirit participation. METHODS: The study is conducted among schools that partner with FitSpirit every year. It started in 2018 and will be completed in 2022. The intervention comprises motivational talks, a turnkey running program, PA sessions and special events. Study participants fill out an online questionnaire twice a year. Follow-up questionnaires are sent at the end of each school year to the study participants who dropout from FitSpirit. The main outcome, changes in PA levels, is evaluated using questions validated for adolescents. Secondary outcomes are health (perceived health); lifestyle habits (sedentary activities, eating and sleeping habits); psychosocial outcomes (physical self-efficacy and body satisfaction); and FitSpirit appreciation (activity participation and satisfaction). Most questions originate from questionnaires validated for the adolescent population. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses will be performed. DISCUSSION: This study will provide one of the first longitudinal reports on the impact of a large extra-curricular PA intervention designed specifically for adolescent girls. The current study will uniquely contribute to PA research by assessing outcomes additional to PA levels, including markers of health, lifestyle habits and psychosocial determinants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT, NCT03804151 , Registered on January 22, 2019; retrospectively registered.

Better health indicators of FitSpirit participants meeting 24-h movement guidelines for Canadian children and youth.

This study aims to determine the proportion of girls who meet the recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), screen time and sleep duration among FitSpirit participants and evaluate the associations of these recommendations with perceived health-related quality of life (QOL), perceived health, physical activity (PA), self-efficacy and body mass index. Cross-sectional analyses of FitSpirit data were performed. All variables were collected through an online questionnaire. The proportion of girls meeting all recommendations was 2.2%, while 72.5% met either one or two and 25.4% met none. A greater percentage of girls with ≥3 years in FitSpirit met MVPA and sleep recommendations combined when compared with fewer years (12.9% vs. 1.7% with 1 year; vs. 10.1% with 2 years; p < 0.05). Meeting the combinations of MVPA and screen time (ß = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.40, 1.68), MVPA and sleep (ß = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.27, 1.04) and all three combined (ß = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.33, 1.71) was the most significant predictors of better perceived QOL. Respecting MVPA recommendations predicted a better perceived health (ß = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.18, 0.87) while girls who slept as recommended had a better PA-related self-efficacy (ß = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.51, 2.11). Not meeting any recommendation was associated with inferior PA-related self-efficacy (ß = -0.32, 95% CI = -3.03, -1.21). Lastly, meeting MVPA and sleep recommendations was significantly associated with lower body mass index z-scores (ß = -0.14, 95% CI = -1.16, -0.11). There was a small percentage of girls following all of the recommendations. Furthermore, meeting individual and combined recommendations was associated with better perceived QOL and health, PA self-efficacy as well as healthier body mass index z-score.

Changes in Lifestyle Habits among Adolescent Girls after FitSpirit Participation.

Adolescence is a crucial time in the development and maintenance of lifestyle habits. Interventions to improve health-related behaviors are important, including those that can contribute to an increase in physical activity (PA). During adolescence, PA typically decreases with age, particularly in girls. The FitSpirit program offers services that help Canadian schools from Quebec and Ontario implement PA interventions for adolescent girls. This study aimed to evaluate changes in participants' PA levels and lifestyle habits (sedentary time, sleep duration and eating habits) and to assess whether these changes depended on adherence to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Canada's Food Guide recommendations at enrollment. At the time of FitSpirit registration (between December 2018 and March 2019) and in May/June 2019, 73 participants answered online questionnaires. The participants reported improvements, with an increase in the number of days with PA and a decrease in daily consumption of sweets. The greatest changes were observed in those who did not adhere to the Canadian recommendations before enrollment and who significantly increased their number of days with PA and their consumption of fruits and vegetables, and decreased their screen time. In conclusion, participation in FitSpirit improved several health behaviors among adolescent girls, particularly those who did not comply with the Canadian recommendations at enrollment.

Interaction between body weight status and walking speed in steps monitoring by GT3X accelerometer.

The measurement error of the step count function of the ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer was assessed at different walking speeds in 12 obese and 16 nonobese individuals. In comparison with visual verification, the accelerometer step count function measurement error was larger for obese individuals walking at low speeds (2.5 km·h(-1)). This error equated to an approximate 50% underestimation at these speeds.

Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents: results from the 2009 to 2011 Canadian Health Measures Survey.

BACKGROUND: The 2009 to 2011 Canadian Health Measures Survey provides the most recent measured body mass index (BMI) data for children and adolescents. However, different methodologies exist for classifying BMI among children and youth. Based on the most recent World Health Organization classification, nearly a third of 5- to 17-year-olds were overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity differed between boys and girls (15.1% versus 8.0%), most notably those aged 5 to 11, among whom the percentage of obese boys (19.5%) was more than three times that of obese girls (6.3%). These estimates indicate a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity among children than do estimates based on International Obesity Task Force cut-offs. Although the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in Canada has not increased over the last decade, it remains a public health concern, given the tendency for excess weight to persist through to adulthood and lead to negative health outcomes.

After-school snack intake among Canadian children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The article describes the after-school (AS) snacking pattern of young Canadians and its relationship with the amount of energy consumed daily and at dinner. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional dietary data, measured by 24h recall, from 9,131 children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 years from the Canadian Community Health Survey, cycle 2.2 (2004). We evaluated AS snack intake; i.e., foods consumed Monday to Friday between 3:00 and 6:00 pm, excluding lunch and dinner. We also assessed the consumption frequency of AS snack items, the energy provided by AS snacks and total daily energy intake (TDEI) by age group and sex. RESULTS: Approximately 63% of respondents consumed AS snacks. AS snacks provided on average 1212[95%CI,1157-1268] kJ (290[95%CI,276-303] kcal), representing 13[95%CI,12-13]% of TDEI. Youth who consumed AS snacks contributing 1-418 kJ (1-99 kcal) reported lower TDEI than those who consumed no snack. Among AS snack consumers, TDEI was higher in groups consuming the highest amount of energy from AS snacks. Fruits were among the most frequently consumed food categories. However, the largest energy contributors were mostly foods that may be energy-dense and nutrient-poor, such as cookies, sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets. CONCLUSION: Considering that the majority of children and adolescents consumed AS snacks, that these snacks provided about 13% of their TDEI, and that the majority of the most frequently consumed snacks were generally energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, the AS time period presents an opportunity to promote healthy eating in order to improve diet quality and potentially influence TDEI among Canadian children and adolescents.

The effect of tesofensine on appetite sensations.

Tesofensine (TE), an inhibitor of monoamine presynaptic reuptake, has produced twice the weight loss seen with currently marketed drugs. However, its long term effect on appetite in humans has not been studied. A multicentre phase II trial was divided into two parts (24 weeks each). Part 1 had a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design and Part 2, an open-labeled, single-group, uncontrolled design. A drug-free period (12 ± 3 weeks) separated them. In Part 1, participants (n = 158) were assigned to 0.25, 0.5 or 1.0 mg TE, or placebo. Completers of Part 1 were invited to participate in Part 2 (n = 113), during which they all received 0.5 or 1.0 mg TE. Appetite sensations and a composite satiety score (CSS = satiety + fullness + (100 - hunger) + (100 - prospective food consumption) were assessed. In Part 1 TE induced a dose-dependent increase in CSS at week 12 that correlated with weight loss during the 24 weeks (r = 0.36, P < 0.0001). However, CSS diminished over time as weight loss progressed (e.g., for 1.0 mg; 52 ± 17 mm; 64 ± 13 mm; 55 ± 13 mm at baseline, week 12 and week 24, respectively). After drug withdrawal CSS returned to baseline values (50 ± 17 mm, in the whole sample.), despite the participants' reduced-weight state (-7.2 ± 6.7 kg, P < 0.0001). The reintroduction of TE in Part 2 increased CSS again (56 ± 17 mm at week 60), regardless of initial treatment/weight loss. We postulate that enhanced satiety is involved in early weight loss. Whether the attenuated effect on appetite seen after 24 weeks is due to a counteracting effect in the weight reduced state or whether the appetite suppressing effect of TE per se diminishes over time is, however, still unclear.

Human obesity: is insufficient calcium/dairy intake part of the problem?

Epidemiological data have shown that low calcium intake is a risk factor for overweight and obesity. The clinical implications of this relationship have been confirmed in weight loss studies performed in low calcium consumers in whom calcium or dairy supplementation accentuated body weight and fat loss. Up to now, laboratory studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that this effect may be explained by an increase in fat oxidation and fecal loss as well as a facilitation of appetite control. Taken together, these observations suggest that insufficient calcium intake can be part of the obesity problem in some individuals and that an increase in calcium/dairy intake is part of the solution. Key teaching points: Low dietary calcium intake is a significant risk factor for overweight in adults. Calcium/dairy supplementation may accentuate the impact of a weight-reducing program in obese low calcium consumers. Calcium/dairy supplementation promotes fecal fat loss and fat oxidation. Calcium/dairy supplementation favors a decrease in energy intake and a facilitation of appetite control in obese individuals during weight loss.

Milk supplementation facilitates appetite control in obese women during weight loss: a randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Dairy products provide Ca and protein which may facilitate appetite control. Conversely, weight loss is known to increase the motivation to eat. This randomised controlled trial verified the influence of milk supplementation on appetite markers during weight loss. Low Ca consumer women participated in a 6-month energy-restricted programme (-2508 kJ/d or -600 kcal/d) and received either a milk supplementation (1000 mg Ca/d) or an isoenergetic placebo (n 13 and 12, respectively). Fasting appetite sensations were assessed by visual analogue scales. Anthropometric parameters and fasting plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, leptin, ghrelin and cortisol were measured as well. Both groups showed a significant weight loss (P < 0·0001). In the milk-supplemented group, a time x treatment interaction effect showed that weight loss with milk supplementation induced a smaller increase in desire to eat and hunger (P < 0·05). Unlike the placebo group, the milk-supplemented group showed a lower than predicted decrease in fullness (-17·1 v. -8·8; -2·7 v. 3·3 mm, P < 0·05, measured v. predicted values, respectively). Even after adjustment for fat mass loss, changes in ghrelin concentration predicted those in desire to eat (r 0·56, P < 0·01), hunger (r 0·45, P < 0·05) and fullness (r -0·40, P < 0·05). However, the study did not show a between-group difference in the change in ghrelin concentration in response to the intervention. These results show that milk supplementation attenuates the orexigenic effect of body weight loss.

Physical activity plays an important role in body weight regulation.

Emerging literature highlights the need to incorporate physical activity into every strategy intended to prevent weight gain as well as to maintain weight loss over time. Furthermore, physical activity should be part of any plan to lose weight. The stimulus of exercise provides valuable metabolic adaptations that improve energy and macronutrient balance regulation. A tight coupling between energy intake and energy expenditure has been documented at high levels of physical exercise, suggesting that exercise may improve appetite control. The regular practice of physical activity has also been reported to reduce the risk of stress-induced weight gain. A more personalized approach is recommended when planning exercise programs in a clinical weight loss setting in order to limit the compensatory changes associated to exercise-induced weight loss. With modern environment promoting overeating and sedentary behavior, there is an urgent need for a concerted action including legislative measures to promote healthy active living in order to curb the current epidemic of chronic diseases.

Comparison of 150-mm versus 100-mm visual analogue scales in free living adult subjects.

The aim of this study was to verify whether appetite sensation scores obtained from 150-mm visual analogue scales (VAS) can be compared to those obtained from 100-mm scales. On one occasion, using a within-subject design, 25 participants (mean age: 42.2 + or - 13.3 years, mean body mass index: 22.9 + or - 2.3 kg/m(2)) recorded their appetite sensations before lunch, and at five additional time points during the postprandial period. At each time point, both VAS (150 mm and 100 mm) were used to record desire to eat, hunger, fullness, satiety, and prospective food consumption. The VAS in the same booklet were completed immediately one after the other in a randomized order to eliminate the order effect. We observed that the immediate, successive completion of questionnaires varying in length resulted in no significant difference in appetite markers, with a strong linear relationship between the two tools (r from 0.80 to 0.98, P<0.01). We conclude that VAS scores obtained from 150-mm to 100-mm length scales are interchangeable, both before and in response to a meal.

Dairy beverages and energy balance.

High dairy intakes have been associated with lower rates of obesity in observational studies, but mechanisms to explain the association are lacking. A high intake of dairy protein reduces spontaneous food intake and may be one important mechanism, but more specific effects of dairy calcium seem to exist. We have found that high versus low calcium intakes from dairy products had no effect on 24-h energy expenditure or substrate oxidation rates, but fecal fat excretion increased approximately 2.5-fold on the high-calcium diets. In a meta-analysis of intervention studies we found that increasing dairy calcium intake by 1200mg/day resulted in increased fecal fat excretion by 5.2 (1.6-8.8) g/day. Newer research shows that humans possess taste receptors for calcium in the gastrointestinal tract and that signaling may be linked to appetite regulation. A new line of evidence suggests that an inadequate calcium intake during an energy restricted weight loss program may trigger hunger and impair compliance to the diet. These mechanisms may be part of the explanation for the protective effects of dairy products with regard to obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Milk products, insulin resistance syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

A growing body of evidence suggests an inverse relationship between calcium and vitamin D status and dairy food intake and the development of the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (t2DM). Observational studies show a consistent inverse association between dairy intake and the prevalence of IRS and t2DM. In a systematic review of the observational evidence, the odds for developing the IRS was 0.71 (95% CI, 0,57-0.89) for the highest dairy intake (3-4 servings/d) vs. the lowest intake (0.9-1.7 servings/d). Few interventional studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of dairy food intake on the management of prevention of IRS or t2DM. Intervention studies that have examined the independent effects of dairy intake on specific metabolic components of the IRS including blood pressure and obesigenic parameters have shown favorable effects that support the observational findings albeit the results have been less consistent. Many metabolic and dietary factors appear to influence the degree to which dairy affects IRS metabolic parameters including calcium and vitamin D intake status, BMI, ethnicity and age. Overall, the intake of low-fat dairy products is a feature of a healthy dietary pattern which has been shown to contribute to a significant extent to the prevention of IRS.

Relationship between diet-induced changes in body fat and appetite sensations in women.

To quantify the impact of weight/fat loss on appetite sensations, 54 overweight women followed a caloric restriction program (-2900 kJ/day). Their body composition and appetite sensations were assessed. Visual analogue scales (VAS) were used to measure desire to eat, hunger, fullness and prospective food consumption. The results showed that there is a significant association between the decrease in body fat mass and the change in appetite sensations, predicting a 5.8-mm increase in desire to eat and a 3.6-mm decrease in fullness per kg fat loss. This quantified relationship could serve as a reference point to evaluate the satiating efficiency of functional foods when they are combined with a weight-reducing program.

Relationship between food insecurity and body composition in Ugandans living in urban Kampala.

The aim of this pilot study was to document the association between food insecurity and body composition among men and women from urban Kampala (Uganda, East Africa) with an emphasis on the potential discrepancy between the sexes. A convenience sample of 60 food secure subjects (30 males and 30 females) and 60 food insecure subjects (30 males and 30 females) matched by age between sexes and categories were tested at home by trained research assistants. To categorize the subjects as food secure or food insecure, the Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity instrument was used. The percentage of overweight/obesity was 31.2% and 66.3% for food insecure men and women, respectively. Only food insecure women were significantly more likely to be overweight (ie, body mass index > or = 25; crude odds ratio=2.3, confidence interval: 1.2 to 3.4) or to have at-risk waist circumference (ie, waist circumference > or = 88 cm; crude odds ratio=2.3, confidence interval: 1.2 to 3.7) compared to their food-secure counterparts. However, after adjusting for potentially confounding effects of several environmental factors, the risk for food insecure women to be overweight or to have at-risk waist circumference was not significant, suggesting that the potential impact of food insecurity is partly expressed via variations of these factors.