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Palumbo, Alexandra M.; Jacob, Chandni Maria; Khademioore, Sahar; Sakib, Mohammad Nazmus; Yoshida‐Montezuma, Yulika; Christodoulakis, Nicolette; Yassa, Peter; Vanama, Manasvi Sai; Gamra, Syrine; Ho, Pei‐Ju; Sadana, Ritu; De Rubeis, Vanessa; Griffith, Lauren E.; Anderson, Laura N.
doi: 10.1111/obr.13894pmid: 39861925
IntroductionTraditional obesity measures including body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and waist‐to‐height ratio have limitations. The primary objective of this study was to identify and review the validity of non‐traditional obesity measures, using measures of total body fat as the reference standard, that have been used across multiple life stages. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO. We included observational studies published from 2013 to October 2023 among “the general population” for any life stage that reported the validity of non‐traditional obesity measures compared to total body fat reference standards. Separate meta‐analyses were performed to pool correlation coefficients and mean differences for non‐traditional obesity measures that were evaluated at multiple life stages. ResultsA total of 123 studies were included, and 55 validated non‐traditional obesity measures were identified. Of these, 13 were evaluated at multiple life stages. Two‐dimensional (2D) digital imaging technologies, three‐dimensional (3D) body scanners, relative fat mass (RFM), and mid‐upper arm circumference had high or moderate validity (pooled correlation coefficient >0.70). Pooled mean differences were small (<6%) between total body fat percentage from reference standards and from RFM, 2D digital imaging technologies, 3D body scanners, and the body adiposity index. Heterogeneity (I2) was >75% in most meta‐analyses. ConclusionNumerous validated non‐traditional obesity measures were identified; relatively few were evaluated at multiple life stages and did not consider health risks associated with adiposity. More research is needed to define valid obesity measures across all life stages that assess health and adiposity.
doi: 10.1111/obr.13776pmid: N/A
No abstract is available for this article.
Yousefi, Reyhaneh; Bacon, Simon L.; Boucher, Vincent Gosselin; Acosta, Patricia F. C.; O'Neill, John; González‐González, Manuela; Raymond, Florence Coulombe; Lorencatto, Fabiana
doi: 10.1111/obr.13893pmid: 39815453
This is a qualitative systematic review in which we investigated barriers and enablers influencing dietary behavior change after metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). Database searches retrieved publications reporting perceived factors influencing dietary behavior change post‐MBS. Data (quotes, survey results, interpretative summaries) were extracted and analyzed using combined deductive and inductive thematic analyses. The generated barrier/enabler themes mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework and then behavior change techniques to identify potential strategies to improve post‐operative dietary behavior. Thirty‐four publications were included. Key barriers fell within the domains of ‘Environmental Context and Resources’ (e.g., insufficient and unreliable healthcare services), ‘Behavioral Regulation’ (e.g., lack of self‐discipline), ‘Emotions’ (e.g., eating as a strategy to overcome negative emotions), ‘Beliefs about Consequences’ (e.g., the extent of realistic expectations from MBS), and ‘Social Influences’ (e.g., challenge of eating at social events). Key enablers were also identified within ‘Environmental Context and Resources’ (e.g. self‐access internet‐based resources), ‘Behavioral Regulation’ (e.g. learning how to develop new dietary strategies), ‘Beliefs about Consequences’ (e.g., positive impacts of surgery‐induced food intolerances), and ‘Social Influences’ (e.g., support from social/group sessions). Potential strategies to change postoperative dietary behavior include social support, problem‐solving, goal setting, and self‐monitoring of behavior. This provides insight into the targets for future post‐operative nutrition‐focused interventions.
Kahe, Ka; Laferrère, Blandine; Castellanos, Francisco X.; Zhang, Yijia; Mozaffarian, Dariush
doi: 10.1111/obr.13903pmid: 39914377
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has become one of the most widely used food additives in the global food supply. Although it has been classified for decades as a food ingredient that is generally recognized as safe, concerns about the health impacts of chronic MSG use, especially its potential effect on weight, are still ongoing. This comprehensive review summarizes the available human and animal evidence, highlighting potential mechanisms linking MSG use to weight gain or obesity, and discusses challenges and future research directions. Because of MSG intake worldwide as well as hidden MSG in food labeling, there is a pressing need for a mechanistic understanding of the health impacts of MSG use especially on weight. To generate robust scientific evidence and to clarify public concerns, rigorous mechanistic studies and randomized controlled clinical trials are warranted.
Mambrini, Sara P.; Penzavecchia, Claudia; Menichetti, Francesca; Foppiani, Andrea; Leone, Alessandro; Pellizzari, Marta; Sileo, Federica; Battezzati, Alberto; Bertoli, Simona; De Amicis, Ramona
doi: 10.1111/obr.13901pmid: 39888238
The food system significantly affects the environment through land use, emissions from livestock, deforestation, and food waste. Diet sustainability considers the environmental effects of food production, distribution, and consumption. Animal products emit more greenhouse gases than plant‐based foods, prompting a shift towards plant‐focused diets for reduced emissions. Sustainable diets, like the EAT‐Lancet model, prioritize plant‐based foods, adjusting for regional eating habits. These diets aim to be both environmentally friendly and conducive to human health, addressing concerns like obesity and chronic diseases. Obesity is a major global health challenge, and its complex relationship with food production and consumption patterns calls for sustainable solutions to reduce pressure on ecosystems and promote healthier lifestyles. Tackling obesity requires holistic strategies that address not only individual health but also the broader environmental impacts of food systems. A systematic review examined the link between plant‐based diets and obesity focusing on studies assessing Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat assessment. Despite limited research, evidence suggests that adherence to a plant‐based diet, particularly a healthy one, is associated with lower obesity rates. More longitudinal and intervention studies are necessary for a stronger consensus on the matter.
Chan, Jacqueline; Conroy, Patrick; Phongsavan, Philayrath; Raubenheimer, David; Allman‐Farinelli, Margaret
doi: 10.1111/obr.13897pmid: 39822041
Early childhood is a key opportunity to establish healthy eating behaviors and prevent future non‐communicable diseases associated with poor diets. How to effectively intervene in the system of the many determinants influencing children's dietary intake remains unclear. This scoping review aimed to map the determinants of nutrition and eating that have been addressed in early childhood nutrition interventions and identify which of these improve dietary intake. We searched six electronic databases to identify eligible studies published from January 2000 to January 2024. We included studies of any interventions reporting dietary intake among children aged between two and five years. A total of 193 eligible studies were identified and mapped to the Determinants of Nutrition and Eating (DONE) Framework. Parent (n = 97) and child (n = 76) food knowledge and skills were most frequently addressed. Most studies addressing parent (67%) and child (66%) food knowledge and skills reported improvements in dietary intake. Government regulations such as healthy food subsidies, and food advertising and labeling interventions showed promised, with 82% of studies reporting improvements in dietary intake. However, these interventions were predominantly implemented in the United States and Chile. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic map of a range of interventions that positively influence nutritional outcomes in preschool‐aged children but recommends further policy‐level action globally.
Lee, Seungmin; Ahn, Soyeon; Patel, Priya; Myers, Nicholas D.
doi: 10.1111/obr.13898pmid: 39797493
The purpose of this study was to calculate the effects of recent eHealth interventions to promote physical activity in young, middle‐aged, and late middle‐aged adults with obesity or overweight. This meta‐analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines. In the search, 3550 articles were identified, and 15 studies met all inclusion criteria. The effects of recent eHealth interventions depended on the type of outcome variable: (a) intensity‐based physical activity (e.g., moderate‐to‐vigorous‐intensity physical activity, average minutes per day from intensity categories, steps per day) or (b) energy expenditure‐based physical activity (e.g., metabolic equivalent of task, kilocalories per week). The overall effects of recent eHealth interventions on the physical activity outcomes in adults with obesity were positive and ranged from small to medium in size. Ethnicity and weight status moderated the effects of recent eHealth interventions on physical activity outcomes. Results from this meta‐analysis provided some evidence for both the utility of, and possible improvements to, eHealth interventions to promote health‐enhancing physical activity in at‐risk populations.
Mosomi, Leonida Nyarwaba; Aceves‐Martins, Magaly; Johnstone, Alexandra M.; Roos, Baukje
doi: 10.1111/obr.13906pmid: 39939293
We systematically assessed evidence of overweight and obesity prevalence, and possible determinants, in people who experience incarceration globally. We searched Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases. Overweight and obesity proportions were pooled into a meta‐analysis and compared with national prevalences.
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