Catherine Christie

Relationship Between Body Image and Body Mass Index in College Men

Objective and Participants: The authors examined cognitive and affective dimensions of body image of a randomized sample of 188 college men on the basis of body mass index (BMI). Methods: They conducted chi-square tests and ANOVAs to determine differences between 4 BMI groups (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese) on demographics and body image measures. Results: The authors found significant differences in regard to total body image (p < .001), weight or shape concern (p < .001), and body dissatisfaction (p < .001). BMI was significantly correlated with negative body image. Overweight and obese participants reported significantly higher levels of negative body image than did normal- and underweight participants. Overweight participants reported significantly higher weight and shape concerns than did underweight, normal-weight, and obese participants. In regard to body dissatisfaction, underweight, overweight, and obese participants reported significantly higher levels of body dissatisfaction than that reported by normal-weight participants. Conclusions: BMI may be an important factor in identifying potential body image disorders in college-aged men.

The Role of Maternal Dietary Proteins in Development of Metabolic Syndrome in Offspring

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and obesity has been increasing. Pre-natal environment has been suggested as a factor influencing the risk of metabolic syndrome in adulthood. Both observational and experimental studies showed that maternal diet is a major modifier of the development of regulatory systems in the offspring in utero and post-natally. Both protein content and source in maternal diet influence pre- and early post-natal development. High and low protein dams’ diets have detrimental effect on body weight, blood pressure191 and metabolic and intake regulatory systems in the offspring. Moreover, the role of the source of protein in a nutritionally adequate maternal diet in programming of food intake regulatory system, body weight, glucose metabolism and blood pressure in offspring is studied. However, underlying mechanisms are still elusive. The purpose of this review is to examine the current literature related to the role of proteins in maternal diets in development of characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in offspring.

Relationship between spiritual well-being and binge eating in college females.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of spiritual well-being in college female non-binge, objective binge and binge-trait eaters. Therefore, this study aimed to measure spiritual well-being in non-binge, objective binge and partial/full-syndrome binge eating disorder college females. Survey research was conducted using a randomized sample of 809 female students. The sample was categorized into three binge eating categories: nonbinge, objective binge, and binge eating trait. Chi-Squares and Analysis of Variance determined binge eating group differences on demographics, global spiritual well-being, religious well-being, and existential well-being. Significant differences were found among groups for global spiritual well-being (p≤0.000), religious well-being (p<0.000), and existential well-being (p≤0.000). Higher levels of binge eating severity were associated with lower global spiritual and existential well-being scores. On measures of religious well-being, significant differences existed between the non-binge and the binge eating trait groups. The results suggest that spiritual well-being and especially existential well-being may be indirectly associated with the severity of binge eating.

Maintaining a heart-healthy diet most of the time.

Changing dietary behavior is inherently difficult and even more so given the current obesity-promoting environment. Health professionals may facilitate this process for patients by assessing readiness to change, identifying personal priorities and barriers, and providing personalized knowledge, while increasing healthy-eating skills, motivation, and self-efficacy. It is also important to address the obesity-promoting environment through pubic policy as well as individual dietary change. Implementation of the American Heart Association diet and lifestyle recommendations is discussed along with barriers and recent assessment data. Patients may require assistance with interpretation of recommendations to their specific situations and practical application strategies considering their barriers and needs. One concept that may be helpful is a discussion that dietary change is not an end point but a process. Introducing patients to the 90-10 rule applied to food choices may help them conceptualize this process more easily. This idea revolves around the principle that what an individual does 90% of the time is most critical, and allowing some flexibility can make changing any lifestyle behavior more palatable and achievable.

Contemporary approaches to adult Obesity treatment

Adult obesity is a common health problem associated with significant adverse health outcomes. Evidence-based guidelines support intensive nutrition and behavioral counseling and moderate physical exercise. Pharmacotherapy agents are available for long-term use to enhance weight loss efforts for some patients.

Health implications of food patterns in Belize.

A descriptive cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of Belizeans was conducted in 3 cities of Belize. Thirty-one interviews were analyzed. The mean age was 25 years, including 15 men (48.4%) and 16 women (51.6%) ranging from 19 to 50 years. Rice and beans were the most popular foods (n = 21). The tortilla was the most commonly consumed breakfast grain item. Men and women had inadequate intakes of vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. In women, iron and folate intake were also found to be low, and sodium intake was high among men. Health implications are discussed.

Chocolate Flavonoids in the Prevention of Arterial Disease

Chocolate, which provides a concentrated source of energy because of its high-fat content, belongs to a class of polyphenols known as flavonoids, which contain such celebrated foods as red grapes, tea, soy, and garlic. Dark chocolate contains the highest amount of flavonoid-rich cocoa. Both short- and long-term ingestion of chocolate products result in an increase in serum antioxidant capacity and a decrease in LDL oxidation, both linked to reduced heart disease risk. Health benefits from chocolate consumption related to cardiovascular disease include the health neutrality of its saturated fatty acid (stearic acid) and protective effects of its flavonols, including flavanols and procyanidins. Health benefits from chocolate consumption related to cardiovascular disease prevention include anti-inflammatory functions, which prevent development of fatty streaks in the beginning stages of the atherosclerotic process.