Search Results (946)

Introduction: The wellbeing of humans and the planet is negatively impacted by unhealthy eating behaviors and excessive food waste. Mindfulness approaches have the potential to help people modify their behavior to achieve healthier outcomes. Pilot testing methods to sustainably support healthy eating and reduce food waste are essential for identifying effective ways to promote human and planetary health. Methods: A pilot study was conducted to test a virtual mindful eating program to improve eating behaviors and reduce food waste among a small sample of U.S. adults. Mixed-methods approaches were used to identify the efficacy of the piloted intervention on mindfulness, eating behaviors, and food waste while identifying participant perspectives of the mindful eating program. Results: Quantitative study outcomes indicated positive intervention effects on hunger/satiety cues and food appreciation. No significant intervention effects were detected on mindfulness or food waste. Qualitative findings highlighted participant reports of experiencing greater self-awareness, an improved relationship with food, and a sense of creativity with meal preparation. Conclusions: This pilot study tested a novel mindful eating program that improved eating behaviors related to hunger/satiety and increased food appreciation. The program was accepted by participants, but it did not increase mindfulness or reduce food waste. Future iterations of this mindful eating program will require modifications to test different approaches for increasing mindfulness and reducing food waste while expanding the positive effects on healthy eating. Full article

Introduction: Night shift work (NSW) has been increasingly addressed in the scientific literature, as it is considered a probable carcinogen. In this study, we investigated the association of NSW with health problems, unhealthy behaviors, and occupational carcinogens. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a sample of 47,953 workers from the 2019 National Health Survey. NSW prevalence was estimated according to sociodemographic characteristics. To investigate the associations of NSW with all study variables, gender stratified logistic regression models were used. The odds-ratio and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results: Among men, there was a significant association of NSW with sleep disorders (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.17–1.65), tiredness (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.41–2.00), obesity (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.20–1.66), unhealthy food consumption (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.12–1.46), handling of radioactive material (OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.61–3.72), and biological material (OR = 3.18; 95% CI: 3.15–4.80). Among females, NSW was associated with the same variables except obesity, but depressive feelings (OR = 1.35 95% CI: 1.09–1.67), frequent alcohol intake (OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.23–1.78), handling of chemical substances (OR = 1.54; OR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.20–1.97), and passive smoking at work (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.12–1.86) were highly significant. Conclusion: Night shift workers are more vulnerable to occupational carcinogen exposure, experience greater impacts on their well-being, and are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors. These findings should be considered in managing and organizing night work in the workplace. Actions to promote healthy work environments should be encouraged to protect workers’ health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acrylamide is a probably carcinogenic to humans that naturally forms during the thermal processing of foods. An individual’s lifestyle—especially dietary habits and physical activity—may influence the severity of acrylamide’s adverse health effects. This study aimed to examine the relationship between adolescents’ dietary and exercise behaviors and their dietary acrylamide exposure and associated health risks. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 370 high school students in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Nutrition Exercise Behavior Scale (NEBS) and a retrospective 24-h dietary recall questionnaire. Acrylamide exposure was calculated based on food intake to estimate carcinogenic (CR) and non-corcinogenic (target hazard quotient: THQ) health risks and analyzed in relation to NEBS scores. Results: Findings indicated that while adolescents are beginning to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits, these behaviors are not yet consistent. Emotional eating and unhealthy food choices still occur. Higher acrylamide exposure and risk values were observed in boys and underweight individuals. This can be explained mainly by the fact that boys consume more of certain foods—especially bread, which contains relatively higher levels of acrylamide—than girls do, and that underweight individuals have lower body weights despite consuming similar amounts of food as other groups. Bread products emerged as the primary source of daily acrylamide intake. Positive correlations were found between NEBS total and subscale scores and acrylamide exposure and health risk values. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a significant association between adolescents’ health behaviors and acrylamide exposure. These results underscore potential public health concerns regarding acrylamide intake during adolescence and emphasize the need for targeted nutritional interventions to reduce risk and promote sustainable healthy behaviors. Full article

Background and Objectives: A provegetarian (PVG) food pattern, also known as a plant-based food pattern, which prioritizes the consumption of plant-based foods without completely excluding animal-based foods has been associated with health benefits. However, not all plant-based foods are healthy. We prospectively evaluated the association between different PVG food patterns and the risk of total mortality in the “Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra” (SUN) cohort. Methods: The SUN Project is a Mediterranean cohort study involving Spanish university graduates. A validated 136-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used. A PVG food pattern, as previously proposed, was calculated assigning positive scores to plant-based foods and inverse scores to animal-based foods. Participants were categorized into quintiles based on their adherence to this pattern. Additionally, healthy and unhealthy PVG food patterns were derived. Results: Data from 17,989 participants with a mean baseline age (standard deviation) 38 (±12) years were analyzed. Over a mean follow-up period of 12 years, 460 deaths (2.6%) were recorded. Participants with higher adherence to the PVG food pattern (Q5) exhibited a 32% lower risk of total mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 0.68 (95% CI: (0.50–0.93); p for trend = 0.020] as compared to those with lower adherence (Q1), after adjusting for multiple confounders. This inverse association persisted for the healthy PVG food pattern [HR: 0.65 (95% CI: 0.47–0.90); p for trend = 0.016]. In contrast, the unhealthy PVG food pattern did not show any significant association with mortality [HR: 1.31 (95% CI: 0.94–1.83)]. Conclusions: Higher adherence to a PVG food pattern, which emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods, reduces the risk of total mortality in the SUN cohort. Full article

Background/Objectives: Job stress negatively affects physical and psychological health and can lead to behavioral changes such as unhealthy eating. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between job stress levels, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and the phytochemical index (PI). Methods: The study included 200 healthy individuals aged 18–50 working at the Tuzla Gum Factory. Data were collected through demographic and dietary questionnaires, two-day 24-h food records, PI values, and anthropometric measurements. Job stress was assessed using the Job Stress Scale, and Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Questionnaire. Results: Waist and hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, and BMI were significantly higher in individuals with high levels of job stress (p < 0.01). Unskilled workers reported higher stress than professionals (p < 0.01). Significant differences were found in carbohydrate and fiber intake among males and in energy, protein, carbohydrate, and vitamin A intake among females with varying stress levels (p < 0.01). No significant difference in Mediterranean diet adherence was observed between medium and high stress groups. However, women had higher adherence and PI scores than men (p < 0.01). Diet adherence was better among managers than service-sales and technical staff (p < 0.01). PI scores were higher in medium stress than high stress individuals (p < 0.05) and in those with a higher BMI compared to a normal BMI (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Job stress influences both anthropometric parameters and dietary habits. Effective stress management may improve adherence to the Mediterranean diet and phytochemical intake. Workplace strategies supporting healthy eating behaviors are recommended. Full article

Background: Western dietary patterns worldwide are increasingly dominated by energy-dense, nutrient-deficient industrial foods, often identified as ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Such products may have detrimental health implications, particularly if nutritionally inadequate. This study aimed to examine the intake of unhealthy UPFs among children and adolescents from five Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Lebanon) involved in the DELICIOUS project and to assess the association with dietary quality indicators. Methods: A survey was conducted with a sample of 2011 parents of children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years to evaluate their dietary habits. Diet quality was assessed using the Youth Healthy Eating Index (Y-HEI), the KIDMED index to determine adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and compliance with national dietary guidelines. Results: Increased UPF consumption was not inherently associated with healthy or unhealthy specific food groups, although children and adolescents who consumed UPF daily were less likely to exhibit high overall diet quality and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. In all five countries, greater UPF intake was associated with poorer compliance with dietary recommendations concerning fats, sweets, meat, and legumes. Conclusions: Increased UPF consumption among Mediterranean children and adolescents is associated with an unhealthy dietary pattern, possibly marked by a high intake of fats, sweets, and meat, and a low consumption of legumes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used indicator of children’s nutritional status and helps identify risks of being underweight and overweight during development. Understanding how BMI classifications evolve over time is crucial for early intervention and public health planning. This study aimed to determine the scope and direction of changes in BMI classification among children between the ages of 6 and 10. Methods: This longitudinal study included 1026 children (497 boys and 529 girls) from Gdansk, Poland. Standardized anthropometric measurements were collected at ages 6 and 10. BMI was calculated and classified using international reference systems (IOTF and OLAF). BMI classification changes were analyzed using rank transformations and Pearson correlation coefficients (p < 0.05) to explore relationships between body measurements. Results: Most children (76.51%) retained their BMI classifications over the four-year period. However, 23.49% experienced changes, with boys more often moving to a higher BMI category (15.29%) and girls more frequently shifting to a lower category (14.03%). The prevalence of children classified as living with obesity declined between ages 6 and 10, while both overweight and underweight classifications slightly increased. Strong correlations were observed between somatic features and BMI at both ages. Conclusions: The stability of BMI classification over time underscores the importance of early identification and sustained monitoring of nutritional status. The sex-specific patterns observed highlight the importance of targeted health promotion strategies. In this context, incorporating dietary interventions—such as promoting balanced meals and reducing unhealthy food intake—could play a significant role in maintaining healthy BMI trajectories and preventing both obesity and undernutrition during childhood. Full article

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents a public health problem globally, with the highest prevalence reported among older adults. While an interplay of various determinants including genetic, epigenetic, environmental factors and unhealthy lifestyle, particularly diet, has been established to contribute to T2D development, emerging evidence supports the role of interactions between nutrients or dietary patterns and genes in the pathogenesis of this metabolic disorder. The amount, and especially the type of carbohydrates, in particular, have been correlated with the risk of non-communicable chronic disease and mortality. This narrative review aims to discuss the updated data on the complex and not fully elucidated relationship between carbohydrate–gene interactions and incidence of T2D, identifying the most susceptible genes able to modulate the dual association between carbohydrate intake and risk of developing T2D. The identification of genetic polymorphisms in response to this macronutrient represents a potentially powerful target to estimate individual risk and prevent the development of T2D in the context of personalized medicine. The postulation around novel foods potentially tailored to minimize the risks of developing T2D will pave the way for a new era into food research in relation to the safeguarding of well-being status in patients affected by, or at risk for, T2D. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent research indicates a global transition from healthy and balanced diets to unhealthy Westernized dietary patterns (WDPs). This transition is linked to increased rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, often preceded by metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a diet quality index, termed Westernized Diet Index (WDI), to assess adherence to WDPs and its association with main cardiometabolic health issues, for which MetS and its components were chosen as representatives of NCDs. Methods: The development of the WDI was driven by a semi-systematic and comprehensive examination of the literature (n = 491 articles) that evaluated the influence of WDP components on health outcomes. The scoring algorithm involved multiple steps, assigning scores based on study design, sample size, and the direction of food effects on health outcomes. Results: The final developed index encompassed 30 food groups/items. It was revealed that soft drinks, processed foods, red meat, sodium, and hydrogenated fats had the most detrimental effects on health, significantly influencing the index’s coefficients. In contrast, dietary fiber, plant-based metabolites, vitamins, minerals, nuts/seeds, and fish had the most substantial beneficial impacts. Conclusions: The WDI aligns with the existing literature on the importance of specific food items and with other validated diet quality indices, e.g., the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). Thus, the WDI can provide evidence for clinicians and researchers in formulating evidence-based dietary guidelines as well as strategies for the prevention and treatment of diet-related health issues. However, further validation is proposed to verify the WDI’s capability across different contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psychological distress is common among university students and often co-occurs with unhealthy lifestyle patterns. However, most studies examine physical activity (PA) and dietary intake (DI) in isolation, overlooking how these behaviors interact under stress. This study aimed to identify and compare integrated PA and DI behavior patterns among students with low vs. high psychological distress. Methods: A cross-sectional case–control design was used with 209 students (aged 19–21). Questionnaires included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Questionnaire of Eating Behavior (QEB), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 items (DASS-21). Behavioral patterns were assessed using a cophylogenetic approach (tanglegrams, cophenetic statistics), and predictive behaviors were analyzed using stepwise logistic regression. Results: Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) revealed significant group differences in PA–DI structure (F = 3.91, R² = 0.0185, p = 0.001). Tanglegram and PACo analyses showed tighter PA–DI alignment in high-distress individuals, suggesting more rigid, compensatory behavior profiles. Logistic regression identified vigorous PA (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.33–2.50, p < 0.001) and fast food intake (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.05–1.98, p = 0.026) as significant distress indicators. Sweets intake showed a non-significant trend (OR = 1.33, p = 0.064). Conclusions: Students with higher psychological distress exhibit complex lifestyle co-patterns combining risk (e.g., fast food) and compensatory behaviors (e.g., vigorous PA). Health promotion should address PA and DI jointly, and screening for distress should be integrated into student wellness programs. Full article

A lack of access to healthy food has been a problem for low-income residents in many developed urban areas. Due to travel time and additional transportation costs, these residents often opt for unhealthy food rather than nutritious alternatives. This study examines the spatial distribution of food deserts in Mississauga—one of Canada’s most populous cities and a city with one of the highest diabetes rates in the Province of Ontario. Network analysis was employed to map the geographic inaccessibility to essential nutritious food, defined as residential areas that are beyond a 15-min walking distance from grocery stores. Socioeconomic indicators were integrated to identify and compare the regions that are socioeconomically disadvantaged and, therefore, most affected by food inaccessibility. The results reveal the presence of several food deserts spatially dispersed in Mississauga. The implications of these findings are discussed, with a focus on the relationship between food desert locations and the socioeconomic conditions of the affected residents. This study provides a practical, replicable approach for identifying food deserts that can be easily applied in other regions. The model developed offers valuable tools for policymakers and urban planners to address food desert issues, improving access to healthy food and positively impacting the health and well-being of affected populations. Full article

American adults struggle with accurately assessing the quality of their diet, with the majority overrating their diet quality. Thus, the objective of the study was to explore what individuals think about when asked to rate their diet quality. Virtual focus groups were conducted from October 2023 to April 2024, using a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions. Convenience samples of small-scale farmers, school food service directors, health clinic patients, and university students and staff in Mississippi and Arkansas participated (N = 27). Themes and subthemes from NVivo-transcribed discussions were identified and coded inductively. Four subthemes emerged for description of diet: balance, consideration for others, convenience, and location. Four subthemes emerged for quality of diet: availability/access, culture/tradition, health considerations, and making better choices. Three subthemes emerged for healthy food: composition/preparation, nourishing benefits, and taste/flavor. Three subthemes emerged for unhealthy food: addicting/overconsumption, composition/preparation, and undesirable effects. Three subthemes emerged for nutrition knowledge: audience specific, general knowledge, and ambivalence. Three subthemes emerged for food shopping: food types, family influence/preference, and planning. Factors shaping how individuals perceive their diet quality are complex with intertwining components. Understanding the complexity involved in self-perceptions of diet quality will help us better quantify perceptions and link them to measurable outcomes. Full article

Background: Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major global health challenge, with unhealthy diets contributing significantly to their burden. Metabolomics data offer new possibilities for identifying nutritional biomarkers, as demonstrated in short-term intervention studies. This study investigated associations between habitual dietary intake and urinary metabolites, a not well-studied area. Methods: Data were available from 496 participants of the population-based MEIA study. Linear and median regression models examined associations between habitual dietary intake and metabolites, adjusted for possible confounders. K-means clustering identified urinary metabolite clusters, and multinomial regression models were applied to analyze associations between food intake and metabolite clusters. Results: Using linear regression models, previously reported associations could be replicated, including citrus intake with proline betaine, protein intake with urea, and fiber intake with hippurate. Novel findings include positive associations of poultry intake with taurine, indoxyl sulfate, 1-methylnicotinamide, and trimethylamine-N-oxide. Milk substitutes were positively associated with urinary uracil, pseudouridine, 4-hydroxyhippurate, and 3-hydroxyhippurate, and inversely associated with quinic acid. Dietary fiber intake showed a positive association with 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic acid and a negative association with indoxyl sulfate. We identified sucrose and taurine as key metabolites differentiating metabolite clusters. Multinomial regression analysis confirmed significantly different dietary associations across clusters, particularly for fruits, processed meat, poultry, and alcoholic beverages. Conclusions: This study highlights established and novel food–metabolite associations, demonstrating the potential of urinary metabolomics for use as nutritional biomarkers in individuals from the general population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plant-based diets are associated with reduced chronic disease risk, though regional variations persist. In Zhejiang, China, where plant-based food intake is high, this study aimed to explore the association between plant-based diets and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults aged 35–75. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2024 Zhejiang Nutrition and Health Survey (ZJNHS). Three plant-based diet indices were calculated: the overall plant-based diet index (PDI), healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI), and unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI). Multivariate logistic regression models evaluated associations between diet index quintiles and MetS and its components. Results: Among the 4695 participants included in the study, 23.9% (n = 1122) had MetS. After adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors, individuals in the highest uPDI quintile showed a significantly higher MetS risk compared to the lowest quintile (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08–1.73, p-trend = 0.013). Subgroup analyses revealed significant gender interaction (p for interaction < 0.001), with women exhibiting elevated MetS risk (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04, p < 0.001). For MetS components, the highest uPDI quintile was associated with increased risks of abdominal obesity (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05–1.66; p-trend = 0.032), elevated blood pressure (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12–1.78; p-trend = 0.003), and elevated fasting glucose (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.59; p-trend = 0.037). Conclusions: Unhealthy plant-based foods are associated with increased MetS risk, particularly in women. Reducing intake of such foods, considering sex differences, and implementing precision nutrition interventions are essential. Full article

Globally, unhealthy dietary behaviours are consistently seen to significantly contribute to the burden caused by diet-related diseases (DRDs). This is particularly evident among adolescents, a demographic that are at a critical stage of development for lifelong eating habits. This study aims to map the efficacy of post-primary school-based nutritional education (NE) interventions in the modification of adolescent dietary behaviours. A scoping review methodology was implemented, following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, and adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Peer-reviewed research from 2015 to 2024 was thoroughly searched using the PubMed and Scopus databases, with inclusion criteria centred on school-based NE interventions aimed at changing post-primary students’ eating habits. In total, 50 studies were selected for analysis, which were then further categorised into five key intervention approaches: knowledge and behaviour-focused programmes, DRD-specific interventions, gamified or interactive learning methods, peer-led or externally facilitated programmes, and school food environment modifications. The findings indicate that structured NE interventions, particularly those incorporating behavioural theories, show positive outcomes in enhancing adolescent dietary knowledge and self-efficacy. The gamified interventions and interactive approaches demonstrated high engagement among participants, but the success of long-term changes was varied. The interventions addressing DRDs, especially obesity, showed significant impacts when combining educational components with structural modifications to school food environments. Peer-led models improved relatability and participation rates but faced challenges in terms of standardisation and repeatability. While school-based NE interventions effectively improve adolescent nutritional knowledge and behaviours, future research should focus on long-term follow-up assessments to determine the sustainability of these changes. These findings offer valuable insights for educators designing curricula, policymakers developing school health strategies, and practitioners seeking to implement feasible, evidence-based nutrition programmes in diverse educational settings. Full article