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This study explores whether anti-fat bias is reduced when obesity in women is perceived to be the result of an uncontrollable versus controllable factor. An experiment was designed to test whether manipulating the causal attribution in favor of the target (i.e., offering an uncontrollable attribution that removes all responsibility from the target for her obesity) would have an impact on perceivers' anti-fat attitudes, beliefs about weight controllability, and tendency to blame a woman for her weight. The exploration of this topic was conducted within a greater context of obesity-related issues including body image, social stigma, responsibility, and a culture of blame. Equally important in this endeavor was gaining insight into the reasons why women are blamed more for their obesity than their male counterparts. Attribution theory (Heider, 1958) serves as the primary theoretical framework. One hundred and eighty undergraduates from a large, southwestern university participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following six conditions, five of which contained a version of the treatment embedded in an essay: Uncontrollable attribution, controllable attribution, potentially controllable attribution, manifest mention of weight, no mention of weight or control. The potentially controllable attribution was ultimately determined to be insufficiently manipulated and responses generated in response to it were not included in the data analysis. All participants completed a survey comprised of various measures designed to gauge anti-fat attitudes, beliefs about weight controllability, and blame tendency. A mediated model examining the relationships among the above three variables was also tested. Additionally, participants completed the Obesity-Induced Blame Scale (OIBS); a measure designed for the present study to test the degree to which a woman will be blamed and held responsible for her weight. While some results failed to statistically supp

Objectives: To investigate the association between added sugar and macronutrient and micronutrient intakes, and to assess whether added sugar intake is related to biochemical indices of nutritional status, Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score, body mass index (BMI) and performance on physical function tests. Design: A cross-sectional, analytical study. Setting and subjects: Convenient sample of 285 institutionalised and community-dwelling black South African men and women aged 60+ y. Methods: An interviewer-administered 24-h dietary recall and MNA were performed. Serum albumin, vitamin B12, ferritin, cholesterol, haemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC) folate and plasma vitamin C were measured. Handgrip strength, BMI, 'sit-tostand' and 'get-up-and-go' tests were measured. Outcome variables were analysed according to tertiles of added sugar, in grams and as a percentage of total energy (% E). Results: In each tertile of sugar intake, mean MNA score fell in the 'at-risk' classification. In women, energy, protein, % E protein, fibre, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and selenium intake were significantly lowest in subjects in the highest % E sugar tertile. In men, no differences were found for micronutrient intake according to tertiles of total added sugar or % E added sugar. Physical function declined with increasing sugar intake, and suboptimal RBC folate and plasma ascorbic acid status was associated with increasing sugar intake (in women). No relationship was found between added sugar intake and the very high prevalence (65%) of obesity in women. Conclusion: A nutrient-diluting effect of added sugars intake was demonstrated in elderly black South African women. Further studies in this population are required in order to develop food-based dietary guidelines, which include messages on added sugar intake.

Objective: To investigate the association of obesity with anxiety, depression and emotional well-being (positive and negative affect) in three age groups. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Canberra and the neighbouring town of Queanbeyan, Australia, with a random sample from the electoral roll of 2,280 persons aged 20-24, 2,334 aged 40-44, and 2,305 aged 60-64. Results: Self-reported height and weight were used to classify participants as underweight (body mass index of less than 18.5), acceptable weight (18.5 to less than 25), overweight (25 to less than 30) or obese (30 and over). Obesity in women was associated with more anxiety and depression symptoms and less positive affect, but there were only weak and inconsistent associations in men. When factors that might mediate any association were controlled (physical ill health, lack of physical activity, poorer social support, less education and financial problems), a different picture emerged, with the underweight women having more depression and negative affect and the obese and overweight women tending to have better mental health than the acceptable weight group. Controlling for physical ill health alone accounted for the association of obesity with anxiety and depression in women. Conclusions: Obesity has an association with anxiety, depression and lower well-being in women, but not in men. The results are consistent with physical ill health playing a mediating role. Implication: Reducing obesity in the population is unlikely to have any direct effect on mental health or emotional well-being.

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between pregnancy outcome and prepregnancy overweight or obesity in women with a normal glucose tolerance test.

Pau King-man., Thesis submitted in: October 2001., Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002., Includes bibliographical references (leaves 173-181)., s in English and Chinese., Acknowledgements --- p.i, p.ii, (Chinese version) --- p.iii, Table of Contents --- p.iv, List of Figures --- p.xii, List of Tables --- p.xiii, List of Abbreviations --- p.xxiv, Chapter CHAPTER ONE: --- INTRODUCTION, Chapter 1.1 --- Women's Overweight and Obesity Prevalence and Trends --- p.1, Chapter 1.2 --- Etiology of Overweight and Obesity --- p.2, Chapter 1.3 --- Health Consequences of Obesity in Women --- p.4, Chapter 1.4 --- Dietary and Physical Activity Recommendations for Good Health for Adults --- p.6, Chapter 1.5 --- Health Behavior Change Theories --- p.8, Chapter 1.6 --- Weight Control/Loss Interventions for Women --- p.10, Chapter 1.7 --- Weight Loss Risks --- p.11, Chapter 1.8 --- Health Promotion Programs for Women --- p.12, Chapter 1.9 --- General Situation and Population Trends Among Hong Kong Middle- aged Women --- p.15, Chapter 1.10 --- Nutrition-related Morbidity and Mortality Among Hong Kong Women --- p.16, Chapter 1.11 --- Diet Composition of Hong Kong Middle-aged Women --- p.20, Chapter 1.12 --- Physical Activity Patterns of Hong Kong Middle-aged Women --- p.21, Chapter 1.13 --- Education and Health in Hong Kong Middle-aged Women --- p.23, Chapter 1.14 --- Attitudes Toward and Beliefs About Diet and Health of Hong Kong Middle-aged Women --- p.24, Chapter 1.15 --- Common Weight Loss Methods Among Hong Kong Middle-aged Women --- p.25, Chapter 1.16 --- Sources of Health Information Among Hong Kong Middle-aged Women --- p.25, Chapter 1.17 --- Summary --- p.26, Chapter 1.18 --- Study Purpose and Objectives --- p.26, Chapter CHAPTER TWO: --- METHODOLOGY, Chapter 2.1 --- Recruitment of Participants --- p.29, Chapter 2.2 --- Focus Groups --- p.29, Chapter 2.3 --- Survey Instrument --- p.30, Chapter 2.3.1 --- Questionnaire --- p.30, Chapter 2.3.2 --- Three-day Dietary Record --- p.35, Chapter 2.3.3 --- Anthropometric and Cholesterol Measurements --- p.35, Chapter 2.4 --- Intervention --- p.37, Chapter 2.5 --- Evaluation --- p.39, Chapter 2.5.1 --- Process Evaluation --- p.39, Chapter 2.5.2 --- Outcome Evaluation --- p.40, Chapter 2.6 --- Data Management --- p.40, Chapter 2.7 --- Statistics --- p.40, Chapter 2.8 --- Data Analysis --- p.41, Chapter 2.8.1 --- Physical Activity Patterns --- p.41, Chapter 2.8.2 --- Dietary Patterns --- p.44, Chapter 2.8.3 --- Nutrition Knowledge Score --- p.45, Chapter 2.8.4 --- Physical Activity Knowledge Score --- p.46, Chapter 2.8.5 --- Blood Total Cholesterol --- p.46, Chapter 2.8.6 --- Body Mass Index --- p.47, Chapter 2.8.7 --- Percent Body Fat --- p.47, Chapter 2.9 --- Ethics --- p.47, Chapter CHAPTER THREE: --- RESULTS, Chapter 3.1 --- Focus Group Results --- p.43, Chapter 3.1.1 --- General Description of Participants --- p.48, Chapter 3.1.2 --- Perceived Values and Views on 'Health' --- p.50, Chapter 3.1.3 --- Perceived Values and Views on 'Healthy Lifestyle' --- p.51, Chapter 3.1.4 --- Perceived Values and Views on 'Healthy Eating' --- p.52, Chapter 3.1.5 --- Perceived Values and Views on 'Physical Activity' --- p.53, Chapter 3.1.6 --- The Factors Motivating the Women to Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle --- p.53, Chapter 3.1.7 --- Sources of Information About Healthy Eating and Physical Activity --- p.55, Chapter 3.1.8 --- Suggestions for the Type and Content of Activities in a Health Promotion Program --- p.55, Chapter 3.2 --- Participation Rate in the Study --- p.56, Chapter 3.3 --- Pretest --- p.57, Chapter 3.3.1 --- General Participant Sociodemographic Description --- p.57, Chapter 3.3.2 --- Anthropometry --- p.59, Chapter 3.3.3 --- Health Conditions Reported --- p.60, Chapter 3.3.4 --- Meal Patterns --- p.61, Chapter 3.3.5 --- Nutrient Supplements Practices --- p.62, Chapter 3.3.6 --- Cooking Practices --- p.63, Chapter 3.3.7 --- Food Removal Behavior --- p.65, Chapter 3.3.8 --- Food Label Reading --- p.65, Chapter 3.3.9 --- Dietary Intake --- p.66, Chapter a. --- From the Three-day Dietary Records --- p.66, Chapter b. --- From the Food Frequency Questionnaire --- p.68, Chapter 3.3.10 --- Nutrition Knowledge --- p.69, Chapter 3.3.11 --- Physical Activity Habits --- p.72, Chapter 3.3.12 --- Physical Activity Knowledge --- p.73, Chapter 3.3.13 --- Intention and Confidence in Changing Behavior --- p.76, Chapter 3.3.14 --- Perceived Difficulties in Changing Behavior --- p.77, Chapter 3.3.15 --- Perceived Methods Facilitating Behavior Change --- p.79, Chapter 3.3.16 --- Health Information Desired --- p.80, Chapter 3.3.17 --- Areas of Health the Women Would Like to Improve --- p.81, Chapter 3.3.18 --- Summary Profile of the Women at Pretest --- p.82, Chapter 3.4 --- Outcome Evaluation --- p.85, Chapter 3.5 --- Posttest --- p.85, Chapter 3.5.1 --- General Participant Sociodemographic Description --- p.85, Chapter 3.5.2 --- Anthropometry --- p.86, Chapter 3.5.3 --- Health Conditions Reported --- p.87, Chapter 3.5.4 --- Meal Patterns --- p.88, Chapter 3.5.5 --- Nutrient Supplements Practices --- p.89, Chapter 3.5.6 --- Cooking Practices --- p.90, Chapter 3.5.7 --- Food Removal Behavior --- p.91, Chapter 3.5.8 --- Food Label Reading --- p.91, Chapter 3.5.9 --- Dietary Intake --- p.93, Chapter a. --- From the Three-day Dietary Records --- p.93, Chapter b. --- From the Food Frequency Questionnaire --- p.94, Chapter 3.5.10 --- Nutrition Knowledge --- p.95, Chapter 3.5.11 --- Physical Activity Habits --- p.98, Chapter 3.5.12 --- Physical Activity Knowledge --- p.99, Chapter 3.5.13 --- Analysis the Changes by Education Level --- p.102, Chapter 3.5.14 --- Analysis the Changes by Age Group --- p.104, Chapter 3.5.15 --- Intention and Confidence in Changing Behavior --- p.105, Chapter 3.5.16 --- Perceived Difficulties in Changing Behavior --- p.107, Chapter 3.5.17 --- Perceived Methods Facilitating Behavior Change --- p.109, Chapter 3.5.18 --- Health Information Desired --- p.110, Chapter 3.5.19 --- Areas of Health the Women Would Like to Improve --- p.111, Chapter 3.5.20 --- Summary Profile of the Women at Posttest --- p.112, Chapter 3.6 --- Participants' Evaluation of the Intervention Program --- p.113, Chapter 3.7 --- Follow-up --- p.118, Chapter 3.7.1 --- General Participant Sociodemographic Description --- p.118, Chapter 3.7.2 --- Anthropometry --- p.118, Chapter 3.7.3 --- Health Conditions Reported --- p.121, Chapter 3.7.4 --- Meal Patterns --- p.121, Chapter 3.7.5 --- Nutrient Supplements Practices --- p.122, Chapter 3.7.6 --- Cooking Practices --- p.123, Chapter 3.7.7 --- Food Removal Behavior --- p.125, Chapter 3.7.8 --- Food Label Reading --- p.126, Chapter 3.7.9 --- Dietary Intake --- p.127, Chapter a. --- From the Three-day Dietary Records --- p.127, Chapter b. --- From the Food Frequency Questionnaire --- p.129, Chapter 3.7.10 --- Nutrition Knowledge --- p.131, Chapter 3.7.11 --- Physical Activity Habits --- p.135, Chapter 3.7.12 --- Physical Activity Knowledge --- p.136, Chapter 3.7.13 --- Intention and Confidence in Changing Behavior --- p.140, Chapter 3.7.14 --- Analysis the Changes by Education Level --- p.142, Chapter 3.7.15 --- Analysis the Changes by Age Group --- p.143, Chapter 3.7.16 --- Perceived Difficulties in Changing Behavior --- p.144, Chapter 3.7.17 --- Perceived Methods Facilitating Behavior Change --- p.145, Chapter 3.7.18 --- Health Information Desired --- p.148, Chapter 3.7.19 --- Areas of Health the Women Would Like to Improve --- p.149, Chapter 3.7.20 --- Summary Profile of the Women at Follow-up --- p.150, Chapter CHAPTER FOUR: --- DISCUSSION, Chapter 4.1 --- Implications of Findings --- p.154, Chapter 4.1.1 --- Current Situations in Diet and Physical Activity of Hong Kong Middle-aged Women --- p.154, Chapter 4.1.2 --- Overall Effects of the Program --- p.161, Chapter a. --- Changes in Knowledge --- p.161, Chapter b. --- Changes in Awareness and Intention --- p.163, Chapter c. --- Changes in Behavior --- p.164, Chapter d. --- Changes in Anthropometery --- p.166, Chapter 4.2 --- Strengths and Limitations of the Study --- p.167, Chapter 4.3 --- Implications and Recommendations for Meeting the Challenges of Improving Hong Kong Middle-aged Women's Nutrition and Physical Activity Habits --- p.169, Chapter 4.4 --- Suggestions for Future Research --- p.170, Chapter CHAPTER FIVE: --- CONCLUSIONS --- p.172, References --- p.173, Appendices, Chapter A --- Consent form (Chinese version) --- p.182, Chapter B --- Consent form (English version) --- p.183, Chapter C --- Questionnaire (Chinese version) --- p.184, Chapter D --- Questionnaire (English version) --- p.196, Chapter E --- Photos for food amount quantities and household measures (Chinese version) --- p.210, Chapter F --- Photos for food amount quantities and household measures (English version) --- p.213, Chapter G --- Sample of dietary record (Chinese version) --- p.216, Chapter H --- Sample of dietary record (English version) --- p.217, Chapter I --- Three-day dietary record (Chinese version) --- p.218, Chapter J --- Three-day dietary record (English version) --- p.221, Chapter K --- Pamphlets for health talks (Chinese version) --- p.224, Chapter L --- Pamphlets for health talks (English version) --- p.236, Chapter M --- Pamphlets for physical activity demonstration (Chinese version) --- p.248, Chapter N --- Pamphlets for physical activity demonstration (English version) --- p.253, Chapter O --- Process evaluation questionnaire (Chinese version) --- p.258, Chapter P --- Process evaluation questionnaire (English version) --- p.260, Chapter Q --- Overall evaluation questionnaire (Chinese version) --- p.262, Chapter R --- Overall evaluation questionnaire (English version) --- p.263, Chapter S --- Focus group questionnaire (Chinese version) --- p.264, Chapter T --- Focus group questionnaire (English version) --- p.265, Chapter U --- Focus group question guides (Chinese version) --- p.266, Chapter V --- Focus group question guides (English version) --- p.268, Chapter W --- The food consumption patterns of women in the Education and Control Groups --- p.270, http://library.cuhk.edu.hk/record=b5891221, Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons “Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International” License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

OBJECTIVES: Recent data suggest that higher plasma cortisol may be associated with hypertension and insulin resistance in otherwise healthy men, as it is in Cushing's syndrome. However, obesity in women is associated with lower plasma cortisol concentrations. This study sought to establish whether plasma cortisol is associated with cardiovascular risk factors in women as it is in men, and whether these relationships in either sex are confounded by obesity. DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: The MONICA study in northern Sweden. SUBJECTS: From a target cohort of 2500, 1921 subjects took part and 226 were randomly selected because they attended between 07.00 and 09.00 h after an overnight fast. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was performed and blood sampled at baseline and 2 h after glucose. RESULTS: Plasma cortisol was lower in relatively obese subjects: in men, this was observed only in the 2 h sample (r = -0.23, P = 0.02) and in women only in the fasting sample (r = -0.26, P < 0.01). Simple regression analysis did not identify relationships between plasma cortisol and blood pressure, serum lipids, fasting insulin or glucose tolerance. However, after adjusting for the effect of obesity by multiple regression, higher plasma cortisol was independently associated with higher diastolic blood pressure in men (r = 0.21, P = 0.04) but not in women, and higher fasting serum triglyceride levels in women (r = 0.28, P < 0. 001) but not in men. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing obesity and plasma cortisol concentrations make independent and sex-specific contributions to variations in blood pressure and aspects of the insulin resistance syndrome. Adverse cardiovascular risk is greatest in those with the combination of obesity and failure to downregulate plasma cortisol levels.

Little information is available on the prevalence and determinants of lifestyle related risk factors for poor health (obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol abuse) among people with intellectual disabilities. This study reports the prevalence of these risk factors for 500 people with intellectual disabilities living in different forms of residential provision in the UK. Variables which predict the presence of these risk factors are also identified. While levels of smoking and alcohol abuse were low, the prevalence of poor diet, obesity in women and physical inactivity was high. Analyses of predictors of risk factors present a mixed pattern with regard to participant and service characteristics, with greater ability and less restrictive residential settings being associated with poor diet, smoking and obesity, but physical inactivity being associated with lower ability and more restrictive settings. It is argued that increasing levels of moderate or vigorous physical activity among people with intellectual disabilities would be the single most effective way of improving the health of people with intellectual disabilities.

Previous observations have indicated that reproductive endocrine disorders are common among patients with epilepsy. Valproate (VPA) treatment is associated with hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries, and obesity in women. Carbamazepine (CBZ) may also induce endocrine disorders, while the hormonal effects of oxcarbazepine (OXC) are poorly known. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of antiepileptic drugs on reproductive hormones, linear growth and pubertal maturation in patients with epilepsy. Altogether 223 patients taking VPA, CBZ, or OXC monotherapy for epilepsy and 103 healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers participated in the study. Seventy-eight girls and 90 men with epilepsy participated in the cross-sectional parts of the study. Thirty-nine adult patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy participated in a 3-month longitudinal study and VPA was replaced with lamotrigine (LTG) in 16 women with VPA-related endocrine disorders in a 1-year longitudinal study. The girls were between 8–18 years, the women 17–41 years and the men 17–51 years of age. None of the antiepileptic drugs studied significantly influenced linear growth or pubertal development in girls with epilepsy, but hyperandrogenemia, increased number of ovarian follicles, and weight gain were observed in prepubertal, pubertal and postpubertal girls taking VPA for epilepsy. Increased serum testosterone levels were observed in half of the women after the first 3 months of VPA medication, and high serum concentrations of androgens were common (prevalence 57 %, p < 0.001) in men taking long-term VPA treatment. The women with VPA-related hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries were also found to present other features of insulin resistance (i.e. hyperinsulinemia, centripetal obesity, and an unfavorable serum lipid profile). Reproductive endocrine disorders associated with VPA treatment in women began to normalize after VPA was replaced by LTG. CBZ reduced the bioactivity of androgens, w

Background. It has been previously demonstrated that obesity is common among women with low socioeconomic status (SES), but the factors accounting for this association are not well known. According to our hypothesis, low SES is associated with psychosocial stress, an unhealthy lifestyle, and reproductive history, which may increase the likelihood of women with low SES to be overweight or obese. Methods. We examined overweight and obesity in relation to SES among 300 healthy women ages 30-65 years, who constitute the control group of the Stockholm Female Coronary Risk Study, a population- based case-control study of women with coronary heart disease. This control group was compared with a large population-based sample and found to be representative of healthy Swedish women ages 30-65 years. We used an aggregate of education and occupation as a measure of SES and defined overweight as body mass index (BMI) between 23.8 and 28.6 kg/m2 and obesity as BMI > 28.6 kg/m2. Results. Low SES was a strong determinant of overweight and obesity among middle-aged healthy Swedish women. The odds of being overweight or obese increased with lower social position. After adjustment for age, the odds ratios for overweight and obesity among women in a low vs high position were 2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 4.4) and 2.7 (95% CI 1.1 to 6.7), respectively. Both low social position and obesity were related to reproductive history (higher parity and earlier age at menarche), unhealthy dietary habits, and unfavorable psychosocial factors (poor quality of life, low self-esteem, and job strain). These factors together explained 53% of the low. SES-obesity association. Conclusions. Reproductive history, unhealthy dietary habits, and psychosocial stress accounted for a large part of the association between low SES and obesity. Dietary habits and psychosocial stress are potentially modifiable factors, which should be taken into account in intervention programs among women with low

The causes of renal cell cancer (RCC) are poorly understood. Besides smoking, obesity remains the only risk factor that is fairly well established. The association between obesity and RCC appears stronger and more consistent in women than in men. We investigated the question of whether this apparent sex difference could be explained by repeated weight changes (weight cycling), less physical exercise, or pharmacological treatment of obesity in women. Structured face-to-face interviews were carried out with 379 (70% of all eligible) incident cases of RCC and 353 (72% of eligible) controls. The relationships between RCC and adult height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), defined as weight/height, were analyzed. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated through logistic regression. No association was found between adult height and RCC. In men, weight and BMI appeared at most to be weakly related to risk of RCC. In women, higher adult weight and BMI (usual, highest, and lowest) and also high BMI at ages 30, 40, and 50 years were consistently associated with a significantly increased risk of RCC. Women with an usual adult BMI in the top 5% had a nearly 3-fold increased risk of RCC [OR, 2.67; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02-7.01]. Compared with individuals with no weight-loss periods, 2 or more such periods implied an OR of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.32-2.90) in men and 3.87 (95% CI, 1.20-12.45) in women. Physical activity at work reduced the risk of RCC in men but not women. Regular use of diet pills containing amphetamine was associated with an increased risk of RCC (OR, 4.06; 95% CI, 1.35-12.22).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Background and aims: Lifestyle factors and appropriate nutrition play an essential role during pregnancy. In specific, following the Mediterranean diet is known to have positive impacts on the mother and the infant, including preventing excessive gestational weight gain and its associated pregnancy complications. However, no study was conducted that tackles the effect of the Lebanese Mediterranean diet on pregnancy outcomes. Thus, our aim is to examine the effect of the Lebanese Mediterranean diet and Lifestyle factors on gestational weight gain. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in South of Lebanon on 71 Lebanese pregnant women (mean age 28.97 (±4.99), mean pre-pregnancy BMI 25.07 (±5.05), 76.1% were multiparous and 14.1% had maternal delivery complications) who were recruited from 6 different clinics. Data collection took place between December 2019 and May 2021. Sociodemographic data and medical history of participants were collected in the first interview. Each trimester, a questionnaire of 6 validated tools was administered and included Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10), Edinburgh Perinatal/Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a Food Frequency Questionnaire to estimate Lebanese Mediterranean Diet Index (LMD), Physical Activity Readiness Medical Examination (PARmed-X for pregnancy) and Arab Family Food Security Scale (AFFSS). Anthropometric data of the mother and the infant, as well as other medical information were collected from the medical charts. The primary outcome, gestational weight gain (GWG), was dichotomized as adequate vs. high weight gain according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. Bivariate analysis followed by Logistic regression were performed to determine the associations between LMD and other factors and GWG. Results: Regression analysis revealed a significant inverse association between stress in the third trimester and the odds of having high GWG (p-value =0.013 and OR=0.926 with 9

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between parity and obesity in Iranian women.   Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 6447 urban women aged 40-65  were studied. A face-to-face interview was conducted by trained personnel. Statistical associations between parity and obesity using the multivariate logistic regression model were examined.  Results: The mean age of the enrolled women was 48.4 ± 6.1 years. The mean BMI was 27.55 ± 4.5 Kg/m2. Of the total participants enrolled, 3517 (54.6%) had <3 parities, while 2930 (54.4%) had ≥3 parities. The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30 Kg/m2) and overweight (30> BMI ≥25) was 27.50 % (95% CI 26.85-28.15) and 43.70% (95% CI 42.98-44.42), respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, women with ≥3 parities were at higher risk of being obese (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.05-1.35).  Conclusion: There was a statistically significant positive association between higher parity and obesity. According to the results of this study, Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with high parity in Iranian women. It is recommended that health policymakers plan appropriate weight loss programs for postpartum.

Background: Individual variability in taste perception may influence diet, possibly modifying eating behaviour and long-term food choice. Research into taste perception and weight status, dietary intake, eating behaviour and endocrine regulators of metabolic health could provide new important insights. Taste perception may be modifiable, and as such may be a target for future intervention strategies which may have the potential to prevent or treat obesity. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine associations between (1) fatty acid taste, olfaction, mouthfeel of fat, dietary intake, eating behaviour and body mass index (BMI), and (2) associations between taste perception of glucose (sweet taste), quinine (bitter taste) and milk (fat perception) with body composition and hormonal adiposity signals (fasting insulin and leptin), dietary intake and eating behaviour. Design: For the first cross-sectional study, 50 premenopausal women assessed oleic acid taste and olfaction thresholds. BMI was calculated from weight (kg) and height (m). Dietary intake and eating behaviour were evaluated using a food frequency and three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ), respectively. Binomial regression analysis was used to model fatty acid taste and olfaction data and fatty acid taster status was determined (hypersensitive, n= 22; hyposensitive, n= 28). For the second cross-sectional study (the PROMISE study), 351 premenopausal Pacific and New Zealand (NZ) European women were recruited and stratified by non-obese and obese groups. Suprathreshold intensity, hedonic liking, and discrimination of taste by a ranking task were measured using a range of concentrations of sweet, bitter, and fat solutions. Participants were classified as likers or dislikers for each tastant using a hierarchical cluster analysis. Body fat (BF) was quantified by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Total energy and macronutrient intake were assessed using a 5-day estimated food record and eating behaviour was a

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Background: Obesity and physical inactivity have been reported as the major contributing factors to non-communicable diseases and a public health problem worldwide. According to World health organization the global prevalence of obesity has increased more than doubled between 1980 and 2014. Many healthcare professionals fail to achieve sufficient levels of physical activity and most of them display poor dietary habits. The study conducted in South Africa among health care professionals in urban hospital in Gauteng province confirmed that 20% of them developed at least one NCD of which the contributing factors are obesity and physical inactivity. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and level of physical activity among health care professional in rural hospitals in Sekhukhune district, Limpopo province, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted on 400 HCPs. The global questionnaire was closed ended. GPAQ was used for physical activity and anthropometric measurements were taken for BMI. A stratified random sampling method was used to sample HCPs. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Most participants were females (71%), majority were between 30-39 years of age (46.3%), the highest category were nurses (77.8%), most of them their job title were assistants (44.5) and blacks (99.3%). The results revealed that 40.8% of HCPs were obese and 30.3% were overweight. Majority of (79.3%) were not engaging on work vigorous PA, however were engaging on work moderate PA. Also (60.5%) were not engaging on leisure vigorous PA, though 55.5% were engaging on leisure moderate PA. Majority (88.3%) had high sedentary (sitting) time. (35.50%) engaged in high activity of walking from one place to the other. In conclusion: There is a need for regular health promotion programmes among health care professionals with regard to obesity and importance of physical activity. The hospitals need to be equipped with onsite fitness c

peer-reviewed, Introduction: Obesity in women has more than doubled in the past thirty years. Increasing research suggests that increased cardiorespiratory ftness (CRF) can largely attenuate the negative health risks associated with obesity. Though previous literature suggests that combined training may be the most efective for improving CRF in adults with obesity, there is minimal research investigating the efcacy of combined and resistance programmes in women with obesity. This article outlines a protocol for a parallel pilot study which aims to evaluate the feasibility and efcacy of three exercise modalities in women with obesity for increasing CRF and strength and improving body composition and other health outcomes (i.e. quality of life). Methods and analysis: Sixty women (aged 18–50) with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 and/or waist circum ference ≥ 88 cm) who are physically inactive, have no unstable health conditions and are safe to exercise will be recruited from September 2021 to December 2022. The main outcome will be feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and procedures. Trial feasibility outcomes will be evaluated to determine if a defnitive trial should be undertaken. Trial acceptability will be explored through follow-up qualitative interviews with participants. Secondary outcomes will include CRF (predicted VO2 max), anthropometrics (i.e. BMI), strength (5RM bench press, leg dynamom etry, grip strength) and other health outcomes (i.e., pain). Participants will be block randomised into one of four trial arms (aerobic exercise, resistance training and combined training groups, non-active control group) and measure ments will be completed pre- and post-intervention. The exercise groups will receive an individualised supervised exercise programme for 3× sessions/week for 12 weeks. The change in mean values before and after intervention will be calculated for primary and secondary outcomes. ANOVA and t-tests will be applied to evaluate within-group and be

An extensive social scientific literature has documented the importance of schooling in preventing overweight and obesity among women. However, prior quasi-experimental studies investigating the causal effect of schooling on women's overweight and obesity have focused almost exclusively on high-income countries (HICs). Schooling effects may differ in low- or middle-income countries (LMICs), where information about the harms of being overweight is often sparse and where larger body sizes can be socially valued. Here I evaluate the causal impact of schooling on women's probability of being overweight or obese in an LMIC, Nigeria, using data from the 2003, 2008, and 2013 Demographic Health Surveys. In 1976, the Nigerian government abolished primary school fees and increased funding for primary school construction, creating quasi-random variation in access to primary school according to an individual's age and the number of newly constructed schools in their state of residence. I exploit both sources of variation and use a two-stage instrumental variables approach to estimate the effect of increased schooling on the probability of being overweight or obese. Each additional year of schooling increased the probability of being overweight or obese by 6%, but this effect estimate was not statistically different from zero. This finding differs from the protective effect of schooling documented in several HICs, suggesting that contextual factors play an important role calibrating the influence of additional schooling on overweight or obesity. Furthermore, my findings contrast markedly with the positive correlation between schooling and overweight/obesity identified in previous studies in Nigeria, suggesting that studies failing to account for selection bias overestimate the causal effect of schooling. More robust causal research is needed to examine the effect of schooling on overweight and obesity in LMIC contexts.

Purpose: Greater body fatness has been identified as a risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. For countries with low overweight/obesity rates, data on prevalence and time course of overweight/obesity in women with breast cancer in comparison to women in the general population is limited. The Swiss female population is distinctive for two reasons: (a) low rates of overweight/obesity compared with other western countries, and (b) no obesity epidemic, i.e. stable rates of overweight/obesity for more than 10years. Methods: Overweight and obesity were analyzed in 51 to 80-year-old breast cancer patients initially diagnosed between 1990 and 2009. Patient data was derived from the Basel Breast Cancer Database (BBCD). This data was compared with the data of women of the same age from the four Swiss Health Surveys (SHS) conducted between 1992 and 2007. Differences between measured (BBCD) and self-reported (SHS) data were corrected using equations approved for the Swiss population. Results: Of 958 postmenopausal BBCD patients, 32% were overweight and 20% were obese. Of the 14,476 women of the SHS, 38% were overweight and 17% were obese. In the BBCD, there was no change in the prevalence of overweight/obesity over the last 20years. The four SHS show a convex curvature for obesity, i.e. a transient increase. No significant differences were observed between BBCD and corrected SHS data for overweight and obesity during this period. Conclusions: In this Swiss study group with a comparably low prevalence of overweight and obesity, no association between body fatness and postmenopausal breast cancer was observed

Thesis, Many scientists today view obesity not only as one of the major risks to health, but also ... as a complicated phenomenon. Many factors seem to playa role in the aetiology of obesity, such as socio-economic status, biological variables, psychological differences and culture. As far as culture is concerned, various researchers have noted that obesity among South African women is more prevalent in the black population. International studies suggested that black women tend to view themselves different than white women in terms of their body shape and size. Not only does culture seem to play a role in how these women view their own shape and size, but also in the satisfaction that individuals display with their bodies. African Americans, for instance, seem more satisfied with their bodies than their white counterparts. The main objective of this study was to determine the body image and attitude towards weight control of black women in the Mangaung area situated in the central Free State, South Africa. A representative sample of 500 African women, (age groups 25-34, and 35-44 years), from the Mangaung area of Bloemfontein, was selected for the study. The study focused on how this population viewed obesity, as well as general attitude towards weight control. The sample was subjected to anthropometrical measurements to determine fat percentage, waist-hip-ratio, weight and height of each respondent. Body image was determined by having the subjects respond to a series of five photographs, each depicting one of five calculated body mass index categories. Attitude towards weight control was determined with a 21-item attitude scale. The respondents were required to respond to each of the items during an interview with the researcher. More than fifty percent of the target population had a body mass index above 25kg/m2 . Fat percentage was very high, with mean percentages of 36.6% and 38.5% for the younger and older women respectively. More than 90 percent of the respondents had

Thesis, South Africa, like many other countries, is a country in transition, leading to political, demographic, social, economical, and nutritional changes, affecting particularly the African population. This new era is characterised by changes from the traditional lifestyle, to a more western sedentary lifestyle and eating habits, associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle, including obesity. In addition, the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa cannot be ignored, since nutrition, physical activity and HIV are strongly related. The effect of the nutrition transition, including the increase in chronic diseases of lifestyle, has prompted the need to determine the association between anthropometry, dietary intake and physical activity. A representative sample of 500 African women, (age groups 25-34, and 35-44 years), from the Mangaung area of Bloemfontein, was selected for the study. Levels of physical activity, anthropometric status and dietary intake were determined. Physical activity was determined using an adapted questionnaire that classified respondents into one of three physical activity categories (low, normal and high). Weight, height, circumference (waist and hip), and bio-impedance measurements were obtained, and used to calculate body mass index, fat distribution and fat percentage of respondents. Dietary intake was determined by means of a standardized food frequency questionnaire, and analyzed to determine the habitual food intake of respondents. A very small percentage of both HIV negative and HIV positive younger and older women hac physical activity levels that fell within the normal to high category. Women that were unemployec generally had lower levels of physical activity than those that were employed. Employed womer perspired more, climbed more stairs and participated more in sporting activities than unemployeo women. As expected, women that fell in the normal to physically active category also cycled more, although watching television was a leisure time

La diabetes mellitus es una de las patologías frecuentes durante el embarazo, existe literatura que la ha relacionado con un mayor riesgo de aparición de incontinencia urinaria en el postparto patología que de manera clara afecta la calidad de vida de las mujeres, pero a la fecha la literatura no es concluyente. Con la presente revisión sistemática se pretendió evaluar la evidencia relacionada con la diabetes gestacional como causa de incontinencia urinaria en el postparto., Diabetes mellitus is one of the common diseases during pregnancy, there is literature that has been linked to an increased risk of urinary incontinence in the postpartum pathology that clearly affects the quality of life of women, but the date literature is inconclusive. With this systematic review was intended to evaluate the evidence related to gestational diabetes as a cause of urinary incontinence in the postpartum

Summary: Food insecurity or low-access to good quality, affordable foods affects minority women and children disproportionately (Herndon, 2014; Ivers & Cullen, 2011; Lee, 2012; Wigg Dammann & Smith, 2009). Linked to the rise in nutritionrelated and other health problems afflicting these populations (e.g., malnutrition, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure among others) (Azarbad & Gonder- Frederick, 2010; Bove & Olson, 2006; Larson, Story, & Nelson, 2009), this issue has been gaining some attention. Still, programs combating weight and “weightrelated disorders” generally focus on individualistic solutions (Orbach, Bodies 2009)—such as increasing daily exercise and vilifying certain diets. Dismissing important spatial and systematic aspects, these approaches rather perpetuate problematic socio-political, economic, medical, and ideological biases informing our understanding of poverty, health and food. This project offers and alternative perspective. Most importantly, it 1) scrutinizes sexist, classist and racist constructs across the literature on overweight, obesity, poverty, and health; 2) examines the relationship between our food system, the growth in nutrition-related diseases, and the intersections of gender, race, and class within food insecure communities; and 3) analyzes interview data looking for important and resonating themes that could guide the development of more efficient local food access strategies. As this study shows, these women’s experiences, knowledge, and strategies have the potential of, not only helping eradicate food insecurity across South Florida, but also combating a great number of the nutrition-related health problems afflicting these populations., 2016, Includes bibliography., Degree granted: Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016., Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

La Communauté française décide en concertation avec la Région bruxelloise et la Région wallonne, de financer un Centre d’Epidémiologie Périnatale (CEpiP). Les Communautés et Régions chargent le CEpiP de les assister dans la vérification, le remplissage et la correction des certificats concernant les naissances à partir du 1er janvier 2008. Le CEpiP est également chargé d’encoder les certificats bruxellois, les certificats wallons étant toujours encodés par un sous-traitant.Un problème souvent rencontré dans l’analyse des certificats de naissance est la présence de données manquantes. Des informations manquaient sur 64.0% des certificats bruxellois de janvier 2008 (situation de base). Le renforcement de l’enregistrement par le CEpiP durant l’année 2008 est lié à une diminution des informations manquantes sur les certificats initiaux (à la sortie des maternités et services d’état civil) après la première et la deuxième année d’enregistrement :20,8% et 19,5% des naissances en décembre 2008 et 2009 respectivement. Le taux résiduel de données manquantes après correction grâce aux listes envoyées aux maternités et services d’Etat civil est faible. En particulier, la nationalité d’origine des parents était souvent manquante, jusqu’à 35% à Bruxelles (données non publiées), et ce taux est passé à 2.6% en 2008 et 0.1% en 2009. Certaines données manquantes ne sont pas distribuées de façon équivalente selon la nationalité de la mère, même après correction. Les mères d’origine sub-saharienne ont les taux de remplissage les moins élevés. Enfin, le taux de mort-nés a augmenté par rapport aux données de 2007, au profit des mort-nés avant l’âge de 28 semaines, et suggère une amélioration de l’enregistrement suite au renforcement de l’information.Les données concernant l’indice de masse corporelle des patientes sont donc relevées depuis 2009 pour l’ensemble des mères qui accouchent en Belgique. L’obésité maternelle et l’immigration sont en augmentation en Belgique, et ont été r, Doctorat en Sciences médicales, info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m2, is a major public health problem in the United States, affecting over 34% of Americans. Among the populations with the highest obesity prevalence is women aged 60 years and older. As a Kinesiology major, I find it very important to examine the complications that arise as a result of obesity. We know that obese individuals run the risk of developing hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease. A potential health risk associated with obesity that is understudied is cognitive functioning impairment, like dementia. Dementia is one of the largest growing diseases known, and is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States today. It has been shown that the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet has been successful in improving cognitive functioning in sedentary adults. The DASH diet emphasizes increased whole grains, fruits and vegetable, and poly- and monounsaturated fat intakes, decreased sodium and saturated fat intakes, and increases in physical activity. There is also research that Tai Chi exercise, a martial art exercise form, helps improve cognitive functioning in older adults. However, there is conflicting evidence about the role of Tai Chi during weight loss and its effects on cognitive functioning in obese older women. Women, on the whole, have been shown to have a greater life expectancy than males, but also have a greater chance of living with disability with aging. Forty-one percent of American women aged 60 or older are obese. As an aspiring physical therapist, I realize that this population group will likely compose a large portion of my patient population. In tandem with the UR-IDEAL (The University of Rhode Island Dietary Education and Active Lifestyle) study led by Drs. Matt Delmonico and Furong Xu from the Kinesiology department and Dr. Ingrid Lofgren from the Nutrition department, I analyzed the results of a 16-week, randomized exercise and dietary weight loss i

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Many women enter pregnancy already overweight or obese, and then gain weight in excess of what is recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Evidence shows that excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to higher postpartum weight retention. And postpartum weight retention is a significant risk factor for long-term weight gain. The aims of the current study were related to diet quality during the postpartum period. The first aim was to determine predictors of diet quality during the early postpartum period; the second aim was to determine whether mothers in a behavioral intervention program significantly improved their diet quality, reduced energy intake, and lost more weight compared to participants in the control group; and the third aim was to determine if diet quality during the early postpartum period predicted weight change from 6 to 16 months postpartum for overweight and obese postpartum women. For the present study, data were used from 400 overweight/obese postpartum women enrolled in an intervention study that focused on reducing postpartum weight retention through healthier eating habits. Women randomized into the intervention group received monthly kits in the mail, motivational counseling, and were invited to attend one group educational session. Anthropometric measurements and 24-hour dietary recalls were collected at baseline and endpoint. Diet quality was analyzed using the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005). Results indicated a suboptimal diet quality for these participants at baseline, with an average HEI-2005 score of 64.4. Factors that significantly predicted diet quality at baseline were infant feeding status, income, and BMI (r2=0.20). After the intervention, both the intervention and control groups reported a decrease in energy intake (253 kcal and 236 kcal, respectively) and weight loss (1.9 (5.5) kg and 1.0 (5.3) kg, respectively). In addition, there were no significant differences in changes in diet quality between groups. Baseline d

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

Indicator report of the number of women aged 18 or older who delivered a live birth and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 calculated from prepregnancy weight and height in Utah.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of lifestyle activity modification (LA) and structured exercise (Cardio) on obesity-related factors in sedentary African American women. Subjects were randomized to a control group, a Cardio group, or LA group for a twelve week intervention. The study examined the intervention effects on physical activity patterns, blood lipids, glucose & insulin response, blood pressure, cardiovascular fitness and body composition. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for pre-post differences in the dependent variables revealed significant baseline differences between groups for LDL cholesterol only. Thus, pre-post treatment differences for LDL were assessed using an ANCOVA model, with baseline LDL as the covariate. Significant pre-post effects were observed for cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.024), physical activity level (p=0.000), total cholesterol (p=0.006), and HDL cholesterol (p=0.017). Significant pre-post by treatment condition interaction effects were observed for body weight (p=0.001), body composition (percent body fat) (p<0.001), and cardiorespiratory fitness (predicted VO2max) (p=0.024). Although post-hoc analysis failed to reveal significant differences among groups, there were slight trends (which merit further investigation) toward decreasing obesity-related risk within the 2 activity groups, when compared to Control.

English: The prevalence of infertility in Africa is overshadowed by the high population growth rate in this continent. The number of infertile black African women seeking treatment is on the increase due to the fact that more black women are concentrating on their careers and postponing having children. The desire to reproduce is a highly motivating factor in most marriages and failure to do so places a lot of stress on the couple. Infertile women in most parts of Africa are treated as outcasts due to their infertile status. In most cases these women are either abused or divorced by their husbands. In sub-Saharan Africa, sexually transmitted diseases are the most common causes of infertility. Other causes of infertility in women include endometriosis, anovulation, tubal diseases, cervical factors and unexplained infertility. Anorexia and bulimia nervosa, as well as obesity, produce alterations in the reproductive system of women. Obesity has an effect on ovulation and on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization and assisted reproduction therapy. Anorexia nervosa on the other hand, has also been associated with amenorrhoea and oligoamenorrhoea. Insulin resistance is another factor that is linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome and infertility. Insulin resistance has also been shown to be prevalent in obese individuals, especially those with android fat distribution. Lowering insulin resistance by weight loss, results in spontaneous ovulation. The main objective of this study was to determine the anthropometrical and biochemical parameters in infertile black South African women. A total of sixty participants attending the Unit for Reproductive Health, Universitas Hospital, Bloemfontein were included in the study. Anthropometrical data measured included: body mass index; waist-to-hip ratio; waist circumference; neck circumference and body fat percentage. Blood samples were also obtained to determine the levels of fasting insulin, glucose, thyroid-stimulating hormone, lute, Afrikaans: Die voorkoms van infertiliteit in Afrika word oorskadu deur die hoë populasiegroeitempo in hierdie kontinent. Die aantal swart vroue in Afrika wat aanmeld vir behandeling vir infertiliteit is aan die toeneem as gevolg van die feit dat swart vroue tans meer op hul beroepe konsentreer en later me t gesinne begin. Seksueel oordraagbare siektes is die vernaamste oorsaak van infertiliteit in sub-Sahara Afrika. Ander oorsake van infertiliteit in vroue sluit endometriose, anovulasie, buisfaktore, servikale faktore en ander onverklaarbare faktore in. Vetsug veroorsaak veranderinge in die vroulike reproduktiewe stelsel. Vetsug beïnvloed ovulasie en toon ‘n invloed op die uitkoms van in vitro bevrugtiging en geassisteerde reproduksie terapie. Hiperinsulinemie en insulienweerstandigheid word meer algemeen in vetsugtige persone, veral in diegene met androïde vetsug, aangetref. Insulienweerstandigheid is ‘n faktor wat met polisistiese ovariële sindroom en infertiliteit geassossier word. Die verlaging van insulienweerstandigheid deur middel van massaverlies lei tot spontane ovulasie. Min navorsing is tot hede oor die kwessie van infertiliteit in die swart gemeenskap gedoen en geen fokus word deur Gesondheidsorgstelsel daarop geplaas. In Suid-Afrika is baie min navorsing oor infertiliteit in die swart bevolking, asook die verband tussen vetsug en infertiliteit in swart vroue gedoen. Die hoofdoel van hierdie studie was om die antropometriese en biochemiese parameters van infertiele swart Suid-Afrikaanse vroue te bepaal. Die steekproef het bestaan uit sestig swart vroue wat die Reproduktiewesorgeenheid van die Universitas hospitaal, Bloemfontein tussen 1 Maart 2003 en 31 Julie 2004 besoek het. Die volgende antropometriese metings is gedoen: massa, lengte, middel-heup omtrekverhouding, middel en nekomtrek en liggaamsvetpersentasie. Vastende bloedmonsters is ontleed vir insulien, glukose, tiroïedstimuleringshormoon, luteïniseringshormoon, follikelstimuleringshormoon, leptie

Many scientists today view obesity not only as one of the major risks to health, but also ... as a complicated phenomenon. Many factors seem to playa role in the aetiology of obesity, such as socio-economic status, biological variables, psychological differences and culture. As far as culture is concerned, various researchers have noted that obesity among South African women is more prevalent in the black population. International studies suggested that black women tend to view themselves different than white women in terms of their body shape and size. Not only does culture seem to play a role in how these women view their own shape and size, but also in the satisfaction that individuals display with their bodies. African Americans, for instance, seem more satisfied with their bodies than their white counterparts. The main objective of this study was to determine the body image and attitude towards weight control of black women in the Mangaung area situated in the central Free State, South Africa. A representative sample of 500 African women, (age groups 25-34, and 35-44 years), from the Mangaung area of Bloemfontein, was selected for the study. The study focused on how this population viewed obesity, as well as general attitude towards weight control. The sample was subjected to anthropometrical measurements to determine fat percentage, waist-hip-ratio, weight and height of each respondent. Body image was determined by having the subjects respond to a series of five photographs, each depicting one of five calculated body mass index categories. Attitude towards weight control was determined with a 21-item attitude scale. The respondents were required to respond to each of the items during an interview with the researcher. More than fifty percent of the target population had a body mass index above 25kg/m2 . Fat percentage was very high, with mean percentages of 36.6% and 38.5% for the younger and older women respectively. More than 90 percent of the respondents had

South Africa, like many other countries, is a country in transition, leading to political, demographic, social, economical, and nutritional changes, affecting particularly the African population. This new era is characterised by changes from the traditional lifestyle, to a more western sedentary lifestyle and eating habits, associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle, including obesity. In addition, the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa cannot be ignored, since nutrition, physical activity and HIV are strongly related. The effect of the nutrition transition, including the increase in chronic diseases of lifestyle, has prompted the need to determine the association between anthropometry, dietary intake and physical activity. A representative sample of 500 African women, (age groups 25-34, and 35-44 years), from the Mangaung area of Bloemfontein, was selected for the study. Levels of physical activity, anthropometric status and dietary intake were determined. Physical activity was determined using an adapted questionnaire that classified respondents into one of three physical activity categories (low, normal and high). Weight, height, circumference (waist and hip), and bio-impedance measurements were obtained, and used to calculate body mass index, fat distribution and fat percentage of respondents. Dietary intake was determined by means of a standardized food frequency questionnaire, and analyzed to determine the habitual food intake of respondents. A very small percentage of both HIV negative and HIV positive younger and older women hac physical activity levels that fell within the normal to high category. Women that were unemployec generally had lower levels of physical activity than those that were employed. Employed womer perspired more, climbed more stairs and participated more in sporting activities than unemployeo women. As expected, women that fell in the normal to physically active category also cycled more, although watching television was a leisure time

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and present food intake and morbidity patterns of obesity in men (n = 162) and women (n = 286) 15 to 80 years of age. Data were collected in a community-based longitudinal study from 1983 to 1985 in a semi-rural Egyptian village. Degree of obesity was estimated using body mass index (BMI) and a derived measure of adiposity from principal components analysis of several anthropometric variables. BMI was significantly correlated with other available measures of adiposity, lean mass and age and uncorrelated with height. Derived measures of adiposity were related to all other measures of relative weight and adiposity in both sexes and related to age in women. Within agricultural households, men were shorter and had higher adiposity levels, and women were taller than non-agricultural households. The presence of chronic disease was unrelated to BMI in men. However, chronic disease and respiratory difficulties occurred more often in overweight and obese women. There was no difference in the prevalence of acute illness for lean and normal weight compared to overweight and obese men. Skin problems occurred more often in overweight and obese women. There was a risk of low pregnancy weight gain across the range of BMI. Obese women produced heavier infants than normal weight or overweight women; overweight women produce heavier infants than leaner women. Infant birthweight was predicted by prepregnancy BMI or adiposity level, pregnancy weight gain and height. For men, animal products contributed to the higher intakes of fat, vitamin A and zinc in overweight and obese, and fats and oils contributed to higher vitamin E intakes. For women, bread contributed to higher intakes of dietary fiber and lower intakes of calcium in overweight and obese.