Household food insecurity - a lack of reliable access to food that is safe, nutritious, and sufficient for normal growth - is associated with physical and mental ill-health. In the UK and many countries worldwide, food insecurity has been exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis and is a major public health concern. To identify potential points of intervention, it is important to understand how food insecurity is associated with individual-level factors, including behaviours and motivations towards food. This study therefore examined the associations between household food insecurity (HHFI), psychological distress, motives underlying food choices and meal patterning behaviours in a sample of UK adults (N = 594, mean age = 40.6 years, 96 % female). Key variables were quantified using questionnaires and structural equation modelling was used to determine the associations between them. HHFI was directly associated with higher food choice motives based on price, but not directly with other food choice motives. HHFI was indirectly associated with poorer diet quality via price motives. There were also significant serial indirect associations between HHFI and diet quality via distress and food choice motives. Specifically, HHFI was associated with greater distress, which in turn was associated with higher convenience motives and lower health motives, which were then both associated with poorer diet quality. Exploratory analyses indicated that HHFI was directly associated with lower meal frequency, and this in turn was associated with poorer diet quality. Findings demonstrate how experiences of general psychological distress, certain food choice motives, and meal frequency may play a role in the relationship between food insecurity and diet quality.

Food marketing has increased volume, precision, and reach to influence viewers' food attitudes, beliefs, and eating behaviors. What and how much people eat has implications for health. While many countries regulate food advertising to protect consumers and encourage healthy eating, Ghana has none. Understanding the content and framing of food and beverage advertisements can inform the development of effective policies and practices that encourage healthier diets. This content analysis examines the foods and beverages advertised, their timing, and marketing techniques on Ghanaian television. From February to May 2020, 486 hours of advertisements were recorded. Advertisements with ≥1 actors were coded for food type, actor characteristics (i.e., body size, gender, age, race), and marketing techniques (i.e., promotional characters, premium offers, goal frames). A total of 607 advertisements with 2,043 actors were analyzed. Two-thirds (66.8%) promoted foods categorized as unhealthy. Sugar-sweetened beverages (22.6%) were most frequent, followed by grains high in sugar and low in fiber (13.2%), recipe additions (13.1%), and supplements (10.2%). Half (52.9%) of advertisements used persuasive marketing strategies. Most actors were classified as underweight (72.1% v. 20.5% normal weight, 7.4% overweight/obese) with a balanced gender distribution (49.1% female). Most advertisements aired during evenings (37.7%) and weekdays (69.5%). Morning advertisements promoted more healthy foods, whereas evening and night advertisements promoted more unhealthy foods. Gain goal frames were most common for healthy foods (p < 0.001), hedonic frames for unhealthy foods (p < 0.001), and normative frames showed no difference (p = 0.54). Underweight actors frequently appeared in unhealthy advertisements (68.3% v. 56.0% normal weight, 59.0% overweight/obese), whereas normal-weight (44.0%) and overweight/obese actors (41.0% v. 31.7% underweight) appeared in healthy advertisements. Persuasive marketing strategies were frequently advertised with unhealthy foods (59.9%) and overweight/obese (54.9%) and male actors (53.6%). This study highlights the need for effective policies to regulate food marketing, promoting healthier diets and realistic body expectations.

Obesity is a multifactorial disease influenced by several factors including poor diet, physical inactivity, and genetic predisposition. In recent years, the social and environmental context, along with race/ethnicity and gender, have been recognized as factors influencing obesity risk beyond traditional risk factors. This review aims to increase knowledge of these causal determinants and their implications for the treatment and management of obesity, addressing not only the individual but also the societal sphere.

A growing body of evidence emphasizes the interaction between the physical and social environments in shaping personal behaviors related to obesity. Social disparities, such as socioeconomic status (income, education, employment), racial/ethnic differences, and gender, contribute significantly to weight gain from childhood to adulthood. These factors increase the risk of obesity and related cardiovascular risk factors, independent of clinical and demographic variables, and may lead to stigma and discrimination against those affected.

Obesity prevention solutions, from community programs to national policies, may be more effective if they address social, gender, and ethnic barriers. Understanding obesity requires a comprehensive approach that includes social, environmental, and psychological factors, as well as biological causes, to help obesity experts develop more effective interventions tailored to obesity and related diseases.

University life is a critical period for establishing healthy eating habits and attitudes. However, university students are at risk of developing poor eating habits due to various factors, including economic conditions, academic stress and lack of information about nutritional concepts. Poor diet quality leads to malnutrition or overnutrition, increasing the risk of preventable diseases. Food environments on university campuses also play a significant role in shaping the dietary habits of students, with the availability of and accessibility to healthy food options being important factors influencing food choices and overall diet quality. Disordered eating habits and body dissatisfaction are prevalent among university students and can lead to eating disorders. Income and living arrangements also influence dietary habits, with low household income and living alone being associated with unhealthy eating habits. This study is a narrative review that aimed to address nutritional issues and eating behaviours, specifically among university students. We investigated the eating behaviours of university students, including their dietary patterns, food choices and food environments. The objective of this review was to provide insights into the nutritional issues and eating behaviours of university students, with the aim of identifying target areas for intervention to improve the overall health and wellbeing among college students. University food environments need to be restructured to promote healthy eating, including the availability, accessibility, affordability and labelling of healthy foods, and policies to limit the availability of unhealthy foods and drinks on campus.

Background: The escalating prevalence of obesity underscores the urgent need for effective and scalable interventions. Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled technologies have emerged as promising strategies to promote physical activity (PA) and address obesity. However, the comparative effectiveness of GPS-enabled PA interventions integrated with dietary components versus PA interventions alone remained unclear. This study aimed to systematically evaluate and compare the effectiveness of GPS-enabled PA interventions, with or without dietary strategies, in improving obesity-related outcomes among adults. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2000 and April 2025 were retrieved from five databases. Eligible studies included GPS-enabled PA interventions targeting adults (≥18 years old), and reported at least one primary obesity-related outcome. Meta-analyses were performed using random- or fixed-effects models, depending on heterogeneity levels, and subgroup analyses explored effect modifiers. Results: Nine studies (involving 1363 participants, 424 males and 939 females, aged from 34.5-64.8) were included. GPS-enabled PA interventions significantly reduced body weight (Hedges' g = -0.241, 95% CI: -0.356 to -0.127, I2 = 6.5%, Q = 7.49, p = 0.380) and body fat percentage (BFP) (Hedges' g = -0.412, 95% CI: -0.804 to -0.020, I2 = 76.0%, Q = 16.66, p = 0.002). Subgroup analyses revealed that interventions involving PA alone produced a moderate effect on weight reduction (Hedges' g = -0.328; 95% CI: -0.616 to -0.039), whereas those combining PA with dietary strategies showed a slightly smaller yet significant effect (Hedges' g = -0.208; 95% CI: -0.372 to -0.044). Short-term interventions (≤3 months) demonstrated greater effects on weight reduction. Sensitivity and bias assessments supported the robustness of short-term outcomes. Conclusions: GPS-enabled PA interventions were effective for promoting short-term reductions in body weight and BFP. Notably, the addition of dietary components did not consistently provide greater benefits compared to PA interventions alone. These findings highlight the utility of geospatial technology in enhancing behavioral interventions and support the development of scalable digital health strategies aligned with public health priorities such as "Healthy China 2030".

This study aims to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, AS), Chrysanthemum zawadskii Herbich var. latilobum (Maxim.) Kitamura (C), and their combination (AS:C = 3:1, ASC) in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese animal models. Key metabolic parameters, including body weight, lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis, were assessed. HFD-fed mice were supplemented with AS25, C25, or ASC at different concentrations (ASC25, ASC50, and ASC100). Body weight, food efficiency ratio (FER), organ and adipose tissue weights were measured. Serum biochemical markers, including lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, and liver enzymes, were analyzed. Western blot analysis was conducted to assess the expression of key proteins involved in adipogenesis, lipogenesis, lipolysis, and energy metabolism. ASC complex supplementation, particularly at higher doses (ASC100), significantly reduced body weight gain, liver weight, and total white adipose tissue (WAT) accumulation. ASC complex groups exhibited improved lipid profiles, with reductions in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Serum glucose, insulin, and HbA1c levels were significantly reduced, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. Western blot analysis revealed that ASC complex supplementation downregulated key adipogenic markers, including PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP1c, while enhancing adiponectin levels. ASC complex also promoted energy metabolism by increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK and UCP1 expression, indicative of enhanced thermogenesis and lipid oxidation. ASC complex supplementation demonstrates a potent anti-obesity effect by modulating adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, and energy expenditure. The findings suggest that ASC complex could serve as a promising natural therapeutic strategy for obesity and metabolic disorders. Further research, including clinical trials, is warranted to validate its efficacy and safety in human populations.

Healthy food and drink guidelines for public sector settings can improve the healthiness of food environments. This study aimed to assess the implementation and impact of the voluntary National Healthy Food and Drink Policy (the Policy) introduced in New Zealand in 2016 to encourage provision of healthier food and drink options for staff and visitors at healthcare facilities.

A customised digital audit tool was used to collate data on foods and drinks available for sale in healthcare organisations and to systematically classify items as green ('healthy'), amber ('less healthy'), or red ('unhealthy') according to Policy criteria. On-site audits were undertaken between March 2021 and June 2022 at 19 District Health Boards (organisations responsible for providing public health services) and one central government agency. Forty-three sites were audited, encompassing 229 retail settings (serviced food outlets and vending machines). In total, 8485 foods/drinks were classified according to Policy criteria. The primary outcome was alignment with Policy guidance on the availability of green, amber, and red category food/drink items (≥ 55% green and 0% red items). Secondary outcomes were proportions of green, amber, and red category items, promotional practices, and price. Chi-square tests were used to compare results between categorical variables.

No organisation met the criteria for alignment with the Policy. Across all sites, 38.9% of food/drink items were rated red (not permitted), 39.0% were amber, and 22.1% were green. Organisations that adopted the voluntary Policy offered more healthy foods/drinks than those with their own organisational policy, but the proportion of red items remained high: 32.3% versus 47.5% (p < 0.0001). About one-fifth (21.3%) of all items were promoted, with red (24.6%) and amber (22.2%) items significantly more likely to be promoted than green items (14.0%) (p < 0.001). Green items were also significantly more costly on average (NZ$6.00) than either red (NZ$4.00) or amber (NZ$4.70) items (p < 0.0001).

Comprehensive and systematic evaluation showed that a voluntary Policy was not effective in ensuring provision of healthier food/drink options in New Zealand hospitals. The adoption of a single, mandatory Policy, accompanied by dedicated support and regular evaluations, could better support Policy implementation.

Obesity is a complex, chronic condition characterised by excess adiposity. Rates of obesity in childhood and adolescence are increasing worldwide, with a corresponding increase in adulthood. The aetiology of obesity is multifactorial and results from a combination of endocrine, genetic, environmental and societal factors. Population level approaches to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity worldwide are urgently needed. There are wide-ranging complications from excess weight affecting every system in the body, which lead to significant morbidity and reduced life expectancy. Treatment of obesity and its complications requires a multi-faceted, biopsychosocial approach incorporating dietary, exercise and psychological treatments. Pharmacological treatments for treating childhood obesity have recently become available, and there is further development of new anti-obesity medications in the pipeline. In addition, bariatric surgery is being increasingly recognised as a treatment option for obesity in adolescence providing the potential to reverse complications related to excess weight. In this review, we present an update on the prevalence, aetiology, complications and treatment of childhood obesity.

This study presents the methodological aspects of the design and organization of the Food Commercialization in Brazilian Schools study, which aimed to evaluate aspects related to the commercialization of food and beverages in private schools, based on information collected from managers of school cafeterias and street vendors in the immediate vicinity of schools. This is a cross-sectional study of school cafeterias and street vendors near private primary and secondary schools in the 26 Brazilian state capitals. Simple random sampling with inverse replacement was employed; ultimately, 2,241 cafeterias and 699 street vendors were evaluated. The sample loss rate was 21.2%. The questionnaire was developed and evaluated by experts and included questions on nutritional and food information, food infrastructure, convenience, price, availability, variety, and promotion. The logistics involved a coordinating team that conducted training, managed and controlled data quality, local researchers, and a company that assisted in fieldwork. Data collection was conducted from 2022 to 2024. The main implementation challenges were its concurrence with the 2022 electoral period, episodes of violence in schools, internal school policies, the complexity of cultural diversity, and the vast territorial extension of Brazil. Strengths include the novelty of the in-depth and representative data collected, the use of the generated evidence to propose public policies for regulating the school food environment, and the support in building a network of researchers in this area.

Obesity prevention interventions commonly need to be implemented at scale, to address what is a significant population-level issue. While systematic reviews on the economic evidence for interventions preventing obesity or reducing obesity-related risk factors exist, to date there has been no empirical focus on the methods used to quantify the impacts of scale on intervention cost-effectiveness. This systematic scoping review aimed to synthesize the methods used to incorporate scale considerations and provide future directions for incorporating scale into economic evaluation of public health interventions.

A systematic search was undertaken by two reviewers using six databases in June 2023 to identify published economic evaluations of obesity prevention interventions, from which primary studies that quantitatively incorporated scale into their analyses were identified and included. Narrative synthesis of methods used to incorporate scale considerations.

Fifty-one relevant primary studies were identified, comprising five within-trial and 46 modeled economic evaluations of 132 discrete interventions. Within-trial economic evaluations commonly estimated intervention cost assuming scale, and generally used simplistic methods and assumptions to do so. Only three modeled economic evaluations of interventions actually implemented at scale were identified. The methods used to estimate scale impacts on costs, effects, and populations exposed to interventions were heterogeneous, with few studies including equity-informed analyses.

More guidance is needed on how to appropriately incorporate scale into economic evaluations, whether conducted within-trial or using modeling approaches. This is especially important due to the necessity of population-level interventions to address major health issues like obesity.

Obesity, resulting from excessive adipocyte accumulation, is a primary risk for various diseases. Although its impact on hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function has been reported, its effects on HSC differentiation remain controversial. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which catalyzes the attachment of N-acetylglucosamine to serine and threonine residues in proteins, acts as a metabolic sensor capable of regulating diverse physiological processes. This study demonstrates that obesity is associated with higher peripheral monocyte levels. Adipocyte OGT is crucial for monocyte development in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, promoting an increase in peripheral blood monocytes through transcriptional activation of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), a critical energy substrate. Loss of adipocyte OGT decreases serum NEFA levels, reduces white adipose tissue, and inhibits HSC differentiation into monocytes in HFD-induced obesity. Mechanistically, the regulated effect of adipocyte OGT on monocyte development may be mediated by NEFA-cluster of differentiation 36/fatty acid binding protein 4 (CD36/FABP4) pathway in HSCs in HFD-induced obesity. These findings establish the critical role of adipocyte OGT in hematopoietic homeostasis and monocyte development.

We characterized the spatial-temporal trends of obesity among Chinese children and adolescents from 1985 to 2019 and examined the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) patterns.

Using data from the Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health (CNSSCH) conducted between 1985 and 2019, featuring seven cross-sectional surveys, we employed spatial-temporal analysis methods and collected 23 obesity-related variables to identify SDOH patterns. A general linear regression model investigated associations between SDOH patterns and obesity prevalence.

Obesity prevalence rose from 0.1% to 8.1%. Northern regions formed a high-obesity cluster, whereas Southern regions were low-obesity clusters. The following four SDOH patterns emerged: Western Resource-Limited Frontier, Coastal-Central Development Belt, Inland Agricultural Heartland, and Metropolitan Resource-Rich Hubs. Prevalence was 5.7%, 5.8%, 10.2%, and 11.3% for Patterns 1 through 4, respectively. Compared with Pattern 2, Patterns 3 and 4 showed higher obesity risks.

Childhood obesity prevalence in China increased with regional disparities from 1985 to 2019, with higher prevalence in the North and lower prevalence in the South. SDOH patterns were linked to spatial clusters, suggesting that regions characterized by advanced urbanization, abundant resources (Pattern 4), and a dietary profile heavy in carbohydrates and low in protein (Pattern 3) potentially contributed to increased obesity risk.

Diet is an important determinant of body weight and may modulate genetic susceptibility to obesity.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence related to interactions between polygenic risk and nutrient intakes on obesity outcomes.

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify observational studies that assessed interactions between polygenic risk and nutrient intakes on obesity-related outcomes. Random effects meta-analyses were performed for pooled polygenic risk score (PRS)-total fat intake and PRS-protein intake interaction coefficients on body mass index (BMI).

Twenty-six publications were retrieved with studies conducted among European, Asian, and African samples. Dietary fats (saturated fat, omega-3, and trans fat) and energy intake were most frequently reported to interact with PRS on obesity outcomes, but the total number of studies available was low. No significant interactions were identified in meta-analyses of PRS interactions with total fat intake and protein intake on BMI. Several studies were rated as low quality, heterogeneity was high, and although study samples were racially diverse, PRSs tended to be based on samples of European ancestry.

Evidence of interactions between polygenic risk and nutrient intakes on obesity outcomes is limited and inconsistent. Further research addressing limitations related to study quality and polygenic risk characterization is needed.

To summarize the results of China's five national monitoring reports (CFNMR) on physical fitness (PF) for adults. The Government of China has taken a systematic administrative approach to a creative environment building, and has conducted five national physical fitness monitoring, with a sixth already started in 2024.

CFNMR included indices, rates, test indicators, and questionnaire indicators collected between 2000 and September 2024. Data were collected (every 5 years), analyzed (every 3 years) and published (government announcements and reports) by the Monitoring Center of the General Administration of Sport of China. Adults' data were divided into Group A (20-39 years) and Group B (40-59 years). In this study, once the database was established using government reports as the standard, the indicators were categorized, counted, and descriptively analyzed using EXCEL.

Group A: Indices fluctuated up 2.98 (2010 highest 102.98), and rates fluctuated up 2.40% (2005 highest 89.3%). Group B: Indices continued to decline 0.23 (2014 lowest 99.77), and rates fluctuated up 3.00% (2019 highest 90.6%). Test and questionnaire indicators show different structural characteristics, but obesity (7.33%) and overweight rates (5.88%) continue to increase.

Adult physical fitness is improving, but physical activity is decreasing. The results of the overall growth shown by the tested indicators do not, however, represent the formation of well-functioning mechanisms. Obesity is an ongoing and growing problem that requires constant attention. It should consider adding a physical literacy monitoring component, utilizing public goods attributes, to promote sustainable change and reach more adults.

Commercial foods for infants and young children are prominent on supermarket shelves in Australia, with parents commonly believing they are a healthy choice, yet evidence shows many commercial foods are nutrient-poor. The aim of this study was to examine the nature and extent of promotions for commercial infant and toddler foods in Australian supermarket catalogues. Digital catalogues from four leading Australian supermarket chains were collected and content analysed over 12 weeks from August to October 2023 (n = 60 catalogues with 2206 pages). Using a coding guide, one researcher coded all advertised products to identify commercial infant and toddler foods and recorded the labelled age range, product category, packaging type, and associated promotions for each product. A total of 121 commercial infant and toddler food products were identified across 49 catalogue pages (3.5% of all pages examined). The most advertised categories of commercial infant and toddler foods were fruit purees (40%), snacks (27%), and confectionary (12%); 74% of advertised commercial foods were labelled for infants under 12 months; 26% were labelled for toddlers 12-36 months of age; and 50% of products were packaged in pouches. Techniques used to promote commercial infant and toddler foods included price (95%) and health-related messaging (20%). Foods promoted for infants and young children in Australian supermarket catalogues are misaligned with the recommendations within Australia's Infant Feeding Guidelines. There is an urgent need to reduce the promotion of packaged commercial infant and toddler foods in supermarket catalogues to better support and promote healthy diets for young children.

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are usually considered to exclusively exhibit β-cell failure, but they frequently also feature insulin resistance. This review discusses the mechanisms, clinical features, and therapeutic relevance of insulin resistance by focusing mainly on human studies using gold-standard techniques (euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp). In T1D, tissue-specific insulin resistance can develop early and sustain throughout disease progression. The underlying pathophysiology is complex, involving both metabolic- and autoimmune-related factors operating synergistically. Insulin treatment may play an important pathogenic role in predisposing individuals with T1D to insulin resistance. However, the established lifestyle-related risk factors and peripheral insulin administration inducing glucolipotoxicity, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglucagonemia, inflammation, mitochondrial abnormalities, and oxidative stress cannot always fully explain insulin resistance in T1D, suggesting a phenotype distinct from type 2 diabetes. The mutual interaction between insulin resistance and impaired endothelial function further contributes to diabetes-related complications. Insulin resistance should therefore be considered a treatment target in T1D. Aside from lifestyle modifications, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion can ameliorate insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, thereby improving glucose toxicity compared with multiple injection insulin treatment. Among other concepts, metformin, pioglitazone, incretin-based drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors, and pramlintide can improve insulin resistance, either directly or indirectly. However, considering the current issues of high cost, side effects, limited efficacy, and their off-label status, these agents in people with T1D are not widely used in routine clinical care at present.

Diabetes, affecting 18.3% of young adults in Mexico (6), is influenced by both genetic factors and shared unhealthy habits within families.

To determine the metabolic abnormalities in relatives of people with T2D, stratified by body mass index.

This observational, descriptive study was conducted at the Center for Comprehensive Care for Patients with Diabetes (CAIPaDi). The study involved relatives of participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), recruited between June 2017 and December 2020. The relatives were people without diabetes, including spouses, siblings, offspring, or close family members aged 18 to 65 who spent over four days a week with the patient. Exclusion criteria included relatives diagnosed with diabetes, smokers, or any individual from a patient-relative pair that was excluded. All participants underwent laboratory tests and body measurements. Relatives were classified into three groups based on body weight: normal weight, overweight, and obesity. The relatives attended four monthly visits and then annual evaluations. Ethical approval was obtained.

The study enrolled 220 relatives of people with T2DM, 69% women, median age 49±12 years; 19.5% with normal weight, 40.4% overweight, and 40% with obesity. Prediabetes (39.4%), dyslipidemia (67.2%), and abnormal liver function tests (32.2%) were prevalent. Higher levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were associated with increased risk for comorbid conditions. Anxiety and depression showed no significant differences across weight categories.

These results highlight the importance of overweight and obesity as factors associated with the presence of comorbidities and the metabolic syndrome. It is essential to implement strategies to promote healthy habits among family members of people with diabetes, especially in those who are overweight or obese to reduce the risk of developing future metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide, significantly contributing to premature mortality and noncommunicable diseases. Weight reduction through lifestyle interventions, including diet and physical activity, is the primary approach to combating obesity, with studies showing that a 5% to 10% reduction in body weight can notably reduce obesity-related complications. Recently, smartphone apps have emerged as popular tools to aid in weight loss. However, the effectiveness of smartphone-only apps for weight management in people with overweight or obesity without comorbidities remains unclear.

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of these apps in supporting weight loss and improving body composition in such populations.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, with a search across databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and others. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials involving adults (aged ≥18 years) with overweight or obesity (BMI≥25 kg/m2) and assessing the use of smartphone-only apps for weight loss. Studies using additional devices or involving participants with comorbidities were excluded. Data extraction focused on weight loss, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool.

A total of 11 randomized controlled trials with 1717 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The interventions, lasting between 60 days and 12 months, involved diet and exercise monitoring via smartphone apps. At 4-6 months of follow-up, app-based interventions significantly reduced body weight (standardized mean difference -0.33, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.17; P<.001; I2=49%) and BMI (mean difference [MD] -0.76, 95% CI -1.42 to -0.10; P=.02). Reductions in body fat percentage were also observed at 3 months (MD -0.79, 95% CI -1.38 to -0.20; P=.009) and between 4 and 6 months (MD -0.46, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.20; P<.001). However, no significant effects on waist circumference were noted (P=.07).

Smartphone apps demonstrate a modest but statistically significant effect on weight loss and BMI reduction over a 4- to 6-month period in individuals with overweight or obesity. The effectiveness of these interventions appears limited beyond 6 months, with a tendency for weight regain. Many apps lack the personalized support necessary to sustain long-term weight loss, contributing to high dropout rates. Future development of weight loss apps should focus on enhanced customization to improve user adherence and long-term outcomes.

PROSPERO CRD42024570999; https://tinyurl.com/2xw6j4fy.

The increasing rates of obesity are contributing to a decrease in life expectancy in the USA. Although innovative obesity therapies are being developed, they alone will not suffice to combat the widespread obesity epidemic. Patients with overweight and obesity face incredible headwinds in an increasingly obesogenic food environment derived from previous and current food, agricultural, and governmental policies. Regional policies contribute to the development of food swamps, which exert an even more substantial influence on weight gain than food deserts. Grocery store layouts and marketing practices perpetuate unhealthy food purchases among low-income individuals. Furthermore, national agricultural policies have contributed to increased portion sizes and a supply of ultra-processed foods. To effectively treat and advocate for patients, general internists must understand how these policies drive the obesity epidemic. In this review, we dissect the marketing practices and regional and national food policies that contribute to the obesogenic food environment. We also highlight policies that provide evidence for improving the food environment and reversing the obesity epidemic.

This study is the first to examine whether neighbourhood, school and home food environments were associated with dietary behaviours in Hong Kong adolescents; and whether off-campus lunch school policy, bringing lunch from home and parental rules for eating behaviours moderated the associations. We used data from the international Healthy environments and active living in teenagers - (Hong Kong) [iHealt(H)] study. Participants were healthy adolescents aged 11-18 years (N = 1299; Mage = 14.7 years; 57 % girls) and their parent/primary caregivers. Participants completed surveys with validated scales to assess dietary behaviours and perceived food environments. The Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes and Geographic Information Systems data and software were used to objectively assess food environments. A higher number of bakeries, coffee shops, cafes and convenience stores in the neighbourhood was associated with higher consumption of vegetables and lower consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks in adolescents. Adolescents who frequently brought lunch from home to school consumed fatty foods and sugar-sweetened drinks less frequently and were more likely to eat fruits and vegetables. Greater availability of unhealthy food outlets at the school was associated with higher consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, whereas more restaurants around the school was associated with higher consumption of fruits and vegetables. Home-made lunches and restrictive parental eating rules moderated the effects of food environments on adolescents' dietary behaviours. All food environmental contexts were associated with Hong Kong adolescents' dietary behaviours; however, the home and school environment appeared to be the most influential and should be targeted in public health interventions.

The global prevalence of obesity has more than tripled since 1975 and represents a substantial public health challenge. Obesity is a chronic disease with a high tendency to recurrence and is associated with numerous comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Every year around 2.8 million people die from the sequelae. Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulation of fatty tissue. In routine clinical practice obesity is diagnosed by measuring the body mass index (BMI); however, there are numerous professional associations that recommend the additional determination of another biometric parameter (waist to height ratio or waist circumference). This not only reduces inaccuracies in the BMI but also makes it easier to identify patients with a particularly high risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Regardless of the definitions and diagnostics of obesity, the aim of treatment for those affected is not just to reduce weight but more to improve the quality of life, overall survival and the improvement or prevention of obesity-related diseases.

(Commercial) food cues in outdoor public spaces are environmental drivers of unhealthy diets. This study aimed to explore residents' perceptions of food cues in outdoor public spaces in relation to their perceived food environment, eating behaviour, and their opinion on governmental outdoor food cue regulations.

A photovoice study, consisting of a photography assignment followed by semi-structured interviews, was conducted among 15 adult residents of the municipality of Wageningen, the Netherlands. Participants had one week to take photographs of outdoor food cues they encountered in their municipality, using a mobile app "myfoodenvironment", that were central to the interview afterwards.

Participants mainly noticed unhealthy food cues, which they viewed as constant 'reminders' that unhealthy food was easily accessible and affordable. Their views varied on the extent to which food cues affected their own eating behaviour, but generally believed that food cues affected that of others. Participants identified several factors that amplify outdoor food cues' influence on eating behaviour, including hunger, fatigue and attractiveness of the cues. The findings revealed support for government regulation of food cues, while acknowledging the complexity of this issue and the diverse perspectives on how such regulations should be designed (e.g., where, for whom), with one notable counterargument being concerns about feeling patronized by such policies.

Current findings may inform health professionals and (local) policy makers about the unhealthy food cues encountered by residents in outdoor public spaces, which unconsciously influence their eating behaviour, while also providing insights into designing food cue regulations that attract policy support by balancing public health goals with considerations of consumer autonomy and citizen preferences.

Food systems and food environments are evolving rapidly in Viet Nam, concurrently with significant shifts in dietary patterns and health outcomes. This study aims to identify critical gaps in the national regulatory framework governing food environment in Viet Nam and to propose actionable recommendations to overcome these gaps.

Using the Food Environment Policy Index from the INFORMAS network, we mobilized a transdisciplinary panel of 18 experts to co-analyze and assess policy evidence, as well as co-develop policy recommendations. The assessment, encompassing 35 indicators across six food environment domains, revealed substantial gaps: 74% of indicators scored low or very low, while only 26% scored medium or high. Key gaps were identified in food composition standards, marketing, labeling, and financial incentives. Recommendations from the experts focused on strengthening food composition standards, enhancing consumer education, and fostering inter-sectoral policy integration.

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of Viet Nam's food environment policies and offers actionable recommendations to foster food environments conducive of healthier diets. Drawing on Viet Nam as a case study representative of challenges in other low- and middle-income countries, our findings highlight the importance of strong political commitment to prioritize public health over industry interests in order to create healthier, more equitable food environments and food systems.

Obesity is a recognized exacerbator of thyroid dysfunction due to its detrimental effects on energy homeostasis, appetite regulation, basal metabolic rate, thermogenesis, and metabolism. However, almost all the reported findings on obesity-related thyroid dysfunction are based on models of metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) in the presence of insulin resistance. There are currently no reported studies using a metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) model characterized by the absence of insulin resistance to investigate thyroid dysfunction. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association between thyroid dysfunction and obesity in a metabolically healthy high-fat high-carbohydrate diet-induced obese rat model.

Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into either the control diet or the high-fat high-carbohydrate diet group (HFHC) (n=9, per group). During the 5-month induction period, the control group did not develop obesity while consuming a standard diet with water. The HFHC diet group consumed the HFHC diet and water for the same duration and was diagnosed with obesity. Post-obesity confirmation, the animals continued with the respective diets for a further 7 months to maintain the obese state. Caloric intake, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and BMI were measured once a month for the duration of the experiment. Glucose homeostasis and thyroid functional parameters were assessed terminally, accompanied by satiety and pro-inflammatory markers.

The HFHC diet group presented with higher BMI, caloric intake and FBG, and elevated insulin, HOMA-IR, Hb1Ac, leptin and IL-6 levels compared to the control diet group. The HFHC diet group presented with significantly elevated levels of TSH, fT3 and fT4. These observations suggest that thyroid homeostasis is disturbed in the obese state. However, the reported elevated glycemic status indicators and IL-6 concentrations in the HFHC diet group did not satisfy the minimum criteria to be characterized as MUO.

The HFHC diet has induced MHO in male Sprague Dawley rats. This warrants using this model to investigate the homeostatic changes that occur during the metabolically healthy obese state. This can open new avenues for developing preventative measures to avoid progressing to MUO.

Obesity has increased in adolescents with a rising incidence of metabolic consequences, including type 2 diabetes, necessitating new pharmacotherapeutic approaches. Liraglutide is the first FDA-approved therapy for obesity in adolescents in less than a decade. We assessed its efficacy combined with lifestyle interventions in our patients.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a specialized children hospital in Riyadh (2019-2022). All patients had simple, non-syndromic obesity and received intensive education on lifestyle modification. Data was collected from patients in two groups: Lifestyle modification (LifeSG) Vs Lifestyle and Liraglutide (LiraglG). Comparisons of two repeated measures obtained at T1 (baseline) and T2 (6-9 months) or T3 (9-12 months), including changes in body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and other metabolic markers, were performed in the two matched groups using paired t-tests. Regression analysis using linear mixed models (SAS 9.4) were used to assess the effect of treatment status over time (P-value ≤ 0.05).

Data collected from 138 patients (n=69 in each group) with mean BMI and HbA1c of 35.78 kg/m2 and 5.85%, respectively. Notably, BMI declined by 0.48 kg/m2 over time in the LiraglG (p=0.003). An interaction effect (p=0.027) suggested a treatment impact until the first follow-up, which was not sustained thereafter. LifeSG exhibited no significant changes in biomarkers throughout T1-T3 period. In contrast, significant reductions were observed in BMI between T1-T2 (p=0.0057) and T1-T3 (p=0.010), total cholesterol (T1-T2) (p=0.023), alkaline phosphatase (T1-T3) (p<0.05) and low-density lipoprotein mean levels (T1-T3) (p=0.05) in the LiraglG group. A decline of 0.13% in A1c was observed in LiraglG; which may not clinically meaningful except in patients with pre-diabetes range of A1c (≥ 5.8%).

Liraglutide combined with lifestyle intervention is effective in treating obese Saudi adolescents, especially in the first 6-9 months. Continuous lifestyle intervention plays a key role in sustainability.

Obesity is a significant global health concern, and the natural bioactive compounds with anti-obesity effects remain challenging. This study aims to examine the anti-obesity effect and the potential mechanism of Vaccinium oldhamii fruit water extract (VOW).

Lipid accumulation, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling were evaluated in 3T3-L1 cells. In high-fat and high-sucrose diet (HFHSD)-induced obese mice, body weight, food intake, fat weight, serum lipid profiles, and adipogenic transcription factors were assessed. The most effective VOW fraction was selected by Oil Red O (ORO) staining and its mechanism was studied in 3T3-L1 cells.

VOW treatment significantly inhibited cellular lipid accumulation and suppressed phosphorylation of AMPK and its downstream protein, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). VOW also decreased adipogenic-associated protein expressions such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins α (C/EBP α), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and fatty acid synthase (FAS). The enhanced effect of VOW was abolished by the knockdown of AMPK with siRNA. The inhibitory effect of VOW on differentiation depended on the treatment period, even though VOW treatment downregulated the C/EBP β expression at the early phase of differentiation. VOW dramatically reduced activation of AMPK, thereby downregulating adipogenic-associated proteins. Furthermore, the butanol fraction (BtOH) of VOW showed the most powerful effect of VOW dose-dependently reduced lipid accumulation by suppressing the phosphorylation of AMPK. Consistent with inhibited lipid accumulation in vitro, VOW reduced body weight and white adipose tissue weight in the HFHSD-induced obese animal model.

Overall, our study suggested that the anti-adipogenesis effect of VOW and its BtOH fraction involved the activation of AMPK.

Features of neighbourhoods affect body mass index (BMI) but this has been poorly acknowledged within the highly heterogeneous and unequal contexts of Latin American cities. We evaluated associations between social, built, and natural environment characteristics of neighbourhoods with BMI, and investigated whether these associations were modified by individual socioeconomic position (SEP).

We linked individual data (n = 43 968) from national health surveys to data on neighbourhoods (n = 3428) and cities (n = 165) in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. Linear mixed models were used to estimate associations between neighbourhood education, intersection density, and greenness with BMI, adjusting for individual- and city-level characteristics.

Associations between neighbourhood education and BMI varied by country, in both magnitude and direction. In Argentina and Chile, higher neighbourhood education was associated with lower BMI. This negative association was also observed among women in Colombia and Mexico, although it was weaker. Among men in Colombia and Mexico, however, the association was positive. Associations of neighbourhood intersection density and greenness with BMI were less robust. In general, we did not find strong evidence of effect modification by individual SEP.

Neighbourhood education is associated with BMI beyond individual and city characteristics, although the associations are heterogenous across countries and by gender. Associations with built and natural features were less clear. Our results highlight the relevance of context-specific analysis for planning interventions that are aimed to reduce BMI and its unequal distribution in Latin American cities.

Obesity and overweight problems in public health have substantial impacts which affect the health status of individuals and community well-being and healthcare service provision worldwide. This scoping review aims to identify and classify factors from social, technological, environmental, economic and political domains which influence obesity and overweight conditions. The systematic analysis of determinants in this study generates usable information to guide public health intervention design and obesity epidemic management strategies.

The study utilized the ProQuest, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, and it also included grey literature in its analysis. The research objectives focused on identifying factors that contribute to overweight or obesity issues. The researchers used framework analysis to examine the qualitative data collected from these studies.

The synthesis incorporated 121 research studies which satisfied the established criteria. This comprised 98 studies from 46 different countries, 17 studies conducted at the international level, and 6 studies involving multiple countries. Eighty-two factors influencing overweight and obesity were identified as determinants and categorized into five main categories: sociocultural, economic, technological, environmental, and political. Most of the identified determinants belong to the socio-cultural category, which demonstrates their substantial impact on lifestyle and health behaviors.

The implementation of public health prevention and intervention programs depends on complete knowledge of all factors that affect overweight and obesity rates. This issue needs a comprehensive approach which analyzes sociocultural aspects together with economic, technological, environmental, and political factors, as well as other policy goals within defined societal challenges. Effective solutions to resolve this situation depend on multi-sectoral collaboration to tackle obesity and promote health-enhancing factors for the entire community.

while the Brazilian Tax Reform (TR) is underway, this study aimed to identify the main food taxes events and to map corporate political activities (CPA) of the agri-food sector.

We gathered bibliographical and documentary research from January 2023 to April 2024 of the TR and the CPA from agri-food companies, trade associations and front groups.

We found 78 CPA action strategies and 32 framing strategies. In 2024, CPA strategies occurred 20 times. The most frequent CPA action strategy was 'Manufacture public support for corporate positions'', by the mechanism 'Maximize corporate-favorable media content'. The most frequent CPA framing strategy was 'The 'trivial' and 'individual' problem: created by a minority of consumers', by the mechanism 'Health harms are not caused by Industry's products/services'.

CPA strategies resulted in UPFP off the excise tax. Civil society drove the UPFP debate, and the soda tax and the National Basic Food Basket were included in the TR.

This study shares industry interference learnings and can help to develop mechanisms that address Commercial Determinants of Health.

This study aimed to explore public opinion towards food marketing policies.

In 2022, a cross-sectional online survey was completed by 3,923 adults in Australia, including 1,152 caregivers of children aged <18 years. Concern about children's exposure to unhealthy food marketing was assessed among caregivers. Public support for seven policy options to restrict unhealthy food marketing in different media and settings (broadcast, online, outdoors, packaging and retail) was quantified. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to examine sociodemographic differences.

Most caregivers (85%) reported some degree of concern about their child's exposure to unhealthy food marketing. Among all respondents, there was a high level of support or neutrality (>70%) for all policies aimed at restricting unhealthy food marketing. Respondents who were female, older, highly educated, who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, perceived their monthly income as adequate or had at least one child living in the household reported higher support/neutrality towards several of the assessed policies.

Most Australian adults were supportive or neutral towards policies restricting unhealthy food marketing. The level of support varied depending on the policy's target group and its setting.

Implementing unhealthy food marketing policies in Australia would most likely have broad public support and minimal opposition.

In today's "obesogenic" environment, Pavlovian cues signaling the availability of high-calorie foods may elicit strong expectancies of eating and food cravings. Such cue-elicited appetitive responses, collectively referred to as food cue reactivity, may foster overeating and weight gain. Moreover, food-related cues may also elicit instrumental actions aimed at obtaining those foods via Pavlovian-to-Instrumental Transfer (PIT). This study compared extinction and counterconditioning in reducing food cue reactivity, measured by outcome expectancies, craving, and liking, as well as in decreasing outcome-specific PIT. We used a three-phase PIT paradigm: In the first two phases, participants learned Pavlovian associations between two conditioned stimuli (CSs+) and two food outcomes, and instrumental associations between two responses and the same outcomes. An additional stimulus was never paired with food outcomes (CS-). Participants then underwent either extinction or counterconditioning for one CS+ while the other CS+ remained unchanged, or received no additional learning (control). In the test phase, instrumental responding was measured in the presence and absence of Pavlovian stimuli. In all phases, we measured outcome expectancies, craving and liking of the Pavlovian stimuli. Both extinction and counterconditioning reduced cue-elicited outcome expectancies, but only counterconditioning significantly decreased CS+ liking. Neither procedure effectively reduced cue-elicited craving. Outcome-specific PIT was observed across conditions, though counterconditioning lead to a general decrease in instrumental responding to all stimuli in the test phase. These findings suggest that counterconditioning more effectively targets the affective value of conditioned stimuli and reduces food cue reactivity compared to extinction, though its impact on PIT warrants further investigation.

The rapid rise in childhood central obesity and its cardiometabolic complications in adulthood highlight the urgent need for targeted global interventions.

To examine the association of lifestyle, behavioral, and pharmacological interventions with childhood central obesity.

MEDLINE, Embase, CINHAL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Academic Search Database, and ProQuest from inception to September 25, 2024.

Inclusion criteria included (1) randomized clinical trials (RCTs) focusing on children aged 5 to 18 years with overweight or obesity at baseline and (2) measured central obesity as a primary or secondary outcome.

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guideline was followed. Two authors independently extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2.0). A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool standardized mean differences (SMD) from individual studies. Sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and subgroup analyses were also conducted.

The main outcome was childhood central obesity measured using waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, and WC z score.

This review included 34 RCTs, involving 8183 children aged 5 to 18 years. Twelve studies had a low risk of bias, whereas 8 were deemed to have a higher risk of bias. The meta-analysis of 2 RCTs examining low-fat lunchboxes and a Mediterranean diet along with physical activity (lasting up to 150 minutes per week over 6 to 9 months) showed a significant association with WC (standard mean difference [SMD], -0.38 [95% CI, -0.58 to -0.19]). Five additional RCTs involved behavioral interventions on dietary education to reduce unhealthy snacks, increase fruit and vegetable intake, promote daily physical activity, and limit screen time, supported by online resources also showed a significant association with WC (SMD, -0.54 [95% CI, -1.06 to -0.03]). However, standalone dietary, physical activity, pharmacotherapy, dietary supplements, motivational interviewing, and combined dietary, physical activity, and behavioral methods did not show a significant association with WC.

In this meta-analysis of RCTs, combining dietary changes with physical activity, as well as using behavioral strategies alone, were associated with reduced central obesity in children from high- and middle-income countries. Findings from this study have policy implications for Sustainable Development Goals of ending all forms of malnutrition and reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases.

Type 2 diabetes is considered a critical challenge to modern healthcare systems. The National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme delivered an evidence-based behaviour change programme at a national scale to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in England.

The Diabetes Prevention - Long-term Multimethod Assessment research programme provided a comprehensive assessment of the delivery of the National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme and its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Mixed-methods research including qualitative methods, observations, patient surveys and secondary analysis of administrative and survey data using statistical and econometric methods.

Community settings in England delivering the commissioned intervention, supported by general practices responsible for recruitment and referral.

Patients in community settings identified as being at high risk of type 2 diabetes offered and participating in the National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme, and staff involved in the organisation and delivery of the service.

The National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme, including its evidence-based behaviour change intervention (using both face-to-face and digital platforms) and the associated services for patient recruitment.

Incidence of type 2 diabetes, cost-effectiveness, access to the programme and fidelity of intervention delivery.

Interviews with patients and staff, document analysis and observations of the National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme delivery, patient surveys, secondary data (including National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme data, national surveys and audits).

The National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme was associated with significant reductions in incidence of type 2 diabetes and was highly likely to be cost-effective. Analyses of the delivery of the programme highlighted several aspects which impacted access to the programme and the fidelity with which the behaviour change intervention was delivered. For example, uptake and adherence were influenced by participants' psychosocial beliefs (e.g. chance of getting type 2 diabetes and whether taking part would reduce this). There were large differences between general practices in how many people they referred to the programme, with practices that offered higher-quality care for people with diabetes referring more. Variation in retention and outcomes was associated with differences in providers.

Analysis of administrative data to explore effectiveness and cost-effectiveness may be influenced by confounding. Recruitment of diverse and representative samples for surveys, interviews and observations was likely impacted by selection.

The National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme is highly likely to be cost-effective. Data from Diabetes Prevention - Long-term Multimethod Assessment have been used to improve aspects of programme delivery and could suggest further enhancements to improve recruitment, retention and fidelity.

Future research should address the question of whether the National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme prevents or delays type 2 diabetes when longer-term follow-up data are available. We identified factors that could be targeted to impact on recruitment, retention and inequalities, and recommend a robust assessment of the link between fidelity and outcomes.

This synopsis presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme as award number 16/48/07.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are becoming more and more important in daily diets around the world; in some cases, they can account for as much as 60% of daily energy intake. Epidemiological evidence suggests that this shift toward high levels of food processing may be partially responsible for the global obesity epidemic and the rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases.

Few prospective studies have examined the relationship between UPF consumption and cancer outcomes. According to currently available information, UPFs may increase the risk of cancer due to their obesogenic properties and exposure to substances that can cause cancer, such as certain food additives and pollution from product processing. The complex relationship between obesity and cancer involves factors such as immune dysregulation, altered adipokine and sex hormone levels, abnormal fatty acid metabolism, extracellular matrix remodeling, and chronic inflammation. Addressing cancer risk associated with UPF consumption could involve a multifaceted approach, including consumer behavior modification programs and robust public health regulations aimed at enhancing food environments. Improved knowledge of the potential dual negative impacts of UPFs on the environment and cancer risk is one of the priority areas we identify for future research and policy implications. Various approaches could be used to prevent cancers associated with UPF consumption, such as consumer behavior change programs and stricter public health regulations needed to improve the food environment. This review examines for the first time the potential role of UPFs in cancer risk associated with obesity, exploring underlying biological mechanisms and identifying key areas for future research and policy action, including the dual environmental and health impact of UPFs.

Waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) are considered useful for the diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study aimed to investigate the association between the body roundness index (BRI) and a body shape index (ABSI) with incident MASLD, in comparison to WC and BMI.

Retrospective cohort data from a Japanese health check-up program were analyzed. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the associations between anthropometric measure quartiles and MASLD, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between anthropometric measures and incident MASLD, stratified by sex.

A total of 10,561 males and 7,187 females were included, of whom 3,182 males and 914 females developed MASLD. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher WC, BMI, and BRI were associated with incident MASLD in both sexes, whereas higher ABSI was significantly associated with incident MASLD only in females. Among males, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of BMI was higher than that of WC, BRI, and ABSI. Conversely, among females, the AUC of BMI was higher than that of ABSI, whereas it was comparable to that of WC or BRI. The AUC and the optimal cut-off values of BMI for predicting incident MASLD were 0.77 and 23.9 kg/m2 in males, and 0.86 and 22.2 kg/m2 in females. The optimal cut-off values of WC were 82.0 cm for males and 76.3 cm for females, respectively.

We demonstrated the strongest association between BMI and incident MASLD compared to other measures, particularly in males, while also showing a strong association in females. Additionally, specific WC criteria for Asians to improve MASLD diagnosis are needed.

Existing research indicates that dietary habits spread through social networks, yet the impact on populations in Eastern Europe, particularly in rural areas, is less understood. We examine the influence of personal networks on the consumption of high-salt processed foods among individuals in rural Romania, with a specific focus on older adults. Using a personal network analysis, we analyze data from 83 participants of varying ages and their social contacts through multi-level regression models. The inclusion of participants across a wider age range allows us to capture the broader dynamics of social networks, reflecting the intergenerational nature of rural communities. Our findings reveal assortativity in dietary habits, indicating that individuals cluster with others who share similar food consumption patterns. Our results underscore the need for public health interventions that account for the influence of social networks on dietary behavior, as addressing high salt intake and its associated health risks may require considering the broader social context beyond older adults. The study contributes to understanding the social determinants of dietary behaviors and highlights the role of personal networks in shaping food choices in vulnerable populations.

Dietary habits significantly influence students' health status, with overweight and obesity posing serious global challenges linked to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Our cross-sectional study assessed overweight and obesity prevalence among students in Guarda, Portugal, analyzing the nutritional and lifestyle habits of 2083 students aged 6 to 58 years. The sample included 1762 school children and 321 higher education adults, grouped into age intervals: 5-12, 13-19, 20-39, and 40-59 years. BMI analysis revealed obesity rates of 9.1% in children and 9.7% in adults, with younger children, particularly males, showing higher rates compared to older children. Increased physical activity and reduced sedentary time were correlated with a lower BMI. The observed obesity rates suggest that factors such as physical activity levels, traditional dietary patterns, and access to fresh foods in this region of Portugal may contribute to better health outcomes among students.