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Perceived barriers to and ideas for weight control interventions in Malay homemakers: results from focus groups

Ng LW, Malhotra R, Lai D, Tai ES, Østbye T

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP552-61.
PMID: 23482708 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513479966

To develop a better understanding of perceived barriers to and ideas for weight loss and maintenance among Malay homemakers in Singapore.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/ethnology; Overweight/therapy*
Fulltext Higher Parity, Pre-Pregnancy BMI and Rate of Gestational Weight Gain Are Associated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Food Insecure Women

Yong HY, Mohd Shariff Z, Mohd Yusof BN, Rejali Z, Tee YYS, Bindels J, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 03 07;18(5).
PMID: 33800084 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052694

Food insecurity may exacerbate adverse maternal health outcomes during pregnancy, however, this association has not been well established, particularly in the context of developing countries. This study aimed to identify the associations between household food insecurity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk among urban pregnant women. Household food insecurity was assessed using the translated 10-item Radimer/Cornell hunger scale. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between food insecurity status and GDM risk. About 35.6% of women experienced food insecurity, with 25.2% reported household food insecurity, 8.0% individual food insecurity, and 2.4% child hunger. Food insecure women were at significantly higher risk of developing GDM compared to food secure women (AOR = 16.65, 95% CI = 6.17-24.98). The significant association between food insecurity and GDM risk was influenced by pre-pregnancy BMI, parity and rate of GWG at second trimester. Food insecure women with parity ≥ 2 (AOR = 4.21, 95% CI = 1.98-8.92), overweight/obese BMI prior to pregnancy (AOR = 12.11, 95% CI = 6.09-24.10) and excessive rate of GWG in the second trimester (AOR = 9.66, 95% CI = 4.27-21.83) were significantly more likely to develop GDM compared to food secure women. Food insecurity showed strong association with GDM risk in that the association was influenced by maternal biological and physical characteristics. Multipronged interventions may be necessary for food insecure pregnant women who are not only at risk of overweight/obesity prior to pregnancy but also may have excessive gestational weight gain, in order to effectively reduce GDM risk.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
Early pregnancy hemoglobin is associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study

Yong HY, Mohd Shariff Z, Mohd Yusof BN, Rejali Z, Tee YYS, Bindels J, et al.

Br J Nutr, 2022 Dec 14;128(11):2097-2104.
PMID: 35139935 DOI: 10.1017/S000711452100502X

This study aimed to determine the association between hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and Hb change, during early to mid-pregnancy with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This was a clinic-based retrospective cohort study of 1951 healthy pregnant women (18-45 years old) with a singleton gestation attending antenatal care at government health clinics. Hb concentration at first prenatal visit and each trimester was extracted from the antenatal cards. Hb changes from first prenatal visit to first and second trimester as well as from second to third trimester were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression was used with adjustment for covariates. Women with GDM had significantly higher Hb concentrations (Hb 1) at first prenatal visit (< 12 weeks) compared with non-GDM women (11·91 g/dl v.11·74 g/dl). Hb 1 and Hb changes (Hb change 2) from first prenatal visit to the second trimester (23-27th weeks) were significantly associated with GDM risk, with an adjusted OR of 1·14 (95 % CI 1·01, 1·29) and 1·25 (95 % CI 1·05, 1·49), respectively. The significant associations between Hb 1 and Hb change 2 with the risk of GDM were found among non-Malays, overweight/obese and women aged 35 years and above. Women with higher Hb concentrations in early pregnancy were at higher risk of GDM, and such association was significant among women aged 35 years and above, non-Malays and overweight/obese. This raises a potential concern for elevated Fe status in early pregnancy as a risk factor of GDM among Fe-replete women.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Fulltext Independent and combined effects of age, body mass index and gestational weight gain on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus

Yong HY, Mohd Shariff Z, Mohd Yusof BN, Rejali Z, Tee YYS, Bindels J, et al.

Sci Rep, 2020 May 22;10(1):8486.
PMID: 32444832 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65251-2

This study aimed to identify the independent and combined effects of age, BMI at first prenatal visit and GWG on the risk of GDM. A retrospective cohort study of 1,951 pregnant women in Seremban district, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. GDM was defined as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥5.6 mmol/l and/or 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2hPPG) ≥7.8 mmol/l. A higher percentage of women with GDM had 2 risk factors (29.0%) or >2 risk factors (8.6%) compared to non-GDM women (2 risk factors: 25.5%; >2 risk factors: 5.0%). In general, women with ≥2 risk factors were respectively 1.36-2.06 times more likely to have GDM compared to those without risk factors. Older maternal age and being overweight/obese were significantly associated with risk of GDM. Overweight/obese women with age ≥35 years had 2.45 times higher risk of GDM and having excessive GWG at second trimester further increased the risk of GDM. Age and BMI are independent risk factors for GDM but not GWG in the first and second trimester. The findings emphasize the need to focus on a healthy BMI before pregnancy and optimal GWG during pregnancy to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/physiopathology*
Fulltext Rate of gestational weight gain trajectory is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes

Yong HY, Mohd Shariff Z, Appannah G, Rejali Z, Mohd Yusof BN, Bindels J, et al.

Public Health Nutr, 2020 Dec;23(18):3304-3314.
PMID: 32814606 DOI: 10.1017/S1368980020002372

OBJECTIVE: To examine the gestational weight gain (GWG) trajectory and its possible association with pregnancy outcomes.
DESIGN: GWG trajectories were identified using the latent class growth model. Binary logistic regression was performed to examine the associations between adverse pregnancy outcomes and these trajectories.
SETTING: Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand one hundred ninety-three pregnant women.
RESULTS: Three GWG trajectories were identified: 'Group 1 - slow initial GWG but followed by drastic GWG', 'Group 2 - maintaining rate of GWG at 0·58 kg/week' and 'Group 3 - maintaining rate of GWG at 0·38 kg/week'. Group 1 had higher risk of postpartum weight retention (PWR) (adjusted OR (AOR) 1·02, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·04), caesarean delivery (AOR 1·03, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·04) and having low birth weight (AOR 1·04, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·05) compared with group 3. Group 2 was at higher risk of PWR (AOR 1·18, 95 % CI 1·16, 1·21), preterm delivery (AOR 1·03, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·05) and caesarean delivery (AOR 1·02, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·03), but at lower risk of having small-for-gestational-age infants (AOR 0·97, 95 % CI 0·96, 0·99) compared with group 3. The significant associations between group 1 and PWR were observed among non-overweight/obese women; between group 1 and caesarean delivery among overweight/obese women; group 2 with preterm delivery and caesarean delivery were only found among overweight/obese women.
CONCLUSIONS: Higher GWG as well as increasing GWG trajectories was associated with higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Promoting GWG within the recommended range should be emphasised in antenatal care to prevent the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology
Performance of Simple Fibrosis Scores in Nonobese Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Fu C, Wai JW, Nik Mustapha NR, Irles M, Wong GL, Mahadeva S, et al.

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2020 11;18(12):2843-2845.e2.
PMID: 31574313 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.09.027

Because only a minority of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have advanced fibrosis and would eventually develop liver-related complications, current guidelines recommend initial assessment with noninvasive tests of fibrosis.1-3 Most previous studies focused on overweight and obese patients. Despite a strong association between obesity and NAFLD, 3%-30% of people with relatively normal body mass index (BMI) may still have NAFLD.4,5 Hence, this study aims to evaluate the performance of the common noninvasive tests in non-obese (BMI <25 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) NAFLD patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Fulltext What has been done to tackle overweight and obesity in Malaysia?: A literature review (2005 – 2015)

Siew Tin, Tan, Mohd-Sidik, Sherina, Lekhraj, Rampal, Normala, Ibrahim, Kit-Aun, Tan, Zuriati, Ibrahim

The Pertanika Journal of Scholarly Research Reviews, 2017;3(2):56-72.
MyJurnal

As reported by the World Health Organisation (2014), Malaysia is the fattest country among the Southeast Asia. Among others, obesity is a leading contributor of non-communicable diseases (e.g., type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cancer). This article aims to review the exiting weight management programmes targeting overweight and obesity in Malaysia from 2005 to 2015. The findings from this review could be useful for future intervention efforts in an attempt to address such issues in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Fulltext Insulin resistance, inflammation and metabolic syndrome in normal weight and overweight/obese primary school children in Kuala Lumpur

Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib, Chin, Yit Siew, Zalilah Mohd Shariff, Tung, Serene En Hui, Yim, Hip Seng, Zubaidah Jamil Osman

Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(2):153-161.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Studies on metabolic syndrome (MetS) of children are important
in view of rising prevalence of childhood obesity worldwide. This study compares
the risks of insulin resistance, inflammation and metabolic syndrome between
overweight/obese (OW/OB) and normal weight (NW) children in Kuala Lumpur.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 primary schools selected
using multi-stage stratified random sampling. Height and weight were taken of a
total of 1971 children aged 10-11 years. Based on BMI-for-age, 235 OW/OB children
matched for age, sex and ethnicity with 226 NW children were selected for the study.
Overnight fasting blood samples were collected to determine insulin, high-sensitivity
C-reactive protein (hsCRP), glucose and lipid profiles. Logistic regression analysis
was conducted to estimate associations between weight status and metabolic risk
factors.

Results: Prevalence of MetS among OW/OB children was 3.8% compared to
0% in the NW. Prevalence of insulin resistance among OW/OB was 45.5% compared
to 18.6% among NW children. High risk of inflammation was found in 28.1% of the
OW/OB children compared to 12.4% in the NW. The odds ratio of having insulin
resistance, inflammation and metabolic risk factors among OW/OB were 3.66 (95%
CI: 2.40-5.59), 2.76 (95% CI: 1.69-4.50), 4.93 (95% CI: 3.42-7.10), respectively
compared to the NW.

Conclusion: The OW/OB children in this study showed higher
risks of developing insulin resistance, inflammation and MetS compared to the NW
counterparts. Further studies are suggested to better understand the relationships
between insulin resistance, inflammation and MetS in children.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Fulltext Prevalence of obesity and associated factors among secondary school students in Slemani City Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Muhammad Saeed Qadir, Rampal, Lekhraj, Sherina Mohd Sidik, Salmiah Md Said, Zhian Salah Ramzi

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2014;10(2):27-38.
MyJurnal

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The objective of
the study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and factors associated among secondary school students aged between 13 to 17 years at Slemani City Centre, Iraq. Methodology: A cross sectional study design was used. The calculated sample size was 1656. Probability proportional to size sampling technique was used to select the sample. A validated pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Weight and height were also taken. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Chi-square test was used to determine an association between two categorical variables. Independent t-test was used to compare two means. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors for obesity. Results: The response rate was 92.54% and the overall mean age of the 1588 respondents was 15.42 (95% CI = 15.35, 15.49) years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 20.6% and 11.3% respectively. Variables significantly associated with overweight and obesity (age, monthly family income, education level of parents, body part satisfaction and body size perception) were entered into the logistic regression model. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the predictors for overweight and obesity were age, monthly family income, body part dissatisfaction and body size perception. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high (20.6% and 11.3% respectively). The predictors of obesity among secondary school students aged between 13 to 17 years old at Slemani City Centre Kurdistan Region, Iraq were age, family income and body image dissatisfaction.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Fulltext Nutritional status of Rohingya children in Kuala Lumpur

Sok Teng, T., Zalilah, M. S.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2011;7(1):41-49.
MyJurnal

The Rohingya is a group of refugees from Myanmar who have been residing in Malaysia since the 1980s. At present, there is no published information on health and nutritional status of refugee children
in Malaysia. This study was conducted to assess nutritional status of the Rohingya children aged
6 months to 12 years old (N=87) and to determine the associations between nutritional status with
socio-demographic, dietary diversity and health (birth weight, immunization and childhood illness)
variables. Children were measured for weight and height while their guardians were interviewed for
socio-demographic, dietary diversity and health information. About 27.5% of the Rohingya children
were underweight, 11.5% stunted, 16.1% thin and 12.6% at risk of overweight and overweight. The
percentage of children with low birth weight (< 2.5 kg) and no immunization was 17.8% and 11.5%,
respectively. Fever (67.8%) and flu (62.1%) were the most common childhood illnesses reported in
previous month with 44-75% of the children with these illnesses did not receive any medical treatment.
The mean dietary diversity score was 8.9+3.2 out of a possible 14, with a higher score indicating a
more diverse diet. There were significant correlations between frequency of immunization received
by the children with weight-for-age-z score (rs=0.27, p

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Fulltext Food security status and childhood obesity in Kuantan Pahang

Roselawati Mat Ya, Wan Azdie Mohd Abu Bakar, Aflah Afandi, Jamalludin Ab Rahman, Zalilah Mohd Shariff

International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2017;1(2):56-71.
MyJurnal

Food insecurity has become one of the concerning issues in public health. The purpose of this study was to investigate household food security status and its relationship with childhood obesity in Kuantan, Pahang. This comparative cross sectional study was conducted in Kuantan, Pahang among 128 mothers aged 18 to 55 years with the children aged 7 and 13 years. Data on food security status was collected using Radimer/Cornell hunger and food insecurity instrument through telephone survey while children's height and weight as well as socio-demographic data were measured and obtained during schools visits. A total of 23% of the respondents were food secure. However, 77% experienced food insecurity where 52% were household food insecure, 9% women were individual food insecure and 16% fell into the child hunger category. Income (p=0.04), income per capita (p=0.033), household size (p=0.032) and area of living (p=0.001) were the significant risk factors for household food insecurity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children were 60.6% in food insecure households which was higher compared to food-secure households (38.4%). However, there were no significant association between childhood obesity and food security status. This study demonstrates that the prevalence of food insecurity and childhood obesity in Kuantan, Pahang is a major concern. The results warrant the need
for further investigation to identify complex interaction between food insecurity and
childhood obesity.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Prevalence of overweight/obesity and its associated factors among secondary school students in semi urban area in Malaysia

Alagappan M, Rampal L, Zalilah MS

Med J Malaysia, 2019 12;74(6):513-520.
PMID: 31929478

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and factors associated among secondary school students in Batang Padang District, Perak, Malaysia.
METHODS: Out of the 7247 students in the ten selected schools studied, a total of 6248 students (2928 males, 3320 females) took part. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odd ratio.
RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 16.0% and 11.5% respectively. Obesity/overweight was significantly (p<0.05) associated with gender, age, ethnicity, education level of father, education level of mother, physical activity, disordered eating, smoking status, body size perception and body part satisfaction. The multivariable analysis results showed that the odds of being overweight/obesity were higher in males compared to females (OR 1.56, 95%CI: 1.37, 1.77). The results also showed that the odds of being overweight/obesity were highest among those in age group 12 and 13 years and among Malay ethnicity. The odds of overweight/obesity were higher in those who was dissatisfied with their body parts, (OR 1.96, 95%CI: 1.71, 2.25), dissatisfied with their body size (OR: 4.25, 95%CI: 3.60, 5.02), low physical activity (OR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.44), current smokers (OR 1.38, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.78) and at risk of having eating disorder (OR: 1.39, 95%CI 1.22, 1.59).
CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity is high. The findings from this study can be used by policy makers to plan an integrated intervention program in schools.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/epidemiology*
Fulltext Body mass status of school children and adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Moy FM, Gan CY, Zaleha MK

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2004;13(4):324-9.
PMID: 15563435

Lifestyle and disease patterns in Malaysia have changed following rapid economic development. It is important to find out how these changes have affected the nutritional status and health behaviour of the population, especially school children and adolescents. Therefore a survey on school children's and adolescents' health behaviours and perception in Kuala Lumpur was initiated. This paper only reports the observed body mass status of the school children. A total of 3620 school children were selected in this survey using the method of multi-stage sampling. The students were surveyed using pre-tested questionnaires while weight and height were measured by the research team in the field. Using the cut-off of BMI-for-age >or= 95th percentile and <5th percentile for overweight and underweight respectively, there were a total of 7.3% of overweight students and 14.8% of underweight students. When analysed by gender; 7.5% of boys and 7.1% girls were overweight, while 16.2% of the boys and 13.3% of the girls were underweight. The youngest age group (11 years old) had the highest prevalence of underweight as well as overweight. With increasing age, the prevalence of underweight and overweight decreased and more children were in the normal weight range. The overall prevalence of overweight among the three ethnic groups was similar. However the prevalence of underweight was highest among the Indian students (24.9%), followed by Malays (18.9%) and Chinese (9.5%) (P <0.001). The results showed that both the problems of under- and over-nutrition co-exist in the capital city of Malaysia. The promotion of healthy eating and physical activities is required to address the problems of under- and over-nutrition in order to build up a strong and healthy nation in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/ethnology*
Fulltext Estimation of glomerular filtration rate using serum cystatin C in overweight and obese subjects

Marwyne MN, Loo CY, Halim AG, Norella K, Sulaiman T, Zaleha MI

Med J Malaysia, 2011 Oct;66(4):313-7.
PMID: 22299549 MyJurnal

Obesity and overweight are strong independent risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Using serum creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations in these subjects may be inaccurate. On the other hand, cystatin C-based eGFR equations may overestimate CKD prevalence as recent findings suggest an association of cystatin C with obesity. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of a cystatin C-based eGFR equation compared to two creatinine -based eGFR equations in overweight and obese subjects.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight/physiopathology*
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and behaviours related to weight control and body-image perceptions among chinese high school students

Lee CY, Yusof HM, Zakaria NS

Malays J Med Sci, 2019 Sep;26(5):122-131.
PMID: 31728124 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.5.11

Background: Body-image perception is one of the determinants in weight management, especially among adolescents. This study aimed to assess weight-control knowledge, attitude and behaviours along with body-image perceptions among Chinese high school students in order to compare the weight-control behaviours with those perceptions.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 277 Chinese students in Form 1 and Form 2 in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia using convenience sampling. The following outcomes were evaluated: weight-control knowledge, attitude and behaviours (weight-related knowledge and attitude questionnaire; weight control strategies scale) and body-image perceptions (figure rating scale).

Results: Both genders were found to have high weight-control knowledge, with female adolescents scoring significantly higher than male adolescents (P = 0.010). However, only half of the adolescents (50.9%) perceived that obesity is bad for health. Although only 44.4% of adolescents were dissatisfied with their current weight status, 62.8% intended to change their present weight status. Male adolescents significantly engaged more in physical activity (PA) (P = 0.035) and self-monitoring (SM) (P = 0.014) compared to their female counterparts. Furthermore, male adolescents chose their current body size as their ideal body image, but female adolescents preferred a slimmer ideal figure. The percentage of male and female adolescents who desired a smaller body figure was 39.6% and 54.5%, respectively. Lastly, there was no significant difference between weight-control behaviours and adolescents' body-image perceptions.

Conclusion: Female Chinese adolescents had higher weight-control knowledge and preferred a slimmer body size, yet males were more likely to engage in PA and SM behaviours. Essentially, imprecise attitude towards obesity among half of the Chinese high school students is of particular concern.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Fulltext Relationship of Depressive Symptoms to Hypertension in a Household Survey

Lam, H.H., Ng, E.K., Ooi, A.L., Ooi, P.Y., Sellymiah, A., Siti Fareeda, A., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2011;20(1):1-12.
MyJurnal

Objectives: To study relationship of depressive symptoms to hypertension. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on respondents from Kampung Awal. Hypertension was defined as self-reported or by measurement using a mercury sphymomanometer and depressive symptoms were evaluated by CES-D scale. Results: A total 103 respondents were studied. The male:female ratio was 1:1.5 with mean age of 41.8 years. Majority had formal education up to secondary school. 45% were government servant and over 95% subjects had income of RM1000 or less per each family member per month. 21.4% (n=22) self-reported to have hypertension and 7.8%(n=91) met the criteria for incident hypertension. 7.8% met the criteria for both. Mean score based on CES-D was 13.08. 32.0% subjects had depression. 54 subjects reported never experienced any strain for past 6 months and 24 reported to have 2 or more .61 subjects were overweight with mean value of BMI=26.19 kg/m2. Self-reported hypertension and incident hypertension were strongly associated with age but only selfreported hypertension was strongly associated with overweight. However, there was no significant association between hypertension with chronic strains and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Depressive symptomatology was not associated with hypertension in this survey. Women had a significant risk in having depressive symptoms. Age =45 years & overweight were significant risks for hypertension. A prospective study will be more useful in the future to find out the association between depression and hypertension.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Fulltext Risk factors for recognized and unrecognized SARS-CoV-2 infection: a seroepidemiologic analysis of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study

Leong DP, Loeb M, Mony PK, Rangarajan S, Mushtaha M, Miller MS, et al.

Microbiol Spectr, 2024 Feb 06;12(2):e0149223.
PMID: 38214526 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01492-23

There are limited data on individual risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection (including unrecognized infection). In this seroepidemiologic substudy of an ongoing prospective cohort study of community-dwelling adults, participants were thoroughly characterized pre-pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 infection was ascertained by serology. Among 8,719 participants from 11 high-, middle-, and low-income countries, 3,009 (35%) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Characteristics independently associated with seropositivity were younger age (odds ratio, OR; 95% confidence interval, CI, per five-year increase: 0.95; 0.91-0.98) and body mass index >25 kg/m2 (OR, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.01-1.34). Smoking (as compared with never smoking, OR, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.70-0.97) and COVID-19 vaccination (OR, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.60-0.82) were associated with a reduced risk of seropositivity. Among seropositive participants, 83% were unaware of having been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Seropositivity and a lack of awareness of infection were more common in lower-income countries. The COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (including recognized and unrecognized infections). Overweight or obesity is an independent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infection and lack of infection awareness are more common in lower-income countries.IMPORTANCEIn this large, international study, evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was obtained by testing blood specimens from 8,719 community-dwelling adults from 11 countries. The key findings are that (i) the large majority (83%) of community-dwelling adults from several high-, middle-, and low-income countries with blood test evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection were unaware of this infection-especially in lower-income countries; and (ii) overweight/obesity predisposes to SARS-CoV-2 infection, while COVID-19 vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These observations are not attributable to other individual characteristics, highlighting the importance of the COVID-19 vaccination to prevent not only severe infection but possibly any infection. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which overweight/obesity might increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Changing the global obesity narrative to recognize and reduce weight stigma: A position statement from the World Obesity Federation

Nutter S, Eggerichs LA, Nagpal TS, Ramos Salas X, Chin Chea C, Saiful S, et al.

Obes Rev, 2024 Jan;25(1):e13642.
PMID: 37846179 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13642

Weight stigma, defined as pervasive misconceptions and stereotypes associated with higher body weight, is both a social determinant of health and a human rights issue. It is imperative to consider how weight stigma may be impeding health promotion efforts on a global scale. The World Obesity Federation (WOF) convened a global working group of practitioners, researchers, policymakers, youth advocates, and individuals with lived experience of obesity to consider the ways that global obesity narratives may contribute to weight stigma. Specifically, the working group focused on how overall obesity narratives, food and physical activity narratives, and scientific and public-facing language may contribute to weight stigma. The impact of weight stigma across the lifespan was also considered. Taking a global perspective, nine recommendations resulted from this work for global health research and health promotion efforts that can help to reduce harmful obesity narratives, both inside and outside health contexts.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Nutrient Intakes Status and Physical Inactivity among Overweight and Obese School Children in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

Wan Dali WPE, Jan Mohamed HJ, Yusoff H

Iran J Public Health, 2018 Aug;47(8):1098-1107.
PMID: 30186781

Background: The study examined the baseline findings of a controlled intervention study comprising anthropometric measurements, nutrient intakes, and physical activity among overweight or obese children in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Methods: The study was completed in 2016 and the baseline data were gathered from four groups in a school-based randomized community trial among Year Five students from primary schools in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. Participants completed anthropometry assessment, three-day dietary record, and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C).
Results: The prevalence of obesity was higher among the boys (52.5%). Mean energy intake was significantly higher among boys as compared to the girls (P=0.003). Twenty-five percent of the participants had exceeded the recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) of energy recommended. The calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin were also significantly higher among boys as compared to the girls (P<0.05). Boys also exhibited a significantly higher score on performance of physical activity (mean=2.68; SD=0.60) as compared to the girls (mean=2.38; SD=0.51) however it is still in the category of moderately active. Approximately 14.4% of children had a very low physical activity level.
Conclusion: Overweight and obese boys had higher energy and fat intakes but were more physically active as compared to the girls. These findings might be useful in planning appropriate intervention strategies to be designed and delivered especially for this cohort.

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight
Fulltext Factors influencing appetite and depression among institutionalised Chinese elderly in Penang

Suzana Shahar, Yow, Bee Charn

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2009;7(2):73-88.
MyJurnal

Poor appetite and inadequate food intake together with depression are associated with malnutrition, that will increase risk of morbidity and mortality among elderly people. Identifying factors associated with these conditions are essential for formulation of preventive strategies. Therefore, a study was conducted to identify factors associated with poor appetite and depression among institutionalised Chinese elderly people in Butterworth, Penang. A total of 100 Chinese elderly (49 men and 51 women) aged 60 years and above, (mean age ± SD of 74.7 ± 9.2 years), with no known terminal and mental illnesses from two nursing homes participated in this study. Subjects were interviewed to gather information on appetite using Council of Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ), depression using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and also socio demographic and health status. Food intake was assessed using a combination of one-day food weighing and 24 hour diet recall. Body weight and height were measured. Results showed that the mean energy and nutrients intake did not achieve the Recommended Nutrient Intake of Malaysia (RNI), with the exception for vitamin C. Only 4% of the subjects were underweight and obese, 65% normal and 31% overweight. A total of 70% and 73% of subjects had poor appetite and depression, respectively. Subjects who had depression (adjusted OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 0.95-8.03), energy intake below RNI (adjusted OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 0.68-6.95) and difficulty to fall asleep at night (insomnia) (adjusted OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 0.72-6.82) were more likely to have poor appetite. Subjects who had poor appetite (adjusted OR = 3.36, 95% CI = 1.19-9.47) and insomnia (adjusted OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 0.83-7.98) were more likely to have depression. In conclusion, although the majority of subjects had normal body weight but the nutrient intake was inadequate. Poor appetite and depression were prevalent and interrelated and also strongly associated with insomnia.
Device, Scales & Questionnaire: Council of Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ-8); Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)

Matched MeSH terms: Overweight

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