Search Results (219)

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity rates in Jordan have reached alarming levels, with 28% of school-age children classified as overweight or obese. School-based gardening interventions show promise for promoting healthy eating behaviors, yet limited research exists in Middle Eastern contexts. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a five-month school-based vegetable gardening and nutrition education intervention on anthropometric measures, dietary intake, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding vegetable consumption among Jordanian primary school children. Methods: A quasi-experimental controlled trial was conducted with 216 students (ages 10–12 years) from two demographically matched schools in Amman, Jordan. The intervention group (n = 121) participated in weekly one-hour gardening sessions combined with nutrition education and vegetable tasting activities over five months, while the control group (n = 95) continued the standard curriculum. Outcomes measured at baseline and post-intervention included anthropometric assessments, dietary intake via 24 h recalls, and vegetable-related KAP using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated measures ANCOVA. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in body composition, including reductions in BMI (−1.57 kg/m²), weight (−1.88 kg), and BMI z-score (−0.37), while controls showed minimal increases. Vegetable intake showed significant time × group interaction (p-value = 0.003), with a non-significant increase in the intervention group (2.7 to 2.9 times/day) and a non-significant decrease in the controls (2.5 to 2.4 times/day). Dietary quality improved, including increased fiber intake (+2.36 g/day) and reduced saturated fat consumption (−9.24 g/day). Nutrition knowledge scores increased substantially in the intervention group (+22.31 points) compared to controls (+1.75 points; p-value ≤ 0.001). However, attitudes and practices toward vegetable consumption showed no significant changes. Conclusions: This intervention effectively improved body composition, dietary quality, and nutrition knowledge among Jordanian primary school children. These findings provide evidence for implementing culturally adapted school gardening programs as childhood obesity prevention interventions in Middle Eastern settings, though future programs should incorporate family engagement strategies to enhance behavioral sustainability. Full article

This cross-sectional study examines adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) lifestyle and its association with knowledge, attitudes, habits, and cooking self-efficacy related to healthy and sustainable diets among Spanish adults. Additionally, it explores how sociodemographic and behavioral variables influence adherence to the MD. An online survey was conducted with 380 participants, predominantly women, urban dwellers, and highly educated individuals. The results reveal limited knowledge about food sustainability, with only 58.1% recognizing the MD as a sustainable model. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that higher adherence to the MD lifestyle was significantly associated with older age. Younger individuals who cooked regularly reported higher cooking self-efficacy, which in turn was associated with living with children and with healthier and more sustainable dietary habits. These dietary habits were also linked to being female, highlighting the interconnected roles of gender, age, and domestic context in shaping attitudes toward healthy and sustainable eating. The findings highlight a strong interrelation among attitudes, habits, and cooking self-efficacy, which together influence MD adherence. These results underscore the importance of designing targeted public health interventions that enhance cooking self-efficacy as a key lever to promote healthier and more sustainable eating habits, particularly among men and individuals who cook infrequently. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parental weight stigma and bias can shape how parents talk about weight and health with their children, yet their interplay in Romania is unexplored. We examined how parents’ experienced stigma, internalized bias, and explicit antifat attitudes relate to weight- and health-focused conversations with 5–17-year-olds, and whether these links vary by child weight status. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey of 414 Romanian parents, we assessed stigma (teasing/unfair treatment), internalized bias (WBIS-M), antifat attitudes (AFA, UMBFAT), and frequency of health (healthy eating/PA) versus weight-focused talks and comments. BMI-derived child weight status was classified via WHO percentiles. Multivariate regressions and mediation analyses tested predictors and indirect effects. Results: Nearly 80% of parents discussed weight at least sometimes; higher child BMI percentile and parental internalized bias independently predicted more weight conversations (β = 0.44 and β = 0.25, both p < 0.001). Internalized bias mediated the effect of experienced stigma on weight talk (indirect effect = 0.105, 95% CI [0.047, 0.172]). Explicit antifat attitudes drove comments about others’ weight (β = 0.17, p = 0.002). Health-focused talks were unrelated to stigma or bias but were more frequent among parents with higher education, better self-rated health, and lower BMI. Conclusions: Parents’ internalized weight bias—shaped by stigma—fuels weight-focused conversations, especially when children have higher BMI, while antifat attitudes underlie negative comments about others. Interventions should reduce parental internalized bias and train supportive, health-centered communication to curb weight stigma transmission. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is growing interest in non-diet approaches to support health, well-being, and performance in different populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week intuitive eating (IE) intervention on participants’ body composition, body image, eating behaviors, and athletic performance. Methods: The study included both an intervention group and a control group. It was conducted between September and December 2021. Participants were recruited from a sports center in Istanbul, where they had applied for nutrition and exercise counseling. Inclusion criteria included being 18–65 years old, not having engaged in regular physical activity in the past month, having no chronic disease, and not using any regular medications. Participants were not randomly assigned to groups; allocation was based on availability and willingness to attend the intervention sessions. The study involved 57 participants who were healthy adults between 18 and 65 years old and followed a structured exercise program. At the beginning of the study, a demographic questionnaire was administered. The anthropometric measurements were taken at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. In addition, validated performance and psychometric assessment tools were used, including the Cooper test for cardiovascular endurance, the Davies test for upper-body agility, and the 1-RM bench press for muscular strength, alongside standardized self-report questionnaires for eating attitudes (EAT-26), IE (IES-2), and body image (BCS). Results: The intervention group did not show any statistically significant changes in body composition (p > 0.05). The post-intervention means of the intervention and control groups were not statistically different (p > 0.05). The intervention group showed significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, agility, and strength performance scores compared to the control group after the intervention (p < 0.05). The intervention group showed significant improvements in body image scores (p < 0.05) and eating attitude scores (p < 0.05). The post-intervention eating attitude and body image scores of the intervention group were significantly different from those of the control group (p < 0.05). The results of the correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between intuitive eating and body image (r = 0.455; p < 0.05) and a significant negative correlation between IE and disordered eating attitudes (r = −0.449; p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that longer-term interventions may be beneficial and warrant further investigation. IE may serve as a promising strategy to enhance psychological well-being and performance outcomes without focusing on weight control. Full article

Food addiction (FA) is an emerging psychiatric condition that presents behavioral and neurobiological similarities with other addictions, and its early identification is essential to prevent the development of more severe disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of anthropometric measures, eating habits, symptoms related to eating disorders (ED), and lifestyle features to predict the symptoms of food addiction. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 702 university students (77.3% women; age: 22 ± 6 years). The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), anthropometric measurements, and a set of self-report questions on substance use, physical activity level, and other questions were administered. A total of 6.4% of participants presented symptoms compatible with food addiction, and 8.1% were at risk for ED. Additionally, 26.5% reported daily smoking, 70.6% consumed alcohol, 2.9% used illicit drugs, and 29.4% took medication; 35.3% did not engage in physical activity. Individuals with food addiction had higher BMI (p = 0.010), waist circumference (p = 0.001), and body fat (p < 0.001) values, and a higher risk of eating disorders (p = 0.010) compared to those without this condition. In the multivariate logistic model, non-dairy beverage consumption (such as coffee or alcohol), vitamin D deficiency, and waist circumference predicted food addiction symptoms (R²_Nagelkerke = 0.349). Indeed, the machine learning approaches confirmed the influence of these variables. Conclusions: The prediction models allowed an accurate prediction of FA in the university students; moreover, the individualized approach improved the identification of people with FA, involving complex dimensions of eating behavior, body composition, and potential nutritional deficits not previously studied. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hispanic adolescents experience elevated rates of disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction, yet limited research has examined how gender and weight status interact to shape these risks within this population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 680 Hispanic adolescents (ages 9–15) from a predominantly Mexican-American middle school. Participants completed the Modified Kids Eating Disorder Survey (M-KEDS), and height and weight were objectively measured to determine BMI-for-age percentile. Chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and logistic regression were used to assess differences by gender and weight status, including interaction effects. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparisons. Effect sizes (Cramér’s V, odds ratios with 95% CI) were reported. Results: Approximately 73% of participants reported body dissatisfaction, with significant differences observed by gender and weight status. Adolescents with overweight/obesity reported significantly higher negative weight attitudes and extreme weight control behaviors than healthy-weight peers (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes. Females endorsed more disordered attitudes and behaviors, except for exercise to lose weight, which was more common among overweight/obese males. Conclusions: These findings underscore the high prevalence and significance of disordered eating behaviors in Hispanic adolescents, including those at a healthy weight. Results highlight the importance of culturally tailored, gender-sensitive screening and prevention strategies. Schools serve as critical settings for early identification, and tools like the M-KEDS can help address disparities in care access and improve outcomes among Hispanic youth. Full article

Intuitive eating is an adaptive eating style that could help explain part of the relation between affect and eating behaviors. However, research in this area remains limited. The objectives of this study are twofold. First, we examine the relation between affect, disordered eating attitudes and behaviors (DEABs), and orthorexia nervosa (ON). Second, we investigate the mediating role of intuitive eating regarding these relations. A sample of 197 French-speaking Canadian women, aged from 18 to 69, participated in the study. The results showed that negative affect was related to DEABs and ON, but not positive affect. Statistically significant associations were also found between affect (negative and positive) and the four dimensions of intuitive eating. Additionally, negative relations were found between intuitive eating dimensions and most types of eating behaviors (encompassing DEABs and ON), except for dieting. Finally, our results revealed that the relations between affect (positive and negative) and most types of eating behaviors were indirect (i.e., suggesting mediation) via intuitive eating. Based on these results, it seems that interventions addressing affect regulation and eating behaviors could benefit from including a focus on intuitive eating. Full article

Objective: This study sought to examine the correlation between physical activity levels and various psychological and nutritional factors associated with the risk of developing eating disorders among female university students in the Health Sciences discipline. Method: The study assessed body image, self-esteem, nutritional status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and attitudes toward food in a sample of 96 women, categorized into two groups based on their level of physical activity. Results: Significant differences in skeletal muscle mass were identified between the groups, alongside associations between body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and elevated EAT-26 scores. Furthermore, students with higher levels of physical activity exhibited a significantly increased prevalence of eating disorder risk. Logistic regression analysis identified body dissatisfaction as a significant predictor of eating disorder risk, while membership in the group with the highest physical activity levels enhanced model fit and increased eating disorder risk. Conclusions: These findings indicate that, while physical activity is associated with certain benefits related to body composition and eating habits, it may also be linked to a heightened risk of disordered eating behaviors, contingent upon the underlying motivations and body perceptions involved. This study highlights the necessity for comprehensive preventive strategies that address both the physical and psychological dimensions of physical activity in female university students. Full article

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a chronic mental disorder characterized by anhedonia, loss of desire, guilt, suicidal thoughts, and appetite changes. It is reported that individuals with MDD resort to binge eating to escape from negative feelings. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between binge eating behavior and the concept of psychological pain associated with emotions such as shame, guilt, and anger in individuals with MDD. We conducted the study in the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinics of Balcalı Hospital, Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine. The sample consisted of 147 individuals with MDD without psychotic symptoms and 128 healthy controls with sociodemographic characteristics similar to the MDD group. We administered a sociodemographic data form, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Psychache Scale (PS), Tolerance for Mental Pain Scale-10 (TMPS-10), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q-13). Eighty-two (55.7%) of the patients with MDD were diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED). In the group of MDD patients with BED comorbidity, the EDE-Q-13 total, binging subscale, and HDRS scores were significantly higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.05 for each group), with large to very large effect sizes (e.g., EDE-Q-13 binging d = 1.04; HDRS d = 1.91; PS d = 1.22). There was no significant difference between the MDD groups (with and without BED) regarding the BIS and BIS subscales’ subscores, PS, and TMPS scores. For participants with MDD, there was a significant same-directional correlation between EDE-Q-13 binging, HDRS, BIS, and PS scores (p < 0.05 for each), with moderate to strong effect sizes (EDE-Q-13 binging and HDRS: r = 0.398, p < 0.001; binging and PS: r = 0.273, p < 0.001; binging and BIS: r = 0.233, p = 0.005; binging and TMPS-10: r = –0.257, p = 0.002). Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between TMPS and the scores for EDE-Q-13 binging, HDRS, BIS, and PS. A linear regression analysis indicated that depression severity and BMI were the strongest predictors of binge eating behavior (R² = 0.243; f² = 0.32). Based on our results, we concluded that the presence of binge eating behavior in patients with MDD is associated with more severe depressive symptoms, psychological pain, impulsivity, and lower tolerance to psychological pain. The finding that binge eating behavior was most strongly associated with depression severity and body mass index (BMI) supports the notion that binge eating behavior is a maladaptive attitude. Longitudinal studies comparing individuals with different BMIs in different clinical samples are needed to confirm our results. Full article

Background: This study investigates the influence of sex, age, and their interaction on health behaviors, perceived physical fitness, and attitudes toward physical activity and eating among schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 1027 students aged 8–12 years from 15 primary schools in Lleida. Participants completed the PAQ-A for physical activity, the IFIS for perceived physical fitness, the AATPA for attitudes toward physical activity, and the AATE for attitudes toward eating. Data were analyzed using regression models to assess the effects of sex, age, and their interaction. Results: Males reported higher physical activity levels and more positive attitudes toward physical activity than females (p < 0.05). Perceived physical fitness was also greater among males (p < 0.05). Age was positively associated with physical activity and attitudes toward healthy eating, with older children reporting more favorable outcomes (p < 0.01). Significant interaction effects between sex and age were observed for physical activity levels and attitudes toward eating, indicating demographic-specific trends. Conclusions: This study highlights significant sex and age differences in children’s health behaviors and attitudes. These findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive and age-appropriate interventions to promote healthier lifestyles among schoolchildren. Future research should explore longitudinal designs to confirm these relationships over time. Full article

Background: Unhealthy diets are a leading cause of obesity, which increases the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) explains eating intentions through attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC), yet these constructs may not fully account for the complexity of intention formation. Motivation has been identified as a stronger predictor of the maintenance of long-term healthy behaviors. This study extends the TPB by introducing motivation as a mediating variable to examine whether attitudes and subjective norms influence motivation, which in turn affects behavioral intention. Methods: An online survey was conducted between 2019 and 2023, collecting responses from 2114 adults residing in Beijing, Shanghai, and selected regions of Anhui, Daqing, and Henan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationships among the TPB constructs, motivation, and behavioral intention. Results: SEM analysis revealed significant associations between attitude and subjective norms with motivation. Additionally, motivation and PBC were significantly associated with behavioral intention. Motivation was found to mediate the relationships between attitude and intention (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004–0.021, p = 0.004) and subjective norms and intention (95% CI: 0.013–0.035, p = 0.012). Conclusions: These findings suggest that attitudes and subjective norms enhance motivation for healthy eating among Chinese adults. In turn, motivation—along with PBC—plays a key role in predicting behavioral intention. Future research should further explore the mediating role of motivation in shaping healthy eating intentions within the TPB framework. Full article

The objective of this study is to analyze the current situation of out-of-home catering (OHC) in Germany concerning the use of regional organic food using a case study; we also aim to determine the potential and challenges that exist in increasing the proportion of regional organic food in OHC. The food purchasing data from three canteens of the company were analyzed concerning regionality, seasonality, and organic share. The companies’ employees were asked about their willingness to pay and their attitude towards regional organic food using an online questionnaire. A price comparison between organically and conventionally grown food was carried out with food wholesalers’ product price lists. The study confirms the potential to increase the share of regional organic food in OHC. With their private purchasing behavior, eating habits and willingness to pay a surcharge for organic quality in the company restaurants, the consumers confirm that they support an increase in the regional organic share. Regional organic food could be purchased from (organic) wholesalers. However, the study also shows that the cost of sourcing organic food is on average 50% higher than that of conventional food and that this price markup is the main reason for consumers not buying organic food. Full article

Introduction: The food environment is an important determinant of children’s eating behavior. Improving the environment to encourage healthier choices is crucial to prevent obesity, especially in restaurants where the majority of kids’ menus are unhealthy. This study explored the perceptions, attitudes, motivations, influencing factors, and opportunities of restaurant owners, managers, and chefs for implementing healthier kids’ menus in Dutch restaurants. Method: We used a mixed methods design in two consecutive study parts. Part I consisted of an online unstandardized questionnaire that was completed by 44 restaurant owners, 26 chefs, 18 managers, and 6 other restaurant employees (n = 94). This was followed by semi-structured interviews with 3 restaurant owners, 2 chefs, and 1 manager, to gather exploratory information in Part II (n = 6). The quantitative data were categorized into three groups: restaurants without kids’ menus (n = 18), restaurants with unhealthy kids’ menus (n = 24), and restaurants with (partially) healthy kids’ menus (n = 52). Group differences were assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. We used thematic analysis for the interviews. Results: Parts I and II showed that the restaurant sector is aware of the need, and willing and motivated to offer healthier kids’ menus. Nevertheless, the concerns about food waste, the unhealthy demand from children and parents, and seeing eating out as a free pass to consume unhealthy meals by children and parents were important factors limiting the implementation of healthier kids’ menus. Discussion: We discussed potential solutions to enhance demand and acceptance of healthier kids’ menus, such as attractive names, storytelling, offering children’s portions based on adult menus, and using participatory approaches in which parents, children, and chefs co-create meal composition. Full article

The Food Boost Challenge (FBC) uses a community-up participatory action research approach to promote healthier eating habits among young people, aged 10–24 years old, by giving them a voice in food system change. This approach encourages turning ideas into action through collaboration with young people, both adolescents and students, teachers, researchers, and food system partners. This study explored the impact of the FBC beyond its direct effect on healthy eating behavior, focusing on innovative idea generation and how participation affected young people and partners, at both the individual and community level, using indicators of community-based participatory action research. Ideas generated in various phases of the FBC were listed. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with young people, digital feedback surveys after group meetings, and informal discussions with partner representatives to explore the impact of participation in the FBC. The results demonstrate positive effects, including changes in participant’s attitudes toward healthy eating, skill development among young people, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders. Along the lines of the Community-Based Participatory Research conceptual model, the Food Boost Challenge fostered trust development, mutual learning, and capacity building at both individual and community levels. In conclusion, utilizing a community-up participatory action research approach, the Food Boost Challenge shows significant promise in empowering young people and fostering community-level changes. To translate its generated innovative solutions into real impact, a structured implementation phase is essential. Full article

Trait Emotional Intelligence (Trait EI) is considered a protective factor for adolescents’ psychological well-being and may play a critical role in mitigating the risk of developing eating disorders (EDs), particularly in the context of pervasive social media use. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship, such as the driving factors of social media engagement, remain underexplored. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine whether motivating factors for social media use mediate the relationship between Trait EI and ED risk, as well as whether perceived social support moderates this relationship. A total of 388 Italian adolescents (Mage = 14.2; 50.7% girls) completed self-report questionnaires, including the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire—Adolescent Short Form (TEIQue-ASF), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Motivations for Social Media Use Scale (MSMU). Data were collected between November 2023 and June 2024. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro (Model 5). The results showed that lower Trait EI scores were significantly associated with higher EAT-26 scores (β = −11.03, p < 0.001). Motivation for social media use in terms of popularity, (β = −0.35, p < 0.05), appearance (β = −0.68, p < 0.01), and connection (β = −0.44, p < 0.05) significantly mediated this relationship. Perceived social support moderated this relationship in all models (β range = 0.08–0.10, p < 0.05), suggesting a buffering effect. The findings highlight the importance of Emotional Intelligence and social support as key psychological resources that may protect adolescents from disordered eating behaviors. Moreover, understanding the motivating factors behind social media use, particularly those centered on appearance and popularity, may help identify adolescents at greater risk and inform tailored prevention strategies. Full article