Search Results (2,963)

Background/Objectives: Fetal exposure to essential metals, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn), is influenced by maternal nutrition and lifestyle during pregnancy, potentially impacting newborn health. This study aimed to quantify concentrations of these metals in meconium and evaluate their associations, together with newborn length and weight, in relation to maternal dietary and lifestyle factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 152 mother–infant pairs recruited from various regions of Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. Meconium samples were collected within 24 h after birth and analyzed for Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations. Maternal characteristics, dietary intake, supplement use, and lifestyle factors were collected via structured questionnaires and supplemented by hospital records. Associations among maternal factors, meconium metal concentrations, and newborn birth weight and length were assessed using non-parametric statistical methods. Results: Meconium concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn showed substantial interindividual variability, with a strong positive correlation between Fe and Cu. Higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was linked to lower meconium Fe, while BMI at delivery was associated with Zn. Dietary patterns influenced metal levels: higher fruit intake was linked to increased Cu, greater vegetable intake with lower Fe, and moderate tea consumption with higher Zn. No significant associations were found with maternal smoking, residence, or supplement use. Maternal meat consumption and higher pre-pregnancy BMI were both associated with higher newborn birth weight and length. Conclusions: Maternal BMI and specific dietary patterns during pregnancy significantly influence essential metal concentrations in newborn meconium and are associated with newborn size, highlighting the importance of balanced maternal nutrition and healthy metabolic status during pregnancy. Full article

Obesity has emerged as one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century, with its prevalence increasing at an alarming rate globally. While individual factors such as diet and physical inactivity are well-known contributors, the built environment, particularly housing, plays a critical yet understudied role in shaping obesity-related behaviors. This study examines the multilayered relationship between housing and obesity, focusing on built and neighborhood environment, affordability, and the social environment. Poor housing quality, such as overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, can potentially lead to chronic stress and sedentary behaviors, while housing design influences physical activity through characteristics such as design features and outdoor spaces. Housing location affects access to amenities such as parks and healthy food options, with disparities in access contributing to obesity in low-income areas. Similarly, neighborhood walkability, influenced by infrastructure and land use, encourages active transportation and recreation. Housing affordability also impacts dietary choices and access to recreational facilities, particularly for low-income families. Moreover, the social environment within housing communities can foster or hinder healthy behaviors through social networks and community engagement. This study emphasizes the need for health-conscious urban planning and policies that address these housing-related factors to combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles. By integrating these Obesity–Housing Nexus, policymakers can create environments that support physical activity, healthy eating, as well as overall health and well-being. Full article

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health concern, closely linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. Emerging evidence suggests that religious principles can shape behaviors that promote physical and mental well-being. Objective: This study explores how adherence to a lifestyle rooted in Seventh-Day Adventist beliefs may influence the risk of developing T2DM. Methods: This study is of a non-experimental quantitative design with a cross-sectional and explanatory scope. The sample consisted of 303 participants (adults who had been active Seventh-Day Adventist Church, SDA, members for the past 3 years), selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Adventist Lifestyle questionnaire (eight dimensions) and the FINDRISC scale. The non-parametric statistics, Rho Spearman, and ordinal logistic regression analysis were used. Results: The results showed that lifestyle levels based on religious principles significantly predicted the risk of developing T2DM (X² = 100.34, p < 0.05). The model explained approximately 31% of the variance in T2DM risk (R² = 0.31), indicating a moderate association between lifestyle and risk. Specifically, individuals with lower (less healthy) lifestyle scores had a significantly higher likelihood of being classified in higher risk categories for T2DM. It was also observed that there is a significant relationship between the risk of developing T2DM and the following dimensions: Rest (rho = −0.16, p < 0.05), exercise (rho = −0.13, p < 0.05), temperance (rho = −0.19, p < 0.05), nutrition (rho = −0.66, p < 0.05) and spirituality (rho = −0.57, p < 0.05). Conclusions: A healthier lifestyle promoted by religious principles, such as the SDA, reduces the risk of developing T2DM. A stronger correlation was perceived between nutrition and spirituality since these practices are related to a low risk of developing the disease. Full article

Background: Previous research examining the effects of omnivorous and plant-based diets on cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes has produced inconsistent findings, and the importance of diet quality is overlooked. Our study aimed to develop a novel heart-protective diet index to assess the association of a high-quality, predominantly plant-based diet—including fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy products—with CVD incidence and mortality. Methods: This study included 192,274 participants in the UK Biobank (mean age: 56.3 ± 7.9 years) without CVD at baseline who completed a 24 h recall Oxford WebQ questionnaire. Using the Oxford WebQ questionnaire, we developed and validated a novel heart-protective diet score (HPDS) based on 22 food groups. Cox proportional hazard models were used to study the associations between HPDS and outcomes. Results: During a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 20,692 CVD events and 1131 CVD deaths were observed. After adjusting for demographics, Townsend deprivation index, lifestyle, and history of chronic diseases, participants in the top HPDS quartile were at lower risk, compared to those in the bottom quartile, of overall CVD (HR: 0.92 [95%CI: 0.88, 0.95]), IHD (HR: 0.89 [95%CI: 0.84, 0.94]), MI (HR: 0.85 [95%CI: 0.77, 0.94]), and HF (HR: 0.86 [95%CI: 0.77, 0.95]). Conclusions: Adherence to a healthy, predominantly plant-based heart-protective diet rich in non-starchy vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy products is associated with a reduced cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. Further research in diverse ethnic populations is necessary to examine the reproducibility of our findings and enhance generalizability. Full article

Obesity affects millions of individuals globally, and a deeper understanding of its associated physiological disturbances is essential for addressing key public health concerns. It has been demonstrated that the influenza virus possesses substantial global epidemic potential, with higher incidence rates observed in obese individuals and prolonged recovery times. Obese individuals exhibit impaired immune organ function, decreased immune cell activity, disrupted metabolism characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, and an imbalance in gut microbiota associated with intestinal mucosal barrier damage. The gut microbiota and their metabolic composition in obese patients differ from those in non-obese individuals, potentially promoting viral replication and exacerbating disease severity. These factors collectively contribute to more severe tissue damage and heightened immune responses in obese patients during influenza infection. Therefore, understanding the impact of obesity on influenza virus infection dynamics enables the development of strategies promoting healthy lifestyles to manage body weight and enhance immunity against viral infections. Additionally, given that this special population may not respond optimally to antimicrobial drugs and vaccination, it is necessary to consider how treatment strategies for this group are managed. This review illustrates findings concerning the impact of obesity on the immune response to influenza virus infection, including potential underlying mechanisms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sedentariness is a common phenomenon among both the elderly and the young in modern society. Changes in work structure, leisure activities, and technological advancements have contributed to excessive sitting time. To address sedentary lifestyles across generations, this randomised controlled pilot trial aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Connective Active Programme (CAP) in improving intergenerational relationships, psychological well-being, and physical fitness among older adults. Methods: Twenty dyads of older and younger adults from the same family were recruited and randomly allocated to an experimental group or a control group in a 1:1 ratio. The experimental group participated in six weekly 2-h dyadic walking sessions supported by digital information and mobile applications, whereas the control group received weekly digital pamphlets. Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvements in younger participants’ intergenerational relationship quality, as well as in older participants’ 6-Minute Walk Test performance and WHOQOL-BREF scores. Conclusions: The CAP appears to be a viable strategy to enhance intergenerational relationships and promote healthy ageing among community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong. Full article

Green food serves as a bridge connecting healthy lifestyles with environmental values, particularly in the context of sustainable consumption transitions. However, existing research lacks a systematic understanding of how consumers negotiate cognitive evaluations and emotional responses when forming green food purchase intentions. This study addresses that gap by exploring the cognitive–affective negotiation process underlying consumers’ green food choices. Based on 26 semi-structured interviews with Chinese consumers across diverse socio-economic backgrounds, the grounded theory methodology was employed to inductively construct a conceptual model. The coding process achieved theoretical saturation, while sentiment analysis was integrated to trace the emotional valence of key behavioral drivers. Findings reveal that external factors—including price sensitivity, label ambiguity, access limitations, social influence, and health beliefs—shape behavioral intentions indirectly through three core affective mediators: green trust, perceived value, and lifestyle congruence. These internal constructs translate contextual stimuli into evaluative and motivational responses, highlighting the dynamic interplay between rational judgments and symbolic–emotional interpretations. Sentiment analysis confirmed that emotional trust and psychological reassurance are pivotal in facilitating consumption intention, while price concerns and skepticism act as affective inhibitors. The proposed model extends the Theory of Planned Behavior by embedding affective mediation pathways and structural constraint dynamics, offering a more context-sensitive framework for understanding sustainable consumption behaviors. Given China’s certification-centered trust environment, these findings underscore the cultural specificity of institutional trust mechanisms, with implications for adapting the model in different market contexts. Practically, this study offers actionable insights for policymakers and marketers to enhance eco-label transparency, reduce structural barriers, and design emotionally resonant brand narratives that align with consumers’ identity aspirations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Systemic arterial hypertension is a prevalent condition associated with adverse cardiac remodeling. Echocardiography plays a crucial role in assessing cardiac structure and function in hypertensive patients. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in echocardiographic parameters in hypertensive patients over a 3-year follow-up period and assess the impact of blood pressure control and antihypertensive medication use on these changes. Methods: This observational cohort study included 131 adult patients with systemic arterial hypertension who underwent annual echocardiographic assessments. Statistical analyses included paired and unpaired comparisons, regression modeling, and subgroup analyses by BP control and lifestyle behavior. Results: Over the 3-year follow-up, mean left ventricular mass (LVM) increased significantly from 173.99 ± 59.33 g to 183.26 ± 64.19 g (p = 0.018), and the prevalence of LV hypertrophy rose from 29.0% to 40.5% (p = 0.021). Patients with uncontrolled blood pressure at the final visit had significantly greater interventricular septum and posterior wall thicknesses (p = 0.009 and p = 0.012, respectively), but no statistically significant difference in ΔLVM. Those who adopted more healthy lifestyle behaviors showed a dose-dependent reduction in LVM progression, with each additional lifestyle improvement associated with a −3.25 g change in ΔLVM (p = 0.01). Multivariable linear regression identified baseline LVM, sex, and lifestyle score as independent predictors of 3-year LVM change (model R² = 0.318). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that long-term cardiac remodeling may continue in hypertensive patients despite treatment, particularly in the presence of suboptimal BP control. Sustained lifestyle improvements were independently associated with attenuation of LVM progression. These results underscore the importance of integrating behavioral interventions alongside pharmacologic therapy in routine hypertension management. Full article

Longevity and healthy aging result from the complex interaction of genetic, epigenetic, microbial, behavioral, and environmental factors. The central nervous system—particularly the cerebral cortex—and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) play key roles in integrating external and internal signals, shaping energy metabolism, immune tone, and emotional regulation. This narrative review examines how the brain–ANS axis interacts with epigenetic regulation, telomere dynamics, the gut microbiome, and the exposome to influence biological aging and resilience. Relevant literature published between 2010 and 2025 was selected through comprehensive database searches (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar), with a focus on studies addressing the multisystemic determinants of aging. Emphasis is placed on lifestyle-related exposures, such as diet, physical activity, psychosocial support, and environmental quality, that modulate systemic physiology through neurovisceral pathways. Drawing on empirical findings from classical Blue Zones and recent observational research in the Cilento region of southern Italy, this review highlights how context-specific factors—such as clean air, mineral-rich water, Mediterranean dietary patterns, and strong social cohesion—may foster bioelectric, metabolic, and neuroimmune homeostasis. By integrating data from neuroscience, systems biology, and environmental epidemiology, the review proposes a comprehensive model for understanding healthy longevity and supports the development of personalized, context-sensitive strategies in geroscience and preventive medicine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tend to show patterns of elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk earlier in life than the general population. The need for effective interventions for CVD risk-reduction in PTSD is increasingly evident. In this paper we present preliminary results from a longitudinal study of a health behavior intervention, as an adjunct to standard trauma therapy in PTSD. The health behavior intervention addresses CVD-related heath behaviors (physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress) in a 12-week program delivered individually in 90-min sessions. Behavior change recommendations included: increased aerobic activity; establishing a balanced diet, enhancing consumption of fruits and vegetables and reducing sugars and fat/saturated fat; incorporating strategies to enhance sleep and lower PTSD-related disruptions (e.g., nightmares); and relaxation and cognitive coping skills to reduce general stress. Methods: Participants were randomized to the health behavior intervention plus standard trauma therapy experimental condition or a standard trauma therapy control group. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention phase. Sleep efficiency was measured from actigraphy watches. Physical activity was assessed by self-report and blood pressure was measured using an automated device. The preliminary outcomes are for 29 participants to date who have pre-post data. Results: Sleep efficiency was improved in the intervention group compared to controls (p < 0.05). The intervention group also evidenced significant pre-post increases in moderate physical activity compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Changes in vigorous physical activity did not reach statistical significance in this preliminary sample but the pattern of results are similar to those for moderate activity. Trends toward significance were also observed for pre-post changes in systolic (p = 0.06) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.07), with small reductions for the intervention group and increases for the control group. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary information about the effectiveness of the health behavior intervention on multiple parameters for adults with PTSD. The findings suggest that focusing on health behavior change in multidisciplinary treatments for PTSD may enhance outcomes such as sleep and physical activity and potentially result in greater quality of life. However, the small preliminary sample size reported here should be considered when interpreting the outcomes. Further research may also determine how improvements in health parameters impact other indices of long-term cardiovascular health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Secular trends in children’s physical development are important indicators of population health, nutritional status, and socioeconomic conditions. This study aimed to assess long-term changes in the height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and nutritional status of boys from Eastern Poland between 1986 and 2021. Methods: Anthropometric data were collected from 13,172 boys aged 8, 13, and 17 years at five time points (1986, 1996, 2006, 2016, and 2021). Standardized measurement protocols were used throughout the study. The BMI was calculated and categorized using international cut-off points for age and gender. Secular changes in the height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc tests, and differences in dietary categories were assessed using chi-square tests (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The height, weight, and BMI increased significantly across all ages. The largest height gain was seen in 13-year-olds, while the greatest BMI increase occurred between 2016 and 2021. The overweight and obesity prevalence rose sharply by an average of 21.70% across age groups, with the normal BMI prevalence decreasing by 18.41%. The underweight prevalence declined, especially among adolescents; however, this likely reflects a general upward shift in the BMI rather than a true nutritional improvement. Conclusions: Strong secular trends are evident, influenced by global and local socioeconomic factors, including Poland’s EU accession and the COVID-19 pandemic. While an increased height suggests better living standards, the rising overweight and obesity rates indicate emerging health risks. Due to the lack of direct lifestyle and socioeconomic data, further research incorporating these factors and the pubertal BMI variability is needed to clarify underlying causes. Targeted regional strategies promoting healthy diets, physical activity, and lifestyles are urgently required. Full article

Background/Objectives: Policy implementers play a crucial role in the effective delivery of policies aiming at promoting a healthy lifestyle in the most vulnerable populations. This study aimed to explore (a) policy implementers’ knowledge and perceptions of the policy framework promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition among children in need in Greece, and (b) self-perceived barriers and facilitators of the framework implementation. The term children in need refers to children who are at risk of poverty and/or social exclusion. Methods: A qualitative study design was employed consisting of semi-structured interviews with 25 policy implementers, who represented four delivery systems (health, social protection, food, and education sectors) from three geographical regions in Greece. Interviews were completed between November and December 2023. Thematic analysis was conducted using inductive and deductive approaches to identify key themes, following data management in the N-VIVO 14 software. Results: Commonly mentioned policies that study participants were involved in included school- and/or community-level-based behavioral interventions. Participants perceived policy implementation efforts that often relied on individual initiatives as inconsistent. Most participants argued that existing policies were not tailored to the needs of children in need. Major self-perceived barriers included limited personnel training, limited facilities and infrastructure, and lack of incentives or opportunities to encourage active participation. Major self-perceived facilitators included personnel motivation, integration of nutrition and physical education into school curricula, and provision of free school meals, which was associated with regular school attendance of children from the Roma communities. Conclusions: Individual, sociocultural, and structural issues are shown to persist across different delivery systems indicating the complexity of tackling obesogenic environments, especially among children in need. This is the first study in Greece to provide evidence on self-perceived barriers and facilitators and could inform ongoing national and European efforts to address obesogenic environments in children in need. Full article

Background: The importance of understanding dietary habits during working hours is becoming increasingly evident. As demonstrated, dietary habits have been shown to exert a considerable influence on the productivity of workers and the creation of a healthier workplace. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional quality and self-perception of lunches consumed by workers in Piedmont (Italy). Methods: A questionnaire, supported by the EasyDietWeb 4.3.0 software, was used to assess the macronutrient composition of the meals and to evaluate adherence to the “Healthy Eating Plate” (HEP) guidelines. The basal metabolic rate and total daily energy expenditure of the subjects were calculated. Results: The survey results, which included 189 participants, revealed that a notable proportion of the respondents consumed homemade meals at their place of work. The majority of meals reported by the participants did not align with the HEP composition due to the absence of one or more components, especially vegetables. The participants’ perceptions of meal balance frequently diverged from the actual nutritional quality of the meals. Finally, overweight participants exhibited a higher risk of reporting diseases (OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.6–12.0). Conclusions: This study provides insight into the dietary habits of a specific group of workers regarding their lunch consumption. This underscores the significance of enhancing public awareness regarding dietary choices and nutritional intakes, as adhering to proper dietary routines is paramount for preserving a state of well-being and sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence-based lifestyle coaching programs have been developed to support people with disabilities in adopting healthy behaviors, and to ultimately contribute to enhancing their overall well-being. However, when implementing such programs in new settings, adaptations may be needed to ensure a successful implementation process. This study aimed to explore professionals’ perceptions on an adapted evidence-informed lifestyle coaching program (Healthy Habits Coaching) for people with physical disabilities to inform the implementation of the program in Dutch rehabilitation and/or community settings. Methods: A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted. The study was performed from a pragmatic perspective using an integrated knowledge translation approach. Ten professionals who had experience with offering, delivering, and/or implementing lifestyle coaching programs were enrolled. Interview questions focused on participants’ perceptions on implementing the Healthy Habits Coaching in Dutch settings. A directed content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Participants highlighted the importance of implementing lifestyle coaching tailored to people with physical disabilities. While participants were generally positive about the implementation of Healthy Habits Coaching, they had mixed opinions on its added value alongside existing lifestyle programs and on the core components, particularly the free coaching model and the use of volunteer coaches with lived experience. Participants underlined that for a successful adoption and implementation, the added value, (scientific) foundation, financial basis, and organizational structure of the program should be clearly communicated. Conclusions: The findings provide directions for how, where, and by whom an adapted lifestyle program (Healthy Habits Coaching) for people with physical disabilities could be implemented in Dutch rehabilitation and community settings. This study demonstrates an example of how an evidence-based lifestyle program can be prepared for implementation in a new setting, presenting an efficient and promising strategy to enhance overall well-being among people with disabilities. Full article

According to the WHO, health problems in Somalia are reported to be at an alarming level today and in the future. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviours and the levels of health literacy of university students receiving health sciences education in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2024 in a university delivering education in Turkish in Mogadishu. The study sample comprised 219 health sciences students. The data collection tools used were a demographic data form, the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Scale II (HLBS-II) and the Turkish version of the European Health Literacy Scale (HLS-EU-TR). Results: A total of 219 students participated, with 86.3% identifying as female and 13.7% as male, and the average age was 20.91 ± 2.2 years. The mean of the total scores obtained for the HLBS II was found to be 127.54 ± 23.46 and the mean of the total scores obtained for HLS-EU-TR was 30.33 ± 8.17, while scores across all dimensions of the HLS-EU-TR indicated a problematic−borderline level. Analysis showed that with each advancing year of study, there was a statistically significant increase in health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition and total HLBS scores (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between healthy lifestyle behaviours and HLS-EU-TR total scores, with correlation coefficients as follows: r = 0.230, p = 0.001; r = 0.215, p = 0.001; r = 0.193, p = 0.004; r = 0.308, p < 0.001; r = 0.247, p < 0.001; r = 0.284, p < 0.001; r = 0.313, p < 0.001. Furthermore, 13.1% of the change in healthy lifestyle behaviours was explained by the HLS-EU-TR Treatment and Services subdimension and grade level (R² = 0.131). The HLS-EU-TR Treatment and Services subdimension and grade level positively contributed to the level of healthy lifestyle behaviours (ß = 0.373; ß = 0.164). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the identification of a positive correlation between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours indicates that health literacy significantly influences healthy lifestyle choices. This correlation suggests that as students progress through their educational journey, their knowledge and behaviours toward health improve, highlighting that increased educational attainment equips individuals with the skills necessary to engage more effectively in the healthcare system and to translate acquired knowledge into behaviour. These findings underscore the critical role of ongoing health education initiated from an early age. Full article