Nutrition Quality of Life Among Female-Majority Malay Undergraduate Students of Health Sciences.

Nutrition Quality of Life among Female-Majority Malay Undergraduate Students of Health Sciences.

Malays J Med Sci. 2012 Oct; 19(4): 37-49
Pei Lin L, Wan Putri Elena WD, Mohd Razif S

University students generally tend to engage in problematic eating behaviours, including unhealthy dieting, skipping meals, and high intake of fast food, although they are aware of the negative consequences. Eating behaviours have been shown to be interestingly related to quality of life (QoL). Our study aimed to 1) assess general nutrition quality of life (NQoL) status and 2) compare NQoL status based on gender, financial resources, study courses, year of study, and body mass index (BMI) profiles.This study was conducted among undergraduates of health sciences in a local public university in Terengganu. Students completed the Malay version of NQoL (6 domains; 50 items; Likert-type responses 1-5). Data analysis was carried out by using SPSS 16.0, utilising descriptive and parametric statistics.A total of 241 students were enrolled [age = 19.7 (0.1) years; female (83.0%); Malay (96.7%)]. Social/Interpersonal Factors [3.84 (0.43)] emerged as the best component, while Food Impact [3.10 (0.40)] was the worst. Across all variables, only gender and study courses showed significantly different NQoL. Females scored better than males in Self-Efficacy (confidence in food selection ability) (P < 0.05). Nursing students also experienced significantly greater NQoL (mean = 3.58, 95% CI = 3.47, 3.68) than radiography students in Self-Efficacy (p < 0.05). Medical laboratory technology students had a significantly more favourable NQoL rating (mean = 3.62, 95% CI = 3.47, 3.76) than nursing students in Self-Image (p < 0.05). Study courses significantly influenced the NQoL status of students with Good NQoL, while those with Poor NQoL were mostly influenced by gender and financial resources (p < 0.05).These outcomes indicate that specific demographic characteristics seemed to make a difference in the NQoL of undergraduate students. HubMed – eating

Electroretinographic detection of human brain dopamine response to oral food stimulation.

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013 May; 21(5): 976-80
Nasser JA, Parigi AD, Merhige K, Wolper C, Geliebter A, Hashim SA

The activity of dopamine-dependent retinal signaling can be assessed using electroretinography. Response of this system to oral food stimulation might provide accessible insight into the brain dopamine response to oral stimuli as retinal dopamine concentration is dependent upon mid brain dopamine concentration was postulated.Nine individuals had cone ERG (b wave) response to oral food stimulation and oral methylphenidate (MPH) administration measured on separate days, and completed self reported eating behavior questionnaires.Significant and similar increases in b wave response to both stimuli (P = 0.012 and P = 0.042, MPH and food, respectively) and significant correlations of the food stimulated b wave amplitude with binge eating related behavior as measured by the Gormally Binge Eating Scale (r = 0.68, P = 0.044) and self-reported trait hunger as measured by the Stunkard and Messick Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (r = 0.67, P = 0.048) were found.The significant increase in food stimulated dopamine dependent b wave amplitude and correlation with methylphenidate stimulated b wave amplitude suggest that ERG may offer a relatively inexpensive and accessible methodology for potentially assess dopaminergic responses to food and other externally applied stimuli that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases. HubMed – eating

Binge eating behavior among a national sample of overweight and obese veterans.

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013 May; 21(5): 900-3
Higgins DM, Dorflinger L, Macgregor KL, Heapy AA, Goulet JL, Ruser C

Despite the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the US military veterans, binge eating has not been examined in this population.Using a secondary data analysis approach, the prevalence and correlates of self-reported binge eating among 45,477 overweight or obese veterans receiving care in Veterans Health Administration facilities were examined. Participants completed a 23-item survey that assessed demographics, weight history, physical and mental health comorbidities, and eating habits during routine medical clinic visits. ?(2) and logistic regression were used to examine the relationships among binge eating and demographic variables and medical and psychiatric comorbidities.Nearly, three-quarters of the sample reported clinically meaningful binge eating (i.e., two or more times per week). Binge-eaters were more likely to report higher body mass index, depression, anxiety, and type 2 diabetes (P <0.0001). After controlling for potentially confounding variables, male veterans were significantly more likely to report clinically meaningful binge eating than female veterans (P < 0.001).These results have important implications for modifying weight management programs and highlight the need for the assessment and treatment to address binge eating, particularly among men and patients with type 2 diabetes. HubMed – eating

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