Weight Archives - InnoHEALTH magazine

Socioeconomic Inequalities in the UK

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 10:45:12 +0000

Since the post-war period, socioeconomic inequalities in children’s weight have reversed in the UK – with disadvantaged children originally being more likely to be thinner than more advantaged children, but now typically being more likely to be overweight or obese, according to an observational study.

Previously, studies of this kind have analyzed trends in body mass index (BMI), but not height and weight separately; this study is the first to disentangle the changes behind increasing BMI inequalities over time.

Between 1953 to 2015, the difference in children’s BMI levels between the most and the least disadvantaged children has expanded, however, the difference in children’s height has narrowed, and fewer disadvantaged children are now of short stature.

Authors of the study, published in the Lancet Public Health Journal, say that these trends highlight the powerful influence that the obesogenic environment has had on socioeconomically disadvantaged children, with and the failure of decades of previous policies to prevent obesity and related socioeconomic inequalities.

“Our findings illustrate a need for new effective policies to reduce obesity and its socioeconomic inequality in children in the UK – previous policies have not been adequate, and existing policies are unlikely to be either. Without effective interventions, childhood BMI inequalities are likely to widen further throughout adulthood, leading to decades of adverse health and economic consequences,” says the lead author Dr. David Bann, UCL, UK.

“Our results illustrate a need for strong additional legislative changes that focus on societal factors and the food industry, rather than individuals or families. Bold action is needed, such as creating further incentives for food manufacturers to reduce sugar and fat content in food and drinks, reduce the advertising of unhealthy foods to children and families, and incentivize the sale of healthier alternatives. The Soft Drinks Industrial Levy is a positive but likely very limited step in the right direction”

The study included data for children born in England, Scotland and Wales from four longitudinal birth cohort studies beginning in 1946, 1958, 1970 and 2001. In the paper, 22,500 children were assessed at the age of 7 years, 34,873 were assessed at the age of 11, and 26,128 were assessed at the age of 15.

Between the ages of 7, 11 and 15 years, the children’s height and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated. The child’s father’s occupation was used as a marker of their socioeconomic position, and the association between socioeconomic position and weight was also analyzed from childhood and adolescence.

On average, the 2001 cohort was taller, heavier and had a higher BMI than the earlier born cohorts.

In all cohorts, the most disadvantaged children tended to be shorter than the least disadvantaged children. However, the difference narrowed over time – with the most disadvantaged 7-year olds being 3.9cm shorter than the least disadvantaged children in the 1946 cohort, whereas the difference in children in the 2001 cohort was 1.2cm.

At the same time, differences in weight reversed, with the lower socioeconomic position being associated with lower childhood and adolescent weight in the 1946, 1958 and 1970 cohorts, but with higher weight in the 2001 cohort. For example, the most disadvantaged 11-year olds weighed 2kg less than the least disadvantaged children in the 1946 cohort, however in the 2001 cohort, the most disadvantaged 11-year olds weighed 2.1kg more than the least disadvantaged children.

As a result of the weight and height changes, BMI inequalities were larger and appeared earlier in childhood in the 2001 cohort than in the earlier-born cohorts. In the 2001 cohort, the most disadvantaged 7-year olds had a BMI that was 0.5 kg/m2 greater than the least disadvantaged children.

Inequalities generally widened with age. By the age of 15 years, BMI inequalities were present across all cohorts except the 1946 cohort and were largest in the 2001 cohort (1.4 kg/m2 difference between the most and least disadvantaged teenagers, compared with a difference of 0.4kg/ m2 and 0.6 kg/m2 for the 1958 and 1970 cohorts, respectively).

Explaining the differences in childhood height, weight and BMI since the post-war period, the authors point to the considerable changes to diets and physical activity levels in Britain.

These include the end of wartime rationing in 1954 when diets typically included higher consumption of vegetables, and lower consumption of sugar and soft drinks. Since that time, the food environment has become increasingly obesogenic, and society has become more unequal, which may have particularly impacted on the access to healthy foods among socially disadvantaged families, resulting in increased childhood BMI among these groups. In addition, inequalities in adult BMI emerged in the 1980s and may have contributed to childhood BMI changes, as parents’ and children’s BMI are associated.

The authors note some limitations, including that most children enrolled were white, so the findings cannot be generalized to all ethnic groups in Britain. They also note that dropout rates were higher in more disadvantaged children, which could result in BMI inequalities being under or overestimated.

As BMI does not account for the level of fat, it may be an inexact measure of obesity and could have led to healthy children being miscategorized as overweight or obese. Lastly, the father’s occupation is only one aspect of the socioeconomic position, although the results remained the same when repeated using the mother’s education level.

Informatively, this study was funded by Cohorts and Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources’ (CLOSER), a collaborative research programme funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council, Medical Research Council and based at the UCL Institute of Education and was additionally supported by the Academy of Medical Sciences/the Wellcome Trust. It was conducted by researchers from UCL and Loughborough University.

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Philips lighting research on eyesight

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 07:06:58 +0000

Philips Lighting (Euronext Amsterdam ticker: LIGHT), the world leader lighting, has released findings that reveal that almost two third of Indians agree that poor light quality is detrimental to eyesight but just one fifth (21%) will actually take corrective measures such as buying light bulbs that are comfortable for their eyes. The survey also highlighted that for most Indians, eyecare is not treated at par with skincare and other health issues such as managing one’s weight and fitness levels.

First 3-D Printed Human Corneas

In Mumbai, durability of the bulb emerged as the highest priority while making purchase decision for light bulbs, with almost 47% of adults choosing it over other factors like price and eye comfort. While 49% of adults in the city agree that light quality affects eyesight, only 21% will opt for lighting that is comfortable for their eyes. The study conducted amongst 9,000 adults across twelve countries including India, also revealed uncomfortably entrenched mindsets with about half of the Indian population compromising on their eyesight by prioritising price (50%) and durability (48%) of bulbs over eye comfort, while making purchase decisions for light bulbs.

The situation is quite alarming considering the invasion of digital technology in our lives translating into longer screen exposure times, with almost 70% of Indians surveyed spending more than 6 hours a day in front of a screen and a similar number complaining of eyestrain! This also comes at a time as myopia hits record levels globally, with the World Health Organization predicting that one in two people will be short sighted by 2050, a vision emergency of sorts, in the not too distant future!

Ophthalmologists understand the gravity of the situation and are pulling out all stops to sensitise the general population to step up on their eye care quotient. They highlight a continued need to educate the public about eye care. In response to this situation the All India Ophthalmological Society has developed a number of proactive community oriented programs, guidelines and resources to enhance ophthalmic education amongst the public. The study of over 9,000 adults across twelve countries – India, China, USA, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Indonesia, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Thailand and Turkey – becomes even more relevant given the dire situation. It was commissioned to explore how quality LED lighting can help ameliorate the eye comfort problem amongst consumers. As per the findings of the study, 44% of Indians don’t visit an eye specialist on a regular basis while about three fourths on an average use weight (73%) and fitness (60%) as overall indicators of health. Clearly, eye care does not rank at par with other perceived health metrics. Quality lighting is not only related to longevity, but is also incredibly important when it comes to ensuring our eyes aren’t strained and feel comfortable. people should choose high quality lamps that are comfortable for their eyes.

PHILIPS LIGHTING RESEARCH

• While 49% adults in Mumbai agree that light quality affects their eye sight, only one in five (21%) will opt for lighting that is comfortable for their eyes

• Almost half of adults in Mumbai consider durability (47%) and price (45%) of bulbs over comfort for their eyes, while making purchase decisions

• More than half (53%) of adults in the city don’t regularly get their eyes checked; eye care does not rank at par with other perceived health metrics such as managing weight, fitness levels and skin care

Want to write for InnoHEALTH? send us your article at magazine@innovatiocuris.com

Read all the issues of InnoHEALTH magazine:
InnoHEALTH Volume 1 Issue 1 (July to September 2016) – https://goo.gl/iWAwN2
InnoHEALTH Volume 1 Issue 2 (October to December 2016) – https://goo.gl/4GGMJz
InnoHEALTH Volume 2 Issue 1 (January to March 2017) – https://goo.gl/DEyKnw
InnoHEALTH Volume 2 Issue 2 (April to June 2017) – https://goo.gl/Nv3eev
InnoHEALTH Volume 2 Issue 3 (July to September 2017) – https://goo.gl/MCVjd6
InnoHEALTH Volume 2 Issue 4 (October to December 2017) – http://amzn.to/2B2UMLw
InnoHEALTH Volume 3 Issue 1 (January to March 2018) – https://goo.gl/fksdQx

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WEIGHING ON FAT FACTS

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 06:58:17 +0000

Exercising certain areas of your body will strengthen the muscles there, but it will not remove the fat from them. Your newly developed muscles will be hidden under the layer of fat.

By Melanie Mendelson

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Do you know anybody who does not wish to get rid of the fat on one particular area of their body? I have not met anybody like that!

“If I could only get rid of my big belly”! “Oh, I wish my thighs were slimmer”! Does it sound familiar?

Even skinny people are often unhappy with the excess fat in some areas of their body. We’ve all seen those skinny men with huge bellies!

This common problem is accompanied by a widespread belief that you can lose the fat on a “problem area” by exercising that particular area. Some people do hundreds of crunches in attempts to flatten their stomachs, others buy the “miracle” ab gadgets and bulky “hip slimming” machines from TV.

Were you about to call the 800 numbers to buy the “latest and greatest” ab roller?

Hold on to your hard-earned money!

The belief that you can lose fat on a specific part of your body by exercising that area is a myth! Targeting the “spots” of your body for fat loss is called “spot reducing”, and it simply does not work.

Exercising certain areas of your body will strengthen the muscles there, but it will not remove the fat from them. Your newly developed muscles will be hidden under the layer of fat.

What about those heavily pitched creams, wraps and rubber belts that supposedly “melt the fat away”? Those are just plainly scams.

The creams and body wraps can temporarily give your skin smoother appearance, but they will do absolutely nothing for fat loss. All kinds of weight loss belts, pants and other clothing will make you sweat, thereby causing some loss of water weight which is mistaken by most people for fat loss. But they will not help you lose even one gram of the actual fat!

There is no way to tell your body where exactly it should lose its fat.

Each person’s body has its own unique shape and fat distribution pattern. The places where the fat goes first are, unfortunately, where it comes off last. So the only way to lose that fat is by losing weight in general.

The only healthy permanent way to lose weight is by making lifestyle changes to incorporate healthy eating and increased activity. When you do that, the fat will come off everywhere on your body, including those “trouble spots”. And yes, you will then have that body that you always dreamed of!

Even skinny people are often unhappy with the excess fat in some areas of their body. We’ve all seen those skinny men with huge bellies!

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Read all the issues of InnoHEALTH magazine:
InnoHEALTH Volume 1 Issue 1 (July to September 2016) – https://goo.gl/iWAwN2
InnoHEALTH Volume 1 Issue 2 (October to December 2016) – https://goo.gl/4GGMJz
InnoHEALTH Volume 2 Issue 1 (January to March 2017) – https://goo.gl/DEyKnw
InnoHEALTH Volume 2 Issue 2 (April to June 2017) – https://goo.gl/Nv3eev
InnoHEALTH Volume 2 Issue 3 (July to September 2017) – https://goo.gl/MCVjd6

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SMART MIRROR AND KIONATIK

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 09:28:19 +0000

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Smart Mirror And Kionatik
Dr. Avantika Batish is working as Director Strategy and Healthcare at International Health Emergency Learning and Preparedness. Also, guest faculty for MBA (HR) and MBA Healthcare Management at various B-Schools and is a soft skills trainer.

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The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has announced the launch of a new set of innovative health services featuring futuristic technology solutions – particularly artificial intelligence (AI) during its participation at Arab Health 2017.

His Excellency Al Ketbi, has announced the launch of the Smart Mirror which is the first of its kind globally to allows patients to analyze their body’s temperature, pulse, weight, height, and their body mass index. It also features a weather forecast component that can be utilized by looking through the mirror.

The Smart Mirror is an active tool for patients suffering from diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, as well as blood pressure problems, as it monitors their weight, height, blood pressure and body temperature. The Chatbot service is driven by basic artificial intelligence software and facilitates ‘smart’ online chats that help reduce healthcare cost as well as improve the flow of health services.

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The interactive AI facility can assist the Ministry by mimicking human conversations to answer questions which can also be integrated with other software platforms to allow other communication activities such as sending messages and holding telemedicine conferences via Skype with a physician.

Another smart technology, ‘Kiomatik’, will welcome patients and guests and perform other reception duties via an innovative system, motion tracking, a high-definition camera, and three-dimensional display devices embedded in a robot.

It will also provide necessary information about the health facilities, set appointments, and answer basic questions from patients.

The Kiomatik Beacon technology also operates as a wireless device with face-recognition capability. The patient is immediately recognized upon arrival at the health facility and informed about his or her schedule which will appear at the reception platform without the assistance of any hospital employee.

Kiomatik reduces the need for computers and other announcement systems as medical staff can use the apps installed on smart watches and smartphones to communicate with patients and inform them whenever they need to visit a health facility for examination.

An advanced self-registration service ‘Kiosk’ can recognize patients’ faces using a 17-inch screen that registers them upon arrival at the hospital or medical center. This pioneering technology is still currently under research and development.

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Read all the issues of InnoHEALTH magazine:
InnoHEALTH Volume 2 Issue 3 (July to September 2017) – https://goo.gl/MCVjd6
InnoHEALTH Volume 2 Issue 2 (April to June 2017) – https://goo.gl/Nv3eev
InnoHEALTH Volume 1 Issue 2 (October to December 2016) – https://goo.gl/4GGMJz
InnoHEALTH Volume 1 Issue 1 (July to September 2016) – https://goo.gl/iWAwN2

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