Article
Psychology, Clinical
Meghan M. Gillen, Charlotte H. Markey, Diane L. Rosenbaum, Jamie L. Dunaev
Summary: The study found that women currently breastfeeding have more positive body images and are less likely to engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors; women with positive attitudes towards breastfeeding are associated with awareness and appreciation of body functionality, leading to fewer unhealthy weight control behaviors.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zoe L. Reichental, Victoria M. O'Brien, Sharleen L. O'Reilly
Summary: This review evaluates breastfeeding interventions for at-risk populations, finding that such interventions can improve exclusive early postpartum breastfeeding and any breastfeeding at 6 months in women with gestational diabetes or obesity/overweight. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy and harmonize breastfeeding outcome reporting.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Maria Mantzorou, Dimitrios Papandreou, Georgios K. Vasios, Eleni Pavlidou, Georgios Antasouras, Evmorfia Psara, Zainab Taha, Efthymios Poulios, Constantinos Giaginis
Summary: Breastfeeding plays an important role in preventing obesity and reducing long-term negative health outcomes for both mothers and children.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Francesca Macaluso, Kathleen M. Weber, Leah H. Rubin, Elaine Dellinger, Susan Holman, Howard Minkoff, Sheila Keating, Lisa R. Merlin, Deborah R. Gustafson
Summary: This study investigated the association between changes in BMI and leptin and neuropsychological performance among middle-aged women. The results showed that increases in BMI and leptin over 10 years were associated with poorer performance in multiple domains of neuropsychological functioning among all women and women with HIV infection.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Karolina Lewandowska, Waldemar Klinkosz, Wojciech Styk, Magdalena Kowalczyk
Summary: This study investigated body image and body mass anxiety in people with BED and found a correlation between anxiety about gaining weight and the number of BED symptoms, but no significant relationship between BED severity and body image. However, the frequency of BED episodes was linked with weight concern. The findings suggest that anxiety about gaining weight should be considered as a psychological cost for individuals experiencing BED symptoms, and it should be included in future versions of the DSM.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nomusa Y. Nkomo, Beatrice D. Simo-Kengne, Mduduzi Biyase
Summary: This study examines the association between maternal tobacco use and body weight abnormalities among South African children. The results show that children of smoking mothers are more likely to be obese, overweight, or at risk of becoming overweight. Furthermore, the mother's age and marital status, as well as the child support grant, also have an impact on the child's weight.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Natalya Usheva, Mina Lateva, Sonya Galcheva, Berthold V. Koletzko, Greet Cardon, Marieke De Craemer, Odysseas Androutsos, Aneta Kotowska, Piotr Socha, Luis A. Moreno, Yannis Manios, Violeta Iotova
Summary: The study found no significant association between breastfeeding practices and childhood obesity, but factors such as educational level, smoking habits, pre-pregnancy weight, and age may impact the duration of breastfeeding practices.
Article
Oncology
Mariana Brandao, Assucena Guisseve, Albertino Damasceno, Genoveva Bata, Carla Silva-Matos, Matos Alberto, Josefo Ferro, Carlos Garcia, Clesio Zaqueu, Cesaltina Lorenzoni, Dina Leitao, Otilia Soares, Alberto Gudo-Morais, Fernando Schmitt, Samantha Morais, Satish Tulsidas, Carla Carrilho, Nuno Lunet
Summary: This study in women from Mozambique found that multiparity was protective for hormone receptor-positive and HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer, while higher educational level increased risk across all subtypes. Higher weight and BMI were associated with increased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women but were protective in premenopausal women. Higher height increased the risk of HR-negative tumors in postmenopausal women.
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2021)
Article
Nursing
Hillary M. Kapa, Jennifer L. Litteral, Sarah A. Keim, Jamie L. Jackson, Kyle A. Schofield, Canice E. Crerand
Summary: This study aimed to explore the relationships between eating disorder symptoms, body image, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and breastfeeding experiences, as well as differences in these variables among postpartum women with and without clinically significant eating disorder symptoms. The results showed that postpartum women with clinically significant eating disorder symptoms were more likely to discontinue breastfeeding and had lower breastfeeding self-efficacy. These findings have important implications for future research and clinical care practices.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN LACTATION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ann E. Maltby, Belinda C. Odhiambo, Maureen Nyaura, Rosemary Shikari, Emily L. Tuthill
Summary: This study tested a personalized infant feeding support program among perinatal women living with HIV in Kenya. The findings showed that through face-to-face and frequent infant feeding support sessions, women were able to successfully practice exclusive breastfeeding.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Huili Jin, Tengfei Shan, Sisi Li, Xin Fan, Yan Zhao, Jie Li, Xiqin Tang, Richard Saffery, Chao Tong, Li Wen, Hongbo Qi, Mark D. Kilby, Philip N. Baker
Summary: Feeding patterns have an impact on early growth indices, with breastfeeding associated with higher body fat mass and smaller weight gain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCES AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zahra Fathi, Yousef Gorji
Summary: This study found that body appreciation training can significantly reduce body image concerns, dissatisfaction with appearance, and interference in social functioning in overweight adolescents.
Review
Nursing
Adwoa Gyamfi, Urmeka T. Jefferson, Barbara O'Neill, Ruth Lucas, Diane Lynn Spatz, Wendy A. Henderson
Summary: This study assessed the disparities in exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months in Ghana and found that healthcare, personal factors, employment, and socio-cultural aspects were the main contributing factors.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN LACTATION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Angela Kwartemaa Acheampong, Alhassan Sibdow Abukari
Summary: The study highlights the perspectives of breastfeeding nurses and midwives on how their body image affects their breastfeeding practices, emphasizing the need for support in successfully breastfeeding.
INTERNATIONAL BREASTFEEDING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Maria-Jose Castro, Jose-Maria Jimenez, Maria Lopez, Maria-Jose Cao, Manuel Duran, Irene Albertos, Sara Garcia, Jaime Ruiz-Tovar
Summary: The study showed that the relationship between breast volume and body mass index can be used as a predictor of cardiovascular risk in premenopausal women who are overweight and mildly obese.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lilia Bliznashka, Goodarz Danaei, Gunther Fink, Valerie L. Flax, Chrissie Thakwalakwa, Lindsay M. Jaacks
Summary: The study found protein and healthy dietary patterns among women of reproductive age in Ghana and Malawi, with the protein pattern being associated with higher odds of overweight or obesity in Ghana. Among older women, three dietary patterns were identified in Ghana (cereal, protein, and healthy) and two in Tanzania (protein and healthy), with the protein pattern being associated with higher BMI in Ghana. Further research is needed to understand the influence of dietary patterns on overweight and obesity among adult women in urban Sub-Saharan Africa.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Valerie L. Flax, Chrissie Thakwalakwa, John C. Phuka, Lindsay M. Jaacks
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2020)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sarah McKune, Jennifer Lane, Valerie Flax, Emily Ouma, Rebecca Austin-Datta, Rebecca Williams, Emily Moore, Michael Jacobs, Joyce Turk
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Valerie L. Flax, Chrissie Thakwalakwa, Courtney H. Schnefke, John C. Phuka, Lindsay M. Jaacks
Summary: This study examined food purchasing decisions of Malawian mothers with young children during dry and rainy seasons, finding that cost, taste preferences, freshness, and healthiness were the strongest factors influencing food purchases. Mothers tended to buy foods their family likes, with a priority on children's preferences.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Valerie L. Flax, Imogen Hawley, Julia Ryan, Miria Chitukuta, Florence Mathebula, Rita Nakalega, Linly Seyama, Frank Taulo, Ariane van der Straten
Summary: This study explores the perceptions and support for HIV prevention methods among breastfeeding women in sub-Saharan Africa through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Findings suggest that breastfeeding is considered the norm, but poses a high HIV transmission risk for women. Male partners have mixed opinions on women using HIV prevention methods during breastfeeding, while women, grandmothers, and key informants show higher levels of support.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Valerie L. Flax, Emily Ouma, Lambert Izerimana, Mary-Ann Schreiner, Alice O. Brower, Eugene Niyonzima, Carine Nyilimana, Adeline Ufitinema, Agnes Uwineza
Summary: The study demonstrates that an animal source foods (ASFs) social and behavior change communication (SBCC) intervention implemented by community health workers can increase children's milk consumption frequency and improve household dietary diversity. However, further strategies are needed to increase milk production and achieve larger increases in children's milk consumption frequency in poor households receiving livestock transfers.
GLOBAL HEALTH-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Valerie L. Flax, Abiodun Ipadeola, Courtney H. Schnefke, Uche Ralph-Opara, Olatoun Adeola, Susan Edwards, Sujata Bose, Alice O. Brower
Summary: This study conducted a breastfeeding promotion intervention in private health facilities in Lagos, Nigeria, and found that the intervention significantly increased the rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks and 24 weeks.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Diana Allotey, Valerie L. Flax, Abiodun Ipadeola, Sarah Kwasu, Margaret E. Bentley, Beamlak Worku, Keerti Kalluru, Carmina G. Valle, Sujata Bose, Stephanie L. Martin
Summary: Household gender roles have an impact on infant feeding practices, particularly in terms of decision-making, food allocation and paternal support. Traditional gender roles limit the involvement of fathers in hands-on activities that support feeding and caregiving. Some mothers and fathers have started to challenge these traditional roles, especially in urban areas.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Valerie L. Flax, Abiodun Ipadeola, Courtney H. Schnefke, Sarah Kwasu, Abdulrahaman A. Mikail, Sujata Bose, Alice O. Brower, Susan Edwards
Summary: A multicomponent SBCC intervention in northern Nigeria improved children's dietary diversity and complementary feeding indicators, as well as increased fathers' support for complementary feeding.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Valerie L. Flax, Mariam Fagbemi, Courtney H. Schnefke, Auwalu A. Kawu, Susan Edwards, Jennifer Unangst, Sujata Bose
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of Alive & Thrive's intervention on infant and young child feeding practices in Kaduna and Lagos States of Nigeria. The results showed that the intervention had a positive effect on exclusive breastfeeding in Kaduna, while the effects on early initiation of breastfeeding and minimum dietary diversity were not significant. In Lagos, the intervention had minimal impacts on IYCF practices. Exposure to intervention activities was associated with improved IYCF practices.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Courtney H. H. Schnefke, Valerie L. L. Flax, Fred Ubanmhen, Silvia Alayon, Sujata Bose, Obinna Daniel, Kathryn E. L. Grimes, Diana Allotey, Emily R. R. Seiger, Olujide Arije
Summary: This study in Nigeria found that mothers, fathers, and grandmothers have different attitudes, beliefs, and social norms regarding early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding. While mothers were more strongly committed to these practices, fathers and grandmothers showed a shift towards acceptance over time.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Valerie L. Flax, Emily A. Ouma, Mary-Ann Schreiner, Adeline Ufitinema, Eugene Niyonzima, Kathleen E. Colverson, Alessandra Galie
Summary: This study is a follow-up to a trial that tested the effects of social and behavior change communication targeted mainly at mothers to promote animal source food consumption by children in Rwanda. The study found that an SBCC intervention for fathers can improve children's consumption of animal source food and increase fathers' knowledge, awareness, and support for children's nutrition.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Valerie L. Flax, Sujata Bose, Jessica Escobar-DeMarco, Edward A. Frongillo
Summary: Alive & Thrive (A&T) is an initiative aimed at promoting social and behavioral changes in maternal, infant and young child nutrition. The initiative uses various methods, including interpersonal communication, community mobilization, and mass media to enhance knowledge and change social norms regarding nutrition. Additionally, A&T works closely with governments and other stakeholders to utilize data for design and evaluation, ensuring scalability and sustainability. The findings of this study show that the approach has had a positive impact on increasing exclusive breastfeeding, improving children's meal frequency, and promoting the use of iron and folic acid tablets by pregnant women. However, the impact on early initiation of breastfeeding and dietary diversity for mothers and children is mixed.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Valerie L. Flax, Emily A. Ouma, Isabelle Baltenweck, Esther Omosa, Amy Webb Girard, Nathaniel Jensen, Paula Dominguez-Salas
Summary: The Livestock CRP generated evidence on livestock-to-nutrition pathways and compiled lessons learned from Livestock CRP projects. They identified recommendations for nutrition-sensitive livestock programming and research, and developed an updated livestock-to-nutrition pathways framework. The framework includes the interconnected nature of pathways and contextual factors. Rating: 8 out of 10.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Diana Allotey, Valerie L. Flax, Abiodun F. Ipadeola, Sarah Kwasu, Linda S. Adair, Carmina G. Valle, Sujata Bose, Stephanie L. Martin
Summary: The study found that in Nigeria, high levels of fathers' complementary feeding support strengthen the association between mothers' decision-making autonomy and minimum meal frequency, minimum acceptable diet, and feeding children fish the previous day. There is moderate to excellent agreement between parents' perspectives of fathers' complementary feeding support and moderate to substantial agreement between perspectives of mothers' autonomy.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NUTRITION
(2022)