Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Melissa Little, Shirley Serber-Souza, Maryam Kebbe, Paul N. Aveyard, Susan A. Jebb
Summary: Behavioral weight management interventions like the Healthy Eagles program show small but significant benefits in reducing BMI z-scores in children, with a more pronounced effect seen in school settings compared to community settings. Particularly, participants with severe obesity and those from Black ethnic backgrounds and higher deprivation levels experienced greater reductions in BMI z-scores. Limited changes were observed in nutrition and physical activity behaviors across both settings.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mohamad Motevalli, Clemens Drenowatz, Derrick R. Tanous, Naim Akhtar Khan, Katharina Wirnitzer
Summary: Childhood obesity is a complex and multifaceted metabolic disorder influenced by genetic and behavioral factors. Despite various interventions being effective, challenges and controversies still exist in the field of childhood obesity research and management strategies. Prioritizing personalized interventions based on the etiology of obesity and individual characteristics may lead to better outcomes.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Gina M. Wren, Dimitrios A. Koutoukidis, Jadine Scragg, Michael Whitman, Susan Jebb
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between three aspects of goal setting and weight loss. The results showed that setting higher weight loss goals and being motivated by health or fitness were associated with greater weight loss and lower likelihood of dropout.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Heather Behr, Sydney Earl, Annabell Suh Ho, Jihye Lee, Ellen Siobhan Mitchell, Meaghan McCallum, Christine N. May, Andreas Michaelides
Summary: Health-promoting lifestyle behaviors are associated with disease mortality reduction and improved well-being. This study examined the changes in health-promoting behaviors and their associations with weight loss, retention, and engagement in a digital weight-management program. Participants lost a significant amount of weight and reported improved health-promoting behaviors. Learned health-promoting behaviors were better predictors of retention and program engagement. The findings highlight the potential benefits of digital weight management interventions.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ho Heon Kim, Youngin Kim, Andreas Michaelides, Yu Rang Park
Summary: This study utilized machine learning and clustering techniques to identify 5 different weight loss trajectories in a mobile weight management app. Overall adherence and early self-monitoring adherence were found to be associated with these trajectories.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Gilly A. Hendrie, Danielle L. Baird, Emily Brindal, Gemma Williams, Jennie Brand-Miller, Beverly Muhlhausler
Summary: This study analyzed data from the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Online program, finding an average weight loss of 2.8 kg, with 43% of stayers losing 5% or more, and an average of 4.9 kg lost. Platform usage was identified as the strongest predictor of weight loss.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Cristina Tejera, Cristina Porca, Gemma Rodriguez-Carnero, Paula Andujar, Felipe F. Casanueva, Diego Bellido, Ana B. Crujeiras
Summary: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle program in reducing the prevalence of MetS in adults with obesity. The results showed that implementation of the IGOBE program resulted in a significant reduction in MetS prevalence and better control of MetS features compared with the standard of care.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Cody L. Goessl, Jeffrey J. VanWormer, Ram D. Pathak, Edward F. Ellerbeck, Daniel L. Kurz, Christie A. Befort
Summary: This analysis examined how the mental component score (MCS-12) from the Short Form health survey changed over 24 months in weight loss trial participants with vs. without treatment seeking for affective symptoms (TxASx) and by weight change quintiles. The results showed that participants with TxASx who lost the most weight had the largest increase in MCS-12 scores (+5.3 points [12%]), while participants without TxASx who gained the most weight had the largest decrease in MCS-12 scores (-1.8 points [-3%]).
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yue-Heng Yin, Justina Yat Wa Liu, Maritta Valimaki
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effects of a dietary behavior change intervention on managing sarcopenic obesity among community-dwelling older people. The intervention resulted in reductions in body weight and improvements in dietary quality. Positive trends were observed in handgrip strength, gait speed, and waist circumference. However, there was a decrease in skeletal muscle mass index in the intervention group. Further investigation is needed to understand this subtle difference. The study highlights the potential for dietary behavior change interventions in community healthcare.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Annabell Suh Ho, E. Siobhan Mitchell, Jihye Lee, Andrew Steptoe, Heather Behr, Christine N. May, Andreas Michaelides
Summary: This study found that belief in obesity as a risk factor for COVID-19 predicts greater engagement in weight management and preventive behaviors. Exposure to obesity risk factor information also predicts higher engagement over 16 weeks. Thus, increasing individuals' belief in obesity risk factor information through effective education may promote preventive behaviors and faster vaccination.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Prince Kevin Danieles, Marina Ybarra, Andraea Van Hulst, Tracie A. Barnett, Marie-Eve Mathieu, Lisa Kakinami, Olivier Drouin, Jean-Luc Bigras, Melanie Henderson
Summary: Older age and lower maternal education level were significantly associated with dropout in the CIRCUIT program.
OBESITY RESEARCH & CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rohit Kumar Verma, Wei Wen Chong, Nur Akmar Taha, Thomas Paraidathathu
Summary: The educational training program had a significant impact on CPs' knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers towards weight management services in community pharmacies. It improved their attitudes towards providing weight management services, enhanced their professional competence, and reduced the perceived barriers related to lack of space and training in obesity management.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Claire Gallagher, Nilakshi Waidyatillake, Jane Pirkis, Katrina Lambert, Raisa Cassim, Shyamali Dharmage, Bircan Erbas
Summary: This review evaluated the impact of weight change from childhood to adulthood on depression and/or anxiety risk in adulthood. A systematic search was conducted for longitudinal studies examining weight status changes and their association with depression and/or anxiety outcomes. The evidence suggested that persistent and/or increasing adiposity from childhood to adulthood is associated with a higher risk of depression, particularly in women. However, more research is needed to determine the relationship between weight change and anxiety risk, and to address methodological limitations.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alissa Carey, Qiuchen Yang, Laura DeLuca, Tatiana Toro-Ramos, Youngin Kim, Andreas Michaelides
Summary: This study observed the association between engagement behaviors on the Noom app and important weight loss outcomes, finding a significant positive correlation between the number of articles read, meals logged, steps recorded, messages to coach, exercise logged, weigh-ins, and days with 1 meal logged per week with both moderate and high weight loss outcomes in the short-term and long-term (ie, 1 year).
JMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Susan M. Devaraj, Jenna M. Napoleone, Rachel G. Miller, Bonny Rockette-Wagner, Vincent C. Arena, Chantele Mitchell-Miland, Mohammed Bu Saad, Andrea M. Kriska
Summary: The study investigated disparities in the success of DPP-translation program primary goal achievement across sociodemographic subgroups. Results showed that most sociodemographic subgroups demonstrated significant weight loss, with non-Hispanic white achieving greater weight loss compared to non-Hispanic black participants. Employment status was significantly related to weight loss, with retired participants being the most successful. Men, participants with graduate degrees, and those with higher income were most likely to meet the activity goal. Differences in physical activity goal achievement across gender, education, and income groups were significant at baseline, attenuated after 6 months, then re-emerged at 12 months.
Article
Immunology
Laith J. Abu-Raddad, Hiam Chemaitelly, Joel A. Malek, Ayeda A. Ahmed, Yasmin A. Mohamoud, Shameem Younuskunju, Houssein H. Ayoub, Zaina Al Kanaani, Abdullatif Al Khal, Einas Al Kuwari, Adeel A. Butt, Peter Coyle, Andrew Jeremijenko, Anvar Hassan Kaleeckal, Ali Nizar Latif, Riyazuddin Mohammad Shaik, Hanan F. Abdul Rahim, Hadi M. Yassine, Mohamed G. Al Kuwari, Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, Mohamed H. Al-Thani, Roberto Bertollini
Summary: A study in Qatar found a low rate of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2, with most cases being asymptomatic and suggesting protective immunity lasting for at least a few months post primary infection.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Laith J. Abu-Raddad, Hiam Chemaitelly, Joel A. Malek, Ayeda A. Ahmed, Yasmin A. Mohamoud, Shameem Younuskunju, Zaina Al Kanaani, Abdullatif Al Khal, Einas Al Kuwari, Adeel A. Butt, Peter Coyle, Andrew Jeremijenko, Anvar Hassan Kaleeckal, Ali Nizar Latif, Riyazuddin Mohammad Shaik, Hanan F. Abdul Rahim, Hadi M. Yassine, Mohamed G. Al Kuwari, Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, Mohamed H. Al-Thani, Roberto Bertollini
Summary: We report two cases of viremic and prolonged active infection with SARS-CoV-2 where the viral genome remained stable for two months, but with minimal or no symptoms. Clearance of infection occurred 40 and 41 days after detectable antibodies appeared in each case. These cases were incidentally identified during an investigation on reinfection among a cohort of 133,266 laboratory-confirmed infected individuals.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Houssein H. Ayoub, Hiam Chemaitelly, Shaheen Seedat, Monia Makhoul, Zaina Al Kanaani, Abdullatif Al Khal, Einas Al Kuwari, Adeel A. Butt, Peter Coyle, Andrew Jeremijenko, Anvar Hassan Kaleeckal, Ali Nizar Latif, Riyazuddin Mohammad Shaik, Hanan Abdul Rahim, Hadi M. Yassine, Mohamed G. Al Kuwari, Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, Mohamed H. Al-Thani, Roberto Bertollini, Laith J. Abu Raddad
Summary: Mathematical modeling and forecasting successfully guided Qatar's national response to the epidemic, effectively reducing the impact on the healthcare system and bringing the epidemic under control.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laith J. Abu-Raddad, Hiam Chemaitelly, Houssein H. Ayoub, Zaina Al Kanaani, Abdullatif Al Khal, Einas Al Kuwari, Adeel A. Butt, Peter Coyle, Andrew Jeremijenko, Anvar Hassan Kaleeckal, Ali Nizar Latif, Robert C. Owen, Hanan F. Abdul Rahim, Samya A. Al Abdulla, Mohamed G. Al Kuwari, Mujeeb C. Kandy, Hatoun Saeb, Shazia Nadeem N. Ahmed, Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, Devendra Bansal, Louise Dalton, Mohamed H. Al-Thani, Roberto Bertollini
Summary: The study provided descriptive epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Qatar, showing age as the strongest predictor of severe, critical, or fatal infection. Most cases were asymptomatic. The rapid decline in cases was attributed to the growing immunity levels in the population.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Health Care Sciences & Services
Manal Al-Zaidan, Mohamed Izham Mohamed Ibrahim, Mohamed Ghaith Al-Kuwari, Azza Mustafa Mohammed, Mansoor Nawaz Mohammed, Samya Al Abdulla
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pharmacy Department at Qatar Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) implemented various measures to ensure patients received their medications, including introducing a Medication Home Delivery Service to reduce unnecessary visits to health centers, minimize virus spread, and protect healthcare workers.
JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mohamed Ghaith Al-Kuwari, Samya Al Abdulla, Maha Abdulla, Azza Mustafa Mohammed, Ahmad Haj Bakri, Fahad Shaikhan, Hanan Buhaddoud
Summary: The study focuses on the perceptions of Arabic speaking primary care clients regarding major health issues in the community, their experiences in utilizing health services, and the barriers that limit their access to health care. Results identify priority health issues such as chronic non-communicable diseases, mental health, timely access to care, cultural competency of services, and integration and coordination across health care settings and sectors. The importance of raising community awareness about health-related issues and availability of health services is highlighted.
JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mohamed Ahmed Syed, Ahmed Sameer Al Nuaimi, Hamda Abdulla A. Qotba, Gheyath K. Nasrallah, Asmaa A. Althani, Hadi M. Yassine, Abduljaleel Abdullatif Zainel, Hanan Khudadad, Tamara Marji, Shajitha Thekke Veettil, Hadeel T. Al-Jighefee, Salma Younes, Farah Shurrab, Duaa W. Al-Sadeq, Al Anoud Saleh AlFehaidi, Ameena Ibrahim Yfakhroo, Meshal Abdulla AlMesaifri, Hanan Al Mujalli, Samya Ahmad Al Abdulla, Mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari, Faruk Mohammed Azad, Badria Ali Mohamed Al Malki, Mariam Ali Abdulmalik
Summary: Investing in characterizing SARS-CoV2 through population-based epidemiological studies provides crucial data for planning and improving pandemic responses. With low prevalence rates indicating majority susceptibility in Qatar, continued enhanced surveillance, robust contact tracing, and social distancing measures are essential to prevent future outbreaks.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Laith J. Abu-Raddad, Hiam Chemaitelly, Hadi M. Yassine, Fatiha M. Benslimane, Hebah A. Al Khatib, Patrick Tang, Joel A. Malek, Peter Coyle, Houssein H. Ayoub, Zaina Al Kanaani, Einas Al Kuwari, Andrew Jeremijenko, Anvar Hassan Kaleeckal, Ali Nizar Latif, Riyazuddin Mohammad Shaik, Hanan F. Abdul Rahim, Gheyath K. Nasrallah, Mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari, Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, Mohamed H. Al-Thani, Abdullatif Al Khal, Adeel A. Butt, Roberto Bertollini
JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter Coyle, Hiam Chemaitelly, Mohamed Ali Ben Hadj Kacem, Naema Hassan Abdulla Al Molawi, Reham Awni El Kahlout, Imtiaz Gilliani, Nourah Younes, Ghada Ali A. A. Al Anssari, Zaina Al Kanaani, Abdullatif Al Khal, Einas Al Kuwari, Adeel A. Butt, Andrew Jeremijenko, Anvar Hassan Kaleeckal, Ali Nizar Latif, Riyazuddin Mohammad Shaik, Hanan F. Abdul Rahim, Gheyath K. Nasrallah, Hadi M. Yassine, Mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari, Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, Mohamed H. Al-Thani, Roberto Bertollini, Laith J. Abu-Raddad
Summary: The study found that less than two in every 10 individuals in Qatar's urban population had detectable antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, indicating that herd immunity is still far off and there is a risk of subsequent infection waves. Higher antibody titers may serve as a biomarker of repeated exposures to the infection.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mohamed Ghaith Al-Kuwari, Asma Ali Al Nuaimi, Sandy Semaan, John Michael Gibb, Jazeel AbdulMajeed, Hamad Eid Al Romaihi
Summary: This study found that the accuracy of the Ehteraz contact tracing app in Qatar is questionable, as a significant number of identified contacts did not meet the WHO criteria. Additionally, the app was found to be less effective than traditional human-led case investigation in identifying close contacts.
Article
Immunology
Devendra Bansal, Jazeel Abdulmajeed, Maha H. M. A. Al-Shamali, Soha S. A. Albayat, Sayed M. Himatt, Farhan S. Cyprian, Tawanda Chivese, Jesha M. A. Mundodan, Hayat S. Khogali, Rekayahouda Baaboura, Anvar H. Kaleeckal, Mujeeb C. Kandy, Ali Nizar Latif, Mohamed Ghaith Al-Kuwari, Hamad Eid Al-Romaihi, Abdullatif Al Khal, Roberto Bertollini, Mohamed Hamad Al-Thani, Elmobashar Farag, Suhail A. R. Doi
Summary: This study conducted a case-control study among individuals with first SARS-CoV-2 infection to evaluate the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in preventing COVID-19 requiring intensive care. The results showed that the vaccine effectiveness was 59% between the first and second dose, and increased to 89% between the second dose and 4 months post the second dose. There was no waning of vaccine effectiveness from 4 to 12 months after the second dose.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Dina Abushanab, Daoud Al-Badriyeh, Clara Marquina, Danny Liew, Manal Al-Zaidan, Mohammed Ghaith Al-Kuwari, Jazeel Abdulmajeed, Zanfina Ademi
Summary: This study aims to predict the future health and economic burden of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes patients in Qatar. The findings suggest a significant burden and emphasize the need for enhanced preventive strategies for this population group.
DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Houssein H. Ayoub, Hiam Chemaitelly, Monia Makhoul, Zaina Al Kanaani, Einas Al Kuwari, Adeel A. Butt, Peter Coyle, Andrew Jeremijenko, Anvar Hassan Kaleeckal, Ali Nizar Latif, Riyazuddin Mohammad Shaik, Hanan F. Abdul Rahim, Gheyath K. Nasrallah, Hadi M. Yassine, Mohamed G. Al Kuwari, Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, Mohamed H. Al-Thani, Roberto Bertollini, Abdullatif Al Khal, Laith J. Abu-Raddad
Summary: The study found that prioritizing vaccination for those who are antibody-negative can lead to faster reduction in infection rates and faster return to normalcy. Additionally, further prioritization based on age group can amplify the benefits of prioritization by antibody status.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mohamed Ghaith Al-Kuwari, Mariam Ali Abdulmalik, Hamad Rashid Al-Mudahka, Ahmad Haj Bakri, Wadha Ahmed Al-Baker, Shaikha Sami Abushaikha, Mujeeb Chettiyam Kandy, John Gibb
Summary: In March 2020, COVID-19 outbreak in Qatar led to a 40% reduction in preventive services utilization, including well-baby and immunization services. The cancellation of appointments significantly impacted breast and colorectal cancer screening programs, while wellness services saw a decrease in utilization in April but started recovering in June. This study highlights the importance of understanding the impact of COVID-19 on preventive services and the potential risks associated with reduced utilization.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH
(2021)
