There is growing evidence that overweight or obese patients with cardiovascular disease survive longer than their normal-weight counterparts, an effect called the “Obesity paradox”. Similar effect might exist in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), however, results conflict; some studies confirm such effect while others observed negative associations between higher BMI and mortality rates. A brief review of the more powerful studied suggest that obesity paradox in T2DM people is rather product of studies biases than a real biological phenomenon.

In endemic countries, Plasmodium falciparum, a pathogenic agent of malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality of children under five years

Background: The nutritional quality of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) meals has been criticized as a major contributor to the obesity epidemic in U.S. children. There is need to determine the actual gram consumption and compare the energy and macronutrient contributions of these meals with foods eaten when not at school. Objectives: To determine if photography is a reliable data collection tool for measuring food intakes of high school students who participate in the NSLP. Secondly, to compare the energy and macronutrient content of the NSLP meals with meals eaten when not at school and along with student’s Body Mass Index (BMI). Methods: Researchers measured the amounts of food consumed by the students in one high school in Illinois using photographs of before and after food trays and weighed food wastes for comparisons. Actual wastes were weighed and compared with the estimated gram wastes by blinded independent observers. Estimated percentage wastes were converted into gram amounts based on actual gram weight of the food items. Students completed a demographic and physical activity questionnaire and a 3- day food record to determine the contribution of calories and macronutrients consumed when not at school. Self-reported heights and weights were used to determine BMI. Thirty-six students from grades 9-12 participated in this pilot study, mean age was 16.41±1.30. Results: Significantly high inter-rater reliability (r= 0.966, p<0.001) was found for photographic estimates and actual gram amounts of food consumed. Paired samples t-test for calories and macronutrients was significant (p<0.05) for meals eaten when not at school with those provided by the NSLP lunch meal. Overall, the NSLP meals provided fewer calories and macronutrients. Mean BMI was 23.09±3.74. High BMI was reported despite being physically active. Conclusion: High inter-rater reliability was found for photographic estimates and actual food waste. Photography is a reliable tool for measuring food intakes of high school students. Energy and macronutrient intakes were higher for meals eaten when not at school compared to that provided by the NSLP. BMI was not related to calories provided by the NSLP meal nor physical activity.

Background: Philadelphia has a high prevalence of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. To reduce chronic disease, there is a need for targeted, innovative community-based interventions to improve the food and physical activity environments for urban residents. This case study describes the development and evaluation of a pilot program to address barriers to healthy food access and physical activity environments in a West Philadelphia neighborhood.

Community context: The Our Healthy Block (OHB) intervention took place on three blocks in West Philadelphia. Project staff worked closely with the local community association and the neighborhood Community Development Corporation.

Methods: The intervention was informed by a community advisory board and by findings from a mixed- method study of food and physical activity environments in the same community. Project staff facilitated block- based events and other activities in the neighborhood, working with Block Captains. Evaluation included baseline and follow-up surveys of residents, tracking of activity participation and ratings, and interviews.

Outcome: Block-based events were well attended, but fewer residents attended activities at locations outside the block areas. Surveys revealed a trend toward reduced consumption of high-fat foods. There were no significant changes in other key outcomes.

Interpretation: Overall, the OHB intervention was well received, particularly when activities were hosted on participating blocks. To maximize participation and impact nutrition and activity behaviors, events should be held in close proximity to residents’ homes. The program impact was limited by lower participation at other locations and by communication challenges and time constraints of community partners and residents.

This study uses service area-based coverage and Poisson regression methods to assess neighborhood healthy and unhealthy food environments and food access associated with different socio-economic groups in Edmonton, Canada. We identify three types of vulnerable neighborhoods according to different food environments: food deserts, food swamps and food tundras. Key results from this article indicate: (1) child population is negatively associated with both healthy and unhealthy food resources; (2) good access to public transportation is associated with good coverage of all types of food stores; and (3) neighborhoods with higher percentages of unemployed and minority population have better coverage of both healthy and unhealthy foods resources. in general. T