The quality of portuguese obesity websites

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of Portuguese obesity websites. A cross-sectional, quantitative and observational study was designed. The evaluation of 127 sites found using the Google in “Advanced Search” option “pages in Portuguese”, country “Portugal” was performed. The quality criteria used in this study resulted from the merger/adaptation from several authors previously published. The information on obesity was evaluated according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network: Management of Obesity, a National Clinical Guideline, 2010. The quality criteria most mentioned in the websites, were the purpose (80.3%) and authority (73.2%). On the other hand, the editorial review (7.9%) and references (15.7%) were mentioned in the narrowest websites. The websites analyzed had a mean quality score of 5.2 points (± 2.1) out of 11. A significant correlation was found between the score of information on obesity and quality score for adults group (0.282) and both ages group (0.437). In Portugal, the websites that provide information on obesity had, generally, a low quality score

Collective Impact Case Study: Shape Up Somerville

Shape up Somerville (SUS) is a city-wide collective impact campaign to reduce obesity by engaging schools, city government, civic organizations, community groups, businesses, and other people who live in, work in, and visit the city of Somerville, Mass. The effort has made significant changes for the city through programming, physical infrastructure improvements, and policy work

KIMEHS Proposal of an Index for Qualitative Evaluation of Childrens Menus: A Pilot Study

Considering the importance of the food environments for health promotion, and the lack of simple, easy to use, low-cost measures of the quality of meals, the authors developed a qualitative menu index (KIMEHSKids Menu Healthy Score), tailored to childrens menu evaluation. Development of the tool was based on the Mediterranean food pattern. It includes 18 components, divided into seven main groups that reflect key aspects of menu quality, including protein source, side dishes, vegetables, dessert and beverages, and also allergens and nutritional information. The index was analysed for content and construct validity, as well as inter-rater reliability, and was applied to a sample of menus from restaurants in shopping centres in the Lisbon region. Possible index point ranges from 17 to 17, with a higher score indicating greater compliance with the recommendations. A value of 5.5 is obtained if all KIMEHS items are available, considering healthy and non-healthy options. The inter-rater reliability was assessed and values above 0.80 were obtained for Alpha Cronbach, as well as agreement % rate >75%. Agreement percentage is above 75% for all the components. Evaluated restaurants scored from 14 to 7, with an average KIMEHS of 6.15. Only four restaurants scored positive values, ranging from 0.25 to 7. KIMEHS was considered to be an adequate index to evaluate childrens menus, from the menu information displayed on restaurant websites and/or on restaurant displays or table menus. It is a simple, low-cost tool that may be used as a reference for health professionals as an objective measure to evaluate the food environment. Stakeholders could also be involved in their own assessment to help educate consumers about healthy food choices, strengthening the efforts to promote an adequate food pattern and health, contributing to the fight against obesity.</jats:p

Of Wines and Reviews: Measuring and Modeling the Vivino Wine Social Network

This paper presents an analysis of social experiences around wine consumption through the lens of Vivino, a social network for wine enthusiasts with over 26 million users worldwide. We compare users' perceptions of various wine types and regional styles across both New and Old World wines, examining them across price ranges, vintages, regions, varietals, and blends. Among other things, we find that ratings provided by Vivino users are not biased by cost. We then study how wine characteristics, language in wine reviews, and the distribution of wine ratings can be combined to develop prediction models. More specifically, we model user behavior to develop a regression model for predicting wine ratings, and a classifier for determining user review preferences.Comment: A preliminary version of this paper appears in the Proceedings of the IEEE/ACM International Conference on Advances in Social Networks Analysis and Mining (ASONAM 2018). This is the full versio

Dietary supplements with green tea marketed in Portugal: information on website, labels and antioxidant activity

The use of plants and their health benefits have been recognized over the years. Its use and consumption of herbal dietary supplements has increased in the last years in United States and Europe. Internet is one of the most required options to buy dietary supplements (DS). Several studies suggest that information on most sites is incomplete, poorly referenced, and may contain illegal claims. Thus, a conscious and informed decision is essential for consumers. Camellia s inensis , also known as green tea, is one of the most consumed plants worldwide and has been recognized by its antioxidant potential over the years. This activity can protect several diseases with an oxidative stress origin. For these reasons, a study was performed to evaluate the quality of information on websites selling dietary supplements with green tea. A modified DISCERN tool was used to evaluate websites from pharmacies/parapharmacies, websites from food health stores, and websites without physical space. Websites scored 1 or 2 at evaluation rating (Low – serious or extensive outcomes). These results reveal the importance of developing a checklist for the online marketing of herbal products, based on DISCERN instrument, or other. These instruments can guide health professionals, who have a very important role in directing patients to high-quality sources of information.Legal framework for dietary supplements varies among countries, and in Portugal, DS are regulated by the Direção Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV). Although there are directives published by European Commission, in Portugal, decree-law are incomplete and DS safety is placed on the substance’s manufacturer or marketer. In addition, clinical trials are not required for DS in Portugal, which allows adulteration, falsification, contamination and incorrect labels. In Portugal, DS can be sold in pharmacies, parapharmacies, supermarkets, dietetic stores and online, and consumers should be able to make informed and appropriate health care choices. Also, consumers use DS labels (information provided on the packaging) and leaflets to further their understanding about some DS ingredients, relevant indication(s), directions for use, side effects, contraindications and drug-supplements interactions. For these reasons, another study was performed using an adapted form to evaluate legal and scientific information of twenty green tea DS sold in pharmacies, parapharmacies and health food stores in Portugal. From the legal and scientific points of view none of the websites fulfilled all the analyzed criteria. Seven DS (35.0%) had indications of use similar to those mentioned in the literature. Adverse reactions and drug interactions information were rarely provided by two and three DS, respectively. Green tea is a complex mixture of several constituents, which include phenolic compounds like catechins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. This chemical composition is associated with antioxidant activity. Antioxidant products demand has been increasing over the last years. They are referenced as having a protective role in many diseases, like cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders. Considering the lack of legislation, in Portugal, that controls DS prior to its introduction in the market, the last aim of this thesis was to evaluate antioxidant activity of six green tea supplements (three isolated and three mixture of substances/plant extracts). This evaluation was performed by common assays, namely, DPPH, superoxide and Fe2+ chelating assays. Results showed that antioxidant activity depends on composition and concentration of each substance present in green tea’s DS. In addition, green tea DS studied showed different antioxidant results at different assays performed. These thesis results may contribute to understand the importance of quality information provided by websites selling DS, and also the importance of regulation regarding its manufacturing and selling

The presence of ehealth support for childhood obesity guidance

A rising global obesity epidemic in children has implications for an increase in other chronic diseases and a negative social impact, which should not be ignored. A useful resource in this context could be eHealth due to its popularity amongst children. Additionally, telephone guidance is also considered a powerful health promotion tool. The aim of this study was to investigate the availability of mobile applications (apps), websites, helplines, and advice lines for child obesity guidance, in European countries. A survey was conducted in 28 European Member States and 2 European Economic Area countries, in 2017. Twenty-three responses were collected. Fourteen countries stated the presence of an obesity management website

Evaluating children exposure to digital marketing of unhealthy foods in Portugal with World Health Organization Framework CLICK

ABSTRACT - Introduction: Exposing children and adolescents to marketing of unhealthy food and beverages impacts their eating preferences and behaviour, affecting their body weight. Hence, the World Health Organization recommends restricting and monitoring such marketing. This study aims to provide insights on the exposure of Portuguese children to digital marketing of HFSS foods and beverages from different sources. Methods: Three steps of the World Health Organization Framework – CLICK – were applied. This consisted of a review of published-available data for Portugal, a content analysis of YouTube videos from two popular influencers among Portuguese children and a pilot-study with 11 children testing a software that identifies paid-for digital marketing aimed at children. Results: Of the 68 YouTube videos analysed, 60% of these included food and beverage cues, of which 70% were classified as less healthy. Ready-made and convenience foods (23.1%) were the most frequent featured products. In the pilot study, the participants were exposed to 162 ads on YouTube (n=9) and 670 ads on Instagram (n=6 children). 1.9% of the YouTube ads and 3.6% of the Instagram ads promoted HFSS foods and beverages. Conclusion: This study tested novel methodologies, providing insights on the current situation in Portugal where children are being exposed to HFSS food from paid-for advertising. Additionally, and given the growing body of evidence on the impact from influencer food marketing on children’s eating behaviour, this exploratory study provided important insights on the digital content which children are being exposed to. More research is undoubtedly needed in this area.RESUMO - Introdução: A exposição das crianças ao marketing digital de alimentos e bebidas não saudáveis influencia as suas preferências, comportamentos e o seu peso corporal, sendo uma recomendação da Organização Mundial da Saúde a restrição e monitorização desta exposição. Este estudo pretende explorar a exposição das crianças portuguesas ao marketing digital de alimentos e bebidas com elevado teor de gordura, açúcar e sal (“HFSS”). Métodos: Foram implementadas três etapas da Framework da Organização Mundial da Saúde Europa – CLICK, através da realização de uma revisão de estudos publicados, uma análise de conteúdo a vídeos de YouTube de dois influenciadores, populares entre as crianças portugueses, e um projeto piloto, com 11 crianças, para testar um software que identifica publicidade paga. Resultados: Dos 68 vídeos do YouTube analisados, 60% incluíram referências a alimentos e bebidas, dos quais 70% foram classificados como menos saudáveis. As refeições pré-preparadas e de conveniência (23,1%) foram os produtos mais frequentes. No estudo piloto, os participantes foram expostos a 162 anúncios no YouTube (n=9 crianças) e a 670 anúncios no Instagram (n=6 crianças), tendo 1,9% dos anúncios do YouTube e 3,5% dos anúncios do Instagram promovido alimentos e bebidas “HFSS”. Conclusão: Este estudo testou metodologias inovadoras, permitindo obter uma indicação da situação atual em Portugal, na qual as crianças estão a ser expostas a publicidade paga de alimentos “HFSS”. Adicionalmente, e considerando a crescente evidência do impacto do marketing alimentar promovido por influenciadores no comportamento alimentar das crianças, este estudo contribuiu para uma melhor compreensão do conteúdo desta exposição. É, inquestionavelmente, necessária mais investigação nesta área