Comparability of Dietary Measures Among NSW Children and Adolescents.

The measurement of lifestyle behaviours among child and adolescent populations is challenging. Over the past two decades, there have been at least six population-based surveys that have measured lifestyle and anthropometric factors among 13 population-based samples of children and adolescents in New South Wales (NSW). While these surveys have used different instruments and modes of administration, all have to some extent collected data on the same types of indicators (or variables) for assessing dietary intake and food related behaviours. This report collates estimates of the different dietary indicators used in population-based surveys conducted with young people in NSW between 1995 and 2010, and compares these estimates according to age group, survey methods, the different population survey questions, by age group and respondent (child versus parent). The results provide valuable information to guide the interpretation of population dietary surveillance data, and future decisions around population nutrition monitoring, in NSW

Comparability of Dietary Measures Among NSW Children and Adolescents

The measurement of lifestyle behaviours among child and adolescent populations is challenging. Existing population based surveys of lifestyle and anthropometric variables have used different instruments and modes of administration, however all have to some extent collected data on the same types of variables for assessing dietary intake and food related behaviours. The purpose of this report was to collate estimates of dietary indicators for young people across different population-based surveys conducted in NSW between 1995 and 2010, and compare estimates according to age group, survey methods, the different population survey questions, by age group and respondent (child versus parent). The results of this report provide valuable information to guide the interpretation of population dietary surveillance data, and future decisions around population nutrition monitoring in NSW

Prevention of excessive gestational weight gain: an evidence review to inform policy and practice

This report was commissioned by the NSW Ministry of Health, Division of Population and Public Health, to support evidence-informed policy and planning with regard to obesity prevention in NSW. It provides an overview and summary of the evidence base regarding the prevention of excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) and the promotion of appropriate GWG. It provides a rationale for taking action, indicates barriers to preventing EGWG, and critiques the interventions evidence. A substantial number of recommendations are made with respect to policy, practice and research in this area

‘Green’ and ‘Amber’ Foods: Analysing the Nutritional Content of Food and Beverage Products Registered with Healthy Kids Association.

The Healthy Kids Association (HKA) is a NSW-based not-for profit, non-government, health promotion organisation offering a product registration scheme to support NSW schools in identifying and selecting healthier foods and beverages to sell from their school canteen.  This report describes the key nutritional characteristics of food and beverage products registered with the HKA (formerly the New South Wales School Canteen Association). Nutrient content data were obtained from the product nutrition information panels for each product, within popular product subcategories, registered as of October 2009. The level of key nutrients (including saturated fat, sugar, calcium and fibre) was identified and analysed in relation to the nutrient criteria threshold levels for green and amber products specified by the HKA. The results indicated that for most product subcategories, the nutrient content of products clustered just below the nutrient criteria thresholds for total energy, saturated fat, sodium and sugar, while the nutrient content for the positive nutrients (calcium and fibre) frequently clustered just above the thresholds. In addition, small package sizes were found to be common among products classified as amber. The distribution of key nutrients around the criteria thresholds suggests that products are formulated with reference to these thresholds, although manufacturers may also achieved the nutrient thresholds through smaller portion sizes. The potential of nutrient thresholds as levers to influence the nutritional profile of foods needs further research and industry dialogue

Update of the evidence base to support the review of the NSW Health Breastfeeding Policy (PD2006_012): A rapid appraisal.

This report provides the findings from a rapid review and appraisal of the evidence base to support a review of the NSW Health Breastfeeding Policy Breastfeeding in NSW: Protection, Promotion and Support (PD2006_012, NSW Department of Health 2006). This Policy is currently being updated, particularly in consideration of the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 2010-2015 and the associated, forthcoming Implementation Plan. The development of the NSW Breastfeeding Policy in 2006 was strongly supported by the systematic evidence base that had accumulated at that time. This review therefore includes evidence since the previous evidence summaries, i.e. since 2005. Specifically, it appraises the evidence around the health benefits of breastfeeding, it identifies those sub-groups of the population that are most at risk of poorer breastfeeding practices (not breastfeeding at all, short duration of breastfeeding, low intensity (exclusivity) of breastfeeding), and it examines the evidence, particularly from systematic reviews, of the effectiveness of interventions to promote, encourage and support breastfeeding

Building the case for independent monitoring of food advertising on Australian television

Objective To provide an independent monitoring report examining the ongoing impact of Australian self-regulatory pledges on food and drink advertising to children on commercial television. Design Analysis of food advertisements across comparable sample time periods in April/May 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The main outcome measure comprised change in the mean rate of non-core food advertisements from 2006 to 2011. Setting Sydney free-to-air television channels. Subjects Televised food advertisements. Results In 2011 the rate of non-core food advertisements was not significantly different from that in 2006 or 2010 (3·2/h v. 4·1/h and 3·1/h), although there were variations across the intervening years. The rate of fast-food advertising in 2010 was significantly higher than in 2006 (1·8/h v. 1·1/h, P \u3c 0·001), but the same as that in 2011 (1·5/h). Conclusions The frequency of non-core food advertising on Sydney television has remained essentially unchanged between 2006 and 2011, despite the implementation of two industry self-regulatory pledges. The current study illustrates the value of independent monitoring as a basic requirement of any responsive regulatory approach

Evidence Update On Obesity Prevention Across The Life-course

This Evidence Update, prepared for NSW Ministry of Health, provides a summary of evidence on the prevention of overweight and obesity in order to guide the development of the NSW State Obesity Plan 2012–2015. A solutions-focused approach to identifying promising strategies across different stages of the life course has been applied

Children\u27s exposure to food advertising on free-to-air television: an Asia-Pacific perspective

There is an established link between food promotions and children\u27s food purchase and consumption. Children in developing countries may be more vulnerable to food promotions given the relative novelty of advertising in these markets. This study aimed to determine the scope of television food advertising to children across the Asia-Pacific to inform policies to restrict this marketing. Six sites were sampled, including from China, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea. At each site, 192 h of television were recorded (4 days, 16 h/day, three channels) from May to October 2012. Advertised foods were categorized as core/healthy, non-core/unhealthy or miscellaneous, and by product type. Twenty-seven percent of advertisements were for food/beverages, and the most frequently advertised product was sugar-sweetened drinks. Rates of non-core food advertising were highest during viewing times most popular with children, when between 3 (South Korea) and 15 (Indonesia) non-core food advertisements were broadcast each hour. Children in the Asia-Pacific are exposed to high volumes of unhealthy food/beverage television advertising. Different policy arrangements for food advertising are likely to contribute to regional variations in advertising patterns. Cities with the lowest advertising rates can be identified as exemplars of good policy practice

Prevention and Management of Weight Gain in Young Adulthood

Over the last few decades, prevalence of excess body weight has escalated among populations. Addressing this ‘obesity epidemic’ requires strategies for preventing population weight gain, particularly among groups with above average risk, such as young adults. The overarching aim of this research was to develop and evaluate a lifestyle program for the prevention and management of weight gain in young adults. Existing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were systematically reviewed to identify characteristics of effective programs for young adults. These included self-monitoring of weight-related behaviours, tailoring feedback to be personally relevant, providing an initial consultation with subsequent support, increasing physical activity and reducing dietary energy density. Findings from this review informed the development of a mobile phone-based program which was piloted in a RCT with N=52 young adults. Participants achieved some short-term positive changes in their weight, diet and physical activity, although not significantly different from controls. Process findings from this pilot, including a preference for set weight targets, personalised regular contact, and support with planning meals and activity schedules, informed TXT2BFiT (‘Text to be fit’), a multi-component, nine-month, mobile phone-based program aimed at assisting young adults with managing their weight and weight-related dietary and physical activity behaviours. Efficacy of the TXT2BFiT program was tested in a primary RCT with a preliminary sample of N=118 young adults, found to be effective for reducing participants’ body weight, total energy intake, and frequency of energy-dense takeaway meals. Future research will test efficacy of the TXT2BFiT program among the target sample (N=352). If demonstrated to be effective, with wide reach regardless of socio-demographic profile, it may provide an equitable, cost-effective solution for the prevention and management of weight gain in young adults