To the Editor

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68733/2/10.1177_088453369801300210.pd

Examining Disparities in Food Access and Enhancing the Food Security of Underserved Populations in Michigan (FAiM)

We will conduct in-depth interviews with a stratified (by type of food outlet) sample of food retailers in 18 towns and cities in Michigan. Retailers will be found using Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHS) and Michigan Department of Agriculture databases. The 2010 Census will be used to analyze census block group (CBG) data to determine the proximity-weighted racial composition of neighborhoods as well as the level of segregation and poverty in neighborhoods. Strategies identified for enhancing food security of underserved populations in the state will be shared at state and local levels

Effectiveness of the LOSE BIG Challenge, a Culturally-based, Inner-City Weight Loss Program

Background: Inner-city communities are disproportionately impacted by obesity, and chronic disease. The LOSE BIG Challenge is a physical activity and nutrition education program offered to inner-city Grand Rapids, MI residents with diabetes or hypertension. Methods: Twenty-eight participants in a 12-week culturally-based weight loss program were studied. Before and after the intervention, weight, blood pressure, fasting glucose, eating behaviors, and quality of life scores were measured. Participants were followed 4 and 6 months post intervention. Results: At baseline, 86% of the participants were obese (BMI \u3e30 kg/m2). Of the 17 participants who attended the pre- and post-screening, 47% had fasting glucose e 100 mg/dl and 70.5% had blood pressure e 120/80 mm Hg. At the 12-week post-screening, 29% had fasting glucose e 100 mg/dl, while blood pressure remained unchanged. Female participants lost an average of 3.0 kg, 3.4 kg and 4.4 kg at 12 weeks (n=15 ), 4 months (n=13 ) and 6 months (n=14 ), respectively. The men lost an average of 12.1 kg (n=2), 12.2 kg (n=1) and 15.0 kg (n=1). Quality of life scores improved and cognitive restraint scores increased while emotional eating, uncontrolled eating and inhibition scores decreased. Women exhibited a decrease in mean BMI and increase in mean cognitive restraint and quality of life scores from baseline to 6 months (

Anthropometric, Dietary, and Psychosocial Characteristics of Under-Reporters of Energy: a Study among Middle-Class, African American Women

Background: Studies focusing on energy under-reporting in African-American women are limited. Under-reporting varies by study, depending on the population and definition of under-reporting. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of under-reporting and the anthropometric, dietary and psychosocial characteristics of under-reporters in middle-class African American women. Methods: Physical activity level (PAL) was measured over a 7-day period by accelerometer and subjects were assigned 1 of 3 PAL values from the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Energy intake (EI) was determined by three 24-hour recalls using a multiple pass approach. Predicted energy requirement (pER) was derived from the DRI equation from the IOM. Using the Goldberg equation, a %EI/pER outside the ±1 SD range was considered a non-plausible intake. In this study, under-reporters were those with an EI £78% of the pER. Information on subjects’ demographic, dieting, dietary, anthropometric and psychosocial characteristics was also assessed. Results: Participants (n=53) were middle age (mean=59;range 21-76 years), obese (55% with BMI\u3e30 kg/m2) women with low physical activity (80%, n=45). Seventy-four percent (n=39) were classified as energy under-reporters. Under-reporters did not under-report food items consistently with significantly greater reported percentage of protein calories, and a significantly greater score on discretionary fat and lower sodium and grain scores using the Dietary Quality Index Revised (DQI-R). In multivariate analysis, only restrictive eating practices independently predicted energy under-reporting, explaining 13% of the variance in EI/pER. Conclusion: This study indicates that there was under-reporting of unhealthy foods and restrictive feeding behaviors predicted energy under-reporting in middle-class African-American women

Effect of Variable Energy Served on 24-Hour Energy Intake in 16 Preschools, Chicago, Illinois, 2007

IntroductionThe effect of varying portion size in a natural environment on the self-regulation of 24-hour energy intake has not been evaluated. We studied students at 16 preschools in Chicago to determine the effect of meals with variable energy and macronutrients on the amount consumed over a 24-hour period (ie, at preschool and outside of preschool).MethodsThe food items and portion sizes served at 16 preschools in the Chicago Public Schools early childhood education programs were observed for 3 to 8 days. Children were assessed for total energy and selected macronutrients consumed at preschool and outside of preschool for a 24-hour period; their data were pooled and reported by school.ResultsThe students were predominantly African American (96%); on average, 32 students (range, 21-38) participated at each of the 16 preschools, and the age range of students was 4.0 to 4.5 years. The energy served at preschools ranged from 48% to 90% of the daily recommended energy allowance (REA). The mean energy intake at school was significantly higher (39% of REA) at 2 preschools, including 1 that served 90% of the REA. Mean energy consumption outside of preschool and total 24-hour energy consumption did not differ by preschool, adjusting for body mass index z score and sex.ConclusionThe preschools served meals that widely varied by portion size and energy; however, this variation did not result in differences in mean 24-hour nutrient intakes for the students attending these schools