Biomedical subjects

F Zhai

Publications and source records attributed to F Zhai.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Determinants of childhood overweight and obesity in China.

In order to investigate the determinants of childhood overweight and obesity in China, the prevalence of overweight (including obesity) was compared according to different dietary and physical activity patterns and parental body weight status. A total of 6826 children aged 7-17 years from the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey were included in the study. Information for dietary intake was collected using three consecutive 24-h recalls by trained interviewers. The amounts of cooking oil and condiments consumed were weighed. An interview-administered 1-year physical activity questionnaire was used to collect physical activity information. The results showed that the heavier the parental bodyweight, the higher the overweight prevalence in children. The prevalence ratio increased if parent(s) were overweight and/or obese, up to 12.2 if both parents were obese. Overweight children consumed significantly more dietary energy, protein and fat, but less carbohydrate than their normal weight counterparts. On average, overweight children spent 0.5 h less on moderate/vigorous activities and 2.3 h more on low intensity activities per week. The following prevalence ratios were statistically significant: walking to and from school (0.6); moderate/vigorous activities > or =45 min/d (0.8); low intensity physical activities >2 h/d (1.3); the consumption of > or =25 g/d cooking oil (1.4); > or =200 g/d meat and meat products consumption (1.5); > or =100g/d dairy products (1.8). After adjustment for parental body weight status and socioeconomic status, only cooking oil consumption and walking to and from school remained significantly related to child overweight. In conclusion, parental weight status is an import-ant determinant. Fat intake, low intensity activities and active transport to/from school may be suitable entry points for overweight prevention among Chinese school children.

Body Weight↗

PubMed2006

Phytate intake and molar ratios of phytate to zinc, iron and calcium in the diets of people in China.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the phytate intake and molar ratios of phytate to calcium, iron and zinc in the diets of people in China. DESIGN: 2002 China Nationwide Nutrition and Health Survey is a cross-sectional nationwide representative survey on nutrition and health. The information on dietary intakes was collected using consecutive 3 days 24 h recall by trained interviewers. SUBJECTS: The data of 68 962 residents aged 2-101 years old from 132 counties were analyzed. RESULTS: The median daily dietary intake of phytate, calcium, iron and zinc were 1186, 338.1, 21.2 and 10.6 mg, respectively. Urban residents consumed less phytate (781 vs 1342 mg/day), more calcium (374.5 vs 324.1 mg/day) and comparable amounts of iron (21.1 vs 21.2 mg/day) and zinc (10.6 vs 10.6 mg/day) than their rural counterparts. A wide variation in phytate intake among residents from six areas was found, ranging from 648 to 1433 mg/day. The median molar ratios of phytate to calcium, iron, zinc and phytate x calcium/zinc were 0.22, 4.88, 11.1 and 89.0, respectively, with a large variation between urban and rural areas. The phytate:zinc molar ratios ranged from 6.2 to 14.2, whereas the phytate x calcium/zinc molar ratios were from 63.7 to 107.2. The proportion of subjects with ratios above the critical values of phytate to iron, phytate to calcium, phytate to zinc and phytate x calcium/zinc were 95.4, 43.7, 23.1 and 8.7%, respectively. All the phytate/mineral ratios of rural residents were higher than that of their urban counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary phytate intake of people in China was higher than those in Western developed countries and lower than those in developing countries. Phytate may impair the bioavailability of iron, calcium and zinc in the diets of people in China.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Trends in the distribution of body mass index among Chinese adults, aged 20-45 years (1989-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To describe body mass index (BMI, in kg/m(2)) distribution patterns and trends among Chinese adults, aged 20-45 years (1989-2000). DESIGN: A descriptive, population-based study of BMI change. SETTING: Chinese provinces (eight in 1989 and 1997; nine in 2000), representative of the household-based surveys (the China Health and Nutrition Survey, 1989-2000) using multistage, random cluster sampling, supplemented with annual household consumption survey data of the State Statistical Bureau (SSB). SUBJECTS: A total of 4527, 4507 and 4046 adults, aged 20-45 years, in 1989, 1997 and 2000, respectively. MEASUREMENTS: BMI (underweight: BMI<18.5 kg/m(2) and overweight: BMI>/=25 kg/m(2)). Percentile curves for BMI in 1989 and 2000 were constructed by gender and age using the LMS (lambda, mu, sigma) method. RESULTS: Compared with 1989, the 2000 BMI distribution curves flattened at higher levels of BMI (men and women). There was a 13.7% increase in the proportion of men and a 7.9% increase of women who were overweight or obese with a resulting greater change in the annualized prevalence rate for men. This increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity was far greater than the decrease (2.1% for men; 2.2% for women) in that of underweight. Age-gender-specific percentile curves showed BMI increases mainly among women, aged 35-45 years, and among men at all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese BMI dynamics show much greater rates of change among men, aged 20-45 years, than among women, with the increase among women concentrated between ages 35 and 45 years. These changes portend large shifts in other diet-related non-communicable diseases in China over the following decades. Controlling the increasing trends of BMI, especially in men, is an important public health problem facing China.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Trends in eating behaviours among Chinese children (1991 -1997).

This study examined the trends in snacking behaviours and eating food-prepared-outside-the-home (FPOH) by Chinese children and adolescents using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. The sample consisted of 3223 subjects aged 6-18 in 1991 and 2836 in 1997. Three days of 24hr recall dietary data and per capita income (deflated to 1989) was used. The percentage of Chinese children having snacking behaviours was significantly differentiated according to the income level while percentage of eating FPOH increased in middle and high income groups. Snacking contributed about 8% of the energy intake (EI) for snackers, compared with over 15% from FPOH for those who ate FPOH. Fruit was a major component of snacking: snacks based on fruit intake almost doubled over the study period as did snacks based on soft drink consumption. Animal source food consumption was a key component of FPOH and its intake also increased.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Intrahousehold food distribution: a case study of eight provinces in China.

A longitudinal survey of health and nutrition in China was undertaken in eight provinces (Liaoning, Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi, Guizhou). Data were collected in 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1997. The 1991 and 1993 data were used to investigate factors affecting intrahousehold food distribution. The discrepancy score and the ratio of food share to energy share were used to describe food distribution within households. Findings indicated that, in most cases, males had a higher proportion of nutrient intake than females, particularly in the young adult group where men presented with a higher discrepancy score than women for energy and all nutrients observed. The food and nutrient distribution tends to be more favourable to the middle-aged group, although the youngest group, while accepting relatively smaller amounts of cereals, ate much bigger amounts of meat, dairy products and fruits. Household members with higher incomes are more favoured in terms of food consumption and nutrient intake. Household leaders accepted a higher share of energy and nutrients in comparison with other members of the household across all age and sex groups. Administrators and people working in service or trade industries in rural areas are favoured in terms of food distribution relative to farmers and manual workers. Well-educated people accepted a better food allocation than others and those in employment received more nutrients than the unemployed. The 'contribution rule' (individuals who make a greater contribution to the family receive a larger share of the family's food) is discussed and deemed to be applicable in explaining the discrepancy in food distribution and nutrient intake among household members.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[A survey on the effects of "Dietary Guideline" nutrition education project].

A survey on the nutrition knowledge, attitude and behavior of 5145 persons from five cities of four provinces, Shandong, Guangdong, Sichuan and Heilongjiang, before and after the nutritional education project on "Dietary Guideline" has been effectively conducted. An obviously good effect has been achieved among the residents, middle and primary school students and elderly people. Before the nutritional educational project has been carried out, the people who understanding the "Dietary Guideline" was only 12.0%, 29.2% and 15.2% of residents, the elderly and students respectively. But after education, the rates raised to 93.4%, 99.0% and 91.9% respectively. Nearly 90% of residents and the elderly got to know the "Dietary Guideline" through the materials distributed from the project. The nutrition knowledge score was improved greatly after the project was conducted. The attitude towards learning nutrition knowledge was good. At the same time, some dietary behavior and the life style of people had been modified. These results indicated that nutrition education is very important on improving people's nutrition knowledge level, changing people's unhealthy living attitudes and dietary habits.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Transition of dietary pattern in China].

The implications of dietary transition in China during the past 50 years were investigated. Data were collected from the representative national surveys, China Health and Nutrition Survey (1989-1997), China National Nutrition Survey (1982 and 1992), the Annual Household Consumption Surveys of the State Statistic Bureau and the Annual Death Report of China. In the early part of the major economic transformation, cereal intake increased before 1985 and decreased thereafter. There was also a long-term reduction of vegetable consumption, which has stabilized now. Intakes of animal foods increased slowly before 1979 and more quickly after the economic reforms occurred. The total energy intake has reduced, as energy expenditure has, large changes in the composition of energy have occurred. The proportion of energy from fat increased quickly and reached 27.3% in average and 32.8% in urban residents in 1997. More than one third of all Chinese adults and 58.4% of adults in urban areas consuming over 30% of their energy from fat. These changes resulted in rapid increases the prevalence of overweight and obesity and dietary-related chronic non-communicable diseases in urban residents. The traditional Chinese diet is shifting towards a diet with high fat, high energy density and low dietary fiber. The Chinese diets have entered into a new stage of transition.

China↗

PubMed2001

[Complementary feeding practice in Chinese rural children].

The information of complementary foods consumed by 14649 children aged from 4 to 24 months in poor rural areas was analyzed. On average, it was at 6 months old for children to start complementary feeding. Approximately one third of children started complementary feeding at 4-6 months old and 16.4% children were fed cereal foods before 4 months old. Only 50% of children aged 12 months and above consumed vegetables/fruits daily and 38% of them consumed animal foods. However, 15.8% children never ate animal foods, and 20% children were fed formula milk daily after weaning time. The impact of family dietary pattern on children's diet increased along with the growth of children. It is obvious that the irrational food pattern would undermine growth of children and such diet behavior would eventually result in malnutrition. Poor complementary feeding practice in some selected rural areas in China played a negative role on children's growth. Hence, nutrition education to the mothers and caretaker should be emphasized so that to improve their awareness of the importance of good nutrition practice and guide them to feed weaning children reasonably.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed2001

[Distributions of body mass index of Chinese adults].

Based on the Third China National Nutrition Survey conducted in 1992, the distribution of body mass index (BMI) in 44,485 adults aged 20-60 y was analyzed, and the cutoff points of BMI for overweight and obesity were also explored. The results showed that the BMI of Chinese adults was in logarithmic normal distribution. The average BMI of this population was 22.1 +/- 3.1. The 50th, 85th and 95th percentiles of BMI were 21.6, 24.9 and 27.4 kg/m2 respectively. The 85th percentile of BMI was much closer to the BMI cutoff points for overweight recommended by WHO, but the 95th percentile was much lower than WHO's cutoff points for obesity. The distribution of BMI based on age, gender and urban/rural areas was different and with statistical significance. It is considered that age and gender should be taken into account while setting up BMI cutoff points for the overweight and obesity of a population, as well as considering the relationships among BMI and morbidity and mortality, body fat composition, and some blood biochemical indexes.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Current methods for estimating dietary iron bioavailability do not work in China.

Three current equations for estimating iron bioavailability were evaluated, and adjustments were proposed that would allow us to most effectively study iron bioavailability in China. Dietary intake data were obtained from 24-h dietary recalls taken over three consecutive days as part of the third Chinese National Nutrition Survey. Hemoglobin status was measured for 42,606 Chinese adults aged 18-60 y. The mean iron intake was 24.4 mg per capita per day, which was 177% of the Chinese RDA (209% of U.S. RDA). About 18% of the sample was classified as being anemic, indicating a large iron deficiency anemia and iron bioavailability problem in China. A number of methods proposed by World Health Organization and U.S. scholars were examined for adjusting iron bioavailability. Even the methods that consider several iron enhancers and inhibitors did not work adequately for the Chinese diet. The statistical assessment of the fit between iron bioavailability and hemoglobin status provided direction for adjusting the best of these predictive equations. We propose a new predictive approach for iron bioavailability which is more predictive of Chinese iron status. Consideration of additional dietary elements such as rice and bean consumption patterns are important. Our findings provide insight into additional factors which may influence iron bioavailability as well as possible improved methods for estimating the combined effect of multiple dietary factors on iron bioavailability, particularly in a vegetarian diet.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Effect of nutrition on the health improvement of preschool children in rural areas].

"Surveillance and Improvement of Children's Nutrition" is the largest project in connection with the nutrition of preschool children in China up to now. It focused on nutrition improvement of preschool children in rural areas. The results of the baseline survey and the project final evaluation surveys showed that the nutritional status of children was improved from 1990 to 1995. The prevalence of moderate and severe stunting and underweight at the national level decreased by 23.1% and 28.6% respectively. Anemia decreased by 48%. It was identified that the benefits of nutrition improvement were associated with nutrition education and other integrated nutrition interventions, e.g., improvement the dietary habit of the target children.

Child Development↗

PubMed1999

[Impact of maternal occupation on the dietary and nutritional status of preschool children. A case study in 8 provinces of China].

This analysis is based on the data from China Health and Nutrition Survey (undertaken in 8 provinces of China from 1989 to 1998) in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Totally, 1461 and 1087 mother-child pairs under age 6 were selected to investigate the impact of maternal occupation on the dietary and nutritional status of children in 1991 and 1993. The results show that the nutrients intake and nutritional status of children whose mothers worked in administrative, scientific, technological and other professional units were better than any other groups. The status of children whose mothers were workers, waiters etc. in factories or service sectors was better than that of children whose mothers were farmers or self-employed laborers. The children of non-working mothers were better nourished than the children whose mothers were farmers, or self-employed laborers, but were more undernourished than the children whose mothers worked in administrative, scientific, technological and other professional units. The associations among maternal occupation, income and education level of mothers were significant. Mothers working in administrative, scientific, technological units etc. had higher yearly income and education level than other groups. But the income and education level of farmers and self-employed laborers were the lowest. The time allocation of mothers was also studied and the results suggested that maternal occupation affected the time spent for child care and food preparing.

Child Development↗

PubMed1999

[Studies on the factors affecting the individual's animal protein intake by a multi-level model].

In this article, the influence of factors related to different levels (seg, provincial, county and household) on the proportion of protein intake from animal food was evaluated by using multi-level modeling. It was found that after being adjusted by individual factors, the factors related to the household, such as household income, dietary habit and knowledge of nutrition were the most important factors affecting the individual's showed animal protein intake. In addition, the results showed that the difference of animal protein intake in various places depended not only on the increase of household income, but also dietary behavior and agriculture crops in different areas. Comparison of different models indicates that in analyzing the data from large-scale health survey with hierchical structure, multi-level modeling is strongly recommended.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Sex difference in measures of body fatness and the possible difference in the effect of dietary fat on body fatness in men and women.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the sex difference in anthropometric measures of body fatness and to explore the possibility that diet may have differential effects on body fatness in men and women. DESIGN: Prospective study design. SETTING: The first and second China Health and Nutrition Survey conducted in 1989 and 1991, respectively. SUBJECTS: 1449 men and 1683 women age 20-35 y at the baseline (1989) survey. METHODS: Anthropometric measures of body fatness in men and women were compared. Statistical methods were used to explore the potential difference in the effect of dietary fat on body fatness in men and women. RESULTS: Measures of body fatness, especially peripheral fatness, differed markedly between men and women in this study sample. Statistical analysis suggested that the effect of dietary fat on body fatness may be different in men compared to women. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dimorphism in body fatness has important implications for both clinical and epidemiologic research of obesity. The possibility that diet may have differential effect on body fatness in men and women needs to be investigated.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1999

Food price policy can favorably alter macronutrient intake in China.

The rapid change in diets, physical activity and body composition in low income countries has led to the coexistence of large pockets of undernutrition and overnutrition. Public health strategies for addressing this situation may be necessary, and price policy options are examined for China. Longitudinal dietary data collected in China in 1989-1993 on a sample of 5625 adults aged 20-45 y were examined. Three-day averages of food group consumption and nutrient intake were used in longitudinal statistical models to examine separately the effects of food prices on the decision to consume each food group and then the amount consumed. The effects of changes in six food prices on the consumption of each of six food groups, not just the food group whose price had changed, and on three macronutrients were estimated. The effects show large and significant price effects. If the joint effects of the nutrition transition are to be considered, then there are clear tradeoffs among which foods to tax and which to subsidize. Most important is the effect of prices in reducing fat intake of the rich but not adversely affecting protein intake for the poor. Increases in the prices of pork, eggs and edible oils are predicted to lower fat intake. Only increases in pork prices led to reduced protein intakes. This raises questions about earlier policy changes being implemented in China and provides insight into an important and controversial area for public health policy.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Dietary intake of some micronutrients in different provinces of China].

Based on the data collected in 1992 China National Nutrition Survey, which covered 100,201 persons of all ages in 29 provinces, the dietary intakes of some micronutrients were calculated. The intake of calcium, retinal equivalent and riboflavin were the most insufficient nutrients; zinc, selenium and thiamin were close to (80%-90%) of Chinese RDAs. The intakes of niacin, ascorbic acid and vitamin E were sufficient. The regions in the northeast, northwestern and the southeastern inland were more at risk of nutrition deficiency. Dietary intervention or food fortification with some micronutrients could be used for improving the situation.

Calcium↗

PubMed1998

[The impact of maternal education on the dietary and nutritional status of preschool children--a case study in 8 provinces of China].

This analysis is based on the data from China Health and Nutrition Survey in collaboration with University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill undertaken in 8 provinces of China from 1993 to 1996. Totally, 1098 mother-child pairs under age 6 were investigated. Descriptive analysis and stratified analysis are applied to investigate the impact of maternal education on the dietary and nutritional status of children. Both the crude analysis and after controlling for confounding variables, maternal education in the population remains statistically relevant to children's dietary and nutritional status. The proportion of low body weight and stunting children is the highest in the group with maternal education level being below preliminary school, the lowest in the group with education level being above high middle school. Moreover, in these three groups, the higher the level of maternal education, the greater the percentage of nutrients intake of China RDA, especially those from animal food. These results fully illustrate the importance of maternal education for the prevention of malnutrition in children.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

The nutritional status and dietary pattern of Chinese adolescents, 1991 and 1993.

OBJECTIVE: To increase understanding about current dietary patterns and short-term relationships between economic change and adolescent nutrition in a lower-income country, using the 1991 and 1993 China Health and Nutrition Survey data. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Eight provinces in China that vary substantially in geography, economic development, public resources, and health indicators. SUBJECTS: 2236 and 2018 adolescents aged 10-18 years who completed three 24-hour recalls in the 1991 and 1993 survey, respectively. RESULTS: Chinese adolescents experienced an improvement of diet and nutritional status. The prevalence of stunting declined from 23% in 1991 to 19% in 1993. Under-nutrition was a problem of concern although the prevalence (12-13%) was relatively low. Overweight was emerging as a problem associated with young, high-income and urban adolescents, but the prevalence (4%) was quite low compared with developed countries. Chinese adolescents' energy and protein intakes were adequate compared with the American RDA. About 27% of the participants derived more than 30% of their dietary energy from fat and 16% of them derived over 10% of energy from saturated fat by 1993. CONCLUSION: Chinese adolescents have experienced an improvement in diet and nutritional status, but undernutrition is still an important nutrition problem, especially among young and poor groups. More attention should focus on the increase of dietary fat intake and obesity.

Adolescent↗