Biomedical subjects

Sara Kirk

Publications and source records attributed to Sara Kirk.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

A substitution model of dietary manipulation is an effective means of optimising lipid profile, reducing C-reactive protein and increasing insulin-like growth factor-1.

There are two key methods in which fat intake may be manipulated; the 'substitution model' and the 'reduction model'. However insufficient information is known about the mechanisms of dietary fat reduction in individuals who have successfully reduced their fat intake, to be clear as to which strategy offers the greatest chance of success. Our objective was to ascertain the most effective dietary intervention for improving cardiovascular risk profile. Eighty female volunteers (high fat consumers) were recruited. Each subject was randomly allocated into one of the following groups. Substitution of high-fat foods was made with reduced-fat products, by the reduction of high-fat foods, by a combination of substitution and reduction strategies, or no advice was given. Each intervention lasted 3 months. Anthropometric measures and fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and follow-up. The substitution intervention resulted in weight loss (mean -1.4 (95 % CI -2.4, -0.2) kg) and reduced percentage body fat (mean -1.3 (95% CI -2.0, -0.5)%). There was no significant weight change with the other interventions. Fasting triacylglycerols (-0.2 (SEM 0.07) mm; P=0.04), cholesterol and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (0.8 (SEM 0.2) mg/l; P=0.04) fell with the substitution intervention, but not with the other interventions. Insulin-like growth factor-1 increased with both substitution and reduction (P=0.02). There was no significant change in fasting insulin or glucose with any intervention. The substitution model of dietary intervention is effective even over a relatively short interval of time in reducing fasting total cholesterol, triacylglycerols and CRP. Although the group size for the present study was small and involved females only, it has significant implications for population intervention strategies.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2003

Health and fitness series--5. Managing anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders.

At a time when obesity is a major public health concern, society paradoxically prefers thinness. This, along with the increase in dieting seen over recent years, has inevitably been linked to a rise in the incidence of eating disorders. This article describes the features and complications of eating disorders and gives advice on how these disorders can be identified and managed.

Behavior Therapy↗

PubMed2002

Motivations for fruit and vegetable consumption in the UK Women's Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite recommendations to increase fruit and vegetable consumption within the UK population, intakes are still too low. In order to stimulate dietary behaviour change the determinants of food choice need to be explored. OBJECTIVES: To investigate how the priorities of high consumers of fruit and vegetables differ from those of low consumers, with respect to food choice motivations, and to identify what value high and low consumers place on different aspects of food choice behaviour. DESIGN: A 4-day food diary and a questionnaire, including The Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) and a measure of Stage of Change (SOC) for fruit and vegetable consumption, were administered to subjects. Motivation scores from the FCQ were compared with fruit and vegetable intake and SOC data. SUBJECTS: Nine hundred and ninety-eight females, aged 35-69 years, participating in the UK Women's Cohort Study. RESULTS: In a multiple linear regression model, including age, education level and all FCQ motivations, the strongest motivations specifically affecting fruit and vegetable intake were health and natural content. It was found that, for a one point increase (measured on a scale of 0-4) in health and natural content scores, fruit and vegetable consumption increased by 1.11 portions (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5-1.7) and 0.84 portions (95% CI 0.4-1.3), respectively The SOC evaluation showed significant associations with portions of fruit and vegetables consumed Women whose SOC was classed as maintenance phase were found to score higher on health, natural content, weight control and ethical concern factors These women also scored lower on convenience questions CONCLUSION: In this particular group of women the most important motivating factors for food choice, within the high fruit and vegetable consumers, were health and natural content of the food.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Diet and weight management.

The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over recent years and the health risks associated with obesity are well known. The author discusses the dietary management of obesity in adults and children. She suggests that nurses have a key role to play in obesity prevention and management, and that health professionals need to recognise that obesity is a chronic condition requiring long-term intervention.

Counseling↗