Open Access
Overall proportion of orthorexia nervosa symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis including 30 476 individuals from 18 countries
(International Society of Global Health, 2023) López Gil, José Francisco; Tárraga López, Pedro J.; Hershey, María Soledad; López-Bueno, Rubén; Gutiérrez Espinoza, Héctor; Soler-Marín, Antonio; Fernández-Montero, Alejandro; Victoria-Montesinos, Desirée; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background. To date, no previous meta-analysis has determined the overall proportion of orthorexia nervosa symptoms on a global scale. The aim of the present study was 2-fold: first, to establish the overall proportion of orthorexia nervosa symptoms on a global scale, assessed with the ORTO-15 questionnaire; and second, to determine the role of sex, type of population, mean age, body mass index, and the temporal trend in relation to orthorexia nervosa symptoms. Methods. Four databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) with date limits from January 2005 to June 2023. Studies assessing the proportion of orthorexia nervosa assessed using the ORTO-15 questionnaire with a cutoff of <35 or <40 points were included in this review. Results. The overall proportion of orthorexia nervosa symptoms (using the cutoff <35 points) was 27.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 23.5-31.6, I2 = 97.0%). In addition, no significant differences were observed between females (34.6%, 95% CI = 29.5-39.8, I2 = 96.1%) and males (32.1%, 95% CI = 26.5-38.1, I2 = 93.1%). According to the type of population, the highest overall proportion was found in people focused on sports performance or body composition (34.5%, 95% CI = 23.1-47.0, I2 = 98.0%). Notwithstanding, caution should be exercised in interpreting this result, as reverse causality could be a potential pitfall in this relationship. Conclusions. We found that approximately three out of 10 study participants showed orthorexia nervosa symptoms according to the ORTO-15 tool. This overall proportion was higher in those participants who were athletes or fitness practitioners. Over the years, the proportion of orthorexia nervosa symptoms seems to be increasing. These high percentages and their increase are worrisome from a public health perspective and highlight the need to develop psychometric instruments to aid in clinical diagnosis and treatment efficacy.
Embargo
Physical fitness and sleep-related problems among adolescents: findings from the EHDLA study
(Wiley, 2025-03-19) Muñoz Pardeza, Jacinto; Ezzatvar, Yasmin; Gutiérrez Espinoza, Héctor; Páez-Herrera, Jacqueline; Olivares-Arancibia, Jorge; Yáñez-Sepúlveda, Rodrigo; García Hermoso, Antonio; López Gil, José Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Physical fitness, particularly cardiorespiratory fitness, has been shown to positively impact sleep quality. However, the relation-ship between overall physical fitness and sleep-related problems in adolescents remains underexplored. Therefore, the aim ofthis study was to analyze the association between overall physical fitness and sleep-related problems in adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 812 adolescents (median age: 14 years [interquartile range = 12–17]; 54.9% girls) from the Eating Healthyand Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) data. Physical fitness was measured objectively using the Assessing the Levels of PHysicalActivity and fitness (ALPHA-Fit) battery for children and adolescents and a flexibility test, while sleep-related problems wereevaluated using the BEARS sleep screening tool (B = Bedtime problems, E = Excessive daytime sleepiness, A = Awakenings dur-ing the night, R = Regularity and duration of sleep, S = Snoring). Generalized linear models were used to examine the associationof overall physical fitness with the different components of sleep-related problems. The odds of experiencing sleep-related prob-lems decreased significantly with each kilogram increase in handgrip strength (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval[CI] 0.94–0.99), and with each standard deviation increase in overall physical fitness (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.59–0.99). In contrast,despite not statistically significant, an increase in long jump appeared to reduce the sleep-related problems (OR = 0.91; 95% CI0.82–1.02), while a longer time in the 4×10-m shuttle run test might increase sleep problems (OR = 1.12; 95% CI 0.98–1.28). Inconclusion, greater levels of physical fitness, particularly muscular strength, may be key for reducing sleep-related problems,emphasizing the importance of personalized training programs.
Open Access
Nonpharmacological interventions on glycated haemoglobin in youth with type 1 diabetes: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
(BMC, 2024-07-01) Muñoz Pardeza, Jacinto; López Gil, José Francisco; Huerta Uribe, Nidia; Hormazábal Aguayo, Ignacio; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
The available evidence on the impact of specific non-pharmacological interventions on glycaemic control is currently limited. Consequently, there is a need to determine which interventions could provide the most significant benefits for the metabolic health of young individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to identify optimal nonpharmacological interventions on glycaemic control, measured by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus from inception to July 1, 2023. Randomised clinical trials (RCT) investigating nonpharmacological interventions (e.g., physical activity, nutrition, and behavioural therapies) were included. Primary outcome was change in HbA1c levels. Secondary outcome was change in daily insulin dose requirement. Seventy-four RCT with 6,815 participants (49.43% girls) involving 20 interventions were analysed using a network meta-analysis. Most interventions showed greater efficacy than standard care. However, multicomponent exercise, which includes aerobic and strength training (n = 214, standardised mean difference [SMD] =– 0.63, 95% credible interval [95% CrI] – 1.09 to – 0.16) and nutritional supplements (n = 146, SMD =– 0.49, – 0 .92 to – 0.07) demonstrated the greatest HbA1c reductions. These interventions also led to the larger decreases in daily insulin needs (n = 119, SMD =– 0.79, 95% CrI – 1.19 to – 0.34) and (n = 57, SMD =– 0.62, 95% CrI – 1.18 to – 0.12, respectively). The current study underscores non-pharmacological options such as multicomponent exercise and nutritional supplements, showcasing their potential to significantly improve HbA1c in youth with type 1 diabetes. Although additional research to confirm their efficacy is required, these approaches could be considered as potential adjuvant therapeutic options in the management of type 1 diabetes among children and adolescents.
Open Access
Handgrip strength and its relationship with white blood cell count in U.S. adolescents
(MDPI, 2021) López Gil, José Francisco; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa, ID 420/2019
Background: The role of muscular fitness (as a protecting factor for an optimal immune system) and WBC count remains unclear. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the relationship between the total count of WBC and groups based on handgrip strength and body composition. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between handgrip strength and WBC count in a nationally representative sample of adolescents from the U.S. Methods: We used data from the NHANES cross-sectional study (waves 2011 to 2014). The final analysis included 917 adolescents from 12–17 years old (51.0% boys). Normalized handgrip strength (kg) (NHS) was relativized by body composition parameters (body weight [NHSw], total body fat [NHSf], and trunk fat [NHSt]) assessed with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: An inverse association was found between total WBC count and all assessments of low NHS in both sexes (p < 0.05). Both boys and girls with low NHS had higher WBC counts in all estimations of NHS than those with high NHS (p < 0.05 for all). All estimations of low NHS showed significant differences with those with intermediate NHS (only in girls) (p < 0.05 for all). Girls with intermediate NHSt exhibited higher WBC count than those with high NHSt (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that greater levels of NHS are linked to lower total WBC counts. From a public health perspective, our findings are clinically significant and emphasize the relevance of improving muscular fitness during adolescence since it may contribute to boosting the immune system among adolescents.
Open Access
Prevalence of meeting all three 24-h movement guidelines and its correlates among preschool-aged children
(Wiley, 2023) Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; López Gil, José Francisco; Rincón Pabón, David; Martínez-Jamioy, Edwar Nicolas; Rivera-Ruiz, Rosemberg; Castellanos-Montaña, Sebastián; Atencio Osorio, Miguel Alejandro; Carrillo Arango, Hugo Alejandro; Alonso Martínez, Alicia; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
The aim of the present study was twofold: first, to determine the meeting all three 24-h movement guidelines in Colombian preschool-aged children, and second, to explore the associations between different socio-ecological correlates and the meeting of these guidelines. This was a cross-sectional study with data from the Encuesta Nacional de Situación Nutricional (ENSIN-2015) in Colombia, 2015–2016. The sample comprised 3002 low-income preschoolers (3–4 years old, 50.7% boys). Data on physical activity, screen time, and sleep time were collected using the Cuestionario para la Medición de Actividad Física y Comportamiento Sedentario, reported by their parents. In total, 18 potential correlates (individual, interpersonal, organizational, and community level) were analyzed. Backward binary logistic regression analysis was performed with the potential correlates as independent variables and meeting all three 24-h movement guidelines as dependent variables. The prevalence of preschoolers meeting all three 24-h movement guidelines or none was 4.8% and 16.6%, respectively. In the final model, boys (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–3.50) and those who do not have television in their bedroom (OR = 2.09, 95%CI 1.05–4.14) were more likely to meet all three 24-h movement guidelines compared to with girls and those who have television, respectively. In conclusion, strategies to promote adherence to all 24-h movement guidelines among low-income preschoolers are warranted, and should focus on actions considering the importance of sex and home environment changes to support these movement behaviors.
Open Access
Healthy lifestyle behaviors and their association with self-regulation in Chilean children
(MDPI, 2020) López Gil, José Francisco; Oriol Granado, Xavier; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Fernández Vergara, Omar; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Self-regulation comprises a series of important competencies, such as the ability to control inner states or responses toward thoughts, attention, emotions, or even performance. The relationship between self-regulation and different healthy lifestyle behaviors among children has not been examined in depth to date. The aim of this study was to explore the association between physical activity, screen time levels, and/or Mediterranean Diet adherence and self-regulation in Chilean children. Methods: A total of 1561 children aged 8–12 years from eight public schools with low socioeconomic status were included. Physical activity, screen time, Mediterranean Diet, and self-regulation were assessed with validated questionnaires. Results: Children who were classified as active or those who reported less than 2 h per day of screen time had higher self-regulation than those who were classified as inactive or counterparts with 2 h per day or more of screen time, respectively. Using joint categories, active children both with low and high screen time showed higher self-regulation compared to inactive/high screen time peers. Additionally, active groups with adherence or non-adherence to the Mediterranean Diet had higher self-regulation compared to inactive and non-adherence peers. Conclusion: Having a greater number of healthy habits, mainly regular physical activity, was associated with higher self-regulation, which might be one potential strategy to promote child social-emotional development.
Open Access
Is physical fitness associated with leucocyte telomere length in youth with type 1 diabetes?
(Springer, 2024-11-14) Muñoz Pardeza, Jacinto; López Gil, José Francisco; Huerta Uribe, Nidia; Hormazábal Aguayo, Ignacio; Ojeda-Rodríguez, Ana; Martí del Moral, Amelia; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: in type 1 diabetes, telomere length (TL) may predict complications and could be influenced by glycaemic control and physical activity, but its relationship with physical fitness in youths remains unexplored. The aim of the study was to assess the association between physical fitness and TL in youth with type 1 diabetes, both at baseline and one year later. Methods: eighty-three children and adolescents (aged 6-18 years; 44.6% girls) with type 1 diabetes from the Diactive-1 Cohort Study were involved in this study. Physical fitness was assessed using spirometry on a cycloergometer (i.e., peak oxygen consumption), dynamometry, and maximal isometric strength (one-repetition maximum [1RM]), and muscle power. Leucocyte TL was assessed using multiplex monochrome real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: positive cross-sectional associations were identified between 1RM (unstandardized beta coefficient [B] = 0.042, 95% bias corrected and accelerated [BCa] confidence interval [CI] 0.012-0.069), muscle power (B = 0.056, 95% BCa CI 0.02-0.250), and overall physical fitness (B = 0.043, 95% BCa CI 0.015¿0.071) with TL independent of maturation, glycated haemoglobin, and diabetes duration. However, no associations were observed one year later. Conclusion: higher levels of fitness, particularly muscle strength, may play a role in telomere dynamics in youth with type 1 diabetes, suggesting that strength training exercise could be beneficial. Impact: this is the first study to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal perspectives on the correlation among muscle strength, peak oxygen consumption [VO2peak] and telomere length in youths with type 1 diabetes. Higher physical fitness levels, as assessed by measures such as one-repetition maximum, muscle power, and overall physical fitness, are positively associated with telomere length in youths with type 1 diabetes. Understanding this link could improve management strategies, prioritizing muscle strength training for better long-term health in type 1 diabetes.
Open Access
Are the use and addiction to social networks associated with disordered eating among adolescents? Findings from the EHDLA study
(Springer, 2023) López Gil, José Francisco; Chen, Sitong; Jiménez-López, Estela; Abellán-Huerta, José; Herrera-Gutiérrez, Eva; Panisello Royo, Josefa María; Mesas, Arthur; Tárraga López, Pedro J.; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
The objective of this study was to examine whether the use and addiction of social networks are associated with disordered eating in Spanish adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out using data from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities study. The fnal sample included 653 adolescents (44.0% boys). Social network use (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok) was evaluated by a single item scale with multiple response options. The Short Social Networks Addiction Scale-6 Symptoms was used to determine addiction to social networks. Disordered eating behaviors were assessed with the Sick, Control, One, Fat, Food scale. Adolescents with high social network use had greater odds of disordered eating (odds ratio [OR]=1.88, 95% confdence intervals [CI] 1.17–3.02). Adolescents with high social network addictive behaviors also showed a higher likelihood of presenting disordered eating (OR=2.04, 95% CI 1.34–3.12). Social network use and addiction must be considered factors related to disordered eating among adolescents.
Open Access
Factors associated with meeting the WHO physical activity recommendations in pregnant colombian women
(Springer Nature, 2022) López Gil, José Francisco; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; García Hermoso, Antonio; Alonso Martínez, Alicia; Rincón Pabón, David; Morales Osorio, Marco Antonio; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
In the absence of medical contraindications, physical activity (PA) can offer health maternal and fetal health outcomes during pregnancy. However, most pregnant women may not consider PA to be feasible, suitable and safe. Hence, it is essential to determine the prevalence of pregnant women who meet the PA recommendations and the possible factors associated with that meeting, since it might be important from the perspective of pregnant women's health. The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of meeting the World Health Organization PA recommendations for Colombian pregnant women, as well as possible factors that may be associated with meeting that recommendations. A cross-sectional study including representative data from the National Nutritional Situation Survey (2015) in Colombia was performed. Data were collected in 2015–2016. From an initial sample of 1140 Colombian pregnant women, 702 participants with complete data were included in the final analysis. PA was assessed by self-reported information through the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Several potential factors were analysed according to four levels of the socioecological model: the individual, interpersonal, organizational and community levels. The prevalence of Colombian pregnant women who met with the PA recommendations was 7.5%. Indigenous and Mestizo pregnant women showed lower probabilities of meeting the PA recommendations [Indigenous: OR 0.05, 95% CI (0.01–0.18); Mestizo: OR 0.12, 95% CI (0.06–0.22)] than Afro-Colombian participants. Additionally, participants who lived near green and safe spaces for PA were more likely to meet the PA recommendations [OR 2.30, 95% CI (1.06–4.79)] than those who did not live near green areas. In conclusion, a low percentage of Colombian pregnant women met the new PA recommendations. The associations found according to race/ethnicity and living near green and safe areas underline the presence of fundamental disparities associated with meeting PA recommendations.
Open Access
Electronic device and social network use and sleep outcomes among adolescents: the EHDLA study
(BMC, 2023) Gaya, Anelise; Brum, Rodolfo; Brites, Keith; Gaya, Adroaldo; Borba Schneiders, Letícia de; Duarte Junior, Miguel Angelo; López Gil, José Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Background: Considering the evident risk in the literature between the use of screen devices and sleep, there are still few studies on the relationship between each electronic screen device, media programs and sleep duration and sleep-related problems among adolescents and which variables interfere in these relationships. Therefore, this study has the following objectives: (1) to determine which are the most common electronic display devices related to sleep time and outcomes and (2) to determine which are the most common social network applications, such as Instagram and WhatsApp, associated with sleep outcomes. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 1101 Spanish adolescents between 12 and 17 years old. Age, sex, sleep, psychosocial health, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), sport practice, and time spent on screen devices were assessed by an ad hoc questionnaire. Linear regression analyses were applied, adjusting for several covariables. Poisson regression was applied between the sexes. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Cell phone use was more associated with sleep time (13%). In boys, time spent on cell phones (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.09; p < 0.001) and videogames (PR = 1.08; p = 0.005) had a higher prevalence ratio. When psychosocial health was included in the models, we found the greatest association (Model 2: PR = 1.15; p = 0.007). For girls, time spent on the cell phone was significantly associated with sleep-related problems (PR = 1.12; p < 0.001), and adherence to the MD became the second most important in the model (PR = 1.35; p < 0.001), followed by psychosocial health and cell phone use (PR = 1.24; p = 0.007). Time spent on WhatsApp was associated with sleep-related problems only among girls (PR = 1.31; p = 0.001) and was the most important variable in the model along with MD (PR = 1.26; p = 0.005) and psychosocial health (PR = 1.41; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest a relationship between cell phones, video games, and social networks with sleep-related problems and time.