Gibney, M.J. (M.J.)

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    Perception of body image as indicator of weight status in the European union
    (Wiley Blackwell, 2001) Martinez, J.A. (José Alfredo); Martinez-Gonzalez, M.A. (Miguel Ángel); Gibney, M.J. (M.J.); Irala, J. (Jokin) de; Kearney, J. (J.); Sanchez-Villegas, A. (Almudena); Madrigal, H. (H.)
    Objective To identify the factors associated with an adequate perception of body image in relation to body weight. Material and methods An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of the European Union (7155 men and 8077 women). Body Mass Index (BMI) was grouped into four categories, perceived body image was assessed using the nine silhouettes drawing scheme. A multivariable logistic regression model for each sex was used to adjust for potentially confounding variables. Results Underweight men and women classi®ed themselves better than other groups (92.9% of correct answers among men and 79.3% among women). Overall, women classi®ed themselves better than men (57.6% vs. 32.7%). Discussion Perceived body image as a method of assessment for body weight has different validity depending on sociodemographic or attitudinal categories. Perceived body image as an estimate of the nutritional status has a limited individualized application. Thus, perhaps it could be applied as a proxy measure of adiposity among slim males and among slim and overweight females, but not among the other groups.
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    Association between diet-quality scores, adiposity, total cholesterol and markers of nutritional status in European adults: findings from the Food4Me study
    (MDPI AG, 2018) Martinez, J.A. (José Alfredo); Saris, W.H.M. (Wim H. M.); Mathers, J.C. (John C.); Gibney, M.J. (M.J.); Livingstone, K.M. (Katherine M.); San-Cristobal, R. (Rodrigo); Daniel, H. (Hannelore); Drevon, C.A (Christian A); Brennan, L. (Lorraine); Gundersen, T.E. (Thomas E); Bouwman, J. (Jildau); Jarosz, M. (Miroslaw); Gibney, E.R. (Eileen R.); Fallaize, R. (Rosalind); Celis-Morales, C. (Carlos); Marsaux, C.F.M. (Cyril F. M.); O’Donovan, C.B. (Clare B.); Navas-Carretero, S. (Santiago); Kolossa, S. (Silvia); Moschonis, G. (George); Walsh, M. (Marianne); Macready, A.L. (Anna L.); Lovegrove, J. A. (Julie A.); Manios, Y. (Yannis)
    Diet-quality scores (DQS), which are developed across the globe, are used to define adherence to specific eating patterns and have been associated with risk of coronary heart disease and type-II diabetes. We explored the association between five diet-quality scores (Healthy Eating Index, HEI; Alternate Healthy Eating Index, AHEI; MedDietScore, MDS; PREDIMED Mediterranean Diet Score, P-MDS; Dutch Healthy Diet-Index, DHDI) and markers of metabolic health (anthropometry, objective physical activity levels (PAL), and dried blood spot total cholesterol (TC), total carotenoids, and omega-3 index) in the Food4Me cohort, using regression analysis. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Participants (n = 1480) were adults recruited from seven European Union (EU) countries. Overall, women had higher HEI and AHEI than men (p < 0.05), and scores varied significantly between countries. For all DQS, higher scores were associated with lower body mass index, lower waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference, and higher total carotenoids and omega-3-index (p trends < 0.05). Higher HEI, AHEI, DHDI, and P-MDS scores were associated with increased daily PAL, moderate and vigorous activity, and reduced sedentary behaviour (p trend < 0.05). We observed no association between DQS and TC. To conclude, higher DQS, which reflect better dietary patterns, were associated with markers of better nutritional status and metabolic health.
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    Sources of information on healthy eating in a mediterranean country and the level of trust in them: a national sample in a pan-european survey
    (Ediciones Universidad de Navarra, 2001) Martinez, J.A. (José Alfredo); Martinez-Gonzalez, M.A. (Miguel Ángel); Gibney, M.J. (M.J.); Lopez-Azpiazu, I. (Isabel); Kearney, J. (J.); Leon-Mateos, A. (A.)
    Objetivos: Determinar las fuentes de información y el nivel de confianza en las fuentes de información sobre dieta sana en la población española, para facilitar la promoción de hábitos dietéticos sanos. Pacientes y métodos: Análisis de una muestra representativa española de adultos mayores de 15 años compuesta por 1009 individuos y seleccionada por un procedimiento aleatorio multietápico. Este estudio corresponde a la participación española en un estudio europeo multicéntrico coordinado por el Instituto Europeo de Estudios Nutricionales (IEFS) de Dublín. Se preguntó a cada individuo por las fuentes de las que procedía su información sobre dieta sana y su nivel de confianza en ellas. Se analizaron las cinco fuentes más frecuentemente mencionadas. Resultados: La fuente de información más citada y de mayor confianza fueron los "profesionales sanitarios". Aproximadamente, el 26% de los encuestados mencionaron a los "profesionales sanitarios" como su fuente de información acerca de la dieta sana. Sin embargo, la "radio/TV" (25,7%) fue casi tan seleccionada como los "profesionales sanitarios". Alrededor del 17,4% de los individuos declaró que no obtenía información sobre dieta sana. Los individuos con nivel de estudios universitarios citó con mayor frecuencia a los "profesionales sanitarios", mientras que los sujetos de nivel socio-económico elevado prefirieron la "radio/TV". El grado de confianza fue mayor para los mensajes obtenidos de los "profesionales sanitarios" (89,9%) y del "Departamento de Sanidad" (78,7%) y menor en el caso de la información obtenida de los "periódicos" (34,2%) y de los "anuncios publicitarios" (17,6%). Conclusión: Los profesionales sanitarios deben promover las guías dietéticas a través de los canales adecuados para lograr que lleguen a los diferentes grupos de individuos.
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    Analysis of dietary pattern impact on weight status for personalised nutrition through on-line advice: The food4Me Spanish cohort
    (MDPI, 2015) Martinez, J.A. (José Alfredo); Saris, W.H.M. (Wim H. M.); Mathers, J.C. (John C.); Gibney, M.J. (M.J.); San-Cristobal, R. (Rodrigo); Daniel, H. (Hannelore); Brennan, L. (Lorraine); Gibney, E.R. (Eileen R.); Celis-Morales, C. (Carlos); Navas-Carretero, S. (Santiago); Traczyk, I. (Iwonna); Walsh, M. (Marianne); Lovegrove, J. A. (Julie A.); Manios, Y. (Yannis)
    Obesity prevalence is increasing. The management of this condition requires a detailed analysis of the global risk factors in order to develop personalised advice. This study is aimed to identify current dietary patterns and habits in Spanish population interested in personalised nutrition and investigate associations with weight status. Self-reported dietary and anthropometrical data from the Spanish participants in the Food4Me study, were used in a multidimensional exploratory analysis to define specific dietary profiles. Two opposing factors were obtained according to food groups’ intake: Factor 1 characterised by a more frequent consumption of traditionally considered unhealthy foods; and Factor 2, where the consumption of “Mediterranean diet” foods was prevalent. Factor 1 showed a direct relationship with BMI (β = 0.226; r2 = 0.259; p < 0.001), while the association with Factor 2 was inverse (β = −0.037; r2 = 0.230; p = 0.348). A total of four categories were defined (Prudent, Healthy, Western, and Compensatory) through classification of the sample in higher or lower adherence to each factor and combining the possibilities. Western and Compensatory dietary patterns, which were characterized by high-density foods consumption, showed positive associations with overweight prevalence. Further analysis showed that prevention of overweight must focus on limiting the intake of known deleterious foods rather than exclusively enhance healthy products.
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    Objectively measured physical activity in european adults: cross-sectional findings from the Food4Me study
    (Public Library of Science, 2016) Martinez, J.A. (José Alfredo); Goris, A. (Annelies); Saris, W.H.M. (Wim H. M.); Mathers, J.C. (John C.); Gibney, M.J. (M.J.); Lambrinou, C.P. (Christina Paulina); Daniel, H. (Hannelore); Claassen, A. (Arjan); Forster, H. (Hannah); Hoonhout, J. (Jettie); Fallaize, R. (Rosalind); Celis-Morales, C. (Carlos); Marsaux, C.F.M. (Cyril F. M.); Navas-Carretero, S. (Santiago); Kolossa, S. (Silvia); Traczyk, I. (Iwonna); Walsh, M. (Marianne); Macready, A.L. (Anna L.); Lovegrove, J. A. (Julie A.); Godlewska, M. (Magdalena); Manios, Y. (Yannis)
    Introduction Physical inactivity has been estimated to be responsible for more than 5.3 million deaths worldwide [1]. Moreover, among European men and women, approximately 7.3% of all deaths in 2008 might be attributable to inactivity compared with 3.7% to obesity [2] and there is strong evidence to suggest that even small increases in physical activity (PA) would lower the risk for many non-communicable diseases [1–3]. Yet, levels of PA across populations remain low [4]. To tackle this public health issue, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine produced standardized PA guidelines 20 years ago [5]. Since then, the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union, and most countries around the world, have included PA guidelines in their health policies. Guidelines for Americans and Europeans have been updated to include recommendations for adolescents and for older adults [6–9]. For adults aged 18–64 years old, the WHO recommends a minimum of 150 min of moderate intensity PA per week, 75 min of vigorous intensity PA or an equivalent amount of moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA) [9]. In 2008, 34.8% of adults 15 years or older were insufficiently active in Europe [4]. Regular surveillance is needed to update these prevalence estimates and to evaluate the effectiveness of PA policies and promotion programs in European countries. In this context, the objective assessment of PA is a key issue. Prevalence of physical inactivity has been mainly derived from self-reported measures such as the Baecke questionnaire [10] or the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) [11]. These questionnaires have been, and still are, widely used due to their simple administration and low cost [12]. However, PA is frequently misreported, which leads to considerable measurement error [13–15]. Accelerometers offer a potential solution because they measure PA objectively. Given that they are small and easy to wear, store data up to several weeks and are acceptable in terms of reliability, these devices are now used increasingly in large studies to assess PA in children, adolescents and adults [16]. Although some European countries have reported adherence to PA guidelines using accelerometers in large cohorts [17–19], comparisons between European countries measured according to the same standardized protocols and concurrently are lacking. Between 2012 and 2014, PA was assessed objectively by accelerometry in the participants of the Food4Me Proof-of-Principle (PoP) study. The Food4Me Study was a web-based randomized controlled trial on personalized nutrition, across seven European countries: Germany, Greece, Ireland, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom. The aim of the current paper is to describe and compare PA in adults from these countries, and evaluate adherence to PA guidelines, using baseline data from the Food4Me PoP study.
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    Prevalence of physical activity during leisure time in the European Union
    (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001) Santos, J.L. (José Luis); Martinez, J.A. (José Alfredo); Martinez-Gonzalez, M.A. (Miguel Ángel); Gibney, M.J. (M.J.); Irala, J. (Jokin) de; Kearney, J. (J.); Varo-Cenarruzabeitia, J.J. (José Javier)
    PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of physical activity during leisure time in adults from the 15 member states of the European Union and the relationship with sociodemographic variables. METHODS: A representative sample, with approximately 1000 adults, aged 15 and upward, was selected from each member state to complete a questionnaire on attitudes to physical activity, body weight, and health by a face-to-face interview, summing a total of 15,239 subjects. The amount of leisure-time physical activity was quantified by assigning metabolic equivalents (METs) to each activity. Multiple linear regression models with MET-h.wk(-1) as the dependent variable were fitted. RESULTS: Northern European countries showed higher levels of physical activity than southern ones. The highest prevalence (91.9%) was found in Finland, and the lowest (40.7%) in Portugal. A higher percentage of men practiced any leisure-time physical activity and also showed higher mean of MET-h.wk(-1). In both genders, the multivariate models showed a significant trend to higher leisure time activity in participants with higher educational levels and in nonsmokers. Also, an inverse association between body mass index and leisure-time physical activity was found. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of any physical activity during leisure time in the adult European population was similar to the U.S. estimates. Nevertheless, the amount of activity is low, and a wide disparity between countries exists. To our knowledge, this is the first study determining the prevalence and amount of leisure-time physical activity, which is the first step to define strategies to persuade populations to increase their physical activity.
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    Distribution and determinants of sedentary lifestyles in the European Union
    (Oxford University Press, 2003) Martinez, J.A. (José Alfredo); Martinez-Gonzalez, M.A. (Miguel Ángel); Gibney, M.J. (M.J.); Irala, J. (Jokin) de; Kearney, J. (J.); Varo-Cenarruzabeitia, J.J. (José Javier)
    Background Many studies have shown the health burden of a sedentary lifestyle. The main goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles in the 15 Member States of the European Union (EU) and to identify the main correlates of a sedentary lifestyle. Methods Nationally representative samples (n ≈ 1000 subjects in each country; >15 years) completed a questionnaire concerning attitudes to physical activity, body weight, and health; in total 15 239 subjects. Sedentary people were defined in two ways: (1) those expending less than 10% of their leisure time expenditure in activities involving ≥4 metabolic equivalents (MET). (2) Those who did not practice any leisure-time physical activity and who also were above the median in the number of hours spent sitting down during leisure time. Logistic regression models were fitted to analyse the association between sedentary lifestyles and gender, age, body mass index (BMI), educational level, weight change in the last 6 months, and marital and smoking status. Results Percentages of sedentary lifestyles across European countries ranged between 43.3% (Sweden) and 87.8% (Portugal) according to the first definition. According to both definitions, a lower prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was found in Northern countries (especially Scandinavian countries) as compared with Mediterranean countries, whereas the prevalence was higher among older, obese, less educated, widowed/divorced individuals, and current smokers. Similar relative differences between countries and socio-demographic groups were found independently of the method used to define a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion Prevalence of sedentary lifestyle in the EU is high, especially among inhabitants of some Mediterranean countries, obese subjects, less-educated people, and current smokers. This high prevalence involves important public health burdens and preventive strategies are urgently needed.
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    Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Genetic Background Roles within a Web-Based Nutritional Intervention: The Food4Me Study
    (2017) Martinez, J.A. (José Alfredo); Grimaldi, K. (Keith); Saris, W.H.M. (Wim H. M.); Mathers, J.C. (John C.); Gibney, M.J. (M.J.); Livingstone, K.M. (Katherine M.); San-Cristobal, R. (Rodrigo); Lambrinou, C.P. (Christina Paulina); Daniel, H. (Hannelore); Drevon, C.A (Christian A); Brennan, L. (Lorraine); Gundersen, T.E. (Thomas E); Bouwman, J. (Jildau); Jarosz, M. (Miroslaw); Gibney, E.R. (Eileen R.); Fallaize, R. (Rosalind); Celis-Morales, C. (Carlos); Marsaux, C.F.M. (Cyril F. M.); Parnell, L.D. (Laurence D); Navas-Carretero, S. (Santiago); Moschonis, G. (George); Van Ommen, B. (Ben); Macready, A.L. (Anna L.); Lovegrove, J. A. (Julie A.); Manios, Y. (Yannis)
    Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) adherence has been proven to produce numerous health benefits. In addition, nutrigenetic studies have explained some individual variations in the response to specific dietary patterns. The present research aimed to explore associations and potential interactions between MedDiet adherence and genetic background throughout the Food4Me web-based nutritional intervention. Dietary, anthropometrical and biochemical data from volunteers of the Food4Me study were collected at baseline and after 6 months. Several genetic variants related to metabolic risk features were also analysed. A Genetic Risk Score (GRS) was derived from risk alleles and a Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), based on validated food intake data, was estimated. At baseline, there were no interactions between GRS and MDS categories for metabolic traits. Linear mixed model repeated measures analyses showed a significantly greater decrease in total cholesterol in participants with a low GRS after a 6-month period, compared to those with a high GRS. Meanwhile, a high baseline MDS was associated with greater decreases in Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference and glucose. There also was a significant interaction between GRS and the MedDiet after the follow-up period. Among subjects with a high GRS, those with a high MDS evidenced a highly significant reduction in total carotenoids, while among those with a low GRS, there was no difference associated with MDS levels. These results suggest that a higher MedDiet adherence induces beneficial effects on metabolic outcomes, which can be affected by the genetic background in some specific markers.
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    Analysis of the National Adult Nutrition Survey (Ireland) and the Food4Me Nutrition Survey Databases to Explore the Development of Food Labelling Portion Sizes for the European Union
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2019) Saris, W.H.M. (Wim H. M.); Gibney, M.J. (M.J.); Flynn, A. (Albert); Daniel, H. (Hannelore); Uzhova, I. (Irina); Gibney, E.R. (Eileen R.); Walton, J. (Janette); O’Sullivan, A. (Aifric); Martinez, A. (Alfredo); Manios, Y. (Yannis)
    The present study set out to explore the option of developing food portion size for nutritional labelling purposes using two European Union (EU) dietary surveys. The surveys were selected as they differed in (a) methodologies (food diary versus food frequency questionnaire), (b) populations (Irish National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS) versus a seven-country survey based on the pan EU study Food4Me), (c) food quantification (multiple options versus solely photographic album) and (d) duration (4 consecutive days versus recent month). Using data from these studies, portion size was determined for 15 test foods, where portion size was defined as the median intake of a target food when consumed. The median values of the portion sizes derived from both the NANS and Food4Me surveys were correlated (r = 0.823; p < 0.00) and the mean of the two survey data sets were compared to US values from the Recognized as Customarily Consumed (RACC) database. There was very strong agreement across all food categories between the averaged EU and the US portion size (r = 0.947; p < 0.00). It is concluded that notwithstanding the variety of approaches used for dietary survey data in the EU, the present data supports using a standardized approach to food portion size quantification for food labelling in the EU.
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    Factores con mayor influencia sobre la elección de alimentos en la población española
    (Nexus Médica Editores, 1997) Martinez, J.A. (José Alfredo); Martinez-Gonzalez, M.A. (Miguel Ángel); Gibney, M.J. (M.J.); Lopez-Azpiazu, I. (Isabel); Kearney, J. (J.); Kearney, M. (M.)
    Fundamentos: Encuesta poblacional dirigida a conocer los factores que influyen en la elección de los alimentos de la población española. Métodos: Análisis de una muestra de todo el territorio español compuesta por 1009 individuos y seleccionada por un procedimiento aleatorio multietápico. Este estudio corresponde a la participación española en un estudio europeo sobre las actitudes de la población frente a la alimentación, nutrición y salud dirigido por el Instituto Europeo de Estudios Nutricionales de Dublín. Se determinó el porcentaje de individuos que situó a alguno de los cinco factores mencionados con más frecuencia (calidad, precio, dieta sana, condicionantes españoles, sabor) entre las tres primeras influencias en la elección de alimentos. Se ajustó un modelo multivariante para identificar los factores asociados a la elección de una dieta sana como una de las tres primeras influencias en la alimentación.Resultados: El precio influía más en los individuos de mayor edad, en niveles socioeconómicos más bajos y en individuos con menor nivel educativo. Fue mayor el impacto del precio en las mujeres de la zona Norte, Noreste y Noroeste. El sexo, la distribución geográfica, la edad y el nivel educativo presentaron un efecto independiente y significativo sobre la importancia concedida por la población a la elección de una dieta sana. Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren la necesidad de una mayor educación sobre dieta y salud especialmente en hombre jóvenes, personas con menor nivel educativo y mujeres del Noroeste del país.