This paper provides an outline of a new research project, funded through UKRI’s ‘Transforming UK ... more This paper provides an outline of a new research project, funded through UKRI’s ‘Transforming UK food systems’ programme. The H3 project (Healthy soil, Healthy food, Healthy people) aims to transform the UK food system ‘from the ground up’, through an integrated programme of research at lab, farm, landscape, local, regional and national scales. This article introduces the H3 project with a particular emphasis on those parts of our work that have most direct relevance in terms of improving human diet and nutrition. Specifically, we seek to make early interventions in the food system through biofortification and other measures that reduce the need for costly interventions at later stages. Focusing on low‐income populations and using a ‘health by stealth’ approach, we also seek to increase fibre consumption among the UK population by reformulating foods that are already an established part of people's diet. The paper concludes by assessing the likely impact of these interventions a...
Background: Given the high rates globally of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), there is a clear ne... more Background: Given the high rates globally of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), there is a clear need to target health behaviours through person-centred interventions. Health coaching is one strategy that has been widely recognised as a tool to foster positive behaviour change. However, it has been used inconsistently and has produced mixed results. This systematic review sought to explore the use of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in health coaching interventions and identify which BCTs are linked with increased effectiveness in relation to HbA1C reductions.Methods: Studies were systematically identified through database searches for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in papers published between January 1950 and April 2020. Included papers were screened on the reported use of BCTs based on the BCT taxonomy. The effectiveness of included interventions was assessed by using Cohen’s d.Results: Twenty-one RCTs were identified. Thirteen interventions were shown to have medium...
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing an increasing prevalence of young children being overwei... more Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing an increasing prevalence of young children being overweight and obese. Many feeding and physical activity-related behaviours are established at home during preschool years, yet the precise factors that contribute to preschool overweight and obesity have not been fully elucidated. This review aims to identify factors in the home environment associated with overweight and or obesity in preschool children in SSA. Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Africa Journals Online (AJOL) and the African Index Medicus databases were systematically searched for qualitative and quantitative studies published between 2000 and 2021. Eleven studies (ten quantitative, one qualitative) met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the results highlight the paucity of studies exploring factors in the home environment associated with overweight and obesity in preschool children in Sub-Saharan Africa. The home food environment and maternal BMI appear to be ...
Obesity is a worldwide health issue because it increases the risk of many metabolic diseases, inc... more Obesity is a worldwide health issue because it increases the risk of many metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers (Calle et al., 2003). Moreover, it has been documented that obesity is related to negative psychological consequences, such as body dissatisfaction (Smolak &Thompson, 2009), eating disorders (Neumark-Sztainer et al., 2006), weight stigmatisation (Puhl & Latner, 2007), low self-esteem and depression (Heinberg &Thompson, 2009). The imbalance between energy expenditure and energy consumed is a fundamental cause of overweight and obesity (Mogenson et al., 2020). Controlling and regulating dietary intake is the most reported strategy for losing weight, with more than two-thirds of participants attempting to lose weight using this strategy (Santos et al., 2017). However, when attempting weight loss, many people do not lose weight, and generally, while short term diets can be effective, long term sustained w...
Early years caregivers can play a key role in young children’s eating and the prevention of child... more Early years caregivers can play a key role in young children’s eating and the prevention of childhood obesity. The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) is a large representative survey collecting detailed food and nutrition consumption data. Using these data, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary intake of preschool children in the UK aged 2 to 4 years and accompanying adult/s. Nutrition consumption data from 1218 preschool children from years 1 to 8 of the 2008–2016 NDNS were accessed. Dietary data were captured using 3 or 4 day estimated food diaries. Regression analyses revealed significant differences in consumption when children were not accompanied by their parents. Compared with when children were with parents, children consumed significantly more energy dense meals (0·32 kJ/g, 95% CI 0·1–0·6 kJ/g), energy (62 kJ/g, (95% CI 27–97 kJ)) Na (19 mg, (95 % CI 6, 32)), added sugars (0·6 g, (95 % CI 0·1, 1·1)), vegetables (3 g, (95 % CI 1,...
Which factors promote the highest food acceptance at weaning?. 1. Stakeholder workshop of the Hab... more Which factors promote the highest food acceptance at weaning?. 1. Stakeholder workshop of the HabEat project
Low vegetable consumption in children is a concern in many EU countries as less than one fifth of... more Low vegetable consumption in children is a concern in many EU countries as less than one fifth of children in Europe consume the WHO recommended amounts. Systematic studies demonstrate that experience with a variety of vegetables early in childhood can promote later consumption as early dietary habits often track into adulthood. This study examined pre-school (6 to 36 months) children’s experience with vegetables across three European countries in order to assess cultural differences, effects of age and culinary practices. Mothers of pre-school children (N=234) in the UK (N=71), Denmark (N=93) and France (N=70) completed a survey assessing parental and infant familiarity, frequency of offering and liking for 56 vegetables as well as preparation techniques for these vegetables. Analyses revealed that although children aged 25 to 36 months had been introduced to the greatest number of vegetables, children aged 6 to 12 months who were offered vegetables more frequently had a higher rep...
Urbanisation in Ghana could be negatively impacting the state of food security, especially in eco... more Urbanisation in Ghana could be negatively impacting the state of food security, especially in economically vulnerable groups. Food supply, safety, and quality are all aspects of food security which could be impacted. We conducted a scoping literature review to understand the nature and magnitude of evidence available on the urban food security situation in Ghana. A literature search was conducted in Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Global Health, Scopus, Web of Science, Africa Wide Information and Google Scholar to identify relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature. 45 studies, mainly cross-sectional surveys/food samples analysis, met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were concentrated in the Greater Accra Region (n = 24). Most studies focused on food safety and quality (n = 31). Studies on supply and stability were, however, scarce. Qualitative research methods were uncommon in the included studies. The existing literature on food security are concentrated in two regions: Th...
This paper provides an outline of a new research project, funded through UKRI’s ‘Transforming UK ... more This paper provides an outline of a new research project, funded through UKRI’s ‘Transforming UK food systems’ programme. The H3 project (Healthy soil, Healthy food, Healthy people) aims to transform the UK food system ‘from the ground up’, through an integrated programme of research at lab, farm, landscape, local, regional and national scales. This article introduces the H3 project with a particular emphasis on those parts of our work that have most direct relevance in terms of improving human diet and nutrition. Specifically, we seek to make early interventions in the food system through biofortification and other measures that reduce the need for costly interventions at later stages. Focusing on low‐income populations and using a ‘health by stealth’ approach, we also seek to increase fibre consumption among the UK population by reformulating foods that are already an established part of people's diet. The paper concludes by assessing the likely impact of these interventions a...
Background: Given the high rates globally of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), there is a clear ne... more Background: Given the high rates globally of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), there is a clear need to target health behaviours through person-centred interventions. Health coaching is one strategy that has been widely recognised as a tool to foster positive behaviour change. However, it has been used inconsistently and has produced mixed results. This systematic review sought to explore the use of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in health coaching interventions and identify which BCTs are linked with increased effectiveness in relation to HbA1C reductions.Methods: Studies were systematically identified through database searches for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in papers published between January 1950 and April 2020. Included papers were screened on the reported use of BCTs based on the BCT taxonomy. The effectiveness of included interventions was assessed by using Cohen’s d.Results: Twenty-one RCTs were identified. Thirteen interventions were shown to have medium...
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing an increasing prevalence of young children being overwei... more Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing an increasing prevalence of young children being overweight and obese. Many feeding and physical activity-related behaviours are established at home during preschool years, yet the precise factors that contribute to preschool overweight and obesity have not been fully elucidated. This review aims to identify factors in the home environment associated with overweight and or obesity in preschool children in SSA. Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Africa Journals Online (AJOL) and the African Index Medicus databases were systematically searched for qualitative and quantitative studies published between 2000 and 2021. Eleven studies (ten quantitative, one qualitative) met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the results highlight the paucity of studies exploring factors in the home environment associated with overweight and obesity in preschool children in Sub-Saharan Africa. The home food environment and maternal BMI appear to be ...
Obesity is a worldwide health issue because it increases the risk of many metabolic diseases, inc... more Obesity is a worldwide health issue because it increases the risk of many metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers (Calle et al., 2003). Moreover, it has been documented that obesity is related to negative psychological consequences, such as body dissatisfaction (Smolak &Thompson, 2009), eating disorders (Neumark-Sztainer et al., 2006), weight stigmatisation (Puhl & Latner, 2007), low self-esteem and depression (Heinberg &Thompson, 2009). The imbalance between energy expenditure and energy consumed is a fundamental cause of overweight and obesity (Mogenson et al., 2020). Controlling and regulating dietary intake is the most reported strategy for losing weight, with more than two-thirds of participants attempting to lose weight using this strategy (Santos et al., 2017). However, when attempting weight loss, many people do not lose weight, and generally, while short term diets can be effective, long term sustained w...
Early years caregivers can play a key role in young children’s eating and the prevention of child... more Early years caregivers can play a key role in young children’s eating and the prevention of childhood obesity. The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) is a large representative survey collecting detailed food and nutrition consumption data. Using these data, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary intake of preschool children in the UK aged 2 to 4 years and accompanying adult/s. Nutrition consumption data from 1218 preschool children from years 1 to 8 of the 2008–2016 NDNS were accessed. Dietary data were captured using 3 or 4 day estimated food diaries. Regression analyses revealed significant differences in consumption when children were not accompanied by their parents. Compared with when children were with parents, children consumed significantly more energy dense meals (0·32 kJ/g, 95% CI 0·1–0·6 kJ/g), energy (62 kJ/g, (95% CI 27–97 kJ)) Na (19 mg, (95 % CI 6, 32)), added sugars (0·6 g, (95 % CI 0·1, 1·1)), vegetables (3 g, (95 % CI 1,...
Which factors promote the highest food acceptance at weaning?. 1. Stakeholder workshop of the Hab... more Which factors promote the highest food acceptance at weaning?. 1. Stakeholder workshop of the HabEat project
Low vegetable consumption in children is a concern in many EU countries as less than one fifth of... more Low vegetable consumption in children is a concern in many EU countries as less than one fifth of children in Europe consume the WHO recommended amounts. Systematic studies demonstrate that experience with a variety of vegetables early in childhood can promote later consumption as early dietary habits often track into adulthood. This study examined pre-school (6 to 36 months) children’s experience with vegetables across three European countries in order to assess cultural differences, effects of age and culinary practices. Mothers of pre-school children (N=234) in the UK (N=71), Denmark (N=93) and France (N=70) completed a survey assessing parental and infant familiarity, frequency of offering and liking for 56 vegetables as well as preparation techniques for these vegetables. Analyses revealed that although children aged 25 to 36 months had been introduced to the greatest number of vegetables, children aged 6 to 12 months who were offered vegetables more frequently had a higher rep...
Urbanisation in Ghana could be negatively impacting the state of food security, especially in eco... more Urbanisation in Ghana could be negatively impacting the state of food security, especially in economically vulnerable groups. Food supply, safety, and quality are all aspects of food security which could be impacted. We conducted a scoping literature review to understand the nature and magnitude of evidence available on the urban food security situation in Ghana. A literature search was conducted in Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Global Health, Scopus, Web of Science, Africa Wide Information and Google Scholar to identify relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature. 45 studies, mainly cross-sectional surveys/food samples analysis, met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were concentrated in the Greater Accra Region (n = 24). Most studies focused on food safety and quality (n = 31). Studies on supply and stability were, however, scarce. Qualitative research methods were uncommon in the included studies. The existing literature on food security are concentrated in two regions: Th...
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Papers by Samantha Caton