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Papers by Nada Adra

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in a National Sample of 5–12 Years Old Lebanese Children

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and Covariates of Obesity in Lebanon: Findings from the First Epidemiological Study

Obesity Research, Nov 1, 2003

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and examine associated covariates... more Objective: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and examine associated covariates in the Lebanese population. Research Methods and Procedures: A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 2104 individuals, 3 years of age and older. Anthropometric measurements and dietary assessments were conducted following standard methods and techniques. Overweight and obesity (classes I to III) were defined according to internationally standardized criteria for classification of BMI. Results: For children 3 to 19 years of age, prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were higher overall for boys than girls (22.5% vs. 16.1% and 7.5% vs. 3.2%, respectively). For adult men and women (age Ն 20 years), the prevalence of overweight was 57.7% and 49.4%, respectively. In contrast, obesity (BMI Ն 30 kg/m 2) was higher overall among women (18.8%) than men (14.3%), a trend that became more evident with increasing obesity class. BMI, percentage of body fat, and waist circumference increased to middle age and declined thereafter. Whereas lack of exercise associated significantly with obesity among children, obesity in older adults was more prevalent among the least educated, nonsmokers, and those reporting a family history of obesity. Discussion: The results from this national population-based study in Lebanon show high prevalence rates of overweight and obesity comparable with those observed in developed countries such as the United States. While further studies are needed to examine the underlying social and cultural factors associated with lifestyle and nutritional habits, now is the time to institute multicomponent interventions promoting physical activity and weight control nationwide.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome in an adult Lebanese population

Global heart, Apr 1, 2008

ABSTRACT AimTo assess the prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome in an adult population ... more ABSTRACT AimTo assess the prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome in an adult population attending health centers in Lebanon.Methods and resultsA sample of 499 men and women aged 18–65 years was drawn randomly from 23 health centers, selected proportionate to their distribution in the six administrative districts across Lebanon. Using standardized techniques, anthropometric measurements were taken and biochemical analyses were conducted. Based on the International Diabetes Federation classification criteria, the overall prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (⩾2 factors additional to abdominal obesity) was 31.2% in the total sample and was significantly higher in men than women (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.41–3.79). Abdominal obesity and low HDL-C were the factors that contributed most to the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Lack of physical exercise was associated significantly with higher odds of metabolic syndrome, even after adjusting for baseline characteristics, energy consumption and fat intake (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.02–4.51).ConclusionWhile larger population-based studies are needed, the relatively high prevalence of abdominal obesity and the negative association observed between metabolic syndrome and physical activity should trigger public health policies to institute multi-component interventions promoting physical activity and weight control nationwide.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in a National Sample of 13–19 Year Old Lebanese Adolescents

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Variations in Nutritional Status of Elderly Men and Women according to Place of Residence

Gerontology, 2003

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess comprehensively the nutritional status of elde... more Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess comprehensively the nutritional status of elderly individuals in institutions and to compare it with that of community based dwellers in an urban setting in Lebanon. Methods: Participants included 100 elderly men and women (aged 65 years and older) selected randomly from four institutions who were based on sex and neighborhood with 100 free-living individuals. Subjects were mentally and physically capable of responding to an interview schedule. Their nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements, dietary food intake for a 3-day period, and hematological and biochemical variables. Energy and macro- and micronutrient intakes were compared with the US recommended dietary allowances (RDA) or dietary reference intakes (DRI) as appropriate. Results: Elderly living at home had significantly higher mean body mass index and waist circumference than those living in institutions. Although the total energy intake was comparable...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of nutritional status of pre‐school children at day care centres and at home from different socioeconomic backgrounds in Beirut

Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Apr 1, 1996

This study investigated the effect of attending day care centres on the nutritional status of 818... more This study investigated the effect of attending day care centres on the nutritional status of 818 pre-school children under 5 years of age in comparison with home based children, taking into consideration their social class. A random sample of 10 high class (HCD) and low class ...

Research paper thumbnail of Iron

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of anaemia in Lebanese wo... more Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of anaemia in Lebanese women of childbearing age attending health centres in Lebanon. Design: Cross-sectional study carried out between May and December 2003. Anthropometric measurements as well as sociodemographic, health and dietary intake data were collected using a questionnaire. Haemoglobin (Hb), plasma ferritin, plasma folate and vitamin B12 were assessed using standard laboratory methods. Setting: Governmental health centres in Lebanon. Subjects: Four hundred and seventy non-pregnant Lebanese women aged 15–45 years. Results: Anaemia (Hb,12 g dl21) and iron deficiency (ferritin,15mg l21) were prevalent in 16.0 and 27.2 % of the study sample, respectively. Of the total sample, 7.7 % had iron-deficiency anaemia. The percentage of women with either Hb or ferritin deficiency or both was 35.6%. Plasma folate and vitamin B12 deficiency was reported in 25.1 and 39.4%, respectively, and 12.6 % of the women had bot...

Research paper thumbnail of Trends in Nutritional Intakes and Nutrition-Related Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Lebanon : The Need for Immediate Action

Lebanese Medical Journal, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Adolescent Obesity and Physical Activity

World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Plasma Copper, Zinc, and Selenium Levels and Correlates with Metabolic Syndrome Components of Lebanese Adults

Biological Trace Element Research, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Folate deficiency is associated with nutritional anaemia in Lebanese women of childbearing age

Public Health Nutrition, 2006

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify the determinants of anaemia in Lebanese wome... more ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify the determinants of anaemia in Lebanese women of childbearing age attending health centres in Lebanon.DesignCross-sectional study carried out between May and December 2003. Anthropometric measurements as well as sociodemographic, health and dietary intake data were collected using a questionnaire. Haemoglobin (Hb), plasma ferritin, plasma folate and vitamin B12were assessed using standard laboratory methods.SettingGovernmental health centres in Lebanon.SubjectsFour hundred and seventy non-pregnant Lebanese women aged 15–45 years.ResultsAnaemia (Hb <12 g dl−1) and iron deficiency (ferritin <15 μg l−1) were prevalent in 16.0 and 27.2% of the study sample, respectively. Of the total sample, 7.7% had iron-deficiency anaemia. The percentage of women with either Hb or ferritin deficiency or both was 35.6%. Plasma folate and vitamin B12deficiency was reported in 25.1 and 39.4%, respectively, and 12.6% of the women had both folate a...

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary patterns and their association with obesity and sociodemographic factors in a national sample of Lebanese adults

Public Health Nutrition, 2011

ObjectiveTo identify and characterize dietary patterns in Lebanon and assess their association wi... more ObjectiveTo identify and characterize dietary patterns in Lebanon and assess their association with sociodemographic factors, BMI and waist circumference (WC).DesignA cross-sectional population-based survey. In a face-to-face interview, participants completed a brief sociodemographic and semiquantitative FFQ. In addition, anthropometric measurements were obtained following standard techniques. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess determinants of the various patterns and their association with BMI and WC.SettingNational Nutrition and Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey (2009), Lebanon.SubjectsA nationally representative sample of 2048 Lebanese adults aged 20–55 years.ResultsFour dietary patterns were identified: ‘Western’, ‘Traditional Lebanese’, ‘Prudent’ and ‘Fish and alcohol’. Factor scores of the identified patterns increased with age, except for the Western pattern in which a negative association was noted...

Research paper thumbnail of Restoration of Normal Insulinemia and Insulin Sensitivity in Hyperinsulinemic Normoglycemic Men by a Hypoenergetic High Monounsaturated Fat Diet

Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, 2004

To test the hypothesis that the macronutrient composition of hypoenergetic diets is an important ... more To test the hypothesis that the macronutrient composition of hypoenergetic diets is an important consideration in weight-reducing regimens of hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic obese subjects. Design: A 4-week randomized dietary intervention trial. Subjects and Methods: Sixteen male obese hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic subjects were recruited and 15 completed the study. The participants were divided into two groups and fed hypoenergetic diets providing 80% of their resting energy expenditure (REE). One group received a high carbohydrate diet (HC) (60% carbohydrate, 20% fat, 20% protein as a percentage of dietary energy) and the other group received a high monounsaturated fat diet (HM) (35% carbohydrate, 45% fat and 20% protein). Anthropometry, body composition, REE, serum glucose, insulin and lipid analyses were performed before and after the feeding period. Results: The subjects on the HC diet achieved comparable weight loss but without restoration of normoinsulinemia and insulin sensitivity. Fasting insulin levels, insulin to glucose ratio, and Homeostatic Model & Assessment Index decreased to normal ranges and were significantly lower in the HM group as compared with the HC group. Similarly, insulin sensitivity score (Mffm/I) increased significantly on the HM diet. Waist circumference measurements showed a significantly higher decrease on the HM than HC diet, whereas body weight, percentage body fat, glucose, plasma lipids, and REE decreased to the same extent whether subjects were fed the HC or HM diet. Conclusions: In this study, feeding a HM diet was more effective than a HC diet for restoring normoinsulinemia and insulin sensitivity. Therefore, hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic obese subjects may benefit from a diet lower in carbohydrates and higher in monounsaturated fats for decreasing cardiovascular disease risk factors while achieving the desired weight reduction.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of nutritional status of pre‐school children at day care centres and at home from different socioeconomic backgrounds in Beirut

Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 1996

This study investigated the effect of attending day care centres on the nutritional status of 818... more This study investigated the effect of attending day care centres on the nutritional status of 818 pre-school children under 5 years of age in comparison with home based children, taking into consideration their social class. A random sample of 10 high class (HCD) and low class ...

Research paper thumbnail of Association between dietary patterns and the risk of metabolic syndrome among Lebanese adults

European Journal of Nutrition, 2011

Epidemiological studies of different dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension among a middle... more Epidemiological studies of different dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension among a middle-aged Chinese population remain extremely scare. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify dietary patterns and investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension among Chinese adults aged 45-60 years. The present cross-sectional study includes 2560 participants who reported their dietary intake using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized procedures. We used log-binomial regression analysis to examine the associations between dietary patterns and hypertension risk. Four major dietary patterns were identified and labeled as traditional Chinese, animal food, western fast-food, and high-salt patterns. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest quartile of animal food pattern scores had a greater prevalence ratio (PR) for hypertension (PR = 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.064-1.727; p < 0.05) in comparison to those from the lowest quartile. Compared with the lowest quartile of high-salt pattern, the highest quartile had a higher prevalence ratio for hypertension (PR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.013-1.635; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicated that animal food and high-salt patterns were associated with increased risk of hypertension, while traditional Chinese and western fast-food patterns were not associated with the risk of hypertension. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Research paper thumbnail of Nutritional status of Lebanese school children from different socioeconomic backgrounds*

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 1991

This paper examines the nutritional status of school children in private and public schools in We... more This paper examines the nutritional status of school children in private and public schools in West Beirut. The objectives of the study were to measure the impact of the socio‐economic status on the magnitude and severity of malnutrition in school children. Anthropometric data (height and weight) were collected on 400 children from private and public schools. The private schools were considered to house children from high socio‐economic status whereas the public schools children were considered as coming from a low socio‐economic background.The indices studied were height for age, weight for height and weight for age, the cutoff point to indicate malnutrition was taken as values below ISD of a reference population. The United States National Center for Health Statistics Standards (NCHS) were used.Results showed that children classified as low socio‐economic status (public schools) had low weight for age and height for age indices indicating higher occurrence of stunting and wasting in that population as compared to children from high socio‐economic status (private schools).

Research paper thumbnail of Nutritional status of Bedouin children aged 6–10 years in Lebanon and Syria under different nomadic pastoral systems*

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 1994

This paper examines the nutritional status of Bedouin children under different nomadic pastoral s... more This paper examines the nutritional status of Bedouin children under different nomadic pastoral systems. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) and food intake were collected on 296 children aged 6–10 years from the Bedouin population of Lebanon and Syria. The sample included children from the semi‐settled Beqa&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;a Bedouins involved in livestock production and seasonal labor; the transhumant Bedouins of the Akkar

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of settlement on nutritional status of Bedouin children aged 6–10 years in the Lebanese Beqaa valley†

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 1993

The paper examines the nutritional status of Bedouin children as affected by settlement and by pr... more The paper examines the nutritional status of Bedouin children as affected by settlement and by production systems. Anthropometric data (height and weight) were collected on 215 children aged 6–10 years from the Bedouin population of the Bega&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s valley. The sample included settled and semi‐settled Bedouins having two production activities: livestock ownership, or agricultural work. Semi‐settled Bedouins when compared to settled

Research paper thumbnail of Established and Suspected Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk in Pre-Menopausal Lebanese Women

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 2008

... OMAR OBEID LYNN AL KHATIB MALEK BATAL NADA ADRA NAHLA HWALLA ... Address correspondence to Om... more ... OMAR OBEID LYNN AL KHATIB MALEK BATAL NADA ADRA NAHLA HWALLA ... Address correspondence to Omar Obeid, Ph.D., Department of Nutrition and Food Science, American University of Beirut, PO Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Iron Deficiency is an Important Contributor to Anemia Among Reproductive Age Women in Lebanon

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 2004

... 03670240490274101 NAHLA HWALLA (BABA) a , NADA ADRA a &amp; ROBERT T. JACKSON b pages 77-... more ... 03670240490274101 NAHLA HWALLA (BABA) a , NADA ADRA a &amp; ROBERT T. JACKSON b pages 77-92. ... Analyses of flat breads similar to those eaten in Lebanon have shown that these breads are produced from phytate-rich, high extraction flours (Amr, 19861. Amr, A. 1986. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in a National Sample of 5–12 Years Old Lebanese Children

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and Covariates of Obesity in Lebanon: Findings from the First Epidemiological Study

Obesity Research, Nov 1, 2003

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and examine associated covariates... more Objective: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and examine associated covariates in the Lebanese population. Research Methods and Procedures: A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 2104 individuals, 3 years of age and older. Anthropometric measurements and dietary assessments were conducted following standard methods and techniques. Overweight and obesity (classes I to III) were defined according to internationally standardized criteria for classification of BMI. Results: For children 3 to 19 years of age, prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were higher overall for boys than girls (22.5% vs. 16.1% and 7.5% vs. 3.2%, respectively). For adult men and women (age Ն 20 years), the prevalence of overweight was 57.7% and 49.4%, respectively. In contrast, obesity (BMI Ն 30 kg/m 2) was higher overall among women (18.8%) than men (14.3%), a trend that became more evident with increasing obesity class. BMI, percentage of body fat, and waist circumference increased to middle age and declined thereafter. Whereas lack of exercise associated significantly with obesity among children, obesity in older adults was more prevalent among the least educated, nonsmokers, and those reporting a family history of obesity. Discussion: The results from this national population-based study in Lebanon show high prevalence rates of overweight and obesity comparable with those observed in developed countries such as the United States. While further studies are needed to examine the underlying social and cultural factors associated with lifestyle and nutritional habits, now is the time to institute multicomponent interventions promoting physical activity and weight control nationwide.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome in an adult Lebanese population

Global heart, Apr 1, 2008

ABSTRACT AimTo assess the prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome in an adult population ... more ABSTRACT AimTo assess the prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome in an adult population attending health centers in Lebanon.Methods and resultsA sample of 499 men and women aged 18–65 years was drawn randomly from 23 health centers, selected proportionate to their distribution in the six administrative districts across Lebanon. Using standardized techniques, anthropometric measurements were taken and biochemical analyses were conducted. Based on the International Diabetes Federation classification criteria, the overall prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (⩾2 factors additional to abdominal obesity) was 31.2% in the total sample and was significantly higher in men than women (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.41–3.79). Abdominal obesity and low HDL-C were the factors that contributed most to the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Lack of physical exercise was associated significantly with higher odds of metabolic syndrome, even after adjusting for baseline characteristics, energy consumption and fat intake (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.02–4.51).ConclusionWhile larger population-based studies are needed, the relatively high prevalence of abdominal obesity and the negative association observed between metabolic syndrome and physical activity should trigger public health policies to institute multi-component interventions promoting physical activity and weight control nationwide.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in a National Sample of 13–19 Year Old Lebanese Adolescents

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Variations in Nutritional Status of Elderly Men and Women according to Place of Residence

Gerontology, 2003

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess comprehensively the nutritional status of elde... more Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess comprehensively the nutritional status of elderly individuals in institutions and to compare it with that of community based dwellers in an urban setting in Lebanon. Methods: Participants included 100 elderly men and women (aged 65 years and older) selected randomly from four institutions who were based on sex and neighborhood with 100 free-living individuals. Subjects were mentally and physically capable of responding to an interview schedule. Their nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements, dietary food intake for a 3-day period, and hematological and biochemical variables. Energy and macro- and micronutrient intakes were compared with the US recommended dietary allowances (RDA) or dietary reference intakes (DRI) as appropriate. Results: Elderly living at home had significantly higher mean body mass index and waist circumference than those living in institutions. Although the total energy intake was comparable...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of nutritional status of pre‐school children at day care centres and at home from different socioeconomic backgrounds in Beirut

Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Apr 1, 1996

This study investigated the effect of attending day care centres on the nutritional status of 818... more This study investigated the effect of attending day care centres on the nutritional status of 818 pre-school children under 5 years of age in comparison with home based children, taking into consideration their social class. A random sample of 10 high class (HCD) and low class ...

Research paper thumbnail of Iron

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of anaemia in Lebanese wo... more Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of anaemia in Lebanese women of childbearing age attending health centres in Lebanon. Design: Cross-sectional study carried out between May and December 2003. Anthropometric measurements as well as sociodemographic, health and dietary intake data were collected using a questionnaire. Haemoglobin (Hb), plasma ferritin, plasma folate and vitamin B12 were assessed using standard laboratory methods. Setting: Governmental health centres in Lebanon. Subjects: Four hundred and seventy non-pregnant Lebanese women aged 15–45 years. Results: Anaemia (Hb,12 g dl21) and iron deficiency (ferritin,15mg l21) were prevalent in 16.0 and 27.2 % of the study sample, respectively. Of the total sample, 7.7 % had iron-deficiency anaemia. The percentage of women with either Hb or ferritin deficiency or both was 35.6%. Plasma folate and vitamin B12 deficiency was reported in 25.1 and 39.4%, respectively, and 12.6 % of the women had bot...

Research paper thumbnail of Trends in Nutritional Intakes and Nutrition-Related Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Lebanon : The Need for Immediate Action

Lebanese Medical Journal, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Adolescent Obesity and Physical Activity

World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Plasma Copper, Zinc, and Selenium Levels and Correlates with Metabolic Syndrome Components of Lebanese Adults

Biological Trace Element Research, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Folate deficiency is associated with nutritional anaemia in Lebanese women of childbearing age

Public Health Nutrition, 2006

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify the determinants of anaemia in Lebanese wome... more ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify the determinants of anaemia in Lebanese women of childbearing age attending health centres in Lebanon.DesignCross-sectional study carried out between May and December 2003. Anthropometric measurements as well as sociodemographic, health and dietary intake data were collected using a questionnaire. Haemoglobin (Hb), plasma ferritin, plasma folate and vitamin B12were assessed using standard laboratory methods.SettingGovernmental health centres in Lebanon.SubjectsFour hundred and seventy non-pregnant Lebanese women aged 15–45 years.ResultsAnaemia (Hb <12 g dl−1) and iron deficiency (ferritin <15 μg l−1) were prevalent in 16.0 and 27.2% of the study sample, respectively. Of the total sample, 7.7% had iron-deficiency anaemia. The percentage of women with either Hb or ferritin deficiency or both was 35.6%. Plasma folate and vitamin B12deficiency was reported in 25.1 and 39.4%, respectively, and 12.6% of the women had both folate a...

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary patterns and their association with obesity and sociodemographic factors in a national sample of Lebanese adults

Public Health Nutrition, 2011

ObjectiveTo identify and characterize dietary patterns in Lebanon and assess their association wi... more ObjectiveTo identify and characterize dietary patterns in Lebanon and assess their association with sociodemographic factors, BMI and waist circumference (WC).DesignA cross-sectional population-based survey. In a face-to-face interview, participants completed a brief sociodemographic and semiquantitative FFQ. In addition, anthropometric measurements were obtained following standard techniques. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess determinants of the various patterns and their association with BMI and WC.SettingNational Nutrition and Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey (2009), Lebanon.SubjectsA nationally representative sample of 2048 Lebanese adults aged 20–55 years.ResultsFour dietary patterns were identified: ‘Western’, ‘Traditional Lebanese’, ‘Prudent’ and ‘Fish and alcohol’. Factor scores of the identified patterns increased with age, except for the Western pattern in which a negative association was noted...

Research paper thumbnail of Restoration of Normal Insulinemia and Insulin Sensitivity in Hyperinsulinemic Normoglycemic Men by a Hypoenergetic High Monounsaturated Fat Diet

Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, 2004

To test the hypothesis that the macronutrient composition of hypoenergetic diets is an important ... more To test the hypothesis that the macronutrient composition of hypoenergetic diets is an important consideration in weight-reducing regimens of hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic obese subjects. Design: A 4-week randomized dietary intervention trial. Subjects and Methods: Sixteen male obese hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic subjects were recruited and 15 completed the study. The participants were divided into two groups and fed hypoenergetic diets providing 80% of their resting energy expenditure (REE). One group received a high carbohydrate diet (HC) (60% carbohydrate, 20% fat, 20% protein as a percentage of dietary energy) and the other group received a high monounsaturated fat diet (HM) (35% carbohydrate, 45% fat and 20% protein). Anthropometry, body composition, REE, serum glucose, insulin and lipid analyses were performed before and after the feeding period. Results: The subjects on the HC diet achieved comparable weight loss but without restoration of normoinsulinemia and insulin sensitivity. Fasting insulin levels, insulin to glucose ratio, and Homeostatic Model & Assessment Index decreased to normal ranges and were significantly lower in the HM group as compared with the HC group. Similarly, insulin sensitivity score (Mffm/I) increased significantly on the HM diet. Waist circumference measurements showed a significantly higher decrease on the HM than HC diet, whereas body weight, percentage body fat, glucose, plasma lipids, and REE decreased to the same extent whether subjects were fed the HC or HM diet. Conclusions: In this study, feeding a HM diet was more effective than a HC diet for restoring normoinsulinemia and insulin sensitivity. Therefore, hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic obese subjects may benefit from a diet lower in carbohydrates and higher in monounsaturated fats for decreasing cardiovascular disease risk factors while achieving the desired weight reduction.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of nutritional status of pre‐school children at day care centres and at home from different socioeconomic backgrounds in Beirut

Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 1996

This study investigated the effect of attending day care centres on the nutritional status of 818... more This study investigated the effect of attending day care centres on the nutritional status of 818 pre-school children under 5 years of age in comparison with home based children, taking into consideration their social class. A random sample of 10 high class (HCD) and low class ...

Research paper thumbnail of Association between dietary patterns and the risk of metabolic syndrome among Lebanese adults

European Journal of Nutrition, 2011

Epidemiological studies of different dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension among a middle... more Epidemiological studies of different dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension among a middle-aged Chinese population remain extremely scare. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify dietary patterns and investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension among Chinese adults aged 45-60 years. The present cross-sectional study includes 2560 participants who reported their dietary intake using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized procedures. We used log-binomial regression analysis to examine the associations between dietary patterns and hypertension risk. Four major dietary patterns were identified and labeled as traditional Chinese, animal food, western fast-food, and high-salt patterns. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest quartile of animal food pattern scores had a greater prevalence ratio (PR) for hypertension (PR = 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.064-1.727; p < 0.05) in comparison to those from the lowest quartile. Compared with the lowest quartile of high-salt pattern, the highest quartile had a higher prevalence ratio for hypertension (PR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.013-1.635; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicated that animal food and high-salt patterns were associated with increased risk of hypertension, while traditional Chinese and western fast-food patterns were not associated with the risk of hypertension. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Research paper thumbnail of Nutritional status of Lebanese school children from different socioeconomic backgrounds*

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 1991

This paper examines the nutritional status of school children in private and public schools in We... more This paper examines the nutritional status of school children in private and public schools in West Beirut. The objectives of the study were to measure the impact of the socio‐economic status on the magnitude and severity of malnutrition in school children. Anthropometric data (height and weight) were collected on 400 children from private and public schools. The private schools were considered to house children from high socio‐economic status whereas the public schools children were considered as coming from a low socio‐economic background.The indices studied were height for age, weight for height and weight for age, the cutoff point to indicate malnutrition was taken as values below ISD of a reference population. The United States National Center for Health Statistics Standards (NCHS) were used.Results showed that children classified as low socio‐economic status (public schools) had low weight for age and height for age indices indicating higher occurrence of stunting and wasting in that population as compared to children from high socio‐economic status (private schools).

Research paper thumbnail of Nutritional status of Bedouin children aged 6–10 years in Lebanon and Syria under different nomadic pastoral systems*

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 1994

This paper examines the nutritional status of Bedouin children under different nomadic pastoral s... more This paper examines the nutritional status of Bedouin children under different nomadic pastoral systems. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) and food intake were collected on 296 children aged 6–10 years from the Bedouin population of Lebanon and Syria. The sample included children from the semi‐settled Beqa&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;a Bedouins involved in livestock production and seasonal labor; the transhumant Bedouins of the Akkar

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of settlement on nutritional status of Bedouin children aged 6–10 years in the Lebanese Beqaa valley†

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 1993

The paper examines the nutritional status of Bedouin children as affected by settlement and by pr... more The paper examines the nutritional status of Bedouin children as affected by settlement and by production systems. Anthropometric data (height and weight) were collected on 215 children aged 6–10 years from the Bedouin population of the Bega&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s valley. The sample included settled and semi‐settled Bedouins having two production activities: livestock ownership, or agricultural work. Semi‐settled Bedouins when compared to settled

Research paper thumbnail of Established and Suspected Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk in Pre-Menopausal Lebanese Women

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 2008

... OMAR OBEID LYNN AL KHATIB MALEK BATAL NADA ADRA NAHLA HWALLA ... Address correspondence to Om... more ... OMAR OBEID LYNN AL KHATIB MALEK BATAL NADA ADRA NAHLA HWALLA ... Address correspondence to Omar Obeid, Ph.D., Department of Nutrition and Food Science, American University of Beirut, PO Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Iron Deficiency is an Important Contributor to Anemia Among Reproductive Age Women in Lebanon

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 2004

... 03670240490274101 NAHLA HWALLA (BABA) a , NADA ADRA a &amp; ROBERT T. JACKSON b pages 77-... more ... 03670240490274101 NAHLA HWALLA (BABA) a , NADA ADRA a &amp; ROBERT T. JACKSON b pages 77-92. ... Analyses of flat breads similar to those eaten in Lebanon have shown that these breads are produced from phytate-rich, high extraction flours (Amr, 19861. Amr, A. 1986. ...