American journal of preventive medicine
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Proliferation of food retail chains has created an environment in which a few food retailers account for the majority of U.S. packaged food purchases (PFPs). Despite the major potential for these food retail chains (FRCs) to impact what U.S. consumers buy and eat, little is known about the nutritional profile of PFPs from these retailers, particularly PFPs from Walmart, the largest U.S. grocer. ⋯ The nutritional profile of Walmart purchases has improved over time and in 2013 was similar to PFPs from other FRCs.
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People with serious mental illness experience elevated severe obesity rates, yet limited evidence documents whether lifestyle intervention participation can benefit these individuals. This study examined the impact of the In SHAPE lifestyle intervention on weight loss among participants with serious mental illness and severe obesity (BMI ≥40) compared with participants who are overweight (BMI 25 to <30) and have class I (BMI 30 to <35) or class II (BMI 35 to <40) obesity. ⋯ People with severe obesity and serious mental illness benefit similarly to those in lower BMI groups from lifestyle intervention participation.
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Racial disparities in access to regular health care have been reported in the U.S., but little is known about the extent of disparities in societies with universal coverage. ⋯ Universal coverage may have a major impact on reducing racial disparities in access to health care, although among some subgroups, other factors may also play a role above and beyond health insurance.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of yoga use in the U.S. general population. ⋯ About 31 million U.S. adults have ever used yoga, and about 21 million practiced yoga in the past 12 months. Disease prevention and back pain relief were the most important health reasons for yoga practice. Yoga practice is associated with age, gender, ethnicity, SES, and health status.
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Walking and cycling bring health and environmental benefits, but there is little robust evidence that changing the built environment promotes these activities in populations. This study evaluated the effects of new transport infrastructure on active commuting and physical activity. ⋯ Providing new sustainable transport infrastructure was effective in promoting an increase in active commuting. These findings provide new evidence to support reconfiguring transport systems as part of public health improvement strategies.