Predictors Linking Obesity and the Gut Microbiome (the PROMISE Study): Protocol and Recruitment Strategy for a Cross-Sectional Study on Pathways That Affect the Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Obesity.

Background: The prevalence of obesity has increased substantially over recent decades and is associated with considerable health inequalities. Although the causes of obesity are complex, key drivers include overconsumption of highly palatable, energy-dense, and nutrient-poor foods, which have a profound impact on the composition and function of the gut microbiome. Alterations to the microbiome may play a critical role in obesity by affecting energy extraction from food and subsequent energy metabolism and fat storage.

Understanding Pasifika youth and the obesogenic environment, Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand.

Aim: In New Zealand, the burden of obesity is greatest among Pacific people, especially in children and adolescents. We investigated the factors of the obesogenic environment that were indigenous to Pasifika youths' social-cultural context, their food purchasing behaviours, and associated anthropometric measures.

Methods: An exploratory study of 30 Pasifika youth aged 16-24 years in Wellington and Auckland, New Zealand.

An evaluation of a pictorial asthma medication plan for Pacific children.

Background: The burden of asthma falls disproportionately on children from New Zealand's Pacific communities. Guidelines recommend pictorial resources but these have not been evaluated in this population.

Aims: Evaluate a pictorial asthma medication plan focusing on regular 'everyday' inhaler use and a signs and symptoms sheet for Pacific children; the primary outcome measure was continued use of resources after 6 months.