Investigating the mediating role of physical activity within the association between food insecurity and BMI.

Food insecurity is linked with obesity and while the mechanisms behind this association are complex, lower levels of leisure-time physical activity in those with food insecurity may contribute to this. Individual-level factors (such as concerns of performing physical activity) may partly determine levels of physical activity within individuals with food insecurity, as such individuals may seek to minimise their levels of physical activity in order to preserve energy. Using the Food Insecurity Physical Activity Concerns Scale (FIPACS) (used to measure concerns of performing leisure-time physical activity, focusing on factors specific to food insecurity), the current study investigated whether the association between household food insecurity and body mass index (BMI) is explained by a mediation pathway of FIPACS scores and leisure-time physical activity.

Does menu calorie labelling cause or exacerbate eating disorders?

ER and JB were responsible for conceptualisation and study design. JB screened prospective eligible studies, conducted the literature review and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. RE, AF, TG, MP, IP, LT and RW reviewed the literature and contributed to writing.

Consumer Awareness, Perceptions and Avoidance of Ultra-Processed Foods: A Study of UK Adults in 2024.

Background: Ultra-processed food (UPF) is currently not included in most countries' dietary guidance. However, there may be growing public interest and consumer avoidance of UPF due to media reporting of studies on the negative health outcomes associated with UPFs.

Methods: We surveyed 2386 UK adults (M age = 45 years, 50% female) during February-April 2024.

Two online randomised controlled trials examining effects of alcohol calorie labelling on hypothetical ordering of calories from alcohol and food.

Background: Providing calorie information for alcoholic beverages is a potential public-health intervention which may serve to reduce alcohol use but also prevalence of overweight/obesity. Equivocal evidence has been found for the effectiveness of alcohol calorie information at reducing drinking intentions as well as purchasing and consumption. However, the extent at which calorie information 'on-trade' will impact consumer behaviour for both alcohol and food consumption has not been investigated.

The development and validation of the food insecurity physical activity concerns scale.

Food insecurity - defined as having limited access to nutritious foods - is linked with obesity. Previous research has also shown that food insecurity is associated with lower levels of leisure-time physical activity (physical activity performed outside of essential activities). This association may occur in part due to concerns about preserving levels of energy during times of food shortage.