Policy determinants affecting the hunger millennium development goal

The possible effect of Government Consumption (a component of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)) on attainment of the hunger Millennium Development Goal (MDG1) was analyzed by evaluating the effect of macroeconomic, social, demographic and policy variables on average undernourished population. Eighty-four developing countries with data available on undernourished population were included in an ecological study. Regression models were applied to explore possible determinants of Undernourished between 1990 and 2004 and consequent achievement of the projected 2004 MDG1. In 2004, 1.4% of the overall undernourished population in the studied countries [70.16 million people] was in excess of the projected level required to meet MDG1. The multiple linear regression showed significant associations between Undernourished and poverty levels, the Gini Index, rural population and Government Consumption. The multiple logistic regression showed significant associations between achievement of projected 2004 MDG1 levels and Government Consumption and the Gini Index. The significant associations between Undernourished and Government Consumption suggest that the effects of GDP components on social conditions call for more thorough research and that policymakers such as governments and international financial institutions need to ensure that changes in distributive and redistributive policies do not negatively affect the possibility of achieving MDG1.     

Hypothalamic sensitivity to 2-deoxy-D-glucose and glucose: effects on feeding behavior

The effect on food intake of intrahypothalamic deposition of glucose or the glucose metabolic inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose was studied to determine the function of the often hypothesized hypothalamic glucoreceptors in feeding behavior. Our results suggest that the lateral hypothalamic region, as well as the medial hypothalamus, contain glucoreceptive cells that form part of a feeding system.     

A role for glucose and insulin preprandial profiles to differentiate meals and snacks

A physiological distinction between eating occasions may help account for contradictory findings on the role of eating frequency in energy homeostasis. We assessed this issue using a midafternoon eating occasion known in France as the goûter that often consists of snack foods. Among the 24 male subjects, 8 habitually consumed four meals per day, i.e., were usual goûter eaters (GE) and 16 habitually took 3 meals per day, i.e., usual non-goûter non-snack eaters (NGNSE). All subjects were time blinded from lunchtime and had to request subsequent meals. Blood was continuously withdrawn and collected with a change of tube every 10 min until dinner request. During the session, 8 of the non-goûter eaters (NGE) were offered a snack 210 min after lunch and were designated as non-goûter snack eaters (NGSE) if they ate. Results showed that the goûter was preceded by high hunger scores and a linear decline in plasma glucose (−9.0±3.0%, P<.05) and insulin concentrations (−22.9±6.0%, P<.05). These profiles were not observed before the snack. The dinner of GE was requested later and was smaller compared to NGNSE, whereas the snack altered neither time of request nor energy intake (EI) at dinner. Among blood variables, leptin at the onset of eating was the only factor that was predictive of both intermeal interval and EI. The glucose and insulin profiles indicate that snacks should not be considered as meals in studies on the role of eating frequency in energy homeostasis.     

Behavioral patterns proceeding from liver thermoreceptors

Subdiaphragmatic denervated, liver heated rats eat as much and as long as subdiaphragmatic denervated, non-heated rats. This points to vagus and/or splanchnic nerve afferentation from hepatic thermoreceptors. Left abdomen heated rats eat and drink as much as left abdomen non-heated rats. Since however they show some different behavior patterns, the intervention of other nerve fibers other than vagal and/or splanchnic fibers should be acknowledged in order to account for the different behavior pattern.     

Acute effects of nicotine on hunger and caloric intake in smokers and nonsmokers

The inverse relationship between smoking and body weight may be due in part to nicotine's effects on reducing hunger and eating. Male smokers and nonsmokers (n=10 each), abstinent overnight from smoking and food, participated in four sessions, involving consumption of a liquid caloric load or water followed by nicotine (15 µg/kg) or placebo via nasal spray every 20 min for 2 h. Hunger and satiety (fullness) ratings were obtained prior to each dose presentation. At the end of the two sessions involving the caloric load (simulating breakfast), subjects were also presented with typical lunch/snack food items varying in sweet taste and fat content for ad lib consumption. Results indicated that, for both smokers and nonsmokers, the hunger-reducing effects of nicotine occurred only following caloric load consumption, and there was no effect of nicotine on hunger after water consumption. Smokers unexpectedly reported greater satiation than nonsmokers following the caloric load regardless of nicotine or placebo condition. Nicotine also resulted in less caloric intake during the meal, and the decrease was not specific to consumption of sweet, high-fat foods. These results indicate that nicotine reduces appetite, possibly helping to explain the influence of smoking on body weight.     

Impacto de la crisis en el derecho a una alimentación sana y saludable. Informe SESPAS 2014

The present article analyzes the impact of the economic crisis on food consumption in Spain, the most affected social profiles, and the consequences of changing patterns of food consumption on health. This article is based on official reports and previous empirical studies. The crisis has affected diet and food consumption. Families are attempting to spend less money on food. Food insecurity is rising and the most affected groups are those spending a higher proportion of their income on food. Cuts in food spending run parallel with unhealthy eating habits that encourage obesity. Consequently, the crisis contributes to undermining the right to a healthy diet, recognized by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of the United Nations.     

Management of patients during hunger strike and refeeding phase

ObjectiveHunger strikers resuming nutritional intake may develop a life-threatening refeeding syndrome (RFS). Consequently, hunger strikers represent a core challenge for the medical staff. The objective of the study was to test the effectiveness and safety of evidence-based recommendations for prevention and management of RFS during the refeeding phase.MethodsThis was a retrospective, observational data analysis of 37 consecutive, unselected cases of prisoners on a hunger strike during a 5-y period. The sample consisted of 37 cases representing 33 individual patients.ResultsIn seven cases (18.9%), the hunger strike was continued during the hospital stay, in 16 episodes (43.2%) cessation of the hunger strike occurred immediately after admission to the security ward, and in 14 episodes (37.9%) during hospital stay. In the refeed cases (n = 30), nutritional replenishment occurred orally, and in 25 (83.3%) micronutrients substitutions were made based on the recommendations. The gradual refeeding with fluid restriction occurred over 10 d. Uncomplicated dyselectrolytemia was documented in 12 cases (40%) within the refeeding phase. One case (3.3%) presented bilateral ankle edemas as a clinical manifestation of moderate RFS. Intensive medical treatment was not necessary and none of the patients died. Seven episodes of continued hunger strike were observed during the entire hospital stay without medical complications.ConclusionsOur data suggested that seriousness and rate of medical complications during the refeeding phase can be kept at a minimum in a hunger strike population. This study supported use of recommendations to optimize risk management and to improve treatment quality and patient safety in this vulnerable population.     

Saccharin drinking and mortality in rats

Rats maintained on reduced food and offered a mixture of sodium saccharin and soda bicarbonate (saccharin) or saccharin versus water drink abnormally large quantities of saccharin resulting in body weight loss and death. Animals, particularly those on higher concentrations, periodically reduce their saccharin intake. Some of those that do not do this die. Those rats which either do not drink excessive amounts, or drink less when first introduced to saccharin, and/or fluctuate their intakes tend to survive. Both components of the saccharin mixture produce these effects (Experiment 2) but the sodium saccharin and the mixture of the two bring them about more strongly (Experiments 1 and 2). All this is support for the accommodation interpretation, or a mechanism which this study has shown to develop with consumption time, and seems to enable some animals to recuperate and survive on the same or even higher saccharin concentration. Mortality seems to depend on the amount of saccharin ingested and also on the availability of food while saccharin is drunk (Experiment 3).