Assess Vitamin A (VitA)/carotenoid status of university students and describe associations with diet quality measures and BMI.

Describe steps DPD Directors can do to engage diverse students in the DI application process. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) are expected to service a diverse population but the profession does not reflect diversity. Barriers to diversification may include influences around the dietetic internship (DI) application and selection. The purpose was to examine preparation for the DI application, match rate, and influential persons among DI applicants. Researcher-developed online survey of DI applicants recruited through DPD and DI directors. Chi square, t-tests, and ANOVA were used for comparisons among the variables. Participants (N=541) were mostly white (83%), female (96%), and 20-24 years old (59%). The majority (68%) were introduced to the DI application as juniors or later; most felt this should occur earlier (75%). Hispanic participants were 2x as likely to begin the process <3 months before the due date. Most matched (96%), during the first round (84%), and to their first choice (66%). Females were more likely to match, χ2(2, N = 541) = 10.34, p=0.01. Hispanics were >3x as likely to not match. Applicants were not influenced by others (1=no influence to 5=heavily influence). Of influential persons, DPD directors rated highest (M= 2.65 +1.65). Influence of “friends applying to DIs” was different between females (M=1.67, SD=1.12) and males (M=1.30, SD=0.77), t(26.35) =-2.21, p=0.04; and “friends already in an internship” (females M=2.02 SD=1.32, males M=1.38 SD=0.92), t(27.58) = -3.27,p <0.01. Dietetic students may benefit from earlier exposure to the DI application process. DPD directors should consider strategies to engage diverse students earlier in the process to improve applications and increase selection.

Upon completion, participants will be able to describe effects of a six-week diet/strength training program on body composition, and compare effects based on gender and age.

Background: Being overweight or obese is one of the most harmful risk factors to the health of a population. The cause of obesity is complex and multifactorial, but the primary cause is a nutrient poor diet. Despite excess intake of calories, obese individuals commonly have a lack of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins have all been shown to have anti-obesity effects. National data shows that states in with the lowest intakes of fruit and vegetable intake also have higher obesity rates. The data available depicts that a low fruit and vegetable intake, thus low phytonutrient intake, is correlated with excess adiposity.Methods: Fifty subjects from Thibodaux, Louisiana were randomly selected to participate. Three 24-hour food recalls were used to calculate phytonutrient content of the diets using the phytonutrient index. A food frequency questionnaire was also administered to determine intake of specific phytonutrients (carotenoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids). Body adiposity was measured using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and fat percentage. Pearson correlation was used to assess correlations between phytonutrient index and body adiposity measures. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc tests was used to determine differences in PI and phytonutrient intakes among the BMI, waist circumference and percent body fat groups.Results: Participants who met healthy standards for BMI, waist circumference, and fat percentage all averaged much higher PI scores compared to those classified as obese/overweight. The data showed a strong inverse relationship between PI and BMI (r = -0.753, p = 0.00), waist circumference (r = -0.730, p = 0.00), and body fat percentage (r = -0.701, p = 0.00). Higher weekly intakes of chlorophyll, carotenoid, and anthocyanin rich foods had better body composition in comparison to those who consumed less (p<0.05).Conclusion: Results suggest a strong correlation between higher phytonutrient intake and improved body composition. Overall diet quality seems to make the most difference, but phytonutrients are thought to be a key reason for those benefits

Describe the benefits of participating in a low-glycemic-index program for type 2 diabetes management

Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate a 12-week cooking education class on cooking confidence, dietary habits, weight status, and laboratory data among veterans with prediabetes and diabetes. Methods The sample for this study included 75 veterans within the Overton Brooks Veteran Affairs Medical Center who completed the 12-week class in an in-person group setting in Shreveport, Louisiana, or via Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) in Longview, Texas. Veterans were referred to the Healthy Teaching Kitchen by their primary care provider or primary care dietitian. Enrollment in the class was on a volunteer basis. The cooking and nutrition education classes included topics such as carbohydrate counting, safety and sanitation, meal planning, and creating budget-friendly recipes. Participants completed 2 questionnaires for assessment of healthy dietary habits and confidence related to cooking. Changes in body weight, lipid panel, and hemoglobin A1C were assessed. Differences in class settings were tested via independent samples t tests. Paired samples t tests were completed to compare changes in mean laboratory results, weight, and questionnaire responses. Results Subjects lost a mean 2.91 ± 5.8 lbs ( P < .001). There was no significant difference in percent change in laboratory data and weight between subjects participating via CVT and subjects in the live class. Overall, there was significant improvement in the confidence questionnaire ratings and Healthy Habits Questionnaire responses. Conclusions Cooking and nutrition education can increase cooking confidence and dietary quality. These results provide support for the need for further research on the long-term effects of nutrition cooking education and for the benefits of using CVT software to provide education to remote facilities.

Upon completion, participant will be able to explore how millennials' demographic, socioeconomic, and confidence in cooking skills compare with the weight status of college students.

The primary aim of this study was to determine if phytonutrient intake, measured by the phytonutrient index (PI), is correlated with body composition in participants in Thibodaux, Louisiana. In addition, a second aim was to examine if intake of certain phytonutrient rich foods (based on green, reddish/purple, and yellow/orange colored fruits and vegetables) correlates with body fat percentage, waist circumference, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Participants Fifty (50) participants, ages18–54 selected. Exclusions were morbidly obese (BMI > 40 kg/m2) and pregnant subjects. Procedures Body adiposity was measured by waist circumference, BMI, and fat percentage. Subjects completed three pass 24-hour food recalls (two weekdays/one weekend day. Each completed FFQ to determine the intake of the specific color. Caloric intake was estimated using ESHA software and used for PI calculation. PI formula estimated how much of the subject's energy intake was from phytonutrient rich foods (phytonutrient-rich kcal/total intake kcal) × 100.Phytonutrient rich foods primarily include fruits and vegetables, but also legumes, olive oil, and wine. Pearson correlation was used to assess correlations between phytonutrient index and body adiposity measures. Background data on every participant was gathered such as age, sex, health status, and race. IBM SPSS Statistics was used to analyze the data. Results considered statistically significant if p-value < 0.05. The results showed a strong inverse correlation between PI and BMI (r = –0.753, P = 0.00), waist circumference (r = –0.730, P = 0.00), and body fat percentage (r = –0.701, P = 0.00). The intake of the specific phytonutrients and improved body composition did show a statistical significance. Individuals with higher weekly intakes of chlorophyll, carotenoid, and anthocyanin rich foods had better body composition in comparison to those who consumed less (P < 0.05; F > Fcrit). Participants with various health conditions had an average PI lower than the population average (38.1 + 22.1). This was true of participants with type 2 diabetes (22 + 17.7), hypertension (17.4 + 11.6), hyperlipidemia (21.6 + 19.4), and osteoarthritis (24.3 + 27.4). The data in this study demonstrates that there is a strong correlation between higher phytonutrient intake and improved body composition (and disease prevalence). However this correlation remained consistent despite which type of phytonutrients were consumed. These findings conclude that overall diet quality seems to make the most difference, but the phytonutrients in fruits/vegetables are thought to be a key reason for those benefits. Louisiana Tech University.

Upon completion, participant will be able to learn the importance of accurate malnutrition screening within the acute care elderly population as well as its influence regarding Medicare reimbursement.

In a retrospective review of treatment records from head and neck radiation oncology patients (N = 145), χ 2 and logistic regression analyses ( P ≤ .05) were used to determine differences in short-term outcomes based on weight status and clinical factors. Significant weight loss was higher among obese patients and those patients with tumor stage 2 or greater. Significant weight loss, dehydration, and hospitalizations were higher among patients receiving chemotherapy. Hospitalizations were higher also among patients with multiple comorbidities. The characteristics were associated with short-term outcomes and should be examined when setting priorities for nutrition care of head and neck cancer patients.

The purpose of this project was to compare changes in weight, hemoglobin A1c, and medications used at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery between sleeve gastrectomy (SG) versus Roux-en-Y bypass (RYGB) patients.

Bariatric surgery has become an increasingly popular treatment for obesity, however these patients are not exempt from weight regain. This study examined differences in weight loss following roux en-y gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery at 3, 6 and 12 months based on metabolic classification prior to bariatric surgery. Examining the role of metabolic rate in bariatric patients can allow the Registered Dietitian to better help their patients in achieving long term success.

Compare the four different methods of DSME in this study. Identify the most effective method of DSME with regards to improved lab values, body weight, and behavior change. Identify what components of a DSME program make it most successful.

Learn about pulses, their benefits, and their part in the diets of Louisiana residents.

The purpose of the study was to investigate barriers faced by Louisiana dietitians while counseling overweight and obese patients.

Examine prevalence of dietary supplement use in a southern college student population.

Nutritional genomics is a growing area of research. Research has shown registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) have limited knowledge of genetics. Limited research is available regarding how didactic programs in dietetics (DPDs) meet the genetics knowledge requirement of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®). The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the study of nutritional genomics is incorporated into undergraduate DPDs in response to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics position statement on nutritional genomics. The sample included 62 DPD directors in the U.S. Most programs (63.9%) reported the ACEND genetics knowledge requirement was being met by integrating genetic information into the current curriculum. However, 88.7% of programs reported devoting only 1-10 clock hours to genetics education. While 60.3% of directors surveyed reported they were confident in their program's ability to teach information related to genetics, only 6 directors reported having specialized training in genetics. The overall amount of clock hours devoted to genetics education is low. DPD directors, faculty, and instructors are not adequately trained to provide this education to students enrolled in DPDs. Therefore, the primary recommendation of this study is the development of a standardized curriculum for genetics education in DPDs.

Participants will be able to describe one perceived benefit and one perceive barrier related to the "Parents-as-Partners" Tennis program.

Discuss the role a smart phone application has on self-monitoring skills in a weight management setting.

Participants will be able to: identify effective forms of executing diabetes self-management education; identify the benefits patients experience by participating in DSME; identify best practices relating to diabetes self-management education.