Researcher Nicole Larson says the findings reveal a need to increase the reach and relevance of efforts to prevent body dissatisfaction and disordered eating to ensure they benefit young people across groups.
Epidemiology and Community Health
Switching to plant-centered diet reduces risk of cardiovascular disease for young and middle adults
The study, led by postdoctoral researcher Yuni Choi and Professor David Jacobs, showed that people who most frequently ate nutritionally-rich plant foods, and fewer nutritionally-poor plant foods and unhealthy animal products had a 52% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Racial-ethnic connectedness may help protect African American youth from adverse impacts of racism
The study led by graduate Jessie Austin (MPH ’19) and Associate Professor Sonya Brady found that African American youth who felt more connected to their racial-ethnic identity and community have greater emotional well-being — even when experiencing racism.
Designing online grocery stores to support those striving to eat healthy for weight loss
Professor Lisa Harnack led the study that identified three features online grocery stores could include, such as a “healthy shopping” preference, to support customers.
Study identifies racial/ethnic and language inequities in ways patients obtain COVID-19 virus testing
The study led by MD/MPH student Rohan Khazanchi found racial, health, and language differences in who initiated testing through telehealth services versus the emergency department.
Understanding sexual health care practices and attitudes in Tanzania
Professor Simon Rosser surveyed Tanzanian health care students and professionals to learn about their sexual health beliefs and practices in preparation for testing a new culturally-informed training curriculum.
Are plant-based ground beef alternative products healthier than ground beef?
Professor Lisa Harnack analyzed 37 different plant-based products and found they tend to be good sources of nutrients, such as fiber, folate and iron, but also higher in sodium.
Research Brief: Weight teasing is a risk factor for disordered eating in young people across demographic groups
A study led by PhD student Laura Hooper provides evidence against persistent assumptions that weight teasing and disordered eating primarily affect affluent, white young people.
Using diet pills and laxatives for weight control linked to future diagnosis of an eating disorder
The results of the study by incoming postdoctoral fellow Vivienne Hazzard and Professor Dianne Neumark-Sztainer suggest the use of these products is an early marker of an eating disorder or that they actually serve as risk factors for the illness.
Advocating for antiracism in American health care
MD/MPH student Rohan Khazanchi is the lead author of a Health Affairs post discussing the American Medical Association’s historical role in exacerbating health inequity and the tangible steps the medical community and policymakers can take to stopping racism.
Xiong earns U community service award for work to develop community-engaged research
PhD candidate Serena Xiong was awarded the 2021 student Outstanding Community Service Award by the University’s Office of Public Engagement for her work with the Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked with six unhealthy eating behaviors
A University of Minnesota Medical School and School of Public Health study shows a slight increase in eating disorders, one of the deadliest psychiatric health concerns.
