Yeong Rhee and Ardith Brunt, both assistant professors of health, nutrition and exercise sciences, with former graduate students Helen Nyquist and Li Zhong, presented posters related to the students' thesis at the recent national meeting of the American Dietetics Association.
Brunt and Zhong presented "Dietary and Lifestyle Influences on Body Mass Index of Chinese University Students." According to the researchers, national surveys from the U.S. and China indicate that 30 percent of U.S. adults are obese but only 4.6 percent of Chinese adults are obese. This study assessed dietary intake and other lifestyle characteristics in Chinese students to identify patterns that may prevent weight gain. The study revealed that lifestyle and diet quality influence body mass index status in Chinese students.
Brunt, Rhee and Zhong also presented "Comparison of Dietary Variety between U.S. and Chinese College Students.” The study revealed more Chinese students reported eating eggs, fish, poultry, pork, citrus fruits, other vegetables and other fruits, while U.S. students reported consuming more cheese, beef, potatoes and alcohol compared to Chinese students. Using all the foods in each food group, Chinese students consumed more of a variety of fruit, vegetables, meat, grain and meat alternatives compared to U.S. students. U.S. students also consumed more discretionary sweets, fats and dairy products compared to Chinese students. Chinese students who were overweight or obese consumed more alcohol and fast food.
Rhee and Nyquist presented "Promoting Healthy Eating and Exercise through Online Messages." The study assessed the effectiveness of online health promotion messages taken from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Thirty-six volunteers completed a 26-item online survey at the baseline and end of the study. The survey consisted of historical questions on diet, weight control and physical activity. Participants received three healthy e-mail messages per week for 12 weeks. The findings from the study showed that online messages can contribute to an increase in healthy food consumption and physical activity.
Brunt also presented a poster about the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance Dietetics master's program. This presentation was a multi-institutional delivery of Internet-based graduate education to dietetic professionals.