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Background Children and adolescents have suboptimal physical activity and eating habits during summer breaks. Unlike the school setting, there is little evidence on interventions to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in Summer Day Camps (SDCs). Methods The aim of this scoping review was to examine physical activity, healthy eating, and sedentary behavior interventions in the SDCs. A systematic search on four platforms (EBSCOhost, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science) was performed in May 2021 and was updated in June 2022. Studies related to promoting healthy behaviors, physical activity, sedentary behaviors and/or healthy eating among campers aged 6 to 16 in Summer Day Camps were retained. The protocol and writing of the scoping review were done according to the guidelines of the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR)”. Results Most interventions had a positive effect on the behavioral determinants or the behaviors themselves (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behaviors, or healthy eating). Involving counsellors and parents, setting camp goals, gardening, and education are all relevant strategies in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in SDCs. Conclusions Since only one intervention directly targeted sedentary behaviors, it should strongly be considered for inclusion in future studies. In addition, more long-term and experimental studies are needed to establish cause-and-effect relationships between healthy behavior interventions in SDCs and behaviors of children and young adolescents.

To develop a web-based food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) measuring intake of plant-based protein foods (PBP) among older adults from the province of Quebec, Canada. The questionnaire was adapted from an existing self-administered FFQ and first underwent expert panel evaluation for face and content validity. Then, three phases of cognitive testing were conducted in French, using the probe and think aloud approaches. Between each phase, the questionnaire was modified based on participants' feedback to improve the clarity and comprehension of the questions. Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Twenty adults aged 65 years and older participated. Purposive sampling was used to maximise variation in sociodemographic characteristics, including gender, age, education level and PBP consumption. The expert panel found the twenty-eight-item questionnaire to be a comprehensive measure of PBP intake and suggested minor changes to improve its clarity. The cognitive interviews showed that our PBP-FFQ was generally well understood and identified issues requiring modifications to improve comprehension and accuracy. Our FFQ provides a comprehensive measure of PBP intake, is well understood by older adults in Québec and will support rigorous assessment of PBP intake in this population but requires further validation to confirm its validity and reproducibility.

Chronic diseases are the leading global cause of death, largely driven by Western lifestyles characterized by poor diets and physical inactivity. Digital interventions offer promising tools to support health behavior change. Interactive conversational agents (CAs) provide real-time, personalized meal planning and dietary advice. Their interactive nature and adaptability make them valuable for promoting healthy dietary behaviors in the context of diet-related chronic diseases. However, evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. Systematic evaluations of their impact, features, and user acceptability are needed to clarify their role in public health strategies for improving dietary behaviors and preventing chronic diseases. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CAs in improving dietary behaviors, to describe their features, functions, conversational capabilities, and impact on nutritional knowledge, usability, acceptability, user experience, and engagement. Five electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. We only included sources that focused on the use of CAs to change dietary behavior. Eligible studies were published since 2013 in English, French, or Spanish. Two independent reviewers screened studies, with a third resolving disagreements. The quality of studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (McGill University). Quantitative and qualitative findings were synthesized narratively. In total, 2200 references were identified, and after screening and eligibility assessment, 11 references (10 studies with approximately 20-480 participants) were included. Among the included studies, improvements in fruit and vegetable intake were reported in 2 studies (P=.04 and P=.005). One study found significant increases in adherence to the Mediterranean diet at 6 weeks with gains maintained at 12 weeks. Two additional studies reported enhanced nutritional knowledge (eg, nutrition label use). Effects on protein, whole grains, sugar, sodium, and caffeine intake were mixed or nonsignificant. Some studies reported increased physical activity (+109.8 min/wk) and reduced alcohol use for stress management. One randomized controlled trial showed modest but significant weight loss and decrease in waist circumference (-2.1 cm, 95% CI -3.5 to 0.7; P=.003). Engagement varied between studies. Usability and user experience were generally positive; goal setting, feedback, and tailored recommendations were linked to higher satisfaction. Reported challenges included unnatural conversation style, simplistic content, and limited perceived usefulness. CAs show promising potential to improve dietary behaviors, with evidence of gains in fruit and vegetable intake, Mediterranean diet adherence, nutritional knowledge, physical activity, and modest weight loss. Overall usability was favorable, but variability in outcomes, high attrition, and limited impact on social support highlight areas for refinement. Future research should use larger samples, longer follow-up, standardized outcomes, and strategies to enhance sustained engagement and inclusivity. Systematic evaluations and refined designs are essential to establish the role of CAs as scalable, evidence-based tools in chronic disease prevention.

Background Healthy eating habits at a young age are crucial to support growth and development and good general health. In this context, monitoring youth dietary intakes adequately with valid tools is important to develop efficient interventions and identify groups that are more at risk of inadequate intakes. This study aimed to assess the relative validity of the self-administered web-based 24-h dietary recall (R24W) for evaluating energy and nutrient intakes among active adolescents. Methods Participants were invited to complete one interviewer-administered 24-h dietary dietary recall and the R24W on up to three occasions within one month. A total of 272 French-speaking active adolescents aged 12 to 17 years from the province of Québec were invited to complete three R24W and one interview-administered 24-h recall. Student’s t-test and correlations were conducted on sex-adjusted data. Percent differences, cross-classification (percentage of agreement), weighted Kappa and Bland-Altman plots were calculated. Results Mean (SD) energy intake from the R24W was 8.8% higher than from the interview-administered 24-h dietary recall (2558 kcal ± 1128 vs. 2444 kcal ± 998, p  < 0.05). Significant differences in mean nutrient intake between the R24W and the interview-administered 24-h dietary recall ranged from 6.5% for % E from fat ( p  < 0.05) to 25.2% for saturated fat ( p  < 0.001), i.e., higher values with R24W. Sex-adjusted correlations were significant for all nutrients except for % E from proteins and thiamin (range: 0.24 to 0.52, p  < 0.01). Cross-classification demonstrated that 36.6% of the participants were classified in the same fourth with both methods, 39.6% in the adjacent fourth, and 5.7% misclassified. Bland-Atman plots revealed proportional bias between the two methods for 7/25 nutrients. Completing at least two recalls with the R24W increased the precision of intake estimates. Conclusion These data suggest that the R24W presents an acceptable relative validity compared to a standard interview-administered 24-h recall for estimating energy and most nutrients in a cohort of French-speaking adolescents from the province of Québec.

Background The importance of adopting healthy eating habits at a young age to prevent obesity and chronic diseases justifies the need for effective interventions. Objective This study evaluated the impact of a family web-based nutrition intervention on vegetable and fruit (V/F) and dairy product (DP) consumption, nutrient intakes, diet quality and BMI or BMI z-scores. Methods Forty-three families with children aged 8–16 years were randomized to either the family web-based intervention, or web-based general nutrition guidelines (control) over 8 weeks. Nutritional variables were assessed with three-day dietary records while anthropometry (body weight and height) was assessed with standardized measures at baseline (PRE), immediately after the intervention (POST 1) and 3–6 months after the intervention (POST 2). Linear mixed models for repeated measures were used to assess the main effects and their interactions followed by post hoc tests. Results The intervention had an effect on DP, total sugar, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in children (Group x Time, P  = 0.02 to 0.03) and on DP, V/F juice, carbohydrates, total sugar, saturated fat, protein and calcium in parents (Group x Time, P  = 0.01 to 0.03). Post hoc tests revealed children in the intervention group increased their DP intakes immediately after the intervention (POST1) but decreased at follow-up (POST2). No effect of the intervention on V/F, diet quality or BMI was observed. Conclusion Compared to general nutrition guidelines, this family web-based nutrition intervention had a modest effect on nutrient intakes, but beneficial effect on DP intakes in the short term. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03798808 , Registered 10 january 2019 - Retrospectively registered.

Background Body image variables such as body size perception (BSP) and body size dissatisfaction (BSD) can influence health-related behaviors. However, few studies have investigated these body image variables in adolescent girls participating in a physical activity intervention. Therefore, the study objectives were to examine the 1) associations between health-related behaviors (physical activity, screen-time, eating habits and sleep duration) and BSP and BSD among girls participating in FitSpirit, a physical activity intervention for girls; and 2) influence of weight control practices on the association between health-related behaviors and BSP and BSD. Methods This cross-sectional study assessed a sample of 545 adolescent girls (mean age: 15.0±1.5 years) from 240 schools. Body mass index, health-related behaviors, perceived actual body size and desired body size variables were self-reported and collected via an online questionnaire at the end of the FitSpirit intervention. A negative BSP score [perceived actual body size – calculated BMI z -score] indicates an underestimation of body size. A positive BSD score [perceived actual body size – desired body size] indicates a desire to reduce body size. A multiple linear regression analysis examined the effects of age, zBMI and health behaviors on BSP and BSD. A second multiple linear regression analysis examined the independent associations between BSP and BSD by weight control practice. The linear relationships between BSP and BSD were evaluated with Pearson’s correlations. Results Underestimation and dissatisfaction of body size are more prevalent in participants living with overweight/obesity. Screen-time and sleep duration were independently associated with BSP score (Beta=0.02; P <0.05 and Beta=-0.07; P <0.05, respectively), whereas only screen-time was associated with the BSD score (Beta=0.07; P <0.001). Physical activity was independently associated with the BSP score only in participants trying to control (maintain) their weight (Beta=-0.18; P <0.05). Conclusions Body size overestimation and dissatisfaction are associated with health-related behaviors, specifically with more screen-time and less optimal sleeping habits. Physical activity level does not appear to be associated with body image in girls engaged in a physical activity intervention and who want to lose or gain weight. Health promotion interventions could include screen-time and sleep components as they may influence body image.

This secondary data analysis study aimed to examine the associations between 1) body size perception (BSP) and body size dissatisfaction (BSD) and 2) lifestyle behaviors and BSP and BSD in adolescents. The study pooled cross-sectional data from two studies (n = 301) performed in adolescents. Weight and height were measured, while lifestyle behaviors and perceived actual and desired body size variables were self-reported. Linear regression analysis assessed the contribution of sex and zBMI to BSP and BSD scores. Pearson’s correlation explored associations between BSP and BSD. Cohen’s effect sizes compared satisfied and dissatisfied adolescents within the underestimators subgroup. A positive association between BSP and BSD scores was observed among girls living with normal-weight and overweight/obesity only (r = 0.26; p ≤ 0.001 and r = 0.38; p < 0.05, respectively). Underestimators who were satisfied with their body size showed a moderate effect size for a lower zBMI, a small effect size for lower screen time, and higher sleep duration compared to dissatisfied underestimators. Underestimation was associated with more body size satisfaction in adolescent girls with normal weight and overweight/obesity, suggesting a protective effect of underestimation. These findings support the hypothesis that body size satisfaction and underestimation in adolescents is associated with healthier lifestyle behaviors.

Background Access to healthy, affordable food is a challenge in many communities. There is growing recognition that co-designed, community-led approaches, which directly involve end-users in the development, implementation, and evaluation processes, are needed to create effective and contextually appropriate food access interventions. However, limited research has examined the experiences and perceptions of the end-users who play a central role in these processes. This study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of community member end-users (termed Community Advisors) involved in a co-designed food access initiative titled food uniting neighbours (f.u.n.). Methods A qualitative approach was used. Data were collected through focus groups and individual interviews with f.u.n. Community Advisors (n = 12). Results Four major themes were identified: 1) Motivation to be a Community Advisor, including social connection, helping others, and skill-building; 2) Importance of Community Advisors to the Co-Designed Project, highlighting their role in humanizing the project, building trust, and ensuring community relevance; 3) Facilitators of Community Advisor Success such as mutual respect, teamwork, and administrative support; and 4) Suggestions for Improvement which emphasized the need for greater cultural diversity among the Advisors and more sustainable funding structures. Conclusions Community member end-users play a vital role in co-designed food access solutions contributing authenticity, trust, and deep community insight. Findings suggest that inclusive representation, supportive team dynamics, and stable funding may help sustain meaningful engagement of community members in co-designed initiatives. These findings underscore the importance of developing co-designed processes that are not only empowering but also structurally supported to ensure long-term impact. Plain English summary Access to healthy, affordable food is a serious challenge in many communities. Co-design is a research approach in which people directly affected by an issue help shape the solutions. This approach ensures that programs created reflect the real needs and experiences of the people they are meant to help. In this study, community members with experience facing challenges related to food access co-designed a project, titled food uniting neighbours (f.u.n). These community members, who we refer to as Community Advisors, are local residents who co-run and guide the project with researchers. While co-design is becoming more common, there is limited research on the role of community members and their perceptions of the co-design process. To address this gap, we spoke to 12 Community Advisors through focus groups and interviews to gain insight into why they became involved, the roles they played, and the supports they needed to successfully implement the co-designed project. By understanding their experiences, we can improve how co-design projects are planned, implemented, and supported. Four key themes emerged: 1. Why they joined—to connect with others, help their community, and build skills. 2. Their impact—they made the project more relatable, trustworthy, and relevant. 3. What helped them succeed—mutual respect, strong teamwork, and good support. 4. What could be better—more cultural diversity among Advisors and stable funding. The study shows that community members are essential to co-designed projects. To support their involvement, future co-designed projects should prioritize inclusive practices, strong communication, and reliable resources.

PURPOSE: To examine whether yogurt consumption is associated with a healthier dietary pattern and with a better cardio-metabolic risk profile among healthy individuals classified on the basis of their body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A 91-item food frequency questionnaire, including data on yogurt consumption, was administered to 664 subjects from the INFOGENE study. After principal component analysis, two factors were retained, thus classified as the Prudent and Western dietary patterns. RESULTS: Yogurt was a significant contributor to the Prudent dietary pattern. Moreover, yogurt consumption was associated with lower body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist circumference and tended to be associated with a lower BMI. Consumers had lower levels of fasting total cholesterol and insulin. Consumers of yogurt had a positive Prudent dietary pattern mean score, while the opposite trend was observed in non-consumers of yogurt. Overweight/obese individuals who were consumers of yogurts exhibited a more favorable cardio-metabolic profile characterized by lower plasma triglyceride and insulin levels than non-consumers within the same range of BMI. There was no difference in total yogurt consumption between normal-weight individuals and overweight/obese individuals. However, normal-weight subjects had more daily servings of high-fat yogurt and less daily servings of fat-free yogurt compared to overweight/obese individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Being a significant contributor to the Prudent dietary pattern, yogurt consumption may be associated with healthy eating. Also, yogurt consumption may be associated with lower anthropometric indicators and a more beneficial cardio-metabolic risk profile in overweight/obese individuals.

Background The increase in overweight and obesity in adolescents and its health-related consequences highlight the need to develop strategies, which could help them adopt healthy eating habits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an innovative web-based school nutrition intervention (Team Nutriathlon) aimed at promoting the consumption of vegetables and fruit (V/F) and milk and alternatives (M/A) in high school students and to identify facilitators and/or barriers influencing its success. Methods Ten classes of first and second year secondary students (grades 7 and 8) from the Québec City region were randomized into two groups (control n  = 89 and intervention n  = 193). Participants in the intervention (Team Nutriathlon) were to increase their consumption of V/F and M/A using an innovative web-based platform, developed for this study, over 6 weeks. The control group followed the regular school curriculum. The number of servings of V/F and M/A consumed by students per day was compared between the two groups before, during, immediately after and 10 weeks after the intervention using a web-based platform. Main outcome measures included V/F and M/A servings and facilitators and/or barriers of program success. Repeated measures linear fixed effects models were used to assess the impact of Team Nutriathlon on V/F and M/A consumption. A P -value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results Students in the intervention reported a significant increase of 3 servings and 1.8 servings per day of V/F and M/A, respectively, compared to the control group ( P  < 0.05); however, this was only observed in the short-term. Some factors contributing to the success of Team Nutriathlon included the team aspect of the program, use of the technology and recording results outside of classroom hours. Conclusion Team Nutriathlon represents an innovative web-based nutrition program which positively impacts V/F and M/A consumption among high school students. Using web-based or technological platforms may help youth adopt healthy eating habits that will have implications later in adulthood; however, further studies are needed to determine their long-term effects. Trial registration NCT03117374 (retrospectively registered).