In this paper, we explore the ways in which we can employ arts-based research methods to unpack and represent the diversity and complexity of journalistic experiences and (self) conceptualisations. We address the need to reconsider the ways in which we theorise and research the field of journalism. We thereby aim to complement the current methodologies, theories, and prisms through which we consider our object of study to depict more comprehensively the diversity of practices in the field. To gather stories about journalism creatively (and ultimately more inclusively and richly), we propose and present the use of arts-based research methods in journalism studies. By employing visual and narrative artistic forms as a research tool, we make room for the senses, emotion and imagination on the part of the respondents, researchers and audiences of the output. We draw on a specific collaboration with artists and journalists that resulted in a research event in which 32 journalists were invited to collaboratively recreate the “richness and complexity” of journalistic practices.
The metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises cardiometabolic risk factors frequently found in individuals with obesity. Guidelines to prevent or reverse MetS suggest limiting fat intake, however, lowering carbohydrate intake has gained attention too. The aim for this review was to determine to what extent either weight loss, reduction in caloric intake, or changes in macronutrient intake contribute to improvement in markers of MetS in persons with obesity without cardiometabolic disease. A meta-analysis was performed across a spectrum of studies applying low-carbohydrate (LC) and low-fat (LF) diets. PubMed searches yielded 17 articles describing 12 separate intervention studies assessing changes in MetS markers of persons with obesity assigned to LC (<40% energy from carbohydrates) or LF (<30% energy from fat) diets. Both diets could lead to weight loss and improve markers of MetS. Meta-regression revealed that weight loss most efficaciously reduced fasting glucose levels independent of macronutrient intake at the end of the study. Actual carbohydrate intake and actual fat intake at the end of the study, but not the percent changes in intake of these macronutrients, improved diastolic blood pressure and circulating triglyceride levels, without an effect of weight loss. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance improved with both diets, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol only improved in the LC diet, both irrespective of aforementioned factors. Remarkably, changes in caloric intake did not play a primary role in altering MetS markers. Taken together, these data suggest that, beyond the general effects of the LC and LF diet categories to improve MetS markers, there are also specific roles for weight loss, LC and HF intake, but not reduced caloric intake, that improve markers of MetS irrespective of diet categorization. On the basis of the results from this meta-analysis, guidelines to prevent MetS may need to be re-evaluated.
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Background: The objective of this study was to derive evidence-based physical activity guidelines for the general Dutch population. Methods: Two systematic reviews were conducted of English language meta-analyses in PubMed summarizing separately randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies on the relation between physical activity and sedentary behaviour on the one hand and the risk of all-cause mortality and incidence of 15 major chronic diseases and conditions on the other hand. Other outcome measures were risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, physical functioning, and fitness. On the basis of these reviews, an expert committee derived physical activity guidelines. In deriving the guidelines, the committee first selected only experimental and observational prospective findings with a strong level of evidence and then integrated both lines of evidence. Results: The evidence found for beneficial effects on a large number of the outcome measures was sufficiently strong to draw up guidelines to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour, respectively. At the same time, the current evidence did not provide a sufficient basis for quantifying how much physical activity is minimally needed to achieve beneficial health effects, or at what amount sedentary behaviour becomes detrimental. A general tenet was that at every level of current activity, further increases in physical activity provide additional health benefits, with relatively larger effects among those who are currently not active or active only at light intensity. Three specific guidelines on (1) moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity, (2) bone- and musclestrengthening activities, and (3) sedentary behaviour were formulated separately for adults and children. Conclusions: There is an unabated need for evidence-based physical activity guidelines that can guide public health policies. Research in which physical activity is measured both objectively (quantity) and subjectively (type and quality) is needed to provide better estimates of the type and actual amount of physical activity required for health.
