Lara Nasreddine
Biographic Data
| ID | 7186109 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Lara Nasreddine |
| GIVEN NAMES | Lara |
| FAMILY NAME | Nasreddine |
| SIGNATURE | NASREDDINE L |
| AFFILIATIONS | American University of Beirut |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-3707-8218 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 23 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 0 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 23 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2006 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 0 |
Association of the healthy eating index with overweight and obesity among children aged 4 to 9 years in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study
Background: Pediatric obesity is a growing public health concern globally and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Understanding diet quality in relation to obesity risk is essential for developing effective interventions. The main objective of this study is to evaluate dietary quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), and examine its association with overweight and obesity among children aged 4 to 9 years in the UAE. Methods: Data fo…
Determinants of Child Growth in Palestine (Ages 5–17): A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to Food Insecurity, Nutrition, and Socioeconomic Factors
Background : The growth patterns of children and adolescents are influenced by multiple factors. This study employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to determine the primary factors influencing the growth of Palestinian children and adolescents in the West Bank (WB). Methods : A cross-sectional survey conducted in 2022 in the WB collected data from 1400 households, of which 500 with children aged 5-17 years and were selected for analysis. The …
Adherence to the Lebanese National Dietary and Lifestyle Guidelines for Pregnancy and Its Association With Postpartum Weight Retention
The Lebanese National Dietary and Lifestyle Guidelines for Pregnancy (DLGP) were developed to foster maternal and child health. The study aims to examine adherence to the DLGP and investigate its association with postpartum weight retention at 6 months (PPWR6). This study is based on the Mother and Infant Nutrition Assessment prospective cohort study conducted among pregnant women in Lebanon (n = 152). Pregnant women were recruited during their f…
Food-Based Dietary Guidelines in Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Comparison and an Update
Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) are key tools for providing comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for healthy eating using simple and understandable holistic diet approaches. This study aims to review national FBDGs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), examine and compare their dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and explore the inclusion of environmental sustainability considerations. The Food and Agriculture Organization'…
Investigating the Association between Nutrient Intake and Food Insecurity among Children and Adolescents in Palestine Using Machine Learning Techniques
Food insecurity is a public health concern that affects children worldwide, yet it represents a particular burden for low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to utilize machine learning to identify the associations between food insecurity and nutrient intake among children aged 5 to 18 years. The study's sample encompassed 1040 participants selected from a 2022 food insecurity household conducted in the West Bank, Palestine. The results…
Machine Learning Approach for Predicting the Impact of Food Insecurity on Nutrient Consumption and Malnutrition in Children Aged 6 Months to 5 Years
This study provides insights into the differential risks for growth issues among children, offering valuable information for targeted interventions and policymaking
Infant and young child feeding practices in Lebanon: A cross-sectional national study
Objective: To assess infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in Lebanon and investigate their associations with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Design: A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in 2012–2013. In addition to a socio-demographic and lifestyle questionnaire, a 24-h dietary recall for the children was collected, with mothers as proxies. IYCF practices were assessed based on the 2021 indicators of the WHO. Settin…
Households' Food Insecurity and Their Association With Dietary Intakes, Nutrition-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Under-five Children in Gaza Strip, Palestine
The present study aimed to determine the households' food insecurity and their association with dietary intakes, nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among under-five children in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 among a representative sample of under-five children. A total of 350 children and their proxy were selected from all Gaza strip governorates, using a cluster random sampling…
Prevalence and Correlates of Anemia among Adolescents Living in Hodeida, Yemen
This study assesses the prevalence and correlates of anemia among adolescents living in the war-affected region of Hodeida in Yemen. A secondary objective was to examine the effect of a nutrition education intervention on hemoglobin levels among anemic adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of adolescents aged 15-19 years in Hodeida ( n = 400). A questionnaire was administered to inquire about demographic, socioecon…
Food and nutrient intake of school-aged children in Lebanon and their adherence to dietary guidelines and recommendations
Nutrient intakes of school-aged children in Lebanon reflect suboptimal nutrition. Educational and public health interventions are needed to promote healthier diets among children and prevent micronutrient deficiencies during this critical phase
Maintaining Essential Nutrition Services to Underfive Children in Yemen: A Programmatic Adaptation Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged that, as health services divert their attention to the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of essential nutrition services may be compromised. This impact may be more pronounced in the context of humanitarian crises, such as the one currently unfolding in Yemen. In line with Pillar 9 of the WHO's COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, this paper reports on the nutrition program adaptations …
Development of national dietary and lifestyle guidelines for pregnant women in Lebanon
Although a number of international diet and lifestyle guidelines during pregnancy (DLGP) exist in the literature, contextualization to low- and middle-income settings is less common. The aim of this study was to present the Lebanese DLGP and to describe the process followed for their development. A mixed-method approach was used including a review and synthesis of existing international DLGP and a consensus building nominal group technique (NGT) …
Anemia and Nutritional Status of Syrian Refugee Mothers and Their Children under Five Years in Greater Beirut, Lebanon
The objective was to assess the prevalence of anemia and nutritional status of mothers and children under five years among Syrian refugees in Lebanon and to identify nutritional deficiencies among pregnant, lactating, and non-pregnant non-lactating (NPNLM) mothers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Syrian refugee mothers with children under five years in Greater Beirut, Lebanon ( n = 433). Data on socio-economic status, maternal health,…
Postpartum Weight Retention and Its Determinants in Lebanon and Qatar: Results of the Mother and Infant Nutrition Assessment (Mina) Cohort
Excessive Postpartum Weight Retention (PWR) is postulated to increase the risk of adverse health outcomes for mothers and offspring. Using data from the Mother and Infant Nutritional Assessment (MINA) cohort in Lebanon and Qatar, this study aimed to examine PWR and its determinants at 6 months after delivery. Pregnant women ( n = 183) were recruited during their first trimester and were followed up through pregnancy and after delivery. During thi…
Adherence to the Qatar dietary guidelines: A cross-sectional study of the gaps, determinants and association with cardiometabolic risk amongst adults
Building on the identified gaps and vulnerable population groups, the study findings should provide a road map for the prioritization of interventions and the development of culture- specific programs aiming at promoting adherence to dietary guidelines in Qatar, while serving as a model to other countries in the region
A minimally processed dietary pattern is associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome among Lebanese adults
Objective To (i) estimate the consumption of minimally processed, processed and ultra-processed foods in a sample of Lebanese adults; (ii) explore patterns of intakes of these food groups; and (iii) investigate the association of the derived patterns with cardiometabolic risk. Design Cross-sectional survey. Data collection included dietary assessment using an FFQ and biochemical, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Food items were cat…
Validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale in rural Lebanon
Objective To assess the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) in rural Lebanon. Design A cross-sectional study on a sample of households with at least one child aged 0–2 years. In a one-to-one interview, participants completed an adapted Arabic version of the HFIAS. In order to evaluate the validity of the HFIAS, basic sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements of the m…
Validity and Reliability of a Food Frequency Questionnaire Among Lebanese Children for the Assessment of Energy and Nutrient Intake
Introduction In order to evaluate the diet-disease association, valid dietary assessment tools that accurately assess nutritional intake are critical. Childhood is a critical window for intervention to delineate the risk of many nutrition-related diseases later in life. Limited validated tools exist to assess dietary intake in children aged less than 10 years in the Middle East and North Africa Region and in Lebanon. Objectives The main objective…
Trends in overweight and obesity in Lebanon: Evidence from two national cross-sectional surveys (1997 and 2009)
The study's findings highlight an alarming increase in obesity prevalence in the Lebanese population, over the 12-year study period, and alert to the importance of formulating policies and nutritional strategies to curb the obesity rise in the country
Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome in Lebanese adolescents
MS was identified in a substantial proportion of Lebanese obese adolescents, thus highlighting the importance of early screening for obesity-associated metabolic abnormalities and of developing successful multi-component interventions addressing adolescent obesity
Ethnic differences in body fat distribution among Asian pre-pubertal children: A cross-sectional multicenter study
Asian pre-pubertal children from different origins vary in body fat distribution. These results indicate the importance of population-specific WC cut-off points or other fat distribution indices to identify the population at risk of obesity-related health problems
Dietary patterns and their association with obesity and sociodemographic factors in a national sample of Lebanese adults
Objective To identify and characterize dietary patterns in Lebanon and assess their association with sociodemographic factors, BMI and waist circumference (WC). Design A cross-sectional population-based survey. In a face-to-face interview, participants completed a brief sociodemographic and semiquantitative FFQ. In addition, anthropometric measurements were obtained following standard techniques. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysi…
Food consumption patterns in an adult urban population in Beirut, Lebanon
Objectives To investigate, measure and assess the food consumption pattern of the adult population living in Beirut, Lebanon, and to identify inadequate or excessive intake of food groups particularly linked to non-communicable diseases. Design A cross-sectional food consumption survey was conducted in 2001. Dietary habits were assessed by means of a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Setting Dietary survey of the urban population (Beirut…
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Food consumption patterns in an adult urban population in Beirut, Lebanon
Objectives To investigate, measure and assess the food consumption pattern of the adult population living in Beirut, Lebanon, and to identify inadequate or excessive intake of food groups particularly linked to non-communicable diseases. Design A cross-sectional food consumption survey was conducted in 2001. Dietary habits were assessed by means of a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Setting Dietary survey of the urban population (Beirut…
Ethnic differences in body fat distribution among Asian pre-pubertal children: A cross-sectional multicenter study
Asian pre-pubertal children from different origins vary in body fat distribution. These results indicate the importance of population-specific WC cut-off points or other fat distribution indices to identify the population at risk of obesity-related health problems
Dietary patterns and their association with obesity and sociodemographic factors in a national sample of Lebanese adults
Objective To identify and characterize dietary patterns in Lebanon and assess their association with sociodemographic factors, BMI and waist circumference (WC). Design A cross-sectional population-based survey. In a face-to-face interview, participants completed a brief sociodemographic and semiquantitative FFQ. In addition, anthropometric measurements were obtained following standard techniques. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysi…
Trends in overweight and obesity in Lebanon: Evidence from two national cross-sectional surveys (1997 and 2009)
The study's findings highlight an alarming increase in obesity prevalence in the Lebanese population, over the 12-year study period, and alert to the importance of formulating policies and nutritional strategies to curb the obesity rise in the country
Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome in Lebanese adolescents
MS was identified in a substantial proportion of Lebanese obese adolescents, thus highlighting the importance of early screening for obesity-associated metabolic abnormalities and of developing successful multi-component interventions addressing adolescent obesity
Validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale in rural Lebanon
Objective To assess the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) in rural Lebanon. Design A cross-sectional study on a sample of households with at least one child aged 0–2 years. In a one-to-one interview, participants completed an adapted Arabic version of the HFIAS. In order to evaluate the validity of the HFIAS, basic sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements of the m…
Validity and Reliability of a Food Frequency Questionnaire Among Lebanese Children for the Assessment of Energy and Nutrient Intake
Introduction In order to evaluate the diet-disease association, valid dietary assessment tools that accurately assess nutritional intake are critical. Childhood is a critical window for intervention to delineate the risk of many nutrition-related diseases later in life. Limited validated tools exist to assess dietary intake in children aged less than 10 years in the Middle East and North Africa Region and in Lebanon. Objectives The main objective…
Adherence to the Qatar dietary guidelines: A cross-sectional study of the gaps, determinants and association with cardiometabolic risk amongst adults
Building on the identified gaps and vulnerable population groups, the study findings should provide a road map for the prioritization of interventions and the development of culture- specific programs aiming at promoting adherence to dietary guidelines in Qatar, while serving as a model to other countries in the region
A minimally processed dietary pattern is associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome among Lebanese adults
Objective To (i) estimate the consumption of minimally processed, processed and ultra-processed foods in a sample of Lebanese adults; (ii) explore patterns of intakes of these food groups; and (iii) investigate the association of the derived patterns with cardiometabolic risk. Design Cross-sectional survey. Data collection included dietary assessment using an FFQ and biochemical, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Food items were cat…
Postpartum Weight Retention and Its Determinants in Lebanon and Qatar: Results of the Mother and Infant Nutrition Assessment (Mina) Cohort
Excessive Postpartum Weight Retention (PWR) is postulated to increase the risk of adverse health outcomes for mothers and offspring. Using data from the Mother and Infant Nutritional Assessment (MINA) cohort in Lebanon and Qatar, this study aimed to examine PWR and its determinants at 6 months after delivery. Pregnant women ( n = 183) were recruited during their first trimester and were followed up through pregnancy and after delivery. During thi…
Maintaining Essential Nutrition Services to Underfive Children in Yemen: A Programmatic Adaptation Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged that, as health services divert their attention to the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of essential nutrition services may be compromised. This impact may be more pronounced in the context of humanitarian crises, such as the one currently unfolding in Yemen. In line with Pillar 9 of the WHO's COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, this paper reports on the nutrition program adaptations …
Development of national dietary and lifestyle guidelines for pregnant women in Lebanon
Although a number of international diet and lifestyle guidelines during pregnancy (DLGP) exist in the literature, contextualization to low- and middle-income settings is less common. The aim of this study was to present the Lebanese DLGP and to describe the process followed for their development. A mixed-method approach was used including a review and synthesis of existing international DLGP and a consensus building nominal group technique (NGT) …
Anemia and Nutritional Status of Syrian Refugee Mothers and Their Children under Five Years in Greater Beirut, Lebanon
The objective was to assess the prevalence of anemia and nutritional status of mothers and children under five years among Syrian refugees in Lebanon and to identify nutritional deficiencies among pregnant, lactating, and non-pregnant non-lactating (NPNLM) mothers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Syrian refugee mothers with children under five years in Greater Beirut, Lebanon ( n = 433). Data on socio-economic status, maternal health,…
Households' Food Insecurity and Their Association With Dietary Intakes, Nutrition-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Under-five Children in Gaza Strip, Palestine
The present study aimed to determine the households' food insecurity and their association with dietary intakes, nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among under-five children in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 among a representative sample of under-five children. A total of 350 children and their proxy were selected from all Gaza strip governorates, using a cluster random sampling…
Prevalence and Correlates of Anemia among Adolescents Living in Hodeida, Yemen
This study assesses the prevalence and correlates of anemia among adolescents living in the war-affected region of Hodeida in Yemen. A secondary objective was to examine the effect of a nutrition education intervention on hemoglobin levels among anemic adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of adolescents aged 15-19 years in Hodeida ( n = 400). A questionnaire was administered to inquire about demographic, socioecon…
Food and nutrient intake of school-aged children in Lebanon and their adherence to dietary guidelines and recommendations
Nutrient intakes of school-aged children in Lebanon reflect suboptimal nutrition. Educational and public health interventions are needed to promote healthier diets among children and prevent micronutrient deficiencies during this critical phase
Infant and young child feeding practices in Lebanon: A cross-sectional national study
Objective: To assess infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in Lebanon and investigate their associations with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Design: A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in 2012–2013. In addition to a socio-demographic and lifestyle questionnaire, a 24-h dietary recall for the children was collected, with mothers as proxies. IYCF practices were assessed based on the 2021 indicators of the WHO. Settin…
Investigating the Association between Nutrient Intake and Food Insecurity among Children and Adolescents in Palestine Using Machine Learning Techniques
Food insecurity is a public health concern that affects children worldwide, yet it represents a particular burden for low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to utilize machine learning to identify the associations between food insecurity and nutrient intake among children aged 5 to 18 years. The study's sample encompassed 1040 participants selected from a 2022 food insecurity household conducted in the West Bank, Palestine. The results…
Machine Learning Approach for Predicting the Impact of Food Insecurity on Nutrient Consumption and Malnutrition in Children Aged 6 Months to 5 Years
This study provides insights into the differential risks for growth issues among children, offering valuable information for targeted interventions and policymaking
Association of the healthy eating index with overweight and obesity among children aged 4 to 9 years in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study
Background: Pediatric obesity is a growing public health concern globally and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Understanding diet quality in relation to obesity risk is essential for developing effective interventions. The main objective of this study is to evaluate dietary quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), and examine its association with overweight and obesity among children aged 4 to 9 years in the UAE. Methods: Data fo…
Determinants of Child Growth in Palestine (Ages 5–17): A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to Food Insecurity, Nutrition, and Socioeconomic Factors
Background : The growth patterns of children and adolescents are influenced by multiple factors. This study employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to determine the primary factors influencing the growth of Palestinian children and adolescents in the West Bank (WB). Methods : A cross-sectional survey conducted in 2022 in the WB collected data from 1400 households, of which 500 with children aged 5-17 years and were selected for analysis. The …
Adherence to the Lebanese National Dietary and Lifestyle Guidelines for Pregnancy and Its Association With Postpartum Weight Retention
The Lebanese National Dietary and Lifestyle Guidelines for Pregnancy (DLGP) were developed to foster maternal and child health. The study aims to examine adherence to the DLGP and investigate its association with postpartum weight retention at 6 months (PPWR6). This study is based on the Mother and Infant Nutrition Assessment prospective cohort study conducted among pregnant women in Lebanon (n = 152). Pregnant women were recruited during their f…
Food-Based Dietary Guidelines in Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Comparison and an Update
Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) are key tools for providing comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for healthy eating using simple and understandable holistic diet approaches. This study aims to review national FBDGs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), examine and compare their dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and explore the inclusion of environmental sustainability considerations. The Food and Agriculture Organization'…
Medicine (20 works) · Environmental health (17 works) · Child Nutrition and Water Access (14 works) · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet (14 works) · Anthropometry (10 works) · Demography (9 works) · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations (9 works) · Obesity (9 works) · Population (9 works) · Cross-sectional study (8 works)