Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.Objective:To examine the level of overestimation (LO), associated factors, and identify the group of severe overestimators, among recreational... Show moreSupplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.Objective:To examine the level of overestimation (LO), associated factors, and identify the group of severe overestimators, among recreational skiers.Design:Cross-sectional observational study.Setting:An intermediate difficulty slope in an artificial snow indoor ski hall, and one in the mountains (Flachau, Austria).Participants:Dutch recreational skiers.Independent Variables:Participants were asked to rate themselves (SRSS, self-reported skill score). While skiing downhill they were objectively evaluated by 2 expert assessors (OSS, observed skill score). Potential associated factors and predictors for severe overestimation were assessed by a questionnaire.Main outcome measures:The LO, calculated by subtracting the OSS from the SRSS, was categorized into "no," "mild," and "severe." Potential differences between these groups were analyzed, and regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with severe overestimation. To construct a profile of severe overestimators, the dataset was stratified based on 3 variables.Results:Overestimation was largely present (79.8%), and was severe in 32%. The LO decreased toward the more skilled skiers. Severe overestimators were mainly male, skied the least hours per day, were more avoidant, and showed the highest proportions of beginners and slightly advanced skiers. The profile of "severe overestimator" is characterized by physically unprepared males, avoidant for certain weather circumstances.Conclusions:Overestimation among recreational Dutch skiers is largely present, particularly among physically unprepared males, avoidant of certain snow and weather conditions. These features may function as a proxy to identify "severe overestimators" in comparable populations. Preventive strategies should focus to increase awareness particularly among these subjects. Show less
To examine the nature of the association between depression and obesity and to determine possible underlying (demographic) factors, we conducted a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies in the... Show moreTo examine the nature of the association between depression and obesity and to determine possible underlying (demographic) factors, we conducted a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies in the general population. We searched in major bibliographical databases (PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo) for studies examining the association between obesity and depression in the adult, general population. Seventeen studies were included with a total of 204,507 participants. We calculated an overall pooled mean effect size and conducted subgroup analyses on gender, age, continent of residence, year of publication and several differences in measurement methods. After removing two outliers, the overall association for depression and obesity was very significant. Subgroup analyses showed a trend indicating a possible significant difference between males and females. We found a significant positive association for females and a smaller nonsignificant association for males. The results of other subgroup analyses showed no significant differences. According to the findings of this study, there is a significant positive association between depression and obesity in the general population, which appeared to be more marked among women. Further research should focus on underlying factors and examine causal pathways between depression and obesity. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. Show less
