The four studies of this thesis address the gaps in knowledge of the key environmental influencers, psychosocial mediators and moderators of energy balance related behaviours influencing weight control among two disparate groups of women. Women actively engaged in regular exercise…

This dissertation sought to add to knowledge of the links between human and ecosystem health by examining relationships between biodiversity and human nutrition in the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. Grounded in a theoretical framework drawing from systems approaches to human…

Inappropriate complementary feeding (CF) practices and inadequate nutrient intakes contribute to the high level of malnutrition among children 6-24 months of age in Ghana. In communities where the economy is agricultural-based, interventions aimed at addressing malnutrition among infants and young…

Weight loss in overweight and obese persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) decreases risk of cardiovascular disease. There is some evidence that written menu plans and Internet-based menu programs advocating healthy eating are associated with weight loss in non-diabetic…

Aim: To understand how the healthy lifestyle promoting workshops offered by the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project (KSDPP) bring about transformative experiences that change how participants live their lives.Design: Qualitative study of semi-structured interviews.Setting: KSDPP is a community based participatory…