Linn Bøhler

• Andersen, Eivind; Bøhler, Linn; Leirbakk, Maria J.; Cabral, Danielle; Wedegren, Mia C. & Wieland, Mark L. [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2025). Effects of a lifestyle programme on accelerometer-measured physical activity level and sedentary time on overweight and obese women of Somali background living in Norway. BMC Public Health. 25(1), p. 1–11. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22475-z. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Given the elevated prevalence and impact of overweight and the potential risk of non-communicable diseases among women of Somali background in high-income countries and recognising the potential positive impact of physical activity (PA) on these health conditions, it becomes imperative to focus on understanding the PA behaviour of this specific population. The objectives of this paper were twofold: firstly, to provide a comprehensive description of both objectively and subjectively measured PA level and sedentary time in a group of overweight women of Somali background in Norway, and secondly, to assess the effectiveness of a tailored, culturally sensitive, community-based intervention in increasing PA and reducing sedentary time. Methods 169 overweight women of Somali background in Norway were randomised by borough to either a lifestyle programme or a comparison group. The programme consisted of two sessions per week for 12 weeks, combining classroom discussion with graded group-based PA led by coaches, followed by monthly sessions over nine months. PA was measured objectively using the ActivPAL monitor and subjectively using the international PA questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF) at baseline and 12 months after baseline. Results The women took on average 6804 (SD = 3286) steps per day and were sedentary for 9.1 (SD = 3) hours per day at baseline. There were no differences between groups on any accelerometer measured PA variable at any timepoint. There were significant differences on vigorous intensity PA (25.9 min; 95% CI 7.7, 44.1) and total PA (77.6 min; 95% CI 13.2, 142.1) at the 12-month measurement session between the two groups using the IPAQ-SF. Conclusion Despite observing initially low PA levels and high sedentary time at baseline and thus a considerable potential for intervention, the intervention failed in attaining an increase in accelerometer measured PA or reduction in sedentary time compared to the control condition. However, self-reported measures indicated success in these aspects. The potential threats to the programme’s reliability and validity include high drop-out rates possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, contamination and low attendance rates. These challenges underscore the complexity of interventions in this demographic, emphasising the need for further exploration and refinement of methodologies to effectively enhance PA levels and reduce sedentary time in immigrant women living in high-income countries.

• Bøhler, Linn; Meyer, Haakon Eduard; Stigum, Hein; Leirbakk, Maria Jensberg; Cabral, Danielle & Wedegren, Mia Charlott [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2024). A controlled weight loss intervention study among women of Somali background in Norway. Journal of Migration and Health. 9. doi: 10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100231. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Women of Somali background in Norway have a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, compared with women in the general Norwegian population. For lifestyle interventions to be applicable for immigrants to Norway, it is important to culturally tailor interventions in collaboration with relevant communities. The primary outcome was a difference in weight change between the intervention and control groups. Methods: In this interventional study, Somali women living in one borough of Oslo Municipality in Norway with body mass index (BMI) ≥27.0 kg.m-2 received a co-created, culturally tailored 12-month weight loss intervention consisting of 24 interactive sessions during the first three months, and monthly sessions for the next nine months, compared to a control group. Both groups were measured at baseline and 12 months. Results: A total of 169 participants were recruited, and 101 participants completed the follow-up. After multiple imputation, the mean difference in weight change adjusted for baseline weight, age, education, employment, marital status, number of children in the household and length of Norwegian residency was -1.6 kg (95 % CI -3.57, 0.43, p = 0.12) in the intervention compared to the control group. Conclusion: This culturally tailored intervention study demonstrated a modest non-significant effect on weight change after 12 months, possibly due to the short intervention duration and COVID-19. Further studies of a longer duration and considering the provision of childcare are needed to understand whether this approach can be transferred to other immigrant groups and genders.

• Bohler, Linn; Meyer, Haakon E.; Leirbakk, Maria J.; Wedegren, Mia Charlott; Rangsvåg, Hege G. & Kjøllesdal, Marte Karoline Råberg [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Risk factors for non-communicable diseases among overweight and obese women of Somali background in Oslo, Norway. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health. ISSN 2452-0918. 23. doi: 10.1016/j.cegh.2023.101384. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the most common causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Somalis are a relatively new immigrant group in Norway and knowledge about their health status and risk factors for NCDs is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of selected risk factors for NCDs among overweight and obese women of Somali background in Oslo, Norway. Methods Baseline data of an exercise intervention study among women of Somali background (n = 168, recruited between September 2020 and September 2022). Body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), non-fasting glucose, and blood lipids were measured. Results Mean (SD) age was 46.8 years (10.4) and BMI was 33.9 kg/m2 (5.1). Mean total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), HbA1c, non-fasting glucose, and blood pressure were within the normal range on average. Per one unit increase in BMI systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased by 0.89 mm/Hg (95%CI: 0.35−1.44, P = 0.002) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increased by 0.46 mm/Hg (95%CI: 0.17−0.75 P = 0.002). No relation between BMI and HbA1c, blood lipids, age, education level, number of children in the household, or length of residence in Norway was found. Conclusion Despite the high BMI, most of the selected risk factors for NCDs had mean values within the normal range. The participants had a low prevalence of diabetes type 2 and hyperlipidemia, although there was a moderate association between BMI and blood pressure. This indicates that it is possible to be obese and be of relatively good health in this population.

• Brantsæter, Anne Lise; Hånes, Hanna; Bøhler, Linn; Meltzer, Helle Margrete & Holvik, Kristin (2018). Kosthald. In Grøholt, Else Karin; Bøhler, Linn & Hånes, Hanna (Ed.), Folkehelserapporten - Helsetilstanden i Norge. Folkehelseinstituttet. Full text in Research Archive
• Meyer, Haakon E; Vollrath, Margarete E. & Bøhler, Linn (2018). Overvekt og fedme. In Grøholt, Else Karin; Bøhler, Linn & Hånes, Hanna (Ed.), Folkehelserapporten - Helsetilstanden i Norge. Folkehelseinstituttet. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn; Coutinho, Silvia dos Santos Ribeiro F.; Rehfeld, Jens F.; Morgan, Linda & Martins, Catia (2018). Differences in the postprandial release of appetite-related hormones between active and inactive men. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. ISSN 1526-484X. 28(6), p. 602–610. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0303. Full text in Research Archive
• Granum, Berit; Vestrheim, Didrik Frimann; Størdal, Ketil; Ohm, Eyvind; Suren, Pål & Bøhler, Linn [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Barn og unges fysiske helse. In Grøholt, Else Karin; Bøhler, Linn & Hånes, Hanna (Ed.), Folkehelserapporten - Helsetilstanden i Norge. Folkehelseinstituttet. Full text in Research Archive
• Gaio, Vania; Antunes, Liliana; Namorado, Sonia; Barreto, Marta; Gil, Ana & Kyslaya, Irina [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2017). Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portugal: Results from the First Portuguese Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015). Obesity Research and Clinical Practice. ISSN 1871-403X. 12(1), p. 40–50. doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2017.08.002. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2012). Hva er sammenhengen mellom alkoholinntak og kreftutvikling? Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.10.3.2. Full text in Research Archive

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• Madar, Ahmed Ali; Sahragard, Sahragard; Bøhler, Linn; Wedegren, Mia Charlott; Rangsvåg, Hege Gambo & Leirbakk, Maria [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Food and nutrient intake among overweight/obese women of Somali background in Oslo, Norway. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. ISSN 1403-4948. 50. doi: 10.1177/14034948231190. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: In Norway, women with a Somali background are more overweight and obese than their Norwegian counterparts, with an increased susceptibility to diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases. However, there is limited information on their dietary intake. This study aimed to describe food and nutrient intake among overweight and obese women with a Somali background in Oslo. Methods: Design: Baseline data for the lifestyle intervention study. Setting: Oslo municipality. Participants: Overweight and obese women (n = 168) aged 22-82 years, were included in the intervention study between September 2020 and September 2022. A trained interviewer performed 24-hour dietary recalls on two consecutive days to assess food and beverage intake. The dietary assessment system KBS (version 7.3, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway, database AE-18) was used for energy, food, and nutrient estimation. Results: The mean (SD) age was 46.8 (10.4) years, and the mean BMI (SD) was 33.9 kg/m2 (5.1). The main dietary intake was traditional Somali foods, such as rice, pasta, and meat. The mean energy intake was 4.3 MJ/day. The median energy percentages from carbohydrates, fat, protein, and added sugar were in accordance with the Norwegian nutrition recommendations. The total median intake of almost all micronutrients was below the recommended daily intake, except for vitamin A, niacin, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. Conclusions: We found that overweight and obese women with a Somali background most commonly eat cereal products such as rice, pasta, and meat. The average energy intake was low, suggesting assessment bias. Most of the macronutrient intake was in compliance with the daily recommendations. However, the intake of micronutrients was below the recommended daily intake, which may be a result of the generally low energy intake. Weekend days were not systematically included in the repeated 24-hour recall and may have resulted in underreporting of dietary intake; thus, the results need to be interpreted with caution. Further research is required to investigate the dietary intake in this population using different dietary assessment methods for developing preventive public health programs for immigrant groups. Main message: Diet is an important factor for the burden of disease in Norway and therefore it is important to improve the diet of immigrant population particularly the intake of vitamins and minerals.

• Madar, Ahmed Ali; Sahragard, Sahragard; Bøhler, Linn; Wedegren, Mia Charlott; Rangsvåg, Hege Gambo & Leirbakk, Maria [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Food and nutrient intake among overweight/obese women of Somali background in Oslo, Norway. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2020). Jobben min: Matglede og sunn matlaging i skolen. [Journal]. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). doi: 10.18261/ntfe.18.1.8. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2019). Helseseminar med NorgesGruppen. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.17.4.18. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2019). Food-EPI i Norge – evaluering av myndighetenes innsats for å fremme sunne matomgivelser og forebygge overvekt, fedme og NCDs. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.17.2.16. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2019). Når ble vanlig mat så sykt vanskelig? Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.17.3.9. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2018). Kunnskapsbasert informasjon til folket. [Journal]. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). doi: 10.18261/ntfe.16.1.3. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn & Norsett-Carr, Anette (2017). Sykelig overvekt – mer enn bare for mye mat og for lite mosjon. [Journal]. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). doi: 10.18261/ntfe.15.3.8. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2016). 24 timers livsstil: sunn sterk frisk - En bok om livsstilsendring i form av kostholdsendring, fysisk aktivitet og mental helse. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.14.1.11. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2016). Stabil andel barn med overvekt og fedme. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.14.2.4. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn & Arnesen, Erik Kristoffer (2016). For lite fisk og grønt og for mye sukker. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.14.3.12. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2016). Frigo vant Oslo Folkehelsepris. [Journal]. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). doi: 10.18261/ntfe.14.1.13. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2016). Ingvar Hjermann og historien om Oslostudien. [Journal]. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). doi: 10.18261/ntfe.14.4. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2015). BodPod som måleverktøy for kroppssammensetning. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.13.4.10. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2014). Bokanmeldelse: Et sunnere liv. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.12.3.12. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2014). Ernæring og kosthold i behandling av sykelig overvekt. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.12.2.10. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2013). Forebygging, politikk og folkehelse - målet er et freskt Nordland. [Journal]. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). doi: 10.18261/ntfe.11.1.5. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn (2013). Åse Fulke: Kombinerte ernæring og juss. [Journal]. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). doi: 10.18261/ntfe.11.3.6. Full text in Research Archive
• Bruun, Tone; Denison, Eva Marie-Louise; Gjersing, Linn; Husøy, Trine; Knudsen, Ann Kristin Skrindo & Strand, Bjørn Heine [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2018). Public Health Report – short version Health Status in Norway 2018. Folkehelseinstituttet. ISSN 9788280829207. Full text in Research Archive
• Grøholt, Else Karin; Bøhler, Linn & Hånes, Hanna (2018). Folkehelserapporten - Helsetilstanden i Norge. Folkehelseinstituttet. Full text in Research Archive
• Bøhler, Linn; Brandlistuen, Ragnhild Eek; Aarø, Leif Edvard; Helland, Maren Sand; Granum, Berit & Ohm, Eyvind [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2016). Barn, miljø og helse: Risiko- og helsefremmende faktorer. Folkehelseinstituttet. ISSN 9788280827319. Full text in Research Archive

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