Careful conversations: an educational video to support parents in communicating about weight with their children.

BACKGROUND: Parents may struggle to initiate healthy weight-related conversations with their children. Educational videos may be an effective tool for improving parents' knowledge and self-efficacy on this topic. The aim of this pilot study was to develop an educational video to assist parents in weight-related conversations with their child, and to assess changes in parents' self-efficacy on this topic. METHODS: Video development was based on a scoping review and semi-structured interviews with parents. Respondent demographics and user satisfaction were assessed at pre- and post- video, and 4-6 months later. Self-efficacy scores were compared between parent groups based on weight concerns over time. RESULTS: Fifty-seven parents participated in the video questionnaires, and 40 repeated measures 4-6 months later. Significant improvements in self-efficacy in "raising the issue of weight" and "answering questions or concerns" were found after watching the video (p ≤ 0.002) compared to baseline, and scores 4-6 months post baseline remained slightly elevated, but non-significant. Parents with concerns about their child being overweight had significantly lower perceived self-efficacy scores compared to parents with no concerns about their child's weight (p = 0.031). The video was found to be positively received and of relevance to parents across a number of different domains. CONCLUSION(S): Preliminary findings suggest an educational video about initiating weight-related conversations may be an effective tool for increasing parents' perceived self-efficacy in the short term. Further work is needed to validate findings in a randomized controlled trial, and with diverse parent populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03664492 . Registered 10 September 2018 - Retrospectively registered.

Talking About Weight With Families-Helping Health Care Professionals Start the Conversation: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

Health care professionals (HCPs) and trainees feel ill-equipped to discuss weight-related issues with children and their families. A whiteboard video for HCPs and trainees outlining strategies to communicate about weight was developed and evaluated. Seventy HCPs, including 15 trainees, participated in the baseline assessment and 39 repeated measures 4 to 6 months later. HCP self-efficacy for initiating conversations with overweight and underweight patients, measured immediately following the video, significantly improved from pre-video values (Z = -5.6, P ≤ .001, and Z= -3.3, P = .001, respectively). Although improvements were not sustained 4 to 6 months later (overweight: P = .143, and underweight: P = .846), no significant decline was observed, suggesting retention of the skill. A majority of HCP respondents would recommend the video to a colleague and feel it will affect their practice. Thus, the present study suggests educational videos may be an effective tool for facilitating healthy weight-related conversations between HCPs and their pediatric patients.

Breaking barriers: Adjunctive use of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) to reach adolescents with obesity living in remote locations.

INTRODUCTION: Implementation of telemedicine has been shown to improve health outcomes, such as body mass index (BMI). However, it is unclear whether telemedicine is useful alongside traditional weight-management programmes for adolescents with complex obesity. The objective was to evaluate implementation of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), a videoconferencing programme, as an adjunctive tool to face-to-face counselling within the setting of an established interdisciplinary obesity treatment programme. METHODS: Our observational cohort included two groups of adolescents enrolled in a clinical obesity-management programme over a two year period. Adolescents (n = 50) in group 1 attended both in-person and virtual visits (OTN group), and adolescents (n = 50) in group 2 received only in-person visits (comparison group). Within the OTN group, satisfaction survey responses were compared between patients and healthcare professionals. Change in BMI per month, paediatric quality of life scores, session attendance and demographic variables were compared between groups. RESULTS: OTN subjects averaged 4.9 telehealth visits per adolescent over the two year programme. Both OTN and comparison groups had similar changes in BMI (p = 0.757), with increases over time (p = 0.042). Paediatric quality of life scores in both groups improved over time compared to baseline (p < 0.001), with higher scores for children compared to parental-reported child scores (p = 0.008). Both adolescents and healthcare professionals using the OTN were similarly satisfied with their experience. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive use of the OTN within the setting of a weight-management programme is feasible, well accepted by families and healthcare providers, and led to similar outcomes compared to usual care.

Development and Validation of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Equations in Adolescents with Severe Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index measures excess weight for size, and does not differentiate between fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is most commonly used to assess FM and FFM as it is simple and inexpensive. Variables from BIA measurements are used in predictive equations to estimate FM and FFM. To date, these equations have not been validated for use in adolescents with severe obesity. OBJECTIVES: In a cohort of adolescents with severe obesity (SO), a BMI ≥ 120% of the 95th percentile, this study aimed to 1) derive a BIA predictive equation data from air displacement plethysmography (ADP) measurements; 2) reassess the equation in a second validation cohort; and 3) compare the accuracy of existing body composition equations. METHODS: Adolescents with SO were assessed using ADP and BIA. FM values derived from ADP measurements from the first cohort (n = 27) were used to develop a BIA predictive equation (i.e., Hamilton). A second cohort (n = 65) was used to cross-validate the new and 9 existing BIA predictive equations. RESULTS: Ninety-two adolescents (15.8 ± 1.9 y; BMI: 46.1 ± 9.9 kg/m2) participated. Compared with measured FFM using ADP: 1) the Lazzer, Hamilton, Gray, and Kyle equations were without significant bias; 2) the Hamilton and Gray equations had the smallest absolute and relative differences; 3) the Kyle and Gray equations showed the strongest correlation; 4) the Hamilton equation most accurately predicted FFM within ± 5% of measured FFM; and 5) 8 out of 9 equations had similar root mean squared prediction error values (6.03-6.64 kg). CONCLUSION: The Hamilton BIA equation developed in this study best predicted body composition values for groups of adolescents with severe obesity in a validation cohort.

Early weight loss in adolescents following bariatric surgery predicts weight loss at 12 and 24 months.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence supports the efficacy of paediatric bariatric surgery. However, there is a paucity of data examining adolescent outcomes post surgery. Among adults, studies have shown that early weight loss is associated with long-term weight loss. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the association between early weight loss at 3 months with longer-term weight loss at 12 and 24 months in adolescents post surgery. We hypothesized that patients who have greater weight loss within the first 3 months will have greater weight loss at 12 and 24 months post surgery. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of bariatric surgery patients (n = 28) was conducted. Anthropometric measurements at baseline and 3, 12, and 24 months were analysed. RESULTS: Percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 3, 12, and 24 months were 33.6 ± 11.3%, 55.0 ± 20.5%, and 55.1 ± 27.1%, respectively. %EWL at 3 months was positively associated with %EWL at 12 and 24 months (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve results identified a cut-off of greater than or equal to 30%EWL at 3 months predicted successful weight loss, defined as greater than or equal to 50%EWL at 12 and 24 months. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that majority of weight loss among adolescents occurs within the first postoperative year. Greater %EWL by 3 months post surgery predicts successful and sustained weight loss over time.

Resting Energy Expenditure and Metabolic Adaptation in Adolescents at 12 Months After Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that metabolic adaptation occurs after bariatric surgery such that resting energy expenditure (REE) declines more than accounted for by body weight or body composition changes in adults. Little is known about REE and metabolic adaptation among adolescents after bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in REE and metabolic adaptation among adolescents at 12 months (12M) after bariatric surgery. SETTING: Pediatric hospital, Canada. METHODS: Adolescents undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were followed. Bioelectrical impedance analysis and indirect calorimetry were completed to measure body composition and REE, respectively. Predicted REE was calculated using the Mifflin equation before and after bariatric surgery and a predictive equation using preoperative data. RESULTS: Among 20 patients (15 girls), the mean age and body mass index at surgery were 17.2 ± 0.8 years and 48.7 ± 7.4 kg/m2, respectively. REE had decreased by 548.3 kcal/d at 12M postoperatively (P < 0.001). Metabolic adaptation, determined by two procedures, was negative and significantly different from baseline (P < 0.05). When stratified by surgery type, REE change at 12M was not significantly different (RYGB, -494.0 ± 260.9 kcal/d, n = 11; SG, -614.6 ± 344.4 kcal/d, n = 9; P = 0.384). Among 13 patients with REE data at 6 and 12M, no statistically significant difference was found (P = 0.368). CONCLUSIONS: Predicted and measured REE was 19% and 25% lower at 12M, respectively, irrespective of bariatric surgery type. Metabolic adaptation might predispose adolescents to weight regain after bariatric surgery and warrants careful nutritional management and counseling.

All Aboard Meal Train: Can Child-Friendly Menu Labeling Promote Healthier Choices in Hospitals?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient meal orders and consumption with a revised menu design that includes child-friendly labeling. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial among hospitalized children was performed over a 1-month period comparing the control menu layout and the intervention menu. The intervention menu contained the same choices but was labeled to encourage healthy eating. Children on a specialized diet, receiving parenteral nutrition, or age <2 years were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients (81 males) were included, with a mean age of 9.9 ± 5.1 year, and a mean weight z-score of -0.08 ± 1.3. Children receiving the intervention ordered more "green-light" healthy choices and fewer "red-light" items, with 0.65 lower odds of selecting a red-light item (95% CI, 0.55-0.76) and 1.75 higher odds of selecting a green-light item (95% CI, 1.49-2.04), both at the first meal, but with effects waning over time. There were trends toward increased intake of fruits and vegetables and decreased intake of "foods to limit", but no impact on the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Both intervention and control group consumed their meals in equal proportions. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of menu labeling techniques targeted to children in the inpatient hospital setting was an effective short-term tool for increasing the intake of healthier foods, although the effect of labeling waned over time. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02692001.

Determining the accuracy of predictive energy expenditure (PREE) equations in severely obese adolescents.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Severe obesity in children and adolescents is now a serious global health concern. Accurate measurements of resting energy expenditure (REE) is a key foundation for successful obesity treatment. Clinical dietitians rely heavily on measured or calculated REE to tailor dietary interventions. Indirect calorimetry (IC) is the gold standard for measuring REE. However, predictive resting energy expenditure (PREE) equations are commonly used when IC is unavailable due to cost or practicality. PREE equations differ based on variables such as age, gender, weight, and height and selecting the most accurate PREE for an individual is crucial to avoid over or underestimation of energy requirements. Published studies investigating the accuracy of PREE equations in obese children and adolescents have reported inconsistent findings, which likely result from heterogeneity in the patient populations studied. Accordingly, this study aimed to (a) assess the accuracy of the published PREE equations in a group of severely obese (SO) adolescents using IC measurement, and (b) determine if there is a BMI threshold at which the PREE equations become less accurate. METHODS: SO adolescents were studied using IC. REE was calculated using nine commonly used PREE equations. Generalized linear regression equations were used to compare absolute and relative differences between calculated and measured REE (MREE) for each PREE equation. Accuracy was calculated as the percentage of subjects with PREE values within 10 percent of MREE. RESULTS: 226 SO adolescents (mean ± SD age: 15.9 ± 1.9 years; weight: 126.9 ± 24.5 kg; BMI: 44.9 ± 8.1 kg/m2) participated. Mean MREE was 2163 ± 443 kcal/d. PREE calculated by the Mifflin equation was the only equation without a statistically significant bias compared to MREE (mean bias of -23 ± 307 kcal/d; p = 0.26). Mifflin was also the most accurate with 61% of individuals within ±10% of MREE. PREE equations accuracy was not associated with degree of BMI elevation (31-69 kg/m2). CONCLUSIONS: In adolescents with severe obesity, the Mifflin equation best predicts REE. This should be the equation applied when using PREE to optimize nutritional care in this population.

Antioxidant health messages in Canadian women's magazines.

PURPOSE: Recently, antioxidants have taken centre stage in media and advertising messages. While 80% of Canadians think they are well-informed about nutrition, many are confused about the health effects of specific nutrients. Forty-six percent of Canadians seek information from newspapers and books, and 67% of women rely on magazines. We examined the content and accuracy of antioxidant health messages in Canadian women's magazines. METHODS: The top three Canadian magazines targeted at women readers were selected. A screening tool was developed, pilot tested, and used to identify eligible articles. A coding scheme was created to define variables, which were coded and analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent of 36 magazine issues contained articles that mentioned antioxidants (n=56). Seventy-one percent (n=40) of articles reported positive health effects related to antioxidant consumption, and 36% and 40% of those articles framed those effects as definite and potential, respectively (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The articles sampled conveyed messages about positive antioxidant health effects that are not supported by current evidence. Improved standards of health reporting are needed. Nutrition professionals may need to address this inaccuracy when they develop communications on antioxidants and health risk.