Comparison of the Efficacy of Anti-Obesity Medications in Real-World Practice.

Purpose: Anti-obesity medications (AOMs), along with lifestyle interventions, are effective means of inducing and maintaining weight loss in patients with obesity. Although the efficacy of AOMs has been reported, there have been no direct comparisons of these drugs. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of all the AOMs available in Korea in a real-world setting. Patients and Methods: The body weight and composition of 205 adults treated with phentermine, phentermine/topiramate, liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, lorcaserin, or orlistat for at least 6 months were analyzed at 2 month intervals. The prevalence of the achievement of a ≥5% weight loss and the changes in body composition were compared between participants using each AOM at each visit. Results: A total of 132 (64.4%) participants achieved ≥5% weight loss within 6 months (prevalence of ≥5% weight loss after 6 months: phentermine, 87.2%; phentermine/topiramate, 67.7%; liraglutide, 58.1%; naltrexone/bupropion, 35.3%; lorcaserin, 75%; orlistat, 50%). At each visit, after adjustment for age, sex, and baseline body weight, phentermine use was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of ≥5% weight loss than the use of the other AOMs, except for liraglutide. There were significant differences in the body weight, body mass index and body fat mass among the AOM groups by visit (P for interaction <0.05), but not in their waist circumference, skeletal muscle mass, percentage body fat, or visceral fat area. Conclusion: All the AOMs were effective at inducing and maintaining weight loss, in the absence of significant changes in muscle mass, over a 6 month period, and the short-term use of phentermine and the long-term use of phentermine/topiramate or liraglutide would be practical choices for the treatment of obesity. However, further, large-scale studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Effects of whey protein supplementation on adiposity, body weight, and glycemic parameters: A synthesis of evidence.

AIMS: The aim of this review was to analyze the evidence of whey protein supplementation on body weight, fat mass, lean mass and glycemic parameters in subjects with overweight or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing calorie restriction or with ad libitum intake. DATA SYNTHESIS: Overweight and obesity are considered risk factors for the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases such as T2DM. Calorie restriction is a dietary therapy that reduces weight and fat mass, promotes the improvement of glycemic parameters, and decreases muscle mass. The maintenance of muscle mass during weight loss is necessary in view of its implication in preventing chronic diseases and improving functional capacity and quality of life. The effects of increased protein consumption on attenuating muscle loss and reducing body fat during calorie restriction or ad libitum intake in overweight individuals are discussed. Some studies have demonstrated the positive effects of whey protein supplementation on improving satiety and postprandial glycemic control in short term; however, it remains unclear whether long-term whey protein supplementation can positively affect glycemic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Although whey protein is considered to have a high nutritional quality, its effects in the treatment of overweight, obese individuals and those with T2DM undergoing calorie restriction or ad libitum intake are still inconclusive.

Effects of aerobic exercise on body morphology in obese university students / Efeitos do exercício aeróbico na morfologia corporal de estudantes universitários obesos / Efectos del ejercicio aeróbico en la morfología corporal de estudiantes universitarios obesos

ABSTRACT Introduction The problem of obesity is relevant to the current social development model. In addition to the eminent physical health risks, obese university students also experience greater resistance to social development. Obese students participating in the national weight loss fitness program can perceive the benefits of aerobic exercise. Objective Explore the effect of aerobic exercise on body morphology in obese university students. Methods 60 obese university students were selected as study subjects and divided equally into a control and experimental group. The control group received no intervention, while the experimental group performed a battery of aerobic exercises of 60 minutes daily, four times a week for six weeks. Data before and after the experiment were compared. BMI, body fat rate, blood lipid monitoring, and blood glucose were also taken as body component monitoring indexes, and circumference measurements and proportions were taken as external body monitoring indexes. Results Aerobic exercise can effectively reduce the body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat rate, and body circumference of college students, decrease body weight, make the body shape more symmetrical, and also improve lipid and glycemic components, thus reducing the complications caused by obesity. Conclusion University professors should perform aerobic training for university students to improve their physical fitness, regulate their physical function, and improve their physical appearance. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução O problema da obesidade é um problema relevante no atual modelo de desenvolvimento social. Além dos riscos eminentes na saúde física, os estudantes universitários obesos também vivenciam uma maior resistência para o desenvolvimento social. Os alunos obesos que participam do programa nacional de condicionamento físico para a perda de peso podem perceber os benefícios do exercício aeróbico. Objetivo Explorar o efeito do exercício aeróbico na morfologia corporal de estudantes universitários obesos. Métodos 60 estudantes universitários obesos foram selecionados como sujeitos de estudo e divididos igualmente em grupo controle e experimental. O grupo controle não recebeu intervenção enquanto o experimental efetuou uma bateria de exercícios aeróbicos de 60 minutos diários, quatro vezes por semana, durante seis semanas. Dados antes e depois do experimento foram comparados. O IMC, a taxa de gordura corporal, monitoramento sanguíneo de lipídios e glicemia também foram tomados como índices de monitoramento dos componentes corporais, medidas de circunferências e proporções foram tomadas como índices de monitoramento corporal externo. Resultados O exercício aeróbico pode reduzir efetivamente o peso corporal, o índice de massa corporal (IMC), a taxa de gordura corporal e a circunferência corporal dos estudantes universitários, diminuir o peso corporal, deixando a forma corporal mais simétrica, além de melhorar os componentes lipídicos e glicêmicos, reduzindo assim as complicações causadas pela obesidade. Conclusão Os professores universitários devem realizar treinamento aeróbico de estudantes universitários a fim de melhorar seu condicionamento físico, regular sua função física e melhorar seu aspecto físico. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos desfechos do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción La cuestión de la obesidad es un problema relevante en el modelo actual de desarrollo social. Además de los riesgos eminentes en la salud física, los universitarios obesos también experimentan una mayor resistencia al desarrollo social. Los estudiantes obesos que participan en el programa nacional de acondicionamiento físico para la pérdida de peso pueden obtener los beneficios del ejercicio aeróbico. Objetivo Explorar el efecto del ejercicio aeróbico sobre la morfología corporal en estudiantes universitarios obesos. Métodos Se seleccionaron 60 estudiantes universitarios obesos como sujetos de estudio y se dividieron por igual en el grupo de control y el experimental. El grupo de control no recibió ninguna intervención, mientras que el grupo experimental realizó una batería de ejercicios aeróbicos de 60 minutos diarios, cuatro veces por semana durante seis semanas. Se compararon los datos antes y después del experimento. El IMC, el índice de grasa corporal, la monitorización de lípidos y de glucosa en sangre también se tomaron como índices de monitorización de los componentes corporales, las medidas de circunferencia y las proporciones se tomaron como índices de monitorización corporal externa. Resultados El ejercicio aeróbico puede reducir eficazmente el peso corporal, el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el índice de grasa corporal y la circunferencia corporal de los estudiantes universitarios, disminuir el peso corporal, hacer que la forma del cuerpo sea más simétrica, y también mejorar los componentes lipídicos y glucémicos, reduciendo así las complicaciones causadas por la obesidad. Conclusión Los profesores universitarios deberían realizar un entrenamiento aeróbico de los estudiantes universitarios para mejorar su estado físico, regular su función física y mejorar su aspecto físico. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapêuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Impact of different sports on body mass of female university students / Impacto de distintos esportes sobre as massas corporais de universitárias / Impacto de diferentes deportes en la masa corporal de estudiantes universitarias

ABSTRACT Introduction A healthy body depends on several factors, and physical exercise is one of the main factors. Research results on the physical health of female university students show that although the general health status of Chinese female students is good, the quality of physical performance at university continues to show a slow downward trend. Objective To explore the effects of different exercises on the fat mass and lean weight indices of female university students. Methods 60 female students who participated in aerobics and ball games training in the Physical Education Department of a university were randomly divided into a control group and a training group, with 30 volunteers in each group. The experimental group performed intensive aerobics training and ball training. In contrast, no intervention was performed in the control group, and indicators were collected and analyzed according to current literature. Results After eight weeks of the intervention protocol, the body weight, body fat weight, lean weight, body surface area, and body fat ratio of the control group had no significant changes from the period before the experiment (P > 0.05). In the training group, fat weight decreased significantly (p<0.01), lean mass weight increased significantly (p<0.01), body fat ratio decreased (p<0.01), and body weight and body surface area had no significant changes (p>0.05). PTH and FSH in the training group were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). As the aerobic exercise level improved in the experimental group, the weight and abdominal skinfold thickness in the exercise group showed a downward trend. Conclusion There is a general correlation between BMI and body fat content and its body distribution in college women. Compared to men, BMI is better suited to describe the fat metabolism of college women. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução Um corpo saudável depende de vários fatores e o exercício físico é um dos principais. Os resultados de pesquisa na saúde física das estudantes universitárias mostram que apesar do estado de saúde geral das estudantes chinesas serem bons, a qualidade no desempenho físico na universidade continua a mostrar uma lenta tendência de queda. Objetivo Explorar os efeitos de distintos exercícios sobre os índices de gordura e massa magra de universitárias. Métodos 60 alunas que participaram de treinamento de aeróbica e jogos de bola no Departamento de Educação Física de uma universidade foram divididas aleatoriamente em grupo de controle e grupo de treinamento, com 30 voluntárias em cada grupo. O grupo experimental realizou treinamento intensivo de aeróbica e treinamento com bola, enquanto nenhuma intervenção foi executada no grupo controle, a coleta e análise dos indicadores foi executada segundo a literatura corrente. Resultados Após 8 semanas do protocolo de intervenção, o peso corporal, peso da gordura corporal, peso magro, área de superfície corporal e relação de gordura corporal do grupo controle não tiveram alterações significativas em relação ao período anterior ao experimento (P > 0,05). No grupo de treinamento, o peso da gordura diminuiu significativamente (p<0,01), o peso da massa magra aumentou significativamente (p<0,01), a relação de gordura corporal diminuiu (p<0,01), o peso corporal e a superfície corporal não sofreram alterações significativas (p>0,05). O PTH e FSH no grupo de treinamento foram significativamente maiores do que os do grupo controle (P < 0,05). Com a melhora do nível de exercício aeróbico no grupo experimental, o peso e a espessura da dobra cutânea abdominal no grupo de exercício apresentaram uma tendência de queda. Conclusão Há uma correlação geral entre o IMC e o teor de gordura corporal e a sua distribuição corporal em universitárias. Em comparação com os homens, o IMC é mais adequado para descrever o metabolismo de gordura de universitárias. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción Un cuerpo sano depende de varios factores y el ejercicio físico es uno de los principales. Los resultados de la investigación sobre la salud física de las estudiantes universitarias muestran que, aunque el estado de salud general de las estudiantes chinas es bueno, la calidad del rendimiento físico en la universidad sigue mostrando una lenta tendencia a la baja. Objetivo Explorar los efectos de diferentes ejercicios sobre los índices de grasa y peso magro de estudiantes universitarias. Métodos 60 alumnas que participaban en el entrenamiento de aeróbic y juegos de pelota en el Departamento de Educación Física de una universidad fueron divididas aleatoriamente en un grupo de control y un grupo de entrenamiento, con 30 voluntarias en cada grupo. El grupo experimental realizó un entrenamiento aeróbico intensivo y un entrenamiento con balón, mientras que en el grupo de control no se llevó a cabo ninguna intervención; la recogida y el análisis de los indicadores se realizaron de acuerdo con la literatura actual. Resultados Tras 8 semanas del protocolo de intervención, el peso corporal, el peso de la grasa corporal, el peso magro, la superficie corporal y la proporción de grasa corporal del grupo de control no presentaron cambios significativos en comparación con el periodo anterior al experimento (P > 0,05). En el grupo de entrenamiento, el peso de la grasa disminuyó significativamente (p<0,01), el peso de la masa magra aumentó significativamente (p<0,01), la proporción de grasa corporal disminuyó (p<0,01), el peso corporal y la superficie corporal no tuvieron cambios significativos (p>0,05). La PTH y la FSH en el grupo de entrenamiento fueron significativamente mayores que las del grupo de control (P < 0,05). Con la mejora del nivel de ejercicio aeróbico en el grupo experimental, el peso y el grosor del pliegue cutáneo abdominal en el grupo de ejercicio mostraron una tendencia a la baja. Conclusión Existe una correlación general entre el IMC y el contenido de grasa corporal y su distribución en las estudiantes universitarias. En comparación con los hombres, el IMC es más adecuado para describir el metabolismo de las grasas de las estudiantes universitarias. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Attitudes to Three Weight Maintenance Strategies: A Qualitative Study.

Weight loss maintenance can be difficult and ultimately unsuccessful, due to psychological, behavioural, social, and physiological influences. The present study investigated three strategies with the potential to improve weight maintenance success: daily weighing, missing an occasional meal, habitually changing high energy foods. The principal aim was to gain an understanding of attitudes to these strategies in participants who had recent experience of weight loss attempts, with or without maintenance. This was a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews, with 20 participants aged 18-67 (twelve females), analysed using thematic analysis. Most participants disliked daily weighing and missing an occasional meal for long-term maintenance and were concerned about potential negative effects on mental health. All participants had experience of habitual changes to high energy foods and regarded this strategy as obvious and straightforward. Replacement of high energy foods was favoured over elimination. Participants preferred strategies that felt flexible, "normal" and intuitive and disliked those that were thought to have a negative impact on mental health. Further investigation is needed on whether concerns regarding mental health are well founded and, if not, how the strategies can be made more acceptable and useful.

Objectively Assessed Weight Change and All-Cause Mortality among Community-Dwelling Older People.

Later life changes in body weight may be associated with an increased risk of mortality in older adults. The objective of this study was to examine whether weight change over four years was associated with a 17-year mortality risk in older adults. Participants were 1664 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years in the longitudinal Enquete de Sante' Psychologique-Risques, Incidence et Traitement (ESPRIT) study. Outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality. Weight change was defined as difference between weight at baseline and 4 years, categorised into: weight stable (±<5% weight change), weight loss (≥5%) and weight gain (≥5%). Association between weight change and mortality risk was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Over 17 years of follow-up (median 15 years), 565 participants died. Compared to stable weight participants, those with ≥ 5% weight loss had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.00−1.56, p = 0.05) and CVD mortality (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.10−2.14, p = 0.01), but not cancer mortality (HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.50−1.39, p = 0.49). Weight gain of ≥5% was not associated with increased mortality (HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.76−1.45, p = 0.74). Weight monitoring in older adults could help identify weight loss at its early stages to better target interventions to maintain nutritional reserve and prevent premature mortality.

Association of Activities of Daily Living with Body Weight Change 3 Months After Stroke Onset.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between body weight loss and activities of daily living (ADL) 3 months after stroke onset. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 81 patients at a rehabilitation hospital after receiving acute treatment at our hospital (mean age 70.7 years). Patients were divided into two groups, namely independent and non-independent, based on their ADL 3 months after stroke. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed with the ADL independence possibility as the objective variable and body weight change rate (%) at 3 months as the explanatory variable. Patients were classified using the weight change rate calculated from the ROC curve and the NIHSS cut-off values, and the ADL independence percentage was compared. RESULTS: The ADL-independent group had significantly lesser body weight loss than the non-independent group (median rate of body weight change: -2.7% vs. -7.2%; p<0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.76. The cut-off value was -5.6% for the body weight change rate. When participants with NIHSS ≤ 8 points were selected, the ADL-independent participants' proportion was significantly higher in the body weight loss ≤ -5.6% group than in the > -5.6% group (56.0% vs. 15.4%, p=0.016). However, there was no significant difference in the ADL-independent participants' proportion when those with NIHSS >8 points were selected (p=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that weight loss after stroke onset is associated with non-independent ADL at 3 months. Weight maintenance from the onset is important for ADL independence, especially in patients with mild to moderate stroke.

Increased Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Individuals with High Weight Variability.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss through lifestyle modification is recommended for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recent studies have suggested that repeated loss and gain of weight is associated with worse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the association between weight variability and the risk of NAFLD in patients without diabetes. METHODS: We examined the health-checkup data of 30,708 participants who had undergone serial examinations between 2010 and 2014. Weight variability was assessed using coefficient of variation and the average successive variability of weight (ASVW), which was defined as the sum of absolute weight changes between successive years over the 5-year period divided by 4. The participants were classified according to the baseline body mass index and weight difference over 4 years. RESULTS: On dividing the participants into four groups according to ASVW quartile groups, those in the highest quartile showed a significantly increased risk of NAFLD compared to those in the lowest quartile (odds ratio [OR], 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63 to 2.19). Among participants without obesity at baseline, individuals with high ASVW showed increased risk of NAFLD (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.01). Participants with increased weight over 4 years and high ASVW demonstrated higher risk of NAFLD compared to those with stable weight and low ASVW (OR, 4.87; 95% CI, 4.29 to 5.53). CONCLUSION: Regardless of participant baseline obesity status, high weight variability was associated with an increased risk of developing NAFLD. Our results suggest that further effort is required to minimize weight fluctuations after achieving a desirable body weight.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale (WCSS).

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale among individuals engaged in weight loss or weight maintenance. Method : This descriptive study conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 on social media networks. A total of 420 men and women were selected using consecutive sampling. They completed the Persian version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach's α, confirmatory factor analysis, and Pearson product-moment correlations. Results: Internal consistency for the total score of the Persian version of Weight Control Strategies Scale was excellent and acceptable to good for all 4 subscales (in all cases over α = 0.70). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor structure of the original model of the scale, but, it was different from the model at the item level. Moreover, the Persian version of Weight Control Strategies Scale had good convergent validity. Conclusion: Psychometrically speaking, the Persian version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale is a valid and reliable tool to assess the psychological and behavioral profile of individuals engaging in losing or maintaining weight, both for clinical and research purposes.

Future directions in obesity pharmacotherapy.

There is a growing unmet need for more effective treatment of obesity and its complications. While current anti-obesity medications are effective and offer real clinical benefits over diet and lifestyle interventions, they cannot meet the levels of efficacy and reduction of hard endpoint outcomes seen with bariatric surgery. As knowledge on the control of body weight unravels, the complexity of this physiology opens the opportunity to new druggable targets. Currently, gut peptide analogues such as semaglutide, a glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and the dual agonist GLP-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) tirzepatide are the furthest advanced in clinical development and seem likely to meet current regulatory requirements within the next year or so. However, current regulatory requirements are out of step with the efficacy of new compounds and concepts relating to obesity and its complications. Many other drugs in early development will target different pathways of energy balance, raising the possibility of drug combinations to maximise efficacy as for other chronic disease such as hypertension and diabetes. This will allow more complex and personalised guidelines to evolve.

A Mobile Social Networking App for Weight Management and Physical Activity Promotion: Results From an Experimental Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Smartphone apps, fitness trackers, and online social networks have shown promise in weight management and physical activity interventions. However, there are knowledge gaps in identifying the most effective and engaging interventions and intervention features preferred by their users. OBJECTIVE: This 6-month pilot study on a social networking mobile app connected to wireless weight and activity tracking devices has 2 main aims: to evaluate changes in BMI, weight, and physical activity levels in users from different BMI categories and to assess user perspectives on the intervention, particularly on social comparison and automated self-monitoring and feedback features. METHODS: This was a mixed methods study involving a one-arm, pre-post quasi-experimental pilot with postintervention interviews and focus groups. Healthy young adults used a social networking mobile app intervention integrated with wireless tracking devices (a weight scale and a physical activity tracker) for 6 months. Quantitative results were analyzed separately for 2 groups-underweight-normal and overweight-obese BMI-using t tests and Wilcoxon sum rank, Wilcoxon signed rank, and chi-square tests. Weekly BMI change in participants was explored using linear mixed effects analysis. Interviews and focus groups were analyzed inductively using thematic analysis. RESULTS: In total, 55 participants were recruited (mean age of 23.6, SD 4.6 years; 28 women) and 45 returned for the final session (n=45, 82% retention rate). There were no differences in BMI from baseline to postintervention (6 months) and between the 2 BMI groups. However, at 4 weeks, participants' BMI decreased by 0.34 kg/m2 (P<.001), with a loss of 0.86 kg/m2 in the overweight-obese group (P=.01). Participants in the overweight-obese group used the app significantly less compared with individuals in the underweight-normal BMI group, as they mentioned negative feelings and demotivation from social comparison, particularly from upward comparison with fitter people. Participants in the underweight-normal BMI group were avid users of the app's self-monitoring and feedback (P=.02) and social (P=.04) features compared with those in the overweight-obese group, and they significantly increased their daily step count over the 6-month study duration by an average of 2292 steps (95% CI 898-3370; P<.001). Most participants mentioned a desire for a more personalized intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the effects of different interventions on participants from higher and lower BMI groups and different perspectives regarding the intervention, particularly with respect to its social features. Participants in the overweight-obese group did not sustain a short-term decrease in their BMI and mentioned negative emotions from app use, while participants in the underweight-normal BMI group used the app more frequently and significantly increased their daily step count. These differences highlight the importance of intervention personalization. Future research should explore the role of personalized features to help overcome personal barriers and better match individual preferences and needs.

Effects of Gender and Age on Dietary Intake and Body Mass Index in Hypertensive Patients: Analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination.

Controlling weight and dietary intake are important for hypertensive patients to manage their blood pressure. However, the interaction effect of gender and age on weight and dietary intake is not well known. The aim of this study was to examine the main and interaction effects of age and gender on body mass index (BMI) and dietary intake in hypertensive patients. We analyzed data from 4287 participants with hypertension (1600 participants 45-64 years old and 2687 participants 65 years or older) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2016). Two-way ANOVAs were conducted to examine the main and interaction effects of age and gender on BMI and dietary intake. Gender and age had significant main effects on BMI, intake of energy, cholesterol, sodium, and potassium. However, both gender and age illustrated interaction effects on BMI (F = 8.398, p = 0.004), energy intake (F = 12.882, p < 0.001), and cholesterol intake (F = 6.107, p = 0.014), while not showing any significant interaction effects on sodium (F = 3.547, p = 0.060) and potassium (F = 3.396, p = 0.066). Compared to the middle-aged group, BMI, energy intake, and cholesterol intake decreased in the older-aged group. However, the declines were steeper in men than in women. Therefore, both gender and age need to be considered for weight and dietary intake management for hypertensive patients.

The effects of body mass index and body shape perceptions of South Korean adults on weight control behaviors; Correlation with quality of sleep and residence of place.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The obese population is rapidly increasing because of reduced physical activity and a Westernized diet; consequently, various chronic diseases are more prevalent. With the increasing interest in body shape and appearance, research on body shape perceptions and accompanying weight control behaviors are needed for healthy weight management. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on randomly selected 536 (209 men and 327 women) aged 20 to 65 years. Body mass index (BMI), body-shape perception, weight control behavior, quality of sleep, and place of residence were collected using self-reported questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted using complex design in each groups. Collected data were analyzed using the SAS 9.4 statistical package, and the significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: When these two variables were divided into four groups, they were found to influence dieting attempts. People with abnormal weights who were dissatisfied with their body shapes attempted dieting 5.23 times more than those with healthy weights and satisfaction with their body shapes. Further, those with normal weights but dissatisfaction with their bodies attempted dieting 4.45 times more than those who were satisfied with their shapes. Subjects in their 20s attempted dieting 2.53 times more than those in their 30s and 40s, and female subjects attempted dieting 2.24 times more than male subjects. CONCLUSIONS: A correct perception of one's shape can be an important factor for dietary behavior, as body shape perceptions and dieting attempts are strongly related. Additionally, healthy weight management and nutrition education are important elements to incorporate into a weight control program aimed at preventing excessive weight control behaviors and promoting correct perceptions of body shape.

The effects of body mass index and body shape perceptions of South Korean adults on weight control behaviors; Correlation with quality of sleep and residence of place

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The obese population is rapidly increasing because of reduced physical activity and a Westernized diet; consequently, various chronic diseases are more prevalent. With the increasing interest in body shape and appearance, research on body shape perceptions and accompanying weight control behaviors are needed for healthy weight management.SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on randomly selected 536 (209 men and 327 women) aged 20 to 65 years. Body mass index (BMI), body-shape perception, weight control behavior, quality of sleep, and place of residence were collected using self-reported questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted using complex design in each groups. Collected data were analyzed using the SAS 9.4 statistical package, and the significance level was set at P < 0.05.RESULTS: When these two variables were divided into four groups, they were found to influence dieting attempts. People with abnormal weights who were dissatisfied with their body shapes attempted dieting 5.23 times more than those with healthy weights and satisfaction with their body shapes. Further, those with normal weights but dissatisfaction with their bodies attempted dieting 4.45 times more than those who were satisfied with their shapes. Subjects in their 20s attempted dieting 2.53 times more than those in their 30s and 40s, and female subjects attempted dieting 2.24 times more than male subjects.CONCLUSIONS: A correct perception of one's shape can be an important factor for dietary behavior, as body shape perceptions and dieting attempts are strongly related. Additionally, healthy weight management and nutrition education are important elements to incorporate into a weight control program aimed at preventing excessive weight control behaviors and promoting correct perceptions of body shape.

Exploring an Existing Weight Management App for Use With Adolescents and Young Adults With Spina Bifida: Usability Study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults with spina bifida (AYA-SBs) have unique user needs, given their variable and complex symptom profile. Owing to multiple barriers to prevention and intervention treatments for secondary conditions (eg, obesity), AYA-SBs may benefit from the use of behavioral intervention technologies (BITs). However, as BITs are often designed and tested with typically developing individuals, it is unclear if existing BITs may be usable for AYA-SBs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the usability of a high-quality, publicly available, weight management-focused mobile BIT (smartphone app) for AYA-SBs. METHODS: Overall, 28 AYA-SBs attending a Young Men's Christian Association-based summer camp completed 4 structured usability tasks using a weight management app designed for the general public called My Diet Coach (Bending Spoons). Learnability was measured by (1) time to complete task, (2) number of user errors, and (3) correct entry of data when requested by the app. Satisfaction and general usability were measured via self-reported questionnaires and qualitative feedback following interactions with the app. RESULTS: The majority of the sample were able to complete the tasks, with increased completion rates and improved times on second attempts of the tasks (Ps<.05). Errors were common, and discrepancies emerged between quantitative and qualitative feedback such that self-reported measures indicated dissatisfaction but qualitative feedback was generally positive. Suggested improvements to the app included (1) tutorials, (2) simplifying the design, (3) more activity options for those who ambulate by wheelchair, and (4) notifications to prompt use. CONCLUSIONS: AYA-SBs were able to learn how to complete specific tasks independently on a weight management app, but design changes consistent with previously proposed user needs were recommended. Rather than designing entirely new BITs, it may be possible to adapt existing technologies to personalize BITs for specific populations such as AYA-SBs.

Weight Management in Young Adults: Systematic Review of Electronic Health Intervention Components and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Young adulthood is a vulnerable period for unhealthy lifestyle adoption and excess weight gain. Scant attention has been focused on developing and evaluating effective weight gain prevention strategies for this age group. Electronic health (eHealth) offers potential as a cost-effective means of delivering convenient, individually-tailored, and contextually-meaningful interventions at scale. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this systematic review was to locate and synthesize the evidence on eHealth weight management interventions targeting young adults, with a particular focus on (eHealth) intervention components and outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search strategy was executed across the following electronic databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, EMBASE, Emerald, Education Resources Information Center, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Ovid, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. Furthermore, 2 reviewers independently assessed records for eligibility: peer-reviewed, published in English, and report evaluations of eHealth weight management interventions targeting healthy young adults (aged 18-35 years). Data were then extracted from studies that met the criteria for inclusion. The methodological quality of studies was independently assessed by 2 reviewers using the Effective Public Health Practice Project's (EPHPP) quality assessment tool. A comprehensive narrative evidence synthesis was then completed. RESULTS: Out of the 1301 studies assessed for eligibility, 24 met the criteria for inclusion. According to the EPHPP quality assessment tool, overall, 19 studies were as rated weak, 5 as moderate, and none as strong. The narrative synthesis of intervention outcomes found 8 studies reported positive weight-related outcomes, 4 reported mixed outcomes, and 12 did not report any significant changes in weight-related outcomes. The narrative synthesis of (eHealth) intervention components led to 3 levels of classification. A total of 14 studies were classified as Web-based, 3 as mobile-based, and 7 as multicomponent interventions. Following the narrative synthesis, 5 key strategies were thematically identified: self-regulation (goal setting and self-monitoring), tailored or personalized feedback, contact with an interventionist, social support, and behavioral prompts (nudges and reminders) and booster messages. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the limited evidence base for eHealth weight management interventions targeting young adults. The complex nature of weight management presents an ongoing challenge for interventionists to identify what works, for whom, how, and when. The quality of the evidence in this review was generally assessed as weak; however, assessment tools such as the EPHPP are principally concerned with what should be and this is seldom equivalent to what works. Thus, while sampling, study design and retention rates will remain key determining factors of reliability and validity, further research attention directed toward the development of guiding tools for community trials is warranted.

Intermittent Dieting: Theoretical Considerations for the Athlete.

Athletes utilise numerous strategies to reduce body weight or body fat prior to competition. The traditional approach requires continuous energy restriction (CER) for the entire weight loss phase (typically days to weeks). However, there is some suggestion that intermittent energy restriction (IER), which involves alternating periods of energy restriction with periods of greater energy intake (referred to as 'refeeds' or 'diet breaks') may result in superior weight loss outcomes than CER. This may be due to refeed periods causing transitory restoration of energy balance. Some studies indicate that intermittent periods of energy balance during energy restriction attenuate some of the adaptive responses that resist the continuation of weight and fat loss. While IER-like CER-is known to effectively reduce body fat in non-athletes, evidence for effectiveness of IER in athletic populations is lacking. This review provides theoretical considerations for successful body composition adjustment using IER, with discussion of how the limited existing evidence can be cautiously applied in athlete practice.

Individually Tailored, Adaptive Intervention to Manage Gestational Weight Gain: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial in Women With Overweight and Obesity.

BACKGROUND: High gestational weight gain is a major public health concern as it independently predicts adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Past interventions have had only limited success in effectively managing pregnancy weight gain, especially among women with overweight and obesity. Well-designed interventions are needed that take an individualized approach and target unique barriers to promote healthy weight gain. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of the study is to describe the study protocol for Healthy Mom Zone, an individually tailored, adaptive intervention for managing weight in pregnant women with overweight and obesity. METHODS: The Healthy Mom Zone Intervention, based on theories of planned behavior and self-regulation and a model of energy balance, includes components (eg, education, self-monitoring, physical activity/healthy eating behaviors) that are adapted over the intervention (ie, increase in intensity) to better regulate weight gain. Decision rules inform when to adapt the intervention. In this randomized controlled trial, women are randomized to the intervention or standard care control group. The intervention is delivered from approximately 8-36 weeks gestation and includes step-ups in dosages (ie, Step-up 1 = education + physical activity + healthy eating active learning [cooking/recipes]; Step-up 2 = Step-up 1 + portion size, physical activity; Step-up 3 = Step-up 1 + 2 + grocery store feedback, physical activity); 5 maximum adaptations. Study measures are obtained at pre- and postintervention as well as daily (eg, weight), weekly (eg, energy intake/expenditure), and monthly (eg, psychological) over the study period. Analyses will include linear mixed-effects models, generalized estimating equations, and dynamical modeling to understand between-group and within-individual effects of the intervention on weight gain. RESULTS: Recruitment of 31 pregnant women with overweight and obesity has occurred from January 2016 through July 2017. Baseline data have been collected for all participants. To date, 24 participants have completed the intervention and postintervention follow-up assessments, 3 are currently in progress, 1 dropped out, and 3 women had early miscarriages and are no longer active in the study. Of the 24 participants, 13 women have completed the intervention to date, of which 1 (8%, 1/13) received only the baseline intervention, 3 (23%, 3/13) received baseline + step-up 1, 6 (46%, 6/13) received baseline + step-up 1 + step-up 2, and 3 (23%, 3/13) received baseline + step-up 1 + step-up 2 +step-up 3. Data analysis is still ongoing through spring 2018. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first intervention studies to use an individually tailored, adaptive design to manage weight gain in pregnancy. Results from this study will be useful in designing a larger randomized trial to examine efficacy of this intervention and developing strategies for clinical application. REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER: RR1-10.2196/9220.

Weight loss decreases self-reported appetite and alters food preferences in overweight and obese adults: Observational data from the DiOGenes study.

People with obesity often struggle to maintain their weight loss after a weight loss period. Furthermore, the effect of weight loss on appetite and food preferences remains unclear. Hence this study investigated the effect of weight loss on subjective appetite and food preferences in healthy, overweight and obese volunteers. A subgroup of adult participants (n = 123) from the Diet Obesity and Genes (DiOGenes) study (subgroup A) was recruited from across six European countries. Participants lost ≥8% of initial body weight during an 8-week low calorie diet (LCD). Subjective appetite and food preferences were measured before and after the LCD, in response to a standardized meal test, using visual analogue rating scales (VAS) and the Leeds Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). After the LCD, participants reported increased fullness (p < 0.05), decreased desire to eat (p < 0.05) and decreased prospective consumption (p < 0.05) after consuming the test meal. An interaction effect (visit x time) was found for hunger ratings (p < 0.05). Area under the curve (AUC) for hunger, desire to eat and prospective consumption was decreased by 18.1%, 20.2% and 21.1% respectively whereas AUC for fullness increased by 13.9%. Preference for low-energy products measured by the Food Preference Checklist (FPC) decreased by 1.9% before the test meal and by 13.5% after the test meal (p < 0.05). High-carbohydrate and high-fat preference decreased by 11.4% and 16.2% before the test meal and by 17.4% and 22.7% after the meal (p < 0.05). No other effects were observed. These results suggest that LCD induced weight loss decreases the appetite perceptions of overweight volunteers whilst decreasing their preference for high-fat-, high-carbohydrate-, and low-energy products.

Nutrition Facts Use in Relation to Eating Behaviors and Healthy and Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the relationship between use of Nutrition Facts labels on packaged foods and weight-related behaviors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey in 2015-2016. PARTICIPANTS: Young adult respondents (n = 1,817; 57% women; average age 31.0 ± 1.6 years) to the Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults-IV survey, the fourth wave of a longitudinal cohort study. VARIABLES MEASURED: Use of Nutrition Facts labels on packaged foods; healthy, unhealthy, and extreme weight control behaviors; intuitive eating; binge eating. ANALYSIS: Linear and logistic regression models were adjusted for age, ethnicity/race, education, income, and weight status. RESULTS: In women, greater Nutrition Facts use was associated with a 23% and 10% greater likelihood of engaging in healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors, respectively, and a 17% greater chance of engaging in binge eating. In men, greater label use was associated with a 27% and 17% greater likelihood of engaging in healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors, respectively, and a lower level of intuitive eating. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Professionals advising patients and clients on weight management may consider possible gender differences in response to weight loss and management guidance. Since label use was related to engagement in some unhealthy behaviors in addition to healthy behaviors, it is important to consider how individuals may use labels, particularly those at risk for, or engaging in, disordered eating behaviors. Future research investigating potential relationships between Nutrition Facts use, intuitive eating, and binge eating is needed.