Effects of a Group-Based Behavioral Intervention on Dietary Behaviors in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of a 12-week, behavioral nutrition intervention on dietary behaviors. METHOD: Inactive older adults ( N = 50) were randomized to a 12-week, behavioral nutrition or physical activity intervention, delivered in a group-based format. Questionnaires assessed fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, and fat- and fiber-related behaviors at baseline and postintervention. Height and weight were measured. Repeated-measures ANOVAs examined changes in dietary behaviors over time between groups, controlling for age, gender, and education. RESULTS: Participants averaged 64.1 ± 8.4 years of age and had a body mass index (BMI) of 33.3 ± 7.5 kg/m2. Group × Time interactions were significant for FV consumption ( p = .003), and fat- ( p = .02) and fiber-related ( p = .008) behaviors at 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, dietary behaviors improved significantly in the nutrition but not in the physical activity group. Effect sizes were medium to large. DISCUSSION: A 12-week, behavioral nutrition intervention improved dietary behaviors. Behavioral interventions may be a low-cost way to improve dietary behaviors among older adults, potentially affecting population health significantly.

Perceptions of body weight and nutritional practices among male and female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II athletes.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated body weight and nutritional behavior perceptions among Division II collegiate athletes. PARTICIPANTS: The sample was composed of 155 collegiate athletes who responded to a survey. METHODS: Data were self-reported by athletes via questionnaire. Independent-sample t tests were used to identify significant gender differences related to body weight perceptions, nutritional practices, and ideal weight difference (IWD). An alpha level of .05 was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Mean ± SD female and male IWD was -6.8 ± 8.8 and 1.3 ± 12.3 lbs, respectively (p < .001). Significant differences in level of agreement regarding perceived body weight effects on performance and dietary practices existed between genders. CONCLUSIONS: Significant gender differences may exist regarding body weight perceptions and nutritional practices among collegiate athletes. Deliverance of gender-specific educational information about proper nutritional practices is warranted. To properly tailor interventions to specific sports, research with larger sample sizes is needed.