Impact of non-diet approaches on attitudes, behaviors, and health outcomes: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the overall effect of non-diet, weight-neutral interventions on factors such as weight, biochemical measures, food and activity behavior, body image, and mental health. DESIGN: Systematic review of intervention literature. SETTING: Group classes in community and worksite settings (14 studies), and individual counseling (1) and online education (1) in college settings. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen research articles (representing 16 studies) evaluating non-diet interventions using quasi-experimental and randomized study designs with either a comparison or control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometric, physiological, psychological, and dietary intake. ANALYSIS: Systematic search of 168 articles and review of 18 articles meeting inclusionary criteria. RESULTS: Non-diet interventions resulted in statistically significant improvements in disordered eating patterns, self-esteem, and depression. None of the interventions resulted in significant weight gain or worsening of blood pressure, blood glucose, or cholesterol, and in 2 studies biochemical measures improved significantly compared with the control or diet group. Primary limitations were inconsistent definitions of non-diet approaches and the use of different assessment instruments for measuring outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Because of the long-term ineffectiveness of weight-focused interventions, the psychological improvements seen in weight-neutral, non-diet interventions warrant further investigation.

Accuracy of self-reported weight and role of gender, body mass index, weight satisfaction, weighing behavior, and physical activity among rural college students.

This study measured accuracy of self-reported body mass index (BMI), particularly weight, in a college population. The main purpose was to examine the role of gender, BMI, body weight satisfaction, weighing frequency and physical activity level in accuracy (weight difference, percent weight difference, and absolute weight difference). Students (N=405; 56% female) completed a questionnaire and 325 agreed to have their height and/or weight measured. Gender, BMI and activity level were significantly associated with weight difference and percent weight difference while BMI, activity level and weighing frequency were associated with absolute weight difference. However, interactions between BMI and physical activity were found. Our findings indicate that women and heavier individuals underestimate weight.

Evaluation of the energize your life! Social marketing campaign pilot study to increase fruit intake among community college students.

In this study, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of the Energize Your Life! social-marketing campaign pilot study to improve knowledge, attitudes, and fruit intake among community college students. The authors used a cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, pre- and posttest design. They randomly selected community college students (N = 1,367) and exposed the intervention campus to fruit fairs to distribute fresh fruit, 100% fruit juice, and fruit smoothie samples and information about fruit to students. The authors also addressed policy change to increase the accessibility of fruit on campus. There was a significant increase in fruit intake between pre- and posttest at the intervention campus. Although students had positive attitudes toward intake, most did not achieve the minimum recommended daily 2 servings of fruit. Approximately 25% of the students had insufficient funds, which affected their food intake. Longer-term social marketing interventions may be an effective means of improving the dietary quality of community college students.

Perceived knowledge, attitudes, and practices of California registered dietitians regarding dietary supplements.

A convenience sample of California registered dietitians (RDs) (n=253) completed a survey investigating the perceived knowledge, attitudes, and practices of RDs who had or had not received formal training in use of dietary supplements. We also examined whether differences existed between RDs registered before or after 1997, when the American Dietetic Association began requiring that dietetics curricula include basic knowledge of dietary supplements. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and chi2 analysis. Among this sample of RDs from California, those registered before 1997 (n=194) were more likely (P<0.05) to agree that they are knowledgeable regarding supplement use, safety, interactions, and contraindications than those registered after 1997 (n=46), and were more likely (P<0.05) to assess client use. Among this sample of RDs from California, those reporting that they had received formal training in dietary supplements (n=145) were more likely (P<0.05) than those who had no formal training in supplement use (n=105) to agree that they are comfortable discussing supplements with the public; are knowledgeable regarding uses, safety, interactions, and contraindications of supplements; and assess client use. Providing RDs professional education opportunities on supplements continues to be warranted.