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At least 1,027 records · Page 57Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Lifestyle intervention according to general recommendations improves glucose tolerance.

OBJECTIVE: Changing dietary and physical activity habits has the potential to postpone or prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. However, it needs to be assessed whether moderate interventions, in agreement with current guidelines for the general population, are effective. We evaluated the impact of a 2-year combined diet and physical activity intervention program on glucose tolerance in Dutch subjects at increased risk for developing diabetes. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Subjects with glucose intolerance were randomly assigned to either the lifestyle intervention group (INT) or control group (CON). The INT received regular dietary advice and was stimulated to increase their physical activity. The CON received a brief leaflet about healthy diet and increased physical activity. Primary outcome measure was the change in glucose tolerance. RESULTS: In total, 88 subjects completed 2 years of intervention (40 subjects in the INT, 48 subjects in the CON, mean BMI 29.4 kg/m2). Subjects in the INT reduced their body weight, waist circumference, and (saturated) fat intake and improved their aerobic capacity. Two-hour plasma glucose concentration declined from 8.7 to 8.0 mM in the INT and rose from 8.6 to 9.4 mM in the CON (p < 0.01). Subjects adherent to both the diet and exercise intervention showed the largest reduction in 2-hour glucose levels. DISCUSSION: Our results showed that a lifestyle intervention program according to general recommendations improves glucose tolerance, even in a less obese and more physical active population. Furthermore, our results underscore the importance of combining diet and physical activity to improve glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.

Behavior Therapy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation of an outpatient treatment program for obese children and adolescents].

BACKGROUND: In Germany the number of children with elevated body weights has significantly increased in the last 10 to 15 years. Resulting comorbidities lead to increasing costs for the community. The quality of life of these children is reduced. PATIENTS: 84 children and their families have been included in the study. In addition to anthropometric data informations on eating behaviour and psychosocial data of the family have been documented. At the beginning of the intervention the children had an age of 10.36 +/- 3,27 years and a BMI-SDS of 4,78 +/- 1,16. The mean time period for follow-up has been 28,7 months (mean). METHODS: Children have been treated within a family-based intervention program in a setting focusing on behaviour modification over 6 months (sessions every 4 th week). Patients have been treated in four different intervention groups (behaviour modification and eating counselling (a),a' plus one parent group session (b),b' plus two courses in cooking and preparing meals for parents and children, (c), the fourth group has been treated in addition within a more intensive inpatient setting for 6 weeks. RESULTS: Drop out rate has been 37,1 %. The weight reduction during the treating period has resulted in a reduction of the BMI-SDS of 0.57 +/- 0.51 (p = 0.0001). 33.7 % of the patients investigated during follow-up (n = 30) have not changed or even reduced their achieved body weights (BMI-SDS). In a stepwise multiple regression analysis the variables age of the patient, self-control of eating behavior and weight of the father explained 70 % of the variance of weight changes during the follow-up period. There have been no differences between the changes in BMI-SDS during follow-up between patients in groups,a',b' or,c' and the group taking part in addition in the in-patient setting. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment programs for obese children and adolescents have to focus on the specific living conditions and eating behaviours of the family especially on age, capacity for self control of the child and the eating behaviour of the father. Local networks to be established within the country for treating obese children coordinated by the paediatrician seem to be best possibilities to provide individual support. In this local networks the prevention of extreme eight increases must be a predominant task.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1976

Application of a computer-based chromatograph for automated water pollution analyses.

A modified head-space analysis technique, coupling thermal extraction with subsequent adsorption of organics on a poly (para 2,6-diphenyl phenylene) oxide adsorbent (Tenax-GC), has been found to be an efficacious tool when combined with gas chromatography for the study and monitoring of low molecular weight organics present in drinking water supplies (1-4). This procedure has allowed for the analysis of volatile organics in the low parts-per-billion range from 1 liter or less of tap water. Because thermal extraction requires smaller sample sizes than required in carbon-chloroform extraction methods and liquid/liquid extractions, the EPA has recently adopted this type of methodology (5,6). Passage of the Safe Water Drinking Act in December of 1974 has mandated that each state assumes the primary responsibility for carrying out the purposes of the legislation (7). Because the Act says that any supplier of water serving 25 individuals or more must comply with these regulations, large-scale monitoring programs will have to be undertaken. It was thus our desire to try to simplify the sample collection and data acquistion and reduction processes as much as possible, in the effort to make the procedure more adaptable for incorporation into routine monitoring programs. Also, automation reduces the experience and number of personnel required to perform the analyses. In addition to analysis of drinking water samples, the automated procedure described hereinafter can also be applied to monitoring industrial plant effluents, waste water treatment processes, and general quality control monitoring of low molecular weight organic compounds.

Autoanalysis↗

PubMed1998

Musculoskeletal challenges of osteoporosis.

Reduction in the biomechanical competence of the axial skeleton can result in challenging complications. Osteoporosis consists of a heterogeneous group of syndromes in which bone mass per unit volume is reduced in otherwise normal bone, which results in more fragile bone. The geriatric population has an increased risk for debilitating postural changes because of several factors. The two most apparent factors are involutional loss of functional muscle motor units and the greater prevalence of osteoporosis in this population. Obviously, the main objective of rehabilitation is to prevent fractures rather than to treat the complications. These complications can vary from "silent" compression fractures of vertebral bodies, to sacral insufficiency fractures, to "breath-taking" fractures of the spine or femoral neck. The exponential loss of bone at the postmenopausal stage is not accompanied by an incremental loss of muscle strength. The loss of muscle strength follows a more gradual course and is not affected significantly by a sudden hormonal decline, as is the case with bone loss. This muscle loss may contribute to osteoporosis-related skeletal disfigurations. In men and women, the combination of aging and reduction of physical activity can affect musculoskeletal health, and contribute to the development of bone fragility. The parallel decline in muscle mass and bone mass with age is more than a coincidence, and inactivity may explain some of the bone loss previously associated with aging per se. Kyphotic postural change is the most physically disfiguring and psychologically damaging effect of osteoporosis and can contribute to an increment in vertebral fractures and the risk of falling. Axial skeletal fractures, such as fracture of the sacral alae (sacral insufficiency fracture) and pubic rami, may not be found until radiographic changes are detected. Management of chronic pain should include not only improvement of muscle strength and posture but also, at times, reduction of weight bearing on the painful pelvis with insufficiency fractures. Axial skeletal health can be assisted with improvement of muscular supportive strength. Disproportionate weakness in the back extensor musculature relative to body weight or flexor strength considerably increases the risk of compressing porous vertebrae. A proper exercise program, especially osteogenic exercises, can improve musculoskeletal health in osteoporotic patients. Exercise not only improves musculoskeletal health but also can reduce the chronic pain syndrome and decrease depression. Application of a proper back support can decrease kyphotic posturing and can expedite the patient's return to ambulatory activities. Measures that can increase safety during ambulatory activities can reduce risk of falls and fractures. Managing the musculoskeletal challenges of osteoporosis goes hand in hand with managing the psychological aspects of the disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

A randomized controlled trial on the long-term effects of a 1-month behavioral weight control program assisted by computer tailored advice.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the long-term effects of a new behavioral weight control program (Kenkou-tatsujin, KT program). The program consisted of twice-interactive letter communications including computer-tailored personal advice on treatment needs and behavioral modification. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial comparing Group KM: KT program with 6-month weight and targeted behavior's self-monitoring, Group K: KT program only, Group BM: an untailored self-help booklet with 7-month self-monitoring of weight and walking, and Group B: the self-help booklet only. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundreds and five overweight Japanese females were recruited via a local newspaper. MEASUREMENTS: Weight loss (body weight, BMI, reduction quotient, etc.) and behavioral changes (daily eating, exercise and sleeping habits). FINDINGS: A significant weight loss was observed in all groups. At 1 month, Groups KM and K were superior, but at 7 months, the mean weight loss was significantly more in Group KM than the other 3 groups. At 7 months, 8 dietary habits and 4 physical activities were improved in all subjects. Habitual improvement was related to the weight loss in Groups KM and K at 1 month.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

The effects of postal and telephone reminders on compliance with pravastatin therapy in a national registry: results of the first myocardial infarction risk reduction program.

BACKGROUND: Noncompliance with cardiovascular therapy and prevention initiatives is well documented. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the First Myocardial Infarction (MI) Risk Reduction Program, an open-label drug registry involving mainly primary-care patients at increased risk of a first MI, was to examine the effects of postal and telephone reminders, as well as demographic and other baseline characteristics, on patient self-reported compliance with pravastatin treatment. A second objective was to determine whether regimen adherence was associated with the adoption of other lifestyle modifications recommended to decrease the risk of coronary artery disease. METHODS: Patients with risk scores of > or = 4 on a scale of -1 to +16 for men and -1 to +17 for women on the First Heart Attack Risk Test were considered to be at increased risk of a first MI and eligible for enrollment in the registry program. An elevated total cholesterol level despite dietary interventions was an additional inclusion criterion. Patients were prospectively randomized (4:1) to either an intervention involving postal and telephone reminders (about coronary risk reduction and medication compliance), which were sent during the first 2 months of pravastatin treatment, or usual care. Both groups received reminder postcards at 4 and 5 months, in addition to counseling by physicians about coronary risk reduction. At 3 and 6 months (or study discontinuation), patients completed and mailed to the program-coordinating center questionnaires concerning compliance with care, including current use of prescribed pravastatin, as well as self-reported adoption of other lifestyle modifications, such as changing eating habits, losing weight, increasing physical activity, and/or quitting smoking. Compliance with pravastatin therapy and with these coronary risk-reducing behaviors was also assessed by physicians at the 3-month follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 10,335 patients were in the intervention group, and 2765 received usual care. The 2 groups were well balanced at baseline with respect to age, race, and total cholesterol values. Neither early reminders nor baseline patient characteristics were significantly associated with reported pravastatin compliance rates, which were approximately 79% overall. However, according to self-reports at 6 months, regimen compliance was associated with the adoption of other coronary risk-reducing behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that early telephone and postal reminders do not improve compliance with drug treatment or with recommended coronary risk-reducing behaviors.

Anticholesteremic Agents↗

PubMed1992

Exercise training improves fat distribution patterns in 60- to 70-year-old men and women.

Changes in body composition and fat distribution in response to endurance exercise training were compared in 47 men and 46 women, aged 60 to 70 yr. Body composition was assessed by hydrodensitometry and fat distribution was evaluated with skinfold thickness and circumference measures. The 9- to 12-mo exercise program consisted primarily of walking and/or jogging for 46 +/- 5 min.d-1, 4.0 +/- 0.6 d.wk-1, at 80 +/- 5% of maximal heart rate. Although men lost more weight during the exercise program than women (men, -3.4 +/- 4.4 kg; women, -1.6 +/- 3.8 kg), relative changes were not significantly different, averaging -3.7 +/- 4.1% and -2.7 +/- 2.9% of body weight in men and women, respectively. The changes in body weight reflected fat loss, as fat-free mass did not change. The reductions in skinfold thickness and circumferences were similar in men and women, and in both groups the largest absolute and relative changes occurred in the truncal area, indicating a preferential loss of fat from the central regions of the body. The results of this study indicate that endurance exercise training can favorably modify the abdominal fat distribution profile that is typical of older men and women in the United States and thus, perhaps, reduce the risk of the diseases associated with abdominal obesity.

Abdomen↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Lipids, lipoproteins, and exercise.

PURPOSE: Dose-response relationships between exercise training volume and blood lipid changes suggest that exercise can favorably alter blood lipids at low training volumes, although the effects may not be observable until certain exercise thresholds are met. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma triglyceride reductions are often observed after exercise training regimens requiring energy expenditures similar to those characterized to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Thresholds established from cross-sectional and longitudinal exercise training studies indicate that 15 to 20 miles/week of brisk walking or jogging, which elicit between 1,200 to 2,200 kcals of energy expenditure per week, is associated with triglyceride reductions of 5 to 38 mg/dL and HDL-C increases of 2 to 8 mg/dL. Exercise training seldom alters total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) unless dietary fat intake is reduced and body weight loss is associated with the exercise training program, or both. Thus, for most individuals, the positive effects of regular exercise are exerted on blood lipids at low training volumes and accrue so that noticeable differences frequently occur with energy expenditures of 1,200 to 2,200 kcals/week. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that weekly exercise caloric expenditures that meet or exceed the higher end of this range are more likely to produce the desired lipid changes. Regarding hyperlipidemic disorders, the primary means for intervention is pharmacologic, whereas diet modification, weight loss, and exercise, although important, are viewed as adjunctive therapies. Because much is known about the exercise training-induced plasma lipid and lipoprotein modifications as well as the mechanisms responsible for these changes, rehabilitation professionals can better develop a comprehensive medical management plan that optimizes pharmacologic, reduced dietary fat intake, weight loss, and exercise interventions.

Apolipoproteins↗

PubMed1993

Controlled studies of multivitamin supplementation on pregnancy outcomes.

The Hungarian Family Planning Program includes a randomized prospective blind study of periconceptional multivitamin and trace element supplementation to test the efficacy of this treatment in the reduction of the first occurrence of neural tube defect. This program is appropriate for the evaluation of pregnancy outcomes in general. Periconceptional multivitamin supplementation had no beneficial effect on fetal death, that is, chemical and ectopic pregnancies, missed miscarriages, miscarriages, and stillbirths. The proportion of low birth weight (5.8%) was higher in the combined vitamin I-II sample than in the combined trace element I-II sample (4.3%), but it was explained by a higher rate of multiple births in the vitamin sample. The estimated rate of monozygotic twins was higher after periconceptional multivitamin supplementation. The number of informative pregnancies using vitamin and trace elements was 2104 and 2052, respectively. The rate of cases with congenital abnormality was significantly higher in the total trace element sample (22.4 per 1000) than in the total vitamin sample (13.3 per 1000).

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Weight reduction and sodium restriction in the management of hypertension.

Weight reduction and sodium restriction are highly recommended components of hypertension treatment and may be of particular importance for many elderly patients. The issue for the practitioner is not whether to attempt nonpharmacologic treatment but how to provide effective nonpharmacologic treatment within the constraints that apply. Dietary programs should be individually prescribed and realistic, taking factors such as health status, material coping resources, culture, and personal food preferences into account. Behavioral counseling and adherence enhancement measures are essential aspects of initial and long-term management. When properly designed and implemented, dietary treatment of hypertension in elderly patients is not only feasible but also offers several potential spin-off benefits, which justify the input of time and resources.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2001

Effects of weight loss on leptin, sex hormones, and measures of adiposity in obese children.

Adipose tissue influences steroid conversion by paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. Leptin is secreted by adipocytes and influenced by sex hormones and adiposity. Short-term weight loss in the treatment of childhood obesity reduces leptin and adipose tissue. We therefore asked, Do alterations in sex hormones occur owing to weight loss? and can these alterations be explained by changes in fat mass or sc fat and are alterations in sex hormones directly related to the fall in leptin? Twenty obese boys and 40 obese girls were studied before and after 3 wk of low-calorie diet and physical activity. The weight loss program significantly lowered fat mass, abdominal fat distribution, sc fat (all p < 0.0001), leptin, insulin, and estradiol (all p < 0.0001) but not testosterone. Changes in leptin were related to changes in body mass and to changes in fat mass in boys. In girls, changes in leptin were related to changes in sc fatness and also to changes in insulin. In boys, the reduction in sc fat was positively correlated to changes in testosterone (r = 0.54; p < 0.01) and inversely related to the fall in estradiol (r = -0.41; p < 0.05). In girls, changes in testosterone (r = 0.33; p < 0.05) and in estradiol (r = 0.40; p < 0.01) were related to changes in insulin. Stepwise regression showed that initial leptin was the best determinant for the fall in leptin (adjusted R2 = 0.87; p < 0.0001). The results show that alterations in sex hormones are related to changes in certain fat depots in boys whereas in girls changes in insulin might participate in changes in sex hormones. A greater fall in leptin owing to short-term weight loss is not associated with greater alterations in sex hormones and initial leptin is the best determinant to explain the variability in changes in leptin. The possibility of sex differences in changes in sex hormones secondary to the reduction in fatness warrants further study.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1999

Multicenter randomized trial of a comprehensive prepared meal program in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effects of a comprehensive prepackaged meal plan, incorporating the overall dietary guidelines of the American Diabetes Association and other national health organizations, relative to those of a self-selected diet based on exchange lists in free-living individuals with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 202 women and men (BMI < or = 42 kg/m2) whose diabetes was treated with diet alone or an oral hypoglycemic agent were enrolled at 10 medical centers. After a 4-week baseline period, participants were randomized to a nutrient-fortified prepared meal plan or a self-selected exchange-list diet for 10 weeks. On a caloric basis, both interventions were designed to provide 55-60% carbohydrate, 20-30% fat, and 15-20% protein. At intervals, 3-day food records were completed, and body weight, glycemic control, plasma lipids, and blood pressure were assessed. RESULTS: Food records showed that multiple nutritional improvements were achieved with both diet plans. There were significant overall reductions in body weight and BMI, fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin, fructosamine, HbA1c, total and LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure (P < 0.001 or better for all). In general, differences in major end points between the diet plans were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors improve in individuals with type 2 diabetes who consume diets in accordance with the American Diabetes Association guidelines. The prepared meal program was as clinically effective as the exchange-list diet. The prepared meal plan has the additional advantages of being easily prescribed and eliminating the complexities of meeting the multiple dietary recommendations for type 2 diabetes management.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Early NICU discharge of very low birth weight infants: a critical review and analysis.

Early neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge has been advocated for selected preterm infants to reduce both the adverse environment of prolonged hospital stay and to encourage earlier parental involvement by empowering parents to contribute to the ongoing care of their infant, and thereby reducing costs of care. Randomized trials and descriptive experiences of early discharge programs are critically reviewed over the last 30 years, and the key elements necessary for successful early discharge are reviewed and defined. Early discharge is clearly achievable for a large number of infants. Variations in neonatal care practices are reviewed since these variations have been documented to influence NICU stay. Management of apnea of prematurity and feeding practices is documented to significantly influence NICU length of stay, as is timing of discharge based on institutional factors. Developmentally centered care, use of nutritional supplements pre- and postdischarge, hearing screening programs, evaluation for retinopathy of prematurity, evaluation for apnea and bradycardia events, and cardiopulmonary stability while in a car seat all influence timing of discharge. Programs of early hospital discharge with home nursing and neonatologist support have been successful in lowering the length of NICU stay. However, trends in length of stay in NICUs indicate that for infants >750 g at birth over the last decade there have been insignificant reductions in length of hospital stay. Thus, because of the increase in the percentage of low birth weight infants in the US, there remain opportunities to improve on variations in care that will be translated to fewer NICU days in hospitals for selected infants. Several professional guidelines are summarized, and standards of care as related to discharge of premature infants are reviewed.

Female↗

PubMed2005

Safety of low-carbohydrate diets.

Low-carbohydrate diets have re-emerged into the public spotlight and are enjoying a high degree of popularity as people search for a solution to the population's ever-expanding waistline. The current evidence though indicates that low-carbohydrate diets present no significant advantage over more traditional energy-restricted diets on long-term weight loss and maintenance. Furthermore, a higher rate of adverse side-effects can be attributed to low-carbohydrate dieting approaches. Short-term efficacy of low-carbohydrate diets has been demonstrated for some lipid parameters of cardiovascular risk and measures of glucose control and insulin sensitivity, but no studies have ascertained if these effects represent a change in primary outcome measures. Low-carbohydrate diets are likely effective and not harmful in the short term and may have therapeutic benefits for weight-related chronic diseases although weight loss on such a program should be undertaken under medical supervision. While new commercial incarnations of the low-carbohydrate diet are now addressing overall dietary adequacy by encouraging plenty of high-fibre vegetables, fruit, low-glycaemic-index carbohydrates and healthier fat sources, this is not the message that reaches the entire public nor is it the type of diet adopted by many people outside of the world of a well-designed clinical trial. Health effects of long-term ad hoc restriction of inherently beneficial food groups without a concomitant reduction in body weight remains unanswered.

Body Composition↗

PubMed1996

Exercise increases fat oxidation at rest unrelated to changes in energy balance or lipolysis.

The hypothesis that exercise increases fat oxidation at rest independently of changes in energy balance, body composition, and/or lipolysis was tested in 21 volunteers. After a period of energy balance, volunteers were randomly allocated to one of four groups: control, overfed (OF), overfed and exercised (OF-EX), and exercised (EX). OF and OF-EX were overfed 50% excess of energy balance calories; OF-EX and EX spent 50% excess of energy balance calories during daily exercise sessions. Exercise increased fat oxidation at rest independently of dietary intake (OF-EX = + 22 +/- 2.4, EX = + 23 +/- 1.5 mg/min) and reduced carbohydrate oxidation (OF-EX = - 49 +/- 6.2, EX = - 46 +/- 5.4 mg/min). Volunteers in the OF group had an increase in carbohydrate oxidation (85 +/- 5.9 mg/min) and a decline in fat oxidation (- 33 +/- 1.4 mg/min). Protein oxidation did not change in any group. These changes occurred without a direct relation with changes in lipolysis and persisted even when expressed as a percentage or as an absolute equivalent of resting metabolic rate in calories. Thus exercise, independent of changes in energy intake and body composition and not related to changes in lipolysis, increases fat oxidation at rest, which may explain the beneficial effects of exercise in weight loss programs.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[The effects of nonsupervised exercise program, via internet, on blood pressure and body composition in normotensive and prehypertensive individuals].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of a six-month non-supervised physical training program followed via the Internet on blood pressure and body composition in normotensive and borderline hypertensive individuals. METHODS: One hundred and thirty five individuals were divided into two groups: 1) normotensive individual (n = 57), 43 +/- 1 years of age, systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 120 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < 80 mmHg (GI); and 2) borderline hypertensive individual (n = 78), 46 +/- 1 years of age, SBP 120 to 139 and DBP 80 to 89 mmHg (GII). RESULTS: After a three and six-month physical training, GII individuals showed a significant reduction in SBP (-3.6 +/- 0.94 and -10 +/- 0.94 mmHg, p < 0.05, respectively) and PAD (-6.5 +/- 1 and -7.1 +/- 0.9 mmHg, p < 0.05, respectively), body weight (-1.12 +/- 0.26 and -1.25 +/- 0.31 kg, p < 0.05, respectively), BMI (-0.79 +/- 0.4 and -0.84 +/- 0.41 kg/m2, p < 0.05, respectively) and waist circumference (-1.12 +/- 0.53 and -1.84 +/- 0.56 cm, p < 0.05, respectively). In the GI group, the physical training led to a decrease in waist circumference at the sixth month (-1.6 +/- 0.63 cm, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This program decreases blood pressure, body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in borderline hypertensive individuals, and is therefore a safe and low-cost strategy in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and improvement of health status of the population.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1982

A method for using epidemiologic data to estimate the potential impact of an intervention on the health status of a target population.

A general method is proposed for estimating the potential impact of a prevention program involving risk factor modification on the incidence of specific diseases in a target population. An evaluative framework for comparing alternative intervention strategies is also presented. On the basis of results from epidemiologic studies, the user must specify certain parameters regarding the distribution of the risk factor that is to be modified in the population, the magnitude of the association between the risk factor and disease, and the total risk of disease in the population. A quantitative measure, called the potential impact fraction, is derived to estimate the proportion of expected new cases that may be prevented under intervention programs of varying success. Estimates of this measure are then used to assess the potential efficacy, effectiveness, adequacy, and efficiency of planned intervention strategies. The method is illustrated with published data relating relative weight and coronary heart disease among middle-aged U.S. men, comparing different strategies of weight reduction. Key assumptions of the method and interpretation of results are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Obesity-related beliefs predict weight loss after an 8-week low-calorie diet.

The objective of this study was to examine whether beliefs about the cause, consequences, time line, and control of obesity are predictors of the amount of weight loss after an 8-week, low-calorie diet consisting of meal replacements. Forty-eight women and 18 men, mean age=45.9 (range=23 to 73 years) years and body mass index between 30 and 50 participated in a weight-loss program. Beliefs were measured at baseline by the Obesity Cognition Questionnaire and by an eating behavior self-efficacy scale. Correlational and regression analyses were performed to examine whether beliefs predicted weight change. Changes in body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure were significant (P <.001). Less weight reduction was associated with poor self-efficacy (r =-0.34, P <.01) and the beliefs that obesity had a physical origin (r =0.27, P =.04) and was not under behavioral control (r =-0.25, P =.04). Self-efficacy remained a significant predictor in regression analysis. The results suggest that the outcome of dietary interventions may be improved when adjusting beliefs, especially self-efficacy.

Adult↗