Weight Loss Attempts Research Articles

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Weight Loss Behaviors Among US College Students.

Weight loss behaviors are prevalent among college students and are associated with adverse physical and psychological outcomes, such as an elevated risk of developing an eating disorder. While cross-ethnic differences have been reported, no consistent pattern has emerged. The purpose of this study was to examine racial and ethnic differences in weight loss behaviors among female and male college students. The American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) II-C survey data from the collection periods from 2015 to 2019 was used. A total of 426,425 students participated in the survey. Most participants were White (60%) and female (68.5%). Information on students' age, body mass index (BMI), and self-rated health was also collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine cross-ethnic differences in weight loss methods among female and male students. Students' weight loss behaviors were assessed and included dieting, exercising, vomiting or taking laxatives, and the use of diet pills in the past 30 days. More than half of the participants attempted to lose weight through exercise (53.5%), and 40.3% of students dieted to lose weight in the past month. Purging and the use of diet pills were endorsed by 2.9% and 2.8% of the participants, respectively. With few exceptions, male students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds were more likely to engage in extreme weight control practices (ie, vomiting or taking laxatives, taking diet pills) than White male students, while female students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds were less likely to use diet and exercise as weight loss methods than White female students. For all outcomes, Biracial/Multiracial and Hispanic/Latino male students were more likely to attempt weight loss than White male students. Biracial/Multiracial female students more frequently endorsed extreme weight control behaviors than White female students. The results of the present study add to the growing body of literature on the relationship between race and ethnicity and weight loss behaviors. The findings indicate the need for tailored educational and intervention programs on college campuses.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with weight-loss attempts and perception of overweight independent of BMI: a population-based cohort study.

Up to 70% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have pre-obesity or obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether women with PCOS have more weight-loss attempts than women without PCOS, regardless of BMI. Moreover, women's weight perceptions in relation to previous weight-loss attempts were evaluated. A population-based birth cohort study included women with (n=278) and without PCOS (control individuals, n=1560) who were examined at ages 31 and 46 years with questionnaires and clinical examinations. Women with PCOS had more weight-loss attempts compared with control individuals at age 31 (47% vs. 34%, p < 0.001) and 46 years (63% vs. 47%, p < 0.001). At age 46 years, PCOS was associated with multiple weight-loss attempts in the adjusted model (odds ratio: 1.43 [95% CI: 1.00-2.03], p=0.05). The perception of having overweight was more prevalent in those with PCOS, even among participants with normal weight, at age 31 (PCOS 47% vs. control 34%, p=0.014) and 46 years (PCOS 60% vs. control 39%, p=0.001). Women with PCOS were more likely to have experienced multiple weight-loss attempts and a perception of having overweight compared with control individuals, regardless of obesity status.

Abstract 51: Better Sleep Health is Associated With Greater Adherence to Lifestyle Modification During a 12-month Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention

Introduction: Consistent evidence suggests that poor sleep may impede weight loss efforts; however, the impact of poor sleep on lifestyle modification during attempted weight loss is unclear. Purpose: To examine the relationship between sleep health and measures of lifestyle modification in a sample of adults who participated in a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Methods: Adults (N=125) with overweight or obesity (50.3±10.6 years, 91% female, 81% White) participated in a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Assessments occurred at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Six dimensions of sleep were included in our operationalization of sleep health: regularity, satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency, and duration. Sleep dimensions were assessed using validated questionnaires and actigraphy, with values dichotomized into ‘good’ and ‘poor’ sleep. A composite sleep health score was calculated based upon the count of the ‘good’ individual dimensions (range: 0-6), with higher scores indicating better sleep health. Measures of lifestyle modification included attendance at group intervention sessions, daily adherence to caloric intake goals (% of days), and change in average daily moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Linear mixed modeling was used to examine the relationship between baseline and 6-month sleep health and lifestyle modification during the subsequent 6-month interval with adjustment for age, gender, bed partner, and race. The composite sleep health score and individual sleep health dimensions were evaluated in separate models. Results: Mean sleep health was 4.5±1.1 (mean±standard deviation) at baseline and 4.5±1.2 at 6 months; from 0-6 months and 6-12 months, participants attended 79.4±15.0% and 62.3±32.3% of the group intervention sessions, adhered to caloric intake goals on 35.6±23.3% and 21.1±23.3% of the days, and changed MVPA by 8.7±13.6 min/day and -3.7±13.6 min/day. Better sleep health was associated with higher rates of attendance at group intervention sessions (b=2.71, SE=1.29; P=.038), greater adherence to caloric intake goals (b=4.60, SE=1.34; P&lt;.001), and a trend for greater change in MVPA (b=1.41, SE=0.82; P=.088). Associations with lifestyle modification outcomes were observed with the following individual sleep dimensions (each P&lt;.05): regularity with attendance and caloric intake, satisfaction with caloric intake, and duration with MVPA. Conclusions: Better sleep health was associated with greater adherence to lifestyle modification during a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Whether improving sleep health prior to or during a weight loss intervention facilitates better lifestyle modification outcomes merits examination. Support: NIH R01HL107370.

Exploring body dissatisfaction in pregnancy and the association with gestational weight gain, obesity, and weight stigma

ObjectiveBody dissatisfaction in pregnancy has been associated with negative psychological maternal outcomes, including increased risk of postpartum depression. This study aimed to explore weight-related factors that influence body dissatisfaction in pregnancy, including gestational weight gain (GWG), weight stigma, obesity, and weight loss attempts before pregnancy. DesignSecondary analysis of a larger cross-sectional study. SettingOnline survey administered via Qualtrics. Participants≥12 weeks pregnant, ≥18 years of age, having a singleton pregnancy and residing in Canada. Measurements and FindingsA battery of questionnaires were completed, including the Body Image in Pregnancy Scale (BIPS) sub-scale. The BIPS scores were compared based on experiences of weight stigma in pregnancy, perception towards their GWG, weight loss attempts before pregnancy, obesity, and GWG category classified as excessive or not referring to Institute of Medicine (2009) guidelines. Significant differences were entered into a linear regression model with BIPS scores as the dependent variable. Significance was accepted as p<0.05. A total of 182 participants completed the survey. There were no differences in BIPS scores based on GWG category (p = 0.160), or obesity (p = 0.230). Poorer BIPS scores were reported by those who felt they had gained ‘too much’ pregnancy weight than ‘appropriate’ (p<0.001), and among those who were trying to lose weight before pregnancy compared to those who were not (p = 0.002). Poorer BIPS scores were also reported by individuals who indicated they had experienced weight stigma during pregnancy compared to those who had not (p<0.001). Regression results showed that significant variables were perceptions towards GWG (p = 0.003) and experiencing weight stigma in pregnancy (p = 0.011). Key Conclusions and Implications for PracticePerceptions towards GWG and experiencing weight stigma can influence body dissatisfaction in pregnancy. Given the detrimental physical and psychological consequences of body dissatisfaction, effective strategies to reduce prenatal weight stigma are needed, such as training maternal healthcare providers to offer sensitive preconception and prenatal weight counselling.

The relationship between weight history and psychological health-Differences related to gender and weight loss patterns.

The prevalence and burden of obesity continues to grow worldwide. Psychological comorbidities may not only influence quality of life, but may also hinder successful weight loss. The causality between excess weight and mental health issues is still not fully understood. The aim of the study was to investigate whetherweight history parameters, (ie.age of onset) are related to psychological comorbidities. The data were derived from a representative telephone survey in Germany, collecting information on weight loss patterns and mental health outcomes among individuals with BMI>30kg/m2. Overall, 787 participants were examined in terms of depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, GAD7). In addition, participants were asked about different aspects of their weight history (ie. weight loss patterns and trajectories) over the lifespan. The relationship between weight history and mental health was analyzed using multivariate statistics. According to regression analyses, having had more weight loss attempts, a greater weight loss being desired and being a "weight maintainer" was associated with more symptoms of depression (p < 0.001), whereas a greater desired weight loss and being categorized as a "weight maintainer" was associated with more anxiety (p < 0.001). Moroever, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was significantly higher in male individuals who desire to lose more weight or had more weight loss attempts in the past. Gender-specific differences were observed in terms of weight history parameters, as well as mental health outcomes. Especially for men, weight loss patterns seem to be related to depressive symptoms. Concerning the overall results, it becomes clear that screening for weight history at the beginning of a multidisciplinary weight loss program in the context of gender-specific psychological comorbidities is important. The question remains why some aspects of weight history seem to be more important than others.

Dairy Food Consumption Is Associated with Reduced Risk of Heart Disease Mortality, but Not All-Cause and Cancer Mortality in US Adults.

Previous evidence has linked animal protein intake, including dairy foods, with an increased risk in mortality from all-causes and certain chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. The objective of the current analysis was to examine associations between total dairy consumption with mortality from all-causes, cancer, and heart disease. Data for adults (≥19 y; n = 54,830) from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and NHANES 1999-2014 were linked with mortality data through 2015. Individual usual intake for dairy foods were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Hazard ratio (HR) models were fit for mortality types (all cause, cancer, heart disease) and measures of usual intakes of dairy. Multivariable analysis further adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, waist circumference, smoking status, education level, chronic condition status (i.e., based on cancer, myocardial infarct, and diabetes/diabetes medication reported), weight loss attempts, and % kcal from animal protein. No associations were seen between dairy food intake and mortality risk from all-causes [HR = 0.97; confidence intervals (CI): 0.85-1.11; p = 0.67], and cancer [HR = 0.95; CI: 0.75-1.20; p = 0.65] when comparing the lowest quartile to the highest quartile of consumption. Dairy food consumption was associated with a 26% reduced risk for heart disease mortality when comparing the lowest quartile to the highest quartile [HR = 0.74; CI: 0.54-1.01; p = 0.05]. Further analyses in different age groups showed that dairy food consumption was associated with 39% and 31% reduced risk for heart disease mortality in older adults 51-70 and ≥51 y, respectively [adults 51-70 y: HR = 0.61; CI: 0.41-0.91; p = 0.01; adults ≥51 y: HR = 0.69; CI: 0.54-0.89; p = 0.004]. These results contradict previous findings that have linked dairy foods to increased mortality risk. Further, dairy foods as part of a healthy dietary pattern, may help lower heart disease mortality risk.

Postmenopausal women's experiences of weight maintenance following a very low energy diet.

Very low energy diets (VLEDs) effectively induce substantial weight loss in people with obesity, yet they are rarely used as a first line treatment. There is a belief that such diets do not teach the lifestyle behavior changes needed for long-term weight maintenance. However, little is known about the lived experiences of people who have lost weight on a VLED in the long term. This study aimed to explore the behaviors and experiences of postmenopausal women who had followed a 4-month VLED (using total meal replacement products [MRPs]), followed by a food-based, moderately energy-restricted diet for an additional 8months, as part of the TEMPO Diet Trial. Qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants at 12 or 24months (i.e., at 8 or 20months post diet completion). Transcribed interviews were analyzed thematically using an inductive approach. Undertaking a VLED was reported by participants to confer advantages in weight maintenance that previous weight loss attempts had not been able to do for them. Firstly, the rapid and significant weight loss, in conjunction with ease of use, was motivational and helped instill confidence in the participants. Secondly, the cessation of a normal diet during the VLED was reported by participants to break weight gain-inducing habits, allowing them to abandon unhelpful habits and to introduce in their place more appropriate attitudes toward weight maintenance. Lastly, the new identity, helpful habits and increased self-efficacy around weight loss supported participants during weight maintenance. Additionally, participants reported that ongoing occasional use of MRPs provided a useful and easy new strategy for countering weight regain and supporting their weight maintenance regimen. Among the participants in this qualitative study, most of whom had maintained a loss of over 10% of their baseline body weight at the time of interview, using a VLED in the context of a clinical weight loss trial conferred confidence, motivation and skills for weight maintenance. These findings indicate that VLEDs with clinical support could be successfully leveraged to set up behaviors that will support weight maintenance in the long term.

Characteristics and Weight Loss Practices From a Cohort of 20,000 Patients Using Direct-to-Consumer Telehealth: Observational Cross-sectional Study.

Despite the increasing prevalence of obesity, the use of pharmacotherapy treatment remains low. Telehealth platforms have the potential to facilitate access to pharmacotherapy interventions, but little is known about telehealth patients. This study describes a large patient population taking Plenity, an oral superabsorbent hydrogel (OSH) used in the treatment of excess weight or obesity (BMI 25-40 kg/m2). The analysis compared differences in weight loss practices and in-person access to obesity care among telehealth patients with preobesity and obesity. This was a cross-sectional assessment of a random sample of 20,000 telehealth patients who completed a structured, web-based visit and received at least one prescription of OSH. Patients were eligible to receive care via telehealth if they were adults, were not pregnant, and had a BMI ≥25 kg/m2. During the visit, patients provided baseline health information including comorbidities, diet, and exercise habits. Their zip code of residence was used to determine their proximity to an obesity medicine provider. Descriptive statistical analysis and tests of differences (chi-square and 2-tailed t tests) were used to compare patients with preobesity (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI 30-40 kg/m2). Most (15,576/20,000, 77.88%) of the cohort were female, with a mean age of 44 (SD 11) years and a mean BMI of 32.4 (SD 4.1) kg/m2. Among the cohort, 32.13% (6426/20,000) had preobesity, and 40.18% (8036/20,000) of all patients had ≥1 weight-related comorbidity. Almost all (19,732/20,000, 98.66%) patients attempted 1 weight loss method before OSH and half (10,067/20,000, 50.34%) tried ≥4 different methods. Exercise and low-calorie diets were the most attempted weight loss methods, and 28.76% (5752/20,000) of patients reported a prior prescription of weight loss medication. Patients with obesity were more likely than patients with preobesity to have previously tried commercial weight loss plans (7294/13,574, 53.74% vs 2791/6426, 43.43%; P<.001), specialized diets (8493/13,574, 62.57% vs 3799/6426, 59.12%; P<.001), over-the-counter supplements (6807/13,574, 50.15% vs 2876/6426, 44.76%; P<.001), and prescription weight loss medications (4407/13,574, 32.47% vs 1345/6426, 20.93%; P<.001). Females were more likely to seek treatment for preobesity (5332/15,576, 34.23% vs 1094/4424, 24.73% male; P<.001) and reported fewer comorbidities (5992/15,576, 38.47% vs 2044/4424, 46.2% male; P<.001), despite >90% of both sexes reporting the belief that excess weight negatively affected their health (14,247/15,576, 91.47% female participants, 4116/4424, 93.04% male participants). Moreover, 29.25% (5850/20,000) of patients lived in the same zip code and 85.15% (17,030/20,000) lived in the same county as an obesity medicine provider. Data from this large patient cohort supports the potential for telehealth to provide prescriptive weight management treatment to a population seeking care. Patients with preobesity are an undertreated population who actively seek new weight management options. Female participants sought weight management treatment earlier in the disease continuum than males, despite reporting fewer comorbidities.

Weight Loss Experience of Highly Obese Young Adult Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery

This study aimed to explore the weight loss experience of highly obese young people who underwent bariatric surgery. Data were collected, from October 2021 to April 2022, through individual in-depth interviews with eight highly obese young adults who underwent bariatric surgery and analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. The following four theme clusters were extracted. First, 'The unbearable sorrow of obese people' explains the process of choosing bariatric surgery after fluctuations and frustration despite countless repeated weight loss attempts. Second, 'The impact aftermath of bariatric surgery' revealed participants struggling in the face of unexpected changes due to bariatric surgery. Third, 'Efforts to rebuild a healthy myself' demonstrated the struggle to regain health by using the surrounding support system to overcome the difficulties of this surgical procedure. Lastly, 'Facing life by getting rid of the yoke of obesity' displayed the experiences of the participants who felt ambivalent about their changed appearance, but coping positively with the new life. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the weight loss experiences of highly obese adolescents who underwent bariatric surgery and presents a new perspective on clinical practice. The results of this study are expected to be useful in developing and applying systematic and customized nursing interventions before and after bariatric surgery.

Awareness of Blood Pressure or Blood Sugar Level and Subjective Body Weight Perception Impacts the Likelihood of Weight Loss Attempts among Overweight and Obese Adults: A Secondary Data Analysis

Awareness of Blood Pressure or Blood Sugar Level and Subjective Body Weight Perception Impacts the Likelihood of Weight Loss Attempts among Overweight and Obese Adults: A Secondary Data Analysis

Weight Loss History and Its Association with Self-Esteem and Eating Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults with Obesity

Introduction: Previous weight loss attempts in young people with obesity may have influenced their beliefs about themselves and contributed to maladaptive eating behaviors. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between previous weight loss with self-esteem and different eating behaviors in adolescents and young adults with obesity seeking specialty obesity care. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study, where a total of 224 participants with obesity, aged 16–25, self-reported the amount and the frequency of previous weight loss of 5 kg or more. Self-esteem was assessed with Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and eating behavior with the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised21. Linear regression was used to analyze associations between the amount of weight loss (no weight loss, 5–10 kg, and >10 kg) and the frequency of weight loss ≥5 kg (0, 1, and ≥2 times) with self-esteem and eating behaviors. Results: We found that both those who had lost 5–10 kg and those who had lost ≥5 kg twice or more, had statistically significantly higher cognitive restraint eating scores β = 7.03 (95% CI: 0.004–14.05) and β = 8.32 (95% CI: 1.20–15.43), respectively, compared to those who reported no previous weight loss. No other statistically significant associations were found. Conclusion: Previous weight loss in adolescents and young adults with obesity may be associated with a higher cognitive restraint eating behavior. Therefore, assessing weight loss history and eating behavior may be beneficial to better individualize obesity treatment.

Motivations in weight reduction and undesirable eating behaviors among women with excessive body weight (Poland)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between attitudes toward weight loss, taking into account: the motivating factors that determine the desire to attempt weight loss; the level of well-being and degree of motivation before and during the weight loss attempt; changes in attitudes after an unsuccessful weight loss attempt; the state of well-being after the completed weight loss attempt and the degree of severity of disordered eating according to the TFEQ-13 questionnaire. The study was conducted among 600 female users of forums for people with excessive weight. The research method used in this study was the author's questionnaire and the standardized Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire. A general survey questionnaire serving as a working tool was sent by Computer-Assisted Web Interview to community groups. The predominant group of respondents cannot even count the weight reduction attempts they have made during their lives (31%). Three attempts were made by 29% of respondents, and two attempts by 17%. Attempts to lose weight most often involved increasing current physical activity (overall responses), reducing the caloric content of meals (26%), and improving current eating habits (22%). Most people reduced their body weight from 6 kg to 10 kg (29%) or from 3 to 5 kg (27%). It was found that low a risk of aggravation was diagnosed in 45.5% of people, moderate in 44.5, and low in 10%. For lack of control over eating – a low risk was observed in 15.5% of people, moderate in 68.5% of people, and high in 16%. Evaluating eating under the influence of emotions, the highest risk of the studied phenomenon was observed in 50.5% of people, moderate risk in 36.5% of people, and low risk in 13% of people. The level of motivation significantly decreased when trying to reduce weight. No significant deterioration in well-being was observed before and during the weight loss attempt.

Under pressure to exercise: a cross-sectional study of characteristics and predictors of compulsive exercise in early adolescents

BackgroundTo investigate the frequency of compulsive exercise among early adolescents, and determine the associated impact of sex, physical activity level, exercise habits, motivational regulation, dieting behaviour and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) on compulsive exercise.MethodsCross-sectional design with 8th grade adolescents (n = 572, mean ± SD age 13.9 ± 0.3 yrs). Outcome assessment was compulsive exercise (Compulsive Exercise Test, CET). Total CET score ≥ 15 was defined as clinical CET score. Further assessment included exercise motivation (Behavioural Regulation of Exercise Questionnaire—2), HRQoL (KIDSCREEN 27), accelerometer-assessed physical activity and Andersen test for cardiorespiratory fitness. Exercise obsession was defined as clinical CET score and < 60 min/day with moderate-to-vigorous objectively assessed physical activity.ResultsSmall sex differences were found for CET total score. Seven percent of the adolescents were classified with clinical CET score, and four percent with exercise obsession. Adolescents with clinical CET score had higher body mass index, more weight loss attempts, and lower physical fitness compared to adolescents with non-clinical CET score. Being a boy, higher scores on introjected motivational regulation and HRQOL subscale parent relation and autonomy, use of exercise monitoring tool, and number of weight loss attempt the past 12 months explained 39% of the total CET score variance. Physical activity level did not predict compulsive exercise.ConclusionsCompulsive exercise in early adolescents was predicted by exercise motivation, exercise habit, and dieting, but not physical activity level. This implicates a distinction of obsessive cognitions about physical activity from performed physical activity in adolescents, and that such cognitions must be addressed in future initiatives that aim to improve adolescents’ general physical activity level, health, and wellbeing.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03906851.Plain English summaryAlthough there is a huge concern about adolescents being insufficiently physically active, there are also adolescents who struggle with issues of compulsive exercise. The issues of compulsive exercise have been rarely studied in adolescents. We therefore aimed to describe compulsive exercise and factors that were associated with and could explain presence of compulsive exercise. A total of 572 8th graders (age 13.9 ± 0.3 yrs) responded to this study. We found that the score on compulsive exercise was higher in boys than in girls, and that adolescents with high score on compulsive exercise had higher body mass index, more weight loss attempts, and lower physical fitness compared to adolescents with low score on compulsive exercise. Also, we found that exercise obsessions, i.e., thinking of exercise without actually exercising, was present in four percent of the respondents. Being a boy, attempting weight loss, exercising to avoid shame/guilt, and exercising for the perceived value of exercise predicted compulsive exercise. Awareness of the compulsive exercise and exercise obsessions is important in public health initiatives that aim to increase adolescents’ physical activity level.

Who is trying to lose weight? Trends and prevalence in past-year weight loss attempts among US adults 1999–2018 at the intersection of race/ethnicity, gender, and weight status

Common stereotypes of those who desire or attempt to lose weight often center on the experience of White, thin women. However, prior studies have neglected how systems of oppression at intersection of race/ethnicity, gender, and weight status may interact to place certain subpopulations at elevated risk. Repeated cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018 (n = 53,528), a population-representative sample of US adults, were used to 1) assess trends in past-year weight loss attempts using the Kendall-Mann trend test stratifying by race/ethnicity, gender, and weight status, and 2) estimate the adjusted prevalence of weight loss attempts over the combined 20-year period for combinations of race/ethnicity, gender, and weight status using logistic regression. There were significant monotonic trends from 1999 to 2018 for non-Hispanic Black men (43.8% to 67.8%, FDR adjusted p = .022) with an obese BMI, but not for any other groups. After adjusting for covariates, weight loss attempt prevalence was positively associated with BMI category for all race/ethnicity-gender combinations, although the degree of association differed. These findings underscore the need to use an intersectional lens in weight-related research. Despite limited long-term beneficial health impact, certain population subgroups, particularly Black men with an obese BMI, are increasingly trying to lose weight.

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.

Parental Misperceptions of Their Offspring's Weight and Their Strategies for Child's Eating Behavior: A Narrative Review of the Recent Evidence.

The aim of the present review was to explore the effect of parental misperceptions of their offspring’s weight status during childhood and early adolescence on weight control strategies and children’s eating behavior. Literature searching was limited to the PubMed database and to the English language from January 2000 to August 2022. Eligible studies had clearly associated parental misperception of offspring’s weight with child eating habits or weight management and eating strategies in childhood to early adolescence. Sixteen studies (14 cross-sectional, 1 longitudinal and 1 with cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses) were included in the analysis. Weight loss attempts and child’s eating behavior were the main outcomes. Sixteen studies found significant associations. Parental misperceptions of their offspring’s weight status do influence their child’s weight and eating behavior, especially in overweight children. Parents tend to follow potentially harmful methods when they overestimate their children’s weight (food restriction) and when they underestimate their children’s weight (pressure to eat). However, additional longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the impact of parental weight status perception on health behaviors and children’s weight gain over time. The potential need for preventive intervention studies is warranted.

An exploratory investigation of body esteem, body dissatisfaction and body change behaviours in sexual minority young adults from a risk and protective perspective

ABSTRACT Body image, body change behaviours, and risk and protective factors for body esteem, were documented by sexual orientation in young adults aged 18–25 years. Cross-sectional data from My World Survey 2 Post Second Level (MWS2-PSL) were used. The sample consisted of 1,975 heterosexual, 256 gay, 169 bisexual, 89 questioning men and 4,521 heterosexual, 167 lesbian, 781 bisexual, 356 questioning and 121 pansexual women. Body esteem, body dissatisfaction and body change behaviours as well as sexual minority stress risk (discrimination) and protective factors (resilience) were analysed across groups using Chi Square Tests and Analyses of Covariance. Multiple regressions identified relationships between body esteem, body change behaviours and risk and protective factors. Heterosexual men exhibited higher body esteem and body satisfaction than sexual minority men. Bisexual women demonstrated the lowest body esteem, while pansexual women exhibited lower body satisfaction versus heterosexual, lesbian and questioning women. Body change behaviours did not differ among women, but weight loss attempts were elevated in gay and bisexual men. Comfort with sexuality, resilience and social support were positively associated with body esteem. Risk and protective factors for body esteem varied by sexual orientation, highlighting the importance of examining these constructs separately across sexual minority subgroups.

WEIGHT LOSS TO MEET BMI THRESHOLDS – IS THIS REQUIREMENT WORSENING RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS?

Most large fertility programs in the US impose a BMI cutoff between 35-45kg/m2, above which IVF treatment is withheld. Consequently, patients who exceed this threshold must defer treatment, potentially indefinitely, while attempting weight loss. While there is epidemiological data linking improved reproductive outcomes to weight loss, the reality is that achieving a lower BMI can be difficult, and long term maintenance of weight loss in patients with obesity is low. In addition, the intersection between age and BMI must be considered, as taking time to achieve a lower BMI increases the age at IVF cycle start, which may ultimately be detrimental to live birth rates.

Report: Trends in Weight Loss Attempts Among Children in England

Report: Trends in Weight Loss Attempts Among Children in England

Weight Loss Program Preferences of Men Working in Blue-Collar Occupations: A Qualitative Inquiry.

Men who work in blue-collar occupations (skilled and unskilled trades) experience high rates of obesity and comorbid conditions. This group is underrepresented in behavioral interventions for weight management, which may stem from a mismatch between the features of available programs and these men’s preferences. This qualitative study explored the views of these men, their experiences with weight loss, their preferences for weight loss programs, and messaging related to these programs. We conducted remote interviews with 20 men (age: 43 ± 13 years, M ± SD) currently working in blue-collar occupations (50% construction, 25% transportation, and 25% manufacturing) who had body mass indices (BMIs) in the overweight/obese categories (BMI: 33 ± 6 kg/m2). Deductive codes and summary themes were developed and discussed by the first two authors. A selection of transcripts was reviewed following theme development to confirm accuracy of the themes. Most participants (n = 16, 80%) reported a prior weight loss attempt. The most common approaches to weight loss reported were increased exercise and following their own approach to changing diet (e.g., “eating less junk food”). For program and message preferences, two major themes emerged: participants wanted accurate and trustworthy information and wanted programs that fit their lifestyle. Results suggest that weight loss programs targeting men working in blue-collar occupations should emphasize the accuracy of information related to the program and the ease of incorporating it into participants’ lifestyles. There is an urgent need to incorporate these preferences into effective programs.