Calorie Count Research Articles

Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial of Late 8-Hour Time-Restricted Eating for Adolescents With Type 2 Diabetes

BackgroundNo trial has tested the effects of late time-restricted eating (lTRE) on glycemic control or body composition in adolescents with type 2 diabetes (T2D). ObjectiveThe objective of the current study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of lTRE compared with a prolonged eating window in adolescents with T2D. DesignA 12-week, randomized, controlled, feasibility study of lTRE compared with control in adolescents with obesity and new-onset T2D was conducted. Participants/SettingEligible participants were 13 to 21 years of age with a diagnosis of T2D, on metformin monotherapy, recruited from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, between January 2021 and December of 2022. From 36 eligible participants, 27 were enrolled (75% recruitment rate; age, 16.5 ± 1.7 years; hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], 6.6% ± 0.9%; 22/27 [81%] Hispanic, 17/27 [63%] female, 23/27 [85%] public insurance; all P-values > 0.05), and 23 of 27 completed the protocol. InterventionParticipants wore a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) daily and were randomized to 1 of 2 meal-timing schedules for 12-weeks: (1) lTRE (eating all food between 12:00 pm and 20:00 pm without calorie counting or recommended daily caloric intake) or (2) Control (eating over a period of 12 or more hours per day). Main Outcome MeasuresStudy recruitment, retention, and adherence to intervention arms were captured to operationalize feasibility. Glucose control (HbA1c), weight loss (%BMIp95), total body fat mass on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, sleep, and dietary intake were explored as secondary outcomes. Statistical AnalysisAnalyses were based on the intention-to-treat population. Between-group differences in clinical outcomes were assessed using mixed-effects longitudinal regression models. ResultsOverall adherence to the 8-hour lTRE was 6.2 ± 1.1 d/wk, and control was 5.9 ± 0.9 d/wk. Participants assigned to lTRE indicated that limiting their eating window did not negatively affect their daily functioning, and no adverse events were reported. In this pilot study, lTRE led to a reduction in %BMIp95 (−3.4%; 95%confidence interval [CI], ‒6.1, ‒0.7, P = 0.02), HbA1c (−0.4%; 95%CI, ‒0.9, ‒0.01; P = 0.06), and alanine transaminase (ALT; –31.1 U/L; 95%CI, ‒60, ‒2; P = 0.05) within the group. There was no significant difference observed between lTRE and control across these measures (all P > 0.05). The lTRE group had a ‒271.4 (95% CI, ‒565.2, 5.2) kcal/day energy reduction compared with a +293.2 (95% CI, 30.4, 552.7) kcal/day increase in Control (P = 0.01). There were no significant changes observed in sleep or eating behaviors over the study period between groups. ConclusionsRecruitment and retention rates suggest a trial of lTRE in adolescents with T2D was feasible. lTRE was seen as acceptable by participants, and adherence was high. A revised intervention, building on the successful elements of this pilot alongside adapting implementations strategies to augment adherence and engagement, should therefore be considered.

Effect of Time-Restricted Eating on Weight Loss in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Time-restricted eating (TRE) has become increasingly popular, yet longer-term randomized clinical trials have not evaluated its efficacy and safety in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). To determine whether TRE is more effective for weight reduction and glycemic control than daily calorie restriction (CR) or a control condition in adults with T2D. This 6-month, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial was performed between January 25, 2022, and April 1, 2023, at the University of Illinois Chicago. Participants were aged 18 to 80 years with obesity and T2D. Data analysis was based on intention to treat. Participants were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: 8-hour TRE (eating 12 to 8 pm only, without calorie counting), CR (25% energy restriction daily), or control. The primary outcome measure was change in body weight by month 6. Secondary outcomes included changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and metabolic risk factors. Seventy-five participants were enrolled with a mean (SD) age of 55 (12) years. The mean (SD) body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) was 39 (7) and the mean (SD) HbA1c level was 8.1% (1.6%). A total of 53 participants (71%) were women. One participant (1%) was Asian, 30 (40%) were Hispanic White, 40 (53%) were non-Hispanic Black, and 4 (5%) were non-Hispanic White. Participants in the TRE group were adherent with their eating window on a mean (SD) of 6.1 (0.8) days per week, and 17 (68%) in the CR group were adherent with their prescribed calorie goals over 6 months. The mean (SD) reduction in energy intake was -313 (509) kcal/d for TRE, -197 (426) kcal/d for CR, and -16 (439) kcal/d for controls. By month 6, body weight decreased significantly in the TRE group (-3.56% [95% CI, -5.92% to -1.20%]; P = .004) but not the CR group (-1.78% [95% CI, -3.67% to 0.11%]; P = .06), relative to controls. Levels of HbA1c decreased in the TRE (-0.91% [95% CI, -1.61% to -0.20%]) and CR (-0.94% [95% CI, -1.59% to -0.30%]) groups, relative to controls, with no differences between the TRE and CR groups. Time in euglycemic range, medication effect score, blood pressure, and plasma lipid levels did not differ among groups. No serious adverse events were reported. This randomized clinical trial found that a TRE diet strategy without calorie counting was effective for weight loss and lowering of HbA1c levels compared with daily calorie counting in a sample of adults with T2D. These findings will need to be confirmed by larger RCTs with longer follow-up. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05225337.

Effect of Time-Restricted Eating versus Daily Calorie Restriction on Mood and Quality of Life in Adults with Obesity.

The purpose of this secondary analysis is to compare the effects of two popular weight loss regimens, time-restricted eating (TRE) and daily calorie restriction (CR), on mood and quality-of-life measures in adults with obesity. Ninety participants were randomized to one of three interventions for 12 months: 8 h TRE (eating only between 12:00 and 8:00 p.m., with no calorie counting); CR (25% energy restriction daily); or no-intervention control group. Questionnaires were administered to measure mood (Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Profile of Mood States (POMS)) and quality of life (Rand 36-Item Short Form) at baseline and month 12. Body weight decreased in the TRE group (-4.87%, 95%CI: -7.61, -2.13) and CR group (-5.30%, 95%CI: -9.06, -1.54) versus controls, with no difference between TRE and CR. The BDI-II depression score did not change in the TRE or CR group, versus controls, by month 12. Likewise, there were no changes in any of the POMS subscales (tension, depression, anger, fatigue, anger, confusion, or vigor) or the total mood disturbance score in the TRE or CR group versus controls. As for quality of life, there were no significant changes in the SF-36 constructs of mental health, bodily pain, and general physical health in the TRE or CR group versus controls. However, there was a trend towards increased vitality in the TRE group (7.77 [95% CI: 0.15, 15.39] p = 0.05) relative to controls. There were no associations between changes in body weight, physical activity, mood, and quality of life in any group by the end of the study. These findings suggest that TRE and CR produce similar degrees of weight loss, but impact neither mood nor quality of life in adults with obesity over 12 months. Future well-powered studies will be needed to confirm these findings.

Does total caloric count of camel milk differ by species, country, season and year of publication: A systematic review, meta‐analysis and meta‐regression

Camel milk is becoming more popular worldwide, and this review aims to estimate the calorie count of camel milk and establish whether calorie value differs in camel milk among different species, countries, seasons and years of publication. The DerSimonian–Laird estimator was utilised to create fix and random‐effects meta‐analysis. This systematic review and meta‐analysis included 7236 camel milk samples, which were extracted from 75 studies. The random effects of camel milk calorie are 61 Kcal/100 mL, and our findings revealed that camel milk calorie values are varied by species, country and season; this variation is mainly related to discrepancies in energy‐containing macronutrients.

Incorporating carrot pomace-based emulsion to enhance the nutritional value and shelf life of butter

ABSTRACT Carrot pomace, a byproduct of juice extraction from the widely cultivated root vegetable, contains micronutrients and carotenoids that are often discarded as agricultural waste. To address this issue, the present study aimed to create a stable carrot pomace-based emulsion (CPBE) suitable for use in butter production and to evaluate its impact on the physicochemical, microbiological, thermal, oxidative, and fatty acid properties of butter. The CPBE was made with a natural emulsifier and a dispersion medium made of a mixture of vegetable oils in a certain ratio to get the most components, like carotenoids, probiotic culture, and omega-3 fatty acids. The emulsion was selected based on particle size, zeta potential, and color values. Compared to the control sample, the addition of CPBE altered the content of moisture, carbohydrate, protein, and fat, resulting in a higher calorie count. The addition of CPBE also improved the oxidative stability of butter and inhibited the growth of coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, and psychotropic bacteria during storage, and its biological value increased while its spreadability decreased. Although the color scores were impacted by CPBE, overall acceptability was unaffected. The study shows that the use of CPBE in butter production has potential applications in the functional food industry.

Self-reported engagement in healthy eating behaviors is associated with favorable dietary intake among adults in Puerto Rico

A diet high in quality is essential for prevention of chronic diseases. Specific healthy eating behaviors may modulate dietary intake. However, these behaviors have been seldomly studied, particularly in Puerto Rico (PR), a population with documented poor dietary quality and high burden of chronic diseases. This study aimed to document self-reported engagement in eating behaviors and examine their associations with intake of nutrients and diet quality. We hypothesized that greater engagement in healthy eating behavior would be associated with greater diet quality. This cross-sectional analysis used data from the PRADLAD study (adults aged 30-75 years residing in the San Juan, PR, area [n = 234]). Frequency (never, sometimes, often, always) of habitual eating behaviors was measured. Dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was measured with the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010. Statistical analyses included adjusted linear models. The most common behavior was “controlling intake of salt” (51.7%). Engaging “always” (vs. less frequently) in making healthier meals, reading nutrition facts labels, searching media for healthy eating information, counting calories, buying organic foods, eating a vegetarian diet, and controlling intake of salt, fat, carbohydrates/sugar, and portions were associated with higher Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores (P < .05). Controlling intakes of fats, carbohydrates/sugars, and portions “always” was associated with lower intakes of trans fats, added sugars, and total food (g), respectively (P < .05). Engagement in eating a vegetarian diet “always” was associated with higher intake of plant-based protein (P < .05). In conclusion, adults following several habitual eating behaviors had greater diet quality and a lower amount of unfavorable nutrients. Encouraging adherence to these behaviors may contribute to healthier dietary intake.

Reduction in eating disorder symptoms among adults in different weight loss interventions

Restriction of food intake and counting calories as part of weight loss programs are thought to trigger eating behaviors and attitudes which can lead to eating disorders. We have developed a treatment model, Regulation of Cues (ROC), that targets appetitive traits, including food responsiveness and satiety responsiveness, which could address overeating at an implicit level and reduce risk of detrimental behaviors and attitudes. This manuscript evaluates eating disorder symptoms, attitudes, and behaviors among adults with overweight or obesity randomized to ROC, behavioral weight loss (BWL), a combination of ROC + BWL (ROC+) and an active comparator (AC). Participants included 271 adults with a body mass index of 25 to 45, age 18 to 65 years, and a lack of comorbidities that could interfere with participation. Assessments occurred at baseline, mid-treatment (6 months), post-treatment (12-months) and 6- and 12-month follow-up. During treatment, participants in all four arms showed decreases in Eating, Weight, and Shape concerns on the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire and binge eating symptoms on the Binge Eating Scale which were maintained at 6-month follow-up but increased at the 12-month follow-up. Both the ROC+ and BWL arms showed increases in Restraint during treatment which dissipated after treatment ended. This study contributes to a growing body of literature demonstrating that weight loss programs are not associated with increases in eating disorder symptoms. Future studies should evaluate interventions to maintain improvements in eating disorder symptoms following weight loss programs.

Adaptations of an Effective Evidence-Based Pediatric Weight Management Intervention

Current childhood obesity treatment programs do not address medically underserved populations or settings where all members of an interdisciplinary team may not exist—either within one organization or within the community. In this paper, we describe the use of a community-academic partnership to iteratively adapt Epstein’s Traffic Light Diet (TLD), into Building Healthy Families (BHF), a community-placed evidence-based pediatric weight management intervention (PWMI) and evaluate its effectiveness in reducing BMI z scores. Nine cohorts of families completed BHF. Participants included children aged 6–12 years with obesity (M = 9.46, SD = 1.74). The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded guided our classification of modifications across BHF cohorts. Using the FRAME reporting structure, the changes that were documented were (1) planned and occurred pre-implementation, (2) based on decisions from local stakeholders (e.g., school administrator, members of the implementation team), and (3) specific to changes in content and context—with a focus on implementation and potential for local scale-up. The nature of the adaptations included adding elements (whole of family approach), removing elements (calorie counting), and substituting elements (steps for minutes of physical activity). Across 9 cohorts, 84 families initiated the BHF program, 69 families successfully completed the 12-week program, and 45 families returned for 6-month follow-up assessments. Results indicated that the BMI z score in children was reduced by 0.31 ± 0.17 at 6 months across all cohorts. Reduction in BMI z score ranged from 0.41 in cohort 4 to 0.13 in cohort 5. Iterative adaptations to BHF were completed to improve the fit of BHF to the setting and participants and have contributed to a sustained community PWMI that adheres to the underlying principles and core elements of other evidence-based PWMIs. Monitoring adaptations and related changes to outcomes can play a role in long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the Inflexible Eating Questionnaire (IEQ) in a non-clinical sample of adults

BackgroundThe Inflexible Eating Questionnaire (IEQ) is an 11-item instrument designed to evaluate the behavioural and psychological components of inflexible eating. However, the psychometric properties of the instrument have been infrequently examined, and no previous work has examined its utility in the context of the Middle East.MethodsA total of 826 Lebanese citizens and residents completed a novel Arabic translation of the IEQ, as well as previously validated measures of body appreciation, functionality appreciation, and disordered eating.ResultsThe unidimensional factor structure of the IEQ was upheld through both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, with all 11 items retained. We obtained evidence of scalar invariance across gender and found that there were no significant differences in observed IEQ scores between men and women. IEQ scores were also found to have adequate composite reliability and adequate patterns of concurrent validity.ConclusionThe present findings provide support for the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the IEQ in examining inflexible eating in Arabic-speaking adults in Lebanon.Plain English SummaryInflexible or rigid dietary restraint reflects an all-or-none approach that encompasses feeling compelled to obey a set of self-imposed dieting rules (e.g., avoiding high-calorie food, calorie counting, fasting to lose weight and/or skipping meals), having a sense of self-control and feeling empowered when adhering to these rules, and not respecting or following internal/external cues of hunger, satiety, and appetite. Therefore, the inflexible eating construct is composed of two dimensions, the first one is behavioural (i.e., obeying restrictive dietary rules) and the second one is psychological (i.e., the belief that following these rules is a consistent must). Until recently, the measures designed to assess inflexible eating focused on the behavioral dimension, while omitting to account for the psychological processes underlying the construct. To bridge this gap, the Inflexible Eating Questionnaire (IEQ), an 11-item self-report measure, was developed to assess both the behavioural and psychological components of dietary restraint. To date, the IEQ is not yet validated in Arabic. Through the present study, we aimed to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the IEQ, which would in turn facilitate improved research and clinical practices related to dietary restraint in Arabic-speaking nations. Overall, findings provided support for the good psychometric qualities of the Arabic version of the IEQ, which suggests its utility for detecting inflexible eating in Arabic-speaking adults.

Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) as a tool for diet management in patients with type 2 diabetes

Dietary diversity Score (DDS) is known as an indicator of food quality. This was a quasi-experimental study that determined the adequacy and means of energy consumption, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and saturated fats using five 24-hour recalls. Body weight, waist circumference (WC), and pre- and post-intervention HBA1c were measured, and DDS was calculated. A Food Plan Group (FPG) that had an individualized plan and a Dietary Diversity Group (DDG) that used the Dietary Diversity sheet to count food groups consumed per day were formed. Energy inadequacy was 30% in the FPG and 54% in the DDG (p=0.16). Carbohydrates inadequacy due to excess was 46.2% in the FPG and 50.0% in the DDG (p=0.14); protein was inadequate due to deficiency (92.3%) in 92% in the FPG and 69.2% in the DDG; there was low saturated fat consumption (p=0.06). Mean DDS in the FPG went from 5.0 to 6.0 (p=0.06) and in the DDG from 4.4 to 5.6 (p=0.01). Mean weight loss was −1.01 kg in the FPG and 0.33 in the DDG (p=0.05). WC decreased from 98.8 ± 11.0 cm to 96.5 ± 11.5 cm (p=0.01) in the FPG and from 99.1 ± 5.7 to 98.03 ± 4.7 (p=0.26) in the DDG. The Food Plan was more efficient; however, the efficacy of food group counting cannot be ruled out in the long term since it is easier than counting calories or portions.

The complex interplay between psychosocial and biological factors in pregorexia nervosa - a rapid review.

The importance of detecting eating disorders (EDs) during pregnancy cannot be overemphasized, because of the major negative effects this pathology has on both maternal and fetal health. Based on a rapid review including primary and secondary reports, PN may still be considered an elusive diagnosis entity, that partially overlaps with other EDs, either well-defined, like anorexia nervosa, or still in search of their own diagnosis criteria, like orthorexia nervosa. Neurochemical and hormonal factors, psychological and social mechanisms, along with lifestyle changes create a very complex framework for clinicians interested in defining the typical features of pregorexia nervosa (PN). The personal history of EDs is considered one of the most important risk factors for PN. The core diagnostic criteria for this entity are, so far, lack of gaining weight during pregnancy, an excessive focus on counting calories and/or intense physical exercising with a secondary decrease of interest in the fetus's health, lack of acceptance of the change in body shape during pregnancy, and pathological attention for own body image. Regarding the treatment of PN, nutritional and psychosocial interventions are recommended but no specific therapeutic strategies for this disorder have been detected in the literature. Psychotherapy is considered the main intervention for pregnant women with associated EDs and mood disorders, as the pharmacological agents could have teratogenic effects or insufficient data to support their safety in this population. In conclusion, taking into consideration the methodological limitations of a rapid review, data supporting the existence of PN were found, mainly regarding tentative diagnostic criteria, risk factors, and pathophysiological aspects. These data, corroborated with the importance of preserving optimal mental health in a vulnerable population, e.g., pregnant women, justify the need for further research focused on finding specific diagnostic criteria and targeted therapeutic approaches.

Reframing Diabetes Prevention: From Body Shaming to Metabolic Reprogramming

This review integrates new developments in psychology with updated physiological insight on the complex relationships among chronic psychological stress (arising from weight stigmatization and body shaming), food composition, physical activity and metabolic health for the example of diabetes. We address how visual measures of health, such as body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio, do not adequately capture metabolic health and can instead contribute to weight stigmatization, chronic stress, and system-wide impairment of metabolic health. We also emphasize the importance of food composition over calorie counting. We summarize how chronic stress interacts with nutritional deficiencies and physical inactivity to disrupt the stress response, immune response, gut microbiome, and function of fat depots. We specifically address how interactions among lifestyle factors and the gut microbiome regulate whether fat stored around the waist has a negative or positive effect on metabolic health. We aim to provide a resource and updated framework for diabetes prevention and health promotion by (i) highlighting metabolic imbalances triggered by lifestyle changes during the transition to industrialized society and (ii) detailing the potential to support metabolic health through access to modest, but comprehensive lifestyle adjustments.

A pilot study of a modification EAT-26 questionnaire for screening pathological eating behavior in competitive athletes.

This study deals with pathological forms of eating behavior and disorders of athletes with the aim to verify a newly created questionnaire method focused on their screening. First, a detailed analysis of one of the most frequently used methods, EAT-26, was carried out, which was subsequently reworked into a newly created questionnaire that should meet the criteria for application to a group of competitive athletes. This new questionnaire was then verified on a group of athletes in risky sports disciplines. It was distributed among athletes of aesthetic sports, specifically among aerobics (gymnastic, sport, and fitness), gymnastics (modern and sport), professional dance, figure skating, and bodybuilding/fitness (classic bodybuilding, bikini fitness, and men's physique). In total, 100 respondents, 79 women and 21 men, with 20 persons from each sport branch, aged 16-26, participated in the research. The main results of the research investigation were determined using factor analysis, which yielded positive results. Five strong factors (dietary control, body weight control, training obsession, appetite, and calorie counting) were identified, which can be defined as common and well-known characteristics in the eating and training regime of competitive athletes. At the same time, the factors found can be defined as essential factors influencing the emergence of disturbed eating behavior or the later development of an eating disorder. Compared to the original EAT-26, the point score was adjusted, and its critical value was determined at 57 points. Of the respondents, 33%, i.e., 33 out of a possible 100, achieved this value or above. Respondents with a point score of 57 and above were found in every sport tested. Of the 33 respondents reaching this point limit, 6% were in aerobics, 24% in gymnastics, 15% in professional dance, 27% in figure skating, and 27% in bodybuilding/fitness. Respondents from the bodybuilding and fitness sports sector achieved the highest number of points on average and those were the only ones who exceeded the threshold of 57 points on average. The results of the work correspond with the opinion of many experts that the sports environment is ideal for covering up disturbed eating behavior or eating disorders, and diagnosis in this environment is difficult.

Loss-of-Set and Strategy Application on the Menu Task: An Exploratory Study.

Background. The Menu Task (MT) is an occupational therapy screening measure designed to identify people in need of functional cognitive (FC) assessment. Purpose. To explore whether test-taker strategy selection on the MT is clinically informative. Methods. Using a cross-sectional design we administered assessments of FC including the MT and the After MT interview, cognitive screening measures, and self-report instrumental activities of daily living assessment to a convenience sample of 55 community-dwelling adults. After MT interviews responses were qualitatively characterized as (a) loss of set (e.g., not recognizing that food preferences are irrelevant to task performance), (b) calorie counting, or (c) planning. Findings. Loss of set was associated with poorer performance on most study measures, calorie counting was associated with superior performance on most study measures, and no differences were observed relating to planning. Implications. Determining the test-takers approach to the MT adds information to that provided by the MT itself.

Smart Diet Diary: Real-Time Mobile Application for Food Recognition

Growing obesity has been a worldwide issue for several decades. This is the outcome of common nutritional disorders which results in obese individuals who are prone to many diseases. Managing diet while simultaneously dealing with the obligations of a working adult can be difficult. This paper presents the design and development of a smartphone-based diet-tracking application, Smart Diet Diary, to assist obese people as well as patients to manage their dietary intake for a healthier life. The proposed system uses deep learning to recognize a food item and calculate its nutritional value in terms of calorie count. The dataset used comprises 16,000 images of food items belonging to 14 different categories to train a multi-label classifier. We applied a pre-trained faster R-CNN model for classification and achieved an overall accuracy of approximately 80.1% and an average calorie computation within 10% of the real calorie value.

A Tailored and Engaging mHealth Gamified Framework for Nutritional Behaviour Change.

Mobile health applications (apps) have been shown to be effective for improving eating habits. However, most of the existing apps rely on calorie and nutrient counting which have several limitations including the difficulty in sustaining long-term use, inaccuracy, and the risk of developing eating disorders. We designed and developed a mHealth framework for nutritional behaviour change, integrated into the CarpeDiem app, that focuses on the intake of key food groups which are known to have a higher impact on health indicators instead of the intake of nutrients. This framework is mainly based on a gamified system that delivers personalized dietary missions to the user and provides motivational recommendations that help the user to achieve these missions. Its design was guided by an evidenced-based theory of behavioural change, the HAPA model, and it is also characterized by the personalization of the system and the use of a recommender system based on advanced artificial intelligence techniques. Overall, the approach used in the present app could foster a sustained improvement of eating habits among the general population, which is the main challenge of dietary interventions, decreasing the risk of developing the chronic diseases associated with unhealthy dietary habits.

Eat like a Pig to Combat Obesity

Obesity and related metabolic health issues are a growing human threat, with many theories regarding its causes. In swine, physiologically alike to humans, considerable knowledge on obesity mechanisms has been accumulated. Calorie counting is the basis for managing swine diets and applied with great accuracy. Epigenetic programing predisposes pigs to insulin insensitivity, but pigs seem to sense this insensitivity and consequently eat less, preventing obesity. Pigs naturally prefer to eat small breakfasts and large dinners. Deviating from this eating pattern or providing diets with a high glycemic burden can trigger obesity; however, pigs will restrict food intake to prevent serious obesity. Interestingly, in practice, problems with obesity are rarely seen, even when pigs are fed poorly timed diets similar to junk food, likely because swine diets are balanced for every nutrient. Indeed, feeding pigs diets deficient in micronutrients does trigger obesity. For humans, several micronutrient requirements have not been set officially, and diets optimized for all micronutrients are rarely provided. In conclusion, various obesity triggers are being debated for humans, which have been proven in swine. Obesity problems in pigs are nevertheless less excessive, likely because pigs recognize unhealthy eating practices and consequently reduce food intake to avoid serious complications. Finally, swine diets are normally balanced for all nutrients, which may be an important practice to prevent obesity, from which human health could greatly benefit.

Identifying Factors Which Influence Eating Disorder Risk during Behavioral Weight Management: A Consensus Study.

This study aimed to understand clinician, researcher and consumer views regarding factors which influence eating disorder (ED) risk during behavioral weight management, including individual risk factors, intervention strategies and delivery features. Eighty-seven participants were recruited internationally through professional and consumer organizations and social media and completed an online survey. Individual characteristics, intervention strategies (5-point scale) and delivery features (important/unimportant/unsure) were rated. Participants were mostly women (n = 81), aged 35-49 y, from Australia or United States, were clinicians and/or reported lived experience of overweight/obesity and/or ED. There was agreement (64% to 99%) that individual characteristics were relevant to ED risk, with history of ED, weight-based teasing/stigma and weight bias internalization having the highest agreement. Intervention strategies most frequently rated as likely to increase ED risk included those with a focus on weight, prescription (structured diets, exercise plans) and monitoring strategies, e.g., calorie counting. Strategies most frequently rated as likely to decrease ED risk included having a health focus, flexibility and inclusion of psychosocial support. Delivery features considered most important were who delivered the intervention (profession, qualifications) and support (frequency, duration). Findings will inform future research to quantitatively assess which of these factors predict eating disorder risk, to inform screening and monitoring protocols.

Eat Your Way to Health: A History of Ability in the Progressive Era

The article introduces the approach of a critical ability history by analyzing Progressive Era diet advice. It shows how calorie counting reframed health as an ability resulting from individuals’ responsible self-conduct. At that time, novel understandings of bodies and health, techniques of measuring them, and hopes of improving them in the name of eugenics and industrial capitalism suggested that bodies and health were malleable and that it was the duty of individual citizens to care for and shape them. As such, health as ability became a terrain of exclusion as well as of struggles for citizenship recognition.

Self-Monitoring Physical Activity, Diet, and Weight Among Adults Who Are Legally Blind: Exploratory Investigation.

Obesity is a global pandemic. Lifestyle approaches have been shown effective for weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Central to these evidence-based approaches are increased physical activity, decreased caloric intake, regular self-weighing, and the tracking of these behaviors. This exploratory descriptive study surveyed adults who are legally blind to identify strategies related to tracking physical activity, diet, and weight. These health behaviors are essential components to evidence-based weight loss programs. We also identified areas where we can better support adults who are legally blind in their independent efforts to change these behaviors and improve their health. Participants (≥18 years of age) who self-identified as being legally blind were recruited using email announcements in low vision advocacy groups. They completed an interviewer-administered survey on the telephone and an in-person visit for standardized assessment of height and weight. The participants (N=18) had an average age of 31.2 (SD 13.4) years; 50% (9/18) had normal weight (BMI 18.5 to <25); 44% (8/18) were female; 44% (8/18) were Black; and 39% (7/18) were Non-Hispanic White. Most participants (16/18, 89%) used their smartphone to access the internet daily, and 67% (12/18) had at least 150 mins of exercise per week. Although 78% (14/18) of the participants indicated tracking their weight, only 61% (11/18) could indicate how they tracked their weight, and 22% (4/18) indicated they tracked it mentally. Providing individuals with a talking scale was the most consistent recommendation (12/18, 67%) to facilitate independence in managing weight through lifestyle changes. Even though 50% (9/18) of the participants indicated using an app or electronic notes to track some portion of their diet, participants reported challenges with determining portion size and corresponding calorie counts. Most participants (17/18, 94%) reported using apps, electronic notes, smartphones, or wearable devices to track their physical activity. Although strategies such as using wearables and smartphones could provide measurements (eg, step counts) as well as recording data, they also pose financial and technology literacy barriers. Technology-based solutions were identified for tracking weight, diet, and physical activity for weight management. These strategies have financial and technology literacy barriers. A range of strategies for adopting and tracking health behaviors will be needed to assist individuals with varying skills and life experiences.