Changes In Weight Status Research Articles

Carrying a biological "backpack": Quasi-experimental effects of weight status and body fat change on perceived steepness.

The apparent steepness of hills and stairs is overestimated in explicit perception. These overestimations are malleable in that when physiological resources are compromised, apparent steepness is further overestimated. An alternative explanation of these experimental findings attributes them to demand characteristics. This article tests the relationship between estimated steepness and naturally occurring differences in body composition. A quasi-experimental field study revealed more exaggerated reports of staircase steepness in overweight than in healthy-weight participants in a situation where experimental demand would be an implausible explanation for any differences. A longitudinal follow-up study used dual X-ray absorptiometry to objectively measure participants' body composition at the beginning and end of a weight-loss program (N = 52). At baseline, higher levels of body fat were associated with steeper explicit estimates of staircase steepness. At follow-up, changes in body fat were associated with changes in estimated steepness such that a loss of fat mass co-occurred with shallower estimates. Discussion focuses on the malleability of perceived steepness at an individual level and the implication of these findings for the debate surrounding "embodied" models of perception. (PsycINFO Database Record

СНИЖЕНИЕ ПРЕДЕЛЬНОГО ТОРМОЗНОГО ПУТИ ДВУХОСНЫХ АВТОТРАНСПОРТНЫХ СРЕДСТВ В ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИОННЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ КАК СПОСОБ ПОВЫШЕНИЯ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ ДОРОЖНОГО ДВИЖЕНИЯ

The paper offered the option to increase safety two-axle vehicles in operational conditions through the use of dynamic brake control systems. It was found that for improving road safety of cars not equipped with ABS, the laws of the sound management of braking forces at the wheels of a single vehicle must take into account not only changes in weight status and the coefficient of traction, but the dynamic change of normal reactions in an operational environment that is possible with the introduction of the braking system board or combined circuit switching circuits.

The Impact of Acculturation Level on Weight Status and Weight Outcomes in Hispanic Children.

Previous studies revealed that higher levels of acculturation are related to obesity in Hispanic adults. Conflicting findings exist regarding this relationship in children, and little is known about the impact of acculturation on children's success in pediatric weight management programs. The purposes of the study were to (1) examine the relationship between acculturation and overweight/obese weight status and (2) determine the impact of acculturation on the changes in weight status among overweight/obese children 12 and 24months after having participated in a weight management intervention. This is a secondary analysis of aggregated data from three randomized control trials that occurred between 2005 and 2009. Height, weight, and level of acculturation using the Child Short Scale for Hispanics (C-SASH) were measured in a sample of Hispanic children (n=559). Logistic regression models were used to study phase 1 (n=559) and phase 2 (n=142), controlling for child and family characteristics. Children reporting high levels of acculturation had a 52% lower odds of being overweight or obese. Among overweight/obese children who participated in the intervention, high levels of acculturation demonstrated greater reductions in standardized body mass index (zBMI) at 24months. The results of this study indicate a need to tailor weight management programs for Hispanic children who have lower levels of acculturation.

Characteristics of a Favorable Weight Status Change From Adolescence to Young Adulthood

PurposeTo explore 10-year longitudinal predictors (personal, psychological, behavioral, and socioenvironmental) of exiting obesity from adolescence to young adulthood. MethodsData were collected from a population-based cohort of adolescents (n = 2,287) attending middle/high schools in Minneapolis–St. Paul in 1998–1999 (mean age = 14.9) and again in 2008–2009 (mean age = 25.3) participating in Project Eating and Activity Among Teens and Young Adults. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate weight status change between adolescence and young adulthood, among participants with obesity at baseline (n = 175). Questionnaires assessed personal, psychological, behavioral, and socioenvironmental factors hypothesized to play a role in obesity. Modified Poisson regressions estimated adjusted relative risks (RRs) for exiting obesity as a function of each baseline and 10-year change in predictor, controlling for relevant covariates. ResultsThirty-two percent of adolescents exited obesity in young adulthood. Reductions in fast food intake (RR = .73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .61–.87) and screen time (RR = .98, 95% CI = .96–.99), and increases in fruit/vegetable intake (RR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.12), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.00–1.12), home fruit/vegetable availability (RR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.19–2.09), family meals (RR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.03–1.22), and serving vegetables at dinner (RR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.10–1.92) were associated with exiting obesity. Not dieting as an adolescent and improvements in body satisfaction, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and weight teasing were also associated with exiting obesity. ConclusionsPromoting healthy eating and activity, and improving the healthfulness of home food environments may be promising intervention targets for promoting healthier weights in adolescents and young adults with obesity. Addressing dieting behavior and the psychosocial health of adolescents with obesity may also be needed throughout the transition to young adulthood.

Changes in body weight and obesity status in German adults: results of seven population-based prospective studies.

The objective of this study was to quantify body weight changes in German adult populations during the past decades. Longitudinal analysis of seven cohort studies covering different age ranges between 18 and 83 years. Baseline examinations were between 1994 and 2007 and follow-up durations between 4.0 and 11.9 years. For each study, mean change in body weight per year and 10-year change in body mass index (BMI) classification were analyzed. For the middle age group of 45-64 years, meta-analysis was conducted to obtain an overall estimate for Germany. Among men weight gain was highest in the youngest participants and decreased with advancing age. Among women weight gain was on a stable high level among those younger than 45 years and decreased at older age. Within 10 years, 30-40% of middle-aged participants with normal baseline weight became pre-obese or obese and 20-25% of those with pre-obesity at baseline became obese, whereas >80% of persons who were obese at baseline remained obese over time. The estimated average weight change in adults aged 45-64 years was 0.25 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18-0.33) kg/year among men and 0.24 (0.17-0.30) kg/year among women. We could observe a moderate weight gain over the past years in German middle-aged populations of 0.25 kg/year. Obesity prevention needs to be targeted to specific subgroups in the population, especially to younger adults, who seem to be most vulnerable for gaining weight. Obesity intervention needs to be improved, as the majority of obese adults remained obese over time.

Effect of a non-dieting lifestyle randomised control trial on psychological well-being and weight management in morbidly obese pre-menopausal women

ObjectiveThis study examined the effects of a non-dieting lifestyle intervention approach for morbidly obese women designed in the framework of the self-determination theory (SDT) and Health at Every Size on weight maintenance and psychological functioning. Participants and designPredominantly white (97%), morbidly obese (BMI≥35kgm−2 with at least one co-morbid condition or a BMI≥40kgm−2) pre-menopausal women (N=62), aged between 24 and 55 years were initially randomly assigned to 12 weeks of lifestyle intervention (IIG) or delayed start control group (DSCG). The program consisted of 3 months intensive lifestyle intervention followed by 9 month maintenance phase. The DSCG group commenced the program after 3 months. Results and conclusionsInitially, the IIG showed a significant decrease in body weight (baseline to end of the RCT phase) compared with a significant increase in the DSCG group. However, no significant changes in weight status were evident in either group at 12 months compared with baseline. The 3-month intensive intervention resulted in significantly improved psychological functioning in both groups, which were maintained at 12 months. The study provides additional support for a non-dieting, theory-based, lifestyle approach to weight management and psychological well-being among morbidly obese females.

The associations of BMI trajectory and excessive weight gain with demographic and socio-economic factors: the Adolescent Nutritional Assessment Longitudinal Study cohort

Assessing changes in adolescents' BMI over brief periods could contribute to detection of acute changes in weight status and prevention of overweight. The objective of this study was to analyse the BMI trajectory and the excessive weight gain of Brazilian adolescents over 3 years and the association with demographic and socio-economic factors. Data regarding the BMI of 1026 students aged between 13 and 19 years were analysed over 3 consecutive years (2010, 2011 and 2012) from the Adolescent Nutritional Assessment Longitudinal Study. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess the BMI trajectory according to the type of school attended (public or private), skin colour, socio-economic status and level of maternal schooling by sex. Associations between excessive weight gain and socio-economic variables were identified by calculation of OR. Boys attending private schools (β coefficient: 0·008; P=0·01), those with white skin (β coefficient: 0·007; P=0·04) and those whose mothers had >8 years of schooling (β coefficient: 0·009; P=0·02) experienced greater BMI increase than boys and girls in other groups. Boys in private schools also presented higher excessive weight gain compared with boys attending public schools (P=0·03). Boys attending private schools experienced greater BMI increase and excessive weight gain, indicating the need to develop specific policies for the prevention and reduction of overweight in this population.

Food craving and obesity in survivors of pediatric ALL and lymphoma

Cancer treatment can impact the hypothalamic-pituitary region of the developing brain, impairing appetite regulation and causing food craving in children who have survived cancer. We assessed food craving using a modified Food Craving Inventory in 22 survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoma (median age = 11.7 years) and evaluated its association with treatment exposure and changes in weight status over a one-year period. Mean total craving score was 2.1 (SD = 0.7). Survivors reported significantly higher mean craving score for fast-foods [2.6 (SD = 0.9)] than for sweets [2.1 (SD = 0.8)], carbohydrates [2.0 (SD = 0.6)], and fats [1.8 (SD = 0.7)] (all P values < 0.05). Results from multivariate linear regression indicated that survivors diagnosed at an older age (≥4.5 years) experienced higher frequencies of food craving than those diagnosed at a younger age (<4.5 years) (β = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.42, 1.34). Food craving, however, was not significantly associated with survivors' weight status over 12 months of follow-up. Food craving alone does not appear to explain the obesity risk in this sample of childhood cancer survivors. The role of food craving in shaping eating behavior and obesity risk needs to be further evaluated in a large cohort of childhood cancer survivors.

Parenthood linked to new onset overweight or obesity among Chilean adolescents.

To determine whether early parenthood is associated with the onset of overweight/obesity during adolescence. Weight status changes between ages 16 and 21 years were measured in 270 Chilean youths. Parenthood by age 21 was assessed by interview. Sixty-three youths became overweight/obese between ages 16 and 21 years (23%), and 24% (n=65) of the total sample were parents by age 21. Bearing a child by age 21 was associated with a two-fold risk of becoming newly overweight or obese (OR=2.6, CI: 1.1, 5.9, p<0.05). Earlier internalizing problems were also associated with the development of overweight/obesity in young mothers. Weight status changes from normal to overweight or obese were more likely to occur among young parents than non-parents. This has implications for adolescents' future health given their likelihood of having subsequent pregnancies and the known risks of increased weight at each pregnancy.

Psychosocial Well-Being of Adolescents Before and After a 1-Year Telephone-Based Adiposity Prevention Study for Families

PurposeBody image and psychosocial well-being play an important role in influencing health behavior of obese adolescents. Effects of family-based interventions on self-image and mental well-being are poorly understood. The effects of a parent-delivered intervention on psychosocial well-being in obese adolescents were investigated. MethodsA subset of secondary variables from the randomized-controlled Telephone-based Adiposity prevention study For Families (T.A.F.F. study) was analyzed. Multivariate analysis of variance and Pearson correlations were used to examine intervention effects on measures of body image, body dissatisfaction, self-efficacy, self-worth, and resilience and changes of standard deviation score of body mass index (BMI-SDS). ResultsA total of 154 randomized adolescents participated in this study (10–17 years). Body dissatisfaction decreased between baseline and follow-up (p = .013, confidence interval [CI], .03–.29), whereas self-efficacy increased (p = .022; CI, −1.73 to −0.14). Both were independent of the randomization arm. Initial body image was a negative predictor of self-efficacy after the intervention. Changes in body dissatisfaction and self-efficacy were positively correlated with changes in self-worth and resilience but were not related to changes in weight status. ConclusionsOverweight/obese adolescents have a high level of body dissatisfaction, more pronounced in girls than in boys. Interactions within families during overweight and obesity interventions need to be investigated in relation to adolescent body self-concept.

Longitudinal investigation of adenovirus 36 seropositivity and human obesity: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

Adenovirus-36 (Adv-36) infection is associated with exaggerated adipogenesis in cell culture and the development of obesity in animal models and humans, but a causal relationship remains unproven. Our objective was to determine whether serological evidence of Adv-36 infection in childhood and/or adulthood is associated with adult obesity. Paired plasma concentrations of Adv-36 antibodies were measured by a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a subgroup (n=449) of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study in childhood (mean age 11.9 years) and adulthood (mean age 41.3 years). The study group included (1) individuals who had maintained normal-weight status (2) those who became obese adults from a normal-weight status in childhood and (3) those that were overweight/obese as a child and obese as an adult. Mean (s.d.) time between baseline and follow-up was 29.4 (3.2) years (range 21-31 years). A total of 24.4% of individuals who were normal weight throughout life were seropositive for Adv-36 during child and/or adulthood as compared with 32.3% of those who became obese adults (P=0.11). Those who became obese in adulthood were more likely to be Adv-36 seropositive as adults compared with those who maintained normal weight (21.3% vs. 11.6%, P=0.02). This difference was mediated by a decline in Adv-36 seropositivity between child and adulthood in those maintaining normal weight. No differences were observed in body mass index across the life course, nor in waist circumference in adult life, between those who were Adv-36 seronegative or seropositive at any age. Individuals who gained weight across the life course were more likely to be Adv-36 seropositive in adult life than those who did not gain weight. However, analysis of change in weight status in relation to Adv-36 positivity did not support a causal role for Adv-36 in the development of obesity.

Progressive influence of body mass index-associated genetic markers in rural Gambians

BackgroundIn populations of European ancestry, the genetic contribution to body mass index (BMI) increases with age during childhood but then declines during adulthood, possibly due to the cumulative effects of...

Picky eating and child weight status development: a longitudinal study.

Children's picky eating behaviour has been linked both to being overweight and underweight. However, the role of parenting practices in this relationship has rarely been investigated. The present study aimed to clarify the direction of the association between picky eating and weight status and to examine the moderating role of food parenting practices. The present study comprised a longitudinal study on the effects of picky eating on child weight status within the KOALA Birth Cohort Study, the Netherlands. Mothers and their children were included in the analyses. Children's picky eating behaviour and food parenting practices were assessed at baseline (child age 5 years). Their weight status was assessed repeatedly until age 9 years. Mixed effects linear and logistic regressions were used to compare picky eaters (n = 403) and non-picky eaters (n = 621) on changes in weight status over the years. At baseline of age 5 years, picky eaters were slightly shorter, more often underweight and less often overweight than non-picky eaters, whereas energy intake in relation to body weight (kJ kg(-1)) was similar. Picky eaters with a normal weight at baseline had no increased risk of becoming underweight during follow-up until age 9 years, and were less likely to become overweight compared to non-picky eaters. There were no interactions with food parenting practices. The parents of picky eaters more often reported pressuring their child to eat and restrict unhealthy food intake compared to parents of non-picky eaters. The association between picky eating and child weight status was not influenced by parenting practices.

The stability of weight status through the early to middle childhood years in Australia: a longitudinal study

ObjectivesTo investigate the sociodemographic and behavioural factors associated with incidence, persistence or remission of obesity in a longitudinal sample of Australian children aged 4–10 years.SettingNationally representative Longitudinal Study of Australian...

Symptoms, Weight Loss and Physical Function in a Lifestyle Intervention Study of Older Cancer Survivors

Abstract Cancer is most often a disease of aging, and frequently, a disease for which obesity serves as a risk factor. Thus, many cancer survivors are older, overweight or obese, with higher illness burden, symptoms, and comorbidities. Against this backdrop, survivors are at increased risk for functional decline. The question is whether lifestyle interventions can still benefit older, sicker survivors? The purpose of this study was to examine how overweight long-term survivors' symptom severity prior to a diet and exercise intervention is associated with post-intervention function and to determine symptoms' effects on function through change in physical activity, diet quality, and weight status. Methods This is a secondary data analysis of 514 breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors who participated in the one-year home-based diet and exercise intervention, Reach-Out to Enhance Wellness (RENEW) trial. Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed. Measures of this study included pre-intervention symptoms, changes in weight, physical activity, diet quality, and post-intervention overall physical function (PF), and basic and advanced lower extremity function (BLEF and ALEF). Simple and serial mediation analyses were conducted to examine direct effects of symptom severity on BLEF and ALEF and the indirect effects of symptom severity through changes in diet quality, physical activity, and weight status. Results Increased symptom severity was directly associated with lower functioning scores for PF (b = −0.63 P &amp;lt; 0.001), BLEF (b = −0.33, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and ALEF (b = −0.22, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Indirect effects of symptom severity through weight loss, physical activity and diet were not significant. Weight loss and increased physical activity were significantly associated with higher PF and ALEF and higher diet quality was associated with higher BLEF. Conclusion Symptom severity of older, overweight cancer survivors negatively affects physical function. However, greater weight loss and physical activity were associated with higher functioning scores, regardless of symptom severity. Findings build from the recent emphasis on the negative effects of obesity on survivor outcomes to highlight weight loss as an important factor in maintaining function in older cancer survivors.

PD39-10 CHANGES IN BODY MASS INDEX AND METABOLIC SYNDROME ARE ASSOCIATED WITH PROSTATE GROWTH RATE OVER A 5 YEAR PERIOD

You have accessJournal of UrologyBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Epidemiology and Natural History1 Apr 2015PD39-10 CHANGES IN BODY MASS INDEX AND METABOLIC SYNDROME ARE ASSOCIATED WITH PROSTATE GROWTH RATE OVER A 5 YEAR PERIOD Yoon Soo Kyung, Dalsan You, In Gab Jeong, Taekmin Kwon, Chunwoo Lee, Seungbong Han, Hong-Kyu Kim, Choung-Soo Kim, Myungchan Park, Chanwoo Lee, and Sangjun Yoo Yoon Soo KyungYoon Soo Kyung More articles by this author , Dalsan YouDalsan You More articles by this author , In Gab JeongIn Gab Jeong More articles by this author , Taekmin KwonTaekmin Kwon More articles by this author , Chunwoo LeeChunwoo Lee More articles by this author , Seungbong HanSeungbong Han More articles by this author , Hong-Kyu KimHong-Kyu Kim More articles by this author , Choung-Soo KimChoung-Soo Kim More articles by this author , Myungchan ParkMyungchan Park More articles by this author , Chanwoo LeeChanwoo Lee More articles by this author , and Sangjun YooSangjun Yoo More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.2405AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Recent studies indicate that BPH and prostatic enlargement are linked with modifiable factors, including obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the association between the changes in these factors over time in the general population is unclear. Therefore, too evaluate the relationship between changes in body mass index (BMI), waist circumflex (WC), MetS and prostate growth over 5 years in an adult population. METHODS Data were collected from 1,108 population-based men age ≥ 40 years without a history of prostate cancer who underwent at least three general health screenings with a duration about 5 years between 2006 and 2013. Percent change in prostate volume (PV) was assessed 5 years following baseline measurements. Rates of prostate growth, body weight, and WC change over 5 years were calculated using the following formula: [(5 years after PV - base PV) / base PV] x 100. Association between prostate growth and changes in BMI, WC, and MetS status, respectively, were calculated using uni- and multivariate linear regression analyses. RESULTS Mean PVs were 21.3 ± 6.6 cc (baseline) and 28.21 ± 9.7 cc (5-year follow up). The mean BMI and waist circumference (WC) were 24.89 ± 2.59 kg/m2 and 86.79 ± 6.9 cm (baseline) and 24.68 ± 2.65 kg/m2 and 87.86 ± 7.4 cm (5-year follow up). After univariate linear regression, initial PSA, initial PV, initial BMI, changes in weight, BMI and WC were correlated with prostate growth. By multivariate linear regression analysis, changes in weight, BMI and WC were significantly associated with prostate growth (p = < 0.01, < 0.01 and 0.03, respectively) after adjusting for age, initial PV, and initial BMI. (Table) Prostate growth and changes in BMI were correlated in the obese group [initial BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; 0.926 (0.376 to 1.475), p = < 0.01] but not in the non-obese group [initial BMI < 25 kg/m2; 0.455 (-0.050 to 0. 960), p = 0.12]. Patients who developed MetS exhibited greater prostate growth than those who did not [6.795 (1.589 to 12.001), p = 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS Changes in weight, BMI, and MetS status affect prostate growth over a 5-year period. Obese men show a particularly strong correlation between changes in BMI and prostate growth. Therefore, weight loss and controll MetS would improve prostate growth rate. Table. Factors associated with prostate growth rate according to linear regression analysis Univariate ∗Multivariate Coefficient estimate 95% CI p Coefficient estimate 95% CI p Change in weight % 0.597 0.220-0.974 <0.01 0.662 0.287-1.036 <0.01 Change in BMI % 0.525 0.153-0.897 <0.01 0.623 0.253-0.993 <0.01 Change in WC % 0.368 0.014-0.722 0.04 0.381 0.032-0.730 0.03 PSA 3.059 1.247-4.870 <0.01 3.954 0.647-7.260 0.02 BMI 0.669 0.027-1.310 0.04 1.119 0.117-2.120 0.03 Age -0.106 -0.342-0.130 0.38 0.029 -0.215-0.275 0.81 Base prostate volume -0.386 -0.638−-0.134 <0.01 -0.595 -1.001−-0.189 <0.01 ∗ Adjustment age, PSA, BMI, base prostate volume. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e833-e834 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Yoon Soo Kyung More articles by this author Dalsan You More articles by this author In Gab Jeong More articles by this author Taekmin Kwon More articles by this author Chunwoo Lee More articles by this author Seungbong Han More articles by this author Hong-Kyu Kim More articles by this author Choung-Soo Kim More articles by this author Myungchan Park More articles by this author Chanwoo Lee More articles by this author Sangjun Yoo More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Family-Based Obesity Treatment in Children With Disabilities

ObjectiveTo assess the relative effectiveness of an interdisciplinary, family-centered, tertiary-care pediatric weight management program for the treatment of patients with and without cognitive disabilities (CD). MethodsRetrospective analysis of the clinical database of a tertiary-care pediatric weight management clinic (n = 453), extracting data from electronic health records including longitudinal change in weight status (body mass index [BMI] z-score) and frequency of attrition from treatment. Upon review of medical records, children enrolled in the treatment program were classified as having no CD (n = 342) or CD (n = 111). ResultsAt baseline, there were no between-group differences in BMI or BMI z-score. After 4 months of treatment, 66% (299) of patients remained enrolled, and complete case data were available for 219 children in final analyses. There were no statistically significant differences in attrition between the 2 groups (no CD vs CD). Mean change in BMI z-score across all groups was −0.03 ± 0.13 (P < .001). Change in BMI z-score was significantly greater among patients with CD (−0.07 ± 0.15) compared to those without CD (−0.03 ± 0.12) (difference 0.04, 95% confidence interval 0.005–0.08, P = .029). These change estimates were observed after adjusting for processes potentially associated with attrition. ConclusionsChildren with CD treated in an interdisciplinary, family-centered obesity clinic had similar or better outcomes compared to peers without CD. This success may be attributable to the patient-centered nature of this behavioral weight management program, which focused on leveraging the unique strengths and capabilities of each individual patient and family.

Trends in overweight and obesity in soldiers entering the US Army, 1989-2012.

The US Army recruits new soldiers from an increasingly obese civilian population. The change in weight status at entry into the Army between 1989 and 2012 and the demographic characteristics associated with overweight/obesity at entry were examined. 1,741,070 unique individuals with complete sex, age, and anthropometric information contributed data to linear and logistic regressions examining time trends and associations between demographic characteristics and overweight/obesity. The prevalence of overweight (body mass index 25-<30 kg/m(2)) generally increased, from 25.8% (1989) to 37.2% (2012), peaking at 37.9% (2011). The prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2)) also increased from 5.6% (1989) to 8.0% (2012), peaking at 12.3% (2009); 2005-2009 annual prevalence exceeded 10%. The most consistent demographic characteristics predicting overweight/obesity were male sex, older age, Hispanic or Asian/Pacific Island race/ethnicity, and being married. There were no distinct geographic trends. The US Army is not immune to the US obesity epidemic. Demographic characteristics associated with being overweight or obese should be considered when developing military-sponsored weight management programs for new soldiers.

School-Based Obesity Intervention Associated with Three Year Decrease in Student Weight Status in a Low-Income School District.

School-based interventions may be a way to address increasing rates of childhood obesity. Following an obesity intervention implemented by a low-income school district we found evidence of weight status change among district students. The school district served 5,000 children in Western New York at that time and approximately 4,000 students were in the target group (grades 3-12). The district allocated federal grant funds to implement changes to physical education equipment and curriculum, health education curriculum, and school food and to offer afterschool access to equipment and activities. As part of the grant reporting requirements, school staff measured student height and weight twice yearly for three years. We were subcontracted as evaluators for this grant and district staff shared this de-identified data with us for assistance with grant reporting. We obtained IRB approval from SUNY at Buffalo for analysis and publication of the data. Data analysis involved longitudinal descriptive and inferential (paired-samples t tests, Chi square tests) statistical analyses of Body Mass Index (BMI) percentiles of students with baseline and endpoint height and weight measurements (n = 2,259). Overall the mean BMI percentile of students decreased significantly from 70.4 to 65.7% (p < 0.001). This exceeds the change in BMI percentile seen at the national level. There was a significant decrease in the proportion of students categorized as overweight or obese (p < 0.001). Conclusions are limited due to the lack of a control population however they indicate that a three year multilevel school-based intervention involving physical activity and nutritional changes was correlated with improved weight status among participating school children.

Change in weight status and academic performance among senior high school students in Taiwan.

This study examines how the changes in weight status across the spectrum of a senior high school study are associated with academic performance measured by the university entrance exam scores. A unique dataset which compiles a national health examination profile and the General Scholastic Ability Test data bank in Taiwan was constructed. The final sample comprised 149,240 senior high school students of which 70,662 were males and 78,578 were female students. The school-level fixed effect models were estimated. Students who were either (a) not overweight in the first year but overweight in the third year of senior high school, (b) overweight in both the first and third year, or (c) overweight in the first year but not overweight in the third year, were more likely to score lower on the university entrance exam, compared with their never-overweight counterparts. The findings differ by gender and test subjects. The change in weight status during senior high school period is associated with subsequent university entrance exam outcome. Students who start senior high school being overweight should be paid attention. School-based programs and practices need to be implemented to reduce the prevalence of overweight among students.