Commercial Weight Research Articles

Biological assessment and metals concentration in blue shark (Prionace glauca) caught in the southeast-south coast of Brazil

Sharks are suffering from fishing industry pressure, mostly by human consumption of meat and fins, causing a great impact on its population. These top predators can bioaccumulate metals in its tissues, which brings risks to human health and indicates aquatic pollution. The objective of this work is to determine metallic trace elements as chromium, copper, zinc and aluminium in Prionace glauca, while studying the biological aspects such as fork length and approximate age to indicate if there is a metal accumulation in shark tissues evaluated. Nine specimens were obtained through commercial fishing in the Southeast and South regions of Brazil, using pelagic longline fishing. On arrival at the port, specimens were weighed and sexed in its commercial weight (headed, finned and gutted). About 100 g of muscular flesh from dorsal region between the dorsal and caudal fin was removed. Metal determination in muscle tissue (wet weight basis) was performed through acid digestion (mixture of HNO3 and H2O2). After the acid digestion, the metals concentration was determined by means of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results indicated that Prionace glauca capture during the winter in the Southeast-South regions of Brazil, consists mostly by small adult males. Copper, zinc and aluminium concentration was well below de maximum limits permitted by Brazilian and international agencies. Chromium average (0.14 mg/kg) was above the limits permitted by Brazilian legislation (0.10 mg/kg). A significant positive correlation was found between some metals (Al, Cr and Cu) and sharks fork length. These results corroborate the bioaccumulation of some metals in Prionace glauca, showing the need for more studies about metal determination in shark tissues. http://dx.doi.org/10.18226/23185279.v6iss3p7

Randomized controlled trial assessing two commercial weight loss programs in adults with overweight or obesity.

SummaryObjectiveLifestyle interventions remain the cornerstone for obesity treatment. Commercial programs offer one weight loss approach, yet the efficacy of few such programs have been rigorously investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two commercial weight‐loss programs, both utilizing pre‐portioned meal replacements (MRs) and different levels of behavioural support, compared to a self‐directed control diet in adults with overweight and obesity.MethodsIn this 16‐week study, participants were randomized to the low‐calorie OPTAVIA® 5&1 Plan® with telephone coaching (OPT), the reduced‐calorie Medifast® 4&2&1 self‐guided plan (MED), or a self‐directed, reduced‐calorie control diet. Differences in weight, body composition (DXA) and body circumferences, all measured monthly, were assessed by analysis of covariance with sex and baseline measures as covariates.ResultsOf 198 participants randomized (80.8% female, BMI 34.2 kg/m2, 45.7 years), 92.3% completed the study. The OPT and MED groups had significantly greater reductions in body weight (−5.7% and − 5.0%, respectively, p < 0.0001), fat and abdominal fat mass (p < 0.0001) and waist and hip circumferences (p ≤ 0.003) than control at 16 weeks. Weight change was correlated with MR usage and completion of coaching support calls.ConclusionsBoth structured commercial programs were more efficacious than a self‐directed, reduced‐calorie diet for weight loss and other anthropometric measures. Evidence‐based commercial programs can be an important tool to help adults with overweight and obesity lose clinically relevant amounts of weight.

Body growth and phenotypic variation of the carcasses of native duck lineages (Cairina moschata)

Natives ducks are birds that require little handling and are resistant to many diseases that affect chickens. Thus, they adapt to low-input farming conditions, which contributes to the food security of small farmers. Although they exhibit potential for growth, their production characteristics are relatively unknown, so they are underexploited. The objective of this study was to compare how nonlinear models fit the growth curve of two genetic groups of duck and to evaluate variation based on carcass characteristics. Two hundred and twenty four animals were weighed weekly, from birth to 90 days of age. We used nonlinear models (Brody, Richards, Gompertz, Von Bertalanff and Logistic) to describe growth curve. For the evaluation of phenotypic variation, we measured seven carcass traits from 81 ducks carried out by principal component analysis. The logistic model best fit the growth curve, and the absolute growth rates (AGR) for the Catolé duck showed that females reached their maximum AGR at approximately 30 days but did not reach their ideal commercial weight. The drumstick, thigh and liver yields accounted for 41.17% of the differences between the Catolé and Paysandu ducks. The slaughter of male Catolé ducks is recommended between 70 and 90 days because a drastic decrease in growth occurs after this time. For the slaughter of females, feeding management modifications and improvement in growth indices are recommended to increase the final weight and AGR. The carcass yields indicate potential for native duck meat production.

Effectiveness of a brief behavioural intervention to prevent weight gain over the Christmas holiday period: randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo test the effectiveness of a brief behavioural intervention to prevent weight gain over the Christmas holiday period.DesignTwo group, double blinded randomised controlled trial.SettingRecruitment from workplaces, social media platforms, and...

Can professional football clubs deliver a weight management programme for women: a feasibility study

BackgroundLevels of obesity remain high in the UK. The Football Fans in Training (FFIT) randomised controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated that a 12-week, gender-sensitised weight management, physical activity and healthy eating group programme delivered through professional football clubs helped men aged 35–65 years with BMI at least 28 kg/m2 lose a clinically-significant amount of weight. We aimed to test the feasibility of a minimally-adapted FFIT programme for delivery to women by assessing recruitment and completion rates; determining if the programme content and delivery required further refinement; and evaluating the potential of FFIT for Women to deliver improvements in weight and other clinical, behavioural and psychological outcomes.MethodsA feasibility study of the FFIT for Women programme including before-and-after measurements of clinical (weight, waist, body mass index [BMI], blood pressure) behavioural (self-reported physical activity, food and alcohol intake) and psychological (self-esteem, positive and negative affect, physical and mental HRQoL) outcomes at five professional football clubs. Post-programme focus groups assessed acceptability of the programme format, content and style of delivery for women.ResultsRecruitment across the five clubs resulted in 123 women aged 35–65 years with BMI at least 28 kg/m2 taking part in the study. The mean weight (95.3 kg) and BMI (36.6 kg/m2) of the cohort were both suggestive of high risk of future disease. Of 123 women who started the programme, 94 (76%) completed it; 72 (58.5%) returned for 12-week follow-up measurements. Participants compared FFIT for Women favourably to commercial weight loss programmes and emphasised the importance of the programme’s physical activity content. They also spoke positively about group dynamics, suggested that the approach to food was less restrictive than in other weight loss approaches, and broadly enjoyed the football setting. Mean weight loss was 2.87 kg (95% CI 2.09, 3.65, p ≤ 0.001). Mean waist reduction was 3.84 cm (2.92, 4.77, p ≤ 0.001).ConclusionIn this evaluation, FFIT for Women was feasible, acceptable and demonstrated potential as a weight loss programme. Our findings suggest the programme has the potential to produce outcomes that are on a par with existing commercial and state-funded offerings.

Can herb-clover mixes compensate for the lack of milk in the diet of early-weaned lambs?

ABSTRACTThis experiment investigated the feasibility of using herb-clover mixes to enable early weaning of lambs at ∼60 days of age. Over two years, twin lambs weighing more than 16 kg were allocated to three treatments: ryegrass pastures until 90 days-of-age, herb-clover mix until 90 days-of-age or weaned at ∼60 days of age onto herb-clover mix. In 2014, lambs offered the herb-clover mix, weaned at 60 or 90 days, were heavier at 90 days than lambs grazing on pasture with their dams. In 2015, lambs that weaned early onto the herb-clover mix were lighter at the same age as lambs that remained with their dam, but they still achieved a commercial weight. Ewes weaned early were heavier at weaning than ewes suckling lambs on ryegrass pasture in both years. Under some conditions, early weaning of lambs onto a herb-clover mix can be an effective alternative to conventional weaning on ryegrass pasture.

Abstract 16911: Significant Reduction of Visceral Fat With Doctor-Supervised, Intense Weight Loss Program

While effective therapies are available to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States, few strategies exist targeting visceral fat (VF) as a means to reduce risk of CVD and other metabolic diseases. Commercial weight loss programs target body weight but provide minimal effect on validated surrogates of CVD risk. VF is a validated direct marker of cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk in both the young and old. The 20Lighter Program (T20LP), a doctor-supervised program combining patent-pending meal plans, nutritional supplementation, and daily oversight is designed to reduce VF, lower risk of disease, and improve health. T20LP employs VF reduction as a clinical indicator of cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk instead of a simple weight loss endpoint. For the first time, we present data collected over the past 3 years from the T20LP including 2200 men and women completing T20LP by Dec 31, 2017. Baseline age (54±9.5), BMI (34.1±6.1), comorbidities, medical history, and prescription medications were typical of metabolic syndrome. From initial baseline to 20 days, 40 days, and 60 days, T20LP participants showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in % body weight (6.7±0.64, 10.9±0.10, 13.1±0.15) and % visceral fat (14.0±0.24, 20.1±0.31, 25.1±0.43) (Figure 1). Unlike conventional weight loss programs, our results show a significant reduction in VF thereby lowering risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. T20LP is a comprehensive lifestyle program capable of complementing pharmacological CVD and metabolic syndrome treatments. Our data suggest a doctor-supervised, structured setting can provide safe and clinically relevant VF reduction in overweight adults and teens at risk of CVD and metabolic disease.

A Comparison of Landraces vs. Modern Varieties of Lettuce in Organic Farming During the Winter in the Mediterranean Area: An Approach Considering the Viewpoints of Breeders, Consumers, and Farmers.

The interest of farmers in growing lettuce landraces is increasing, as landrace varieties prove particularly appealing to consumers striving to purchase natural, local, and high-quality produce. Although high genetic diversity exists in the landrace gene pool, this has scarcely been studied, thus hindering landrace utilization in agriculture. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and the agronomic and quality traits of lettuce landraces in organic agrosystems, by characterizing 16 landraces and 16 modern varieties. We compared 29 morphological descriptors, and several traits relating to agronomic behavior (total and commercial weight, resistance to Bremia lactucae) and quality (color, chlorophyll, dry matter, and total sugars). Trials were conducted in two localities and managed following organic farming practices. Moreover, farmers and consumers participated in the phenotyping of accessions by scoring yield, resistance to B. lactucae, appearance, and taste acceptance. Results show that cultivar group, rather than the genetic origin (modern vs. landrace), is the major source of variation for all agronomic and quality traits. Batavia and Butterhead were highly homogeneous cultivar groups, while Cos accessions showed a much higher intra-varietal diversity. There was also a clear separation between modern and landrace varieties of Oak leaf. Fifteen out of the 16 evaluated landraces presented a high susceptibility to the particular B. lactucae race isolated from the experimental field - a new race not reported before. Breeding programs intended to introgress genetic resistance to this pathogen are a major priority to recover the cultivation of lettuce landraces. Principal component analysis (PCA), conducted on all quantitative data, showed a clear differentiation between modern varieties and landraces, mostly related to their commercial weight and susceptibility to B. lactucae. These seem the most important traits influencing farmer and consumer evaluations. Farmers showed a high capacity for characterizing the samples and agreed with consumers when scoring for the external appearance. It is proposed that farmers and consumers should be included in the phenotyping platforms in future research projects aiming for recovery of landraces.

Long‐term retention in an employer‐based, commercial weight‐loss programme

The aim of this study is to examine factors associated with long-term retention in a commercial weight-loss programme. We conducted a retrospective analysis of an employer-based, commercial programme from 2013 to 2016. Our dependent variable was 'long-term retention', defined as continuously enrolled participants who actively engaged through coach calls at 6 and 12 months. Independent variables included baseline demographics, programme engagement and weight change. We conducted multivariate logistic regression analyses assessing for differences in long-term retention by several factors, adjusted for employer clustering. Overall, 68.3% were retained at 6% and 45.9% at 12 months. Greater number of coach calls and website logins during the first 3 months significantly increased the odds of long-term retention, while having chronic conditions significantly decreased the odds. Weight-loss success (≥5% loss at 6 months) was significantly associated with increased odds of retention (12-month: odds ratio [OR] 2.80, P < 0.001), while early weight-loss failure (≥0% weight change at 1 month) significantly decreased odds of retention (12-month: OR 0.66, P = 0.008). In an employer-based, commercial weight loss programme, greater early programme engagement was associated with long-term retention. Given these programmes' popularity and potential reach, our results could be used to develop and test strategies designed to improve retention in commercial weight-loss programmes.

Weight loss experiences of patients before bariatric surgery

Rationale: To assess weight loss histories of bariatric surgery patients such as commercial (slimming drugs) and medical weight lost programs( with/witout physician, dietitian-led, increase in physical exercise etc.) before bariatric surgery. The program described as multidisciplinary treatment for obesity has been reported to include patient-specific low-energy diets and exercises and psychotherapy (Foster, Sanchez-Collins, & Cheskin, 2017).

The Weight-Focused Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale: Confirmatory Factor Analysis and associations with control, loss of control of eating and weight in overweight and obese women.

The Weight-Focused Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale (WFSCRS) is based on the original Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCSRS; Gilbert etal., 2004, British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 43, 31) and assesses the inadequate and hated forms of self-criticism and the ability to self-reassure when coping with attempts to control body weight, shape, and eating. The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure, consistency, and reliability of the WFSCRS in overweight and obese women. The factorial structure of the WFSCRS was examined through a confirmatory factor analysis in 724 overweight and obese women participating in a commercial weight management programme. The scale's construct and convergent validity were also examined. The WFSCRS had a three-factor structure, similar to the FSCSRS, which fitted the data well. The WFSCRS had high internal reliability, construct, and discriminant validity. The scale was positively associated with measures of shame, body image, eating-related difficulties, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, and body mass index (BMI). The two forms of self-criticism were significantly associated with higher BMI, and this effect was mediated by increased loss of control over eating (for both forms) and decreased flexible control over eating (for the hated self form). The WFSCRS is a valid measure for assessing self-reassurance and two denigratory forms (inadequate self and hated self) of self-criticism in people who are overweight and obese. The WFSCRS was developed to measure weight/shape and eating-related self-criticism and self-reassurance. The WFSCRS was examined in a large sample of overweight and obese women attending a community-based weight management programme. The WFSCRS presented a three-factor structure measuring two forms of self-criticism (inadequate self and hated self) and the ability to be self-reassuring. The two forms of self-criticism and self-reassurance are differentially associated with BMI, through the mediating effect of loss of control over eating and flexible control over eating.

GP-delivered brief weight loss interventions: a cohort study of patient responses and subsequent actions, using conversation analysis in UK primary care.

BackgroundGuidelines encourage GPs to make brief opportunistic interventions to support weight loss. However, GPs fear that starting these discussions will lead to lengthy consultations. Recognising that patients are committed to take action could allow GPs to shorten brief interventions.AimTo examine which patient responses indicated commitment to action, and the time saved if these had been recognised and the consultation closed sooner.Design and settingA mixed-method cohort study of UK primary care patients participating in a trial of opportunistic weight management interventions.MethodConversation analysis was applied to 226 consultation audiorecordings to identify types of responses from patients that indicated that an offer of referral to weight management was well received. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to examine associations between response types and likelihood of weight management programme attendance.ResultsAffirmative responses, for example ‘yes’, displayed no conversational evidence that the referral was well received and showed no association with attendance: ‘yes’ (OR 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.37 to 3.95, P = 0.97). However, ‘oh’-prefaced responses and marked positive responses, for example ‘lovely’, showed conversational evidence of enthusiasm and were associated with higher odds of commercial weight management service attendance. Recognising these could have saved doctors a mean of 31 seconds per consultation.ConclusionWhen doctors make brief opportunistic interventions that incorporate the offer of help, ‘oh’-prefaced or marked positive responses indicate enthusiastic acceptance of the offer and a higher likelihood of take-up. Recognising these responses and moving swiftly to facilitate patient action would shorten the brief intervention in many cases.

Application of AutoFom III equipment for prediction of primal and commercial cut weight of Korean pig carcasses.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to enable on-line prediction of primal and commercial cut weights in Korean slaughter pigs by AutoFom III, which non-invasively scans pig carcasses early after slaughter using ultrasonic sensors.MethodsA total of 162 Landrace, Yorkshire, and Duroc (LYD) pigs and 154 LYD pigs representing the yearly Korean slaughter distribution were included in the calibration and validation dataset, respectively. Partial least squares (PLS) models were developed for prediction of the weight of deboned shoulder blade, shoulder picnic, belly, loin, and ham. In addition, AutoFom III’s ability to predict the weight of the commercial cuts of spare rib, jowl, false lean, back rib, diaphragm, and tenderloin was investigated. Each cut was manually prepared by local butchers and then recorded.ResultsThe cross-validated prediction accuracy (R2cv) of the calibration models for deboned shoulder blade, shoulder picnic, loin, belly, and ham ranged from 0.77 to 0.86. The R2cv for tenderloin, spare rib, diaphragm, false lean, jowl, and back rib ranged from 0.34 to 0.62. Because the R2cv of the latter commercial cuts were less than 0.65, AutoFom III was less accurate for the prediction of those cuts. The root mean squares error of cross validation calibration (RMSECV) model was comparable to the root mean squares error of prediction (RMSEP), although the RMSECV was numerically higher than RMSEP for the deboned shoulder blade and belly.ConclusionAutoFom III predicts the weight of deboned shoulder blade, shoulder picnic, loin, belly, and ham with high accuracy, and is a suitable process analytical tool for sorting pork primals in Korea. However, AutoFom III’s prediction of smaller commercial Korean cuts is less accurate, which may be attributed to the lack of anatomical reference points and the lack of a good correlation between the scanned area of the carcass and those traits.

Design of the Weight-loss Endoscopy Trial (WET): a multi-center, randomized, controlled trial comparing weight loss in endoscopically implanted duodenal-jejunal bypass liners vs. intragastric balloons vs. a sham procedure

BackgroundObesity is a global problem leading to reduced life expectancy, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and many types of cancer. Even people willing to accept treatment only achieve a mean weight loss of about 5 kg using commercial weight loss programs. Surgical interventions, e.g. sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass are effective but accompanied by risk of serious complications and side effects. Less invasive endoscopic procedures mainly comprise the intragastric balloon (IB) and the duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL). To date, a randomized comparison between these devices has not been undertaken or shown to be superior to a sham procedure.MethodsWe designed a multi-center, randomized, patient and assessor-blinded, controlled trial comparing weight loss in endoscopically implanted IB vs. DJBL vs. a sham procedure. A total of 150 patients with a BMI > 35 kg/m2 or > 30 with obesity-related comorbidities and indication for proton pump inhibitors are randomized to receive either IB, DJBL or a sham gastroscopy (2:2:1 ratio). All participants undergo regular dietary consultation. The IB will be removed after 6 months, whereas the DJBL will be explanted after 12 months. All patients will receive gastroscopies at implantation and explantation of the devices or sedation without gastroscopy to maintain blinding. Main exclusion criteria are malignant diseases, peptic ulcer or previous bariatric intervention. Weight loss 12 months after explantation of the devices, changes in comorbidities, quality of life, complication rates and safety will be evaluated.DiscussionThis trial could help to identify the most effective and safest endoscopic device, thus determining the new standard procedure for endoscopic bariatric treatment.Trial registration16th January 2017. DRKS00011036. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Perceived barriers and facilitators of initiation of behavioral weight loss interventions among adults with obesity: a qualitative study

BackgroundEvidence-based behavioral weight loss interventions are under-utilized. To inform efforts to increase uptake of these interventions, it is important to understand the perspectives of adults with obesity regarding barriers and facilitators of weight loss intervention initiation.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study in adults with obesity who had recently attempted weight loss either with assistance from an evidence-based behavioral intervention (intervention initiators) or without use of a formal intervention (intervention non-initiators). We recruited primary care patients, members of a commercial weight loss program, and members of a Veterans Affairs weight loss program. Intervention initiators and non-initiators were interviewed separately using a semi-structured interview guide that asked participants about barriers and facilitators of weight loss intervention initiation. Conversations were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Two researchers used open coding to generate the code book on a subset of transcripts and a single researcher coded remaining transcripts. Codes were combined into subthemes, which were combined in to higher order themes. Intervention initiators and non-initiators were compared.ResultsWe conducted three focus groups with participants who had initiated interventions (n = 26) and three focus groups (n = 24) and 8 individual interviews with participants who had not initiated interventions. Intervention initiators and non-initiators were, respectively, 65% and 37.5% white, 62% and 63% female, mean age of 55 and 54 years old, and mean BMI of 34 kg/m2. Three themes were identified. One theme was practical factors, with subthemes of reasonable cost and scheduling compatibility. A second theme was anticipated effectiveness of intervention, with subthemes of intervention content addressing individual needs; social aspects influencing effectiveness; and evaluating evidence of effectiveness. A third theme was anticipated pleasantness of intervention, with subthemes of social aspects influencing enjoyment; anticipated dietary and tracking prescriptions; and identity and self-reliance factors. Different perspectives were identified from intervention initiators and non-initiators.ConclusionsStrategies to engage individuals in evidence-based weight loss interventions can be developed using these results. Strategies could target individuals’ perceived barriers and benefits to initiating interventions, or could focus on refining interventions to appeal to more individuals.

Greater improvements in diet quality among overweight participants following a group-based commercial weight loss programme than those receiving support to lose weight in primary care

BackgroundRelatively little is known about dietary changes and their relationships with weight change during behavioural weight loss interventions. In a secondary analysis of data from a multicentre RCT, we investigated whether greater improvements in diet would be achieved by overweight adults following a 12 month group-based commercial weight loss programme (CP) than those receiving standard care (SC) in primary practice, and if these dietary changes were associated with greater weight loss.MethodsAdults with a BMI 27–35 kg/m2 and >1 risk factor for obesity-related disorders were recruited in study centres in Australia and the UK during 2007–2008. Dietary intake and body weight were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Linear mixed effects models compared mean changes in dietary macronutrient intake, fibre density and energy density over time between groups, and their relationships with weight loss.ResultsThe CP group demonstrated greater mean weight loss than the SC group at 6 months (3.3 kg, 95% CI: 2.2, 4.4) and 12 months (3.3 kg, 95% CI: 2.1, 4.5). Diet quality improved in both intervention groups at 6 and 12 months. However, the CP group (n = 228) achieved significantly greater mean reductions in energy intake (mean difference; 95% CI: − 503 kJ/d; − 913, − 93), dietary energy density (− 0.48 MJ/g; − 0.81, − 0.16), total fat (− 6.9 g/d; − 11.9, − 1.8), saturated fat (− 3.3 g/d; − 5.4, − 1.1), and significantly greater mean increases in fibre density (0.30 g/MJ; 0.15, 0.44) at 6 months than the SC group (n = 239). Similar differences persisted at 12 months and the CP group showed greater mean increases in protein density (0.65 g/MJ). In both groups, weight loss was associated with increased fibre density (0.68 kg per g/MJ, 95% CI: 0.08, 1.27) and protein density (0.26 kg per g/MJ, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.41).ConclusionsFollowing a group-based commercial program led to greater improvements in diet quality than standard care. Increases in dietary protein and fibre density were independently associated with weight loss in both behavioural weight loss interventions. Greater increases in protein and fibre density in the commercial program likely contributed to their greater weight loss.Trial registrationISRCTN: ISRCTN85485463 Registered 03/08/2007 Retrospectively Registered.

Professional dietary coaching within a group chat using a smartphone application for weight loss: a randomized controlled trial.

PurposeTo test the effectiveness of professional dietary coaching via group chat using a smartphone application (app) for weight loss.MethodsThis study was a 12-week, assessor-blind, parallel-group, waitlist-controlled randomized trial that included a 4-week follow-up period (trial registration, UMIN000025340). Data were collected between October 2016 and May 2017 and were analyzed between July 2017 and January 2018. Participants were 112 overweight, obese, or abdominally obese Japanese adults, aged 20 to 64 years, with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor. Participants were randomized to the coaching group (n=75) or control group (n=37), with a ratio of 2:1. The coaching group received a commercial weight loss program characterizing dietary coaching by a certified nutrition professional via group chat delivered on a smartphone app. Participants posted photos of every meal into the group chat, and the certified professional gave immediate direct feedback and encouragement. The primary outcome was an 8-week weight change. Secondary outcomes included 8-week changes in cardiometabolic risk factors. The frequency of meal photo uploads was recorded as a measure of adherence.ResultsOf the 112 randomized participants, 93 (83.0%) and 81 (72.3%) completed 8-week and 12-week visits, respectively. Intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated significantly larger 8-week weight loss in the coaching group (−1.4 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.0, −0.8 kg) than that in the control group (−0.1 kg; 95% CI: −0.6, 0.4 kg). Significantly larger improvements in triglyceride and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels were also obtained in the coaching group. These benefits, except for the triglyceride level, were maintained until week 12. The frequent upload of meal photos was associated with a larger 8-week weight loss in a dose–response fashion (P-value for trend <0.001).ConclusionThis smartphone-delivered commercial weight loss program characterized as dietary coaching via group chat resulted in modest but significant weight loss. Facilitating participants’ active involvement in the program is necessary to achieve greater health benefits.

Evaluación de una ración alimenticia durante la pre-engorda de Tilapia, Var. Stirling.

Se evaluó el crecimiento y el peso de tilapia variedad Stirling durante la pre-engorda de desarrollo, a partir del suministro de dos dietas alimenticias: alimento comercial y dieta a base de harina de carne. El trabajo se realizó bajo un sistema de producción semi-intensivo en dos estanques de concreto con capacidad de 24 se alimentaron tomando en cuenta su biomasa corporal. Los datos se analizaron con un diseño factorial completamente al azar y 50 repeticiones por cada tratamiento. Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas para ambas dietas, la ganancia de peso fue mayor con la ración elaborada: 133.1 g y 19.8 cm. La dieta comercial permite un crecimiento significativo para la Tilapia. La dieta a base de harina de carne minimiza costos de producción. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la dieta a base de harina de carne presenta una diferencia en costo de 66.36%. Si se requiere obtener tilapia de un peso comercial, &gt;350g en poco tiempo, la mejor opción es alimentar con el concentrado comercial, los costos de alimentación se recupera con las ventas. La alimentación a base de harina de carne, es para un productor de autoconsumo de bajos recursos económicos, de mercado local, ventas en menudeo y con más tiempo para la engorda de la tilapia.

The Two-Year Outcomes and Cost Effectiveness of a Commercial Weight Loss Program for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes among People with Prediabetes

Objectives. There is solid evidence that risk for developing type 2 diabetes can be prevented by lifestyle interventions. However, there are few diabetes prevention programs available. Given the increasing prevalence of prediabetes, we sought to investigate if a commercial weight loss program with significant capacity could address this need. This study, conducted in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2014–16, investigated if (Weight Watchers- WW) could cost effectively achieve and sustain sufficient weight loss in persons with prediabetes to reduce diabetes risk for 24 months.

Financial incentive strategies for maintenance of weight loss: results from an internet-based randomized controlled trial

Background/objectiveFinancial incentives can improve initial weight loss; we examined whether financial incentives can improve weight loss maintenance.Subjects/methodsParticipants aged 30–80 years who lost at least 5 kg during the first 4–6 months in a nationally available commercial weight loss program were recruited via the internet into a three-arm randomized trial of two types of financial incentives versus active control during months 1–6 (Phase I) followed by passive monitoring during months 7–12 (Phase II). Interventions were daily self-weighing and text messaging feedback alone (control) or combined with a lottery-based incentive or a direct incentive. The primary outcome was weight change 6 months after initial weight loss. Secondary outcomes included weight change 12 months after initial weight loss (6 months after cessation of maintenance intervention), and self-reported physical activity and eating behaviors.ResultsOf 191 participants randomized, the mean age was 49.0 (SD = 10.5) years and weight loss prior to randomization was 11.4 (4.7) kg; 92% were women and 89% were White. Mean weight changes during the next 6 months (Phase I) were: lottery −3.0 (5.8) kg; direct −2.8 (5.8) kg; and control −1.4 (5.8) kg (all pairwise comparisons p > 0.1). Weight changes through the end of 12 months post-weight loss (Phase II) were: lottery −1.8 (10.5) kg; direct −0.7 (10.7) kg; and control −0.3 (9.4) kg (all pairwise comparisons p > 0.1). The percentages of participants who maintained their weight loss (defined as gaining ≤1.36 kg) were: lottery 79%, direct 76%, and control 67% at 6 months and lottery 66%, direct 62%, and control 59% at 12 months (all pairwise comparisons p > 0.1). At 6 and 12 months after initial weight loss, changes in self-reported physical activity or eating behaviors did not differ across arms.ConclusionsCompared with the active control of daily texting based on daily home weighing, lottery-based and direct monetary incentives provided no additional benefit for weight loss maintenance.