Decrease In Fat Intake Research Articles

Evidence Supporting a Promotora-Delivered Entertainment Education Intervention for Improving Mothers' Dietary Intake: The Entre Familia: Reflejos de Salud Study

Entertainment education and the promotora model are 2 evidence-based health communication strategies. This study examined their combined effect on promoting healthy eating among mothers in a family-based intervention. Participants were 361 Mexican-origin families living in Imperial County, California, who were randomly assigned to an intervention or delayed treatment condition. The intervention involved promotoras (community health workers) who delivered 11 home visits and 4 telephone calls. Home visits included a 12-minute episode of a 9-part situation comedy depicting a family struggling with making healthy eating choices; an accompanying family workbook was reviewed to build skills and left with the family. Baseline and immediate postintervention data were collected from the mothers, including the primary outcome of daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Other dietary and psychosocial factors related to healthy eating were examined. At postintervention, mothers in the intervention reported increases in daily vegetable servings (p ≤ .05); however, no changes were observed in fruit consumption. Improvements were observed in behavioral strategies to increase fiber (p ≤ .001) and to decrease fat intake (p ≤ .001), unhealthy eating behaviors (p ≤ .001), and individual (p ≤ .05) and family-related (p ≤ .01) perceived barriers to healthy eating. Entertainment education and promotoras engaged families and improved mothers' diets. Further research should examine the dose needed for greater changes.

The Nutrition Education Initiative Resource Guide

Background and Purpose: With obesity in children and youth continuing to be a major health problem in the U.S., schools are considered an important setting to implement programs to address the issue but few have focused on middle school students. The purposes of this study were to: 1) determine the effectiveness of a school-based nutrition education program, the Nutrition Education Initiative (NEI) Resource Guide, in improving school lunch eating behaviors of middle school students, and 2) identify science teachers’ perceptions of the materials. Implementation: The project was implemented by 16 middle school science teachers and 309 seventh grade students in a medium-sized north Florida community. The NEI Guide included three conceptual areas (Build a Healthy Base, Choose Sensibly and Aim for Fitness), major concepts, objectives, narrative information, and teaching strategies. Evaluation: Using a pre-/post without control group design, the study involved collecting data via food recall surveys with students, and surveys and interviews with teachers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Results: During lunch time, a higher proportion of students met the recommended dietary servings for dairy, meat, vegetables, fruit, juice and grains from pre-test to post-test. Students also significantly increased dietary intake of meat (p< .01), fruit (p< .01) and fruit/juice combined (p< .05); and significantly decreased intake of fried vegetables (p< .001), with decreased fat intake approaching significance (p< .06). Differences in dietary patterns were noted between the two schools studied. Science teachers perceived the NEI Guide as effective; yet they also identified challenges including lack of adequate training, lack of time to implement the materials, and lack of collaboration with the project team. Conclusion: The project outcomes suggest that middle school science teachers can positively impact school lunch eating behaviors of middle school students in selected schools by incorporating nutrition education in their curricula.

GS 455534 selectively suppresses binge eating of palatable food and attenuates dopamine release in the accumbens of sugar-bingeing rats

Binge eating palatable foods has been shown to have behavioral and neurochemical similarities to drug addiction. GS 455534 is a highly selective reversible aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 inhibitor that has been shown to reduce alcohol and cocaine intake in rats. Given the overlaps between binge eating and drug abuse, we examined the effects of GS 455534 on binge eating and subsequent dopamine release. Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on a sugar (experiment 1) or fat (experiment 2) binge eating diet. After 25 days, GS 455534 was administered at 7.5 and 15 mg/kg by an intraperitoneal injection, and food intake was monitored. In experiment 3, rats with cannulae aimed at the nucleus accumbens shell were maintained on the binge sugar diet for 25 days. Microdialysis was performed, during which GS 455534 15 mg/kg was administered, and sugar was available. Dialysate samples were analyzed to determine extracellular levels of dopamine. In experiment 1, GS 455534 selectively decreased sugar intake food was made available in the Binge Sugar group but not the Ad libitum Sugar group, with no effect on chow intake. In experiment 2, GS 455534 decreased fat intake in the Binge Fat group, but not the Ad libitum Fat group, however, it also reduced chow intake. In experiment 3, GS 455534 attenuated accumbens dopamine release by almost 50% in binge eating rats compared with the vehicle injection. The findings suggest that selective reversible aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 inhibitors may have the therapeutic potential to reduce binge eating of palatable foods in clinical populations.

Inflammation and growth in young children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome before and after adenotonsillectomy.

Background. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with growth impairment that usually improves following effective treatment. In this study we investigated the mechanisms underlying the growth processes in young children diagnosed with OSA, before and after adenotonsillectomy (T&A). Methods. Young children (6–36 months old) were enrolled and evaluated before and several months after T&A surgery for height, weight, circulating high sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. Caloric intake was assessed by a validated Short Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ). Results. Following T&A, children added 4.81 cm and 1.88 kg to their height and weight, respectively (P < 0.001 for both) and had a significant increase in BMI Z score (P = 0.002). Increased caloric intake of 377 kcal/day was noted (P < 0.001), with increased protein and decreased fat intake. The decrease in CRP levels correlated with the increase in body weight in boys (P < 0.05, adjusted for caloric intake). Conclusions. Adenotonsillectomy results in enhanced somatic growth in young children that correlates with a decrease in systemic inflammation and caloric intake increment. Our findings imply that systemic inflammation may have an important role in this OSA-related morbidity.

Examining behavioral processes through which lifestyle interventions promote weight loss: Results from PREMIER

ObjectiveTo examine the behavioral processes through which lifestyle interventions impacted weight loss.Design and MethodsWe limited our analyses to overweight and obese Black and White adults randomized to a PREMIER lifestyle intervention (N = 501). Structural equation modeling was conducted to test the direct and indirect relationships of session attendance, days of self-monitoring diet and exercise, change in diet composition and exercise, and six month weight change.ResultsGreater session attendance was associated with increased self-monitoring, which was in turn significantly related to reduction in percent energy from total fat consumed. Change in percent energy from fat and self-monitoring was associated with six-month percent change in weight. Both a decrease in fat intake and increase in self-monitoring are potential mediators of the relationship between attendance and weight change.ConclusionsOur findings provide a reasonable model that suggests regular session attendance and use of behavioral strategies like self-monitoring are associated with improved behavioral outcomes that are associated with weight loss.

Comparing the effects of meal replacements with an isocaloric reduced‐fat diet on nutrient intake and lower urinary tract symptoms in obese men

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men are associated with obesity, particularly central obesity as measured by waist circumference (WC), and may improve with weight loss. We aimed to compare effects of a meal-replacement based diet with isocaloric reduced-fat plan on LUTS and nutrient intake in obese Asian men. Obese Asian [mean (range) body mass index of 32.9 (30.5-42.3) kg m(-2) ] men [mean (range) age 40.2 (30-61) years] were randomised to a reduced-fat (< 30% of energy) diet [conventional reduced-fat diet (CD) group; n = 23] or meal-replacement-based plan [meal replacement (MR) group; n = 23], to reduce daily intake by 2000 kJ for 12 weeks. CD and MR groups had statistically significant and similar reductions in weight (-2.6 ± 1.9 kg versus -4.2 ± 3.8 kg), overall LUTS severity measured with International Prostate Symptom Scale (IPSS) scores (-1.71 ± 1.93 points versus -2.42 ± 2.12 points) and insulin resistance [homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) calculated from plasma glucose and insulin]. The MR group had significantly greater decreases in WC (-4.8 ± 3.3 cm versus -2.5 ± 2.3 cm), fat mass (-2.47 ± 3.63 kg versus -1.59 ± 2.32 kg), fat intake, plasma C-reactive protein, and in storage LUTS score (-1.59 ± 1.33 points versus -1.00 ± 0.87 points), which was associated with a decreased fat intake (r = 0.48, P = 0.03). A decrease in overall IPSS score was associated with reductions in weight, WC and HOMA. Weight loss as a result of CD or MR had similar efficacy in relieving LUTS. MR produced greater reductions in fat intake, adiposity and storage LUTS.

Low-Fat Diet and Skin Cancer Risk: The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Dietary Modification Trial

Large cohort studies have reported no relationship between dietary fat and nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), although a low-fat diet intervention reduced NMSC risk in a small clinical trial. In animal studies, skin tumor development has been reduced by low-fat diet. We evaluated the effect of a low-fat dietary pattern on NMSC and melanoma in the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification trial. Postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years (n = 48,835) were randomly assigned to the low-fat dietary pattern intervention (n = 19,541) or comparison group (n = 29,294). The intervention goals included decreasing fat intake to 20% or less of calories, increasing vegetable and fruit intake, and increasing grain intake. Self-reported incident NMSC (n = 4,907) and physician-adjudicated incident melanoma (n = 279) were ascertained every 6 months. Over 8.1 years of follow-up, the low-fat diet intervention did not affect overall incidence of NMSC [HR 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92-1.04] or melanoma (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.82-1.32). In subgroup analyses of melanoma risk, baseline fat intake interacted significantly with group assignment (Pinteraction = 0.006). Among women with higher baseline fat intake, the dietary intervention significantly increased risk (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.06-2.07), whereas, among women with lower baseline fat intake, the intervention tended to reduce melanoma risk (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.50-1.02). In this large randomized trial, a low-fat dietary pattern did not affect overall incidence of NMSC or melanoma. A low-fat diet does not reduce incidence of NMSC, but an interaction between baseline fat intake and dietary intervention on melanoma risk warrants further investigation.

Nutrition-Focused Wellness Coaching Promotes a Reduction in Body Weight in Overweight US Veterans

Diet plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of major chronic diseases common in populations of US veterans. The role of nutrition-focused wellness coaching in improving dietary behavior and/or reducing weight in overweight and obese US veterans is not known. At the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, US veterans aged 25 to 80 years were randomized to receive nutrition coaching on eating behaviors at baseline only (control group, n=22) or an additional eight times over the course of 6 months (intervention group, n=28) in 2010-2011. Multiple coaching contacts decreased intake of energy, fat, and carbohydrate by 31% (P≤0.001) as evaluated by the 2005 Block food frequency questionnaire, which is composed of 111 food items. A weight loss of 5% from baseline (92.8 to 88.2 kg; P<0.01) was observed in the intervention group with mean body mass index decreasing from 30.4 to 28.9 (P<0.05). The control group showed a decrease in fat intake by 20% (P=0.01), but no statistically significant changes in intake of other nutrients or body weight (88.7 to 87.4 kg). Those in the intervention group reported diets at follow-up that were lower in cholesterol, saturated fat, sodium, sugar (P≤0.01), calcium (P< 0.05), and vitamin D (P<0.01), although when adjusted for energy (ie, nutrient density) calcium intake increased and vitamin D remained unchanged. Veterans' readiness to change eating behavior for weight loss improved with nutrition coaching. This study demonstrates that intermittent nutrition coaching can be an effective strategy to promote reductions in energy intake, body weight, and body mass index in overweight US veterans. Further research is needed to determine whether nutrition coaching improves other clinical outcomes and sustains weight loss.

Interruption of ghrelin signaling in the PVN increases high-fat diet intake and body weight in stressed and non-stressed C57BL6J male mice

Chronic social stress has been associated with increased caloric intake and adiposity. These effects have been linked to stress induced changes in the secretion of ghrelin, a hormone that targets a number of brain regions to increase food intake and energy expenditure and promote increased body fat content. One of the brain sites targeted by ghrelin is the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a region critical for both the regulation of the stress response and the regulation of energy balance. Given these data, we examined the contribution of ghrelin receptors in the PVN to the metabolic and behavioral changes that are seen during chronic social stress in mice. To do this, mice were implanted with cannulae attached to osmotic minipumps and delivering either vehicle or the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor) antagonist [D-Lys-3]-GHRP-6 (20 nmol/day/mouse). Following a week of recovery, half of the animals in each group were exposed to chronic social defeat stress for a period of 3 weeks whereas the other half were left undisturbed. During this time, all animals were given ad libitum access to standard laboratory chow and presented a high-fat diet for 4 h during the day. Results showed that the ghrelin receptor antagonism did not decrease stressed induced caloric intake, but paradoxically increased the intake of the high fat diet. This would suggest that ghrelin acts on the PVN to promote the intake of carbohydrate rich diets while decreasing fat intake and blockade of ghrelin receptors in the PVN leads to more consumption of foods that are high in fat.

Time-of-day and nutrient composition of eating occasions: prospective association with the metabolic syndrome in the 1946 British birth cohort

Background:Diet is a key modifiable factor in the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome. However, few studies have examined the prospective association between time-of-day of nutrient intake and the metabolic syndrome.Objective:To examine the association between time-of-day and nutrient composition of eating occasions and the long-term development of metabolic syndrome in the Medical Research Council (MRC) National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD; 1946 British birth cohort).Methods:The analysis comprised 1488 survey members who completed at least 3 days of estimated diet records at age 43 years (1989) and for whom data on metabolic syndrome at age 53 years (1999) were available. Dietary records were divided into seven meal slots: breakfast, mid-morning, lunch, mid-afternoon, dinner, late evening and extras. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the criteria of the adult treatment panel (ATPIII8), and was modified to include glycosylated haemoglobin instead of fasting glucose. Associations between time-of-day of nutrient intake at age 43 years and prevalence of metabolic syndrome at age 53 years were assessed using multivariate nutrient density logistic models after adjustment for sex, social class, smoking status, region, alcohol intake and recreational physical activity.Results:There were 390 cases of metabolic syndrome at age 53 years. Substituting 5% of energy from carbohydrate for a similar amount of energy from fat at breakfast (odds ratio=0.93; 95% confidence interval=0.89–0.98; P=0.002) and mid-morning at age 43 years (odds ratio=0.96; 95% confidence interval=0.93–0.99; P=0.011) was associated with lower odds of the metabolic syndrome at age 53 years. Carbohydrate intake at breakfast or mid-morning was particularly protective against abdominal obesity (P⩽0.001). Increasing carbohydrate intake at breakfast while simultaneously decreasing fat intake was also negatively related to triacylglycerols (P⩽0.001).Conclusions:Increasing carbohydrate intake in the morning while simultaneously reducing fat intake could be protective against long-term development of the metabolic syndrome and its components.

Long-term outcomes of the FRESH START trial: exploring the role of self-efficacy in cancer survivors' maintenance of dietary practices and physical activity.

This study examined whether changes in self-efficacy explain the effects of a mailed print intervention on long-term dietary practices of breast and prostate cancer survivors. The relationship between change in self-efficacy and long-term physical activity (PA) also was examined. Breast and prostate cancer survivors (N = 543) from 39 US states and two Canadian provinces participated in the FRESH START intervention trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a 10-month program of mailed print materials on diet and PA available in the public domain or a 10-month program of tailored materials designed to increase fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake, decrease fat intake, and/or increase PA. Changes in self-efficacy for F&V intake and fat restriction were analyzed as potential mediators of the intervention's effects on diet at 2-year follow-up. Because we previously found that change in self-efficacy for PA did not vary by group assignment, the relationship between change in self-efficacy and PA at 2-year follow-up was examined across study conditions. Results suggest that change in self-efficacy for fat restriction partially explained the intervention's effect on fat intake (mean indirect effect = -0.28), and change in self-efficacy for F&V consumption partially explained the intervention's effect on daily F&V intake (mean indirect effect = .11). Change in self-efficacy for fat restriction partially accounted for the intervention's impact on overall diet quality among men only (mean indirect effect = 0.60). Finally, change in self-efficacy for PA predicted PA at 2-year follow-up. Findings suggest that self-efficacy may influence long-term maintenance of healthy lifestyle practices among cancer survivors.

Abstract P306: Effect of A Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Weight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

There are few studies examining the effects of a diet low in carbohydrates on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the long term, particularly in contrast to the current dietary recommendations for decreased fat intake to reduce risk of CVD. We recruited 148 study participants with a body mass index (BMI) of 30–45 kg/m2, who were free of diabetes, CVD and kidney disease at baseline and randomly assigned them (74 in each group) to either a low carbohydrate diet (&lt;40 g/day) or a low fat (&lt;30% energy from fat, &lt;10% from saturated fat) diet. Participants met with a study dietitian weekly for the first month then in group settings bi-weekly for 5 months then monthly for the next 6 months. Each group was provided the same behavioral curriculum related to diet emphasizing portion control and eating habits. Two 24-hour dietary recalls were conducted at each clinic visit (0, 3, 6 and 12 months of intervention). The primary outcome measures were weight, body composition, lipids, blood pressure, and glucose. Mean age of participants was 46.8 years, mean BMI was 35.4 kg/m2; 11.5% were men, and 51% were African-American. Of the study participants, 60 in the low fat group (81.1%) and 59 in the low carbohydrate group (79.7%) completed the entire intervention. At 12 months, mean total energy intake on the low carbohydrate diet was 1,448 kcal/day with 23.6% from protein, 40.7% from fats, and 34.0% from carbohydrate versus 1,527 kcal/day with 18.6% from protein, 29.8% from fats, and 50.0% from carbohydrate on the low fat diet. Compared to low fat diets, over 12 months the low carbohydrate group had greater reductions in weight (net change −3.62 kg, p&lt;0.001), fat mass (−2.83 kg, p&lt;0.0001), waist circumference (−1.79 cm, p=0.03), triglycerides (−12.83 mg/dL, p=0.05), and a greater increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 6.74 mg/dL, p&lt;0.001). There were no differences in net changes between diets for total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, creatinine, or lean body mass. Our findings document that a low carbohydrate diet was more effective for weight loss than a low fat diet, and did not have significant adverse effects on cardiovascular risk factors. In contrast, the low carbohydrate diet improved HDL-C and triglycerides as compared to a low fat diet. Restricting carbohydrates is an effective method of weight loss and could be recommended for persons with and without increased CVD risk factors who need to lose weight.

Promoting Healthy Eating and Exercise Through Online Messages: A Pilot Study

The effectiveness of online messages to change dietary intake and level of physical activity was assessed. Thirty-six volunteers completed a 26-item pre- and post-intervention online survey and received a total of 36 email messages about MyPyramid, food labels, healthier lifestyles, and physical activity. Participants reported increased fiber intake, decreased fat intake, and increased physical activity. Overweight/obese participants lost an average of 8.0 lbs. during the 12-week period. Online messages can contribute to an increase in healthy food consumption and level of physical activity and is a desirable intervention tool for Extension nutrition and health practitioners.

Using a combined motivational and volitional intervention to promote exercise and healthy dietary behaviour among undergraduates

AimsThis study tested the impact of combining a motivational intervention based on protection motivation theory (PMT, Rogers, 1983 [18]) plus a volitional intervention based on action planning and coping planning, as a way to promote the prevention of type 2 diabetes among UK undergraduates. MethodsEighty-four participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or one of three experimental conditions: motivational intervention (PMT), volitional intervention (APCP), or combined motivational and volitional intervention (PMT&APCP). PMT variables, dietary and exercise behaviours were measured at three time-points over a four-week period. ResultsThe motivational intervention significantly changed PMT variables. The combined motivational and volitional intervention significantly decreased fat intake and increased the frequency of exercise relative to all other groups, and significantly increased the amount of fruit and vegetables consumed relative to control and volitional intervention groups. ConclusionsThese results suggest that motivational intervention is effective at changing cognitions but changing behaviour requires an intervention based on both motivation and volition.

How Is Food Insecurity Associated with Dietary Behaviors? An Analysis with Low-Income, Ethnically Diverse Participants in a Nutrition Intervention Study

Food insecurity has been associated with lower nutrient intake as well as lower intake of fruits and vegetables. However, little is known about the association of food insecurity and dietary behaviors, including food choices and preparation methods. This study examines the relationship between food insecurity and dietary behaviors of low-income adults (N=1,874; 55% Hispanic) who completed the baseline telephone survey for a nutrition education study. From April 2003 to August 2004, data were collected on demographics and food-security status and validated dietary measures: fruit and vegetable screener and Food Habits Questionnaire were used to assess fat-related behaviors (food choices or preparation methods that lead to an increase or decrease in fat intake). χ 2 tests were conducted to compare each demographic variable by food-security status. Univariate linear regression models examined dietary variables by food-security status in univariate models initially, then in multivariable models adjusting for demographics. Half of participants reported food insecurity. Food Habits Questionnaire scores were significantly greater in the food-insecure group, reflecting a higher fat intake ( P<0.05). Fruit (with juice) intake was significantly greater in the food-insecure participants reflecting increased juice intake ( P<0.05). Food-insecure individuals reported a higher juice intake and a lower frequency of fat-lowering behaviors. Future interventions with food-insecure individuals should include nutrition education as well as efforts to increase access and availability to healthier foods. Further qualitative and quantitative research is needed on the relationship between diet and food insecurity.

Strategies For Successful Weight Loss In Men: Lessons From The SHED-IT Randomised Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: To identify the dietary changes that contributed to weight loss in the SHED-IT (Self-Help, Exercise and Diet using Information Technology) men-only weight-loss trial where men lost significant (p ≤ 0.05) weight at 6mo and maintained this loss at 12 mo. Few studies have reported on the types or extent of dietary changes that men will adopt in order to lose weight. METHODS: Sixty-five overweight/obese men (mean [sd] age = 35.9 [11.1] years; BMI = 30.6 [2.8]) participated. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline and 6mo using the Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies Food Frequency Questionnaire, which asks respondents to report their usual consumption of 74 foods and 6 alcoholic beverages. Men were divided into 3 categories for analysis; Gp1 (n=21): lost more than 5% of body weight at 6mo; Gp2 (n=14): lost more than 2kg but less than 5% body weight; Gp3 (n=17): lost less than 2kg. RESULTS: All groups reduced energy intake; Gp1 by ∼30% compared to ∼20% in Gp2 and Gp3. Reductions in portion size were greatest for Gp1 (20%). There were no substantial differences in decreases in carbohydrate or protein intakes among groups, but Gp1 decreased fat intake by ∼40% (decreasing intakes of full-cream milk, meat pies, pizza, hamburgers, chocolate, chips, potato crisps and ice cream) compared to 20-25% for the other groups. Reductions in meat intake were modest. Sugary drink intakes decreased by 55%. Alcohol consumption changes varied by group with a ∼30% decrease in energy from alcohol in Gp1 compared to no change in Gp2. Men did not increase their intakes of fruit or vegetables to meet healthy-eating guidelines, and fiber intake remained below recommended levels throughout. CONCLUSION: Men choose decreasing portion sizes, reduction in sugary drink intakes, and reduction or elimination of high fat food, particularly snacks and take-away food, as their preferred weight-loss dietary changes. Alcohol intake is moderated but not eliminated. These findings have implications for the design of targeted weight loss messages for men. Supported by a University of Newcastle Strategic Pilot Grant.

Abstract 988: A diet and exercise intervention in women being treated for breast cancer

Abstract Increases in body fat have been documented to occur in breast cancer patients during chemotherapy and radiation treatment. This is a matter of concern that can impact on health status in survivorship, especially given the difficulties in achieving weight loss once a gain has occurred. Weight gain and obesity have also been linked with recurrence. In this pilot study we investigated the feasibility of recruiting women early in their breast cancer treatment to a study that sought to prevent body fat gain. The study randomized women to receive written materials only or telephone counseling. The goals of the counseling were to decrease fat intake, increase fruit and vegetable intakes and to include at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily. The counseling stressed self-monitoring of these behaviors. A total of 40 women were enrolled within 2 weeks of starting chemotherapy. This was 53% of the women who were referred to the study by their oncologists over 8 months. Baseline BMI was a mean of 27 (range 18-43 kg/m2) and 19 women were in the normal BMI range. Only 11 women had a body fat percentage in the recommended range. Retention of subjects for 12 months was 75% overall but it was better in the written arm (17 of 20 women) than in the telephone arm (13 of 20 women). Body fat increased in the written arm from 39.2 to 40.8% but it decreased from 39.0 to 37.3% in the telephone arm. Other objective measures also improved in the telephone arm such as blood pressure and leptin levels. Both total and moderate/vigorous activity increased more in the telephone arm than in the written arm. Improvements in dietary intakes at 12 months were noted in the telephone arm but not in the written arm. This preliminary data indicates that telephone support is helpful for making lifestyle changes that prevent body fat gain during treatment for breast cancer. Subject satisfaction with the study was high. The prevention of body fat gain during treatment for breast cancer is therefore feasible, and this approach could be useful for maximizing health in survivorship. Supported by the University of Michigan Metabolomics and Obesity Center, the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center, the Barbara Padnos Breast Cancer Research Fund and the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 988.

Oral sensitivity to fatty acids, food consumption and BMI in human subjects

Fatty acids are the chemical moieties that are thought to stimulate oral nutrient sensors, which detect the fat content of foods. In animals, oral hypersensitivity to fatty acids is associated with decreased fat intake and body weight. The aims of the present study were to investigate oral fatty acid sensitivity, food selection and BMI in human subjects. The study included two parts; study 1 established in thirty-one subjects (29 (sem 1.4) years, 22.8 (sem 0.5) kg/m2) taste thresholds using 3-AFC (3-Alternate Forced Choice Methodology) for oleic, linoleic and lauric acids, and quantified oral lipase activity. During study 2, fifty-four subjects (20 (sem 0.3) years, 21.5 (sem 0.4) kg/m2) were screened for oral fatty acid sensitivity using oleic acid (1.4 mm), and they were defined as hypo- or hypersensitive via triplicate triangle tests. Habitual energy and macronutrient intakes were quantified from 2 d diet records, and BMI was calculated from height and weight. Subjects also completed a fat ranking task using custard containing varying amounts (0, 2, 6 and 10 %) of fat. Study 1 reported median lipase activity as 2 mumol fatty acids/min per l, and detection thresholds for oleic, linoleic and lauric acids were 2.2 (sem 0.1), 1.5 (sem 0.1) and 2.6 (sem 0.3) mm. Study 2 identified twelve hypersensitive subjects, and hypersensitivity was associated with lower energy and fat intakes, lower BMI (P < 0.05) and an increased ability to rank custards based on fat content (P < 0.05). Sensitivity to oleic acid was correlated to performance in the fat ranking task (r 0.4, P < 0.05). These data suggest that oral fatty acid hypersensitivity is associated with lower energy and fat intakes and BMI, and it may serve as a factor that influences fat consumption in human subjects.

Psychosocial correlates of dietary fat intake in African-American adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCurrent dietary guidelines recommend that dietary fat should comprise 20–35% percent of total energy intake, with less than 10% of energy from saturated fat. However, many Americans exceed these goals and data suggest that African Americans tend to consume a higher percentage of energy from dietary fat than Whites. Because diets low in dietary fat, particularly saturated fat, are associated with lower risk for many chronic illnesses, it is important to identify strategies to reduce high fat intakes. This study examined associations of psychosocial factors with dietary fat intake in African American adults 18 to 70 years.MethodsData are self-reported from a cross-sectional survey of African Americans (n = 658) using an 11-page questionnaire, collected from June to October 2003. Associations of psychosocial (predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling) factors based on the PRECEDE framework, dietary fat-related behaviors, and participant characteristics (e.g., age, sex, education, BMI) with total and saturated fat consumption are described using linear regression and analysis of variance.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 43.9 years, 57% were female, 37% were college graduates, and 76% were overweight/obese. Respondents with lower fat intakes were female, older, had high education and very good/excellent perceived health. Among the psychosocial factors, the strongest (inverse) associations with fat intake were with two predisposing factors: belief in the importance of a low-fat diet (both genders) and high self-efficacy (women only). Fat intake was also significantly lower among participants who could count on those close for encouragement to eat healthy foods (a reinforcing factor) and among men who needed more information about preparing healthy foods (an enabling factor).ConclusionDietary interventions to decrease fat intake in African American adults may benefit from incorporating predisposing factors, such as personal beliefs and self-efficacy, in their design and implementation.

Evaluation of energy and macronutrient intake of black women in Bloemfontein: A cross-sectional study

There is growing evidence that urbanization of black South Africans is associated with changes in the structure of dietary intake. The urban diet is more diverse than the rural diet, and includes more animal foods, refined carbohydrates and fats, posing a potential risk to the health of urbanized populations. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the macronutrient intake of non-pregnant, pre-menopausal black women living in Bloemfontein in South Africa. A representative group of 500 participants was randomly selected to participate. Women were divided into two age groups. Younger women were 25 - 34 years old and older women 35 - 44 years old. Macronutrient intake was determined using a validated Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFFQ). Median macronutrient intake was compared with the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) as applicable. Median energy, macronutrient and cholesterol intake of younger and older women was compared using non-parametric 95% confidence intervals (CI’s). P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Median energy distribution of macronutrients was determined and compared with standard references. After being screened for eligibility, four pregnant women were excluded from the study, and 496 women qualified for participation. Median total energy, protein and carbohydrate intakes of all women exceeded the DRI. Median intakes of fibre were low, while median fat intakes were high. Younger women had significantly higher intakes of total fat (p = 0.034), saturated fat (p = 0.046) and PUFA (p = 0.015). Median energy distribution was 12% protein (both age groups), 32% fat (younger women) and 31% fat (older women) and 51% carbohydrates (younger women) and 53% carbohydrates (older women). The high median energy and macronutrient intakes may pose a potential risk for the development of chronic lifestyle diseases. The main focus of intervention should be to improve the quality of the diet, by decreasing fat intake and replacing this with fruit and vegetables. The benefits of a low glycaemic index and high fibre diet need to be emphasized.