Exercise For Weight Control Research Articles

Assessment of eating disorder symptoms, compulsive exercise, body dissatisfaction and depression in Swedish national team gymnasts, with a one-year follow-up

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore changes in symptoms of eating disorders, compulsive exercise, and depression, between two assessments 12 months apart, among elite gymnasts.MethodFactors related to the development of mental health symptoms in male and female Swedish national team gymnasts were investigated using baseline and 1-year follow-up scores in two subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory 3; drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction, two subscales of the Compulsive Exercise Test; avoidance and rule-driven behavior and exercise for weight control, and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale-Self report (MADRS-S). Linear mixed models were used to investigate the influence of drive for thinness, exercise for weight control, avoidance and rule-driven behavior, and MADRS-S on body dissatisfaction.ResultsBody dissatisfaction increased from baseline to the follow-up assessment, while drive for thinness and depression remained stable. Symptoms of eating disorders and depression were generally low in this group of elite gymnasts at both assessments. Drive for thinness, exercise for weight control, and symptoms of depression were associated with body dissatisfaction.DiscussionOur findings indicate that there were no significant changes over time in eating disorders and depression symptoms but significant associations with body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, we found independent effects of drive for thinness, exercise for weight control and symptoms of depression for body dissatisfaction.

Validation and measurement invariance of the Compulsive Exercise Test among Brazilian and American young adults

PurposeTo evaluate compulsive exercise, researchers often rely on the widely used Compulsive Exercise Test (CET). However, the measure has shown unstable factor structure in several validation studies and is not available in Portuguese for use in Brazil. We aimed to describe the translation and cultural adaptation of the CET to Brazilian Portuguese, to test several factor structures among Brazilian and US samples of men and women, to test measurement invariance across countries, and to evaluate its internal consistency. Furthermore, we sought to evaluate convergent validity, correlating the CET with a measure of eating disorder symptoms, and to compare compulsive exercise symptoms between countries.MethodsFour models of the latent structure of the CET were tested using confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs), three-factor structure with 15 items, three-factor structure with 18 items, four-factor structure with 21 items, and the original five-factor structure with 24 items, in a sample of 1,531 young adults (601 Brazilians and 930 Americans), aged 18–35 years.ResultsA series of CFAs demonstrated that the three-factor structure with 15 items showed a better fit to the data. This model demonstrated good convergent validity and internal consistency. Results from the CET multigroup CFA showed evidence for the invariance at the configural, metric, and scalar levels across Brazilians and Americans. Furthermore, significant differences were found between Brazilians and Americans, with Brazilians demonstrating higher scores on the Avoidance and rule-driven behavior and Mood improvement subscales, whereas US participants scored higher on the Weight control exercise subscale.ConclusionsResults support the three-factor structure with 15 items to be used as a measure of compulsive exercise among Brazilians and Americans, allowing cross-cultural comparisons between these countries.Level of evidence Level V, Cross-sectional, Psychometric study.

Exercise Timing Matters for Glycogen Metabolism and Accumulated Fat Oxidation over 24 h.

Due to increasingly diverse lifestyles, exercise timings vary between individuals: before breakfast, in the afternoon, or in the evening. The endocrine and autonomic nervous systems, which are associated with metabolic responses to exercise, show diurnal variations. Moreover, physiological responses to exercise differ depending on the timing of the exercise. The postabsorptive state is associated with greater fat oxidation during exercise compared to the postprandial state. The increase in energy expenditure persists during the post-exercise period, known as "Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption". A 24 h evaluation of accumulated energy expenditure and substrate oxidation is required to discuss the role of exercise in weight control. Using a whole-room indirect calorimeter, researchers revealed that exercise performed during the postabsorptive state, but not during the postprandial state, increased accumulated fat oxidation over 24 h. The time course of the carbohydrate pool, as estimated by indirect calorimetry, suggests that glycogen depletion after postabsorptive exercise underlies an increase in accumulated fat oxidation over 24 h. Subsequent studies using 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed that the variations in muscle and liver glycogen caused by postabsorptive or postprandial exercise were consistent with indirect calorimetry data. These findings suggest that postabsorptive exercise alone effectively increases 24 h fat oxidation.

Exploring the Link Between Self-compassion and Compulsive Exercise Amongst Women

ObjectivesSelf-compassion, defined as the ability to be accepting and loving towards oneself, has been identified as a potential protective factor against the development of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders (ED). In contrast, compulsive exercise is a core feature in the development and progression of EDs and is often employed as a maladaptive coping strategy for negative emotions and body image concerns. However, the relationships between self-compassion and compulsive exercise attitudes and behaviours are as yet unexplored.MethodsA total of 539 Spanish female university students (Mage = 20.03, SD = 2.22) completed measures of compulsive exercise, frequency of compensatory exercise, self-compassion, eating disorder symptoms, and anxiety and depression.ResultsHierarchical multiple regressions showed that lower levels of self-compassion significantly predicted some compulsive exercise elements (namely, weight control exercise and lack of exercise enjoyment) after controlling for ED symptoms, anxiety, depression and age. However, frequency of compensatory exercise was unrelated to self-compassion elements. Findings from the mediation models suggest an indirect effect of self-compassion on the association between compulsive exercise and ED symptoms.ConclusionsThe findings suggest a significant link between low self-compassion and greater harmful exercise attitudes and behaviours towards exercise. Further research is needed to clarify whether self-compassion may be a core feature in the development and maintenance of harmful attitudes and behaviours towards exercise.

Selfie-posting on social networking sites, body surveillance, and exercise for weight control among Chinese young women with low body mass index

Under the perspective of self-perception theory and objectification theory, this study aims to examine the association between selfie-posting on social networking sites (SNSs) and exercise for weight control among Chinese young women, as well as the mediating role of body surveillance. A sample of 467 Chinese female students with a BMI lower than 24 were recruited. Participants voluntarily completed questionnaires assessing their selfie-posting behavior on SNSs, body surveillance, and their weight control motivation for exercise. The results show that selfie-posting on SNSs is positively associated with exercise for weight control, and that body surveillance significantly mediates this association. The results suggest that interventions targeting selfie behaviors on SNSs may be an effective way to prevent unhealthy exercise motivations, such as exercise for weight control, among young women with a low BMI.

Validity of the compulsive exercise test in regular exercisers

ABSTRACT Measurement of compulsive exercise is important for the study of eating pathology in individuals who regularly participate in sport and exercise. The current study examined the factor structure, internal consistency and validity of the compulsive exercise test (CET) in regular exercisers. Participants were recruited via the internet and from sport clubs (n = 313 adults; M = 32 years; 57% female). A three-factor model for the CET was supported which included the weight control exercise, avoidance and rule-driven behaviour, and mood improvement subscales (fit statistics for the three-factor model: χ2 SB = 4.39; CFI = .95; NNFI = .94, RMSEA = .100, 95% CI: .093—.110, AIC = 656.92). The subscales lack of exercise enjoyment and exercise rigidity were not retained. All factors demonstrated acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach’s α = .77 to .91. The weight control exercise and avoidance and rule-driven behaviour subscales were significantly related to eating disorder symptoms. Given the association between CET subscales and eating disorder symptoms, the CET three-factor model may be informative when assessing eating pathology in individuals who regularly exercise.

Characterization of the Prevalence and Management of Over-Conditioned Ponies and Horses in Maryland

It has been estimated in the United States and abroad that 20%–51% of the equine population suffers from over-conditioning or obesity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of over-conditioning in the equine population in Maryland, to characterize weight control measures used, and to ascertain how control measures impact the operation. Over-conditioning was defined as a body condition score of 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale. All licensed horse operators in Maryland were invited to participate in an online survey. A total of 93 farm operators completed the survey with 238 ponies and 1,290 horses represented. Nearly, all operators (96%) indicated that they managed at least one obese pony or horse and that 41% of their ponies (n = 97) and 40% of their horses (n = 512) were over-conditioned. Over-conditioned ponies had a higher incidence of laminitis and were more heavily managed. Dry lots were the most common management practice used for ponies even though they were reported to be more time consuming and required more maintenance than pasturing horses. Participants were most satisfied with using exercise for weight control followed by dry lots and least satisfied with using grazing muzzles and administering medication. Operators spent an average of $434.18 ± $15.19 more each year to manage their over-conditioned equids. In conclusion, a significant portion of Maryland's horses and ponies is over-conditioned with laminitis occurring more frequently in over-conditioned ponies. Additional or alternative measures to prevent over-conditioning are needed to reduce labor and maintenance costs as well as improve welfare practices.

Increased fibre and reduced trans fatty acid intake are primary predictors of metabolic improvement in overweight polycystic ovary syndrome-Substudy of randomized trial between diet, exercise and diet plus exercise for weight control.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly affected by obesity. PCOS phenotypes are prone to increased waist/hip ratio, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. This substudy was undertaken to evaluate the effects of lifestyle interventions on metabolic biomarkers in overweight/obese PCOS women and the interventional effects of dietary components related to metabolic outcomes. Randomized three-arm parallel study. Fifty-seven PCOS women body mass index (BMI >27kg/m2 , age 18-40) were randomly assigned to diet (D, n=19), exercise (E, n=19) or diet plus exercise (DE, n=19) in three-arm fashion over 16weeks. The D group received nutritional counselling by a dietician to reduce their energy intake by at least 600kcal/d. The E group received an ambulatory exercise regimen from a physiotherapist. The DE group had both interventions. Self-reported food intake over 4days, exercise pedometers, BMI, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure, body composition and oral glucose tolerance test were performed before and at the end of intervention. BMI, waist circumference and total cholesterol were significantly reduced in the D and DE groups, as well as low-density lipoprotein and Homeostasis Model of Assessment index in the D group. In the E group, exercise was increased along with a decrease in BMI and waist circumference. The strongest predictor of reduced BMI was increased fibre intake (-0.44, P=.03), while a decrease in trans fatty acid intake predicted reduced insulinogenic index (0.44, P<.01). Nutritional counselling with dieting is clearly effective to improve metabolic disturbances in overweight/obese women with PCOS. Increased fibre and reduced trans fatty acid intake are primary predictors of metabolic improvement and weight control.

Effects of Three-Week Stair Climbing Exercise for Weight Control: A Case Series Study

Effects of Three-Week Stair Climbing Exercise for Weight Control: A Case Series Study

P4-12-01: The Breast-Activity and Healthy Eating after Diagnosis (B-AHEAD) Study – A Randomised Comparison of Weight Control Programmes during Adjuvant Treatment.

Abstract Background: Excess weight at diagnosis and weight gain during treatment are linked to increased mortality from breast cancer. Since 60% of breast cancer patients are overweight at diagnosis and 75% gain weight during treatment, weight control should improve outcome but the optimal intervention is unknown. Aim: To compare 3 programmes for weight control after surgery for primary breast cancer. Methods: We have recruited a randomised trial of 2 diet and exercise weight control interventions (1. a community based supervised group programme, 2. a mail and phone programme) compared to standard written advice (control). We are comparing the relative effects of the 3 programmes on body weight and composition (by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), cardiovascular risk parameters (lipids, blood pressure), a marker of breast cancer prognosis (insulin resistance), fitness and quality of life over the first year after diagnosis. In total 409 women have been randomised (45% of eligible women) and 21 women have left the trial (5.1%), 357 have completed the 6 month assessments, all are due to complete the trial in December 2011. Results: Weight and body fat results at 6 months indicate that the low cost mail and phone programme is equal to the supervised programme and both are significantly superior to written advice, but not in patients receiving chemotherapy. The high uptake and adherence to the trial shows interest and motivation of a significant number of cancer patients to make positive changes to lifestyle at the time of diagnosis. The final trial results will be presented at the December meeting. This abstract presents independent research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research under the Research for Patient Benefit programme. The views expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the funding organisations. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-12-01.

Current review of intervention studies on obesity and role of exercise in weight control

Current review of intervention studies on obesity and role of exercise in weight control

Weight-Related Sport Motives and Girls’ Body Image, Weight Control Behaviors, and Self-Esteem

Research has shown that exercise for weight control is associated with disordered eating indices in older adolescent or adult exercisers in fitness centers. This study examined whether these relationships could be replicated in a more general sample of 140 Dutch adolescent girls between 13 and 18 years old. Questions about sport participation, items from the Multidimensional Body Image Questionnaire and BULIT-R, the Contour Drawing Rating Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were completed. The girls were categorized as sport-participants with or without weight-related motives or as non-sport-participants. Weight-related sport participation was significantly associated with body dissatisfaction, more weight control and lower self-esteem. In conclusion, it is important to consider motives for sport participation when studying relationships between sport and well being.

The relationship of diet and exercise for weight control and the quality of life gap associated with diabetes

Objective The demanding behavioral changes for weight control to manage diabetes might contribute to lower quality of life (QOL). This research examines whether the demands of diet and exercise contribute to lower QOL among persons with diabetes. Methods Data were from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which measures days in the last month for poor physical health, poor mental health, limited activity, pain, depression, stress, poor sleep, and high energy, as well as weight control efforts. Results Respondents with diabetes averaged more impaired days on every measure of QOL. Neither efforts to control weight nor dieting were related to any measure. Exercise was associated with reductions in impaired days on all measures. Conclusions Exercising to control weight had a powerful effect on reducing QOL differences while attempting to maintain or reduce weight, and dieting to do so had no effect.

Exercise dependence and attitudes toward eating among young adults

Few community-based studies of exercise dependence have been conducted. This investigation examined the prevalence of exercise-dependence symptoms among 237 college undergraduates and the relationship of exercise-dependence symptoms to atypical and disordered attitudes toward eating. Women scored significantly higher than men on the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire's (EDQ) Exercise for Weight Control and Exercise for Health Reasons subscales, and the Dieting and Bulimia and Food Preoccupation subscales of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), and exhibited significantly more symptoms of exercise dependence than men. Number of exercise-dependence symptoms was significantly positively correlated with problematic attitudes toward eating. Dysphoric mood states, cognitive problems, craving for exercise, and other symptoms associated with abstinence from exercise were relatively common among women and significantly more prevalent than among men. Study findings suggest that women with clinical and subclinical eating disorders are at high risk for the development of exercise-dependence symptoms. Findings also supported the existence of primary and secondary exercise dependence.

RELATIONSHIPS AMONG BMI, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND REASONS FOR EXERCISE IN MALE AND FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENTS

Knowing what motivates individuals to exercise is important in selecting appropriate intervention strategies to increase regular activity. PURPOSE: To assess relationships among body mass index (BMI), reasons for exercise, and exercise patterns. METHODS: Subjects (108 women & 53 men, 18–33 y) were surveyed as a part of an extra credit opportunity in an introductory psychology class. Students completed the Silberstein Reasons for Exercise Inventory (REI), a physical activity survey (PAS), and a demographic data sheet for determination of age, gender, weight, and height. Seven REI subscales (exercising for weight control, fitness, mood, attractiveness, health, enjoyment and toning) were used. The PAS applied CDC definitions for regular, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity activity in the assessment of exercise 6 months earlier, during the past month, and planned for 6 months in the future. RESULTS: Gender analyses revealed significant differences in REI and BMI but not PAS. Males had significantly higher BMI (25.3 + 5.3 kg/m2) and were more likely to report exercising for enjoyment (4.8 + 1.5) than were females (BMI = 22.2 + 3.4 kg/m2, enjoyment = 4.0 + 1.6; p < .05 for all analyses). Yet, females were more likely to exercise for weight control (5.0 + 1.2) and to improve tone (4.6 + 1.4) than were males (weight control = 3.8 + 1.4; tone = 3.9 + 1.5, p < .05 for all analyses). Given the gender differences, relationships between BMI and REI were determined for males and females separately. While a significant relationship between BMI and exercise for weight control was observed for males (r = .284, p < .05), no significant relationships were observed for females. Overall, a significant inverse relationship was found between BMI and frequency of past (r = −.216), present (r = −.257) and future (r = −.165) moderate intensity activity (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Moderate-intensity activity was related to lower BMI in both sexes, but the sexes differed in motivation to exercise for weight loss and in how that desire related to BMI.

Eating disturbances in white and minority female dieters

Objective This study examined disordered eating, attitudes about weight and appearance, self-esteem, weight loss, and reasons for weight regain in a sample of white, black, Asian, and Hispanic female dieters. Method In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we scrutinized survey responses of a large number of households subscribing to Consumer Reports magazine. Females (N = 9,971) between 21 and 65 years old (M = 42.9, SD =10.4) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 27.2 (SD = 6.2) were selected for comparisons. Results Ethnic groups were different in terms of age, BMI, household income, and marital status. Therefore, these variables were used as covariates in the analyses. More black women were overweight and purged compared to the other groups. Asian women valued the beneficial role of exercise in weight control more, while black women were more inclined to attribute weight gain to cravings and slow metabolism. The groups did not differ in terms of binge eating, attitudes about weight and appearance, self-esteem, the number of attempts to lose weight, and the reasons for their failures. Conclusions This study suggests that unhealthy eating attitudes and practices may be similar for women who diet, irrespective of ethnic background. However, the generalizability of these findings is limited by the inherent sampling bias. © 1998 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 24: 395–403, 1998.

Eating disturbances in white and minority female dieters.

This study examined disordered eating, attitudes about weight and appearance, self-esteem, weight loss, and reasons for weight regain in a sample of white, black, Asian, and Hispanic female dieters. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we scrutinized survey responses of a large number of households subscribing to Consumer Reports magazine. Females (N = 9,971) between 21 and 65 years old (M = 42.9, SD = 10.4) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 27.2 (SD = 6.2) were selected for comparisons. Ethnic groups were different in terms of age, BMI, household income, and marital status. Therefore, these variables were used as covariates in the analyses. More black women were overweight and purged compared to the other groups. Asian women valued the beneficial role of exercise in weight control more, while black women were more inclined to attribute weight gain to cravings and slow metabolism. The groups did not differ in terms of binge eating, attitudes about weight and appearance, self-esteem, the number of attempts to lose weight, and the reasons for their failures. This study suggests that unhealthy eating attitudes and practices may be similar for women who diet, irrespective of ethnic background. However, the generalizability of these findings is limited by the inherent sampling bias.

Disordered eating among adolescents with chronic illness and disability: the role of family and other social factors.

To compare prevalence rates of weight-control behaviors among adolescents with and without chronic illness and to explore the role of familial and other social factors on associations between disordered eating and chronic illness. Survey conducted in public schools in Connecticut. A representative statewide population-based sample of 9343 7th-, 9th-, and 11th-grade public school students, of whom 1021 reported a chronic illness. Disordered eating (vomiting, diet pills, and laxatives), dieting, and exercise for weight control; chronic illness status; family structure, family communication, parental caring, parental monitoring, parental expectations, peer support, and sexual and physical abuse. Adolescents with chronic illness were at greater risk for disordered eating than youth without chronic illness, after controlling for sociodemographic variables (girls: odds ratio, 1.59 [95% confidence interval, 1.19-2.14]; boys: odds ratio, 2.22 [95% confidence interval, 1.49-3.32]). Adolescents with chronic illness were less likely to come from 2-parent families; reported lower levels of family communication, parental caring, and parental expectations; and reported more sexual and physical abuse than youth without chronic illness. Male adolescents with chronic illness were more likely to report low peer support and low parental monitoring. Most of these familial-social factors were also associated with an increased prevalence of disordered eating. After familial-social factors were controlled for, however, associations between disordered eating and chronic illness remained statistically significant. Adolescents with chronic illness are at greater risk for disordered eating behaviors than youth without chronic illness. Factors other than the familial-social factors assessed in this study may be contributing to this increased risk. In the clinical setting, youth with chronic illness need to be screened for disordered eating and familial and other social concerns.

The Development and Validation of the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire

The aim of the present study was to develop and validate the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ). 86 statements, derived from semi structured questionnaires, were used to develop a self report rating scale which was completed by 449 subjects who exercised for more than 4 hours a week. Factor analysis was used and items not loading onto any factors (<0.6), that loaded onto more than one factor or intercorrelated greater than 0.6 were rejected from the analysis. The final EDQ consisted of 29 items and eight factors; interference with social / family / work life, positive reward, withdrawal symptoms, exercise for weight control, insight into problem, exercise for social reasons, exercise for health reasons and stereotyped behaviour. These factors were shown to have good internal reliability. The questionnaire was then partially validated against the Eating Attitudes Test, the Profile of Mood States factors; depression, anxiety, fatigue and vigour, perceptions of control over behaviour and characteristics...

A Comparison of Fat Utilization during Exercise: Walking and Swimming

Women, considering swimming as a form of exercise to lose weight, have been discouraged from doing so, since researchers suggest that swimming does not burn fat as efficiently as land exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare carbohydrate and fat utilization by women engaging in two different forms of exercise, walking and swimming, at the same intensity and duration. Subjects were 20 moderately trained female subjects, walkers (W) = 10 and swimmers (S) = 10; ages 18-40 years. Measurements of blood free fatty acids (FFA), glycerol, lactate, glucose, free fatty acid turnover (FFAT), respiratory quotient (RQ), and fat oxidation were made during 60 minutes of walking or swimming at the same exercise intensity. Multivariate analysis of variance determined no significant differences between groups in net energy expenditure (NEE), RQ, fat oxidation, blood FFA, glycerol, glucose, and FFAT(p &gt; .05). There was a significant difference between groups in blood lactic acid levels (p &lt; .01). Since it was found that swimming and walking at the same duration and intensity bum similar amounts of fat and carbohydrate as energy sources during exercise, women may find swimming to be a viable form of exercise for weight control.