Facilitate Weight Loss Research Articles

Resistant starch intake facilitates weight loss in humans by reshaping the gut microbiota

Emerging evidence suggests that modulation of gut microbiota by dietary fibre may offer solutions for metabolic disorders. In a randomized placebo-controlled crossover design trial (ChiCTR-TTRCC-13003333) in 37 participants with overweight or obesity, we test whether resistant starch (RS) as a dietary supplement influences obesity-related outcomes. Here, we show that RS supplementation for 8 weeks can help to achieve weight loss (mean −2.8 kg) and improve insulin resistance in individuals with excess body weight. The benefits of RS are associated with changes in gut microbiota composition. Supplementation with Bifidobacterium adolescentis, a species that is markedly associated with the alleviation of obesity in the study participants, protects male mice from diet-induced obesity. Mechanistically, the RS-induced changes in the gut microbiota alter the bile acid profile, reduce inflammation by restoring the intestinal barrier and inhibit lipid absorption. We demonstrate that RS can facilitate weight loss at least partially through B. adolescentis and that the gut microbiota is essential for the action of RS.

Personalized Versus Non-personalized Nutritional Recommendations/Interventions for Type2 Diabetes Mellitus Remission: A Narrative Review.

It is a well-evidenced fact that diet significantly impacts type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention and management. However, dietary responses vary among different populations, necessitating personalized recommendations. Substantial evidence supports the role of diet in T2DM remission, particularly low-energy or low-carbohydrate diets that facilitate weight loss, enhance glycemic control, and achieve remission. This review aims to comprehensively analyze and compare personalized nutritional interventions with non-personalized approaches in T2DM remission. We conducted a literature search using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics guidelines, focusing on clinical and observational trials published within the past decade. We present the strengths and drawbacks of incorporating personalized nutrition into practice, along with the areas for research in implementing personalized interventions, such as cost-effectiveness and accessibility. The findings reveal consistently higher diabetes remission rates in personalized nutrition studies compared to non-personalized interventions.

The Impact of Coping Therapy on the Weight of Women with a Body Mass Index Over 30 Seeking Weight Loss

Objective: This study examines the effectiveness of coping therapy in reducing the weight of women with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 who are seeking weight loss. Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental research utilized a pre-test and post-test control group design. The population included all women with a BMI over 30 who sought weight loss at medical and psychological centers in Tehran during 2021. A total of 40 participants were selected using convenience and voluntary sampling methods and were randomly assigned into two groups of 20, comprising an experimental group and a control group. Participants in both groups were weighed, and their BMI was calculated before and after the intervention. The experimental group underwent ten sessions of coping therapy, each lasting 90 minutes. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 22. Results: Analysis of covariance indicated that coping therapy significantly reduced the weight of women with a BMI over 30 who were seeking weight loss (P<0.001). Conclusion: Coping therapy appears to be an effective intervention for weight loss. Through a primary and secondary appraisal process, it modifies inefficient coping mechanisms into effective ones. Specialists can incorporate the findings of this study into their therapeutic and intervention strategies to facilitate weight loss in obese women.

The Efficacy of an mHealth App in Facilitating Weight Loss Among Japanese Fitness Center Members: Regression Analysis Study.

Self-tracking smartphone apps have emerged as promising tools to encourage healthy behaviors. In this longitudinal study, we used gym use data from members of a major fitness club that operates gyms throughout Japan from January 2014 to December 2019. Our objective was to assess the extent to which a health and fitness self-tracking mobile app introduced to gym members on January 1, 2018, contributed to their weight loss. The app allows users to input information regarding diet, sleep, weight, and gym exercise so that they can receive personalized feedback from an artificial intelligence chatbot to improve their health behaviors. We used linear regression to quantify the association between app use and weight loss. The primary outcome of the study was the weight loss achieved by each gym user, which was calculated as the difference between their initial and final weights in kilograms, as recorded in the app. Individuals who did not attend the gym or failed to use the mobile app at least twice during the study period were excluded from the analysis. The model accounted for age, gender, distance between the gym and the member's residence, average weekly number of times a member used the gym, user's gym membership length in weeks, average weekly number of times a member input information into the app, and the number of weeks that the app was used at least once. Data from 26,589 participants were analyzed. Statistically significant associations were detected between weight loss and 2 metrics related to app use: the average weekly frequency of use and the total number of weeks in which the app was used at least once. One input per week was found to be associated with a loss of 62.1 (95% CI 53.8-70.5) g, and 1 week of app use was associated with 21.7 (95% CI 20.5-22.9) g of weight loss from the day of the first input to that of the final input to the app. Furthermore, the average number of times that a member used the gym weekly was also shown to be statistically significantly associated with weight loss: 1 use per week was associated with 255.5 (95% CI 228.5-282.6) g of weight loss. This empirical study demonstrated a significant association between weight loss among gym members and not only the frequency of weekly gym use but also the use of a health and fitness self-tracking app. However, further work is needed to examine the mechanisms through which mobile apps affect health behaviors and to identify the specific app features that are most effective in promoting weight loss.

Factors contributing to whether or not people with obesity undergo bariatric surgery

BackgroundBariatric surgery has been suggested as a safe and effective way to treat obesity by facilitating weight loss, but factors that predict the likelihood of bariatric surgery are unknown. The objective of this study was to describe factors associated with individuals with obesity that influence their decision to undergo bariatric surgery. Subjects and methodsThe study design was a cross-sectional study and participants were recruited via a survey link posted on the Obesity Action Coalition website. Demographic data, medical data, weight loss program data, and reports of personal experiences were gathered via an online survey. A multivariate logistic regression model was conducted to examine predictors associated with bariatric surgery (N = 4192). ResultsParticipants who took phentermine (OR=2.983), Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) (OR=2.863), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) (OR=3.246), or Liraglutide (Saxenda) (OR=2.144) had a higher likelihood of undergoing bariatric surgery for weight loss. Participants with type 2 diabetes (OR=1.728), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (OR=1.489), or COVID-19 (OR=3.852) had a higher likelihood of undergoing bariatric surgery while sleep apnea (OR=0.760) was associated with a lower likelihood of receiving surgery. Those who used MyFitnessPal™ (OR=2.232), Noom™ (OR=1.400), Jenny Craig™ (OR=1.533), or Keto (OR=1.664) for weight loss had a higher likelihood of obtaining bariatric surgery. Personal trauma experiences of sexual abuse (OR=1.982) and physical abuse (OR=1.490) were more associated with participants who underwent surgery. ConclusionsA variety of characteristics were associated with decisions to undergo bariatric surgery. These findings may help to determine ways to support individuals who are considering bariatric surgery.

The effects of time-restricted eating versus habitual diet on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines in the general adult population: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BackgroundTime-restricted eating (TRE) may facilitate weight loss, but its impact on inflammation remains unclear. Chronic inflammation can detrimentally increase risk of obesity-associated comorbidities. ObjectivesThe aim of this systematic review was to synthesize and determine the effects of TRE on cytokine and adipokines (C-reactive protein [CRP], TNF alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6], leptin, and adiponectin) in adults. MethodsPubMed, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs to determine the effects of TRE on cytokines and adipokines in adults up to 23 June, 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using risk of Bias 2 tool for RCTs and the ROBINS-I for non-RCTs. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with the DerSimonian–Laird method through random-effect models. The PRISMA recommendations were followed. ResultsA total of 25 studies (13 RCTs, 12 non-RCTs) involving 936 participants were included. The pooled SMD for the effect of TRE compared with the control group on cytokines and adipokines was −0.11 (95% CI: −0.33, 0.12; I2 = 19.7%; n = 10 comparisons) for CRP; −0.25 (95% CI: −0.47, −0.03; I2 = 0%; n = 11 comparisons) for TNF-α; −0.09 (95% CI: −0.39, 0.21; I2 = 16.4%; n = 8 comparisons) for IL-6; −0.81 (95% CI: −1.37, −0.24; I2 = 65.3%; n = 5 comparisons) for leptin; and 0.07 (95% CI: −0.40, 0.54; I2 = 56.9%; n = 6 comparisons) for adiponectin. ConclusionsTime-restricted eating may be an effective approach to reduce TNF-α and leptin levels in the general adult population.This review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42022358162.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapies for Weight-Loss in Adults: A Scoping Review Protocol.

Obesity and being overweight are very important public health issues due to their increasing prevalence worldwide. Third-wave cognitive behavioural therapies (3wCBT) have emerged in the last few years to promote weight loss. However, the scientific evidence identifying the most commonly used 3wCBT in weight-loss interventions in adults is still needed. The objective of this scoping review will be to identify the most widely researched 3wCBT used to facilitate weight loss in an adult population who are overweight and obese, according to the published scientific literature. The search will be carried out independently by two authors in PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, using search equations that contain keywords related to our search question: (1) population: adult and elderly population, (2) intervention: terms related to 3wCBT, and (3) results: weight loss or weight management. The data extraction will be performed following the indications of the Cochrane manual, and the results will be presented in three tables. The 3wCBTs have shown promising results for weight loss, but it is not yet known which of them is the most widely used to achieve weight loss in the adult population. Thus, the results of this scoping review could guide professionals in the psychological treatment of obesity and being overweight.

Reproduction and Anti-Obesity Medications: A Review of Current Evidence

Obesity, typified by the disproportionate accumulation of body fat, constitutes a burgeoning global health dilemma with far-reaching impacts on numerous facets of human well-being, prominently inclusive of reproductive health. The pervasive effects of this worldwide health predicament are both direct and indirect, having a compelling influence on fertility, thus underlining the exigency for efficacious therapeutic interventions. FDA-approved anti-obesity pharmaceuticals, comprising metformin, orlistat, phentermine, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as liraglutide and semaglutide, have been substantiated to facilitate weight loss and enhance metabolic indices. However, despite their promising roles in mitigating obesity, the extent of our understanding of these drugs' implications for reproductive health remains inadequate.This thorough review endeavors to aggregate and scrutinize the present corpus of evidence relating to the influence of these anti-obesity drugs on fertility. By exploring the prospective direct and indirect impacts of these pharmaceuticals on reproductive health, we aspire to illuminate their multifunctional roles extending beyond the sphere of weight regulation. In the female population, obesity has been correlated with menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and complications during gestation, frequently concurrent with an increased incidence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In the male counterpart, obesity has been associated with compromised semen quality and erectile function, often compounded by Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and hormonal disequilibrium.This exhaustive analysis seeks to equip physicians with a framework for refining their therapeutic approaches, appreciating the intricate interplay between obesity treatment and reproductive health. We aim to afford a broader and more nuanced comprehension of the complex interrelations between obesity, anti-obesity medications, and reproductive well-being. The intention is to empower healthcare practitioners with the insights necessary to deliver bespoke care strategies to those grappling with obesity and attendant fertility complications. Ultimately, this initiative augments our evolving understanding of the complex mechanisms operating at the juncture of obesity and fertility, thereby paving the way for future investigations in this critical field of study.

Weight Loss After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Children and Adolescents.

For children and adolescents with severe obesity, metabolic and bariatric surgery including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is increasingly used to facilitate weight loss and reduce associated medical problems. Outcomes of LSG are understudied among patients under age 15years. We sought to examine surgical complications and weight loss outcomes among children and adolescents who underwent LSG. This is a single-center retrospective cohort analysis at a high-volume metropolitan children's hospital in the northeast USA between 2011 and 2021. Weight loss was assessed at routine follow-up appointments for up to 36months postoperatively. There were 12 patients under 13years of age (< 13), 45 from 13 up to 15years of age (13-14), and 57 patients aged 15years or over (≥ 15). Among all patients, 70% were female, 41% were Hispanic, and 18% were non-Hispanic Black. There were no operative mortalities. Two patients had surgical complications requiring reoperation. Follow-up beyond 6months occurred for 62% of patients. Weight loss was evident for each group at all time points, and there was no statistically significant difference among groups at any time point. BMI Z-score reduction at 6months was 1.53 for the < 13 group, 0.89 for the 13-14 group, and 0.86 for the ≥ 15 group and at 36months was 1.79, 1.50, and 1.16, respectively. These results support that LSG is a safe and effective method of achieving weight loss for young adolescents with severe obesity. Strategies to promote postoperative follow-up are needed.

Novel Multi-Ingredient Supplement Facilitates Weight Loss and Improves Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Despite the growing recognition of the obesity crisis, its rates continue to rise. The current first-line therapies, such as dietary changes, energy restriction, and physical activity, are typically met with poor adherence. Novel nutritional interventions can address the root causes of obesity, including mitochondrial dysfunction, and facilitate weight loss. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a multi-ingredient nutritional supplement designed to facilitate mitochondrial function and metabolic health outcomes over a 12 wk period. Fifty-five overweight and/or obese participants (age (mean ± SEM): 26 ± 1; body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2): 30.5 ± 0.6) completed this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomized to 12 wks of daily consumption of multi-ingredient supplement (MIS; n = 28; containing 50 mg forskolin, 500 mg green coffee bean extract, 500 mg green tea extract, 500 mg beet root extract, 400 mg α-lipoic acid, 200 IU vitamin E, and 200 mg CoQ10) or control placebo (PLA, n = 27; containing microcrystalline cellulose) matched in appearance. The co-primary outcomes were bodyweight and fat mass (kg) changes. The secondary outcomes included other body composition measures, plasma markers of obesity, fatty liver disease biomarkers, resting energy metabolism, blood pressure, physical performance, and quality of life. The post-intervention differences between MIS and PLA were examined via ANCOVA which was adjusted for the respective pre-intervention variables. After adjustment for pre-intervention data, there was a significant difference in weight (p < 0.001) and fat mass (p < 0.001) post-intervention between the PLA and MIS treatment arms. Post-intervention weight and fat mass were significantly lower in MIS. Significant post-intervention differences corrected for baseline were found in markers of clinical biochemistry (AST, p = 0.017; ALT, p = 0.008), molecular metabolism (GDF15, p = 0.028), and extracellular vesicle-associated miRNA species miR-122 and miR-34a in MIS (p < 0.05). Following the 12 wks of MIS supplementation, weight and body composition significantly improved, concomitant with improvements in molecular markers of liver health and metabolism.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction of DWP16001, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, with phentermine in healthy subjects

ABSTRACT Background DWP16001, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, has shown promise for improving blood glucose control and facilitating weight loss. Co-administration with phentermine could enhance these effects. So, we aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions of DWP16001 and phentermine. Methods We conducted a randomized, open-label, 3-treatment, 6-sequence, 3-period crossover study involving 24 healthy adults. Participants received either DWP16001 (2 mg), phentermine (37.5 mg), or a combination of both once daily for 7 days. Blood samples, urine samples, and body weights were collected to evaluate the PK and PD. Results The PK of the combination was found to be similar to that of the monotherapy. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) of Cmax,ss, and AUCtau,ss were 0.98 and 1.00, respectively, for DWP16001, and 1.01 and 0.94, respectively, for phentermine. Co-administration did not significantly affect the 24-hour urinary glucose excretion compared to DWP16001 monotherapy, and the GMR was 0.90. Participants tended to experience greater weight loss in the combination therapy group, and all demonstrated good tolerance. Conclusions Our findings indicate that there were no significant interactions during co-administration. These results suggest that the combination of DWP16001 and phentermine may be safe and effective for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Clinical trial registration NCT05321732

Altered transposable elements expression and gene networks remodeling precede disruptions in sleep/wake cycles in a tauopathy mouse model of AD

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) is an widespread neurodegenerative disorder, common in elder and Veterans communities, culminating in dementia with non‐cognitive behavioral and metabolic symptoms, such as hyperactivity and altered sleep/wake patterns. In demented patients, sleep/wake cycle disruptions facilitate weight loss, which is associated with adverse outcomes like accelerated AD progression and higher institutionalization. Tg4510 mice, which express a P301L mutant variant of human tau, develop both cognitive and non‐cognitive symptoms. Several mouse models of tau deposition, including Tg4510 mice, also have negative energy balance. To identify early factors affecting AD, we measured locomotor, sleep/wake patterns in vivo, and analyzed RNA‐seq data from Tg4510 mice to identify gene and transposable elements (TE) expression changes involved in behavioral derangements in AD.MethodLocomotor activity, sleep and wake intervals and patterns were measured using in vivo metabolic cages for two weeks over 24 hr and day and night cycles from Tg4510 mice (n = 5‐7) vs. controls (n = 7‐10) before and after the onset of tauopathy (at 2 and 7 months of age respectively). In additional experiments, we analyzed RNA‐seq from hippocampi of Tg4510 mice (n = 5) vs. controls (n = 6). Using our established TTESA bioinformatics pipeline, reads were aligned to reference genome and expression of genes or TEs was measured with featureCounts. Pathway enrichment analysis using Visual Annotation Display was used to discover common functional and disease pathways using Gene Ontology, Protein Ontology, and Mammalian Phenotype Ontology.ResultWe observed altered locomotor and sleep patterns during the night phase starting in young Tg4510 vs. controls. TTESA results detected the majority of significantly differentially expressed TEs were retrotransposons (70%), which consisted mainly of long terminal repeats (LTRs; 70%) and some LINE retroelements (30%) and SINEs (&lt;8%) in transgenic mice. VLaD pathway analysis revealed several biological processes upregulated in transgenic mice, including non‐cognitive behavioral pathways were downregulated, such as the regulation of circadian sleep/wake cycle with changes in the expression levels of Per2, Per3 (p&lt;0.0001).ConclusionEarly dysregulation of TEs may be involved in rewiring gene expression networks underlying behavioral changes in wake and sleep cycles and other circadian patterns of behavior in this humanized mouse model of AD.

OBESITIY AND HYPERTENSION IN PRIMARY BASIC SETTING

Objective: Evaluate the prevalence of obesity in a group of 1000 patients over 18 years of age treated in primary care in the city of Rio de Janeiro and its relationship with Hypertension (HTN) Design and method: Prospective cohort of 1000 patients over 18 years selected in 21 primary care units in the city of Rio de Janeiro. At the initial consultation, the clinical form was filled out, in which medical history, socioeconomic variables, data on life habits and functional assessment were documented. Weight and height were measured at the initial visit, and, from these data, the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated in Kg/m2. The definition of HTN was bases on data from medical records. Results: Of the 1014 patients included, 737 (72.68%) were hypertensive. A sedentary lifestyle was present in 65.5% of the population studied and there was no difference between the group of patients with and without HTN. The average BMI of the general population was 29.6 ± 6.2 kg/m2. The average BMI among hypertensive patients was 30.1 kg/m2. Among non-hypertensive individuals, the mean was significantly lower, 27.8 kg/m2, but still above normal levels, 24.9 kg/m2. Obesity was found in 41.2% of the population studied. The distribution according to the WHO BMI classification can be verified in the table below and showing the relationship between HTN and obesity. Conclusions: The present study showed a relationship between HTN and obesity. It is estimated that more than 2/3 of the incidence of HTN is related to obesity, which makes this condition an important a risk factor for the development of hypertension and an important public health problem. Obesity-related hypertension is often associated with other cardiovascular risk factors. The treatment of hypertension in the obese requires a targeted approach to obesity. Adopting a healthy lifestyle facilitates weight loss, increases responsiveness to antihypertensive drug therapy, and produces independent beneficial effects on factors. The approach to obesity should be emphasized not only in hypertensive patients, but also in those who have not yet had HTN, as a measure to prevent its development and reduce the cardiovascular risk.

Exploring the effectiveness of lactobacillus probiotics in weight management: A literature review

The objective of this literature review was to evaluate the effectiveness of the exploring the effectiveness of lactobacillus probiotics in weight management: a literature review in weight management. Obesity is defined as the accumulation of excessive fat, which may result in many potential health risks. A body mass index over 30 is considered obese, and obesity rates have increased by over 400% since 1975. Obesity is one of the leading underlying causes of health issues in developed nations, causing problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Additionally, obesity is also known to be heavily associated with type ii diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and musculoskeletal disorders. To combat the issues connected with obesity, diet, and exercise are essential. In this article, we recommend the use of probiotics’ biocompound from the genus lactobacillus in addition to diet and exercise as an intervention for obese individuals. Probiotics may facilitate weight loss by increasing microbiome quantity and variety, regulating immune responses, and improving metabolic rates. An online search was conducted in the following databases: pubmed® and the functional food center’s journal database. Studies published between January 1, 2010, and April 1, 2023, were included. More rcts are needed to increase the certainty of the evidence and to verify our conclusions, especially in those who have conditions that are comorbid with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes.Another major objective of this research will be reviewing accumulated data from the perspective of functional food definition and steps on how to create ideal functional food products. Functional foods, products that contain bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial substances, are crucial in promoting health and preventing diseases. Functional food science involves isolating and combining bioactive compounds to create functional ingredients that provide targeted health benefits. The development of functional food incorporates a multidisciplinary approach to food science, nutrition, biotechnology, and other related fields. Hence, by accumulating data on functional food science and by using quantum end tempus theories about bioactive compounds, researchers can provide valuable insights for creating ideal and innovative functional food products that meet consumer demands for healthier food options. Keywords:Obesity, probiotics, Lactobacillus, quantum theory of functional foods, type 2 diabetes

24 Feed restriction as a model for disruption of gut homeostasis in horses: A pilot study

Involuntary feed restriction is commonly experienced by horses during transport, in preparation for or during competition, during illness or treatment for some diseases (eg, colic), and to facilitate weight loss in overweight individuals. Short-term reduction of feed intake is known to cause intestinal barrier dysfunction and precedes disease in multiple species. Using short-term feed restriction to induce gut dysfunction could provide a means to investigate meaningful interventions, as well as inform recommendations on routine management practices. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate blood and gut inflammatory markers in response to short-term feed restriction (STFR). Feed restriction was imposed in 2-year-old Quarter Horses for 3 d (FR, n = 4) and compared with age- and time-matched control horses (CON, n = 4). The basal diet for all horses included concentrate (0.7% BW) and ad libitum grass hay and water. During the 3-d STFR period, intake for FR was reduced to 50% of daily DE requirements (50% of DE supplied by concentrate and 50% by hay) while CON horses remained on the basal diet. All horses were routinely housed in stalls during the day and in pasture at night but remained in stalls fulltime during the STFR period. Blood and fecal samples were taken immediately before (PRE) and at the conclusion of the 3-d STFR period (0 h), and at 9, 24, 33 and 48 h post-STFR. Serum amyloid A (SAA), serumcortisol, fecal immunoglobulins and fecal zonulin were measured by ELISA and data were compared using mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures. STFR resulted in greater (P < 0.01) loss of BW in FR horses (5.74 ± 0.51% of PRE BW) than CON horses (0.80 ± 0.38%) and, despite returning to their normal ration, FR horses retained a weight loss deficit 48 h post-STFR (P = 0.003). Serum cortisol did not differ between FR and CON but did fluctuate over time (P < 0.0001), likely related to the circadian rhythm. A time*treatment interaction was observed for SAA (P = 0.03), where it tended to be higher in FR than CON following STFR. However, SAA was highly variable between horses and the response to STFR was unimpressive. Fecal dry matter changed over time (P = 0.02), where it was elevated at 9 h post-STFR but had returned to the pre-STFR moisture level by h 33. A time*treatment interaction was also observed for fecal pH (P = 0.06) and tended to be higher (P = 0.08) in FR compared with CON following STFR. Evaluation of other inflammatory markers may be informative about the response to this STFR model. Additionally, measurements obtained during STFR (not just after) would help clarify when the most pronounced effects occur.

Relation of BOLD response to food-specific and generic motor response inhibition tasks to body fat gain in adults with overweight and obesity

BackgroundLow inhibitory control has been theorized to contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity. Knowledge on the neurobiological indicators of inhibitory control deficits predicting future weight gain is limited. The current study examined if individual differences in blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) activity associated with food-specific and general motor response inhibition predict future body fat change in adults with overweight or obesity. MethodsBOLD activity and behavioral responses of adults with overweight or obesity (N = 160) were recorded while performing a food-specific stop signal task (n = 92) or a generic stop signal task (n = 68). Percent body fat was measured at baseline, posttest, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up. ResultsElevated BOLD activity in somatosensory (postcentral gyrus), and attention (precuneus) regions during successful inhibition in the food-specific stop signal task and elevated BOLD activity in a motor region (anterior cerebellar lobe) in the generic stop signal task predicted greater body fat gain over 6-month follow-up. Elevated BOLD activity in inhibitory control regions (inferior-, middle-, superior frontal gyri) and error monitoring regions (anterior cingulate cortex, insula) during erroneous responses in the generic stop signal task predicted body fat loss. ConclusionsResults suggest that improving motor response inhibition and error monitoring may facilitate weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity.

The Effect of a mHealth App (KENPO-app) for Specific Health Guidance on Weight Changes in Adults With Obesity and Hypertension: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Commercial smartphone apps that promote self-monitoring of weight loss are widely available. The development of disease-specific apps has begun, but there is no app for specific health guidance (SHG) to prevent metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged adults in Japan. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of an SHG mobile health app in facilitating weight loss in Japanese adults with obesity and hypertension. In a 12-week, statistician-blinded, randomized parallel controlled trial, 78 overweight and obese men aged 40-69 years were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the usual support plus KENPO-app group (intervention group) or the active control group. KENPO-app (release April 10, 2019; OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd.) was developed by the study team and focus groups and uses behavior change techniques (ie, self-monitoring and goal-setting theory). This app was developed for SHG based on the four specific health checkups and guidance system in Japan: (1) focusing primarily on achieving the target (weight loss of ≥2 kg); (2) assessing healthy eating, exercise habits, smoking habits, relaxation, and self-weighing; (3) providing information on the results of specific health checkups; and (4) starting an intervention period of 6 months with the interim assessment at 3 months. The initial assessment explored the following: personality traits (4 types), health checkup data concerns (10 items), symptom concerns (10 items), and the aim of the intervention (weight loss, improving fitness, symptoms, laboratory data). Chatbot-supported health information on health and health behavior was selected from 392 quizzes based on app data and was provided to participants. The KENPO-app had chatbot-supported feedback and information provision combined with a self-monitoring tool (weight, steps, and blood pressure). Data on active exercise, healthy eating, and healthy lifestyle habits were obtained using a web-based self-administered questionnaire at baseline and 12 weeks. The trial's retention rate was 95% (74/78). The adherence to daily self-weighing, wearing the pedometer, and blood pressure monitoring in the KENPO-app group was significantly higher than those in the active control group. Compared with the active control group, the median body weight and BMI of the intervention group significantly decreased at 3 months (-0.4, IQR -2.0 to 0.6 kg vs -1.1, IQR -2.7 to -0.5 kg; P=.03; -0.1, IQR -0.6 to 0.3 kg vs -0.4, IQR -0.8 to -0.2 kg; P=.02, respectively). The intervention increased the percentage of participants who self-reported taking ≥8000 steps, eating vegetables before rice, eating slowly, and relaxing. Personality traits were associated with the degree of weight loss in the intervention group. The SHG-specific KENPO-app was feasible and induced modest but significant weight loss in adults with obesity. University Hospital Medical Information Network Center UMIN000046263; https://tinyurl.com/bderys3b.

Effectiveness of eHealth weight management interventions in overweight and obese adults from low socioeconomic groups: a systematic review

BackgroundLow socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with increased rates of overweight and obesity. Proponents of electronic health (eHealth) hypothesise that its inclusion in weight management interventions can improve efficacy by mitigating typical barriers associated with low SES.ObjectivesTo establish the scope of eHealth weight management interventions for people with overweight and obesity from a low SES. Secondary objectives were to determine the efficacy of eHealth interventions in facilitating weight loss, physical activity and fitness improvements.MethodsFour databases and grey literature were systematically searched to identify eligible studies published in English from inception to May 2021. Studies examining an eHealth intervention with low SES participants were included. Outcomes included temporal change in weight and BMI, anthropometry, physiological measures and physical activity levels. The number and heterogeneity of studies precluded any meta-analyses; thus, a narrative review was undertaken.ResultsFour experimental studies with low risk of bias were reviewed. There was variance in how SES was defined. Study aims and eHealth media also varied and included reducing/maintaining weight or increasing physical activity using interactive websites or voice responses, periodic communication and discourse via telephone, social media, text messaging or eNewsletters. Irrespectively, all studies reported short-term weight loss. eHealth interventions also increased short-term physical activity levels where it was assessed, but did not change anthropometry or physiological measures. None reported any effect on physical fitness.ConclusionsThis review revealed short-term effects of eHealth interventions on weight loss and increased physical activity levels for low SES participants. Evidence was limited to a small number of studies, with small to moderate sample sizes. Inter-study comparison is challenging because of considerable variability. Future work should prioritise how to utilise eHealth in the longer term either as a supportive public health measure or by determining its long-term efficacy in engendering volitional health behaviour changes.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42021243973

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

&#x0D; We conducted a custom technology review to narratively describe treatment outcomes and considerations important to people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Canada, as detailed in patient input provided to CADTH in the past. Patient groups submitted the input described in this review to inform CADTH Reimbursement Reviews, which advise reimbursement decisions made by public drug programs in Canada. CADTH staff produced this report through close engagement with representatives from patient groups that had contributed these inputs, including Diabetes Canada, Type 2 Diabetes Experience Exchange (T2DXX), and Patient Commando. This learning project provided an opportunity for CADTH to explore patient input in a new but rigorous way outside of the time constraints of Reimbursement Reviews for specific drugs.&#x0D; In past patient input, people living with T2DM emphasized that the condition demands intensive, perpetual self-management and has a profound and usually negative impact on their physical, psychosocial, and economic well-being.&#x0D; People living with T2DM want a cure for the condition. In the meantime, to improve their quality of life, they desire treatments that reduce the risk of hyperglycemia and its short- and long-term complications; facilitate weight loss; and improve their mental state, focus, and energy levels. They also desire treatments that can lessen the burden of medication administration, specifically by decreasing polypharmacy and dose frequency and allowing for easy storage, preparation, and administration. They would like medications to reduce the need for blood glucose checks, injections, and insulin, and they hope that new treatments can promote a return to normalcy by providing the freedom to eat and do what they want, when they want.&#x0D; In addition to these desired treatment outcomes, people living with T2DM want medications that cause few or no adverse effects, especially hypoglycemia, weight gain, and gastrointestinal and urogenital side effects.&#x0D; All patient input emphasized the need to increase access to and affordability of T2DM treatments in Canada. When discussing the contexts in which people living with T2DM access and use medications, patient groups also stressed the importance of respect and effective communication in therapeutic and interprofessional relationships; the need to provide and enhance knowledge to support informed decisions about and safe use of medications; and the importance of offering people with T2DM individualized treatment plans and a variety of choices.&#x0D; Patient groups reported limited demographic information on the people they surveyed and interviewed to inform their inputs. Inputs providing demographic information, however, showed that the voices of those belonging to equity-deserving groups in Canada were missing or underrepresented. The treatment outcomes and considerations emphasized in past patient input may differ from those important to members of these groups or may carry additional meaning or significance to them. Future avenues of inquiry and active engagement could focus on gaining insight into the perspectives and preferences of equity-deserving groups that include but are not limited to Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of colour; people living in poverty or with low income; people living in rural and remote communities; adolescents and adults aged 25 years or younger; and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.&#x0D;

Effect of group cognitive behavioural therapy on self-efficacy and anthropometric indices among overweight and obese postpartum women

Objective: While usually associated with weight gain, pregnancy and the postpartum period are also considered as an opportunity to prevent weight gain and its complications. Therefore, the prevention of ‘excessive/unnecessary’ weight gain is a necessary issue. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on self-efficacy and lifestyle to control weight and anthropometric indices among overweight and obese postpartum women. Design: Quasi-experimental study. Setting: Public health centres in Izeh, Iran. Subjects: Sixty eligible women were divided into two groups of intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) using a simple randomisation method. A demographic questionnaire, a checklist and Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WELQ) were used to collect the data. The intervention group received eight sessions of group CBT, while the control group received routine care. All variables were measured at baseline and four weeks after the completion of the intervention. Data were analysed using an independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square and analysis of covariance using SPSS version 24. Outcomes measures: Self-efficacy, weight, height, body mass index, waist, hip, and arm circumference, waist/hip ratio,and body fat percentage were measured at baseline and 12 weeks after intervention. Results: The results showed that in the CBT group, there was a significant increase in the total score of self-efficacy and its components, while weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, mid-upper arm circumference and body fat percentage significantly reduced in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cognitive behavioural therapy can improve self-efficacy, affecting weight and anthropometric indices in overweight and obese postpartum women. Therefore, CBT can be used as an adjunct to weight-loss intervention such as physical activity and diet or it can be used as a sole form of therapy to facilitate weight loss among overweight/obese postpartum women.