Fast Weight Loss Research Articles

Fast versus slow weight loss: development process and rationale behind the dietary interventions for the TEMPO Diet Trial.

SummaryObjective and methodsFinding effective solutions to curb the obesity epidemic is a great global public health challenge. The need for long‐term follow‐up necessitates weight loss trials conducted in real‐world settings, outside the confines of tightly controlled laboratory or clinic conditions. Given the complexity of eating behaviour and the food supply, this makes the process of designing a practical dietary intervention that stands up to scientific rigor difficult. Detailed information about the dietary intervention itself, as well as the process of developing the final intervention and its underlying rationale, is rarely reported in scientific weight management publications but is valuable and essential for translating research into practice. Thus, this paper describes the design process and underlying rationale behind the dietary interventions in an exemplar weight loss trial – the TEMPO Diet Trial (Type of Energy Manipulation for Promoting optimal metabolic health and body composition in Obesity). This trial assesses the long‐term effects of fast versus slow weight loss on adiposity, fat free mass, muscle strength and bone density in women with obesity (body mass index 30–40 kg m−2) that are 45–65 years of age, postmenopausal and sedentary.Results and conclusionsThis paper is intended as a resource for researchers and/or clinicians to illustrate how theoretical values based on a hypothesis can be translated into a dietary weight loss intervention to be used in free‐living women of varying sizes.

Drying behavior of lignite under microwave heating

ABSTRACTBecause of lignite’s high moisture content, it must be dried before most applications. Microwave radiation may be suitable for efficient drying because of its special heating properties. This study investigated the drying behavior of lignite samples from eastern Inner Mongolia by microwave thermogravimetric analysis. Three stages of microwave drying were observed: preheating, fast weight loss, and falling rate drying periods. Samples’ surface temperatures increased dramatically during preheating, dropped slightly in the second period, and rose again in the final period. The measured surface temperature was <95°C during microwave heating. The overall moisture content decreased more rapidly under higher microwave power. Fine lignite particles (diameter <0.2 mm) and lump samples (particle size 10 mm) dried better than granular lignite (particle size 1–2 mm). The samples also underwent slight natural drying (1–2% point reduction in moisture content) after microwave treatment. The critical moisture content of lignite (11–15% under experimental conditions) was redefined. Energy consumption was analyzed to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed drying process.

Research-to-policy translation for prevention of disordered weight and shape control behaviors: A case example targeting dietary supplements sold for weight loss and muscle building

New approaches to universal eating disorders prevention and interventions targeting macro-environmental change are greatly needed, and research-to-policy translation efforts hold promise for advancing both of these goals. This paper describes as a policy-translation case example an academic-community-government partnership of the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders, Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, and the office of Massachusetts Representative Kay Khan, all based in Massachusetts, USA. The partnership's research-to-policy translation project focused on dietary supplements sold for weight loss and muscle building, which have been linked with serious injury and death in consumers. Youth and people of all ages with eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder may be especially vulnerable to use these products due to deceptive promises of fast and safe weight loss and muscle gain. The research-to-policy translation project was informed by a triggers-to-action framework to establish the evidentiary base of harm to consumers, operationalize policy solutions to mitigate harm through legislation, and generate political will to support action through legislation introduced in the Massachusetts legislature to restrict sales of weight-loss and muscle-building dietary supplements. The paper concludes with lessons learned from this unique policy translation effort for the prevention of disordered weight and shape control behaviors and offers recommendations for next steps for the field to advance research and practice for universal, macro-environmentally targeted prevention.

Eat to Live: The Revolutionary Formula for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss

Eat to Live: The Revolutionary Formula for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss

Weight loss methods and changes in eating habits among successful weight losers

Background Changes in several lifestyle related factors are required for successful long-term weight loss. Identification of these factors is of major importance from a public health point of view.Methods/subjects This study was based upon findings from the Finnish Weight Control Registry (FWCR), a web-based registry. In total, 316 people were recruited and 184 met the study inclusion criteria. The aims of this study were to assess means and typical changes in eating habits associated with successful long-term weight loss.Results Half of the participants (48%) reported that they lost weight slowly primarily with dietary changes. Self-weighing frequency was high, 92% was weighing themselves at least once a week during the weight loss phase, and 75% during the maintenance phase. Dietary aspects associated with successful weight loss and weight maintenance included an increase in intake of vegetables, a reduction in frequency of eating candies and fast food, regular meal frequency and application of the Plate model.Conclusions Both slow and fast weight loss may lead to successful long-term results and weight maintenance. A decrease in energy intake was achieved by reducing intake of energy-dense food, applying the Plate model and by regular meal frequency.Key messagesSuccessful long-term weight loss is associated with a reduction in intake of energy-dense food. A more regular meal frequency and a high frequency of self-weighing seem to be helpful.

ROLE OF NON-DRUG THERAPIES OF METABOLIC SYNDROME: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abdominal obesity (and the closely related metabolic syndrome) is one of the most common diseases in the world. The urgency of the problem of the progression of abdominal obesity is not only in its high prevalence, but also in the formation of a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes type 2. The main reasons for the rapid development of obesity are considered high-calorie food (which includes not only the quantity but also the quality of edible products), sedentary lifestyle and genetic predisposition. Until now there are underway great controversies about the procedures of fast and trouble-free weight loss. There are many studies on the treatment of various components of metabolic syndrome. Despite a number of different pharmaceutical drugs developed for the treatment of abdominal obesity, non-drug therapies come first as well as the organization of the right way of life, which is difficult and sometimes impossible task for the clinician. One of the main reasons is the lack of time in doctor during outpatient consultations. To resolve this issue the role of School of Health is considered in order to effectively reduce the body weight of patients with metabolic syndrome and maintaining long-term results. It is expected that the implementation of the School of Health in the complex treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome will more broadly inform patients about their disease, improve the motivational and cognitive components of plants, and increase compliance to carry out the doctor's prescription. A review of the prevalence and root causes of abdominal obesity is presented, as well as analysis of the effectiveness of existing “Schools of Health” in the clinical practice for the treatment of various chronic diseases.

Efeito de 12 semanas de treinamento aeróbio em jejum sobre o emagrecimento

This study aimed to verify 12 weeks of aerobic training effect on fasting weight loss performed between October 2014 and March 2015 at Pitagoras a city in Betim/MG. The sample was 33 sedentary women without metabolic diseases. Initially the volunteers were submitted to aerobic capacity test (Balke-Ware) and body composition evaluation. It was recorded the total body mass (TBM), muscle mass (MM), fat mass (FM) and percentage of body fat (PBF) by tetrapolar bioimpedance. Then the volunteers were randomly divided into three groups, who performed aerobic training in a treadmill. One group performed the training in fasting (FT) in the post-absorptive period, with low intensity (50% of the heart rate reserve), while another group performed the same training, but in fed state (PT). The third group ran the same distance from the other groups, but with higher intensity (HIT) (70% of the heart rate reserve) in fed state. To compare body composition and aerobic capacity before and after training it was used the paired t test, while to compare the percentage change of MCT and the PGC between groups it was used the ANOVA one-way test. The results showed that the aerobic capacity increased in all groups, but the increase was greater in the HIT. Further, the HIT presented a significant reduction in FM and PBF, while the FT and PT groups showed no significant changes in body composition. No significant differences were found between the groups in relation to variation of PGC and PBF. It was concluded that fasted aerobic training has no additional effect on weight loss.

Fasting for weight loss: an effective strategy or latest dieting trend?

With the increasing obesity epidemic comes the search for effective dietary approaches for calorie restriction and weight loss. Here I examine whether fasting is the latest 'fad diet' as portrayed in popular media and discuss whether it is a safe and effective approach or whether it is an idiosyncratic diet trend that promotes short-term weight loss, with no concern for long-term weight maintenance. Fasting has long been used under historical and experimental conditions and has recently been popularised by 'intermittent fasting' or 'modified fasting' regimes, in which a very low-calorie allowance is allowed, on alternate days (ADF) or 2 days a week (5:2 diet), where 'normal' eating is resumed on non-diet days. It is a simple concept, which makes it easy to follow with no difficult calorie counting every other day. This approach does seem to promote weight loss, but is linked to hunger, which can be a limiting factor for maintaining food restriction. The potential health benefits of fasting can be related to both the acute food restriction and chronic influence of weight loss; the long-term effect of chronic food restriction in humans is not yet clear, but may be a potentially interesting future dietary strategy for longevity, particularly given the overweight epidemic. One approach does not fit all in the quest to achieve body weight control, but this could be a dietary strategy for consideration. With the obesity epidemic comes the search for dietary strategies to (i) prevent weight gain, (ii) promote weight loss and (iii) prevent weight regain. With over half of the population of the United Kingdom and other developed countries being collectively overweight or obese, there is considerable pressure to achieve these goals, from both a public health and a clinical perspective. Certainly not one dietary approach will solve these complex problems. Although there is some long-term success with gastric surgical options for morbid obesity, there is still a requirement for dietary approaches for weight management for the overweight and obese population, particularly as invasive interventions carry post-operative risk of death due to complications. Effective dietary interventions are required that promote long-term adherence and sustained beneficial effects on metabolic and disease markers. In general, such interventions need to be palatable and satiating, meet minimal nutritional requirements, promote loss of fat and preserve lean body mass, ensure long-term safety, be simple to administer and monitor and have widespread public health utility. Intermittent fasting or alternate day fasting may be an option for achieving weight loss and maintenance.

Preoperative Fasting Protects Aged Obese Mice Against Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Introduction. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is inevitable during kidney transplantation and leads to oxidative stress and inflammation. We previously reported that preoperative fasting in young-lean male mice protects against IRI. Since patients are generally of older age and overweight, factors that may lead to a different response to fasting, we investigated the effects of preoperative fasting on renal IRI in aged overweight male and female mice. Methods. Male and female F1-FVB/C57BL6-hybrid mice, average age 73 weeks weighing 47.2 grams, were randomized to preoperative ad libitum feeding or 3 days fasting, followed by renal IRI. Body weight, kidney function and survival of the animals were monitored until day 28 postoperatively. Histopathology was examined for all animals and scored for acute tubular necrosis and tubular regeneration. All experiments had the approval of the local Animal Experiments Committee of the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, the Netherlands. Results. Preoperative fasting significantly improved survival after renal IRI in both sexes compared with normal fed mice. Fasted groups had a better kidney function shown by lower serum urea levels after IRI. Histopathology showed less acute tubular necrosis and more regeneration in kidneys from fasted mice. Fasting resulted in a body weight loss of 14-17% in male and female mice. In the first week after IRI, body weight declined followed by recovery in the weeks thereafter. The normal fed mice showed a larger and faster weight loss after IRI. Conclusions. Similar to young-lean, healthy male mice, preoperative fasting protects against renal IRI in aged overweight mice of both genders. These findings suggest a general protective response of fasting against renal IRI regardless of age, gender, body weight and genetic background. Therefore, fasting could be a non-invasive intervention inducing increased oxidative stress resistance in older and overweight patients as well.

HYDRATION STATUS IN SWISS ELITE MALE JUDOKAS

BackgroundJudo competitions are divided into weight classes. Some athletes reduce their body weight in short time in order to obtain a competitive advantage over lighter opponents. Fast weight loss comprises...

Diffuse Hair Loss in a Young Female

We present the case of a 21 year-old woman who came to our attention complaining an acute and diffuse hair loss, lasting from about 5 months. She also observed an important hair thinning. The patient was healthy and denied events like psychological stress, significant fever or fast weight loss in the previous months. She had no nutritional deficiency or thyroid disorders. The personal history revealed polycystic ovary syndrome, with normal hormones levels. Her familiar history was positive for male androgenetic alopecia. Clinical examination of the scalp revealed moderate hair density (Figure 1). Eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair were normal, as well as nails.

Synthesis, spectral and thermal studies of pyridyl adducts of Zn(II) and Cd(II) dithiocarbamates, and their use as single source precursors for ZnS and CdS nanoparticles.

The synthesis, spectroscopic characterisation, and thermal studies of pyridyl adducts of Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes of N-ethyl-N-phenyl dithiocarbamate, represented as [ZnL2py] and [CdL2py2], are reported. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis of the Zn compound showed that it is five-coordinate with four sulphurs from dithiocarbamate and one nitrogen from pyridine in a distorted square pyramidal geometry. The thermogravimetric studies indicate that the zinc and cadmium compounds undergo fast weight loss, and the temperature at maximum rate of decomposition is at 277 °C and 265 °C respectively, to give the metal (Zn or Cd) sulphide residues. These compounds were used as single molecule precursors to produce nanocrystalline MS (M = Zn, Cd) after thermolysis in hexadecylamine. The morphological and optical properties of the resulting MS nanocrystallites were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and powdered X-ray diffraction (XRD). By varying the growth time, the temporal evolution of the optical properties and morphology of the nanocrystals were investigated.

Alternate day fasting for weight loss in normal weight and overweight subjects: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAlternate day fasting (ADF; ad libitum “feed day”, alternated with 25% energy intake “fast day”), is effective for weight loss and cardio-protection in obese individuals. Whether these effects occur in normal weight and overweight individuals remains unknown. This study examined the effect of ADF on body weight and coronary heart disease risk in non-obese subjects.MethodsThirty-two subjects (BMI 20–29.9 kg/m2) were randomized to either an ADF group or a control group for 12 weeks.ResultsBody weight decreased (P < 0.001) by 5.2 ± 0.9 kg (6.5 ± 1.0%) in the ADF group, relative to the control group, by week 12. Fat mass was reduced (P < 0.001) by 3.6 ± 0.7 kg, and fat free mass did not change, versus controls. Triacylglycerol concentrations decreased (20 ± 8%, P < 0.05) and LDL particle size increased (4 ± 1 Å, P < 0.01) in the ADF group relative to controls. CRP decreased (13 ± 17%, P < 0.05) in the ADF group relative to controls at week 12. Plasma adiponectin increased (6 ± 10%, P < 0.01) while leptin decreased (40 ± 7%, P < 0.05) in the ADF group versus controls by the end of the study. LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, homocysteine and resistin concentrations remained unchanged after 12 weeks of treatment.ConclusionThese findings suggest that ADF is effective for weight loss and cardio-protection in normal weight and overweight adults, though further research implementing larger sample sizes is required before solid conclusion can be reached.

Effect of Microwave Pre-Processing of Pelletized Biomass on its Gasification and Combustion / Mikroviļnu Priekšapstrādes Ietekme Uz Granulētas Biomasas Gazifikācijas Un Degšanas Procesiem

Abstract To effectively produce clean heat energy from biomass, microwave (mw) pre-processing of its different types - pelletized wood (spruce), herbaceous biomass (reed canary grass) and their mixture (50:50) - was carried out at the 2.45 GHz frequency with different durations of biomass exposure to high-frequency oscillations. To estimate the mw pre-processing effect on the structure, composition and fuel characteristics of biomass, its thermogravimetric (TG), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements and elemental analysis were made. The pre-processing is shown to enhance the release of moisture and low-calorific volatiles and the partial destruction of biomass constituents (hemicelluloses, cellulose), promoting variations in the elemental composition and heating values of biomass. The field-enhanced variations of biomass characteristics and their influence on its gasification and combustion were studied using an integrated system of a biomass gasifier and a combustor with swirl-enhanced stabilization of the flame reaction zone. The results show that the mw pre-processing of biomass pellets provides a faster weight loss at the gasification, and, therefore, faster ignition and combustion of the activated pellets along with increased output of heat energy at their burnout

Effect of environmental conditions on decomposition in eight woody species of a dry tropical forest

Litter decay is a significant part of carbon budget. Due to strong environmental control, the changes in the environment may drastically influence the litter decay rates. Litter decomposition of eight dry tropical woody species, viz. Shorea robusta, Buchanania lanzan, Diospyros melanoxylon, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Lannea coromandelica, Terminalia tomentosa, Holarrhena antidysenterica and Lantana camara was studied to document the effect of intra-annual changes in the environment. Litter decomposition was monitored at monthly intervals at five sites using litter bag technique over an annual cycle in a dry tropical deciduous forest of Vindhyan highland, India. Weight loss differed among species and through months, and ranged from 15.38% in L. camara at Kotwa site in January to 30.72% in T. tomentosa at Hathinala site in August. Peak weight loss occurred in August and averaged 46.2% across species and sites. Nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization rates also varied significantly from species to species. T. tomentosa having higher nitrogen content and lower C/N ratio than other species exhibited faster weight loss. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents of litter showed significant positive correlation with weight loss. C/N ratio was negatively related to decay constant, and the weight loss was positively related to the soil surface temperature as well as soil moisture content.

Canagliflozin, a new sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, in the treatment of diabetes

The published evidence on the pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of a promising investigational agent for managing type 2 diabetes is evaluated. Canagliflozin belongs to a class of agents-the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors-whose novel mechanism of action offers potential advantages over other antihyperglycemic agents, including a relatively low hypoglycemia risk and weight loss-promoting effects. Canagliflozin has dose-dependent pharmacokinetics, and research in laboratory animals demonstrated high oral bioavailability (85%) and rapid effects in lowering glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) values. In four early-stage clinical trials involving a total of over 500 patients, the use of canagliflozin for varying periods was associated with significant mean reductions in HbA(1c) (absolute reductions of 0.45-0.92%) and fasting plasma glucose (decreases ranged from 16.2% to 42.4%) and weight loss ranging from 0.7 to 3.5 kg. More than a dozen Phase II or III clinical trials of canagliflozin in adults are ongoing or were recently completed, but the final results of most of those studies have not been published. Adverse effects reported in clinical trials of canagliflozin include urinary tract and genital infections, occurring in about 10% of patients. Additional and larger Phase III clinical trials to delineate the potential role of canagliflozin and other SGLT2 inhibitors in the management of diabetes (including studies involving the elderly, children, and patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction) are planned or currently underway. Canagliflozin and other investigational SGLT2 inhibitors have a novel mechanism of action that may offer a future alternative treatment pathway for managing type 2 diabetes.

Liquefied biomass derived plasticizer for polylactide

AbstractBACKGROUND: The valorization of renewable agro‐industrial residues and their further utilization for production of polymers and polymer additives is a highly attractive alternative for replacement of oil‐based materials.RESULTS: Liquefied wood flour and rice bran derived esters were synthesized and evaluated as novel green plasticizers for polylactide (PLA). The liquefied wood flour ester (PWF) showed good miscibility with PLA and good plasticization efficiency as shown by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and tensile testing. Tensile strain at break increased from a few percent for pure PLA to over 100 and 300% for the materials containing 10 and 30 wt‐% of PWF. The addition of PWF accelerated the hydrolysis rate of PLA as shown by faster weight loss during aging in water and faster formation of water‐soluble lactic acid oligomers, which was shown by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) analysis of the migrants. The liquefied rice bran based product (PRB) was not miscible with PLA and it did not improve the elongation at break of PLA. Rice bran is generally rich in arabinoxylans with only secondary less reactive alcohol groups. The larger number of un‐reacted hydroxyl‐groups in PRB was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and could explain the immiscibility with PLA.CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that the synthesized liquefied wood flour derived plasticizer could have great potential as a biobased polylactide plasticizer. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

Représentation de soi et vécu de l’espace corporel chez des sujets obèses sévères en attente de chirurgie bariatrique

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to describe how appear, in severely obese patients waiting for bariatric surgery, the self representation and psychic representations of own body and of bodily space. The aim is not here to identify psychological factors of severe obesity, but to describe which somatopsychic conditions are involved in the life situation of these patients. Authors propose theoretical discussions about body image to give understanding of how body is lived in severe obesity. Arguments give explanations of emotions and mental representations that severely obese patients construct. It is so useful to understand how those mental states and body image can be transformed by way of bariatric surgery. Materials and methodsThe methodology exploring the subjective self is based on a double approach: a quantitative external evaluation (clinical scales: obesity, anxiety, depression), and a qualitative internal evaluation of subjective state (Rorschach test). Quantitative evaluation uses both the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) to assess behaviors and motivations giving troubles in eating and obesity, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess emotions in people arriving in hospitalization. Qualitative evaluation uses Rorschach ink blot test (RCH) to describe body image as it is lived by patients, RCH gives information about mentalization and psychic process. Seven criterions are used to describe body image and work of mentalization, 766 Rorschach's response are analyzed with those seven criterions, RCH's data are associated with the two clinical scales’ data to discuss how patients appear to psychiatrist/psychologist in time of waiting bariatric surgery. Subjects of our study are 43 severely obese patients (BMI: 45; male 19%, mean age 39; female 81%, mean age 41). Every patient has been assessed during hospitalization before bariatric surgery by psychologist in single case analysis. ResultsResults show two elements. First, scales bring only little information, whereas projective method (Rorschach) indicates somatopsychic troubles in psychological functioning. Then, the subjective self in obese patients presents an atypic mood of bodily space, which defines an atypic self representation, identity is affected. Mentalization is disturbed for each patient, no psychiatric diagnosis can be held but personality is about to be pathological. HADS and DEBQ give little information about psychic life and can’t screen affective disturbance when RCH reveals both hidden body image troubles and psychic suffers. All criterions used to describe body image and emotions related to own body are pathological. Psychological health is in weakness, identity is disturbed and it could be understood as risk factor for failed surgery treatment. Actually, if body image and body experiences are disturbed before surgery it is not surprising to verify that body image and body experiences can be although disturbed after surgery and fast weight-loss. Fast weight-loss can be a risk factor of deep disturbance of psychic functioning, psychopathological disease can be induced. Literature considers that 18% of patient after bariatric surgery are in check and severe obesity has set in again, part of them are probably individuals with psychological complications. Our results suggest that psychic modification and identity modification are too difficult for patients if somatopsychic criterions in time of waiting surgery are already disturbed. ConclusionsIn these conditions, the question of fast weight-loss after surgery can be asked, because causing deep disturbances, forcing to fast global identity reorganization, while somatopsychic functioning before surgery is already often affected. Research perspectives and clinical indication are led. Authors propose that each patient waiting for bariatric surgery should have a clinical assessment of the self representation and psychic representations of own body and of bodily space, this clinical setting could reveals psychic risk factor, and each patients should have then a clinical assessment 12 month after surgery. If somatic complications appear they could be better understood in term of psychic disturbance.

Varietal Relationship Between Skin Break Force and Off-Vine Withering Process for Winegrapes

This article presents a detailed study on the influence of winegrape variety, skin hardness of fresh berries, and withering thermo-hygrometric conditions on the dehydration kinetics of the grape. Although some works focused on the changes in the weight loss rate during grape dehydration under different environment conditions for several varieties, the combined effect of the skin mechanical properties and the thermo-hygrometric conditions has not been previously considered. The skin break force was confirmed as the varietal marker. Furthermore, its role in the selection of the withering conditions was assessed. The fresh grape berries were classified into two groups (soft and hard) according to the skin break force, and four off-vine withering conditions were evaluated. The softer skins facilitated the dehydration process increasing the weight loss rate, but the increase was significant only at low temperatures. The increase in temperature and/or decrease in relative humidity was beneficial to the grape dehydration process. A weight loss of about 50% after 12 days of withering was achieved at an air temperature of 28°C and relative humidity of 40%. Under the same dryer environmental conditions, a certain varietal effect on the dehydration kinetics was observed because a faster weight loss occurred for those grapes characterized by lower values of skin break force. These results suggest that the grape dehydration rate, influencing the quality of dessert wines, should be planned considering the skin hardness of fresh berries and the withering conditions. The skin break force represents a new variable that should be considered in modeling the withering process and in selecting, prior to harvest, the most appropriate vineyard for the dessert wines desired.

Identifying the ‘red flags’ for unhealthy weight control among adolescents: Findings from an item response theory analysis of a national survey

BackgroundWeight control behaviors are common among young people and are associated with poor health outcomes. Yet clinicians rarely ask young people about their weight control; this may be due to uncertainty about which questions to ask, specifically around whether certain weight loss strategies are healthier or unhealthy or about what weight loss behaviors are more likely to lead to adverse outcomes. Thus, the aims of the current study are: to confirm, using item response theory analysis, that the underlying latent constructs of healthy and unhealthy weight control exist; to determine the ‘red flag’ weight loss behaviors that may discriminate unhealthy from healthy weight loss; to determine the relationships between healthy and unhealthy weight loss and mental health; and to examine how weight control may vary among demographic groups.MethodsData were collected as part of a national health and wellbeing survey of secondary school students in New Zealand (n = 9,107) in 2007. Item response theory analyses were conducted to determine the underlying constructs of weight control behaviors and the behaviors that discriminate unhealthy from healthy weight control.ResultsThe current study confirms that there are two underlying constructs of weight loss behaviors which can be described as healthy and unhealthy weight control. Unhealthy weight control was positively correlated with depressive mood. Fasting and skipping meals for weight loss had the lowest item thresholds on the unhealthy weight control continuum, indicating that they act as ‘red flags’ and warrant further discussion in routine clinical assessments.ConclusionsRoutine assessments of weight control strategies by clinicians are warranted, particularly for screening for meal skipping and fasting for weight loss as these behaviors appear to ‘flag’ behaviors that are associated with poor mental wellbeing.