Greater Reduction In BMI Research Articles

Integrated Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) and physical health intervention for cancer survivors with obesity: Preliminary results from a pilot randomized controlled trial.

237 Background: Hypothetically, interventions that reduce excessive weight and promote nutrition and physical activity may protect against cancer recurrence. Yet, obesity is often fueled by compulsive eating behaviors. Integrative therapies that combine exercise and nutrition training with techniques to enhance interoceptive awareness and cognitive control over automatic, compulsive eating may be especially efficacious. This pilot study tested the preliminary efficacy of an integrated exercise, nutrition, and Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) intervention in a sample of obese cancer patient. Methods: Obese (Mean BMI = 35.8) female patients (Mean age 58.41) with breast (n = 15), colon (n = 1), and endometrial cancers (n = 1) were recruited and randomly assigned to receive exercise and nutrition intervention without (POWER, n = 10) or with an additional mindfulness component (MORE POWER, n = 7). Participants met twice weekly for 10 weeks for group exercise and nutrition sessions. MORE POWER participants also participated in 10 weekly group mindfulness sessions. Pre- and post-intervention, assessments included self-report measures, weight and BMI measurement, and a cue-elicited heart rate variability (HRV) assessment. Results: The MORE POWER group evidenced significantly greater reductions in BMI (p = .015) and weight (p = .034; 6.57 lbs. vs. 1.35 lbs.) than the POWER group. The MORE POWER group also reported significantly greater increases in interoceptive awareness (p = .019) and mindful observation than the POWER group (p = .040). Increases in mindful observation predicted residualized change in BMI, Beta = -.13, SE = .05, p = .03. Lastly, MORE POWER group exhibited significantly greater post-intervention HRV than the POWER group (p = .011). Conclusions: Integrating MORE with an exercise and nutrition training program appeared to enhance weight loss outcomes in this pilot sample of obese cancer patients. Findings suggest that mindfulness training may strengthen cognitive regulation of appetitive and motivational reactions crucial to weight loss, and thereby promote health in cancer survivors.

4:15 PM, Abstract No. 221 - Weight loss following left gastric artery embolization in a non-malignant human population: a retrospective review

4:15 PM, Abstract No. 221 - Weight loss following left gastric artery embolization in a non-malignant human population: a retrospective review

Weight loss prior to lung transplantation is associated with improved survival

Obesity is associated with increased mortality after lung transplantation and is a relative contraindication to transplant. It is unknown whether weight reduction prior to transplantation ameliorates this risk. Our objective was to determine whether weight loss prior to lung transplantation improves survival. Our investigation was a two-center, retrospective cohort study of lung transplant recipients between January 1, 2000 and November 5, 2010. Change in weight, demographics, transplant details, lung allocation score, length of intensive care and mechanical ventilator days and graft and patient survival were abstracted. Wilcoxon's signed-rank test and the Cox proportional hazard model were used for analysis where appropriate. Three hundred fifty-five patients (55% male, median age 59 years) satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria. After adjusting for standard demographic and clinical measures, a 1-unit reduction in BMI pre-transplant was associated with a reduced risk of death with a hazard ratio 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.82 to 0.96; p = 0.004). This survival benefit persisted in the group with baseline BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) (overweight and obese) and hazard ratio 0.85 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.95; p = 0.003), but not in those with a BMI ≤ 24.9 kg/m(2). The 1-unit reduction in BMI was also associated with a 6.1% decrease in median mechanical ventilator days (p = 0.02) and a trend toward decreased intensive care unit length of stay (p = 0.06). A reduction in BMI prior to lung transplantation was associated with a reduction in the risk of death and mechanical ventilator days. A greater reduction in BMI was associated with a greater survival benefit.

A pilot randomized trial of a cognitive reappraisal obesity prevention program

Background/ObjectivesEvaluate a selective obesity prevention program promoting use of cognitive reappraisals to reduce reward region response and increase inhibitory region response to high-fat/high-sugar foods and reduce intake of fat and sugar to prevent blunted reward region response to intake of such foods. Subjects/MethodsYoung adults at risk for future weight gain by virtue of weight concerns (N=148) were randomized to this new prevention program (Minding Health), an alternative prevention program promoting participant-driven gradual reductions in caloric intake and increases in physical activity (Healthy Weight), or an obesity education video control condition, completing assessments at pre-, post-, and 6-month follow-up. A subset of Minding Health and control participants completed an fMRI scan at pre- and post-assessing neural response to images of high-fat/sugar foods and to receipt and anticipated receipt of a high-fat/sugar food. ResultsMinding Health participants showed significantly greater reductions in body fat than controls and caloric intake from fat and sugar than Healthy Weight participants. Minding Health participants also showed greater activation of an inhibitory control region and reduced activation of an attention/expectation region in response to palatable food images relative to pretest and controls. However, Healthy Weight participants showed greater reductions in BMI and eating disorder symptoms than Minding Health participants. ConclusionsAlthough the Minding Health intervention produced some of the hypothesized effects, it did not produce lasting reductions in body fat or BMI and showed limited effects on neural responsivity, implying it will be vital to increase the efficacy of this new prevention program.

Impact of dietary macronutrient distribution on BMI and cardiometabolic outcomes in overweight and obese children and adolescents: a systematic review

The present systematic review examined the effectiveness of weight management interventions comparing diets with varying macronutrient distributions on BMI and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight or obese children and adolescents. A systematic search of seven databases for the period 1975-2013 identified 14 eligible randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials conducted with 6-18-year-old subjects. Seven trials compared a low-fat (≤ 33% energy or < 40 g/day) to an isocaloric (n = 2) or ad libitum (n = 5) low-carbohydrate diet (< 20% energy or < 60 g/day). Meta-analysis indicated a greater reduction in BMI in the low-carbohydrate group immediately after dietary intervention; however, the quality of the studies was limited and cardiometabolic benefits were inconsistent. Six trials compared increased-protein diets (19-30% energy) to isocaloric standard-protein diets (15-20% energy) and one compared an increased-fat diet (40% energy) to an isocaloric standard-fat diet (27% energy); there were no differences in outcomes in these studies. Current evidence suggests that improved weight status can be achieved in overweight or obese children and adolescents irrespective of the macronutrient distribution of a reduced-energy diet. Tailoring the macronutrient content to target specific cardiometabolic risk factors, such as a low-carbohydrate diet to treat insulin resistance, may be possible, but further research is needed before specific recommendations can be made.

Very-low-energy diet for type 2 diabetes: An underutilized therapy?

BackgroundCurrent approaches to the management of type 2 diabetes focus on the early initiation of novel pharmacologic therapies and bariatric surgery. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to revisit the use of intensive, outpatient, behavioral weight management programs for the management of type 2 diabetes. DesignProspective observational study of 66 patients with type 2 diabetes and BMI ≥32kg/m2 who enrolled in a program designed to produce 15% weight reduction over 12weeks using total meal replacement and low- to moderate-intensity physical activity. ResultsPatients were 53±7years of age (mean±SD) and 53% were men. After 12weeks, BMI fell from 40.1±6.6 to 35.1±6.5kg/m2. HbA1c fell from 7.4%±1.3% to 6.5%±1.2% (57.4±12.3 to 47.7±12.9mmol/mol) in patients with established diabetes: 76% of patients with established diabetes and 100% of patients with newly diagnosed diabetes achieved HbA1c <7.0% (53.0mmol/mol). Improvement in HbA1c over 12weeks was associated with higher baseline HbA1c and greater reduction in BMI. ConclusionsAn intensive, outpatient, behavioral weight management program significantly improved HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes over 12weeks. The use of such programs should be encouraged among obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

A natural fiber complex reduces body weight in the overweight and obese: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study

ObjectiveA proprietary natural fiber complex (Litramine IQP G-002AS) derived from Opuntia ficus-indica, and standardized on lipophilic activity, was previously shown in preclinical and human studies to reduce dietary fat absorption through gastrointestinal (GI) fat binding. Here, we investigated the efficacy and safety of IQP G-002AS in body weight reduction.Design and MethodsOne hundred twenty-five overweight and obese adults participated in the study. Subjects were advised on physical activity, and received nutritional counseling, including hypocaloric diet plans (30% energy from fat and 500 kcal deficit/day). After a 2-week placebo run-in phase, subjects were randomized to receive either 3 g/day of IQP G-002AS (IQ) or a placebo. The primary endpoint was change in body weight from baseline; secondary endpoints included additional obesity measures and safety parameters.ResultsOne hundred twenty-three subjects completed the 12-week treatment phase (intention-to-treat (ITT) population: 30 male and 93 female; mean BMI: 29.6 ± 2.8 kg/m2 and age: 45.4 ± 11.3 years). The mean body weight change from baseline was 3.8 ± 1.8 kg in IQ vs. 1.4 ± 2.6 kg in placebo (P < 0.001). More IQ subjects lost at least 5% of their initial body weight compared to placebo (P = 0.027). Compared with placebo, IQ also showed significantly greater reduction in BMI, body fat composition, and waist circumference. IQ was well tolerated with no adverse reactions reported.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the natural fiber complex Litramine IQP G-002AS is effective in promoting weight loss.

Efficacy of Family-Based Weight Control Program for Preschool Children in Primary Care

To test the efficacy of an innovative family-based intervention for overweight preschool-aged children and overweight parents conducted in the primary care setting. Children with BMI ≥ 85th percentile and an overweight parent were randomized to intervention or information control (IC). Trained staff delivered dietary and physical/sedentary activities education to parents over 6 months (10 group meetings and 8 calls). Parents in the intervention received also behavioral modification. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed by using mixed analysis of variance models to test changes in child percent over BMI (%OBMI) and z-BMI and to explore potential moderators of group differences in treatment response. Ninety-six of 105 randomized families started the program: 46 children (31 girls/15 boys) in the intervention and 50 (33 girls/17 boys) in the IC, with 33 and 39 mothers and 13 and 11 fathers in intervention and IC, respectively. Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups. Children in the intervention group had greater %OBMI and z-BMI decreases at 3 and 6 months compared with those assigned to IC (P < .0021). A greater BMI reduction over time was also observed in parents in the intervention compared with parents assigned to IC (P < .0001). Child %OBMI and parent BMI changes were correlated (r = .31; P = .003). Children with greater baseline %OBMI were more likely to have a greater %OBMI decrease over time (P = .02). Concurrently targeting preschool-aged overweight youth and their overweight parents for behavioral weight control in a primary care setting reduced child %OBMI and parent BMI, with parent and child weight changes correlating.

Effects of a multicomponent behavioral intervention on impulsivity and cognitive deficits in adolescents with excess weight

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a multidisciplinary behavioral intervention including cognitive behavioral therapy, structured physical activity, and dietary counseling on impulsive personality and cognitive skills and subsequent BMI loss in excess weight adolescents. Forty-two adolescents with excess weight (14 males and 28 females, range 12-17 years), as defined by the International Obesity Task Force Criteria, participated in our study. We used a longitudinal observational design with two assessments: before and after treatment. We collected baseline measures of impulsive personality (UPPS-P scale), cognitive performance (letter number sequencing, Stroop and Iowa gambling task), and biometric parameters. After 12 weeks of intervention, parallel measures were used to determine whether treatment-induced changes in impulsivity and cognition predicted changes in BMI. BMI showed a statistically significant reduction after treatment [from mean (SD) 29.36 (4.51) to 27.31 (4.41), Cohen's d=0.5]. Greater reductions in negative urgency (negative-emotion-driven impulsivity) and greater improvement in cognitive inhibitory control skills were associated with greater reductions in BMI. Because the design was correlational and lacked a control group, future studies should clarify whether these associations reflect a causal effect or just overlapping improvements associated with a third variable (e.g. increases in attention procurement or motivation).

Psycho-markers of weight loss. The roles of TFEQ Disinhibition and Restraint in exercise-induced weight management

Eating behaviour traits, namely Disinhibition and Restraint, have the potential to exert an effect on food intake and energy balance. The effectiveness of exercise as a method of weight management could be influenced by these traits. Fifty eight overweight and obese participants completed 12-weeks of supervised exercise. Each participant was prescribed supervised exercise based on an expenditure of 500 kcal/session, 5 d/week for 12-weeks. Following 12-weeks of exercise there was a significant reduction in mean body weight (−3.26 ± 3.63 kg), fat mass (FM: −3.26 ± 2.64 kg), BMI (−1.16 ± 1.17 kg/m 2) and waist circumference (WC: −5.0 ± 3.23 cm). Regression analyses revealed a higher baseline Disinhibition score was associated with a greater reduction in BMI and WC, while Internal Disinhibition was associated with a larger decrease in weight, %FM and WC. Neither baseline Restraint or Hunger were associated with any of the anthropometric markers at baseline or after 12-weeks. Furthermore, after 12-weeks of exercise, a decrease in Disinhibition and increase in Restraint were associated with a greater reduction in WC, whereas only Restraint was associated with a decrease in weight. Post-hoc analysis of the sub-factors revealed a decrease in External Disinhibition and increase in Flexible Restraint were associated with weight loss. However, an increase in Rigid Restraint was associated with a reduction in %FM and WC. These findings suggest that exercise-induced weight loss is more marked in individuals with a high level of Disinhibition. These data demonstrate the important roles that Disinhibition and Restraint play in the relationship between exercise and energy balance.

Camp Jump Start: Effects of a Residential Summer Weight-Loss Camp for Older Children and Adolescents

Residential weight-loss camps offer an opportunity for overweight and obese children to lose weight in a medically safe, supervised, supportive environment. The purpose of this report is to describe short-term outcomes in 76 children participating in a 4- or 8-week residential weight-loss camp for children and adolescents. The camp program enrolled obese 10- to 18-year-old adolescents. The program consisted of structured and nonstructured physical activities and group educational sessions covering nutrition, physical fitness, and self-esteem. A diet plan of 3 balanced meals and 2 snacks per day was prepared under the supervision of a registered dietitian. Participants had height, weight, and blood pressure measured and performed a 1-mile run at maximum effort on an outdoor track. For all campers, statistically significant (P < .0001) reductions were observed for BMI, BMI z score, systolic blood pressure, body weight, and 1-mile run times. Compared with campers in the 4-week session, campers in the 8-week session had greater reductions in BMI, BMI z score, body weight, and systolic blood pressure. Multivariate analysis revealed that gender was a significant predictor for reduction in body weight, BMI, and BMI z score, all of which decreased more in boys than in girls. This report adds to the evidence that residential weight-loss camps are highly effective in improving measures of health and fitness among overweight and obese children and adolescents. Additional study is needed on the long-term effects of such camps in terms of weight maintenance, behavior change, and metabolic and health outcomes.

Test of a Weight Gain Prevention Intervention in Stage II and III Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Abstract Purpose: Weight gain is common in women with breast cancer and is worrisome, as it may affect prognosis and risk of other chronic diseases. This randomized pilot test was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a weight gain prevention intervention for breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Method: Breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were randomized to the weight gain prevention intervention or usual care. The intervention used a size acceptance approach, which emphasized changes in diet (low energy density food) and exercise behavior (resistance training) rather than focusing on weight loss. It was administered in weekly sessions delivered in-person and by telephone. Assessments were done at baseline, mid-chemotherapy, end of chemotherapy, after surgical recovery, after a post-surgical booster intervention, and 6 months after surgery. The data from baseline (BL), mid-chemotherapy (MC), and end of chemotherapy (EC) are presented. Results: 38 participants were randomized to the intervention (n = 19) or usual care (n = 19). 68% had stage II and 32% had stage III breast cancer. Their mean age was 50.0 (SD = 11.0), and 55% were premenopausal. Mean BMI was 29.1 (SD = 6.2) and 69% were physically inactive. The sample was diverse with regard to self-reported ethnicity (58% white, 27% African-American, 8% Hispanic, 6% other). Data collected at MC and EC indicated a trend toward greater reduction in BMI in the intervention than the control group (intent to treat analysis, P = 0.10). When the analysis was conducted without the 4 intervention participants who attended less than 60% of the sessions (analyze as treated) the differences were more marked (group difference: 0.5 kg/m2 at MC and 0.9 kg/m2 at EC, P = 0.025). Similar results were found for waist circumference and SF-36 physical component score, but no differences were found in the SF-36 mental component score. Conclusions: Based on a preliminary analysis, there was a trend toward improvements in body composition and physical aspects of quality of life from a diet and exercise intervention based on the size acceptance approach. These results indicate this intervention should be tested in a larger randomized controlled trial.

The Effects of Rosiglitazone, Metformin, and Estradiol-Cyproterone Acetate on Lean Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by anovulation, infertility, and hyperandrogenism. The present study aims to compare the clinical, biochemical, and hormonal changes in PCOS patients taking estradiol-cyproterone acetate (ECA), metformin (MET), and rosiglitazone (ROSI). Methods: Ninety-four patients with PCOS were randomized according to the therapy they received as follows: MET 2 g/d group (n = 47), ROSI 4 mg/d group (n = 14), and 35 μg ethinyl estradiol–2 mg cyproterone acetate group (ECA) (n = 33). Complete hormonal assays, lipid profile, glucose, and insulin levels were studied over a 4-months period. Results: Patients randomized to the MET group lost more weight and had a greater reduction in BMI compared with baseline (P = 0.006 and P = 0.004). The reduction in triglyceride levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were statistically significant in the MET group while no changes were observed in the other groups. Regarding HDL levels, did not change in MET and ECA groups, but there was a significant increase compared with baseline in the ROSI group (P= 0.04). Mann-Whitney U test showed that the change (a tendency of reduction) was more significant in PCOS patients on MET for both total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (P Conclusion: Our data show that in women with PCOS, ECA is more effective than insulin-sensitizing drugs such as rosiglitazone and metformin in improving menstrual pattern and reducing serum free-testosterone levels. MET, an insulin-sensitizing drug, is more effective in reducing fasting insulin levels than the ECA.

Exploratory randomised controlled trial of a mindfulness-based weight loss intervention for women

To explore the efficacy of a mindfulness-based weight loss intervention for women. Sixty-two women (ages 19–64; BMI 22.5–52.1) who were attempting to lose weight were randomised to an intervention or control condition. The former were invited to attend four 2-h workshops, the latter were asked to continue with their normal diets. Data were collected at baseline, 4 and 6 months. BMI, physical activity, mental health. At 6 months intervention participants showed significantly greater increases in physical activity compared to controls ( p < .05) but no significant differences in weight loss or mental health. However, when intervention participants who reported ‘never’ applying the workshop principles at 6 months ( n = 7) were excluded, results showed both significantly greater increases in physical activity (3.1 sessions per week relative to controls, p < .05) and significantly greater reductions in BMI (0.96 relative to controls, equivalent to 2.32 kg, p < 0.5). Reductions in BMI were mediated primarily by reductions in binge eating. Despite its brevity, the intervention was successful at bringing about change. Further refinements should increase its efficacy.

Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Internet-Facilitated Intervention for Reducing Binge Eating and Overweight in Adolescents

This study examined the efficacy of an Internet-facilitated intervention for weight maintenance and binge eating in adolescents. A total of 105 adolescent male and female high school students at risk for overweight (mean age: 15.1 +/- 1.0 years) were randomly assigned to a 16-week online intervention, StudentBodies2-BED (n = 52), or the wait-list control group (n = 53). Participants in the StudentBodies2-BED group had significantly lower BMI z scores and BMI from baseline assessment to follow-up assessment, compared with the wait-list control group. In addition, significant reductions in objective binge episodes and subjective binge episodes from baseline assessment to posttreatment assessment and from baseline assessment to follow-up assessment were observed among StudentBodies2-BED participants. The StudentBodies2-BED group also reported significantly reduced weight and shape concerns from posttreatment assessment to follow-up assessment and from baseline assessment to follow-up assessment. Participants in the StudentBodies2-BED group who engaged in objective overeating or binge eating episodes at baseline assessment experienced a significantly greater reduction in BMI at follow-up assessment, compared with the wait-list control group. Results suggest that an Internet-facilitated intervention is moderately effective in short-term weight loss and weight maintenance and yields a large reduction in binge eating. This study also demonstrates that weight management and reduction of eating disorder psychopathological features can be achieved simultaneously by using an easily disseminated, Internet-facilitated program.

Relations of Mood with Body Mass Index Changes in Severely Obese Women Enrolled in a Supported Physical Activity Treatment

Background/Aims: It has been suggested that physical activity may affect weight reduction outcomes through associated improvements in mood. Relations of physical activity, mood, and weight change are not well understood in persons classified as severely obese (BMI ≧40 kg/m²), however. This research tested these relationships in women with severe obesity. Methods: 57 women with a mean BMI of 43.8 kg/m² were enrolled in a cognitivebehavioral exercise support treatment with group-based nutrition information. Measurement of depression, tension, overall mood, and BMI was taken at baseline and month 6, and exercise session attendance was recorded. Results: The treatment was associated with significant improvements in depression, tension and total mood disturbance scores as well as in BMI over 6 months. Changes in mood scores that were more positive were correlated with a greater reduction in BMI. Mean attendance in the prescribed 3 session/week exercise regimen was 46.0%, and attendance was significantly correlated with changes in tension and total mood disturbance scores, and approached significance with changes in depression scores. Conclusion: Findings suggested significant relations of mood and weight changeas well as of physical activity and mood in severely obese women associated with a treatment of moderate physical activity. With extensions of this research, weight loss theory and treatment may benefit.

Twelve-Month Effectiveness of a Parent-led, Family-Focused Weight-Management Program for Prepubertal Children: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Parenting-skills training may be an effective age-appropriate child behavior-modification strategy to assist parents in addressing childhood overweight. Our goal was to evaluate the relative effectiveness of parenting-skills training as a key strategy for the treatment of overweight children. The design consisted of an assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled trial involving 111 (64% female) overweight, prepubertal children 6 to 9 years of age randomly assigned to parenting-skills training plus intensive lifestyle education, parenting-skills training alone, or a 12-month wait-listed control. Height, BMI, and waist-circumference z score and metabolic profile were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months (intention to treat). After 12 months, the BMI z score was reduced by approximately 10% with parenting-skills training plus intensive lifestyle education versus approximately 5% with parenting-skills training alone or wait-listing for intervention. Waist-circumference z score fell over 12 months in both intervention groups but not in the control group. There was a significant gender effect, with greater reduction in BMI and waist-circumference z scores in boys compared with girls. Parenting-skills training combined with promoting a healthy family lifestyle may be an effective approach to weight management in prepubertal children, particularly boys. Future studies should be powered to allow gender subanalysis.

Training Effects Of Adding Resistive Arm Exercise To A Walking Program

PURPOSE The dose of exercise required for successful weight loss is greater than the minimum amount of exercise recommended to improve health. Time constraints and risk of musculoskeletal injuries are two factors that make adherence to exercise difficult for the overweight and unfit person. One possible strategy for increasing the rate of caloric expenditure while walking without increasing the duration or intensity of exercise is to include upper-body exercise. We have found that using resistive arm exercise (waist belt with pull cords) raises energy expenditure by approximately 30% while walking. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adding arm exercise while walking during an 8-week walking program would result in greater reductions in BMI and percent body fat (%BF) and an increase in VO2max of overweight adults when compared to walking without arm exercise. METHODS Twenty four participants (age: 39 ± 10 yr; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (arm exercise + walking) and a control group (walking only). Training sessions were 30–50 min, 3–5 d/wk, progressing in duration and frequency over 8 wks. Walking intensity was set slightly below lactate threshold. RESULTS Arm exercise was performed on average 61 % of the time during the training sessions. While training improved VO2max (30.5 ± 5.8 to 33.5 ± 7.0 vs 29.0 ± 5.8 to 32.1 ± 5.3 mL·kg−1·min−1) and reduced BMI (28.2 ± 2.1 to 27.9 ± 2.5 vs 29.9 ± 2.9 to 29.7 ± 3.1 kg·m−2) and %BF (30.7 ± 6.2 to 28.9 ± 6.5 vs 30.9 ± 6.9 to 30.2 ± 7.2) similarly in experimental and control groups (p <0.05), respectively, there were no differences in group responses. CONCLUSIONS The addition of resistive arm exercise to walking did not result in significant improvements in VO2max, BMI or %BF despite the increased rate of energy expenditure during training. Partially supported by Walker's Warehouse, Tequesta, FL.

Effects of beta2-adrenergic receptor gene variants on adiposity: the HERITAGE Family Study.

We investigated whether the Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms of the beta2-adrenergic receptor gene were associated with body-fat and fat-distribution phenotypes measured before and in response to a 20-week endurance-training program. BMI, fat mass (FAT), percentage of body fat (%FAT), sum of eight skinfolds (SF8), and abdominal fat areas assessed by computed tomography were measured in adult sedentary white and black participants of the HERITAGE Family Study. Evidence of gene-by-obesity interaction was found in whites for several adiposity phenotypes measured before training. Analyses performed separately in nonobese and obese subjects revealed that obese men carrying the Glu27 allele have lower fat accumulation (BMI, FAT, and %FAT) than noncarriers. Among white obese women, Gly16Gly homozygotes had a lower fat accumulation (BMI, FAT, and SF8) than Arg16Gly and Arg16Arg carriers. In response to endurance training, white women with the Arg16Arg genotype exhibited a greater reduction in BMI, FAT, and %FAT. Results observed in blacks were mostly negative. These results suggest that polymorphisms in the beta2-adrenergic receptor gene influence the amount of body fat in white obese men (Gln27Glu) and women (Arg16Gly), as well as the changes in adiposity in response to endurance training in white women (Arg16Gly).