Healthy Weight Management Research Articles

Healthy nutrition and weight management for a positive pregnancy experience in the antenatal period: Comparison of responses from artificial intelligence models on nutrition during pregnancy

BackgroundAs artificial intelligence AI-supported applications become integral to web-based information-seeking, assessing their impact on healthy nutrition and weight management during the antenatal period is crucial. ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate both the quality and semantic similarity of responses created by AI models to the most frequently asked questions about healthy nutrition and weight management during the antenatal period, based on existing clinical knowledge. MethodsIn this study, a cross-sectional assessment design was used to explore data from 3 AI models (GPT-4, MedicalGPT, Med-PaLM). We directed the most frequently asked questions about nutrition during pregnancy, obtained from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to each model in a new and single session on October 21, 2023, without any prior conversation. Immediately after, instructions were given to the AI models to generate responses to these questions. The responses created by AI models were evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) scale. Additionally, to assess the semantic similarity between answers to 31 pregnancy nutrition-related frequently asked questions sourced from the ACOG and responses from AI models we evaluated cosine similarity using both WORD2VEC and BioLORD-2023. ResultsMed-PaLM outperformed GPT-4 and MedicalGPT in response quality (mean = 3.93), demonstrating superior clinical accuracy over both GPT-4 (p = 0.016) and MedicalGPT (p = 0.001). GPT-4 had higher quality than MedicalGPT (p = 0.027).The semantic similarity between ACOG and Med-PaLM is higher with WORD2VEC (0.92) compared to BioLORD-2023 (0.81), showing a difference of +0.11. The similarity scores for ACOG–MedicalGPT and ACOG–GPT-4 are similar across both models, with minimal differences of −0.01. Overall, WORD2VEC has a slightly higher average similarity (0.82) than BioLORD-2023 (0.79), with a difference of +0.03. ConclusionsDespite the superior performance of Med-PaLM, there is a need for further evidence-based research and improvement in the integration of AI in healthcare due to varying AI model performances.

Morus alba: natural and valuable effects in weight loss management.

Overweight and obesity are conditions associated with serious comorbidities, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Prevalence of excessive fat accumulation is increasing worldwide, and thus the need for efficient and sustainable weight loss regimes has become a major issue in clinical practice. Despite the important advances in the development of anti-obesity medications (AOM), their side effects, cost, and accessibility, are limiting factors for their routine use. Conversely, the studies of medicinal plants for weight management holds strong promise as a growing area of research. This review consolidates the representative evidence about the beneficial impacts of Morus alba on weight management and associated metabolic parameters, encompassing: inhibition of digestive enzymes, and thus contribution to the energy deficit required for weight loss, improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism, and attenuation of adiposity. Findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations reviewed in the paper, demonstrate that white mulberry extracts have the potency to supplement efficiently and safely a healthy weight management approach.

Unravel the distinct effects of adiposity at different life stages on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity: A life-course Mendelian randomization study.

Childhood obesity is widely recognized as a risk factor for numerous health conditions, particularly cardiovascular disease. However, it remains unclear whether childhood adiposity directly affects the risk of COVID-19 in later life. We aimed to investigate the causal effects of early life adiposity on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. We used genetic instruments from large-scale genome-wide association studies to examine the relationships between birth weight, childhood and adulthood adiposity indicators (including body mass index [BMI], obesity, and body size), and COVID-19 outcomes. Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were used to obtain the causal estimates. Univariable MR analyses found that childhood BMI and obesity were positively associated with COVID-19 risk and severity in adulthood, however, the significant associations were attenuated to null after further adjusting for adulthood adiposity indicators in multivariable MR analyses. In contrast, our analysis revealed strong evidence of a genetically predicted effect of childhood obesity on COVID-19 hospitalization (OR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.15, p = 2.12E-2), which remained robust even after adjusting for adulthood obesity and potential lifestyle confounders. Our results highlight the importance of promoting healthy weight management throughout life to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Applying health promotion knowledge to self-care: healthy eating and weight management for nurses.

Promoting health in the workplace is a national and international public health priority, and health promotion is a central aspect of the nursing role. However, nurses' knowledge of health promotion does not always translate to self-care and there are barriers to some aspects of self-care at work, such as healthy eating. Evidence suggests that rates of overweight and obesity in nurses are relatively high and commensurate with the general population, which has implications for their health and well-being and their delivery of health promotion to patients. This article discusses health in the workplace and some of the evidence on overweight and obesity among nurses, including how this may influence their health promotion practice. The author also considers barriers and enablers to nurses' healthy eating at work and suggests some approaches that individual nurses and healthcare organisations can take to improve healthy eating.

Weight Gain After Adenotonsillectomy in Children With Mild Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing

It is unknown whether adenotonsillectomy causes undesirable weight gain in children with mild obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB). To compare changes in anthropometric measures in children with mild oSDB treated with adenotonsillectomy vs watchful waiting. This was an exploratory analysis of the Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy Trial for Snoring (PATS) randomized clinical trial of adenotonsillectomy vs watchful waiting for mild oSDB (snoring with obstructive apnea-hypopnea index of <3 events/hour) that took place at 7 pediatric tertiary care centers across the US and included 458 children aged 3.0 to 12.9 years with mild oSDB. Participants were recruited from June 29, 2016, to February 1, 2021. Anthropomorphic measures taken at baseline and 12 months after randomization were standardized for age and sex, including each participant's percentage of the 95th body mass index percentile (%BMIp95). Data analyses were performed from March 15, 2023, to April 1, 2024. Early adenotonsillectomy (eAT) vs watchful waiting with supportive care (WWSC). Twelve-month change in %BMIp95 from baseline and undesirable weight gain (defined as any weight gain in a child who already had overweight or obesity or an increase from baseline normal weight/underweight to overweight/obesity) at follow-up assessment. The study analysis included 375 children (mean [SD] age, 6.1 [2.3] years; 188 [50.2%] females), of whom 143 (38%) had overweight or obesity at baseline. At 12 months, children in the eAT group experienced a 1.25-point increase in %BMIp95 compared with a 0.59-point increase in the WWSC group (mean difference, 0.93; 95% CI, -0.39 to 2.25). Undesirable weight gain was also similar between the eAT (n = 120; 32%) and WWSC (n = 101; 27%) groups (mean difference, 4%; 95% CI, 5% to 14%). The findings of this exploratory analysis of the PATS trial indicate that adenotonsillectomy was not independently associated with an increased risk of undesirable weight gain in children with mild oSDB. However, one-third of the children gained undesirable weight during the study, which suggests that there is an opportunity to address healthy weight management during the evaluation and treatment of children with mild oSDB. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02562040.

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single-center, comparative study evaluating Phaseolean® safety and efficacy in overweight/obese participants

ScopePhaseolean®, a standardized water extract of Phaseolus vulgaris or white kidney bean, exhibits α-amylase inhibitory property, which decreases calorie absorption by preventing or delaying carbohydrate digestion, thus supporting weight management. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center comparative study (Clinical trial registration number: CTRI/2023/02/049440, Registered on: February 03, 2023) evaluated the safety and efficacy of Phaseolean® in weight management in overweight or obese participants upon regular intake at two different doses compared with placebo. MethodSixty-six participants were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups, considering the inclusion & exclusion criteria. Each group was assigned a specific daily dosage for three meals: Phaseolean® 1500 mg/day (500 mg per meal), Phaseolean® 3000 mg/day (1000 mg per meal), or placebo 1500 mg/day (500 mg per meal), administered thrice a day before meals for 45 consecutive days. Body weight; body mass index (BMI); skinfold fat thickness; waist, hip, and thigh circumferences; and blood biochemical parameters were monitored and analyzed to evaluate the effects of these interventions. Results and conclusionsOf the 66 enrolled participants, 62 completed the study. Treatment with Phaseolean® 1500 mg/day reduced the weight by an average of 2.10 kg (0.33 kg/week), while that with 3000 mg/day was 1.94 kg (0.30 kg/week); 0.13 kg weight loss (0.02 kg/week) was observed in the placebo group after 45 days, showing significant differences between the Phaseolean® and placebo groups (p < 0.01). BMI, body fat, skinfold fat thickness, and the waist, hip, and thigh circumference were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) in both Phaseolean® groups compared with those in the placebo group, which showed no significant changes.No adverse effects were observed during the clinical trial period. Phaseolean® 1500 mg/day dose was more effective in weight reduction than the 3000 mg/day higher dose. Therefore, Phaseolean® can be used to support healthy weight management.

Growing up healthy: Body mass index patterns among primary school girls

This research addresses the Body Mass Index (BMI) patterns among primary school girls in the Jashore district of Bangladesh, considering the escalating concerns regarding childhood obesity globally. The present study aimed to investigate the Body Mass Index (BMI) patterns among primary school girls in the Jashore district of Bangladesh. A sample of 300 girls (age ranged from 6 to 12 years) from classes one to five were chosen randomly in the study. Height and weight measurements were taken, and BMI was calculated according to WHO guidelines. Statistical analysis, including tests of normality and post hoc tests, was conducted using SPSS. The findings reveal a progressive increase in BMI with advancing academic classes. Significant differences in BMI were observed among Class 2 &amp; Class 3 (p = 0.002); Class 2 &amp; Class 4 (p &lt; 0.0001); Class 2 &amp; Class 5 (p &lt; 0.0001); Class 1 &amp; Class 4 (p = 0.027); Class 1 &amp; Class 5 (p &lt; 0.0001); Class 3 &amp; Class 5 (p = 0.002) and also between Class 4 &amp; Class 5 (p = 0.012). But there was no significant difference among Class 2 &amp; Class 1 (p = 0.109); Class 1 &amp; Class 3 (p = 0.117) and Class 3 &amp; 4 (p = 0.523). The significance level was α≤ 0.05. The study provides valuable insights for public health interventions aimed at promoting healthy weight management among primary school girls in the region.

Dietary diversity and healthy weight management in the population: a data-driven analytical approach

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes mellitus, malignant tumours and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as typical chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), have increasingly become the major factors threatening the health of Chinese residents. In view of this, this study aimed to deeply analyse the key indicators and their interrelationships affecting the health status of the population, using the eight dietary balance criteria proposed in the newly revised Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents of the Chinese Society of Nutrition to screen and process the relevant health indicators. By constructing a comprehensive evaluation model and visualising the data, this study reveals the irrational factors in residents' dietary habits, such as high-fat diet and excessive alcohol consumption, which pose potential risks to residents' health. In addition, this paper explores the relationship between residents' dietary habits, exercise frequency and healthy body weight, aiming to provide a scientific basis and practical guidance for improving public health.

Is body image misperception associated with sociodemographic factors and life habits? a cross-sectional study 1399 Tunisian school-adolescents

IntroductionUnderstanding adolescents perceptions of their weight status and the factors influencing these perceptions is pivotal for developing targeted interventions and policies to counteract the rising obesity trends.ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to determine the accuracy of weight status perceptions among Tunisian adolescents compared to objective metrics and to identify sociodemographic characteristics and life habits associated with the underestimation of weight status.MethodsA cross-sectional, school-based study was conducted among a randomized sample of adolescents attending secondary schools in Sousse, Tunisia. A total of 1399 students participated, with anthropometric measurements taken, and a pre-tested Arabic questionnaire administered to gather sociodemographic data and perceived weight status, assessed using the Figure Rating Scale (FRS). The accuracy of perceived weight status was determined by comparing the measured weight status with participants; self-reported perceptions. We evaluated the association between body weight distortion and life habits which included regular physical activity, screen time (time spent on internet per day), number of fruits and vegetables consumed per day, and fast-food consumption.ResultsThe study achieved an 86.68% response rate, with over half of the participants being female (60.5%), and the average age being 17 years. The majority of adolescents (41%) perceived themselves as having normal body weight, while 34.5% perceived themselves as underweight, 16.6% as overweight, and 7.9% as obese. However, based on BMI categories, 72.6% had a normal measured weight, 20.4% were overweight, and 6.9% were obese. A substantial proportion of participants (45.6%) underestimated their weight status, with a significant proportion being objectively overweight or obese (26%). Furthermore, we found a significant association between the perception of weight accuracy with four correlates: gender, mother educational level, regular physical activity, and the number of fruits and vegetables consumed per day.ConclusionsThe findings revealed a disparity between perceived and actual weight status among Tunisian adolescents, with a significant underestimation of weight status, particularly among those who are overweight or obese. The results highlighted the crucial need for interventions that address weight perception inaccuracies and promote healthy weight awareness and management among adolescents in Tunisia. The study underscored the importance of further research to understand the development and progression of body weight underestimation throughout adolescence and the roles of lifestyle behaviors in shaping weight perceptions.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Mediating Effect of Self-Control on the Relationship between Obesity-Related Stress and Weight Control Behavior among Female College Students with Overweight and Obesity.

This study aimed to determine whether self-regulation acts as a mediating factor in the relationship between obesity-related stress and weight control behavior, targeting Korean female college students. Obesity-related stress and weight control behaviors are important factors affecting an individual's health and well-being, and self-control, a psychological trait, can play a pivotal role in regulating how individuals respond to stress and engage in weight management behaviors. This study employed a descriptive correlational design. A total of 109 female college students with overweight and obesity participated in the study. We used a self-report questionnaire to measure obesity-related stress, self-control, and degree of weight control behavior. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, and bootstrapping using Hayes' PROCESS macro for mediation. Significant relationships between obesity-related stress and weight control behavior (r = 0.25, p < 0.001), obesity-related stress and self-control (r = -0.36, p < 0.001), and weight control behavior and self-control (r = 0.26, p < 0.001) were observed. Self-control showed an indirect mediating effect on the relationship between obesity-related stress and weight control behavior (Β = 0.37, p = 0.001). Through the research results, it was confirmed that self-control is a factor that has a mediating effect in the relationship between obesity-related stress and weight control behavior among female college students with overweight and obesity. These results underscore the importance of addressing self-control strategies in interventions aimed at promoting healthy weight management among female college students with overweight or obesity.

Socio-demographic Characteristics of a Cross-section of Pre-eclamptic Women in Yenagoa, Nigeria

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a multifactorial disorder that ultimately manifests as hypertension in the pregnant woman. This study was aimed at determining socio-demographic characteristics of PE among pregnant women attending tertiary Hospitals in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of 182 pregnant women, consisting of 91 women with PE (gestation &gt; 20 weeks, blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg) and 91 normotensive pregnant women at gestation &gt; 20 weeks were enrolled in the study by consent. These respondents filled out structured questionnaires that obtained data on sociodemographic variables (which are maternal age, parity, body mass index [BMI], systolic and diastolic blood pressure [SBP and DBP], educational level, family history of PE, occupation, the severity of PE, primipaternity, and gestational age of PE. Data was grouped into PE cases and control. Chi-square was used to determine associations between PE and sociodemographic variables for categorical data, whereas the independent T-test was used to determine differences between groups for parametric data. Data was considered significant at p &lt; .05. Results showed that BMI (X^2 = 21.01, p = .00), SBP (T = 27.06, p = 0.00), DBP (T = 29.75, p = 0.00), educational level (X^2 = 14.15,p = .00), family history of pre-eclampsia (X^2 = 33.09,p = .00), and primipaternity (X^2 = 21.01,p= .00) showed significant associations with pre-eclampsia (p &lt; .05). It is recommended that healthy weight management, blood pressure monitoring, adequate antenatal care, and family history counselling be promoted in health facilities in our setting.

Effect of Suryanamaskara, Selected Pranayama and Yava Saktu Modaka in Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause is the term for the natural and permanent cessation of monthly female reproductive cycles. Menopausal women are known to experience physical, psychological, and vasomotor symptoms. In Ayurveda, menopause is not mentioned separately or as a disease but it is considered as Rajakshaya, the transition period of body from predominance of Pittadosha to Vatadosha. Rajonivritti (menopause) occurring in Jarapakva Shareer (aged body) at the age of 50 years. In modern science, hormone therapy has been used to control the symptoms of menopause. But long term use of this therapy had an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, breast cancer etc. A lifestyle modification is therefore an essential component in reducing menopausal symptoms, which includes a healthy diet, physical exercise, stress reduction and weight management. In this study 25 subjects with menopausal symptoms between the age group of 45 to 55 years were selected, from OPD of Govt. Ayurveda College Hospital, Tripunithura, as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study subjects were advised to have two Yava saktu modakas of 10gm. each in morning at 7.30 a.m and the practice of Suryanamaskara and selected Pranayamas in the morning for 1 month. Assessment was done on 0th, 15th and 31st day of intervention. Along with this, the blood investigations like fasting blood sugar, post prandial blood sugar and serum cholesterol were assessed on 0th and 31st day of the study period. Results showed that Suryanamaskara, selected Pranayama and Yava saktu modaka have statistical significance in reducing menopausal symptoms.

Prevalence of body mass index categories among adults living alone in China: Observational study.

Adults living alone represent a growing population group in China. Understanding the prevalence of body mass index (BMI) categories and their associations with demographic and lifestyle factors among this group is essential for informing targeted interventions and public health policies. In this population-based cross-sectional study, we used individual-level data from the 2011-2021 China General Social Survey. Main outcomes were prevalence of BMI categories adjusted for gender and age, using logistic regression and model-predicted marginal prevalence to estimate BMI categories prevalence. We analyzed 9,077 single-living Chinese adult participants. The primary-adjusted prevalence of BMI categories varied across different genders and age groups. Underweight was more prevalent in females (12.73%; 95% CI: 12.31% - 13.14%) than in males (7.54%; 95% CI: 7.19% - 7.88%), while overweight and obesity were higher in males. Primary-adjusted underweight prevalence was highest among the 18-24 years age group (22.09%; 95% CI: 20.17% - 24.01%) and decreased with age. Primary-adjusted overweight prevalence increased with age, peaking in the 45-54 years age group (41.94%; 95% CI: 40.96% - 42.93%). Primary-adjusted obesity prevalence exhibited a fluctuating pattern across age groups, with the highest prevalence observed in the 45-54 years age group (9.81%; 95% CI: 9.19% - 10.44%). Our findings reveal significant associations between BMI categories and demographic and lifestyle factors among adults living alone in China. These results can inform targeted interventions and public health policies aimed at promoting healthy weight management and addressing the unique health challenges faced by single-living individuals in China.

The individual-level effects of social media campaigns related to healthy eating, physical activity, and healthy weight: Anarrative review.

Social media are promising channels for health communication promoting positive weight-related behaviors, but no prior studies have synthesized evidence on the independent effects of social media campaigns focused on promoting healthy eating, physical activity (PA), and healthy weight. This study aimed to fill that gap and inform future social media-based obesity-prevention research and practice by reviewing findings from studies testing the effects of such campaigns on individual-level cognitive, behavioral, and anthropometric outcomes. The Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2023 that explored the independent effects of social media campaigns related to healthy eating, PA, or weight management. Study characteristics and outcomes were extracted and summarized. Eleven studies were included in this review describing campaigns targeting healthy eating-related outcomes (e.g., fruit and vegetable consumption, meal preparation, nutrition label reading), PA, or weight management. Most campaigns (n=7) were developed by universities or research centers. Priority audiences included parents, adult females, adolescents, college students, and adult government employees. The majority (n=8) of the campaigns used single platforms, with the most common being Facebook, Instagram, blogs, and YouTube. Campaigns had mixed effects on cognitive outcomes (e.g., intention, attitude, knowledge), behavioral outcomes (e.g., food choices, PA), and anthropometric outcomes (e.g., weight, waist circumference). Social media campaigns focused on promoting healthy eating, PA, and healthy weight had mixed effects on individual-level cognitive, behavioral, and anthropometric outcomes. Various limitations of the included studies make it difficult to ascertain which factors influence campaign effectiveness. Advancing knowledge in this area is important, particularly given social media's widespread use and potential for broad reach. New research with features such as rigorous study designs, larger and more diverse samples, and strong theoretical foundations may provide important insights into what types of interventions are effective or not and under what conditions.

Next Generation Weight Loss Drugs for the Prevention of Cancer?

Background: Western populations are losing the battle over healthy weight management, and excess body weight is a notable cancer risk factor at the population level. There is ongoing interest in pharmacological interventions aimed at promoting weight loss, including GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), which may be a useful tool to stem the rising tide of obesity-related cancers. Purpose: To investigate the potential of next generation weight loss drugs (NGWLD) like GLP-1RA in population-level chemoprevention.Research Design: We used the OncoSim microsimulation tool to estimate the population-level reductions in obesity and the potentially avoidable obesity-related cancers in Canada over the next 25 years.Results: We estimated a total of 71 281 preventable cancers by 2049, with 36 235 and 35 046 cancers prevented for females and males, respectively. Among the 327 254 total projected cancer cases in 2049, 1.3% are estimated to be preventable through intervention with NGWLD.Conclusions: Pharmacologic intervention is not the ideal solution for the obesity-related cancer crisis. However, these agents and subsequent generations provide an additional tool to rapidly reduce body weight and adiposity in populations that have been extremely challenging to reduce weight with standard diet and exercise approaches. Additional research is needed around approaches to prevent initial weight gain and maintain long-term weight loss.

Dietary Intake Pattern and Nutritional Status of Women of Reproductive Age in Slum Areas of Pokhara Metropolitan.

The pattern of diet intake is associated with food availability and the intake of nutrients from different food groups and is an important component of nutritional status. The dietary habits of individuals are integral to understanding their nutritional wellbeing, making this assessment crucial for public health interventions. The objective of the study was to assess the dietary intake pattern and nutritional status among women of reproductive age in slum areas of Pokhara Metropolitan. Methodology. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to assess the dietary intake pattern and nutritional status among 404 women of reproductive age in the slum area of Pokhara from June 2019 to December 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the wards while a purposive sampling technique was used to collect the samples. 24-hour recall meal-based questions and anthropometric measurements were used for collecting data. Data were entered into EpiData and analyzed using SPSS version 16 software for analysis. Frequency and mean, median, chi-square test, and logistic regression were performed. The mean (±SD) age (SD) of the participants was 31 (±9.25) years, and most of the participants belonged to the age group 25-35 years. Out of 404 women of reproductive age, 99% of the participants consumed starchy staple foods daily, while 56.7% ate vegetables daily, and nearly half frequently consumed prepackaged foods and soft drinks. Among the total participants, 41.3% were found with a normal BMI, 37.6% were overweight, and only 12.4% were underweight. There was a significant association between underweight and age, women's occupation, and frequency of food consumption per day. Age, knowledge of nutrition, and frequency of food consumption per day were found to be associated factors with being overweight at a p value <0.05. Age, occupation status, and frequency of food consumption were the key predictors of being underweight, and age, knowledge regarding nutrition, and frequency of meals were the key predictors of being overweight. Developing countries must emphasize the importance of considering these factors in public health interventions and strategies aimed at promoting healthy weight management. More studies are needed.

The Use of Smartphone as A Technology-Based Intervention on Managing Nutrition among The Obese Population: A Literature Review

Smartphone apps have been used to promote healthy eating and weight management, as they offer low costs, reduce burdens, and overcome the limitations of traditional in-person programs. The aim of this research is to determine the use of smartphones as a technology-based intervention on managing nutrition. The review method focuses on the relationship between smartphones and healthy diet and nutrition, analyzing 178 articles published up to 2023. The review identified three qualitative studies and five randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness and acceptability of smartphone apps for promoting healthy eating and weight management. The results show that a study on the effectiveness of smartphone applications in promoting healthy eating and weight management found that middle-aged men in Australia support using the Internet for improving dietary habits and physical activity, as long as the interventions are user-friendly and efficient . However, they show low commitment to online activities and reluctance to use regular mobile phones for health behavior modification. The study also found that smartphone apps can be effective in promoting healthy eating and weight loss, making them a potentially valuable and cost-effective tool for improving dietary habits, nutrition, and combating obesity. In conclusion, Smartphone applications could serve as an effective and affordable method for improving dietary habits and tackling obesity among the general public. Measurements of diet and nutrition taken through mobile devices are often accurate. The contribution of this research is to increase smartphone users' knowledge to help in monitoring their food consumption and managing their weight.

Clinical Evaluation of a Novel, Patented Green Coffee Bean Extract (GCB70®), Enriched in 70% Chlorogenic Acid, in Overweight Individuals

Objective Obesity and overweight are challenging health problems of the millennium that lead to diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and atherosclerosis. Green coffee bean exhibited significant promise in healthy weight management, potentiating glucose-insulin sensitization and supporting liver health. The safety and efficacy of a novel, patented water-soluble green coffee bean extract (GCB70® enriched in 70% total chlorogenic acid and <1% caffeine) was investigated in 105 participants for 12 consecutive weeks. An institutional review board and Drugs Controller General (India) (DCGI) approvals were obtained, and the study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Method Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipid profile, plasma leptin, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and total blood chemistry were assessed over a period of 12 weeks of treatment. Safety was affirmed. Results GCB70 (500 mg BID) supplementation significantly reduced body weight (approximately 6%; p = 0.000**) in approximately 97% of the study population. About a 5.65% statistically significant reduction (p = 0.000**) in BMI was observed in 96% of the study volunteers. Waist circumference was significantly reduced by 6.77% and 6.62% in 98% of the male and female participants, respectively. Plasma leptin levels decreased by 13.6% in 99% of the study population as compared to the baseline value. Upon completion of 12 weeks’ treatment, fasting glucose levels decreased by 13.05% (p = 0.000**) in 79% of the study population. There was a statistically significant decrease in HbA1c levels in both male and female participants (p = 0.000**), while 86.7% of the study participants showed a statistically significant decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (p = 0.000**). The mean decrease in TSH levels on completion of the treatment was 14.07% in the study population as compared to baseline levels. Total blood chemistry analysis exhibited broad-spectrum safety. Conclusions This investigation demonstrated that GCB70 is safe and efficacious in healthy weight management.

Cultural adaptation of an integrated eating disorders prevention and healthy weight management program

BackgroundBoth eating disorder (ED) prevention and weight management interventions often focus on the thin ideal. Yet, many Black and Latina women do not view thinness as their body ideal. This study used focus groups to investigate the influence of race, ethnicity, and culture on appearance ideals and inform the cultural adaptation and integration of two established programs addressing EDs and weight management: the Body Project, and Healthy Weight Interventions.MethodsWhite (n = 10), Black (n = 14), and Latina (n = 6) women participated in racially and ethnically homogenous focus groups.ResultsThematic analysis identified several themes, including: (1) diverse beauty standards across groups, (2) lack of acknowledgement of racialized beauty standards in prevention and cultural appropriation, (3) culturally-specific impacts of standards, (4) harm of appearance-related comments, (5) limitations of available resources, (6) stigma/minimization of mental health, (7) barriers to inclusive programming, and (8) facilitators of inclusive programming.ConclusionsResults suggested that current programs’ emphasis on thinness limit their relevance for women of color, and perpetuate the misconception that EDs primarily affect White women. Findings highlight the need for culturally responsive prevention.

Child-to-adult body size change and risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Childhood overweight increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. However, the impact of childhood leanness on adult obesity and disease risk has been overlooked. We examined the independent and combined influences of child and adult body size on the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Data from the UK Biobank on 364,695 individuals of European ancestry and free of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease were divided into nine categories based on their self-reported body size at age 10 and measured BMI in adulthood. After a median follow-up of 12.8 years, 33,460 individuals had developed type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease. We used Cox regression models to assess the associations of body size categories with disease incidence. Individuals with low body size in childhood and high body size in adulthood had the highest risk of type 2 diabetes (HR 4.73; 95% CI 4.50, 4.99), compared to those with average body size in both childhood and adulthood. This was significantly higher than the risk in those with high body size in both childhood and adulthood (HR 4.05; 95% CI 3.84, 4.26). By contrast, cardiovascular disease risk was determined by adult body size, irrespective of childhood body size. Low body size in childhood exacerbates the risk of type 2 diabetes associated with adult obesity but not the risk of cardiovascular disease. Thus, promoting healthy weight management from childhood to adulthood, among lean children, is crucial.