Weight Management Methods Research Articles

Current Status of Semaglutide Injection andDevelopment Prospects in China

Obesity is a global issue that closely affects public health, and China’s obesity rate is among the highest in the world. Recently, Semaglutide injection was approved for marketing in China as the first weekly formulation for long-term weight control. This review consolidates and analyzes various types of research related to Semaglutide regarding weight loss, to comprehensively describe the different aspects of the drug. As a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of innate hormone to enhance the cell signaling activity and corresponding outcome. It has been approved to effectively reduce weight and improve weight-related factors in overweight or obese patients with a guaranteed safety profile. Comparing to traditional methods of losing weight, this medication is time and effort-saving, which makes it highly competitive in this field. Although there are still unsolved issues and challenges faced by the drug, such as high price and acceptance among doctors and patients, it is highly likely to become a new and anticipated method of weight management in China

Anti-obesity treatment preferences of healthcare providers and people living with obesity: A survey-based study.

A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States (14 November-22 December 2022) to investigate preferences for anti-obesity medication (AOM) among people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare providers (HCPs). Eligibility: Adult PwO who self-defined their body type as overweight/obese, were trying to lose weight and had BMI ≥30.0 or 27.0-29.9 kg/m2 with ≥1 obesity-related complication; HCPs had to see ≥30 PwO in a typical month and be a decision-maker regarding their weight loss. The survey included 2500 PwO and 500 HCPs. Exercise (96%) and diet (90%) were the most common weight management methods; AOM use was low (8%). Key barriers to use of prescribed AOMs among PwO were not wanting to take AOM (34%), side effects concerns (33%), and not trusting AOM (26%). Most HCPs (79%) had prescribed/recommended AOMs. Efficacy was the most common reason for preferring one of the shown product profiles among PwO (60%) and HCPs (86%); improving cardiovascular risk was also important to 95% of HCPs when deciding which AOM to prescribe. AOM preference is largely driven by efficacy. Increasing knowledge could help to address barriers to AOM use and improve outcomes for PwO.

Time-restricted eating with or without a low-carbohydrate diet improved myocardial status and thyroid function in individuals with metabolic syndrome: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundObesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have become urgent worldwide health problems, predisposing patients to unfavorable myocardial status and thyroid dysfunction. Low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) and time-restricted eating (TRE) have been confirmed to be effective methods for weight management and improving MetS, but their effects on the myocardium and thyroid are unclear.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis in a randomized clinical diet-induced weight-loss trial. Participants (N = 169) diagnosed with MetS were randomized to the LCD group, the 8 h TRE group, or the combination of the LCD and TRE group for 3 months. Myocardial enzymes and thyroid function were tested before and after the intervention. Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation was assessed between functions of the myocardium and thyroid and cardiometabolic parameters at baseline.ResultsA total of 162 participants who began the trial were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, and 57 participants who adhered to their assigned protocol were involved in the per-protocol (PP) analysis. Relative to baseline, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase MB, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, and free triiodothyronine (FT3) declined, and free thyroxine (FT4) increased after all 3 interventions (both analyses). Creatine kinase (CK) decreased only in the TRE (− 18 [44] U/L, P < 0.001) and combination (− 22 [64] U/L, P = 0.003) groups (PP analysis). Thyrotropin (− 0.24 [0.83] μIU/mL, P = 0.011) and T3 (− 0.10 ± 0.04 ng/mL, P = 0.011) decreased in the combination group (ITT analysis). T4 (0.82 ± 0.39 μg/dL, P = 0.046), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb, 2 [1] %, P = 0.021), and thyroid microsomal antibodies (TMAb, 2 [2] %, P < 0.001) increased, while the T3/T4 ratio (− 0.01 ± 0.01, P = 0.020) decreased only in the TRE group (PP analysis). However, no significant difference between groups was observed in either analysis. At baseline, CK was positively correlated with the visceral fat area. FT3 was positively associated with triglycerides and total cholesterol. FT4 was negatively related to insulin and C-peptide levels. TgAb and TMAb were negatively correlated with the waist-to-hip ratio.ConclusionsTRE with or without LCD confers remarkable metabolic benefits on myocardial status and thyroid function in subjects with MetS.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04475822.

Acute muscle damage as a metabolic response to rapid weight loss in wrestlers

Abstract Study aim: Dietary and non-dietary weight loss methods are highly prevalent among combat sports athletes (CSA). Most CSA undergo rapid weight loss (RWL) usually a week before the competition to reduce their body mass and thus compete in the lowest weight category possible. The objective of the study was to distinguish the impact of high-intensity sport-specific training (HISST) combined with RWL (phase 1 – P1) on muscle damage markers as well as the effects of HISST alone (phase 2 – P2). Material and methods: This crossover study was carried out on 12 male wrestlers. It consisted of initial measurement (IM), high-intensity training combined with RWL of 5% (P1), and high-intensity training without RWL (P2). After each phase, muscle damage markers were measured, including myoglobin, aldolase, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Results: A substantial increase in analyzed biomarkers was evident in both phases (P1 and P2). However, higher levels of almost all biomarkers were observed in the phase that included RWL compared to the second phase, with a greater significance level. Conclusions: Our study revealed that 5% RWL combined with HISST impacted the assessed biomarkers to a greater extent than HISST alone, thus providing strong evidence of the influence of RWL on muscular damage in wrestlers. In order to minimize the adverse health-related effects induced by weight reduction, coaches and athletes should use caution when considering weight management methods.

Low eating self-efficacy is associated with unfavorable eating behavior tendencies among individuals with overweight and obesity

Success in long-term weight management depends partly on psychological and behavioral aspects. Understanding the links between psychological factors and eating behavior tendencies is needed to develop more effective weight management methods. This population-based cross-sectional study examined whether eating self-efficacy (ESE) is associated with cognitive restraint (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), emotional eating (EE), and binge eating (BE). The hypothesis was that individuals with low ESE have more unfavorable eating behavior tendencies than individuals with high ESE. Participants were classified as low ESE and high ESE by the Weight-Related Self-Efficacy questionnaire (WEL) median cut-off point. Eating behavior tendencies were assessed with Three Factor Eating Questionnaire R-18 and Binge Eating Scale, and additionally, by the number of difficulties in weight management. The difficulties were low CR, high UE, high EE, and moderate or severe BE. Five hundred and thirty-two volunteers with overweight and obesity were included in the study. Participants with low ESE had lower CR (p < 0.03) and higher UE, EE, and BE (p < 0.001) than participants with high ESE. Thirty-nine percent of men with low ESE had at least two difficulties in successful weight control while this percentage was only 8% in men with high ESE. In women, the corresponding figures were 56% and 10%. The risk of low ESE was increased by high UE [OR 5.37 (95% CI 1.99–14.51)], high EE [OR 6.05 (95% CI 2.07–17.66)], or moderate or severe BE [OR 12.31 (95% CI 1.52–99.84)] in men, and by low CR [OR 5.19 (95% CI 2.22–12.18)], high UE [OR 7.20 (95% CI 2.41–19.22)], or high EE [OR 23.66 (95% CI 4.79–116.77)] in women. Low ESE was associated with unfavorable eating behavior tendencies and multiple concomitant difficulties in successful weight loss promotion. These eating behavior tendencies should be considered when counseling patients with overweight and obesity.

A Total Diet Replacement Weight Management Program for Difficult-to-Treat Asthma Associated With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

Obesity is often associated with uncontrolled, difficult-to-treat asthma and increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies suggest that weight loss may improve asthma outcomes, but with heterogenous asthma populations studied and unclear consensus on the optimal method of weight management. The Counterweight-Plus Programme (CWP) for weight management is an evidence-based, dietitian-led total diet replacement (TDR) program. Can use of the CWP compared with usual care (UC) improve asthma control and quality of life in patients with difficult-to-treat asthma and obesity? We conducted a 1:1 (CWP to UC) randomized, controlled single-center trial in adults with difficult-to-treat asthma and BMI of≥ 30kg/m2. The CWP was a 12-week TDR phase (800 kcal/d low-energy formula) followed by stepwise food reintroduction and weight loss maintenance for up to 1 year. The primary outcome was the change in Asthma Control Questionnaire 6 (ACQ6) score over 16weeks. The secondary outcome was change in Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) score. Thirty-five participants were randomized (36 screened) and 33 attended the 16-week follow-up (n= 17 in the CWP group, n= 16 in the UC group). Overall, mean ACQ6 score at baseline was 2.8 (95%CI, 2.4-3.1). Weight loss was greater in the CWP than UC group (mean difference, -12.1kg; 95%CI, -16.9 to -7.4; P< .001). ACQ6 score improved more in the CWP than UC group (mean difference, -0.69; 95%CI, -1.37 to -0.01; P= .048). A larger proportion of participants achieved the minimal clinically important difference in ACQ6 score with CWP than with UC (53%vs19%; P= .041; Number needed to treat, 3 [95%CI, 1.5-26.9]). AQLQ score improvement was greater in the CWP than UC group (mean difference, 0.76; 95%CI, 0.18-1.34; P= .013). Using a structured weight management program results in clinically important improvements in asthma control and quality of life over 16weeks compared with UC in adults with difficult-to-treat asthma and obesity. This generalizable program is easy to deliver for this challenging phenotype. Longer-term outcomes continue to be studied. ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03858608; URL: www. gov.

‘Making Weight’: The Perception and Impact of Weight Management on Female Boxers

Introduction Boxing is a weight categorised sport in which athletes are expected to be weighed prior to competition so that the athletes are matched with similar size, strength and power attributes. By obtaining and maintaining a certain weight may result in boxers typically engaging in extreme weight loss practices to ‘make weight’, irrespective of their overall health and well-being. Therefore, this research aimed to establish the experiences and perceptions of weight management of female boxers how they engage with ‘making weight’ practices and the impact on their overall well-being. Methods In-depth semi-structured one-to-one interview’s were conducted with five elite level female amateur boxers over a digital, online platform. A six-stage thematic analysis was used and data collated into themes and sub-themes. Results Data identified 5 key themes and consisted of: emotions surrounding weight gain; long-term behavioural impacts; guidance and justifications; comparison to other boxers; and weight management methods. These accounts highlighted the long-term impact engaging in such weight loss methods had on female boxers both physically and psychologically. Conclusion Typically, boxers engaged in strict and extreme weight-loss behaviours due to negative emotions surrounding weight gain. Significantly these behaviours and emotions have a long-term impact and continue after retirement from boxing.

The effects of three weight management methods on body composition and serum lipids of overweight and obese people.

Obesity has become a major health problem worldwide. Diet management is an important means of weight loss. The aim of this study was to explore the improvement effect of a calorie-restricted diet (CRD), 5 + 2 intermittent fasting (5 + 2 IF), and high protein diet (HPD) on weight composition and serum lipid level of overweight and obese people in a short period (3 months). Fifty-three participants aged 18-60 years and with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 24 to 35 kg/m2 were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., CRD, 5 + 2 IF, and HPD. Basic information, body composition, and venous blood samples were collected at baseline and after 3 months of intervention. Body composition was measured using a body composition analyzer (SK-V9), and serum lipids were assayed using the Roche Cobas e702 automatic biochemistry analysis system. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to analyze and compare the repeated measurements of body composition and levels of serum lipids. The results showed that total weight, BMI, body fat mass, muscle mass, visceral fat index, and waist and hip circumferences had significantly decreased in all three groups after 3 months of intervention, and the average weight loss was 3.3 ± 1.14, 4.12 ± 0.05, and 2.62 ± 0.13 kg in CRD, 5 + 2 IF, and HPD groups, respectively. The results of the GEE model indicated that compared with the CRD group, the 5 + 2 IF group showed a more significant decrease in weight (β = -0.272, P < 0.001), BMI (β = -0.091, P < 0.001), body fat mass (β = -0.172, P < 0.001), muscle (β = -0.043, P < 0.001), and visceral fat index (β = -0.019, P < 0.001), however, HPD has more advantages in visceral fat index loss (β = -0.011, P < 0.001) and lean body mass preserve (β = 0.229, P < 0.001). Our findings showed that the 5 + 2 IF may be more effective in reducing total weight and body fat, and HPD may be more helpful in preventing lean body mass loss during a short-term weight loss intervention.

Behaviour model integrated by protection motivation theory and information–motivation–behavioural skills model applying in pregnancy weight management (PrInMAMa): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in China

IntroductionExcessive gestational weight gain poses a significant threat to maternal and child health. The healthy behaviour theory has been increasingly applied to weight management during pregnancy, but research is still...

A randomised controlled trial of the 5:2 diet.

ObjectiveThe 5:2 diet is a popular intermittent energy restriction method of weight management that awaits further evaluation. We compared the effects of one-off 5:2 instructions with the effects of one-off standard multicomponent weight-management advice; and also examined whether additional behavioural support enhances 5:2 adherence and efficacy compared to one-off instructions.MethodsThree hundred adults with obesity were randomised to receive a Standard Brief Advice (SBA) covering diet and physical activity (N = 100); 5:2 self-help instructions (5:2SH) (N = 100); or 5:2SH plus six once-weekly group support sessions (N = 100). Participants were followed up for one year.ResultsAdherence to 5:2SH was initially high (74% at 6 weeks), but it declined over time (31% at 6 months and 22% at one year). 5:2SH and SBA achieved similar weight-loss at six months (-1.8kg (SD = 3.5) vs -1.7kg (SD = 4.4); b = 0.23, 95%CI:-0.79–1.27, p = 0.7) and at one year (-1.9kg (SD = 4.9) vs -1.8kg (SD = 5.7), b = 0.20, 95%CI:-1.21–1.60, p = 0.79), with 18% vs 15% participants losing ≥5% of their body weight with 5:2SH and SBA, respectively at one year (RR = 0.83, 95%CI:0.44–1.54, p = 0.55). Both interventions received positive ratings, but 5:2SH ratings were significantly higher. 5:2SH had no negative effect on fat and fiber intake and physical activity compared to SBA. Compared to 5:2SH, 5:2G generated a greater weight loss at 6 weeks (-2.3kg vs -1.5kg; b = 0.74, 95%CI:1.37–0.11, p = 0.02), but by one year, the difference was no longer significant (-2.6kg vs -1.9kg, p = 0.37; ≥5% body weight loss 28% vs 18%, p = 0.10).ConclusionsSimple 5:2 advice and multicomponent weight management advice generated similar modest results. The 5:2 diet did not undermine other health behaviours, and it received more favourable ratings. Adding initial group support enhanced 5:2 adherence and effects, but the impact diminished over time. Health professionals who provide brief weight management advice may consider including the 5:2 advice as an option.Trial registrationISRCTN registry (ISRCTN79408248).

Intracranial pressure directly predicts headache\xa0morbidity in idiopathic intracranial hypertension

ObjectiveHeadache is the predominant disabler in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The aim was to characterise headache and investigate the association with intracranial pressure.MethodsIIH:WT was a randomised controlled parallel group multicentre trial in the United Kingdom investigating weight management methods in IIH. Participants with active IIH (evidenced by papilloedema) and a body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2 were recruited. At baseline, 12 months and 24 months headache characteristics and quality of life outcome measures were collected and lumbar puncture measurements were performed.ResultsSixty-six women with active IIH were included with a mean age of 32.0 years (SD ± 7.8), and mean body mass index of 43.9 ± 7.0 kg/m2. The headache phenotype was migraine-like in 90%. Headache severity correlated with ICP at baseline (r = 0.285; p = 0.024); change in headache severity and monthly headache days correlated with change in ICP at 12 months (r = 0.454, p = 0.001 and r = 0.419, p = 0.002 respectively). Cutaneous allodynia was significantly correlated with ICP at 12 months. (r = 0.479, p < 0.001). Boot strap analysis noted a positive association between ICP at 12 and 24 months and enabled prediction of both change in headache severity and monthly headache days. ICP was associated with significant improvements in quality of life (SF-36).ConclusionsWe demonstrate a positive relationship between ICP and headache and cutaneous allodynia, which has not been previously reported in IIH. Those with the greatest reduction in ICP over 12 months had the greatest reduction in headache frequency and severity; this was associated with improvement of quality of life measures.Trial registrationThis work provides Class IIa evidence of the association of raised intracranial pressure and headache. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02124486.

Trends in Eating Habits and Body Weight Status, Perception Patterns and Management Practices among First-Year Students of Kaunas (Lithuania) Universities, 2000-2017.

Students’ transition from high school to university is accompanied by lifestyle changes. This study aimed to assess trends in students’ body weight status, perception, management practices and eating habits from 2000 to 2017. Three cross-sectional surveys were carried out among the first-year students of five Kaunas (Lithuania) universities in 2000, 2010 and 2017. The self-administered questionnaires were filled in during lectures. Altogether, 3275 students aged 20.0 (1.5) years participated in the survey. The prevalence of self-reported overweight increased among male students from 11.3% in 2000 to 24.3% in 2017 and female students from 5.2 to 9.6%. The intake frequency of fruits, vegetables and cereals increased, and red meat decreased. At a normal BMI, more female than male students perceived themselves as being ‘too fat’ (19.4% and 8.8% in 2017), while more male than female students perceived themselves as being ‘too thin’ (37.2% and 4.5% in 2017). More females than males were dissatisfied with their weight, worried about gaining weight and tried to lose weight. Weight-management practices were associated with body weight, self-perception, dissatisfaction, worries about weight gain and eating behaviours. Our study highlights the need for interventions to increase the accuracy of weight perception and to promote the appropriate weight-management methods, addressing gender differences.

Diet quality, assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2010, and exercise associated factors of obesity: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Certain weight management methods may be associated with unhealthy dietary intakes, skewing toward certain dietary components and lacking others. Management of weight should not ignore the quality of the diet, as both obesity and poor diet are associated with higher risk of chronic disease. Objective: To conduct a diet quality and exercise scan and observe their repercussion on BMI, in adults from Spain, Portugal, Uruguay and Mexico. Material and methods:An observational retrospective cohort study was designed, with 1181 adults aged 18-65 years. HEI-2010 score was used to assess diet quality. Data on type, days a week and hours/day of exercise, and participant’s anthropometric measures were collected.Results: The mean HEI-2010 score was 65.21. There were no statistically significant differences between HEI-2010 score and BMI [p=0.706], BMI and days of exercise per week [p=0.151], BMI and hours/day of exercise [p=0.590] and BMI and being active [&gt;3 days/week] [p=0.106]. On the contrary, overall exercise influenced BMI significantly [p&lt;0.001]. Conclusions: Dietary patterns may help to prevent weight gain and fight overweight and obesity. This study, however, did not observe associations between the quality of the diet nor specifics of exercise with lower BMIs. The quality of the diet of adults in Spain, Portugal, Uruguay and Mexico fell short of recommendations.

Relationships among Body Mass Index, Body Image, and Depression in Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014 and 2016.

BackgroundThis study extends the findings of our previous examination of the relationship between obesity and depression in Korean adults. Here, we further investigate the relationships among body image perception, weight control method, and depression based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2014 and 2016.MethodsIn total, we analyzed 11,782 participants. We classified them into four groups according to body mass index (BMI): underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), normal-to-overweight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), obesity stage I (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obesity stage II (BMI >30.0 kg/m2). Current depression was defined as a score of at least 10 on the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. We performed chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses to examine the relationships among BMI, body image perception, method of weight control, and depression.ResultsDepression was diagnosed in 6.5% of the study participants. The underweight group had the highest odds ratio (OR) for depression (OR, 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42–2.65). Further, participants in the extremely lean subgroup within the underweight group had an even higher OR for depression (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 2.28–4.10). Regarding weight management methods, the rate of depression was higher for fasting and for skipping or reducing a meal than for exercise.ConclusionBiased BMI and body image perception are associated with increased incidence of depression. In addition, specific weight control methods, such as fasting, skipping a meal, and reducing food consumption, are also associated with increased incidence of depression.

Application of Internet-based Interventions in Weight Management

Overweight and obesity are associated with a range of chronic diseases and have become a major global health concern. With the progress of Internet technology,electronic health care has emerged,providing new tools and Methods for weight management. Internet-based technology has shown certain effectiveness in facilitating interventions on overweight,obesity,and their associated diseases. This article reviews the recent advances in these interventions and evaluates their effectiveness,efficiency,and feasibility.

Associations between complementary medicine, satisfaction with body weight and shape, and the use of methods to lose or control weight: Results of a national survey of 8009 Australian women

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether the use of complementary medicine (CM) is associated with body satisfaction and weight management methods in Australian women. MethodsWomen aged 34–39 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health were surveyed regarding satisfaction with their body weight and shape, and the use of weight management methods. Associations with CM use were analysed using logistic regression modelling. ResultsWomen using CM less likely wanted to lose weight; and were more likely to cut down on fats and/or sugars, use low glycaemic diets, diet books and ‘other’ methods (OR: 1.33–2.83) compared to CM non-users. Women using herbal medicine products ‘sometimes’ were more likely to use meal replacements/slimming products (OR: 1.50–1.67) compared to non-users. DiscussionAustralian women using CM are more likely to be satisfied with their body weight and shape, and to use a range of weight management approaches compared to CM non-users.

Permissive flexibility in successful lifelong weight management: A qualitative study among Finnish men and women

Maintaining normal weight in the current obesogenic environment is a challenge. However, some people can do it. More insight is needed to understand how and why some people succeed in long-term weight maintenance. This study uses a rare, qualitative approach by describing the thoughts of successful weight management and self-perceived requirements for success in weight maintenance. We interviewed 39 individuals who have maintained normal weight for their entire lives (men and women). The content analysis revealed a main theme: flexible, permissive and conscious self-regulation, which was divided into two subthemes (eating-related behavior and weight-related behavior). The informants reported certain routines that supported their weight management: regular eating, sufficient meal sizes, eating in response to hunger, healthy and vegetable-rich diet along with moderate feasting and flexible eating restriction. Flexibility in routines allowed freedom in their eating behavior. In addition, informants regarded themselves as physically active, and they enjoyed regular exercise. Regular weighing was generally considered unnecessary. Normal weight was regarded as a valuable and worthwhile issue, and most of the informants worked to keep their weight stable. Although the perceived workload varied among informants, the weight management strategies were similar. It was crucial to be conscious of the balance between eating and energy consumption. Further, flexibility characterized their behavior and was the basis of successful weight management. Women were more aware of weight control practices and knowledge than men, but otherwise, women and men reported similar weight management methods and attitudes. In conclusion, the interviewees who have maintained the normal weight had created a personal weight-management support environment where weight management was a lifestyle.

Associations between yoga/meditation use, body satisfaction, and weight management methods: Results of a national cross-sectional survey of 8009 Australian women

ObjectivesTo analyze whether yoga or meditation use is associated with body (dis)satisfaction and weight control methods in Australian women. MethodsWomen ages 34 to 39 y from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were surveyed regarding body satisfaction, weight control behaviors, and yoga and meditation practice. Associations of body satisfaction and weight control methods with yoga/meditation practice were analyzed using chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression modelling. ResultsOf the 8009 women, 49% were overweight or obese. Sixty-five percent of women with normal body mass index (BMI) and approximately 95% of women with overweight/obesity wanted to lose weight. At least one in four women with normal BMI was dissatisfied with body weight and shape, as were more than two in three women with overweight/obesity. The most common weight control methods included exercising (82.7%), cutting down meal sizes (76.8%), and cutting down sugars or fats (71.9%). Yoga/meditation was practiced frequently by 688 women (8.6%) and occasionally by 1176 women (14.7%). Yoga/meditation users with normal BMI were less likely dissatisfied with body weight and shape. All yoga/meditation users more likely exercised and followed a low glycemic diet or diet books; and women with obesity occasionally using yoga/meditation also more likely used fasting or smoking to lose weight. ConclusionYoga/meditation users with normal BMI appear to be more satisfied with their body weight and shape than non-yoga/meditation users. While women with normal BMI or overweight tend to rely on healthy weight control methods, women with obesity occasional using yoga/meditation may more likely utilize unhealthy weight control methods.

Impact of Digital Health Methods for Weight Management on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in “at-risk” Women

Impact of Digital Health Methods for Weight Management on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in “at-risk” Women

Beneficial effects of exercise: shifting the focus from body weight to other markers of health*

Background: Exercise is widely promoted as a method of weight management, while the other health benefits are often ignored. The purpose of this study was to examine whether exercise-induced improvements in health are influenced by changes in body weight. Methods: Fifty-eight sedentary overweight/obese men and women (BMI 31.8 (SD 4.5) kg/m2 ) participated in a 12-week supervised aerobic exercise intervention (70% heart rate max, five times a week, 500 kcal per session). Body composition, anthropometric parameters, aerobic capacity, blood pressure and acute psychological response to exercise were measured at weeks 0 and 12. Results: The mean reduction in body weight was -3.3 (3.63) kg (p&lt;0.01). However, 26 of the 58 participants failed to attain the predicted weight loss estimated from individuals’ exercise-induced energy expenditure. Their mean weight loss was only -0.9 (1.8) kg (p&lt;0.01). Despite attaining a lower-than-predicted weight reduction, these individuals experienced significant increases in aerobic capacity (6.3 (6.0) ml/kg/min; p&lt;0.01), and a decreased systolic (-6.00 (11.5) mmHg; p&lt;0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (-3.9 (5.8) mmHg; p&lt;0.01), waist circumference (-3.7 (2.7) cm; p&lt;0.01) and resting heart rate (-4.8 (8.9) bpm, p&lt;0.001). In addition, these individuals experienced an acute exercise-induced increase in positive mood. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that significant and meaningful health benefits can be achieved even in the presence