Multidisciplinary Weight Management Research Articles

Predictors of Mental Health Outcomes in a Multidisciplinary Weight Management Program for Class 3 Obesity.

This study aimed to examine the potential predictors of improvement in mental health outcomes following participation in an intensive non-surgical outpatient weight management program (WMP) in an Australian public hospital. This was a retrospective cohort study of all adults with Class 3 obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) who enrolled in the WMP from March 2018 to June 2021. The participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Version (EDE-QS), Kessler-10 Psychological Distress Scale, and 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36) at baseline and 12-month follow-up. A total of 115 patients completed 12 months in the WMP and were included in the study, with 76.5% being female, a mean ± SD age at baseline of 51.3 ± 13.8 years, a weight of 146 ± 26 kg, and a BMI of 51.1 ± 8.6 kg/m2. The participants lost an average of 8.6 ± 0.2 kg over 12 months, and greater weight loss at follow-up was significantly associated with improved global EDE-QS scores, psychological distress, and improved mental health quality of life. However, improvements in most mental health outcomes were not predicted by weight loss alone. Notably, a lower eating disorder risk at baseline was associated with less psychological distress at follow-up and greater weight loss at follow-up. Our results also found an association between reduced psychological distress and reduced binge eating frequency. These findings support the inclusion components of obesity interventions that target the psychological correlates of obesity to support improved outcomes in people with Class 3 obesity. Future studies should aim to identify which aspects of the WMP helped improve people's psychological outcomes.

Semaglutide treatment for children with obesity: an observational study

ObjectiveTo assess efficacy and tolerability of semaglutide as a weight loss treatment for children living with comorbid obesity.DesignRetrospective observational study of the first 50 children from a weight management service...

Motiv8: a study protocol for a cluster-randomised feasibility trial of a weight management intervention for adults with severe mental illness in secure forensic services

IntroductionPeople with severe mental illness have physical comorbidities which result in significant reductions in quality of life and premature mortality. Effective interventions are required that are suitable for people in secure forensic mental health services. We conducted pilot work of a multidisciplinary weight management intervention (Motiv8) which showed improvements in physical and mental health and high levels of satisfaction. We aim to test the feasibility of Motiv8 under cluster randomised conditions, with an aim to investigate the acceptability, feasibility and potential effectiveness of this intervention to supplement standard secure care.Methods and analysisA randomised waitlist-controlled feasibility trial of a lifestyle intervention (Motiv8) + TAU compared with TAU (+ Motiv8 waitlist) for adults on secure mental health units will be conducted. Thirty-two people (4 cohorts) will be recruited from secure services in Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Participants will be randomly allocated to Motiv8 or TAU + Motiv8 waitlist. All participants will receive Motiv8 during the trial. Assessor-blinded physical/mental health and lifestyle assessments will be conducted at baseline, 10 weeks (post-intervention/waitlist), and after 12 weeks (post-waitlist intervention/follow-up). Motiv8 is a multidisciplinary intervention including exercise sessions, cooking/nutrition classes, physical health education, psychology sessions, sleep hygiene, peer support and medication review by pharmacy. A nested qualitative study will be conducted with a subsample of participants (n = 10) to explore their experiences of taking part. The analysis will focus on feasibility outcomes and tabulated success indicators of the study (e.g. Recruitment rates, retention rates, follow-up retention and response rates, attendance at sessions, the experience of involvement in the trial and delivery of the intervention, assessment of safety, development of a manualised intervention). Thematic analysis will be conducted through qualitative interviews. The analysis will aim to inform the development of a definitive trial.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has been granted ethical approval from the NHS Health Research Authority and adopted onto the UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, professional and public networks, conferences and clinical services.Trial registrationISRCTN13539285.

The Association of Metabolic Risk Factors with Advanced Adenomas in Hispanic Patients.

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been implicated as rising risk factors for the development of colorectal cancers. A rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity and severe obesity among Hispanic patients in the United States may present substantially increased risk for advanced colorectal neoplasia in this population. Currently, there is very little research in this area. We sought to identify metabolic risk factors for advanced adenomas (AA) in Hispanic Americans. We retrospectively reviewed data from the Los Angeles General (LAG) Medical Center of asymptomatic Hispanic patients above 45 years of age who underwent their first colonoscopies following a positive screening FBT. Patient demographics, metabolic characteristics, as well as colon polyp size and histology were recorded. Polyps were classified as adenomas or AA (including both high-risk adenomas and high-risk serrated polyps). Relative risk for AA was assessed by multivariate logistical regression analyses. Of the 672 patients in our study, 41.4% were male, 67% had adenomas, and 16% had AA. The mean BMI was 31.2kg/m2. The mean HDL-C was 49.5mg/dL (1.28 mmol/L) and the mean triglyceride level was 151mg/dL. 44.6% had diabetes and 64.1% had hypertension. When comparing patients with AA to patients with no adenoma, male sex, BMI > 34.9kg/m2, and elevated fasting triglyceride levels were associated with an increased risk of AA. FIB-4 ≥1.45 was also associated with an increased risk of AA in males. There was no significant difference in the risk of AA with diabetes, hypertension, FIB-4 score, LDL-C level, and HDL-C level. Hispanic patients with a positive FBT were observed to have a high incidence of AA. Class II obesity (BMI ≥ 35kg/m2), elevated triglyceride levels were identified as risk factors among males in our study. Early interventions to address these modifiable risk factors in at-risk populations, such as multi-disciplinary weight management programs for the treatment of obesity and related co-morbidities, could potentially lead to risk reduction and CRC prevention.

The Effects of Preoperative Glycaemic Control (HbA1c) on Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Outcomes: Data from a Tertiary-Referral Bariatric Centre in the UK

BackgroundCurrent recommendations advocate the achievement of an optimal glucose control (HbA1c < 69 mmol/mol) prior to elective surgery to reduce risks of peri- and post-operative complications, but the relevance for this glycaemic threshold prior to Bariatric Metabolic Surgery (BMS) following a specialist weight management programme remains unclear.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective cohort study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who underwent BMS over a 6-year period (2016–2022) at a regional tertiary referral following completion of a specialist multidisciplinary weight management. Post-operative outcomes of interest included 30-day mortality, readmission rates, need for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care and hospital length of stay (LOS) and were assessed according to HbA1c cut-off values of < 69 (N = 202) and > 69 mmol/mol (N = 67) as well as a continuous variable.ResultsA total of 269 patients with T2D were included in this study. Patients underwent primary Roux en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 136), Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG, n = 124), insertion of gastric band (n = 4) or one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB, n = 4). No significant differences in the rates of complications were observed between the two groups of pre-operative HbA1c cut-off values. No HbA1c threshold was observed for glycaemic control that would affect the peri- and post-operative complications following BMS.ConclusionsWe observed no associations between pre-operative HbA1C values and the risk of peri- and post-operative complications. In the context of a specialist multidisciplinary weight management programme, optimising pre-operative HbA1C to a recommended target value prior to BMS may not translate into reduced risks of peri- and post-operative complications.Graphical

Application and Diagnostic Performance of Two-Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography and Liver Fibrosis Scores in Adults with Class 3 Obesity.

There are no ideal non-invasive tests for assessing the severity of liver fibrosis in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and class 3 obesity, where body habitus often makes imaging technically challenging. This study aimed to assess the applicability and diagnostic performance of two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), alongside several serum-based liver fibrosis scoring methods, in individuals with class 3 obesity. A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients aged ≥18 years and with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 who were participants in a publicly funded multidisciplinary weight management program in South Western Sydney. The 2D-SWE was performed using the ElastQ Imaging (EQI) procedure with the Phillips EPIQ Elite series ultrasound. An EQI Median value of ≥6.43 kPa was taken as a cutoff score for significant fibrosis, and the scan was considered valid when the liver EQI IQR/Med value was <30%. The Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), and circulating fibroblast activation protein index (FAP index) were calculated from fasting blood samples. The participants (n = 116; 67.2% female) were aged 47.2 ± 12.9 years, with BMI 54.5 ± 11.0 kg/m2. EQI Median values were obtained for 97.4% (113/116) of the 2D-SWE scans, and 91.4% (106/116) of the scans were considered valid. The EQI Median values exhibited a moderately positive correlation with the FIB-4 index (r = 0.438; p < 0.001) and a weakly positive correlation with the APRI (r = 0.388; p < 0.001), NFS (r = 0.210; p = 0.036) and FAP index (r = 0.226; p = 0.020). All liver fibrosis scores were positively correlated with one another. Among those referred for a liver biopsy based on the 2D-SWE and serum scores, half (11/22) underwent liver biopsy, and their 2D-SWE scores exhibited 72.7% accuracy (sensitivity: 71.4%; specificity: 75%) in detecting significant fibrosis. Our results show that 2D-SWE is a feasible, non-invasive test to assess liver fibrosis among people with class 3 obesity. Further research is needed to assess how 2D-SWE can be used alongside existing serum-based risk scores to reliably detect significant fibrosis, which would potentially reduce the need for invasive liver biopsy.

Treating Children and Adolescents With Obesity: Characteristics of Success.

Background: Factors related to clinically meaningful outcomes for pediatric patients seeking care for severe obesity are not well known. Examining patient-level and program-level characteristics related to success may inform future care. Objectives: To determine factors associated with a clinically significant reduction in weight status measured by %BMIp95 after 6 months of treatment. Study Design: This is a retrospective study of youth 5-17 years of age seeking multicomponent weight management care to determine if patient characteristics, treatment recommendations, reported adherence, and additional program-affiliated class participation are associated with 6-month change in %BMIp95. Results: Among 170 children with obesity, higher reductions in %BMIp95 were seen in those with medium-high dietary adherence compared to low-none (-10.8 vs. -4.0, p = 0.002). Post hoc analysis showed higher dietary adherence among those with private insurance than public insurance (59% vs. 41%, respectively, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Children receiving multidisciplinary multicomponent weight management, who achieve clinically meaningful outcomes, are more likely to be adherent to dietary recommendations regardless of the type. Further study is needed of how best to address social determinants of health to improve dietary adherence. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT02121132.

Clinical characteristics and complications of excess weight (CEW) seen in multi-disciplinary tier-3 paediatric weight management services: a two centre experience

Clinical characteristics and complications of excess weight (CEW) seen in multi-disciplinary tier-3 paediatric weight management services: a two centre experience

The Effects of Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Growth Trajectory in Children With Obesity.

To analyze the growth trajectory of children with obesity before and after adenotonsillectomy (T&A). We hypothesize that T&A will not affect the growth trajectory but children in a multidisciplinary weight management program (MWMP) will have a healthier growth trajectory. Retrospective review. Tertiary Children's Hospital. Body mass index (BMI) trajectories of nonsyndromic children with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who underwent T&A were analyzed. A linear mixed effects model was fit to the BMI expressed as a percentage of the 95th percentile (%BMIp95 ) data. Covariates included demographic variables, pre- and postoperative participation in an MWMP, baseline obesity class, and time. We explored clinically meaningful interactions. BMI slope estimates before and after surgery were calculated and compared for baseline obesity classification and postoperative MWMP visits. A total of 177 patients, 58% male with a mean age of 9.7 years at the time of surgery, were studied. Higher baseline obesity class (II and III), time, the interaction between obesity class III and elapsed time relative to surgical date, and the interaction between obesity class III and the postsurgical period were all significantly associated with the outcome of %BMIp95 (P < .05). There was a significantly higher %BMIp95 trajectory following surgery in patients with baseline obesity class III who did not have any postoperative MWMP visits (P < .001). Preoperative obesity visits, however, were not significantly associated with postoperative growth. The association between T&A and weight trajectory depends upon obesity class and participation in a MWMP. Coordinated care of children with obesity between otolaryngologists and an MWMP may improve OSA and obesity outcomes. The level of evidence: 3.

Follow up trends among adolescent patients in a weight management program

PurposeAccording to the World Health Organization, obesity has nearly tripled worldwide since 1975. Childhood and adolescent obesity puts individuals at risk for many comorbidities, and interventions should begin in youth to start managing weight. Our purpose was to analyze if age of patients and engagement [measured by bringing a completed food and exercise log (FEL) to visits] in a multidisciplinary weight management program led patients to be more successful with treatment. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed of adolescents with obesity in a referral-based outpatient obesity management program at an academic tertiary children's hospital. All patients presenting for new weight management visits in 2015 and 2016 had their data collected from their initial visit as well as each subsequent follow-up visit. Patients were included if they were diagnosed with obesity by having a body mass index (BMI) in the 95th percentile or above. 296 subjects were included. 191 subjects had at least one follow-up visit so analysis related to weight change outcomes were limited to those 191 subjects. Results37.5% were elementary school-aged (6 to 11 years), 31.8% middle school-aged (12 to 14 years), and 30.7% high school to college-aged (15 to 20 years). 4.2% of elementary school-aged subjects had significant (>3%) weight loss, 55.6% had no significant weight change, and 40.3% had significant (>3%) weight gain. 12.3% of middle school-aged subjects had significant weight loss, 57.9% had no significant weight change, and 29.8% had significant weight gain. 21.0% of high school and college-aged subjects had significant weight loss, 69.4% had no significant weight change, and 9.7% had significant weight gain. Of those from all ages that had significant weight loss or no significant weight change, FEL were brought to 50% and 70.8% of visits respectively. Of those with significant weight gain, FEL were brought to only 32.1% of visits. The odds ratio of having brought a completed FEL during follow-up visits for those with significant weight gain versus those with no significant weight change was 0.485 (95% CI 0.336-0.700) and for those with significant weight loss versus those with no significant weight change was 0.624 (95% CI 0.402-0.967). ConclusionsOf those with weight gain, the majority were elementary school-aged subjects, and of those with weight loss, the majority were high school to college-aged subjects. This corresponds with recommendations as younger patients are continuing to grow taller and begin puberty while older adolescents should be ending their growth and development and thus encouraged to work on weight loss. Those that brought FEL to more visits were also more likely not to gain weight (no significant change) as compared to those that brought FEL to fewer visits and had significant weight gain. FEL were also brought to fewer visits by those that had weight loss as compared to no change, but the odds of bringing a food log was higher than in those with weight gain. By engaging more with the program, this may indicate that participants remained actively involved with program goals between visits and focused on working towards improved health.

Cardiovascular endurance and psychosocial health predict short- and long-term BMI-SDS reduction: results from the CHILT III program

This longitudinal study analyzes data from the Children’s Health Interventional Trial (CHILT) III, an 11-month juvenile multicomponent weight management program. The objective is to identify predictors of changes in body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS), so as to further enable the advancement of existing interventions with sustained impact. This study’s sample consists of 237 children and adolescents with obesity (8–17 years, 54% girls) participating in the CHILT III program between 2003 and 2021. Anthropometrics, demographics, relative cardiovascular endurance (W/kg), and psychosocial health (i.e., physical self-concept and self-worth) were assessed at program entry (t1), end (t2), and one-year follow-up (t3; n = 83). From t1 to t2, the mean BMI-SDS was reduced by −0.16 ± 0.26 units (p < 0.001). Media use and cardiovascular endurance at baseline and improvements in endurance and self-worth over the course of the program predicted changes in BMI-SDS (adj. R2 = 0.22, p < 0.001). From t2 to t3, mean BMI-SDS increased (M = 0.09 pm 0.29, p = 0.005). Changes in BMI-SDS from t2 to t3 were associated with parental education, improvements in cardiovascular endurance and physical self-concept, and BMI-SDS, media use, physical self-concept, and endurance level at program end (adj. R2 = 0.39, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights the need for comprehensive, sustainable weight management approaches, in order to sustain the initial treatment benefits. In this context, improvements in cardiovascular endurance and psychosocial health could be essential strategies to pursue in practice, as they significantly predicted reductions in BMI-SDS – both pre- to post-intervention and at follow-up.Trial registration: DRKS00026785; date of registration: 13.10.202, retrospectively registered.What is Known:• Childhood obesity is associated with the onset of noncommunicable diseases, many of which are likely to carry into adulthood. Thus, effective weight management strategies for affected children and their families are vital. However, achieving lasting positive health outcomes with multidisciplinary weight management programs remains challenging.What is New:• According to this study, short- and longer-term BMI-SDS reductions are associated to cardiovascular endurance and psychosocial health. These factors should therefore be given even greater consideration in weight management strategies, as they may be important not only in themselves but also for long-term weight loss (maintenance).

More than just body mass index: Using the Edmonton obesity staging system for pediatrics to define obesity severity in a multi-ethnic Australian pediatric clinical cohort.

Despite advancements in the use of body mass index (BMI) to categorize obesity severity in pediatrics, its utility in guiding individual clinical decision making remains limited. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System for Pediatrics (EOSS-P) provides a way to categorize the medical and functional impacts of obesity according to the severity of impairment. The aim of this study was to describe the severity of obesity among a sample of multicultural Australian children using both BMI and EOSS-P tools. This cross-sectional study included children aged 2-17years receiving obesity treatment through the Growing Health Kids (GHK) multi-disciplinary weight management service in Australia between January to December 2021. BMI severity was determined using the 95th percentile for BMI on age and gender standardized Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts. The EOSS-P staging system was applied across the four health domains (metabolic, mechanical, mental health and social milieu) using clinical information. Complete data was obtained for 338 children (age 10.0±3.66years), of whom 69.5% were affected by severe obesity. An EOSS-P stage 3 (most severe) was assigned to 49.7% of children, the remaining 48.5% were assigned stage 2 and 1.5% were assigned stage 1 (least severe). BMI predicted health risk as defined by EOSS-P overall score. BMI class did not predict poor mental health. Used in combination, BMI and EOSS-P provide improved risk stratification of pediatric obesity. This additional tool can help focus resources and develop comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment plans.

ODP006 Multidisciplinary Weight Management Improves Body Weight And Body Mass Composition In Breast Cancer Women Undergoing Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Abstract Weight gain during chemotherapy for breast cancer is a well-documented adverse side effect. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), including glucose intolerance, hypertension and dyslipidaemia in breast cancer patients are further exacerbated by menopause. This impact on mortality is relevant as many women with early-stage breast cancer may be treated however experience a greater risk of developing chronic disease, higher rates of cancer recurrence, and post-diagnosis death. Intentional weight loss of 5-10% body weight and muscle mass preservation has found to improve metabolic markers. We evaluated how multidisciplinary weight management involving endocrinology, dietitian and exercise physiology care, in a real-life Healthy Weight Clinic (HWC) could affect body weight and mass composition outcomes in breast cancer women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy compared to a cohort of non-cancer women who have been matched by age, ethnicity, smoking and menopausal status. Body weight (kg), BMI (kg/m 2), skeletal muscle mass (SMM %), fat mass (FM %) and waist circumference (cm) were collected at three time points: baseline 0-months at the first HWC appointment, 3-months after baseline, and 6-months after baseline. A total of 32 women were included in the study, 11 in the breast cancer cohort and 21 in the control cohort. There were significant changes in weight, BMI, SMM, FM and waist circumference for the breast cancer cohort at all time intervals. By 6-months, the breast cancer women had a mean weight change of -6.99kg (SD=3.87, p=. 003, n=11) and change in BMI by -2.72kg/m 2 (SD=1.62, p=. 004, n=11). There was a change in SMM of 1.21% (SD=0.73, p=. 005, n=11), a change in FM of -2.76% (SD=1.33, p=. 002, n=11) and a change in waist circumference of -8.13cm (SD=4.21, p=. 031, n=3). The control cohort had similar trend changes in weight, BMI and waist circumference, however there was no statistically significant change in SMM or FM over time. By 6-months in the breast cancer cohort, there was a larger reduction in body weight in women who did not have MetS (-8.72kg, SD=2.41, n=6) in comparison to women with MetS (-2.65kg, SD=3.75kg, n=3) (p=. 045). For the control cohort, anthropometric outcomes were not impacted by MetS status (p&amp;gt;. 05). Although these findings are in a small sample size, it appears that multidisciplinary weight management has a positive role in early-stage breast cancer survival through improving body weight and mass composition outcomes. Targeting pre-existing MetS status through lifestyle changes is also an important consideration, beyond a specific weight focus. Presentation: No date and time listed

Obesity in Children.

Child obesity is widely prevalent, and general pediatricians play an important role in identifying and caring for patients with obesity. Appropriate evaluation and treatment require an understanding of the complex etiology of child obesity, its intergenerational transmission, and its epidemiologic trends, including racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities. The American Academy of Pediatrics has published screening, evaluation, and treatment guidelines based on the best available evidence. However, gaps in evidence remain, and implementation of evidence-based recommendations can be challenging. It is important to review optimal care in both the primary care and multidisciplinary weight management settings. This allows for timely evaluation and appropriate referrals, with the pediatrician playing a key role in advocating for patients at higher risk. There is also a role for larger-scale prevention and policy measures that would not only aid pediatricians in managing obesity but greatly benefit child health on a population scale.

PSUN113 Evaluating The Efficacy Of Anti-Obesity Medications In a Multidisciplinary Weight Management Clinic At a VA Medical Center

Abstract Objective Anti-obesity medications have been shown to be effective in multiple randomized clinical trials, but there is limited data on the efficacy of these medications in the veteran population. This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-obesity medications in a multidisciplinary weight management clinic at our VA medical center. Methods This was a retrospective, descriptive study of 98 patients seen in a multidisciplinary weight management clinic at our VA medical center between January 1, 2019 and October 31, 2021. General requirements to be seen in the clinic were a BMI &amp;gt;30 or BMI &amp;gt;27 with comorbid conditions. Patients seen at least twice in the clinic were included in the study. Patients who received anti-obesity medications (phentermine-topiramate, naltrexone-bupropion, or GLP-1 receptor agonist (liraglutide or semaglutide)) had weights recorded at medication start date and at 2-4 months, 4-8 months, 8-10 months, and 10-14 months intervals. Baseline BMI, HbA1c, LDL-C and triglycerides were recorded at the medication start and followed up at similar intervals. Results There were 98 participants (56% males) within this study, with mean age of 54.9 years, mean baseline weight of 127.3 kg, and BMI of 43.5. Of all 98 patients seen in the clinic (regardless of being on anti-obesity medicine), 85 experienced some weight loss with 39 losing at least 5% of their body weight. The average weight loss from first to last visit was 4.1%. There were 72 patients who received anti-obesity medications for at least 3 consecutive months, including 12 patients who were subsequently trialed on a second class of anti-obesity medication. There were 35 trials of Qsymia, 43 trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists, and 6 trials of naltrexone-bupropion. For those patients receiving medications, average weight loss at 2-4 months was 3.7% (N=73), 4-8 months was 4.9% (N=58), 8-10 months was 6.0% (N=32), and 10-14 months was 5.5% (N=29). The percentage of patients able to lose at least 5.0% of their weight was 30.1% at 2-4 months, 43.1% at 4-8 months, 68.8% at 8-10 months, and 51.7% at 10-14 months. There was a decrease noted in HbA1c and LDL-C at all time periods, while there was no change in triglycerides. Conclusion Our data shows the effectiveness of anti-obesity medications in a veteran population seen in a multidisciplinary weight management clinic, though to a lesser extent as compared to clinical trials. Given the higher prevalence of multiple chronic conditions seen in veterans when compared to the general population, these patients have additional challenges when trying to achieve their weight loss goals. Further study must be performed to determine the long-term effectiveness and tolerability of these medications in this population. The differential effects among the anti-obesity medications should also be investigated further. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The clinical evaluation of electroacupuncture combined with mindfulness meditation for overweight and obesity: study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundOverweight and obesity have reached an epidemic level which impacts individual health and creates a financial burden worldwide. Evidence has shown that electroacupuncture is effective for weight loss when combined with lifestyle intervention, while mindfulness meditation can enhance the outcome of weight loss programs. This study aims to evaluate the safety and the add-on effect of electroacupuncture and mindfulness meditation for weight management in overweight and obesity.Methods/designThis is a sham-controlled, three-armed randomized clinical trial. A total of 165 participants with BMI between 25 and 39.99 and aged between 18 and 60 who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomized into [1] electroacupuncture plus mindfulness meditation group, [2] sham electroacupuncture plus mindfulness meditation group, and [3] electroacupuncture only group. The total duration of this study will be 22 weeks, which consists of a 2-week run-in period, a 12-week intervention period, and an 8-week follow-up period. Participants will receive 12 weekly treatments during the intervention period. Primary outcomes will include body mass index, waist and hip ratio, and body composition. Secondary outcomes will be measured by the Weight-Related Symptom Measure, Obesity and Weight Loss Quality of Life, the Power of Food Scale, and the Chinese medicine differential diagnosis questionnaire. Outcomes will be assessed at the baseline, and endpoints of the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 16th, and 20th week.DiscussionThis clinical trial will investigate the add-on effect of two combined interventions for weight loss treatment. The findings of this study may contribute to the development of a cost-effective and multidisciplinary weight management approach.Trial registrationAustralia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12618000964213. Registered on 07 June 2018.

Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychological Symptoms Among Bariatric Patients.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been shown to be prevalent in bariatric surgery candidates with comorbid psychological symptoms. While bariatric patients who have mental illness or a history of ACEs are less likely to lose weight, presence of a support system has been reported to mitigate ACEs' effects and to maintain long-term weight loss. The current study aims to examine the association between ACEs and psychological symptoms and the effect of potential protective factors on the association among bariatric patients. The study included a total of 199 subjects seeking bariatric surgery who completed a psychological evaluation including ACEs, psychological symptoms, and presence of support system as part of the presurgical multidisciplinary weight management consultations at a large university hospital. Multivariate regression models were used to examine the association between ACEs and psychological symptoms and potential effect of support system on the association. The study found that there is a significant association between ACEs and psychological symptoms. The study also revealed that patients who reported having a childhood supportive person were significantly associated with a lower BMI, while those who reported having adulthood supportive person showed significantly less symptoms of depression, anxiety, and binge eating. The findings have significant implications that addressing ACEs in preoperative surgical process in relation to psychological conditions and therapeutic interventions within their close environmental system will be beneficial for patients to achieve optimal surgical outcomes.

Prevalence of perceived weight-based stigmatisation in a multiethnic Asian population

Dear Editor, People with obesity contend with obesity-related stigmas, in addition to health complications.1 In contrast to the West, literature documenting the prevalence of such stigmas in Asia is sparse. We report the prevalence of perceived weight-based stigmatisation in Singapore. An anonymised questionnaire was administered to 101 consecutive patients presenting to a multidisciplinary weight management

Guiding Kidney Transplantation Candidates for Effective Weight Loss: A Clinical Cohort Study.

Obesity is increasingly common in kidney transplant candidates and may limit access to transplantation. Obesity and diabetes are associated with a high risk for post-transplant complications. The best approach to weight loss to facilitate active transplant listing is unknown, but bariatric surgery is rarely considered due to patient- and physician-related apprehension, among other factors. We aimed to determine the magnitude of weight loss, listing, and transplant rates in 28 candidates with a mean BMI of 44.4±4.6 kg/m2 and diabetes treated conservatively for 1 year post weight-loss consultations (group 1). Additionally, we evaluated 15 patients (group 2) who met the inclusion criteria but received bariatric intervention within the same time frame. All patients completed a multidisciplinary weight management consultation with at least 1 year of follow-up. In the conservatively managed group (group 1), the mean weight at the time of initial consultation was 126.5±18.5 kg, and the mean BMI was 44.4±4.6 kg/m2. At 1 year post weight-loss consultation, the mean weight decreased by 4.4±8.2 kg to 122.9±17 kg, and the mean BMI was 43±4.8 kg/m2, with a total mean body weight decrease of 3% (P=0.01). Eighteen patients (64%) did not progress to become candidates for active listing/transplantation during the follow-up time of 4±2.9 years, with 15 (54%) subsequently developing renal failure/diabetes-related comorbidities prohibitive for transplantation. In contrast, mean total body weight decreased by 19% at 6 months post bariatric surgery, and the mean BMI was 34.2±4 and 32.5±3.7 kg/m2 at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Bariatric surgery was strongly associated with subsequent kidney transplantation (HR=8.39 [95% CI 1.71 to 41.19]; P=0.009). A conservative weight-loss approach involving multidisciplinary consultation was ineffective in most kidney transplant candidates with diabetes, suggesting that a more proactive approach is needed.

The Roles of Depression and Binge Eating in the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Obesity.

Research has demonstrated that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were related to elevated lifetime risk of developing obesity, but the underlying mechanisms between ACEs and development of obesity are yet to be fully elucidated. The current study aims to extend exiting evidence on underlying mechanisms between ACEs and development of obesity by examining whether depressive symptom and binge eating symptom have independently significant mediating effects on the association. The study used data from a total of 473 patients seeking bariatric surgery who completed psychological evaluation including ACEs, depressive symptom, and binge eating scale as a part of presurgical multidisciplinary weight management consultations. Mediation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS to examine the research objective. The study found that depressive symptom uniquely mediated the relationship between ACEs and obesity, but binge eating symptom did not significantly mediate the relationship independently of depression. The unique role of depression in relation to childhood trauma in this study argues for more focus on a mental health intervention with bariatric patients during the preoperative period. Addressing ACEs for bariatric patients who present psychiatric symptoms during preoperative process could have potential benefits to patient care.