Promote Weight Management Research Articles

Weight status underestimation and weight management goals among adults in the rural South of the United States.

To examine factors associated with weight status underestimation and the relationship between weight status underestimation and weight loss as a weight management goal among adults living in the rural South. An anonymous survey was distributed at six primary care clinics and two churches in rural, South Carolina counties. Weight status underestimation was determined based on the difference between perceived weight status using standard body mass index (BMI) categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese) and BMI category from self-reported height and weight. Participants reported whether their weight management goal was to lose, maintain, or gain weight. Chi-square and binary logistic regressions were used for data analysis. A total of 185 respondents (76% female) at least partially completed the survey. Nearly 60% underestimated their weight status. Increasing BMI was associated with higher odds of weight status underestimation (OR: 1.10, 95%: 1.04, 1.15) and perceptions of being in fair or poor health was associated with lower odds of weight status underestimation relative to perceiving health as good or better (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.66). Among those with overweight and obesity, the association between underestimating weight status and having weight loss as a weight management goal was strong but not statistically significant (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.04). Underestimating weight status was common among adults in the rural US South and was related to BMI and health status. Research is needed to determine if improving the accuracy of weight perceptions can promote weight management in the rural South.

Abstract LB375: Multimodality dietary intervention for colorectal cancer prevention: The MyBestGI randomized trial

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the cancers most highly affected by diet. Recommendations for reducing risk of CRC include weight management, eating plentiful plant-based high fiber foods, and limiting intakes of red meats and ultra-processed foods. In addition, an increased proportion of monounsaturated and omega-3 fats in the diet is beneficial for promoting weight management and reducing inflammation. Despite the evidence supporting the importance of diet and the demonstrated success for eliciting dietary changes in research settings, simple methods that can be easily implemented in medical settings are lacking. We developed a bespoke mHealth app (MyBestGI), incorporating an autonomy-supporting, self-regulatory approach to behavior change. The program promotes identification of the benefits of healthy eating on well-being. Two versions of the program are being tested in a 12-month, 3-arm randomized trial that seeks to recruit 240 people at increased risk for CRC. Participants are randomized to either 1) a control group that receives written information on cancer preventive diets, 2) a treatment group that receives a MyBestGI app version for logging 4 food groups associated with increased risks of CRC (red meats, processed meats, added sugars and refined grains), or 3) a treatment group that receives a MyBestGI app version for logging the same 4 food groups to limit plus 7 food groups to encourage in personalized quantities. The two treatment groups also receive a user manual, behavior-oriented, biweekly text messages, and supportive coaching calls. Logging food groups is requested at least 3 per week for 3 months, and 3 per week every other week for the next 9 months. The app displays logging results relative to individualized targets and has features that prompt reflecting on the user’s own results and planning for future eating. The primary endpoints are weight loss and improvement in a dietary cancer prevention score. Recruitment began in June 2023, and the study is enrolling 8-10 participants per month. The drop-out rate is lower than expected. Compliance with study procedures and app use is high. Responses to the end-of-day reflection questions within the app show that 92% of users are neutral, happy, or very happy with their dietary behavior for the day. For the 15 participants who had 12 weeks of logging data available, foods were logged for an average of 38 days (range 20-75) which is slightly higher than the requested logging of 36 days over 12 weeks. Review of the support calls for protocol fidelity indicates participants are enthusiastic about the MyBestGI program, making changes in their eating, and are internalizing the autonomy-supporting beliefs promoted in the program. These early results suggest users are engaging with the MyBestGI app at a very high level, making use of the provided app features, and enjoying the program. The MyBestGI approach therefore has excellent potential to support dietary change towards a cancer preventive diet in a format that is facile to implement in high-risk populations. Citation Format: Zora Djuric, Michelle Segar, Ananda Sen, Reema Kadri, Rob Adwere-Boamah, Juno Orr, Katherine Poore, Samara Rifkin, Lorraine Buis. Multimodality dietary intervention for colorectal cancer prevention: The MyBestGI randomized trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB375.

What are the key influences and challenges around weight management faced by patients in UK adult secure mental health settings? A focused ethnographic approach

ObjectivesExcess weight is highly prevalent in secure (forensic) mental health services and impacts negatively on patients’ physical and mental health. This study sought to identify the key influences and challenges...

Breaking down silos: the multifaceted nature of obesity and the future of weight management.

The continued global increase in the prevalence of obesity prompted a meeting at the Royal Society of London investigating causal mechanisms of the disease, 'Causes of obesity: theories, conjectures, and evidence' in October 2022. Evidence presented indicates areas of obesity science where there have been advancements, including an increased understanding of biological and physiological processes of weight gain and maintenance, yet it is clear there is still debate on the relative contribution of plausible causes of the modern obesity epidemic. Consensus was reached that obesity is not a reflection of diminished willpower, but rather the confluence of multiple, complex factors. As such, addressing obesity requires multifactorial prevention and treatment strategies. The accumulated evidence suggests that a continued focus primarily on individual-level contributors will be suboptimal in promoting weight management at the population level. Here, we consider individual biological and physiological processes within the broader context of sociodemographic and sociocultural exposures as well as environmental changes to optimize research priorities and public health efforts. This requires a consideration of a systems-level approach that efficiently addresses both systemic and group-specific environmental determinants, including psychosocial factors, that often serve as a barrier to otherwise efficacious prevention and treatment options. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Causes of obesity: theories, conjectures and evidence (Part I)'.

Physical and emotional consequences of excess weight as experienced by individuals with spinal cord injuries

Context/Objective Excess weight has the potential to carry a substantial physical and emotional burden. A better understanding of perceived consequences of excess weight may facilitate the development of patient-centered programs and interventions to promote weight management efforts in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study objective was to describe consequences of excess weight from the personal perspectives of individuals with SCI. Design Descriptive qualitative design using in-depth semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Setting Veterans Health Administration (VHA) SCI System of Care. Participants Individuals with SCI (n-33). Outcome measures Key themes from thematic analysis. Results Participants were male (61%), ranged from 29 to 84 years of age, and about half had tetraplegia (55%). Five themes were identified that demonstrate negative consequences of excess weight experienced by individuals with SCI, including: (1) physical health conditions (including chronic conditions and SCI secondary conditions), (2) physical symptoms (such as pain, discomfort, and fatigue), (3) movement challenges, (4) appearance-related concerns, and (5) emotional impacts. Conclusions Carrying excess weight is concerning to individuals with SCI and in terms of consequences such onset or exacerbation of chronic conditions, SCI secondary conditions, physical symptoms, e.g. pain, movement impairment (including hampered mobility, difficult transfers and self-care), image/appearance concerns (e.g. body image, clothing misfit), and negative emotions (e.g. unhappy, sad, depressed). Our findings may inform SCI healthcare providers about the consequences of excess weight as experienced by individuals with SCI, highlighting what matters most to persons with SCI and guiding a patient-centered approach to weight management in this population.

An internet-based educational intervention for mothers targeting preschoolers’ weight management promotion (PWMP): a pilot study

BackgroundThe prevalence of overweight and obesity among children has raised public health concerns. This study aimed to design and evaluate a behaviour change intervention program to promote weight management among Tehranian preschoolers.MethodsThe PRECEDE-PROCEED model is one of the most popular models in health education used to develop and evaluate most educational interventions. In this one-group pre and post-pilot study, 13 mothers of preschoolers were recruited from preschools in Tehran (the capital of Iran), in August 2020. Mothers received a six-week educational intervention, including text messages and educational videos via WhatsApp, to increase their self-efficacy to overcome barriers changing their children’s lifestyle. Mothers reported preschoolers’ height and weight to assess Body Mass Index and filled out the Food Frequency Questionnaire, the Persian version of the children's health-related quality of life questionnaire, and demographic features. The “Children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviors checklist,” newly designed by the researchers, was also filled out by mothers. These behaviors were measured according to the minutes that children were involved in these activities in a day, and the days they spent in a week for them. All variables were measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and three months later. Data analysis was performed using SPSS IBM statistics version 22. Friedman test was used to evaluate changes over time.ResultsThe findings demonstrated that the mean BMI z-score stayed steady between baseline, immediately after the intervention and after three months (P = 0.60). Besides, after three months, the intervention programme led to a decrease in soft drink consumption (P = 0.001), and an increase in parental perception of their child’s general health (P = 0.05), the parental concern regarding their child’s emotional and physical health (P = 0.002) and minutes of physical activity per day (P = 0.02). However, fruit intake decreased (P = 0.01), and simple sugar, such as cube, increased (P = 0.03).ConclusionResults from this study are promising but should be interpreted with caution and should be replicated on a larger scale and compared with a control group to evaluate whether effects are maintained in a larger sample.

Consuming a Protein and Fiber-Based Supplement Preload Promotes Weight Loss and Alters Metabolic Markers in Overweight Adults in a 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BackgroundHigher protein and fiber diets promote weight management and metabolic health. ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine if greater weight loss and positive changes in metabolic outcomes could be achieved with twice-daily consumption of a high-protein and fiber-based multi-ingredient nutritional shake (HPF) compared with an isocaloric low-protein, lower fiber-based placebo (LPF). MethodsStudy procedures were conducted by an independent research organization under clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT03057873. Healthy overweight and obese adults [n = 206; BMI (kg/m2): 27–35; 70% female] were randomly assigned to HPF or LPF. All participants were prescribed an energy-restricted diet (500 kcal/d less than energy needs) and consumed a HPF (17 g protein, 6 g fiber) or LPF (1 g protein, 3 g fiber) shake 30 min before breakfast and lunch for 12 wk. Primary outcomes included body weight and total body fat percentage. Blood samples were collected at days (D) 0, 28, 56, and 84 for secondary analyses related to metabolic markers of health. ResultsAlthough weight loss occurred in both groups, HPF had greater weight loss at D84 compared with LPF (–3.3 kg vs. –1.8 kg, P < 0.05). Percentage body fat decreased in both groups (HPF: –1.33%, LPF: –1.09%; P < 0.001) with no differences between groups. Serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and oxidized LDL decreased between –5.1% to –8.3%, whereas adiponectin increased over time in both groups; these changes occurred to a greater extent in HPF compared with LPF (all P < 0.05). ConclusionsA multi-ingredient HPF nutritional supplement shake consumed as a preload before breakfast and lunch positively influenced weight management and metabolic outcomes in overweight adults compared with an LPF placebo. These findings suggest that specific nutrient factors (i.e., potentially including protein, fiber, and bioactive content) other than calorie reduction alone influence the success of a weight-loss regimen. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03057873,

Promoting Health Behavior Change in the Preconception Period: Combined Approach to Intervention Planning.

BackgroundHalf of women begin pregnancy above the healthy weight range, increasing the risk of complications and adversely affecting the lifelong health of their babies. Maternal obesity remains the strongest risk factor for offspring obesity across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Previous research suggests that women should be encouraged to be within a healthy weight range before conception to improve health outcomes.ObjectiveWe outlined the intervention planning and design process to develop an evidence-informed eHealth intervention to promote weight management. The intervention, based on psychological theories and behavior change techniques, has been developed for women affected by overweight or obesity who intend to become pregnant. The Begin Better web application is part of an integrated program being evaluated in a clinical trial to assess if weight management before pregnancy can influence clinical outcomes for mothers and babies.MethodsOur intervention development process was guided by intervention mapping and person-based methods. This study documents steps 2 to 4 of a 6-step iterative intervention mapping approach informed by the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model and the findings of a previous interview study. We defined behavior change objectives for each of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills behavioral determinants as well as theory-based behavior change techniques and practical strategies. We also used persuasive system design principles to assist in translating these strategies into a digital environment.ResultsThe resultant intervention comprises nutritional and physical activity content along with psychological strategies, which are notably absent from mainstream weight management programs. Strategies to increase motivation, garner social support, and promote self-care are integral to maintaining engagement with the intervention, which aims to improve lifestyle behaviors and enhance well-being. Important elements include tracking mechanisms for percentage progress toward goals to enable feedback on behaviors and outcomes; in-application messages of praise on entry of goals or habits; and strategies to prompt habit formation and action planning via small, easily achievable steps toward positive change.ConclusionsDesign decisions and processes for idea generation about intervention content, format, and delivery are often not reported. In this study, we respond to this gap in the literature and outline a process that is potentially transferable to the development of other interventions.

Optimization of an mHealth lifestyle intervention for families with hereditary cancer syndromes: Study protocol for a multiphase optimization strategy feasibility study

BackgroundIndividuals at increased hereditary risk of cancer are an important target for health promotion and cancer prevention interventions. Health-4-Families uses the Multiphase Optimization STrategy (MOST) framework and is designed to pilot digital delivery strategies for a distance-based, 16-week intervention to promote weight management, healthy diet, and increased physical activity among individuals with BRCA1/BRCA2 or DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathogenic germline variants. This communication describes participant recruitment and the design of the Health-4-Families pilot study. MethodsHealth-4-Families is a full-factorial (16 condition) randomized pilot study of four lifestyle intervention components: social networking, telephone or email coaching, text messaging, and self-monitoring. The primary outcome was feasibility and satisfaction with these study components. Participants with pathogenic germline variants were identified via clinic surveillance lists and advocacy organizations and were invited to participate with family members. All participants had to report meeting at least one of the following criteria: (1) having a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, (2) consuming <5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, or (3) getting <150 min of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity per week. ResultsThe majority of screened potential participants with pathogenic variants (83%) were eligible; 86% of those eligible provided informed consent and 79% (n = 104) completed baseline. A total of 206 family members were nominated by study participants and 49% (n = 102) completed baseline. DiscussionRecruitment data suggest that individuals with pathogenic germline variants, who are at increased risk for hereditary cancers, are motivated to participate in digital lifestyle interventions. This recruitment success highlights the importance of identifying and prioritizing effective and efficient intervention components for hereditary cancer families. We intend to use the outcomes of our pilot study to inform a fully-powered factorial study for this community.

Informal caregivers' self-identified roles in facilitating health-promoting behaviours for weight management in community-dwelling care recipients living with spinal cord injury in the United States.

Health providers often focus on secondary conditions and spend less time prioritising overweight/obesity care. Informal caregivers are well positioned to facilitate health-promoting behaviours of healthy eating and physical activity among community-dwelling care recipients with spinal cord injury (SCI) for prevention and management of overweight/obesity. Literature has typically focused on caregiver adjustment post-injury and burden related to their roles in secondary condition care. The novel objective of this study was to describe informal caregivers' perspectives of their roles in facilitating health-promoting weight management behaviours, healthy eating and physical activity, for care recipients with SCI. This was a qualitative study that used semi-structured interviews with informal caregivers for data collection in 2019. Braun & Clarke's established thematic phases were used for analysis. Participants included informal caregivers of individuals with SCI living in the community (n=24). Caregivers identified eight themes to describe their role in facilitating weight management for care recipients. Themes included: (1) meal planning/shopping, (2) meal preparation/cooking, (3) using portion control, (4) serving/feeding, (5) helping the care recipient with physical activity and/or leisure activities, (6) mutually participating in weight management activities, (7) providing motivation and encouragement and (8) being an information liaison. In summary, informal caregivers have an intimate understanding of care recipients' needs and have insights on obstacles and enablers to health-promoting behaviours, making their involvement in facilitating weight management in individuals with SCI vital. Caregivers self-identified several significant roles for promoting weight management. This is especially valuable for conditions such as overweight/obesity for which prevention and treatment involve health-promoting behaviours that need consistent attention in the community setting. It is important to ensure that informal caregivers and care recipients have the information required in order to facilitate healthy eating and physical activity in persons with SCI and have opportunities for mutual dyadic participation when both partners are interested.

The Association Between Obesity and Key Health or Psychosocial Outcomes Among Autistic Adults: A Systematic Review.

Obesity is linked with health and psychosocial outcomes among many populations. However, it is unclear the extent to which obesity is linked with these outcomes among autistic adults. We searched seven research databases for articles examining the association between obesity and autistic adults' health and psychosocial outcomes. Three studies found that obesity was associated with health outcomes, including: in-hospital mortality, risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and number of co-occurring medical conditions. One study found no significant association between autism diagnosis, mental health conditions, and body mass index. Obesity increases the risk of in-hospital mortality and some chronic conditions among autistic adults, highlighting the need for clinicians trained to promote weight management among autistic adults.

EHealth Practices in Cancer Survivors With BMI in Overweight or Obese Categories: Latent Class Analysis Study.

BackgroundeHealth technologies have been found to facilitate health-promoting practices among cancer survivors with BMI in overweight or obese categories; however, little is known about their engagement with eHealth to promote weight management and facilitate patient-clinician communication.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine whether eHealth use was associated with sociodemographic characteristics, as well as medical history and experiences (ie, patient-related factors) among cancer survivors with BMI in overweight or obese categories.MethodsData were analyzed from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey (National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey). Latent class analysis was used to derive distinct classes among cancer survivors based on sociodemographic characteristics, medical attributes, and medical experiences. Logistic regression was used to examine whether class membership was associated with different eHealth practices.ResultsThree distinct classes of cancer survivors with BMI in overweight or obese categories emerged: younger with no comorbidities, younger with comorbidities, and older with comorbidities. Compared to the other classes, the younger with comorbidities class had the highest probability of identifying as female (73%) and Hispanic (46%) and feeling that clinicians did not address their concerns (75%). The older with comorbidities class was 6.5 times more likely than the younger with comorbidities class to share eHealth data with a clinician (odds ratio [OR] 6.53, 95% CI 1.08-39.43). In contrast, the younger with no comorbidities class had a higher likelihood of using a computer to look for health information (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.10-3.38), using an electronic device to track progress toward a health-related goal (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.08-3.79), and using the internet to watch health-related YouTube videos (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.52-4.81) than the older with comorbidities class.ConclusionsClass membership was associated with different patterns of eHealth engagement, indicating the importance of tailored digital strategies for delivering effective care. Future eHealth weight loss interventions should investigate strategies to engage younger cancer survivors with comorbidities and address racial and ethnic disparities in eHealth use.

Designing in-app messages to nudge behavior change: Lessons learned from a weight management app for young adults

While mobile-based behavioral weight loss apps are increasing, little is known about factors associated with likelihood of viewing in-app messages. The objectives of this study were to examine, among 52 young adults participating in a microrandomized trial testing smartphone-delivered messages promoting weight management behaviors, the proportion of intervention messages viewed and behavioral predictors of message viewing. Two thirds of messages delivered were viewed. Messages were less likely to be viewed over time in the program and as participants’ total weight change in the program increased. Lapses in self-weighing and increased weight since the last weighing observation were associated with decreased probability of message viewing. Conversely, increased days of meeting dietary goals in the last 7 days were associated with increased likelihood that a message was viewed. These findings identified circumstances in which messages are less likely to be viewed and have implications for designing mobile approaches to enhance participant engagement.

Food texture influences on satiety: systematic review and meta-analysis

Obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths. Development of satiety-enhancing foods is considered as a promising strategy to reduce food intake and promote weight management. Food texture may influence satiety through differences in appetite sensations, gastrointestinal peptide release and food intake, but the degree to which it does remains unclear. Herein, we report the first systematic review and meta-analyses on effects of food texture (form, viscosity, structural complexity) on satiety. Both solid and higher viscous food reduce hunger by − 4.97 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) − 8.13, − 1.80) and − 2.10 mm (95% CI − 4.38, 1.18), respectively compared to liquid and low viscous food. An effect of viscosity on fullness (95% CI 5.20 (2.43, 7.97) and a moderate effect of the form of food (95% CI − 26.19 (− 61.72, − 9.35) on food intake were noted. Due to the large variation among studies, the results should be interpreted cautiously and modestly.

The role of close others in promoting weight management and body image outcomes: An application of confirmation, self-determination, social control, and social support

Four theoretical perspectives grounded this examination of mothers’, romantic partners’, and friends’ interpersonal communication behaviors related to young women’s weight management behaviors and body image outcomes. Specifically, behaviors identified by confirmation (i.e., acceptance and challenge), self-determination (i.e., autonomous and controlled motivation), social control (i.e., positive and negative social control), and social support (i.e., esteem and informational support) were predicted to be associated with young women’s physical activity, healthy eating, body appreciation, and body satisfaction. Female participants ( N = 637) completed online surveys and reported on perceptions of either their mothers’, romantic partners’, or friends’ communication, as well as their own behaviors and self-views. Results identified a number of perceived interpersonal behaviors (e.g., acceptance, autonomous motivation, positive social control) associated with young women’s weight management and body image outcomes, with mothers’ communication being a particularly consistent predictor.

Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds: A Review of Its Possible Role on Weight Management and Obesity's Metabolic Consequences.

Background: Weight management and obesity prevention is a basic aim of health organizations in order to decrease the prevalence of various metabolic disorders. The aim of the present review article was the evaluation of the possible role of functional foods and their bioactive compounds as alternative way to promote weight management and prevent obesity and its metabolic consequences. Methods: Approximately 100 articles were selected from Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, by using relative key words, and based mainly on recent animal, clinical or epidemiological studies. Results: The literature review highlighted the possible effect of specific functional foods such as coffee, green tea, berries, nuts, olive oil, pomegranate, avocado, and ginger. Specific bioactive compounds of those foods—such as caffeine, catechins, gallic acid, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, polyphenols, oleuropein, capsaicin, and quercetin—may contribute to weight management, obesity prevention, and obesity’s metabolic consequences. The possible mechanisms include effect on satiety, lipid absorption, fatty acids beta oxidation, stimulation of thermogenesis, etc. Conclusions: Functional foods, as part of a balanced diet, could be useful in the direction of weight management and decrease of obesity’s’ metabolic consequences. However, the scientific evidence is unclear and in most cases controversial and more clinical and epidemiological studies are needed in order to further investigate the mechanisms of their possible effect.

Patient Perspectives on Weight Management for Living Kidney Donation

BackgroundLiving kidney donors (LKDs) with obesity have increased perioperative risks and risk of end-stage renal disease after donation. Consequently, obesity serves as a barrier to donation, as many transplant centers encourage or require weight loss before donation for obese LKD candidates. Therefore, this study sought to assess patients’ perspectives on weight management strategies before donation among obese LKD candidates. We hypothesized that willingness to participate in a weight loss program may be associated with donor-recipient relationship. Materials and methodsObese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) LKD candidates evaluated at a single institution from September 2017 to August 2018 were recruited. A survey was administered to assess LKD candidates’ baseline exercise and dietary habits and their interest in weight management strategies for the purpose of donation approval. Participants were grouped by relationship to the recipient (close relatives: first-degree relatives or spouses [n = 29], compared with all other relationships [n = 21]). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Results50 of 51 obese LKD candidates who were approached completed the survey. 90% of participants expressed willingness to lose weight if necessary to become eligible for donor nephrectomy. Compared with all other LKD candidates, close relatives were more likely to be interested in combined diet and exercise programs at our institution (P = 0.01). ConclusionsAmong obese LKD candidates, there was an interest in weight loss for the purposes of living kidney donation approval, particularly among close relatives of potential recipients. Future programs designed to promote weight management efforts for obese LKD candidates should be considered.

Sex differences in the physiological response to coconut oil based high fat diets in C57BL/6J mice

It is well established that diets containing a high percentage of calories from fat leads to a myriad of metabolic issues from obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes to an impaired skeletal muscle growth response. With the growing percentage of individuals considered overweight or obese, it is of critical importance that we understand the effect of fats on human physiology. One response to the rise in obesity is an increased promotion of products believed to promote weight management. This is true in the case of coconut oil. Products containing coconut oil have become popular due to a perceived benefit to human health which includes an ability to help control body weight an effect attributed to high levels of short‐ and medium‐chain fatty acids in the oil. While these classes of fatty acids on their own have been shown to be beneficial, the actual health benefits of dietary coconut oil remains unclear.In order to test the possible health benefits of coconut oil rich diets we fed both male and female, C57Bl/6J mice standard chow or a diet that contained either 10% (LFC) or 45% (HFC) kcal from coconut oil. Mice were fed for either 14 weeks or 30 weeks and multiple physiological parameters were measured. In response to the diets, preliminary analyses suggests that that while HFC led to a significant alterations in body and tissue weights compared to LFC, gender had a significant moderation effect on weight (β = −7.052, p&lt;0.05) and other parameters (Subcutaneous fat, β =−1.926, P&lt;0.027, Tibialis Anterior mass, β = 0.036, p&lt;0.05).While further testing is needed, this data partially supports the idea that, in moderation, coconut oil could potentially serve as a beneficial fat source for certain populations. Further, these results provide additional evidence in support of the current initiative to account for sex as a biological variable in basic physiological studies.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Self-Reported Body Weight Changes, Perceptions, and Weight Loss Techniques among Stroke Survivors

Background: Little is known about the body weight goals and trends of stroke survivors, despite evidence that overweight and obesity can negatively influence poststroke rehabilitation outcomes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify self-reported body weight trends over time in stroke survivors and nonstroke controls (>50 years old) and describe the methods used to attempt to achieve body weight goals. Methods: Self-reported body weight 1) at age 25 years, 2) 10 years prior to the current assessment, 3) 1 year prior to the current assessment, 4) current weight, and 5) age of heaviest body weight were collected from adults self-reporting a stroke in the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (stroke: N = 387 and nonstroke: N = 5085). Questionnaires were used to assess body weight goals and weight loss techniques during the previous year. Results: Of the stroke survivors, 54% reported that their heaviest weight occurred after their stroke. Approximately 70% of stroke and nonstroke were overweight or obese. Only 24% of stroke survivors reported trying to lose weight compared with 35% of nonstroke, with only 10%-15% successful (≥5% body weight loss), during the past year. Popular weight loss methods in both groups included eating less, exercising, and eating more fruits/vegetables. The majority of stroke survivors report their heaviest weight after their stroke and a desire to weigh less; however, few report successful weight loss. Conclusions: Future research is needed to identify optimal body weight and ways to incorporate preferred methods of lifestyle modification, including diet and exercise, to promote weight management in stroke survivors.

Adaptive Intervention Designs to Promote Behavioral Change in Adults: What Is the Evidence?

Adaptive behavioral interventions tailor the type or dose of intervention strategies to individuals over time to improve saliency and intervention efficacy. This review describes the unique characteristics of adaptive intervention designs, summarizes recent diabetes-related prevention studies, which used adaptive designs, and offers recommendations for future research. Eight adaptive intervention studies were reported since 2013 to reduce sedentary behavior or improve weight management in overweight or obese adults. Primarily, feasibility studies were conducted. Preliminary results suggest that just-in-time adaptive interventions can reduce sedentary behavior or increase minutes of physical activity through repeated prompts. A stepped-down weight management intervention did not increase weight loss compared to a fixed intervention. Other adaptive interventions to promote weight management are underway and require further evaluation. Additional research is needed to target a broader range of health-related behaviors, identify optimal decision points and dose for intervention, develop effective engagement strategies, and evaluate outcomes using randomized trials.