Weight Control Strategies Research Articles

Disease burden of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip due to a high body mass index in China and the USA: 1990\u20132019 findings from the global burden of disease study 2019

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability and a source of societal costs among older adults, especially with an increasingly obese population. However, very few published studies have investigated the burden of knee and hip OA due to a high body mass index (BMI). Therefore, this study aimed to systematically summarize the trends of knee and hip OA due to a high BMI in China and the USA between 1990 and 2019.MethodsData from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 were used to estimate the age-standardized prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates of knee and hip OA, and the burden of knee and hip OA due to a high BMI by sex. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to determine the temporal trend changes in the related DALYs rates of knee and hip OA.ResultsThe trends in the DALYs rates of knee OA due to a high BMI have shown a steady and large increase in China, while the trends first showed an increase followed by a large decrease near 2001-2005 and finally a steady increase in the USA. The trends in the DALYs rates of hip OA due to a high BMI have shown a steady and large increase in both men and women in China and the USA from 1990 to 2019. For the comparison by age categories from 30 to 34 years to 90–94 years in 2019, the age-standardized DALYs rates due to a high BMI first increased and then decreased after 60–64 years and 70-74 years in both men and women from China and the USA for knee OA, respectively. For hip OA, the age-standardized DALYs rates first increased and then decreased after 70–74 years in both men and women from China and the USA.ConclusionsThe burden of knee and hip OA due to a high BMI is substantially increasing in China and the USA in recent years. Researchers and health policy makers should assess the changing patterns of high BMI on the burden of OA and devise corresponding weight-control strategies.

Rising Incidence of Diabetes in Young Adults in South Korea: A National Cohort Study.

We investigated the incidence of diagnosed diabetes in South Korean adults (aged ≥20 years) by analyzing data for the National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort. From 2006 to 2015, the overall incidence rate of diagnosed diabetes decreased by approximately 0.1% per year until 2015. Although, this trend was observed in individuals aged 40 years or over, the rate increased slightly in the 20–29 and 30–39 years age groups, from 0.5 to 0.7 and 2.0 to 2.6 per 1,000 individuals, respectively. The proportion of obese young adults with diabetes increased remarkably, from 51.4% in 2006 to 72.4% in 2015. Thus, young adults need early identification and weight-control strategies to prevent diabetes.

The Associations Between the Anorexic Readiness Syndrome, Familism, and Body Image Among Physically Active Girls.

Introduction: Anorexic Readiness Syndrome (ARS) is a construct of prophylactic importance, useful in the selection of people showing a tendency to use restrictive diets and increased concentration on the body. The aim of the research was to verify the significance of the type of physical activity, body perception and familism for the development of ARS.Material and Method: The research was carried out in the first half of 2021on a sample of 163 girls. It consisted of: (1) physically inactive girls (n = 48), (2) physically active girls in disciplines other than aesthetic (n = 69), (3) girls engaged in aesthetic physical activity (n = 46). The study used: Anorexic Readiness Syndrome Questionnaire (ARS-12), Familism Scale (FS) and Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ).Results: The highest average ARS score was recorded in the group of girls engaged in aesthetic activity. A significant difference in the severity of ARS occurs between people who do not engage in activity and those who practice aesthetic activity. The severity of ARS rises as the difference between real and ideal body weight increases. People active in aesthetic disciplines who obtained a high score on the Respect scale (FS subscale) have a lower ARS score than those physically active in other disciplines who obtained low scores on the Respect scale. The higher the score on the Material success and achievement scale (FS), the greater the ARS intensity in all subgroups. What is much more important in shaping ARS is the perception of your body. The focus on eating and body weight and Clothing and appearance (BIAQ subscales) are relevant to the ARS and moderate the relationship between Material success (FS subscale) and anorexic readiness.Conclusions: People engaging in aesthetic physical activity are more likely to suffer from ARS. The family can certainly prevent a child from developing anorexic readiness by shaping a sense of community and family identity, a clear division of roles, limiting the importance of materialism and competition in raising children. The prevention of ARS and eating disorders should also focus on strengthening the realistic assessment of body parameters and their acceptance, as well as promoting strategies for healthy weight control.

Gender Differences in Comorbidities and Attitudes Regarding Weight Control among Young Adults with Obesity in Korea

Introduction: Obesity in young adulthood increases the risk for premature death, and the prevalence of obesity rapidly increasing among young adults, particularly in young men. We evaluated the gender differences in accompanying comorbidities and attitudes regarding weight control among young Korean adults with obesity. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 2,050 young adults with obesity (1,325 men and 725 women) in the 7th KNHANES (2016–2018) aged 19–44 years, with body mass indexes (BMIs) ≥25.0 kg/m². The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for poor lifestyle factors and accompanying illnesses as well as self-perceived weight status, weight control efforts, and weight control strategies in men compared to those in women were calculated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean BMIs and waist circumferences were 28.2 ± 0.1 kg/m² and 93.6 ± 0.2 cm and 28.6 ± 0.1 kg/m² and 88.7 ± 0.4 cm, in men and women, respectively. The ORs and 95% CIs for abdominal obesity (1.52, 1.11–2.07), hypertension (3.11, 2.20–4.40), hypercholesterolemia (1.45, 1.09–1.93), hypertriglyceridemia (3.37, 2.38–4.78), and elevated alanine transaminase concentration (6.53, 4.56–9.36) were higher in young men compared to those in young women. Despite the higher prevalences of comorbid conditions, the odds of inappropriate weight perception (8.13, 4.17–15.86), lack of weight control efforts (2.20, 1.71–2.84), lack of diet therapy (1.56, 1.13–2.16), lack of pharmacotherapy (13.27, 6.82–25.79), heavy drinking (1.32, 1.02–1.72), current smoking (6.92, 5.00–9.59), and frequent eating out (4.38, 3.35–5.71) were higher among men. However, the odds of not engaging in exercise (0.48, 0.35–0.64) were lower among men compared to that in women. Discussion: Despite their higher prevalences of comorbidities, appropriate weight perception and weight control efforts are insufficient in young men with obesity. These gender differences should be considered to provide tailored programs for weight reduction in young adults with obesity.

Plant-Based Diet as a Strategy for Weight Control.

According to the World Health Organization, obesity has nearly tripled since the 1970s. Obesity and overweight are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, inflammatory-mediated diseases, and other serious medical conditions. Moreover, recent data suggest that obesity, overweight, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are risk factors for COVID-19-related mortality. Different strategies for weight control have been introduced over the last two decades. Unfortunately, these strategies have shown little effect. At the same time, many studies show that plants might be the key to a successful strategy for weight control. Following the PRISMA guidelines for conducting systematic reviews, a search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase using the following keywords: obesity, globesity, vegan, plant-based diet, etc. Our results show that vegan diets are associated with improved gut microbiota symbiosis, increased insulin sensitivity, activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, and over-expression of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins. The key features of this diet are reduced calorie density and reduced cholesterol intake. The combination of these two factors is the essence of the efficiency of this approach to weight control. Our data suggest that plant-based/vegan diets might play a significant role in future strategies for reducing body weight.

Neighbourhood Socio-Economic Circumstances, Place of Residence and Obesity amongst Australian Adults: A Longitudinal Regression Analysis Using 14 Annual Waves of the HILDA Cohort

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is rising dramatically worldwide, including in Australia. Therefore, the necessity of identifying the risk factors of overweight and obesity is pivotal. The main objective of this study is to investigate the influence of neighbourhood socio-economic circumstances and place of residence on obesity amongst Australian adults. This study has used nationally representative panel data on 183,183 person-year observations from 26,032 unique Australian adults from the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA). Random-effects logistic regression technique was employed to examine the relationships. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has been found at approximately 34% and 24%, respectively. The most striking result to emerge from the analyses is that adults living in the most socio-economic disadvantaged area were 2.04 times (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.57–2.65) and adults from regional cities of Australia were 1.71 times (AOR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.34–2.19) more prone to be obese compared to their healthy counterparts. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is very high among Australian adults, especially those living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods and the regional cities. Unhealthy levels of BMI have costly impacts on the individual, the economy, and the health care system. Therefore, this study emphasises effective weight control strategies that can potentially tackle the obesity epidemic in Australia.

The role of parents in adolescent obesity treatment: Results of the TEENS+ randomized clinical pilot trial.

The optimal role for involving parents in adolescent obesity treatment is unknown. To demonstrate that two parent approaches within adolescent obesity treatment are distinct, as evidenced by differential parent outcomes, and determine the preliminary efficacy of each approach on adolescent weight loss. Adolescent/parent dyads (N=82; mean adolescent age=13.7 ± 1.2 years) participated in TEENS+, a 4-month behavioural weight loss treatment. Participants were randomized to: (1) TEENS+parents as coaches (PAC; parent skills training), or (2) TEENS+parent weight loss (PWL; adult behavioural weight loss). Assessments occurred at 0, 4 (post-treatment), and 7-months. Within- and between-group repeated measures general linear mixed models examined change in parent weight (∆kg; primary outcome); parenting, feeding, weight control strategies, home environment, and adolescent body mass index (∆BMI; secondary outcomes). PWL parents had greater 4-month weight losses (∆kg0-4m =-5.14 ± 4.87 kg) compared to PAC (-2.07 ± 3.89 kg; between-group p < 0.01). Key constructs differed between groups as expected. Both groups yielded significant within-group adolescent ∆BMI0-4m (PWL: -0.97 ± 1.38 kg/m2 vs. PAC: -0.93 ± 1.42 kg/m2 ; ps < 0.01); during maintenance, adolescents in PWL had ∆BMI4-7m increases (+0.41 ± 1.07 kg/m2 ; p=0.02) while PAC did not (+0.05 ± 1.31 kg/m2 ; p=0.82). Parent treatments were distinct in implementation and both yielded significant 4-month adolescent weight loss. Differential weight patterns were observed during maintenance, favouring PAC, warranting further exploration.

Flash glucose monitoring system: impact on glycemic control and body mass index in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Flash glucose monitoring (FGM) is increasingly used in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) management. This study aimed to assess glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and body mass index (BMI) in the first year of FGM use in patients with T1D and to identify predictive factors of benefit associated with its use. Retrospective study of T1D patients, using FGM for ≥ 6 months and under intensive insulin therapy with multiple daily injections. In 179 patients with a median (Md) age of 43.0 years (P25 31.0; P75 52.0) and disease duration of 18.0 years (P25 10.0; P75 28.0), initial HbA1c was 7.9% (P25 7.2; P75 8.8) and initial BMI was 24.0 kg/m2 (P25 21.9; P75 26.2). With FGM, HbA1c improved significantly to 7.6% (P25 7.0; P75 8.3) at 6 months and 7.7% (P25 6.95; P75 8.5) at 12 months (p < 0.05), with more patients with HbA1c < 7% (16.1% vs 22.5%) and fewer patients with HbA1c ≥ 8% (49.1% vs 35.8%) (p < 0.05). Initial HbA1c 8.0-8.9% (HR 1.886; 95% CI 1.321-2.450) and ≥ 9.0% (HR 3.108, 95% CI 2.454-3.761) predicted greater HbA1c reduction. BMI increased significantly, especially between 6 and 12 months (BMI Md 23.8 [P25 21.9; P75 26.2] kg/m2 and 24.0 [P25 22.0; P75 26.2] kg/m2, respectively) (p < 0.05). Overweight (HR 4.319, 95% CI 3.185-5.453) and obesity (HR 8.112, 95% CI 3.919-12.306) predicted greater weight gain. FGM use was associated with significant improvement in HbA1c, mainly in patients with worse previous glycemic control. It was also associated with increased BMI, especially if baseline BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, so weight control strategies should be emphasized.

Association between body weight misperception and dietary patterns in Brazilian adolescents: Cross-sectional study using ERICA data.

The association between body image and eating behaviors or weight control strategies has been demonstrated in the scientific literature, but there is a lack of evidence on the association between weight misperception and food consumption indicators in adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the association between weight misperception and dietary patterns (DPs) in the Brazilian Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA). It was a national school-based cross-sectional study conducted among students aged 12–17 years. Data were collected in the form of anthropometric measurements, responses in self-answered questionnaires, and 24-h dietary recall. The following variables were assessed: weight underestimation and overestimation (independent variables), which were defined as the presence of a disagreement between nutritional status and self-perceived weight; dietary patterns (dependent variables), defined by a posteriori method using principal component factor analysis; and individual and demographic variables (covariates). Data analysis was performed using the Poisson regression models method, stratified by sex. A total of 52,038 adolescents with normal weights were evaluated. The weight misperception prevalence was 34.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.0, 35.0). Three DPs were identified: “Traditional Brazilian,” “Processed meat sandwiches and coffee,” and “Ultra-processed and sweet foods.” In girls, weight underestimation was directly associated with the “Traditional Brazilian” (1.24; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.43) and “Ultra-processed and sweet foods” DPs (1.29; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.54), and overestimation was inversely associated with all the DPs. In boys, a direct association between underestimation and the “Ultra-processed and sweet foods” DP (1.29; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.51) was found. Overestimation was inversely associated with the “Traditional Brazilian” DP (0.79; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.99). The inverse association between overestimation and the “Traditional Brazilian” DP, and the direct association between underestimation and the “Ultra-processed and sweet foods” DP indicated that weight misperception was related to unhealthy eating habits in Brazilian adolescents.

Body Weight Perception and Health-Related Behaviors Among U.S. Adolescents: Mediating Effects of Body Weight Control Behaviors.

This study examined mediating effects of body weight control behaviors in the relationship between body weight perception and health-related behaviors among 11,458 U.S. adolescents from the 2010 National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey. Parallel multiple mediation analysis was performed for the secondary data analysis. Nearly one third of adolescents (32.5%) had overweight or obesity; one quarter (25.0%) perceived themselves as slightly overweight and 5.1% thought they were very overweight. More girls (58.6%) had tried to lose weight than boys (32.3%), while boys were more physically active than girls. Healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors significantly mediated the relationship between adolescents' body weight perception and health-related behaviors (physical activity and screen time). Teachers and parents should help adolescents have accurate weight perception and utilize reliable and healthy weight control strategies. Future studies should consider the intercorrelated relationships among adolescents' perceptions and behaviors regarding weight to provide successful weight control intervention programs.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale (WCSS).

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale among individuals engaged in weight loss or weight maintenance. Method : This descriptive study conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 on social media networks. A total of 420 men and women were selected using consecutive sampling. They completed the Persian version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s α, confirmatory factor analysis, and Pearson product-moment correlations. Results: Internal consistency for the total score of the Persian version of Weight Control Strategies Scale was excellent and acceptable to good for all 4 subscales (in all cases over α = 0.70). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor structure of the original model of the scale, but, it was different from the model at the item level. Moreover, the Persian version of Weight Control Strategies Scale had good convergent validity. Conclusion: Psychometrically speaking, the Persian version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale is a valid and reliable tool to assess the psychological and behavioral profile of individuals engaging in losing or maintaining weight, both for clinical and research purposes.

Relations among sweet taste preference, body mass index, and use of E-cigarettes for weight control motives in young adults

While weight control is anecdotally reported as a motive for e-cigarette use, empirical evidence on correlates of weight control vaping motives is largely absent. This study evaluated main effect and interactive associations of body mass index (BMI) and sweet taste food preference—a construct defined by difficulty resisting sweet foods and consuming foods for mood regulation— with e-cigarette weight control motives among young adult e-cigarette users. Young adults (N = 99; 35% women) between the ages of 18–35 who currently used e-cigarettes ≥1 day/week for ≥1 month were recruited in Los Angeles, CA in January–August 2016. Participants completed an e-cigarette product appeal experiment that also involved questionnaire-based measures of vaping motives and participant characteristics, which are this paper's focus. Regression analysis of e-cigarette use for weight control motive outcomes revealed no main effect of BMI, a significant main effect positive association for sweet taste food preference, and a BMI x sweet taste preference interactive relation. The interaction was underpinned by a positive association between sweet taste preference and use of e-cigarettes for weight control at mean and + 1SD levels of BMI and no relation at -1SD BMI levels. Higher sweet taste preference might increase use of e-cigarettes for weight control, particularly in young adults with higher weight. Taking into account sweet taste preference might be useful in interventions promoting healthy weight control strategies instead of e-cigarette use to address overweight/obesity in young adults.

Mental health of people with distorted body weight perception using medicinal remedies: A representative study

Background/ObjectiveWe aimed to examine the prevalence of distorted body weight perception (BWP) and the choice of weight control strategies to investigate the associations between the psychological features and the different strategies for controlling body weight. Method: We used a representative nationwide 39-item survey to randomly select 1,000 participants. The extrapolated number (eN) to the whole national population was also reported. Self-BWP, weight control strategies, and obesity-related psychological conditions including anxiety, self-esteem, body satisfaction, obesity-related quality-of-life (QoL), and eating attitudes were assessed. Results: Among men, 39.30% (eN = 5,887,137) underestimated, whereas 24.90% (eN = 3,290,847) of women overestimated their weight. In contrast to 2% (eN = 271,745) of men, 15.20% (eN = 2,012,262) of women sought medical support to control their weight. Men and women who used medical support for weight management and women who overestimated their weight reported the most unfavorable psychological conditions (anxiety, self-esteem, body satisfaction, QoL, and eating attitudes; p < .05). Conclusions: A prevalent burden of psychological problems related to distorted BWP and weight control strategies was revealed. People with distorted BWP and using medical procedures for their weight control could be at a higher risk of psychological disorders. Therefore, body weight-related psychological problems call for urgent public health policies.

Randomized Trial Examining the Effect of a 12-wk Exercise Program on Hedonic Eating.

This efficacy trial tests the hypothesis that exercise training favorably affects hedonic eating (i.e., overeating, stress-induced overeating, disinhibited eating, eating when tempted), in a sample of women who are overweight or obese. Participants were inactive at baseline, self-identified as "stress eaters," and were randomized to 12 wk of moderate-intensity exercise training (EX; combination of supervised and objectively confirmed unsupervised sessions) or to a no-exercise control condition (CON). EX participants were given an exercise goal of 200 min·wk-1. No dietary instructions or weight control strategies were provided. Assessments occurred at baseline and 12 wk. Overeating episodes, stress-induced overeating, and dietary temptations were measured over 14 d at each assessment using ecological momentary assessment. Disinhibition and dietary restraint were assessed via a questionnaire. Forty-nine participants (age, 40.4 ± 10.8 yr; body mass index, 32.4 ± 4.1 kg·m-2) enrolled, and 39 completed this study. Adherence to the exercise intervention was high (99.4% of all prescribed exercise). At week 12, the proportion of eating episodes that were characterized as overeating episodes was lower in EX versus CON (21.98% in EX vs 26.62% in control; P = 0.001). Disinhibition decreased in EX but not in CON (P = 0.02) and was driven by internal factors. There was a trend such that CON was more likely to give into dietary temptations (P = 0.08). Stress-induced overeating was low and did not differ between conditions (P = 0.61). Exercise training reduced the likelihood of overeating and eating in response to internal cues in women who self-identified as stress eaters. This may be one pathway by which exercise affects body weight.

A Bidirectional View of Migraine and Diet Relationship

Migraine is a common headache with a large negative impact on health. Several endogenous and exogenous factors can influence the severity and frequency of migraine, for example, lifestyle factors including dietary factors. Consequently, lifestyle modifications and dietary considerations have been reported beneficial to moderate clinical features of migraine. Much effort has been invested in determining the lifestyle factors (eg, stress, exercise, sleep, and diet) that trigger migraine to develop recommendations and guidelines for prevention. Diet has also been investigated with a major focus on the content of the diet and to a lesser extent on the amount, pattern, and quality of diet. Identification of dietary factors in migraine has led to nutritional interventions with a major focus on elimination of triggers, and weight control strategies. Several so-called migraine diets have consequently been proposed, for example, the ketogenic diet. Some theories have considered epigenetic diets or functional food to help in altering components of migraine pathogenesis; however, these theories are less investigated. In contrast, evidence is being accumulated to support that some mechanisms underlying migraine may alter dietary choices, for example type, amount, or patterns. Since a causative relationship is not yet established in migraine-diet relationship as to which comes first, this concept is equally valuable and interesting to investigate. Only limited epidemiological data are available to demonstrate that dietary choices are different among patients with migraine compared with individuals without migraine. Differences are reflected on quality, composition, pattern, and the amount of consumption of dietary components. This view emphasizes a potential bidirectional relationship between migraine and diet rather than a one-way influence of one on the other. This targeted review presents examples from current literature on the effects of diet on migraine features and effects of migraine on dietary choices to draw a perspective for future studies.

Understanding eating and drinking behaviours in Pakistani university students: A conceptual model through qualitative enquiry

Excess weight in Pakistan's university students is on the rise and is driven by their maladaptive eating behaviours. Practitioners in Pakistan have adopted Western conceptual models to understand obesogenic eating behaviours. However, these models provide incomplete explanations as they miss important culturally specific determinants for such eating behaviours. The goals of this study were two-fold: first, to explore Pakistani university students' perception of their obesity-related eating behaviours and attitudes; second, to develop a culturally sensitive model of obesogenic eating behaviours in university students from Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were used with twenty-four Pakistani university students who were categorised as obese using the Body Mass Index according to Asia-Specific cut-offs. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and then analysed through a Grounded Theory methodology. Six major categories emerged from interviews: (1) Obesogenic Eating Habits (Social Eating, Emotional Eating, and Eating Whatever and Whenever You Want); (2) Beliefs about Food in the Culture; (3) Neither Too Fat nor Too Thin body belief (4) Student Life Attitudes; (5) Student Stressors; (6) Inconsistent Weight-Control Strategies. A model was developed with cultural beliefs about food, attitudes towards student-life, and stressors as important determinants of students' obesogenic eating habits, while inconsistent weight-control strategies contributed to further weight gain. The findings highlight the importance of identifying culturally specific determinants of eating behaviours among university students in Pakistan. This emerging model can be used to guide the development of future quantitative and also longitudinal studies aimed at identifying targets for therapeutic interventions to manage obesogenic eating behaviours in Pakistani university students.

Strategies to manage weight during the holiday season among US adults: A descriptive study from the National Weight Control Registry.

BackgroundHolidays are challenging for weight control and are consistently associated with weight gain. Managing holiday weight gain may be especially difficult for individuals with higher body weight or a history of overweight/obesity. The current study evaluated how individuals with a history of successful weight loss plan for the holiday season and how the use of weight control strategies was associated with weight change.MethodsA subgroup of participants in the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) were asked to complete a survey before (November) and after the holidays (January). At pre‐holiday, participants reported height, weight, and weight goals for the holiday season (lose, maintain, minimize gains, or gain), and selected the top three weight control strategies they planned to use (from a list of 18). Post‐holiday, participants reported weight and how often (frequently, infrequently, or not at all) they used each of the 18 strategies throughout the holidays.ResultsIndividuals who completed both surveys were included in the analysis (n = 683; 69% female, 93% white, 54.6 years [SD: 13.2], 26.9 kg/m2 [SD: 5.5]). Pre‐holiday, 64% of participants were currently trying to lose weight. Only 35% of the sample wanted to continue losing weight during the holiday season. The most common strategies individuals planned to use during the holiday season were evidence based (maintaining exercise, monitoring portions, tracking foods, and self‐weighing). Participants gained 0.66 kg (SD: 1.85) from pre‐ to post‐holiday and reported using an average of 12/18 strategies. A greater number of strategies were associated with less weight gain (F[1, 670] = 4.28, p = 0.04). Daily self‐weighing (p = 0.03) and prioritizing food choices (p = 0.02) were individually associated with less weight gain.DiscussionParticipants in the NWCR entered the holiday season with a variety of goals for their weight and used many different strategies to control their weight. Having a wider range of strategies may be helpful to navigate the challenges to weight control during the holidays.

The Behavioral Intervention with Technology for E-Weight Loss Study (BITES): Incorporating Energy Balance Models and the Bite Counter into an Online Behavioral Weight Loss Program

This study evaluated feasibility and acceptability of adding energy balance modeling displayed on weight graphs combined with a wrist-worn bite counting sensor against a traditional online behavioral weight loss program. Adults with a BMI of 27–45 kg/m2 (83.3% women) were randomized to receive a 12-week online behavioral weight loss program with 12 weeks of continued contact (n = 9; base program), the base program plus a graph of their actual and predicted weight change based on individualized physiological parameters (n = 7), or the base program, graph, and a Bite Counter device for monitoring and limiting eating (n = 8). Participants attended weekly clinic weigh-ins plus baseline, midway (12 weeks), and study culmination (24 weeks) assessments of feasibility, acceptability, weight, and behavioral outcomes. In terms of feasibility, participants completed online lessons (M = 7.04 of 12 possible lessons, SD = 4.02) and attended weigh-ins (M = 16.81 visits, SD = 7.24). Six-month retention appears highest among nomogram participants, and weigh-in attendance and lesson completion appear highest in Bite Counter participants. Acceptability was sufficient across groups. Bite Counter use (days with ≥ 2 eating episodes) was moderate (47.8%) and comparable to other studies. Participants lost 4.6% ± 4.5 of their initial body weight at 12 weeks and 4.5% ± 5.8 at 24 weeks. All conditions increased their total physical activity minutes and use of weight control strategies (behavioral outcomes). Although all groups lost weight and the study procedures were feasible, acceptability can be improved with advances in the technology. Participants were satisfied with the online program and nomograms, and future research on engagement, adherence, and integration with other owned devices is needed. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02857595

Associations between adverse childhood experiences and weight, weight control behaviors and quality of life in Veterans seeking weight management services

IntroductionA neglected area of trauma research with Veterans is the study of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of ACEs, and to explore relationships between ACEs and measures of weight, eating behaviors and quality of life in weight loss seeking Veterans. MethodsParticipants were 191 Veterans [mean age 58.9 (SD = 12.8), mean Body Mass Index (BMI) 35.4 (SD = 6.1), 86.9% male, 33.7% racial/ethnic minority] receiving care at VA Connecticut Healthcare System (VA CT) who attended an orientation session of VA's behavioral weight management program. Participants completed a measure of ACEs and measures related to weight, eating and health. ResultsAmong completers, 68.6% endorsed at least one ACE. The average number of reported ACEs was 2.2 (SD = 2.5), with 48.7% of Veterans reporting more than one type of ACE. Women were more likely to report any ACE (88.0% vs. 65.6%, p = .025) and reported significantly more ACEs compared to males (4.2 vs. 1.9, p < .001). ACEs were associated with lower physical activity (p = .05), lower quality of life (p's < 0.05), and lower weight-related quality of life (p < .01), but not weight, weight control strategies, binge eating, or alcohol use. ConclusionACEs are common among weight loss seeking Veterans, particularly among female Veterans. Findings suggest that there is a high rate of ACEs in Veterans, which are associated with exercise and quality of life outcomes, but not diet and weight outcomes.

The association between obesity and chronic pain among community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To systematically review studies and explore the association between obesity and chronic pain among community-dwelling older adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in 9 databases and the Pubmed search engine from their inception to March 19, 2020. Studies that investigated the associations between overweight/obesity and chronic pain among older people were obtained. Comprehensive Meta-analysis was used to meta-analyze the eligible studies. Totally 14 studies with 40,999 participants were included in this review, and 8 of these studies were meta-analyzed. The meta-analyses showed that both overweight (pooled OR=1.166, 95% CI: 1.104-1.232, p<0.01) and obesity (pooled OR=1.786, 95% CI: 1.530-2.085, p<0.01) had significant associations with chronic pain among older adults. Overweight and obesity are both associated with chronic pain among older adults. It is suggested that body weight control strategies might be incorporated into the pain management program for older adults with obesity.