Weight Control Research Articles

Cognitive–Psychological Characteristics Influencing Weight Loss in Severe Obesity

Background/Objectives: Cognitive and psychological factors, such as eating disorder psychopathology, irrational food beliefs, and internalized weight stigma, have not been sufficiently explored in the context of obesity treatment. This study evaluated the role of these variables as predictors of weight loss in patients with severe obesity following a brief intensive cognitive–behavioral therapy for obesity (CBT-OB) program. Methods: A total of 400 patients (mean BMI: 41.9 kg/m2; mean age: 55.9 years) participated in a 21-day residential CBT-OB intervention, followed by a 12-month follow-up assessment. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Weight Bias Internalization Scale, and Irrational Food Beliefs Scale were administered at admission and discharge. Body weight was also assessed at the 12-month follow-up. Results: Of the participants, 371 patients (92.2%) completed the intensive CBT-OB program, and 310 (81.1%) attended the follow-up. On average, completers achieved 9% weight loss at follow-up, accompanied by a significant reduction in binge-eating episodes. Cognitive factors, including lower baseline eating concern, higher baseline weight concern, and greater improvement in irrational beliefs (specifically self-deception about eating and weight control), significantly predicted weight loss at 12 months. However, internalized weight stigma did not predict weight loss in this cohort. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of targeting specific cognitive factors in obesity treatment to enhance long-term outcomes. Addressing irrational food beliefs and promoting flexible dietary restraint may improve weight loss and maintenance in individuals with severe obesity. Further research is warranted to refine cognitive–behavioral interventions for personalized obesity management strategies.

Plant-Based vs. Animal-Based Diets: Appetitive Traits and Dietary Patterns in Adults Based on Cross-Sectional Surveys

Background: Dietary patterns play a crucial role in shaping eating behaviours and influencing health outcomes, such as body weight. Understanding how appetitive traits differ between plant-based and animal-based diets can provide insights into dietary strategies for weight management and improved health. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between appetitive traits, as measured by the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ), and dietary patterns in adults consuming plant-based or animal-based diets. It examined how these dietary patterns influence body mass index (BMI) and explored the differences in appetite-related traits between groups with different levels of plant and animal product consumption. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 553 Polish adults was conducted using validated questionnaires, including the AEBQ and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The participants were categorised into four dietary groups: high intake of both plant and animal products, low intake of both, plant-based diet, and animal-based diet. The data were analysed using SPSS version 14.0 software. Results: The participants on a plant-based diet had significantly lower BMIs and slower eating rates than those on an animal-based diet. Positive correlations were observed between ’food approach’ traits (e.g., food responsiveness, emotional overeating) and BMI, particularly in individuals with higher animal product consumption. Conversely, ’food avoidance’ traits (e.g., food fussiness, slowness in eating) were more prevalent among those on a plant-based diet. Conclusions: The results suggest that plant-based diets are associated with favourable appetitive traits and a lower BMI. These findings highlight the potential of plant-based diets to support weight control and improve eating behaviours. Further research is warranted to investigate the causal mechanisms underlying these associations.

Oral TIX100 protects against obesity-associated glucose intolerance and diet-induced adiposity.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and dual agonists have changed the treatment landscape of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), but significant limitations have emerged due to their gastrointestinal side effects, loss of lean mass, and necessity for ongoing subcutaneous injections. Our objective was, therefore, to test a novel small molecule as a different and potentially better tolerated oral medications to improve obesity-associated impairment in glucose homeostasis. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice or severely obese, leptin-deficient ob/ob mice were randomly assigned to serve as controls or receive oral TIX100, a novel thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) inhibitor just approved by the FDA as an investigational new drug for type 1 diabetes (T1D). The TIX100 effects on glucose intolerance and weight control were then assessed. TIX100 protected against HFD-induced glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglucagonemia. TIX100 also reduced diet-induced adiposity resulting in 15% lower weight in treated mice as compared with controls on HFD (p <0.05), while preserving lean mass. Even though the TIX100 weight effects were lost in ob/ob mice, TIX100 improved glucose control leading to a dramatic 2.3% reduction in HbA1C (p <0.05), independent of any weight loss. This is consistent with the beneficial effects of TIX100 in non-obese diabetes models and its protection against elevated TXNIP and islet cell stress common to all diabetes types. Thus, TIX100 may provide a novel, oral therapy for T2D that targets underlying disease pathology including islet cell dysfunction and hyperglucagonemia and promotes metabolic health and weight control without aggressive weight loss.

Effect of Combined use of Nutrition and Weed Management Practices on the Weed Studies, Seed Yield and Microbial Counts of Soil in Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

A study was conducted at NEB Crop Research Center, G.B.Pant University of Aagriculture &amp;Technology, Pantnagar, to evaluate the effect of combined use of weed and nutrition management through seed inoculation, foliar application and weed management practices on the weed studies (weed count weed dry weight and weed control efficiency) and seed yield parameters of blackgram. The experiment was laid out in the factorial randomized block design with 3 factors, which 2 factors were about nutrient management i.e., seed inoculation (Rhizobium+ PSB &amp; Rhizobium sp.+PGPR), and foliar nutrition (water spray, Nano urea @0.25 &amp;18:18:18 NPK @2%), and one was about weed management (weedy check, Propaquizafop + Imazethapyr &amp; Fomesafen% + Fluazifop-p-butyl). Results showed that among seed inoculation treatments, Rhizobium sp.+PGPR performs better in terms of total weed count, weed dry biomass, seed yield and microbial count (actinomycetes and bacteria) in soil whereas seed inoculation did not influence the weed control index, initial and final plant population and fungi count. After Weed-free treatment, Fomesafen% + Fluazifop-p-butyl gave minimum weed count, weed dry weight, maximum yield and microbial count (actinomycetes and bacteria) among weed management treatments. However, among foliar nutrition, 18:18:18 NPK @2% treatment gave maximum weed dry biomass and maximum seed yield, with microbial count in soil whereas foliar nutrition did not exert an effect on weed count, weed control index, plant initial and final plant population and fungi count. These findings highlight the importance of nutrient management through seed inoculation and foliar nutrition with weed management practices in addressing productivity issues with sustainability improving returns for black gram farmers.

Attenuation of acute kidney injury in a murine model of neonatal Escherichia coli sepsis

IntroductionSepsis is a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI) in neonates, for which no effective treatment exists. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline (PTX) has demonstrated renal protection from ischemia and inflammation in adult rodents. We hypothesized that addition of PTX to antibiotics may attenuate immune and histological AKI in a murine neonatal sepsis model.MethodsPostnatal (PN) day 1 C57BL/6J mice were injected with E. coli K1 strain at 105 colony forming units per gram weight or saline control. After 1.5 hours, septic pups randomly received saline, gentamicin or cefotaxime, with/without PTX. 5.5h after sepsis initiation, kidneys and blood were harvested for measurements of biomarkers of inflammation and kidney injury. Renal sections from PN7 mice were used for histology and immunofluorescence. Linear mixed effect models were employed to fit the outcomes including interaction between treatment group and sex.ResultsSeptic mice demonstrated robust expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and biomarkers of tubular injury in renal tissue, which were attenuated in response to combined PTX and antibiotics (gentamicin or cefotaxime): chemokines (p&amp;lt;0.001), plasma (p&amp;lt;0.01) and tissue IL-6 (p&amp;lt;0.05), plasma TNF (p&amp;lt;0.001), NGAL (p&amp;lt;0.01), CXCL10 (p&amp;lt;0.01), osteopontin (p&amp;lt;0.05), and VEGF (p&amp;lt;0.05), with a trend for KIM-1 (tissue concentration: p=0.21, fluorescence area: p=0.12). Interactions between treatment and sex were present for several cytokines and kidney injury biomarkers. Immunofluorescence findings for the tubular injury markers (NGAL and KIM-1) were consistent with biomarker expression in tissue lysates.ConclusionNeonatal E. coli sepsis leads to increased expression of renal tissue inflammation and injury biomarkers consistent with AKI, which may be attenuated with PTX combined with antibiotic treatment.

Clustering-Based Identification of BMI-Associated Metabolites with Mechanistic Insights from Network Analysis in Korean Men

Background: Epidemiological studies using metabolomics often encounter challenges due to metabolite profiles being influenced by multiple modifiable behavioral factors, including regular exercise, smoking, drinking, and weight control. This study aimed to identify modifiable behavioral factors reflected in metabolites by clustering subjects based on their metabolite profiles. Networks of metabolites were constructed to visualize their relationships and the differences between clustering groups. Methods: Sixty-four healthy men were included in this study. Information on regular exercise, smoking, and drinking was collected by questionnaires, and body mass index (BMI), an indicator of weight control, was calculated based on measured height and weight. Through targeted metabolomics, the concentrations of 149 metabolites were quantified. Subjects were clustered using the k-means method based on metabolite composition. Correlation-based networks were constructed for each cluster using Cytoscape software, followed by network analysis. Results: The subjects were divided into two clusters, with BMI identified as a distinguishing feature. Four lyso-phosphatidylcholines (PCs), six diacyl-PCs, and one acyl-alkyl-PC were positively associated with BMI. In the constructed network, acyl-alkyl-PCs exhibited the highest degrees, suggesting their central role in BMI-associated metabolic pathways. Conclusions: These findings suggest that metabolites can reflect behavioral factors, with BMI exerting a significant influence on metabolite profiles, particularly through its associations with phosphatidylcholines.

Food choice motives mediate the relationship between delay discounting and binge eating: A structural equation modelling approach.

Binge eating (BE) is associated with psychological distress, functional impairment, and elevated risk of eating disorder diagnoses, and BE prevalence is increasing. Motivational and self-regulatory processes such as delay discounting may be important influences on BE; however, evidence is inconclusive, and lacks explanation of mechanisms. This study investigated how food choice motives mediate the pathway from delay discounting (DD) to BE symptomatology. Adult participants (N=391, 80% female, mean age 38.93) completed the Monetary Choice Questionnaire (DD), Food Choice Questionnaire (food choice motives), and Binge Eating Scale online. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse hypothesised partially-mediated pathways from DD to BE via Health, Mood, and Sensory Appeal food choice motives, incorporating participant age, sex, BMI, and Weight Control motives. The best fitting SEM indicated steeper DD was associated with greater BE, but this effect was fully mediated by lesser endorsement of Health motives. Greater endorsement of Mood and Weight Control motives, along with female sex and higher BMI, also accompanied greater BE symptomatology. Counter to hypotheses, Mood and Sensory Appeal did not mediate the relationship between DD and BE. The novel finding that Health motives mediated the effect of DD on BE suggests steeper discounting may hinder the longer-term perspective needed to value the health attributes of food, and thus promote food intake for immediate reinforcement. The significant effects of Weight Control and Mood motives independent of DD suggest support for overvaluation of weight and shape and negative reinforcement mechanisms in the etiology of BE. Our study highlights the influence of food choice motives and DD in BE, and supports the integration of individualised motivational and neurocognitive interventions in eating disorder treatment.

Applying the Social Cognitive Theory to Design a Health Education Program on Weight-Loss Behaviors Among Police Officers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Being overweight/having obesity is a prevalent condition not only among the general population but also among individuals with special occupations such as police officers, where fitness is often a necessity. The present study's aim was to assess how much a psychoeducational intervention based on social cognitive theory (SCT) would be helpful for encouraging weight loss behaviors among police officers. In a randomized control trial, 102 police officers who were overweight or had obesity voluntarily registered for a weight loss program and were assigned to either an intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group took part in a health education program comprising six face-to-face 60-80minute sessions over a 6-week period that was designed based on SCT principles. The control group participated in routine worksite health promotion programs comprising weekly one-hour sessions on lifestyle-related topics and optional individual nutrition consultations. At baseline and 3months after the intervention, both groups were examined in terms of SCT's measures and weight control strategies as the primary outcomes, as well as para-clinical variables such as blood lipid profile and body mass index (BMI) as secondary outcomes. Analysis of covariance was used to assess changes from baseline to follow-up between groups. All SCT measures indicated significant improvements among those in the intervention group compared with the control group. Outcome expectancy (F=445; p<0.001) and self-efficacy (F=366; p<0.001) were the two most influential factors. Although both intervention and control groups reported significant changes in weight control behaviors, all behavioral scores in the intervention group were considerably greater than those in the controls. The dietary choice component showed the greatest change from baseline to follow-up (F=267; p<0.001). All indices of blood lipid profile also indicated significant improvements in the intervention group compared with the control group. Weight decreased significantly more from baseline to follow-up among those in the intervention group compared with those in the control group (F=69.0, p<0.001). BMI was reduced in the intervention group, while in the control group showed a slight increase (mean difference: -0.4 [CI: -0.4 to -0.3] versus 0.1 [CI: 0.0 to 0.1]). An education program based on SCT may contribute to weight loss among police officers who are overweight/have obesity. Assessment of the program's effects in other settings and occupational populations is warranted.

Determinants of child body weight categorization in parents and health care professionals: Anexperimental study.

Parents infrequently recognize childhood overweight/obesity and healthcare professionals (HCPs) also struggle to visually identify it, potentially limiting the offer and uptake of weight management support. This study examined perceptual and attitudinal/cognitive determinants of child weight judgements amongst parents and HCPs to identify targets for intervention. We used a mixed experimental design with parents and HCPs as the between-participants factor. Stimulus gender, age and BMI centile were the within-participant repeated measures factors. One hundred and fifty-six HCPs and 249 parents of children aged 4-5 or 10-11 years viewed simulated child images. They estimated their relative size and categorized the weight status of each figure. Stimuli were photo-realistic figural scales based on 3D-scans of 4- to 5- and 10- to 11-year-old children varying in adiposity. Participants also reported their beliefs about causes, controllability and categorization of child weight. Both groups accurately estimated the figures' relative size. However, categorization of higher weight figures was poor, demonstrating a mismatch between perceptual judgements of size and categorization of weight status. Lower levels of comfort with assigning 'overweight' categorizations to children, and a stronger belief that weight was controllable by the child/parent, predicted less accurate weight status categorizations. Parental and HCP misperceptions when categorizing children's higher weight are related to attitudinal/cognitive factors, including reluctance to label a child's weight status as overweight and beliefs about whether a child's weight can be controlled by them or their family.

BOVINE COLLAGEN EFFECT IN MAINTAINING BLOOD SUGAR AND BODY WEIGHT STABILITY IN DIABETIC RATS

Diabetes causes degenerative processes to occur earlier, for example during hyperglycemia with increased levels of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) damaging the body's metabolism. Consuming anti-diabetic medications lowers blood sugar levels; however, hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening, often occurs. Additionally, patients with diabetic experience uncontrolled weight loss or weight gain. This study aims to test the potential of bovine collagen in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and body weight in rats induced with diabetic. A total of 24 seven-month-old Wistar rats were divided into four groups: negative control group; positive control group induced with streptozotocin at 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) and given water as placebo; a group induced with streptozotocin at 50 mg/kg BW and treated with bovine collagen at a dose of 2x 400 mg/kg BW/day; and a third group of healthy rats receiving bovine collagen at the same dosage. All groups were treated for four weeks, during which body weight and blood sugar levels were monitored. The results indicated that diabetic rats treated with bovine collagen had better weight control compared to the positive control group in the first week (p = 0.033); however, in subsequent weeks, bovine collagen did not affect body weight. Blood sugar levels in the four groups of rats during the first, second, and third weeks showed that bovine collagen significantly reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic rats from the first to the third week (p &lt; 0.05). It is possible that additional doses or the administration of antioxidant flavonoids may be necessary from the second week onward to maintain weight stability.

Efficacy and safety of combination of semaglutide and basal insulin in patients with of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Semaglutide has demonstrated efficacy in both glycemic control and weight loss. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the combined use of semaglutide and basal insulin in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) were searched to identify relevant publications. The primary outcome measure was the change in HbA1c levels. Secondary outcome measures encompassed change in body weight, fluctuations in FPG levels, occurrence of adverse events, serious adverse events, hypoglycemic episodes, and gastrointestinal reactions including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Mean differences (MDs) and relative risk (RR) with confidence intervals (CI) of 95% were used to analyze the deference. 7 RCTs with 2354 patients were incorporated into the study. Compared to placebo or other active treatment, the addition of semaglutide to basal insulin demonstrated significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) [mean differences (MD): -1.17%, P<0.00001], body weight [MD -5.99 kg, P<0.00001], and fasting blood glucose (FPG) [MD -1.08%, P<0.00001]. No evidence indicated a higher risk of adverse events [RR 1.46, P=0.13]. However, it did result in increased rates of gastrointestinal adverse events, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The combination treatment of semaglutide and basal insulin demonstrates significant improvements in glycemic control and reduction in body weight, without an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Our findings provided support for the utilization of a combination therapy involving semaglutide and basal insulin in T2DM.

Direct and indirect relationships between Food Parental Practices, diet quality, and food satisfaction in adolescents

IntroductionThe relationship between four parental feeding practices from the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire for adolescents (CFPQ-Teen) and Satisfaction With Food-related Life (SWFoL) in adolescents was evaluated using diet quality measured using the Adapted Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) as a mediating variable.MethodsParticipants were 860 adolescents aged 10–16 years of both sexes who responded to four factors on the CFPQ-Teen, food satisfaction scale, and diet quality index. Structural equation analysis was used in a structural mediation model on a polychoric correlation matrix using the weighted least squares mean-variance adjusted (WLSMV) method.ResultsDiet quality was a mediating factor in the interaction between two parental practices related to parental modeling and adolescent control over SWFoL. There was evidence of a direct relationship between monitoring and restrictive factors for weight control and SWFoL.ConclusionsThe findings indicated that the association between parental feeding practices and food satisfaction may be direct or mediated by diet quality in adolescents.

ВЛИЯНИЕ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ДОЗ РАСТИТЕЛЬНОГО ЭКСТРАКТА НА ПЕРЕВАРИМОСТЬ РАЦИО-НА, УБОЙНЫЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ, КОНВЕРСИЮ ВЕЩЕСТВ В СЪЕДОБНУЮ ЧАСТЬ ТУШКИ ПТИЦЫ

The purpose of research is to study the effect of oak bark extract on the digestibility of essential nutri-ents, slaughter rates, protein and energy conversion into the edible part of the bird carcass. Objectives: to establish the effect of various doses of oak bark extract on intake, digestibility of the main diet and energy balance; to identify changes in the slaughter parameters of poultry when fed with oak bark extract; to assess the transformation of nutrients and energy of the diet into products depending on the amount of the injected extract. The subject of the study were 7-day-old broiler chickens Smena-8 in the amount of 120 heads, which were divided into 4 groups (n = 30) by the method of analogues. The control group received the basal diet (BD); I experimental – BD + extract of oak bark No. 1 (1 g / kg of feed); II experimental – BD + of oak bark extract No. 2 (2 g/kg of feed); III experimental – BD + of oak bark extract No. 3 (3 g/kg of feed). The introduction of the test additives into the main diet contributed to a decrease in the consumption of the starter and growth diet by birds from the experimental groups compared to the control group by 8.36–22.53 and 10, 57–28.13 %. Young poultry that received the main diet during the growth period were inferior to their peers from the experimental groups in terms of digestibility of DM by 3.52–3.77 %, SF by 1.62–7.24 %, SP by 3.58–4.46 and carbohydrates 3 .3–4.1 %. It was established that the young poultry, which received extract No. 1 with the main diet, exceeded the analogs from the control in pre-slaughter weight by 1.99 % and muscle tissue weight by 3.57 % (p≤0.01). Also, poultry from group I were superior to the control group, II and III in slaughter yield by 3.9 %, 2.6 and 3.0 %, respectively. The best conversion of protein and energy was shown by the poultry kept on the main diet with the extract at a dose of 1 g/kg of feed, in this parameter they exceeded the control one by 18.87 and 11.44 %.

Who drives weight stigma? A multinational exploration of clustering characteristics behind weight bias against preconception, pregnant, and postpartum women.

Weight bias is a global health challenge and community members are endorsed as the most common source of weight bias. The nature of weight biases specifically against preconception, pregnant, and postpartum (PPP) women from the perspective of community members is not known, especially in terms of cross-cultural trends. We investigated the magnitude of explicit and implicit weight bias and profiles of characteristics associated with harbouring weight bias. We conducted a multinational investigation of clusters of factors associated with weight bias against PPP women (May-July 2023). Community members from Australia, Canada, United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Malaysia, and India completed a cross-sectional survey measuring explicit and implicit weight biases, beliefs about weight controllability, and awareness of sociocultural body ideals. Hierarchical multiple regression and latent profile analyses identified clusters of factors associated with weight bias. Participants from India reported the lowest explicit weight bias (B = -0.45, p = 0.02). Participants from Australia (B = -0.14, p = 0.04) and the UK (B = -0.16, p = 0.02) (vs. US) reported the lowest implicit weight bias. Three distinct profiles were identified clustering on body mass index (BMI) and weight-controllability beliefs: low-BMI/moderate-beliefs, high-BMI/more biased beliefs, and high-BMI/less biased beliefs. Profile membership varied by country of residence and weight bias outcomes with low-BMI/moderate-beliefs profiles containing more people from non-Western countries and with low explicit weight bias. Explicit and implicit weight bias was harboured by participants across all included nations, although less pronounced in non-Western countries. Our profiles highlight that individuals who held a stronger belief that weight is controllable, regardless of their body weight, should be targeted for interventions to eliminate weight stigma.

Striving for early effective glycaemic and weight management in type 2 diabetes: A narrative review.

Despite the recognition by key guidelines that achieving early glycaemic control has important benefits in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and that addressing excess adiposity is one of the central components of comprehensive person-centred T2D care, a substantial proportion of individuals with T2D do not meet their metabolic treatment goals. Prior treatment paradigms were limited by important treatment-associated risks such as hypoglycaemia and body weight gain. Therefore, a more conservative, sequential approach to treatment was typically utilized. One potential consequence of this approach has been a missed opportunity to achieve a 'legacy effect', where early treatment to reach glycaemic targets is associated with enduring long-term benefits in T2D. Additionally, while previous treatment approaches have addressed core defects in T2D, including insulin resistance and β-cell function decline, they have been unable to address one of the underlying causal abnormalities-excess adiposity. Here, we review currently available evidence for the beneficial long-term effects of early glycaemic control and management of body weight in people with T2D and discuss potential next steps.

Parent-Reported Feeding Practices Associated With Children's Observed Willingness-to-Try-New-Foods in Childcare.

Feeding behaviours are established early in life, with lifelong influences on children's appetite, growth and health, emphasizing the importance of understanding how parent-child feeding interactions relate to children's eating and growth patterns. The objective was to examine reciprocity between parent-reported feeding practices and children's observed willingness-to-try-new-foods in childcare settings without parental presence, thereby assessing independence from context and parental influence. The sample included parent-child dyads (n = 436) recruited from 51 childcare centres across 10 counties. Parent-reported feeding practices, children's observed willingness-to-try-new-foods and children's height and weight were measured using the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ), a food tasting activity and standardized anthropometric protocols, respectively. Logistic and linear regression models assessed associations between parent-reported feeding practices and children's observed willingness-to-try-new-foods, as well as body mass index z-score (BMIz), respectively. All models adjusted for potential confounders, including clustering within childcare centres. Children's observed willingness-to-try-new-foods was positively associated with parent-reported restriction for weight control, suggesting independence from context. A child-driven interpretation suggests parental perceptions of children's high food responsivity or concerns about excess weight gain and a parent-driven interpretation suggests that children exhibit higher willingness-to-try-new-foods in response to parental weight-related restriction. Children's observed willingness-to-try-new-foods was not related to other parent-reported feeding practices. Child BMIz was positively associated with parent-reported restriction for weight and health and negatively associated with pressuring and giving children control over food intake. Future research is needed to determine factors associated with child and parent-driven interpretations of feeding practices and effective strategies to promote responsive parent feeding practices.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: New Pathogenetic Mechanisms, Treatment and the Most Important Complications

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a prevalent chronic disease affecting over 400 million people globally, is driven by genetic and environmental factors. The pathogenesis involves insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, mediated by mechanisms such as the dedifferentiation of β-cells, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Treatment should be based on non-pharmacological therapy. Strategies such as increased physical activity, dietary modifications, cognitive-behavioral therapy are important in maintaining normal glycemia. Advanced therapies, including SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, complement these treatments and offer solid glycemic control, weight control, and reduced cardiovascular risk. Complications of T2DM, such as diabetic kidney disease, retinopathy, and neuropathy, underscore the need for early diagnosis and comprehensive management to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Weightless photonic spike processing of time-of-flight signals with delay learning.

Time-of-flight (ToF) signal processing has become increasingly crucial in depth perception applications. We propose a photonic spike processing method for ToF signals based on synaptic delay plasticity, which adjusts the spike timing of encoded signals to achieve low-latency processing without the need for weight loading and control. This method employs photonic neurons that directly encode optical pulses of ToF signals into temporal spike sequences, eliminating the necessity for a time-to-digital converter (TDC). We use tunable optical delay lines to emulate the photonic synaptic regulation of spike timing. In addition, we demonstrate the efficacy of a photonic spiking neural network that trains the synaptic delay parameters using the ModelNet dataset, achieving an accuracy of 96.36%. In experiments, the processing delay of ToF signals is 58.66 ns, representing a reduction of two orders of magnitude compared with traditional TDC-based methods. This approach facilitates applying synaptic diversity in photonic neuromorphic information processing.

Subtypes of Insulin Restriction in Diabetes Management: A Systematic Review.

Insulin restriction is commonly studied as a form of disordered eating, but people may restrict insulin for many reasons. This systematic review examined how insulin restriction has been conceptualized and measured, and its associated predictors and outcomes. Forty-seven unique articles measured non-specified insulin restriction (IR), insulin restriction specifically for weight control (IRWC), or both. Eight studies used non-specified measures to examine insulin restriction for a specific purpose. IR was more prevalent than IRWC, but both occurred equally among men and women across ages. Higher negative emotions were associated with both constructs, while lower self-management behaviors were examined and associated only with IR; both constructs were associated with higher HbA1c. When measured simultaneously, IR and IRWC were not correlated. There may be subtypes of insulin restriction. Future research should develop measures to assess and examine distinct subtypes, and translate findings into effective interventions for this dangerous behavior.

A single dorsal vagal complex circuit mediates the aversive and anorectic responses to GLP1R agonists.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) effectively reduce feeding to treat obesity, although nausea and other aversive side effects of these drugs can limit their use. Brainstem circuits that promote satiation and that mediate the physiologic control of body weight can be distinguished from those that cause aversion. It remains unclear whether brainstem Glp1r neurons contribute to the normal regulation of energy balance and whether GLP1RAs control appetite via circuits distinct from those that mediate aversive responses, however. Hence, we defined roles for AP and NTS Glp1r -expressing neurons (AP Glp1r and NTS Glp1r neurons, respectively) in the physiologic control of body weight, the GLP1RA-dependent suppression of food intake, and the GLP1RA-mediated stimulation of aversive responses. While silencing non-aversive NTS Glp1r neurons interfered with the physiologic restraint of feeding and body weight, restoring NTS Glp1r neuron Glp1r expression on an otherwise Glp1r -null background failed to enable long-term body weight suppression by GLP1RAs. In contrast, selective Glp1r expression in AP Glp1r neurons restored both aversive responses and long-term body weight suppression by GLP1RAs. Thus, while non-aversive NTS Glp1r neurons control physiologic feeding, aversive AP Glp1r neurons mediate both the anorectic and weight loss effects of GLP1RAs, dictating the functional inseparability of these pharmacologic GLP1RA responses at a circuit level.