Weight Reduction Efforts Research Articles

P348Motivation of overweight patients with atrial fibrillation to lose weight or to follow a weight loss management program: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements none Background Overweight and obesity increase the risk of recurrence and progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). Studies evaluating weight reduction programs in AF patients have shown benefits in AF burden, symptoms and quality of life. Despite this proof, AF patients often lack the will to tackle overweight and they do not commonly participate in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Purpose The objective of this study was to assess the motivation of AF patients with overweight or obesity to lose weight and/or to follow weight reduction programs. Methods A multicenter descriptive cross-sectional study was performed at three Belgian hospitals. A self-developed questionnaire was presented to AF patients with a BMI >27kg/m2 who presented for an outpatient cardiology visit or were hospitalized at the cardiology ward. The questionnaire was validated for its content by an expert panel and it addressed the following topics: knowledge about the relation between weight and AF; patients’ history of weight reduction efforts and its success; current motivation to reduce weight; factors related to motivation; interest in following weight reduction programs. Results A total of 143 patients (mean age 65.7 ± 9.2 years; mean BMI 32.3 ± 4.7kg/m2; 68.5% males; 47.6% hospitalized; mean duration of AF history 5.7 ± 6.0 years) out of 560 screened AF patients completed the questionnaire (figure 1). Only 69.9% of patients was aware of the positive effect of weight reduction on the progression of AF. Prior attempts to reduce weight were made by 76.2% of the patients in which a minority participated in a hospital-based weight reduction program (9.2%) or a structured fitness program (10.1%). Of the study patients, 75.5% were currently motivated to reduce weight, mainly driven by health considerations (78.7%). Univariate analysis showed that a higher educational degree, higher income, living with a partner, and higher BMI were positively correlated with motivation to reduce weight (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that a higher BMI (OR = 1.20; CI = 1.05-1.38; p = 0.010), younger age (0.96 (0.91-1.01); p = 0.108), a college/university degree (5.03 (1.57-16.16); p = 0.007) and living with a partner (4.31 (1.55-11.95); p = 0.005) were associated with greater odds ratio of motivation for weight reduction. A completely home-based program (including tele-rehabilitation) was the preferred approach for 57.9% of the patients, and 57.3% would consider a weight reduction program only if reimbursement was available. Conclusions AF patients with overweight still need to be better informed about overweight as a risk factor for AF. AF patients with a lower degree of education, living alone and a lower BMI need more external motivation to lose weight. A tailored weight reduction program, mainly home based, is the preferred option for patients. This will require further development and validation of tele-coaching programs for this patient group. Abstract Figure 1: Enrollment procedure

Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Risk in Lithuania-Results from EUROASPIRE V Survey.

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines define targets for lifestyle and risk factors for patients at high risk of developing CVD. We assessed the control of these factors, as well as CVD risk perception in patients enrolled into the primary care arm of the European Action on Secondary and Primary Prevention by Intervention to Reduce Events (EUROASPIRE V) survey in Lithuania. Materials and Methods: Data were collected as the part of the EUROASPIRE V survey, a multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional observational study. Adults without a documented CVD who had been prescribed antihypertensive medicines and/or lipid-lowering medicines and/or treatment for diabetes (diet and/oral antidiabetic medicines and/or insulin) were eligible for the survey. Data were collected through the review of medical records, patients’ interview, physical examination and laboratory tests. Results: A total of 201 patients were enrolled. Very few patients reached targets for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (4.5%), waist circumference (17.4%) and body mass index (15.4%). Only 31% of very high CVD risk patients and 52% of high-risk patients used statins. Blood pressure target was achieved by 115 (57.2%) patients. Only 21.7% of patients at very high actual CVD risk and 27% patients at high risk correctly estimated their risk. Of patients at moderate actual CVD risk, 37.5% patients accurately self-assessed the risk. About 60%–80% of patients reported efforts to reduce the intake of sugar, salt or alcohol; more than 70% of patients were current nonsmokers. Only a third of patients reported weight reduction efforts (33.3%) or regular physical activity (27.4%). Conclusions: The control of cardiovascular risk factors in a selected group of primary prevention patients was unsatisfactory, especially in terms of LDL-C level and body weight parameters. Many patients did not accurately perceive their own risk of developing CVD.

Optimization of the Young’s Modulus of Low Flow Polypropylene Talc/Colemanite Hybrid Composite Materials with Artificial Neural Networks

Abstract In this experimental study, Taguchi experiment design and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) methods were used to optimize the Young’s modulus of polypropylene / talc / colemanite hybrid composite materials depending on their production parameters and hybrid filler ratios in different percentages by weight. Low flow polypropylene homopolymer (LPPH) is a thermoplastic widely used in the automotive industry as a buffer and fender material (raw material) because of its high impact resistance. It is known, that in the automotive industry, weight reduction efforts are under way. However, there is currently no published scientific and / or experimental studies on the Tensile properties of polypropylene / talc / colemanite hybrid composite materials. On the other hand, it is also known that the Tensile properties of thermoplastic composites are influenced by injection molding parameters and that these characteristic features influenced by injection molding parameters can not be predicted and/or determined, for example from analysis and/or computer-aided design programs. In this context, in the first phase of the study, the predicted boundary conditions of the design parameters such as hybrid filler ratio and injection parameters such as nozzle temperature, injection speed and mold temperature were determined, which can influence the tensile properties and also increase and / or decrease the Young’s modulus. In the second phase of the study, tensile tests were performed on talc (TC) and colemanite (GC) filled polypropylene (LPPH) hybrid composite materials according to ISO 527-1, and the ANN method was used to model the Young’s modulus of LPPH / TC / GC hybrid composite materials. The results obtained were compared with the ANOVA results obtained with the Taguchi experiment design method. It was found that the ANN method provided satisfactory results.

Modelling of the Flexural Strength of Low Flow Polypropylene Talc/Colemanite Hybrid Composite Materials with Taguchi and ANFIS Methods

Abstract In this experimental study, Taguchi experiment design and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) methods were used to optimize the flexural strength of polypropylene / talc / colemanite hybrid composite materials depending on their production parameters and hybrid filler ratios in different percentages by weight. It is known, that in most sectors today, for example, in the automotive industry, weight reduction efforts are under way. However, there is currently no published scientific and / or experimental studies on the three point bending properties of polypropylene / talc / colemanite hybrid composite materials. On the other hand, it is also known that the three point bending properties of thermoplastic composites are influenced by injection molding parameters and that these characteristic features influenced by injection molding parameters can not be predicted and/or determined, for example from flow analysis and/or computer-aided design programs. In this context, in the first phase of the study, the predicted boundary conditions of the design parameters such as hybrid filler ratio and injection parameters such as nozzle temperature, injection speed and mold temperature were determined, which can influence the three-point bending properties and also increase and / or decrease the flexural strength. In the second phase of the study, three-point bending tests were performed on talc (TC) and colemanite (GC) filled polypropylene (LPPH) hybrid composite materials according to ISO 178, and the ANFIS method was used to model the flexural strengths of LPPH / TC / GC hybrid composite materials. The results obtained were compared with the ANOVA results obtained with the Taguchi experiment design method. It was found that the ANFIS method provided satisfactory results.

A fogyás motivációi súlycsökkentő kezelésben részt vevők körében

Unrealistic expectations about weight goal and about weight loss-related benefits can hinder the effort for a successful long-term weight control. To explore weight loss-related goals and their background among overweight/obese patients. Study sample consisted of patients who participated in the inpatient weight loss treatment in the Lipidological Department of Szent Imre Hospital (n = 339, 19% men). Mean age: 50.2 years (SD = 13.47 years), mean BMI: 38.6 (SD = 7.58). self-reported anthropometric data, type and number of treated illnesses, Goals and Relative Weights Questionnaire, Motivations for Weight Loss Scale, Body Shape Questionnaire. Participants would feel disappointed with a possible 10% weight loss in a half-year time span. The acceptable weight loss percentage was higher among women, younger participants and among those who had more excess weight. Motivation regarding the increase in social desirability by weight loss is in association with body dissatisfaction, health related motivation is in association with the number of treated illnesses. Our results are contributing to the understanding of motivational factors behind weight reduction efforts, considering these can improve treatment success rates. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(49): 1960-1967.

Systems Engineering Approach to PHM in Aerospace

Systems engineering approaches to PHM are established by first capturing the right data. Understanding prominent component failure modes and their system level effects allows engineers to target necessary sensing feedback to enable precise prognostics algorithm development. For many commercial aircraft, however, requirements for PHM are either not identified or not prioritizedin advance of entry into service (EIS). As the design of aircraft systems evolve, adding sensors is essential to comply with baseline performance requirements, such as robust operation throughout the design envelope, fault detection via built-in test (BIT), and safety via backup and protective controls. Conversely, weight reduction efforts during aircraft systems design often result in leansensor architectures. Incorporating PHM requirements early in the aircraft design process will enable more robust sensor architectures and enhance PHM capabilities.This presentation will review design considerations for commercial aircraft systems as they relate to PHM; including sensor provisioning and BIT functionality. Examples of prognostics algorithm development for legacy system architectures will be discussed. The future of designing aircraft systems for PHM will also be explored.

폐경 전 성인여성의 실제 체지방률과 주관적 체형인식의 차이에 따른 혈당, 혈중 지질, 월경규칙성 및 체중감소노력과의 비교 분석

폐경 전 성인여성의 실제 체지방률과 주관적 체형인식의 차이에 따른 혈당, 혈중 지질, 월경규칙성 및 체중감소노력과의 비교 분석

Formability enhancement of Al 6060 sheets through fiber laser heat treatment

Due to the continuous weight reduction effort in the automotive sector, formability enhancement of aluminum alloys in forming and hydroforming processes is gathering much attention from research institutes and industries. During sheet forming processes, large deformations are desired to obtain complex shapes but these are limited by the appearance of defects such as wrinkling and cracks. To avoid these issues, intermediate annealing heat treatments are often applied as a possible solution. Nevertheless in large components where small details have to be created, local heat treatment through lasers can be cost effective over the furnace treatment of the whole part and it would limit possible geometrical distortion in large components. The following article presents fiber laser process parameters definition on deformed sheets made of Al6060 alloy. Grain structure variation and hardness decrease were studied to correctly select process parameters (laser power, feeding speed and overlapping among subsequent passes) to increase material formability. In addition, a systematic comparison between fiber laser and furnace heat treatment was assessed proving the equivalence of the two methods in terms of achieved mechanical proprieties.

Perceptions of Primary Care Among Breast Cancer Survivors: The Effects of Weight Status.

Background:Obese breast cancer survivors (BCSs) are impacted by diminished quality of life (QOL), multiple comorbid conditions, and poor disease outcomes. Despite national guidelines recommending a healthy weight to improve QOL and outcomes posttreatment, support and education are not routinely provided to BCSs in primary care. To fill this gap, we assessed perceptions of primary care received among BCSs by weight status.Methods:Cross-sectional surveys were administered to early-stage BCSs (N = 188) from 2 New Jersey cancer centers between May 2012 and July 2013. Sociodemographics, medical history, functional health status, perceived satisfaction with one’s primary care provider (PCP), and PCP involvement in follow-up care were assessed.Results:In total, 82% of overweight BCSs and 30% of obese BCSs reported not being told by their doctor that they were overweight or obese, despite these conditions being highly prevalent (35% and 35%, respectively). Obese BCSs were more likely than healthy weight BCSs to be African American, have a higher comorbidity score, poorer functional health, and greater satisfaction with their PCPs.Conclusion:The PCP–patient encounter may represent an opportunity for PCPs to correct misperceptions and promote weight reduction efforts among BCSs, thus improving QOL and disease outcomes.

Obesity and associated lifestyle in a large sample of multi-morbid German primary care attendees.

BackgroundObesity and the accompanying increased morbidity and mortality risk is highly prevalent among older adults. As obese elderly might benefit from intentional weight reduction, it is necessary to determine associated and potentially modifiable factors on senior obesity. This cross-sectional study focuses on multi-morbid patients which make up the majority in primary care. It reports on the prevalence of senior obesity and its associations with lifestyle behaviors.MethodsA total of 3,189 non-demented, multi-morbid participants aged 65–85 years were recruited in primary care within the German MultiCare-study. Physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and quantity and quality of nutritional intake were classified as relevant lifestyle factors. Body Mass Index (BMI, general obesity) and waist circumference (WC, abdominal obesity) were used as outcome measures and regression analyses were conducted.ResultsAbout one third of all patients were classified as obese according to BMI. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 73.5%. Adjusted for socio-demographic variables and objective and subjective disease burden, participants with low physical activity had a 1.6 kg/m2 higher BMI as well as a higher WC (4.9 cm, p<0.001). Current smoking and high alcohol consumption were associated with a lower BMI and WC. In multivariate logistic regression, using elevated WC and BMI as categorical outcomes, the same pattern in lifestyle factors was observed. Only for WC, not current but former smoking was associated with a higher probability for elevated WC. Dietary intake in quantity and quality was not associated with BMI or WC in either model.ConclusionsFurther research is needed to clarify if the huge prevalence discrepancy between BMI and WC also reflects a difference in obesity-related morbidity and mortality. Yet, age-specific thresholds for the BMI are needed likewise. Encouraging and promoting physical activity in older adults might a starting point for weight reduction efforts.

Tackling Childhood Overweight and Obesity

Tackling Childhood Overweight and Obesity

Do women with PCOS have a unique predisposition to obesity?

Women with PCOS are often obese and there is debate in the literature regarding whether women are obese because of their PCOS status or if those who become obese are more predisposed to PCOS. There is support for a predisposition to obesity by some data indicating impaired metabolism in PCOS women compared to weight matched controls but this data is limited. Contrary data also exist that adiposity rates do not vary between women with PCOS and those without, and that differences in obesity rates between countries are more likely due to environmental and lifestyle factors. Until further data are available, lifestyle recommendations for weight reduction in women with PCOS should be similar to those for women without PCOS.

Effects of Body Weight Reduction and Supramaximal Sprint Effort Training on Power-to-Weight Ratio in Experienced Cyclists

Effects of Body Weight Reduction and Supramaximal Sprint Effort Training on Power-to-Weight Ratio in Experienced Cyclists

Design and failure modes of automotive suspension springs

This paper is a discussion about automotive suspension coil springs, their fundamental stress distribution, materials characteristic, manufacturing and common failures. An in depth discussion on the parameters influencing the quality of coil springs is also presented. Following the trend of the auto industry to continuously achieve weight reduction, coil springs are not exempt. A consequence of the weight reduction effort is the need to employ spring materials with significantly larger stresses compared to similar designs decades ago. Utilizing a higher strength of steel possesses both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include the freedom to design coil springs at higher levels of stress and more complex stresses. Disadvantages of employing materials with higher levels of stress come from the stresses themselves. A coil’s failure to perform its function properly can be more catastrophic than if the coil springs are used in lower stress. As the stress level is increased, material and manufacturing quality becomes more critical. Material cleanliness that was not a major issue decades ago now becomes significant. Decarburization that was not a major issue in the past now becomes essential. To assure that a coil spring serves its design, failure analysis of broken coil springs is valuable both for the short and long term agenda of car manufacturer and parts suppliers. This paper discusses several case studies of suspension spring failures. The failures presented range from the very basic including insufficient load carrying capacity, raw material defects such as excessive inclusion levels, and manufacturing defects such as delayed quench cracking, to failures due to complex stress usage and chemically induced failure. FEA of stress distributions around typical failure initiation sites are also presented.

Evaluation of Selected Behavior Change Theoretical Models Used in Weight Management Interventions

Purpose: This paper evaluates selected behavior change theoretical models used in weight reduction interventions and presents recommendations for the use of theory in weight reduction research. Overweight and obesity are complex problems, requiring long-term behavioral change. Behavioral treatments for overweight and obesity are as varied as the elements of behavior, and the long-term efficacy of most approaches is poor. Because of the complexity of both the problem and its treatment, investigations must target the development of cause-effect explanations. CONCLUSIONS: Many of the behavioral change intervention studies reviewed lacked external validity, primarily due to the failure to consider salient moderators. The theoretical models reviewed in this paper were primarily tested on white, employed populations. These and other data suggest that extant theoretical approaches may not be salient in certain groups. IMPLICATIONS: Practice implications include: 1) assess indicators for readiness to engage in weight reduction efforts; 2) base interventions on multiple theories; and 3) develop context-based interventions. Future research should include a focus on innovative methods in theory development, development of theory acknowledging mediator/moderator interactions, development of theory in context, and development of theory reflecting cultural meaning and diversity.

Naturalistic weight reduction efforts predicted weight gain and onset of obesity in adolescent girls

Stice E, Cameron RP, Killen JD , et al. Naturalistic weight-reduction efforts prospectively predict growth in relative weight and onset of obesity among female adolescents. J Consult Clin Psychol1999 Dec;...

A Multidimensional Weight-Management Program for Women

Real and imagined overweight and obesity, and resulting weight-reduction efforts, are associated with the development of a variety of health problems and eating disorders. For many years, research and practice in the field of weight management have been based largely on a unidimensional, simplistic, weight-loss paradigm. The long-term success rate for persons using this paradigm has been low. This article presents a multidimensional paradigm that focuses on all aspects of the prevention, treatment, and management of weight-related problems. The goal is to stimulate a shift from the unidimensional to a more multidimensional approach in weight-management interventions. The paradigm presents weight management as a continuum on which 5 prominent points are identified: formulation of reasonable weight goals, prevention of unnecessary weight gain or loss, weight loss when necessary, prevention of relapse, and acceptance of an overweight/obese physique when necessary. The intrapersonal characteristics and skills associated with this continuum, namely, self-esteem, body image, self-efficacy, locus of control, motivation, stress management, problem solving and decision making, and assertiveness, as well as the role of stage of change and environmental influences on weight management, are examined. Issues concerning the different dimensions of the paradigm are discussed as are challenges and applications for researchers and practitioners in the field of weight management. J Am Diet Assoc 1999;99:1257–1264.

Naturalistic weight-reduction efforts prospectively predict growth in relative weight and onset of obesity among female adolescents.

Naturalistic weight-reduction efforts prospectively predict growth in relative weight and onset of obesity among female adolescents.

Nongenetic influences of obesity on other cardiovascular disease risk factors: an analysis of identical twins.

The importance of genetic influences on obesity has been emphasized recently. We conducted matched co-twin analyses of 250 pairs of White, male, monozygotic twins from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Twin Study. Entirely in the absence of genetic influences, obesity was significantly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressures; one-hour, post-load glucose; total, LDL-, and HDL-cholesterol; and triglycerides among these 42-55 year old men. Similar results were obtained in longitudinal analyses of weight change during adulthood (from mean age of 20 to mean age of 48 years) and risk factor status at middle-age. These results indicate that behaviors and environmental exposures that occur later in life are responsible, at least in part, for the associations between adult obesity and cardiovascular disease risk, supporting the appropriateness of weight reduction efforts during adulthood.

Southwestern Internal Medicine Conference: Treatment of Obesity

Decreases in resting metabolic rate and thermic effect of exercise during and after caloric restriction contribute to a reduced rate of weight reduction and subsequent difficulty in weight maintenance. Increasing exercise increases the thermic effect of exercise and prevents a decrease in resting metabolic rate, thereby, improving the rate of weight loss. A combined program of caloric restriction, exercise, and behavior therapy (including relapse prevention training and social support systems) is the most successful approach to long term weight reduction efforts. Pharmacologic treatment is currently limited, but there are three areas of development: agents which reduce energy intake, inhibitors of lipid synthesis, and thermogenesis enhancers. Evidence for improving efficiency of weight loss prevention and prevention of weight regain during repeated cycles of dieting (yo-yo phenomenon) exists in rat studies but not in a preliminary human investigation.