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Structure of disordered eating in a twin community sample.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the types of eating problems experienced by women in an Australian twin population. METHOD: Questions assessing preoccupation with weight or shape, use of various methods of weight control, difficulties with weight control, disordered eating, or binging, were administered to a group of 3,869 female twins. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to summarize and describe problematic eating behaviors. RESULTS: For those women experiencing problems with eating, five groups could be identified. These were overweight women who were dissatisfied with their weight and shape, underweight women struggling with anorexic behaviors, women who were having problems with binging, women who were using more extreme methods of weight control such as vomiting, laxatives, and starvation, and overweight women who were using slimming and fluid tablets for weight control. Confirmatory factor analysis suggested that this factor model is an acceptable fit to the data and that the factor structure generalizes well across two groups viz, the first-born and second-born twins. DISCUSSION: It was concluded that future studies aiming to develop a general description of eating problems in the community should specifically assess the purging behaviors used by women.

Adult↗

Growth characteristics of metallothionein-human growth hormone transgenic mice as compared to mice selected for high eight-week body weight and unselected controls. I. Body weight gain and external body dimensions.

Body weight gain and external body dimensions of MT-hGH transgenic mice were compared with mice (NMRI) selected for high 8-week body weight (N8) and unselected controls derived from the NMRI strain (Pop). The growth curves from day 30 to 120 of transgenic mice exhibited a significantly steeper slope than those of male and female controls and of female N8 mice and did not show sex-related differences. The continuous pattern of GH secretion in transgenic mice is discussed as a possible reason for this phenomenon. Body weight gain of transgenic mice did not significantly exceed that of male N8 mice. None of the groups showed an obvious prolongation of the period of rapid daily weight gain. Maximum body weights of male and female transgenic mice were significantly higher than those of sex-matched controls but not of N8 mice. A drastic loss of body weight of about 25% of the maximum value was observed in the transgenic group prior to death. External body dimensions were largest in MT-hGH transgenic animals, followed by N8 mice and controls. In addition to these absolute measurements, values were related to the cube root of maximum body weight of the same animal. This is the first study that provides a comparative analysis of the effects of GH gene transfer and selection for body weight gain on body growth of mice derived from an outbred strain.

Animals↗

Associations between health risk behaviors and opposite-, same-, and both-sex sexual partners in representative samples of vermont and massachusetts high school students.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between health risk behaviors and sexual experience with opposite-, same-, or both-sex partners in representative samples of high school students. DESIGN: We used 1995 and 1997 data from the Vermont and Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. Logistic regression and multiple regression analyses were used to compare health risk behaviors among students who reported sex with opposite-sex partners only (opposite-sex students), with same-sex partners only (same-sex students), and with both male and female sexual partners (both-sex students). SETTING: Public high schools in Vermont and Massachusetts. PARTICIPANTS: Representative, population-based samples of high school students. The combined samples had 14 623 Vermont students and 8141 Massachusetts students. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Violence, harassment, suicidal behavior, alcohol and other drug use, and unhealthy weight control practices. RESULTS: In both states, both-sex students were significantly more likely to report health risk behaviors than were opposite-sex students. For example, both-sex students had odds 3 to 6 times greater than opposite-sex students of being threatened or injured with a weapon at school, making a suicide attempt requiring medical attention, using cocaine, or vomiting or using laxatives to control their weight. In both states, same-sex students were as likely as opposite-sex students to report most health risk behaviors. CONCLUSION: Relative to opposite- and same-sex students, both-sex students may be at elevated risk of injury, disease, and death by experiencing serious harassment and engaging in violence, suicidal behavior, alcohol and other drug use, and unhealthy weight control practices.

Adolescent↗

Weight locus of control and weight-related attitudes and behaviors in an overweight population.

Rotter's [Psychol. Monogr. 80 (1966)] construct of internal-external control of reinforcement led to the conceptualization of locus of control as a personality construct that can be used to predict behavior. More specific measures of locus of control in particular behavioral domains have followed. In the present study, the Weight Locus of Control Scale (WLOC) was used to predict weight-related attitudes and behaviors of overweight individuals, as well as their responses to health education materials (HEM) on weight loss. The WLOC scores predicted responses to baseline weight-related measures such as etiology of obesity, confidence in weight loss behaviors, and behavioral intention. In addition, WLOC scores predicted participants' reactions to the HEM, as well as the actual number of weight loss ideas from the HEM that the participants tried by the 1-month follow-up assessment. The results are discussed in terms of the validity of the WLOC and implications for future development of effective HEM.

Adult↗

Effects of weight status on the recommendations of and adherence to lifestyle modifications among hypertensive adults.

Overweight and obese hypertensive patients can greatly benefit from high adherence rates for lifestyle modifications. The objectives of this paper were to investigate how patients' weight status affected physicians' recommendations of lifestyle modifications and patients' adherence after they received the recommendations. The patients were adults (18+ years of age) with hypertension (prehypertension, Stage I and Stage II hypertension). The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2000 was used. Weight status was categorized as normal/underweight, overweight and obese. Physicians' recommendations of and patients' adherence to lifestyle modifications (weight control, exercise, sodium intake reduction, alcohol intake reduction) were examined using descriptive and multivariate analyses, controlling for weight status, hypertension stage, comorbidities and demographic characteristics. About 57.0% of the US adult population in 1999-2000 had prehypertension, Stages I or II hypertension. Among the hypertensive adults, 30.3% were normal/underweight, 32.6% were overweight and 37.2% were obese. We found that physicians were more aggressive in recommending lifestyle modification for obese patients. In contrast, obese hypertensive patients were not found to be more likely than normal/underweight patients to adhere to lifestyle modification recommendations. In addition, adherence rates for sodium and alcohol consumption reduction were higher than that for either exercise or weight control. In conclusion, more aggressive approaches should be taken by physicians to educate obese patients about the benefits of lifestyle modifications and to improve adherence to enhance the effects of antihypertensive medications.

Adolescent↗

The effects of orlistat in patients with diabetes: improvement in glycaemic control and weight loss.

OBJECTIVE: In addition to direct weight reduction, there may be other benefits of obesity treatment including improved insulin sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to characterise concomitant diabetes drug use and the related costs in patients with diabetes treated with orlistat (Xenical) in the first 6 months of treatment. METHODS: One hundred overweight patients with diabetes and a body mass index (BMI) > or = 28 kg/m2 were enrolled in a structured UK hospital-based weight management clinic and treated with orlistat plus behavioural interventions. Among other measures, weight, glucose control (HbA1c) and drug treatment were recorded. Subjects were followed-up for a maximum of 24 months at intervals of 1-3 months, with a maximum treatment period of 24 months. RESULTS: The majority of subjects (91%) had type 2 diabetes. They had a mean age of 55 years and 55% were women. For patients followed up at 6 months, their mean BMI at baseline was 39.5 kg/m2 with a mean HbA1c of 7.6%. The mean weight loss at 6 months was 7.1 kg (p < 0.001). Despite a significant average absolute HbA1c reduction of 0.62% (p < 0.001), the most notable gains were made by those with the highest baseline HbA1c values (a mean relative reduction of 20% for those above the 75th percentile). There were 50 patients treated with insulin at baseline and 47 at 6 months. Of those treated with insulin, the mean dose was 130 units at baseline and 90 units at 6 months (p < 0.001). Twenty patients (44.4%) initially treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents alone reduced their dose after 6 months (not significant). Despite marked improvement in insulin sensitivity (baseline mean, 1.24 units/kg; 6 month mean, 0.90 units/kg [p < 0.001]) there was no correlation with BMI change. The average cost of diabetes treatment at baseline was pound 1.16 per day and pound 0.83 at 6 months (p < 0.001). Age was the only independent predictor for insulin dose reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Orlistat appears to reduce the need for concomitant diabetes medication irrespective of weight loss, a reduction that is likely to represent a large cost offset for orlistat treatment.

Adult↗

Practical clinical behavioral treatment of obesity.

The objective was to create a method/model that works in practical clinical treatment for health care personnel as well as for the patients, to educate and supervise health care staff according to this model and to initiate long-term treatment of obese patients in a health care setting. The hypothesis was that it is possible to successfully initiate behavior-modified treatment in the form of a structured treatment program as a method and a tool adapted to use in health care. The aim of this article is to describe an extensive structural cognitive behavioral treatment program for patients. The treatment program is documented in a handbook for supervisors and a self-monitoring book for patients. This handbook is used in the education of the health care personnel and supports the supervisor in the clinical work with the patients. The main purpose of all individual or group treatment is to bring about reduction of body weight or weight control. To obtain weight control through lifestyle changes a balance has to be found between eating behavior, physical activity and body weight control. To reach this kind of balance it is important to have treatment programs where the aim and goals are clearly declared. The structure and the content of the program shall motivate and create interest for changes in the overweight person's behavior. This treatment program includes a schematic survey and an example of a structured treatment program. Over the last few years, 850 nurses, dietitians and other health care personnel have been educated, representing 400 primary health care centers and hospitals within Sweden. Overall these participants find their education and supervision meaningful and valuable.

Clinical Competence↗

Eating style and symptoms of eating disorders: further explorations.

Based on earlier efforts to document relationships between eating styles involving hunger, deprivation, and restraint and symptoms of eating disorders, three scales--Eating Style, Feeling Deprived, and Dieting Style--were created and administered to 259 University females, 118 males, and 50 nonstudent females. Of interest were psychometric properties of the scales, their relationships to each other and with symptoms, beliefs about weight control, and body weight. One year later, findings based on Eating Style were replicated and extended in smaller groups of the original University subjects. Appreciable relationships occurred almost uniformly between Eating Style (addressing hunger, deprivation, and restraint) and proposed correlates. Feeling Deprived (a measure of avowed deprivation) correlated consistently with beliefs about weight control and weight variables, but not symptoms. Measurement of Dieting Style was hampered by small ns.

Adolescent↗

Weight-related concerns and behaviors among overweight and nonoverweight adolescents: implications for preventing weight-related disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To assess weight-related concerns and behaviors in a population-based sample of adolescents and to compare these concerns and behaviors across sex and weight status. DESIGN: The study population included 4746 adolescents from St Paul or Minneapolis, Minn, public schools who completed surveys and anthropometric measurements as part of Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), a population-based study focusing on eating patterns and weight concerns among teenagers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measured weight status, weight-related concerns (perceived weight status, weight disparity, body satisfaction, and care about controlling weight), and weight-related behaviors (general and specific weight control behaviors and binge eating). RESULTS: Weight-related concerns and behaviors were prevalent among the study population. Although adolescents were most likely to report healthy weight control behaviors (adolescent girls, 85%; and adolescent boys, 70%), also prevalent were weight control behaviors considered to be unhealthy (adolescent girls, 57%; and adolescent boys, 33%) or extreme (adolescent girls, 12%; and adolescent boys, 5%). Most overweight youth perceived themselves as overweight and reported the use of healthy weight control behaviors during the past year. However, the use of unhealthy and extreme weight control behaviors and binge eating were alarmingly high among overweight youth, particularly adolescent girls. Extreme weight control practices (taking diet pills, laxatives, or diuretics or vomiting) were reported by 18% of very overweight adolescent girls, compared with 6% of very overweight adolescent boys (body mass index, > OR = 95th percentile). CONCLUSION: Prevention interventions that address the broad spectrum of weight-related disorders, enhance skill development for behavioral change, and provide support for dealing with potentially harmful social norms are warranted in light of the high prevalence and co-occurrence of obesity and unhealthy weight-related behaviors.

Adolescent↗

Pharmacological inhibition of TRalpha1 receptor potentiates the thyroxine effect on body weight reduction in rats: potential therapeutic implications in controlling body weight.

It has been previously reported that thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 (TRalpha1) is involved in the regulation of food intake and heart rhythm. Herein, we show that pharmacological inhibition of TRalpha1 by dronedarone, an amiodarone like compound (shown to antagonize thyroid hormone binding to TRalpha1), prevented the thyroid hormone induced increase in food intake and heart rate acceleration in rats. This resulted in a marked reduction in body weight. It is likely that thyroid analogs may prove potential therapeutic agents for controlling body weight.

Amiodarone↗

Dexfenfluramine in obese Chinese NIDDM patients. A placebo-controlled investigation of the effects on body weight, glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety, efficacy, and metabolic effects of dexfenfluramine in obese Chinese NIDDM patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients, mean (+/- SD) body weight 76.2 +/- 8.5 kg with corresponding BMI 31.1 +/- 2.1 kg/m2, were randomized into a two-phase study, after a 2-week single-blind run-in period on placebo. Phase 1 was a randomized 3-month double-blind placebo-controlled trial during which either dexfenfluramine or placebo was added to the existing treatment regimens of diet plus or minus sulfonylureas without metformin. Phase 2 was a further 3-month single-blind trial during which the placebo group was given dexfenfluramine without patients' knowledge of changing to active medication, while the active group continued with dexfenfluramine. Body weight, glycemic control, blood pressure, lipids, and quality of life were assessed before and at 3 and 6 months after randomization. A total of 27 patients were also followed for an additional period of 6-12 months (215 +/- 53 days) after dexfenfluramine treatment was withdrawn. RESULTS: During the run-in period, both groups were comparable for all parameters measured. At 3 months, mean changes in BMI were -1.2 +/- 1.0 kg/m2 (dexfenfluramine) vs. -0.1 +/- 0.5 kg/m2 (placebo) (P < 0.001). The mean changes in fasting plasma glucose were -1.14 +/- 0.99 vs. 0.51 +/- 1.34 mmol/l (dexfenfluramine vs. placebo, P = 0.004). HbA(1c) also significantly improved in the dexfenfluramine group (-0.80 +/- 0.53 vs. 0.25 +/- 0.64%, P < 0.001). During the 3-month single-blind dexfenfluramine treatment in the ex-placebo group, there were similar improvements in body weight and glycemic indexes. After cessation of dexfenfluramine therapy at 6 months, significant increases in body weight and glycemic indexes, almost back to the baseline, were observed for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dexfenfluramine aids weight loss and improves glycemic control in obese Chinese NIDDM patients over a 3- to 6-month period. These effects are emphasized after withdrawal of treatment and further support the longer-term use of dexfenfluramine for chronic complicated obesity.

Adult↗

Is obesity a risk factor for psychopathology among adolescents?

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have documented the existence of psychopathology in obese adolescents, disagreement remains regarding the extent and nature of this psychopathology. The aim of the present study was to explore the type and frequency of psychopathology in a clinical as well as a non-clinical sample of obese adolescents, and in a normal weight control group. METHODS: The study sample consisted of a clinical study group of 30 obese adolescents, a non-clinical obese group of 30 obese adolescents, and a control group of 30 normal weight adolescents. Psychological assessment was performed using a non-structured psychiatric interview, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Children Depression Inventory (CDI), Rosenberg Self-esteem scale (SES) and the Eating Attitude Test (EAT). RESULTS: More than half of the clinical obese adolescents (16/30) had a DSM-IV diagnosis, often involving major depressive disorder (n = 10). The mean scores of anxiety-depression, social problems, social withdrawal and total problem in the CBCL scale of the clinical obese group were significantly higher than the non-clinical obese group and the normal weight control group. The mean total scores of the SES and the CDI of the clinical obese group were higher than the normal weight control group. The mean total score of EAT of the clinical obese group was significantly higher than the normal weight control group, and the mean score of EAT of the non-clinical obese group was significantly higher than the normal weight control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results support previously published reports which show a higher ratio of psychopathology (depression, behavioral problems, low-esteem) among clinical obese adolescents than among non-clinical obese adolescents. Findings provided evidence for a psychosocial at-risk population in a subgroup of obese adolescents.

Adolescent↗

Counselling overweight and obese patients in primary care: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Primary care physicians are well positioned to provide counselling for overweight and obese patients, but no prospective study has assessed the effectiveness of this counselling in primary care. We aimed to evaluate weight reduction counselling by primary care physicians, and its relationship with weight change and patients' behaviour to control weight. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. METHODS: We enrolled 523 consecutive overweight and obese patients from two Swiss academic primary care clinics. Physicians and patients were blinded to the study aims. We assessed the use of 10 predefined counselling strategies for weight reduction, and weight change and behaviour to control weight after 1 year. RESULTS: Sixty-five per cent of patients received some form of weight reduction counselling whereas 35% received no counselling. A total of 407 patients completed the 1-year follow-up. Those who received counselling lost on average (SD) 1.0 (5.0) kg after 1 year, whereas those who were not advised gained 0.3 (5.0) kg (P = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, each additional counselling strategy was associated with a mean weight loss of 0.2 kg (95% confidence interval 0.03-0.4, P = 0.02). Patients counselled by their physician had more favourable behaviour to control weight than those not counselled, such as setting a target weight (56 versus 36%) or visiting a dietician (23 versus 10%, both P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Weight reduction counselling by primary care physicians is associated with a modest weight loss and favourable behaviour to control weight. However, many obese and overweight patients receive no advice on weight loss during primary care visits.

Adult↗

Smoking cessation in women concerned about weight.

BACKGROUND: Weight gain after smoking cessation is often cited by women smokers as a primary reason for not attempting to quit smoking or for relapsing after a cessation attempt. METHODS: A randomized trial of 417 women smokers was conducted to test the addition of two weight control strategies to a smoking cessation program. Participants received the standard smoking cessation program, the program plus nicotine gum, the program plus behavioral weight control, or the program plus both nicotine gum and behavioral weight control. Weight and smoking status were measured at the end of treatment and at 6 and 12 months posttreatment. RESULTS: Smoking cessation rates were highest in the group receiving the smoking cessation program plus nicotine gum. Weight gain did not vary by treatment condition, so its effect on relapse could not be examined by group. There was no significant relationship between weight gained and relapse in individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The added behavioral weight control program was attractive to the participants and did not reduce smoking cessation rates. However, it did not produce the expected effect on weight, thereby restricting our ability to examine the effect of weight control on smoking cessation and relapse.

Adult↗

Physical activity considerations for the treatment and prevention of obesity.

Overweight and obesity present significant public health concerns because of the link with numerous chronic health conditions. Excess body weight is a result of an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Physical activity is the most variable component of energy expenditure and therefore has been the target of behavioral interventions to modify body weight. It appears that physical activity is an important component on long-term weight control, and therefore adequate levels of activity should be prescribed to combat the obesity epidemic. Although there is evidence that 30 min of moderate-intensity physical activity may improve health outcomes, the amount of physical activity that may be necessary to control body weight may be >30 min/d. There is a growing body of scientific literature suggesting that at least 60 min of moderate-intensity physical activity may be necessary to maximize weight loss and prevent significant weight regain. Moreover, adequate levels of physical activity appear to be important for the prevention of weight gain and the development of obesity. Physical activity also appears to have an independent effect on health-related outcomes when compared with body weight, suggesting that adequate levels of activity may counteract the negative influence of body weight on health outcomes. Thus, it is important to target intervention strategies to facilitate the adoption and maintenance of an adequate amount of physical activity to control body weight.

Adult↗

Circulating leptin levels and weight loss in Alzheimer's disease patients.

Weight loss is common in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is predictive of mortality. Leptin, an adipocyte-derived peptide hormone is implicated in the regulation of satiety and energy expenditure. It acts on the hypothalamus to suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure. We undertook this study to determine if inappropriately elevated leptin levels play a role in AD-associated weight loss. Serum leptin levels of 8 patients in each of the following groups were determined: (1) AD, body mass index (BMI) >25; (2) AD, BMI <20; (3) non-Alzheimer's (vascular) dementia (VaD), BMI >25, and (4) VaD, BMI <20. Mean serum leptin levels were significantly lower in below-appropriate-weight patients (both AD and VaD) than in appropriate-weight controls. Below-appropriate-weight AD patients had a significantly lower mean serum leptin concentration than appropriate-weight VaD controls. Weight loss is a feature of AD. Inappropriately elevated leptin levels do not appear to be implicated. Indeed, we have shown that the afferent limb of the leptin feedback loop is intact in below-appropriate-weight AD patients and suggest hypothalamic dysfunction may underlie this feature.

Aged↗

Obesity, disordered eating, and eating disorders in a longitudinal study of adolescents: how do dieters fare 5 years later?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if adolescents who report dieting and different weight-control behaviors are at increased or decreased risk for gains in body mass index, overweight status, binge eating, extreme weight-control behaviors, and eating disorders 5 years later. DESIGN: Population-based 5-year longitudinal study. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents (N=2,516) from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds who completed Project EAT (Eating Among Teens) surveys in 1999 (Time 1) and 2004 (Time 2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weight status, binge eating, extreme weight control, and self-reported eating disorder. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Multiple linear and logistic regressions. RESULTS: Adolescents using unhealthful weight-control behaviors at Time 1 increased their body mass index by about 1 unit more than adolescents not using any weight-control behaviors and were at approximately three times greater risk for being overweight at Time 2 (odds ratio [OR]=2.7 for girls; OR=3.2 for boys). Adolescents using unhealthful weight-control behaviors were also at increased risk for binge eating with loss of control (OR=6.4 for girls; OR=5.9 for boys) and for extreme weight-control behaviors such as self-induced vomiting and use of diet pills, laxatives, and diuretics (OR=2.5 for girls; OR=4.8 for boys) 5 years later, compared with adolescents not using any weight-control behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Dieting and unhealthful weight-control behaviors predict outcomes related to obesity and eating disorders 5 years later. A shift away from dieting and drastic weight-control measures toward the long-term implementation of healthful eating and physical activity behaviors is needed to prevent obesity and eating disorders in adolescents.

Adolescent↗

The impact of self-efficacy on behavior change and weight change among overweight participants in a weight loss trial.

Despite considerable clinical interest, attempts to link perceived self-efficacy with successful weight control have had mixed success. Definitive data on prospective associations between self-efficacy and weight loss are particularly sparse. This study examined relationships between self-efficacy beliefs, weight control behaviors, and weight change among individuals participating in a weight loss trial (N = 349, 87% women). Cross-sectionally, eating and exercise self-efficacy beliefs were strongly associated with corresponding weight loss behaviors. Self-efficacy beliefs prospectively predicted weight control behavior and weight change during active treatment but not during follow-up. Mediational models indicate that people's weight control behaviors mediate the impact of self-efficacy on weight change.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗