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Perceptions held by obese children and their parents: implications for weight control intervention.

The study was designed to identify some of the psychosocial barriers to compliance in a hospital-based weight control intervention program for adolescents. Forty obese adolescents, 10 to 16 years of age, and their parents were surveyed prior to participation in a behavioral change weight control program at a major teaching hospital. Significant correlations were obtained between weight loss outcome and six factors. In obese adolescents, weight loss was significantly associated with their beliefs regarding: (1) personal control over weight, (2) barriers or difficulty of losing weight, (3) medical problems as a cause of their obesity, (4) family problems as a cause of their obesity, and (5) perceived willingness of family members to diet. It is suggested that greater weight loss in children who perceived more barriers/difficulty and less family willingness to diet may reflect the importance of having realistic expectations related to behavioral compliance. In addition, a positive parental attitude or expectation that the child was less likely to be overweight in the future was associated with greater weight loss compliance. Other parental health beliefs, however, did not generally predict the child's weight loss response to the intervention. The findings lend support to the significance of the adolescent's beliefs regarding weight and family support in explaining weight loss response to a behavioral change intervention program.

Adolescent↗

Dietary supplements and weight control in a middle-age population.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is rapidly becoming a health problem of epidemic proportions, bringing with it a host of health concerns. This study investigates the association of long-term (10-year) use of 14 nutritional supplements, marketed as weight-control aids, with weight change over the past 10 years among individuals age 53 to 57 years. METHODS: Data are from the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort study of western Washington. Participants (n = 15,655) completed questionnaires about 10-year supplement use, diet, health habits, height, and present and former weights. The following supplements that are sometimes marketed for weight control or loss were examined: multivitamins; vitamins B6 and B12; chromium; coenzyme Q10, dehydroepiandrosterone, essential fatty acids (EFAs), fiber, garlic (Allium sativum), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), ginseng (Panax spp.), melatonin, soy, and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). Linear regression was used to model 10-year change in weight from age 45 to ages 53-57, stratified by sex and body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) (normal, overweight, or obese) at age 45 years. Models were controlled for race/ethnicity, education, energy intake, physical activity, weight at age 45 years, and smoking. RESULTS: Among overweight or obese men and women, long-term use of multivitamins, vitamins B6 and B12, and chromium were significantly associated with lower levels of weight gain. For example, with chromium, weight gain in the past 10 years for obese men was 11.7 lb for no use, 6.1 lb for <150 microg/day (10-year average), and a weight loss of 3.1 lb for > or = 150 microg/day (p for trend, <0.05). Among obese women, weight gain was 14.1 lb, 7.9 lb, and 3.2 lb for the three groups respectively (p for trend, <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that long-term users of certain supplements experienced less weight gain than individuals who did not use the supplements. Further study is necessary before recommendations regarding these supplements can be made.

Anti-Obesity Agents↗

Promotion of healthy weight-control practices in young athletes.

Children and adolescents are often involved in sports in which weight loss or weight gain is perceived as an advantage. This policy statement describes unhealthy weight-control practices that may be harmful to the health and/or performance of athletes. Healthy methods of weight loss and weight gain are discussed, and physicians are given resources and recommendations that can be used to counsel athletes, parents, coaches, and school administrators in discouraging inappropriate weight-control behaviors and encouraging healthy methods of weight gain or loss, when needed.

Adolescent↗

Correlates of the use of purging and non-purging methods of weight control in a community sample of women.

OBJECTIVE: To inform the classification of bulimic-type eating disorders, the correlates of purging and non-purging methods of weight control were examined in a large community sample of young adult women reporting recurrent episodes of binge eating. METHOD: Scores on self-report measures of eating disorder psychopathology, functional impairment and health-service utilization were compared among individuals who reported (recurrent episodes of binge eating and) the use of either purging (self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic misuse; n = 41) or non-purging (extreme dietary restriction, excessive exercise, or use of diet pills; n = 62) methods of weight control. Individuals who reported recurrent binge eating in the absence of extreme weight control behaviours (n = 442) were also included in the analysis. RESULTS: Non-purgers tended to be younger and heavier and have higher levels of eating disorder psychopathology and functional impairment than purgers and non-compensating binge eaters, however these differences were not statistically significant. Purgers were more likely than non-purgers to have sought treatment specifically for a problem with eating, however this difference was no longer significant after age and body mass index were statistically controlled. In multivariate analysis, frequency of extreme dietary restriction was the best predictor of functional impairment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings call into question the validity of subtyping of bulimia nervosa into purging and non-purging forms as outlined in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Adolescent↗

Weight control in the workplace: a needs assessment for men.

This investigation was designed to assess the needs and interests of overweight men in a worksite weight control program. Employees of 2 high-tech companies were surveyed; 373 men and 238 women responded. 56% of respondents were interested in a worksite program. 44% of male respondents had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or greater and of those, 75% indicated an interest in participating. Among women, 21% had a BMI of 25 or greater and 92% were interested in the program. Also 68% of women who were not overweight would participate in a weight control program. There was a strong preference for a self-help teaching format over group activities, and particular interest in an evaluation of their present food habits, behaviour modification techniques for weight control and the health consequences of overweight. These findings give clear direction for the development of an effective worksite intervention.

Adult↗

Dietary fats, teas, dairy, and nuts: potential functional foods for weight control?

Functional foods are similar to conventional foods in appearance, but they have benefits that extend beyond their basic nutritional properties. For example, functional foods have been studied for the prevention of osteoporosis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. They have yet to be related to the prevention of obesity, although obesity is one of the major health problems today. The inclusion of foods or the replacement of habitual foods with others that may enhance energy expenditure (EE) or improve satiety may be a practical way to maintain a stable body weight or assist in achieving weight loss; such foods may act as functional foods in body weight control. Some foods that might be classified as functional foods for weight control because of their effects on EE and appetite-including medium-chain triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, tea, milk, and nuts-are reviewed here. Only human studies reporting EE, appetite, or body weight are discussed. When studies of whole food items are unavailable, studies of nutraceuticals, the capsular equivalents of functional foods, are reviewed. To date, dietary fats seem to be most promising and have been the most extensively studied for their effects on body weight control. However, the weight loss observed is small and should be considered mostly as a measure to prevent weight gain. Carefully conducted clinical studies are needed to firmly ascertain the effect of tea, milk, and nuts on body weight maintenance, to assess their potential to assist in weight-loss efforts, and to ascertain dose-response relations and mechanisms of action for the 4 food types examined.

Animals↗

Long-term follow-up of weight status of subjects in a behavioral weight control program.

Few studies have examined the long-term effectiveness of behavioral weight control programs. Interpretation of the results from these studies has been limited due to small sample size, use of only one sex, and the number of evaluation parameters. A 2-year follow-up study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a behavioral weight control program on 123 obese male and 386 obese female subjects. Body weights were measured by dietitians at baseline and after an 8-week treatment program. Two-year follow-up weights were self-reported from a mailed questionnaire. The subjects' mean weight at baseline was 185.6 +/- 43.4 lb (no. = 509). Their mean percent over ideal body weight at baseline was 29.7%. Following an 8-week treatment period, mean weight was 176.4 +/- 41.3 lb (no. = 509), yielding a mean weight loss of 9.2 +/- 6.4 lb. Weight change after the 8-week treatment period ranged from a loss of 37 lb to a gain of 5 lb. The 2-year follow-up study showed that mean weight of the 498 subjects was 179.8 +/- 42.9 lb, yielding a mean weight loss of 5.8 +/- 15.5 lb. Weight change ranged from a loss of 71 lb to a gain of 47 lb. After 2 years, 325 subjects (65.3%) were still below their baseline weights, 182 subjects (36.6% of the entire study group) had maintained or enhanced the weight loss achieved during treatment, and 80 subjects (16.1%) weighed at least 10% less than their baseline weight.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Adolescents' eating, exercise, and weight control behaviors: does peer crowd affiliation play a role?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between peer crowd affiliation (e.g., Jocks, Populars, Burnouts, Brains) and adolescents' eating, exercise, and weight control behaviors. The roles of gender and ethnicity were also examined. METHOD: Ethnically diverse adolescents (N = 705; 66% girls) completed the Peer Crowd Questionnaire, eating and exercise items from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, and weight control behaviors from the Eating Attitudes Test-12. RESULTS: Controlling for gender and ethnicity, adolescents affiliating with the Burnouts reported more unhealthful eating and more bulimic behaviors than others; adolescents affiliating with the Brains reported more healthful eating, less unhealthful eating, and more dieting; those affiliating with Jocks and Populars reported engaging in more exercise; and Populars also reported more unhealthful eating. In addition, boys exercised more than girls; girls reported more dieting and bulimic behaviors. Black adolescents reported more unhealthful eating and less dieting than other adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Along with gender and ethnicity, peer crowd affiliation is related to adolescents' eating, exercise, and weight control behaviors. Prevention programs should consider adolescent peer crowds in developing health promotion and obesity prevention programs.

Adolescent↗

Two-year follow-up of a behavioural weight control programme for adolescents in Singapore: predictors of long-term weight loss.

We followed up 112 obese adolescents enrolled in a weight control programme at a polytechnic institute in Singapore for two years. The programme used behavioural and environmental strategies to help students make sustained changes in their diet and physical activity pattern. Of these 112 students, 71.4% lost weight compared to 60% in a comparison group of 86 obese students not in the programme. About one-third (29.5%) had achieved normal weight [body mass index (BMI) < 25] with a mean weight loss of 3.3 kg among boys and 2.3 kg among girls. A stepwise multiple linear regression to determine the best combination of variables predictive of weight loss found three variables to be significantly associated with long-term weight loss: percent of weight loss in the initial 8-week intervention period; increase in exercise or physical activity following intervention, and income. These 3 variables accounted jointly for 59.5% of the variance in weight loss in males and 48% of weight loss in females. We recommend intensive efforts during the initial intervention phase to help students lose weight and strategies that can help students incorporate exercise or increased physical activity in their daily routine.

Adolescent↗

Positive and negative health behaviors used to ensure compliance with the U.S. Army's weight control standards by a reserve component unit.

This paper describes the results of a nonexperimental descriptive research study in which specific positive and negative health behaviors used by soldiers in a medical reserve unit to ensure compliance with the Army Weight Control standards were surveyed using a questionnaire. The findings of the survey, particularly the prevalent use of negative health behaviors to control or maintain weight, were startling. The authors offer their conclusions and propose solutions relative to changing the emphasis of the program from having a single focus, i.e., weight control, to a comprehensive focus, i.e., physical fitness and wellness.

Adipose Tissue↗

Validating a practical approach to determine weight control in obese children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To study the usefulness of a mathematical index for assessing changes in body composition of obese children and adolescents who undergo a weight control program. DESIGN: A short-term longitudinal (mean of 19 months) cohort study. SUBJECTS: Sixty-seven obese children and adolescents (38 M, 29 F, age 6-16 (mean 11)y) who took part in a clinic-based weight control program. MEASUREMENTS: Percentage body fat was assessed at the start of the program by underwater weighing (UWW) and by bioelectrical impedance (BIA). Response to the program was assessed by a mathematical index (MI), based on observed and expected changes in height and weight, and by changes in percentage fat as measured by BIA. RESULTS: Adiposity, as assessed by BIA at the start of the program, was highly correlated to that obtained by UWW (r = 0.96 for fat-free mass). Changes in the MI over the program were correlated fairly well (r = -0.81, SEE = 3.57 kg) with changes in percentage fat as assessed by BIA. CONCLUSION: Using change in BIA as criterion, the MI is valid for assessing changes in percentage body fat of obese children and adolescents over time. This index is of use to clinicians who lack body composition equipment and need a quick method to analyze the effectiveness of a weight control program in obese children and adolescents.

Adipose Tissue↗

A randomized controlled trial on the long-term effects of a 1-month behavioral weight control program assisted by computer tailored advice.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the long-term effects of a new behavioral weight control program (Kenkou-tatsujin, KT program). The program consisted of twice-interactive letter communications including computer-tailored personal advice on treatment needs and behavioral modification. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial comparing Group KM: KT program with 6-month weight and targeted behavior's self-monitoring, Group K: KT program only, Group BM: an untailored self-help booklet with 7-month self-monitoring of weight and walking, and Group B: the self-help booklet only. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundreds and five overweight Japanese females were recruited via a local newspaper. MEASUREMENTS: Weight loss (body weight, BMI, reduction quotient, etc.) and behavioral changes (daily eating, exercise and sleeping habits). FINDINGS: A significant weight loss was observed in all groups. At 1 month, Groups KM and K were superior, but at 7 months, the mean weight loss was significantly more in Group KM than the other 3 groups. At 7 months, 8 dietary habits and 4 physical activities were improved in all subjects. Habitual improvement was related to the weight loss in Groups KM and K at 1 month.

Adult↗

Differential effectiveness of informal group procedures in weight control.

This article is the latest in a series that deals with psychological factors connected with obesity and its management in women members of the TOPS ("Take Off Pounds Sensibly") organization. Successful weight losers have MMPI profiles that differ from those of non-losers, and both show "normalization" of MMPI profiles and improvement in weight control after 16 weeks of group therapy. The present investigation attempted to assess the effectiveness of different types of nonprofessional "therapy" (the interactions of members at local TOPS chapter meetings) in helping members to achieve greater weight control. Nineteen TOPS chapter meetings were rated on 18 scales descriptive of member interaction, leader behavior, stress on nutrition, exercise, psychological factors in weight control, group and individual attitudes toward each other and toward the TOPS organization, and the like. Twelve of the 18 scales showed significant interjudge reliability, and for 10 chapters on which complete data were available (N = 108) 5 of these 12 scales significantly differentiated relatively successful from unsuccessful chapters. Those 5 were "attitudinal" or "interactional" variables such as emotional concern and enthusiasm rather than "content" or "procedural" variables such as emphasis on diet or exercise or reinforcement procedures.

Attitude↗

A work-site weight control program using financial incentives collected through payroll deduction.

In a work-site weight control program using a self-motivational program of financial incentives implemented through payroll deduction, 131 university employees chose weight loss goals (0 to 60 lb) and incentives (+5 to +30) to be deducted from each paycheck for six months. Return of incentive money was contingent on progress toward weight goals. Participants were assigned randomly to one of four protocols, involving group educational sessions v self-instruction only and required v optional attendance at weigh-ins and sessions. Overall, dropout rates (21.4%) and mean weight loss (12.2 lb) were encouraging, especially compared with those of other work-site programs. Weight loss was positively associated with attendance at weigh-ins and educational sessions. However, requiring attendance did not increase program effectiveness and seemed also to discourage enrollment among men. The weight control program was equally effective when offered with professionally led educational sessions or when accompanied by self-instructional materials only.

Adult↗

Relationship between summer vacation weight gain and lack of success in a pediatric weight control program.

The purpose was to measure the effect of holidays or season on changes in body weight to determine if this was the reason for the low success rate of weight control program participants. Changes in percent ideal body weight were gathered on 73 overweight youth (average age: 10.5+/-2.8 years; percent ideal body weight: 150+/-28%) over 2-month intervals in a 1-year time span. There was a statistically significant gain in percentage of body weight during July-August compared to January-February at p<0.004, March-April at p<0.04, May-June at p<0.001 and September-October at p<0.04. Sixty-six percent of subjects gained weight during the summer months. When the subjects who lost weight in the summer period were removed from the analysis, the average weight gain was 2.8% of ideal body weight. For a weight control program for children and adolescents to be effective, strategies need to be developed to deal with the summer vacation period as this can affect the overall success in the program.

Achievement↗

Perceived barriers to exercise and weight control practices in community women.

A sample of community women was surveyed to determine exercise habits, weight control methods, and perceived barriers to sustaining and initiating exercise and weight management programs. Lack of time was reported to be the most significant factor limiting exercise, while lack of willpower and time constraints were the most frequently reported obstacles to weight management. Suggestions to aid adherence to exercise and weight control programs among women are outlined.

Adolescent↗

The weight control practices of 15 year old New Zealanders.

More than 800 15 year old members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development study cohort completed a questionnaire designed to provide descriptive data concerning the weight control behaviours of this sample of New Zealand adolescents. The results showed that approximately 75% of the adolescents were within acceptable body mass index ranges. However 68% of the girls (but only 19% of the boys) wanted to weigh less than their present weight. Generally, girls were more concerned about their body weight than boys: 26% of girls weighed themselves fortnightly or more often, compared with 12% of boys; 45% of girls reported that they were trying to lose weight at present, compared with 9.5% of boys. The main methods of weight reduction included weight reduction diets (21% of girls, 4% of boys in the previous year); exercise such as jogging, walking, swimming and cycling (60% of girls, 34% of boys); and participation in dieting and fitness clubs (35% of girls, 16% of boys). In addition, 20% of girls reported using techniques such as slimming tablets (3%), cigarette smoking (5%) and self-induced vomiting (5%) to control weight. The results show that weight control is a major preoccupation of many girls and some boys. Results are discussed in relation to differential social influences on the sexes, and health consequences.

Adolescent↗

Preventing relapse in weight control: a discussion of cognitive and behavioral strategies.

Weight maintenance is the most difficult part of weight control. People who diet and regain weight often experience negative physiological effects and lowered self-esteem each time they regain weight. This suggests the need for successful weight maintenance programs. Health-care professionals can develop and implement maintenance programs using cognitive and behavior-change strategies which include ways to cope with relapse. This paper describes the physiological and emotional problems associated with weight maintenance and explores the use of cognitive and behavioral concepts in addressing these issues.

Behavior Therapy↗