Weight-Loss Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Weight-Loss Clinical Trials with a Minimum 1-Year Follow-Up

The Impact of the Rate of Weight Loss on Body Composition and Metabolism

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Weight loss has multiple beneficial effects on body composition and metabolism, but whether these depend on the rate at which body weight is lost is not clear. We analyzed data from studies in which the same amount of weight loss was induced rapidly or gradually.

RECENT FINDINGS

Thirteen studies were included in which the same percentage weight loss was achieved at slow or fast rates (range: 0.2 to 3.2 kg/week) by means of dietary calorie restriction, exercise, and bariatric surgery. Faster rates of weight loss may result in more fat-free mass and less fat mass being lost during the dynamic phase of weight reduction compared with slower rates of weight loss, in conjunction with greater declines in resting energy expenditure. However, these differences are attenuated after 2-4 weeks of stabilization at the new, lower body weight, and do not affect the rate and amount of weight regain 9-33 months later (nor the tissue composition of regained weight). Differences in waist circumference, visceral and liver fat contents, resting blood pressure, fasting blood lipid profile, and insulin and adipokine concentrations in response to different rates of weight loss are trivial. The decline in fasting glucose concentration and the improvement in insulin sensitivity after 6-11% weight loss are both greater with rapid than gradual weight loss, but not different after 18-20% weight loss. Changes in body composition and metabolism after losing the same amount of body weight at different rates are largely similar, and occasional differences are likely not meaningful clinically for the long-term management of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases.

Nightly Variation in Sleep Influences Self-efficacy for Adhering to a Healthy Lifestyle: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Self-efficacy, or the perceived capability to engage in a behavior, has been shown to play an important role in adhering to weight loss treatment. Given that adherence is extremely important for successful weight loss outcomes and that sleep and self-efficacy are modifiable factors in this relationship, we examined the association between sleep and self-efficacy for adhering to the daily plan. Investigators examined whether various dimensions of sleep were associated with self-efficacy for adhering to the daily recommended lifestyle plan among participants (N = 150) in a 12-month weight loss study.

METHOD

This study was a secondary analysis of data from a 12-month prospective observational study that included a standard behavioral weight loss intervention. Daily assessments at the beginning of day (BOD) of self-efficacy and the previous night's sleep were collected in real-time using ecological momentary assessment.

RESULTS

The analysis included 44,613 BOD assessments. On average, participants reported sleeping for 6.93 ± 1.28 h, reported 1.56 ± 3.54 awakenings, and gave low ratings for trouble sleeping (3.11 ± 2.58; 0: no trouble; 10: a lot of trouble) and mid-high ratings for sleep quality (6.45 ± 2.09; 0: poor; 10: excellent). Participants woke up feeling tired 41.7% of the time. Using linear mixed effects modeling, a better rating in each sleep dimension was associated with higher self-efficacy the following day (all p values < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings supported the hypothesis that better sleep would be associated with higher levels of reported self-efficacy for adhering to the healthy lifestyle plan.

Effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on body weight in adults with obesity without diabetes mellitus-a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

Clinical trials have investigated the weight loss effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in adults with obesity without diabetes mellitus, but results for weight loss efficacy were varied. We aimed to provide an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis for overall weight loss effect of GLP-1 RA in adults with obesity and overweight without diabetes mellitus. We retrieved eligible randomized control trials that assessed the weight loss effect of GLP-1 RA in adults (≥18 years old) without type 1/type 2 diabetes up to September 30, 2021, using Pubmed and Embase. Of 36 clinical trials assessed for eligibility, 12 trials were included, with a combined total of 11,459 participants. Compared with control groups, a more significant weight loss was seen in GLP-1 RA groups with an overall mean difference of -7.1 kg (95% CI -9.2 to -5.0) (I²  = 99%). The overall analysis results showed that GLP-1 RA improved glycemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemic events. Better control of blood pressure and plasma levels of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides was seen with GLP-1 RA treatment. Subgroup analysis showed greater treatment effect of semaglutide than liraglutide. Vomiting, nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain were GLP-1 RA-associated common adverse effects.

Understanding weight regain after a nutritional weight loss intervention: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the effects of lifestyle interventions on long-term weight maintenance of weight loss. In addition, we seek to address which period is most susceptible to weight regain; and what is the time required for following-up weight maintenance after the intervention.

METHODS

Articles published up to August 2020 were identified using the Medline (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL and Scopus.

RESULTS

After the selection process, 27 clinical trials involving 7236 individuals were included. The results showed that around 36 weeks after the end of the intervention, weight variation reduces, and a sign of continuous weight gain begin to occur with some patients (n = 208,209) presenting even a completely regain of the lost weight before one year (∼40-48 weeks). However, some strategies used during the weight loss intervention and maintenance period may impact the amount and when the weight regain happens, like intervention type;, intervention duration;, presence of dietitian on the care team;, and maintenance period with counseling by a health professional at least once a month.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that lifestyle interventions remained effective in maintaining the mean weight (5% lower than baseline weight) after weight loss interventions were over. However, weight regain started 36 weeks after intervention conclusion. And, it turns out, some strategies used during the weight loss intervention and maintenance period may impact the amount and when the weight regain happens. Obesity complexity and chronicity should be considered, therefore constant and lifelong monitoring and support are important.

A feasibility study to test a novel approach to dietary weight loss with a focus on assisting informed decision making in food selection

Obesity is a significant contributor to the development of chronic diseases, some of which can be prevented or reversed by weight loss. However, dietary weight loss programs have shortcomings in the success rate, magnitude, or sustainability of weight loss. The Individualized Diet Improvement Program's (iDip) objective was to test the feasibility of a novel approach that helps individuals self-select a sustainable diet for weight loss and maintenance instead of providing weight loss products or rigid diet instructions to follow. The iDip study consisted of 22 dietary improvement sessions over 12 months with six months of follow-up. Daily weights were collected, and a chart summarizing progress was provided weekly. Six 24-hour dietary records were collected, and dietary feedback was provided in the form of a protein-fiber plot, in which protein/energy and fiber/energy of foods were plotted two-dimensionally together with a target box specific to weight loss or maintenance. An exit survey was conducted at 12 months. Twelve (nine female, 46.3±3.1 years (mean±SE)) of the initial 14 participants (BMI>28 kg/m2) completed all sessions. Mean percent weight loss (n = 12) at six and 12 months was -4.9%±1.1 (p = 0.001) and -5.4%±1.7 (p = 0.007), respectively. Weight loss varied among individuals at 12 months; top and bottom halves (n = 6 each) achieved -9.7%±1.7 (p = 0.0008) and -1.0%±1.4 weight loss, respectively. The 24-hour records showed a significant increase in protein density from baseline to final (4.1g/100kcal±0.3 vs. 5.7g/100kcal±0.5; p = 0.008). Although mean fiber density showed no significant change from the first month (1.3g/100kcal±0.1), the top half had significantly higher fiber/energy intake than the bottom half group. The survey suggested that all participants valued the program and its self-guided diet approach. In conclusion, half of the participants successfully lost >5% and maintained the lost weight for 12 months without strict diet instructions, showing the feasibility of the informed decision-making approach.

Differential Effects of Dietary versus Exercise Intervention on Intrahepatic MAIT Cells and Histological Features of NAFLD

Background: Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells promote inflammation in obesity and are implicated in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, as the intrahepatic MAIT cell response to lifestyle intervention in NAFLD has not been investigated, this work aimed to examine circulating and intrahepatic MAIT cell populations in patients with NAFLD, after either 12 weeks of dietary intervention (DI) or aerobic exercise intervention (EI). Methods: Multicolour flow cytometry was used to immunophenotype circulating and intrahepatic MAIT cells and measure MAIT cell expression (median fluorescence intensity, MFI) of the activation marker CD69 and apoptotic marker CD95. Liver histology, clinical parameters, and MAIT cell populations were assessed at baseline (T0) and following completion (T1) of DI or EI. Results: Forty-five patients completed the study. DI participants showed decreased median (interquartile range) expression of the activation marker CD69 on circulating MAIT cells (T0: 104 (134) versus T1 27 (114) MFI; p = 0.0353) and improvements in histological steatosis grade post-intervention. EI participants showed increased expression of the apoptotic marker CD95, both in circulating (T0: 1549 (888) versus T1: 2563 (1371) MFI; p = 0.0043) and intrahepatic MAIT cells (T0: 2724 (862) versus T1: 3117 (1622) MFI; p = 0.0269). Moreover, the percentage of intrahepatic MAIT cells significantly decreased after EI (T0: 11.1 (14.4) versus T1: 5.3 (9.3)%; p = 0.0029), in conjunction with significant improvements in fibrosis stage and hepatocyte ballooning. Conclusions: These data demonstrate independent benefits from dietary and exercise intervention and suggest a role for intrahepatic MAIT cells in the observed histological improvements in NAFLD.

Gut microbiota predicts body fat change following a low-energy diet: a PREVIEW intervention study

Background

Low-energy diets (LEDs) comprise commercially formulated food products that provide between 800 and 1200 kcal/day (3.3–5 MJ/day) to aid body weight loss. Recent small-scale studies suggest that LEDs are associated with marked changes in the gut microbiota that may modify the effect of the LED on host metabolism and weight loss. We investigated how the gut microbiota changed during 8 weeks of total meal replacement LED and determined their associations with host response in a sub-analysis of 211 overweight adults with pre-diabetes participating in the large multicentre PREVIEW (PREVention of diabetes through lifestyle intervention and population studies In Europe and around the World) clinical trial.

Methods

Microbial community composition was analysed by Illumina sequencing of the hypervariable V3-V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Butyrate production capacity was estimated by qPCR targeting the butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase gene. Bioinformatics and statistical analyses, such as comparison of alpha and beta diversity measures, correlative and differential abundances analysis, were undertaken on the 16S rRNA gene sequences of 211 paired (pre- and post-LED) samples as well as their integration with the clinical, biomedical and dietary datasets for predictive modelling.

Results

The overall composition of the gut microbiota changed markedly and consistently from pre- to post-LED (P = 0.001), along with increased richness and diversity (both P < 0.001). Following the intervention, the relative abundance of several genera previously associated with metabolic improvements (e.g., Akkermansia and Christensenellaceae R-7 group) was significantly increased (P < 0.001), while flagellated Pseudobutyrivibrio, acetogenic Blautia and Bifidobacterium spp. were decreased (all P < 0.001). Butyrate production capacity was reduced (P < 0.001). The changes in microbiota composition and predicted functions were significantly associated with body weight loss (P < 0.05). Baseline gut microbiota features were able to explain ~25% of variation in total body fat change (post–pre-LED).

Conclusions

The gut microbiota and individual taxa were significantly influenced by the LED intervention and correlated with changes in total body fat and body weight in individuals with overweight and pre-diabetes. Despite inter-individual variation, the baseline gut microbiota was a strong predictor of total body fat change during the energy restriction period.

Trial registration

The PREVIEW trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01777893) on January 29, 2013.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13073-022-01053-7.

Changes in the Leptin to Adiponectin Ratio Are Proportional to Weight Loss After Meal Replacement in Adults With Severe Obesity

Hypocaloric diets are known to induce changes in adipokine secretion, but the influence of a low energy liquid diet (LELD) on the leptin: adiponectin ratio (LAR), a measure of insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk, has not previously been investigated in patients with severe obesity. We conducted a prospective, single-center cohort study of adults with severe obesity (defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kgm−2, or ≥35 kgm−2 with co-morbidities) who completed a 24-week milk-based LELD. We measured leptin, adiponectin and LAR at the start and on completion of the programme. Of 120 patients who started, 52 (43.3 %) completed the programme. Their mean age was 50.3 ± 11.2 (range 18–74) years, 29 (55.8 %) were female and 20 (38.5 %) had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Weight decreased from 148.2 ± 39.6 to 125.4 ± 34.8 kg and BMI decreased from 52.4 ± 11.1 to 44.3 ± 9.8 kgm−2, respectively (all p &lt; 0.001). In patients with T2DM, HbA1c decreased from 60.0 ± 17.4 to 47.5 ± 15.5 mmol/mol (p &lt; 0.001). Leptin decreased (from 87.2 [48.6, 132.7] to 39.1 [21.0, 76.4] ng/ml) and adiponectin increased (from 5.6 [4.5, 7.5] to 7.1 [5.5, 8.5] μg/ml), with a reduction in LAR from 15 [8.4, 22.4] to 5.7 [3.0, 9.1] ng/μg (all p &lt; 0.001), indicating decreased insulin resistance. The percentage weight lost was associated with the percentage reduction in LAR (ß = 2.9 [1.7, 4.1], p &lt; 0.001) and this association was stronger in patients with T2DM. Patients with severe obesity who completed a milk-based LELD had a substantial reduction in LAR, consistent with decreased insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk, proportional to weight loss.

Clinical Guide to Obesity and Nonherbal Nutraceuticals in Canine Orthopedic Conditions

The typical canine rehabilitation patient with orthopedic disease may differ in its nutritional needs, with the assumption that most patients will be on a complete and balanced commercial dog food that is not enriched with agents for ameliorating their condition. For a significant number of rehabilitation patients, obesity is a major issue where hypocaloric diet plans are often implemented and are covered extensively elsewhere (VCNA Small Animal Practice May 2021). The focus of this article will be implementation of physical activity or structured physical exercise protocols and how they might be used in combination with a typical hypocaloric diet plan, a diet low in calories. Considering the limited information regarding physical activity or structured exercise programs in dogs, a human comparative assessment of efficacy is fundamental as a baseline of information regarding typical interventions. In addition, many of these long-term rehabilitation cases typically exhibit osteoarthritis (OA) and as part of case management, there is a need to implement nutrient or nutraceutical intervention to either diminish the progression of OA or help with pain control measures, particularly for the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory intolerant patient. Nutraceutical intervention comes in many forms from botanicals to nutritional enhancement; botanicals will be covered elsewhere in this issue. This overview of nutraceuticals will cover nonbotanical interventions including fish oil, glucosamine/chondroitin, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, undenatured collagen, green lipped mussel, and egg shell membrane supplementation.

Comparing Digital Therapeutic Intervention with an Intensive Obesity Management Program: Randomized Controlled Trial

In this study, we evaluated whether the digital program Vitadio achieves comparable results to those of an intensive in-person lifestyle intervention in obesity management. This is a 12-month prospective, randomized controlled trial. Obese patients with insulin resistance, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes were included. The intervention group (IG) used Vitadio. The control group (CG) received a series of in-person consultations. Body weight and various metabolic parameters were observed and analyzed with ANOVA. The trial is ongoing and the presented findings are preliminary. Among 100 participants (29% men; mean age, 43 years; mean BMI, 40.1 kg/m2), 78 completed 3-month follow-up, and 51 have completed the 6-month follow-up so far. Participants significantly (p < 0.01) reduced body weight at 3 months (IG: −5.9 ± 5.0%; CG: −4.2 ± 5.0%) and 6 months (IG: −6.6±6.1%; CG: −7.1 ± 7.1%), and the difference between groups was not significant. The IG achieved favorable change in body composition; significant improvement in TAG (−0.6 ± 0.9 mmol/l, p < 0.01), HDL (0.1 ± 0.1%, p < 0.05), HbA1c (−0.2 ± 0.5%, p < 0.05) and FG (−0.5 ± 1.5 mmol/l, p < 0.05); and a superior (p = 0.02) HOMA-IR reduction (−2.5 ± 5.2, p < 0.01). The digital intervention achieved comparable results to those of the intensive obesity management program. The results suggest that Vitadio is an effective tool for supporting patients in obesity management and diabetes prevention.

The Effectiveness of a Combined Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Sleep Hygiene Lifestyle Intervention on Health and Fitness of Overweight Airline Pilots: A Controlled Trial

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a three-component nutrition, sleep, and physical activity (PA) program on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and health behaviors in overweight airline pilots. (2) Methods: A parallel group study was conducted amongst 125 airline pilots. The intervention group participated in a 16-week personalized healthy eating, sleep hygiene, and PA program. Outcome measures of objective health (maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), body mass, skinfolds, girths, blood pressure, resting heart rate, push-ups, plank hold) and self-reported health (weekly PA, sleep quality and duration, fruit and vegetable intake, and self-rated health) were collected at baseline and post-intervention. The wait-list control completed the same assessments. (3) Results: Significant group main effects in favor of the intervention group were found for all outcome measures (p < 0.001) except for weekly walking (p = 0.163). All objective health measures significantly improved in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001, d = 0.41−1.04). Self-report measures (moderate-to-vigorous PA, sleep quality and duration, fruit and vegetable intake, and self-rated health) significantly increased in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001, d = 1.00−2.69). (4) Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that a personalized 16-week healthy eating, PA, and sleep hygiene intervention can elicit significant short-term improvements in physical and mental health outcomes among overweight airline pilots. Further research is required to examine whether the observed effects are maintained longitudinally.

The impact of weight cycling on health outcomes in animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The pattern of weight loss and regain, termed "weight cycling," is common in overweight individuals. It is unclear whether the well-established benefits of weight loss persist following weight regain or whether weight cycling is harmful. Human studies of weight cycling have conflicting results reflecting limitations of the observational designs of these studies. By controlling the macronutrient content of diets in animal studies, weight cycling can be studied in a highly controlled manner, thereby overcoming the limitations of human studies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies which assessed the health consequences of weight cycling. Studies were classified into those which compared weight cycling to lifelong obesity and those which compared weight cycling to later onset obesity. There were no differences in health outcomes between weight cycled animals and those with lifelong obesity, highlighting that weight regain reverses health benefits achieved by weight loss. In comparison with animals with later onset obesity, weight cycled animals had higher fasting glucose levels and more impaired glucose tolerance following weight regain. Our review of animal studies suggests that health benefits of diet-induced weight loss do not persist after weight regain and weight cycling results in adverse metabolic outcomes.

Understanding the hidden epidemic of metabolic syndrome in people accessing community rehabilitation: a cross-sectional study of physical activity, dietary intake, and health literacy

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients attending outpatient community rehabilitation in Melbourne, Australia and to compare health literacy, physical activity, and dietary intake of people with and without metabolic syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional, multi-centre, observational study of adults (n = 193) presenting to rehabilitation with various health complaints. Metabolic syndrome was determined according to the International Diabetes Federation joint consensus worldwide definition. Health literacy was assessed using the Rapid Estimate of Adult literacy in Medicine (REALM) and the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers and dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty three participants (64%) had metabolic syndrome. Of these, only three (2%) knew they had it. People with metabolic syndrome scored lower on health literacy (S-TOFHLA MD -2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.98 to -0.22) and took 1311 (95%CI 375 to 2246) fewer daily steps than those without metabolic syndrome. There were no differences in dietary intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic syndrome is a prevalent and under-recognised condition in community rehabilitation. Community healthcare professionals and health services may need to consider a broader approach to management including lifestyle assessment and intervention of patients with various conditions. Implications for rehabilitationAlmost two-thirds of adults in community rehabilitation had underlying, undetected metabolic syndrome.Adults with metabolic syndrome completed less objectively measured physical activity and had lower health literacy levels than those without metabolic syndrome.A broader approach to management may need to be considered in community rehabilitation where patients presenting for rehabilitation of various conditions would likely benefit from lifestyle assessment and intervention.

A comparison of the impact of exercise training with dietary intervention versus dietary intervention alone on insulin resistance and glucose regulation in individual with overweight or obesity: a systemic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Obesity is associated with the development of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes for which exercise training (Ex) and dietary interventions (DI) are effective interventions that can improve IR. We therefore performed a systematic meta-analysis to compare the effect of Ex + DI compared with DI on IR and glucose homeostasis.

METHODS

PubMed and Cochrane Library were conducted up to May 2021. Meta-analyses were conducted to compare the effect of Ex + DI compared with DI on fasting glucose and insulin, IR and body weight. Standardized mean differences (SMDs), weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed using random or fixed effect models.

RESULTS

Fifty studies involving 2864 participants with overweight or obesity were included in the meta-analysis. Ex + DI caused a larger decrease in fasting glucose (p = 0.001, 62 trials) and IR (p = 0.01, 29 trials) when compared with DI alone. There was no significant evidence, however, for a greater effect of Ex + DI on fasting insulin (p = 0.07, 48 trials) and body weight (p = 0.12, 58 trials), compared with DI alone.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that a combination of Ex and DI may be more effective than DI alone at improving IR and fasting glucose in individuals with overweight and obesity.

The application of body mass index-based eligibility criteria may represent an unjustified barrier to renal transplantation in people with obesity

The prevalence of both obesity and end-stage kidney disease is increasing. In many centres, obesity is considered a relative contraindication to kidney transplantation due to an association with short- and longer-term adverse outcomes. This leads to delayed transplant waitlisting and longer organ waiting times for people with obesity. This review evaluates whether intentional pre-transplant weight loss in people with obesity improves kidney transplant outcomes. There are currently no data showing that non-surgical weight loss of 10% or more improves graft or patient survival over 4-5 years. Outcomes from bariatric surgery cohorts have been generally neutral or favourable after pre-transplant weight loss of ~25%. Given the survival benefit of kidney transplantation compared to maintenance dialysis, and the difficulty of achieving and maintaining weight loss, the common practice of recommending weight loss to achieve arbitrary targets prior to waiting list activation needs to be carefully considered.

Workplace wellness programs targeting weight outcomes in men: A scoping review

Workplaces have been identified as a priority setting for the delivery of wellness programs to address risk factors for overweight and obesity. Men in particular may benefit greatly from these types of programs as they are typically harder to engage in health promotion. A scoping review was performed to provide an overview of interventions that have been implemented within the workplace that target weight outcomes in men. A searched of six electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, and Business Source Ultimate) was conducted from January 2010 to August 2020. Of the 2191 articles identified, 25 were included. The majority took place in North America or Europe (72%). Over half (n = 17, 68%) utilized both a nutrition and physical activity component. Thirteen of the 19 articles (68%) that reported weight as an outcome showed the program to be efficacious in reducing weight. Overall, only seven articles were solely focused on an all-male population. Workplace wellness programs targeting weight outcomes in men have been conducted to some extent, with majority being successful in reducing weight. However, there is a need for more randomized controlled trials (RCTs), long-term follow-up, and male-only programs.

The Effect of Tailored, Daily Smartphone Feedback to Lifestyle Self-Monitoring on Weight Loss at 12 Months: The SMARTER Randomized Clinical Trial (Preprint)

Background

Self-monitoring (SM) is the centerpiece of behavioral weight loss treatment, but the efficacy of smartphone-delivered SM feedback (FB) has not been tested in large, long-term, randomized trials.

Objective

The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy of providing remote FB to diet, physical activity (PA), and weight SM on improving weight loss outcomes when comparing the SM plus FB (SM+FB) condition to the SM-only condition in a 12-month randomized controlled trial. The study was a single-site, population-based trial that took place in southwestern Pennsylvania, USA, conducted between 2018 and 2021. Participants were smartphone users age ≥18 years, able to engage in moderate PA, with a mean BMI between 27 and 43 kg/m².

Methods

All participants received a 90-minute, one-to-one, in-person behavioral weight loss counseling session addressing behavioral strategies, establishing participants’ dietary and PA goals, and instructing on use of the PA tracker (Fitbit Charge 2), smart scale, and diet SM app. Only SM+FB participants had access to an investigator-developed smartphone app that read SM data, in which an algorithm selected tailored messages sent to the smartphone up to 3 times daily. The SM-only participants did not receive any tailored FB based on SM data. The primary outcome was percent weight change from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes included engagement with digital tools (eg, monthly percentage of FB messages opened and monthly percentage of days adherent to the calorie goal).

Results

Participants (N=502) were on average 45.0 (SD 14.4) years old with a mean BMI of 33.7 (SD 4.0) kg/m². The sample was 79.5% female (n=399/502) and 82.5% White (n=414/502). At 12 months, retention was 78.5% (n=394/502) and similar by group (SM+FB: 202/251, 80.5%; SM: 192/251, 76.5%; P=.28). There was significant percent weight loss from baseline in both groups (SM+FB: –2.12%, 95% CI –3.04% to –1.21%, P<.001; SM: –2.39%, 95% CI –3.32% to –1.47%; P<.001), but no difference between the groups (–0.27%; 95% CI –1.57% to 1.03%; t =–0.41; P=.68). Similarly, 26.3% (66/251) of the SM+FB group and 29.1% (73/251) of the SM group achieved ≥5% weight loss (chi-square value=0.49; P=.49). A 1% increase in FB messages opened was associated with a 0.10 greater percent weight loss at 12 months (b=–0.10; 95% CI –0.13 to –0.07; t =–5.90; P<.001). A 1% increase in FB messages opened was associated with 0.12 greater percentage of days adherent to the calorie goal per month (b=0.12; 95% CI 0.07-0.17; F=22.19; P<.001).

Conclusions

There were no significant between-group differences in weight loss; however, the findings suggested that the use of commercially available digital SM tools with or without FB resulted in a clinically significant weight loss in over 25% of participants. Future studies need to test additional strategies that will promote greater engagement with digital tools.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03367936; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03367936

The impact of yoga on components of energy balance in adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review

Background

Yoga may reduce body weight in individuals with overweight or obesity, but whether this occurs through decreased energy intake (EI) or increased energy expenditure (EE)/physical activity (PA) is unclear.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and PsychINFO was conducted from inception until April 26, 2021. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials or single-arm pre-post studies with any type and duration of yoga intervention in adults with overweight or obesity. Studies with measures related to EI , EE, or PA were eligible. The review initially identified 1,373 articles.

Results

Of the 10 included studies, one used indirect calorimeter measures of resting EE, while nine used self-reported measures of EI and PA. Of the seven studies measuring parameters related to EI, only one found greater decreases in EI relative to the control group, although three other investigations reported trends toward improved dietary intake. Of the eight studies measuring PA, two reported greater increases in resting EE or PA in the yoga group relative to the control group. Two reported significant within-group increases in PA from pre-post intervention, and four studies reported a trend for increased PA with no p-values reported.

Conclusions

Limited evidence suggests yoga may reduce EI and increase PA in adults with overweight or obesity. Additional studies that investigate the effects of yoga interventions on energy balance parameters using objective techniques are warranted.

Effects of Three Different Modes of Resistance Training on Appetite Hormones in Males With Obesity

Purpose

This study explored the effect of three different modes of resistance training on appetite hormones [leptin, ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide tyrosine–tyrosine (PYY)], cardiometabolic and anthropometric measures in males with obesity.

Methods

Forty-four males with obesity (age: 27.5 ± 9.4 yrs.; mean weight: 93.2 ± 2.2 kg, body mass index: 32.9 ± 1.2 kg/m²) were randomized to traditional resistance training (TRT, n = 11), circuit resistance training (CRT, n = 11), interval resistance training (IRT, n = 11) or control (C, n = 11) groups. All resistance training groups received 50 min of supervised training per session, three days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of training.

Results

Plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin, CCK, and PYY decreased significantly in all three different modalities of resistance training groups when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). GLP-1 increased significantly in both CRT and IRT groups compared to TRT and C groups (p < 0.05). Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide decreased significantly in CRT and IRT groups compared to the C group (p < 0.05). Adiponectin levels increased significantly in all resistance training groups compared to the C group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, CRT and IRT protocols had the greatest impact on appetite hormones compared to individuals who engaged in TRT or did not exercise (C).

Prevalence and associated factors of underweight and overweight/obesity among reproductive-aged women: A pooled analysis of data from South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Underweight and overweight/obesity is a critical public health problem among women in South Asian countries. This study aimed to find the prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity and discover its associated factors among women of reproductive age in four South Asian countries.

METHODS

Population-representative cross-sectional latest Demographic and Health Survey data from four South Asian countries, considering Bangladesh (2017-18), Maldives (2016-17), Nepal (2016), and Pakistan (2017-18), were pooled for this study. To investigate the factors related with underweight and overweight/obesity in women, a multivariate multinomial logistic regression model was deployed.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity among reproductive-age women in four South Asian countries was 11.8% and 36.3%, respectively. According to adjusted multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis, women who lived in Pakistan, were older, had a better education, were from the wealthiest home, were currently in union and had media exposure had a considerably decreased probability of being underweight. In contrast, families with a large number of members had a considerably increased risk of becoming underweight. Additionally, women from the Maldives, older age, secondary education, a higher number of children, women from the richest household, currently in the union, the family had media exposure, and pregnant women have been found significantly positively associated with overweight/obesity. However, Nepalese women, large family members, rural residence, and work involvement were significantly negatively associated with overweight/obesity.

CONCLUSION

The problem of being underweight and overweight/obesity still exists in South Asian countries. Focusing on women's age, education, wealth index, and media exposure, different public health intervention approaches are imperative to reduce unhealthy weight conditions.

Not Control but Conquest: Strategies for the Remission of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

A durable normoglycemic state was observed in several studies that treated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients through metabolic surgery, intensive therapeutic intervention, or significant lifestyle modification, and it was confirmed that the functional β-cell mass was also restored to a normal level. Therefore, expert consensus introduced the concept of remission as a common term to express this phenomenon in 2009. Throughout this article, we introduce the recently updated consensus statement on the remission of T2DM in 2021 and share our perspective on the remission of diabetes. There is a need for more research on remission in Korea as well as in Western countries. Remission appears to be prompted by proactive treatment for hyperglycemia and significant weight loss prior to irreversible β-cell changes. T2DM is not a diagnosis for vulnerable individuals to helplessly accept. We attempt to explain how remission of T2DM can be achieved through a personalized approach. It may be necessary to change the concept of T2DM towards that of an urgent condition that requires rapid intervention rather than a chronic, progressive disease. We must grasp this paradigm shift in our understanding of T2DM for the benefit of our patients as endocrine experts.

Effects of Diet, Lifestyle, Chrononutrition and Alternative Dietary Interventions on Postprandial Glycemia and Insulin Resistance

As years progress, we are found more often in a postprandial than a postabsorptive state. Chrononutrition is an integral part of metabolism, pancreatic function, and hormone secretion. Eating most calories and carbohydrates at lunch time and early afternoon, avoiding late evening dinner, and keeping consistent number of daily meals and relative times of eating occasions seem to play a pivotal role for postprandial glycemia and insulin sensitivity. Sequence of meals and nutrients also play a significant role, as foods of low density such as vegetables, salads, or soups consumed first, followed by protein and then by starchy foods lead to ameliorated glycemic and insulin responses. There are several dietary schemes available, such as intermittent fasting regimes, which may improve glycemic and insulin responses. Weight loss is important for the treatment of insulin resistance, and it can be achieved by many approaches, such as low-fat, low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean-style diets, etc. Lifestyle interventions with small weight loss (7-10%), 150 min of weekly moderate intensity exercise and behavioral therapy approach can be highly effective in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. Similarly, decreasing carbohydrates in meals also improves significantly glycemic and insulin responses, but the extent of this reduction should be individualized, patient-centered, and monitored. Alternative foods or ingredients, such as vinegar, yogurt, whey protein, peanuts and tree nuts should also be considered in ameliorating postprandial hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. This review aims to describe the available evidence about the effects of diet, chrononutrition, alternative dietary interventions and exercise on postprandial glycemia and insulin resistance.

The active ingredients of physical activity and / or dietary workplace-based interventions to achieve weight loss in overweight and obese healthcare staff: a systematic review

This systematic review aims to synthesize the active ingredients, and identify a list of promising behaviour change techniques (BCTs), likely to be present within physical activity and / or dietary interventions in achieving weight loss in overweight and obese healthcare staff. Four electronic databases were searched in February 2021: PsychINFO, CINAHL, PubMed and MEDLINE (no start date-2021). Studies were eligible for inclusion if they: (1) described a quasi-experimental or cluster, cohort or randomised control trial; (2) implemented workplace-based physical activity and / or dietary interventions versus a less intensive intervention or usual care; (3) targeted predominantly (> 50% of participants) overweight or obese healthcare professionals; and (4) reported a weight loss related outcome and included data on that outcome at least 3 months after the intervention began. Three reviewers used the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 to extract BCTs with the aim of identifying a list of "promising" BCTs, which were those that were present in interventions that reported a statistically significant difference in weight loss. Nine studies were included in the review. The majority (n = 7) reported a significant reduction in weight post-intervention. A combined physical activity and dietary intervention (n = 8) was the most common type of intervention. Twenty-five BCTs were identified as "promising". Instruction on how to perform the behaviour (n = 9), behaviour practice/rehearsal (n = 8) and self-monitoring of behaviour (n = 6) were the most promising BCTs. The contents of behaviour change interventions are complex and rely on accurate reporting of intervention components and BCTs to allow concrete and robust assumptions to be made regarding which factors are most effective at achieving a desired outcome. Fundamentally the lack of research exploring the effectiveness of physical activity and dietary interventions on weight loss in overweight and obese healthcare staff and the poor quality of existing research, warrant more investigation.

Review about Psychological Barriers to Lifestyle Modification, Changes in Diet Habits, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Bariatric Endoscopy

Obesity is an expanding disease responsible for significant deterioration in the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) of those who suffer from it. Bariatric Endoscopy (BE) therapies have proven to be an effective treatment for this pathology. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for the successful therapeutic management of BE. This article addresses the multidisciplinary treatment of BE by considering the possible variables that can influence treatment. In particular, the variables that can facilitate or hinder changes in patients’ habits are discussed. These include the neuropsychological, emotional, and social implications that may influence the formation of healthy habits necessary for improvement in a patient’s quality of life; the individual and environmental psychological factors that influence the monitoring of nutritional and physical activity indications; and different psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, or disorders related to eating. The main objective of BE treatment, except in certain special biological situations, must be to establish a long-term sustainable change in habits such that patients, once they reach a healthy weight, do not revert to the lifestyle that caused their obesity, as well as identifying and addressing major problems that may exist prior to, or arise during, treatment.

Contribution of obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors in developing cardiovascular disease: a population-based cohort study

This study aims to assess the effects of central and general adiposity on development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) mediated by cardiometabolic risk factors and to analyze their degree of dependency for mediating their effects. To this end, data from the the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study cohort with 6280 participants were included in this study. The hazard ratios were calculated using a 2-stage regression model in the context of a survival model. Systolic blood pressure (BP), total serum cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose were designated as mediators. Assessing the interactions revealed that BP was the most important mediator for general ( (HRNIE: 1.11, 95% CI 1.17-1.24) and central obesity (CO) (HRNIE: 1.11, 95% CI 1.07-1.15) with 60% and 36% proportion of the effects mediated in the total population, respectively. The proportion of mediated risk for all three metabolic risk factors was 46% (95% CI 31-75%) for overweight, 66% (45-100%) for general obesity and 52% (39-87%) for central obesity. BP was the most important mediator for overweight and central obesity in men, comprising 29% and 36% of the risk, respectively. The proportion of the risk mediated through all three metabolic risk factors in women was 23% (95% CI 13-50%) for overweight, 36% (21-64%) for general obesity and 52% (39-87%) for central obesity. Based on the results of this study, cardiometabolic mediators have conciliated more than 60% of the adverse effects of high BMI on CVDs in men. Controlling the metabolic risk factors in women does not efficiently contribute to decreasing CVDs as effectively.

Obesity management as a primary treatment goal for type 2 diabetes: time to reframe the conversation

Obesity is now recognised as a disease that is associated with serious morbidity and increased mortality. One of its main metabolic complications is type 2 diabetes, as the two conditions share key pathophysiological mechanisms. Weight loss is known to reverse the underlying metabolic abnormalities of type 2 diabetes and, as such, improve glucose control; loss of 15% or more of bodyweight can have a disease-modifying effect in people with type 2 diabetes, an outcome that is not attainable by any other glucose-lowering intervention. Furthermore, weight loss in this population exerts benefits that extend beyond glycaemic control to improve risk factors for cardiometabolic disease and quality of life. We review the evidence supporting the role of weight loss in the management of type 2 diabetes and propose that many patients with type 2 diabetes would benefit from having a primary weight-centric approach to diabetes treatment. We discuss the logistical challenges to implementing a new weight-centric primary treatment goal in people with type 2 diabetes.

Antidiabetic Medications and the Risk of Prostate Cancer in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Antidiabetic medications (ADMs) may modify prostate cancer (PCa) risk in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Accordingly, the current study assessed the possible associations between ADMs and the risk of PCa in diabetics.

METHODS

A systematic literature search (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library) identified studies evaluating the associations between ADMs and incidence of PCa. A meta-analysis followed PRISMA was performed using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) as effect measures.

RESULTS

In total of 47 studies involving 3,094,152 patients with diabetes were included. Results of meta-analysis of the observational studies suggested no significant association between metformin, thiazolidinediones, sulfonylureas, insulin or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors administration and the risk of PCa (All p-values > 0.05). Separate analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealed a significant reduction in PCa risk with thiazolidinediones (OR = 0.55, p = 0.04) or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) administration (OR = 0.53, p = 0.006), whereas no significant association was found in SGLT2 inhibitors (p = 0.3).

CONCLUSION

Thiazolidinediones or GLP-1RA administration may have benefits in PCa based on RCTs, however, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Using personalised avatars as an adjunct to a weight loss management programme: a randomised controlled feasibility study (Preprint)

Background

Obesity is a global public health concern. Interventions rely predominantly on managing dietary intake and increasing physical activity; however, sustained adherence to behavioral regimens is often poor. The lack of sustained motivation, self-efficacy, and poor adherence to behavioral regimens are recognized barriers to successful weight loss. Avatar-based interventions achieve better patient outcomes in the management of chronic conditions by promoting more active engagement. Virtual representations of self can affect real-world behavior, acting as a catalyst for sustained weight loss behavior.

Objective

We evaluated whether a personalized avatar, offered as an adjunct to an established weight loss program, can increase participant motivation, sustain engagement, optimize service delivery, and improve participant health outcomes.

Methods

A feasibility randomized design was used to determine the case for future development and evaluation of avatar-based technology in a randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from general practitioner referrals to a 12-week National Health Service weight improvement program. The main outcome measure was weight loss. Secondary outcome measures were quality-of-life and self-efficacy. Quantitative data were subjected to descriptive statistical tests and exploratory comparison between intervention and control arms. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through interviews and analyzed using framework approach. Health Research Authority ethics approval was granted.

Results

Overall, 10 men (n=7, 70% for routine care and avatar and n=3, 30% for routine care) and 33 women (n=23, 70% for intervention and n=10, 30% for routine care) were recruited. Participants’ initial mean weight was greater in the intervention arm than in the routine care arm (126.3 kg vs 122.9 kg); pattern of weight loss was similar across both arms of the study in T0 to T1 period but accelerated in T1 to T2 period for intervention participants, suggesting that access to the self-resembling avatar may promote greater engagement with weight loss initiatives in the short-to-medium term. Mean change in participants’ weight from T0 to T2 was 4.5 kg (95% CI 2.7-6.3) in the routine care arm and 5.3 kg (95% CI 3.9-6.8) in the intervention arm. Quality-of-life and self-efficacy measures demonstrated greater improvement in the intervention arm at both T1 (105.5 for routine care arm and 99.7 for intervention arm) and T2 (100.1 for routine care arm and 81.2 for intervention arm). Overall, 13 participants (n=11, 85% women and n=2, 15% men) and two health care professionals were interviewed about their experience of using the avatar program.

Conclusions

Participants found using the personalized avatar acceptable, and feedback reiterated that seeing a future self helped to reinforce motivation to change behavior. This feasibility study demonstrated that avatar-based technology may successfully promote engagement and motivation in weight loss programs, enabling participants to achieve greater weight loss gains and build self-confidence.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN Registry 17953876; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17953876

The energy balance hypothesis of obesity: do the laws of thermodynamics explain excessive adiposity?

In this work, we reflect upon the energy balance hypothesis of obesity. International organizations, the general population and many scientists hold the belief that obesity is indisputably caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Most of them argue that the laws of thermodynamics support this view. We identify and review the main arguments used to support this belief, and we explain the reasoning mistakes those arguments harbor. We show that the laws of thermodynamics do not support the idea that obesity is an energy problem nor an energy balance problem more than they do in the growth of any other tissue in the human body. We argue that the validity of the energy balance paradigm for obesity must be questioned. Although correction of a wrong belief is laudable per se, in this particular case harm may arise by influencing the way in which obesity prevention is tackled and obese patients are treated.

The Dynamic Interplay of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors for Cardiovascular Health

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The recent rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths in the USA has sparked interest in identifying and implementing effective strategies to reverse this trend. Healthy lifestyle behaviors (i.e., healthy diet, regular physical activity, achieve and maintain a healthy weight, avoid tobacco exposure, good quality sleep, avoiding and managing stress) are the cornerstone for CVD prevention.

RECENT FINDINGS

Achieving all of these behaviors significantly benefits heart health; however, even small changes lower CVD risk. Moreover, there is interplay among healthy lifestyle behaviors where changing one may result in concomitant changes in another behavior. In contrast, the presence of one or more unhealthy lifestyle behaviors may attenuate changing another lifestyle behavior(s) (poor diet, inadequate physical activity, overweight/obesity, poor sleep quality, tobacco exposure, and poor stress management). It is important to assess all of these lifestyle behaviors with patients to plan an intervention program that is best positioned for adherence.

The effectiveness of automated digital health solutions at successfully managing obesity and obesity-associated disorders: A PICO-structured investigation

Most adults in the UK and USA are classified as overweight or obese. Recent studies suggest that the prevalence of obesity has further increased during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and associated lockdowns. Digital technologies may be effective at managing obesity and related comorbidities, a potential further justified by social isolation and distancing circumstances.

This review of published literature employed a Patient-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome structured approach on the use of digital solutions to determine the effectiveness of their use in the management and treatment of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes and included commercially available, automated devices and applications that did not require intervention from a clinician. Our search covered studies published between January 2004 and February 2019, and 18 papers were included in the final analysis. The digital solutions reviewed were smartphone applications, wearable activity trackers, and ‘digital medicine offerings’ (DMO), including ingestible sensors and wearable patches.

This study found that not all interventions were effective at encouraging the lifestyle changes required for the management of obesity. Smartphone applications requiring interaction from the patient appeared to be more effective at encouraging engagement with treatment interventions than more passive wearable activity trackers. Automated feedback from smartphone applications was effective at managing type 2 diabetes, while DMO were effective at reducing blood pressure.

With the advancement of new technologies alongside a rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity and associated disorders, further studies comparing the various technologies available in larger sample populations for longer periods would help determine the most cost-effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Evaluation of a Lifestyle and Weight Management Program Within Rural General Practice

Introduction:

Australia has one of the highest rates of obesity in the developed world. In response to increasing rates of overweight and obesity in rural Australia, one regional primary health network commissioned the development of a multi-faceted weight and lifestyle management program, addressing nutrition, physical activity, and psychological approaches to behavioral change. This study evaluated the success of the program that was implemented in multiple general practices within regional New South Wales.

Methods:

De-identified data were received from 16 general practices that participated in the Murrumbidgee Lifestyle and Weight Management Program (MLWMP). Patient weight outcome and functional status measures were determined using descriptive statistics (SPSS).

Results:

Mean body mass index (BMI) of the 1217 participants was 37.4 kg/m² and 75% of participants were female. Almost 40% of participants who had a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² had been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Upon completion of the program at 6 months, participants had lost an average of 3.2 kg. Over 31% of participants had lost at least 5% of their initial weight and 40% had reduced their waist circumference by at least 5 cm. Overall health and functional status measures were significantly higher upon program completion. There were significant improvements in quality of life measures regardless of level of weight loss during the program.

Conclusions:

The MLWMP, implemented in general practices within rural and regional Australia, had positive effects on both practices and participants demonstrating the value of intervention programs in primary care. Participants achieved a modest reduction in BMI, waist circumference, and weight. Further work is needed to determine the longer-term success of the program.

Effects of a Weight and Pain Management Program in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Investigation

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with poor outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Effective weight management is imperative. Although traditional lifestyle behavioral weight loss programs have demonstrated efficacy for reducing weight, these interventions do not meet the pain-related weight loss challenges of RA patients with obesity.

OBJECTIVE

A 12-session group program (90 minutes per session) was developed integrating pain coping skills training into a lifestyle behavioral weight loss intervention. In addition to the weekly group sessions, participants engaged in supervised exercise sessions 3 times per week.

METHODS

Through a small, pilot randomized trial, 50 participants were randomized to receive the intervention (n = 29) or standard care of RA (n = 21). Feasibility data (i.e., accrual, attrition, adherence) was examined using descriptive statistics (e.g., percent). We examined patterns of change in study outcomes from baseline to follow-up separately for the intervention and standard care arms using descriptive statistics and paired t tests. Effect sizes are also presented.

RESULTS

Of those randomized to the intervention group,79.3% initiated treatment, with participants attending 74.3% of group skills sessions and 64.2% of exercise sessions. Intervention participants evidenced reductions in weight (mean, -2.28 kg) and waist circumference (mean, -4.76 cm) and improvements in physical functioning, eating behaviors, pain, and self-efficacy for weight control.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that incorporating a combined pain coping skills training and behavioral weight loss intervention into medical management of RA may improve outcomes. Study accrual and attrition, as well as intervention adherence, will inform future, larger randomized efficacy trials of the intervention.Retrospectively registered: January 29, 2020, NCT04246827.

Duration of Treatment in a Weight Loss Program Using a Mobile App is Associated with Successful Weight Loss During the COVID-19 Pandemic

PURPOSE

We aimed to explore the independent factors associated with successful weight loss using a mobile app during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

For this retrospective cohort study, we collected data from 45 adults in a weight loss program using a mobile app. We defined successful weight loss as a weight reduction by ≥ 5% of the baseline weight. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to assess potential factors influencing successful weight loss.

RESULTS

All subjects showed a mean 4.1 ± 4.4 kg reduction of baseline weight after using the app for a mean duration of 11 weeks (P < 0.001). Subjects in the successful weight loss group displayed a longer duration of treatment (14.6 ± 6.5 weeks vs 6.9 ± 6.0 weeks, P < 0.001), greater number of dietary records (109.2 ± 84.7 vs 54.7 ± 58.8, P = 0.002), and greater number of outpatient visits (6.1 ± 2.7 vs 3.7 ± 2.3, P < 0.001) than those in the unsuccessful weight loss group. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that duration of treatment was an independent factor associated with successful weight loss (odds ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.41, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

In a weight management program using a mobile app during the COVID-19 pandemic, the duration of treatment was found to be an independent factor of successful weight loss.

Effect of tailored, daily feedback with lifestyle self-monitoring on weight loss: The SMARTER randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to test the efficacy of self-monitoring and feedback (SM+FB) versus SM without FB (SM) in a behavioral weight-loss intervention at 6 months.

METHODS

This was a randomized clinical trial. Eligibility criteria included the following: ≥18 years of age, BMI ≥ 27 and ≤43, smartphone user, and ability to engage in moderate physical activity. All participants received a 90-minute 1:1 counseling session, a Fitbit Charge 2, and a digital scale for SM. SM+FB participants were provided access to a customized smartphone application that provided three daily FB messages. The primary outcome was percentage of weight change from 0 to 6 months.

RESULTS

The sample (N = 502) was 45 (SD 14.4) years old, BMI was 33.7 (SD 4.00) kg/m2 , 79.5% of participants were female (n = 399), and 84.3% were White (n = 423). At 6 months, there was 85.86% retention and a significant percentage of weight change in both groups (SM+FB: -3.16%, 95% CI: -3.85% to -2.47%, p < 0.0001; SM: -3.20%, 95% CI: -3.86% to -2.54%, p < 0.0001) but no significant between-group mean difference (-0.04%, 95% CI: -0.99% to 0.91%, p = 0.940). A ≥5% weight loss was achieved by 31.9% of the SM+FB group and 28.3% of the SM group.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant between-group difference in weight loss at 6 months.

Development and Validation of a Short Questionnaire on Dietary and Physical Activity Habits for Patients Submitted to Bariatric Endoscopic Therapies

PURPOSE

Individuals with obesity frequently regain weigh after endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBT) unless they adhere to healthy habits. The objective was to create and validate a short, self-administered questionnaire (EMOVE) to assess healthy dietary and physical activity (PA) habits' adherence to be used in clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective, unicentric study, 463 patients completed the short, Spanish EMOVE questionnaire, to be validated following the Medical Outcome Trust Criteria. Conceptual and measurement model, reliability (internal consistency and test-retest [subgroup of 93 patients]), construct validity, responsiveness, interpretability, and burden were evaluated. Patients enrolled from January 2017 through August 2018 and auto-filled the EMOVE at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Patients submitted to intragastric ballon for 6 and 12 months or POSE were 82.7% women with a mean age of 42.7 years, and a mean BMI of 37.1 kg/m2. Four factors were extracted with exploratory factor analysis related to intake frequency, portions and proportions, time and place of eating, and physical activity. EMOVE showed adequate internal consistency (α = 0.73), very good test-retest (r = 0.91, CI: 0.86-0.94; p < 0.001), moderate construct validity of dietary (r = 0.24, CI: 0.11-0.37, p < 0.001), and PA habits (r = 0.44, CI 0.30-0.58; p < 0.001). Stable responsiveness, with correlations from 0.29 to 0.39 (p < 0.001) between the EMOVE scores and the % of total weight loss at 3, 6, and 12 months. Participants categorized as having good or excellent habits (score ≥ 30 points) lost significantly more weight (p < 0.05). Finally, the administration burden was 2.96 min.

CONCLUSION

The EMOVE is a useful tool in Spanish language to easily assess the level of adherence to healthy dietary and PA habits to be used routinely in clinical practice.

Dynamic associations between anxiety, stress, physical activity, and eating regulation over the course of a behavioral weight loss intervention

Negative emotional experiences are associated with dysregulated eating behaviors that impede weight management. While weight loss interventions promote physical activity and self-regulation of eating, no studies have examined how physical activity may directly influence eating by attenuating associations between negative emotions and eating.

OBJECTIVE

The current study examined how momentary negative emotions (stress and anxiety), moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), and their interactions predict eating dysregulation (i.e., intensity of eating temptations, inability to resist eating tempting foods, overeating), as well as how these associations change during a weight loss intervention.

METHODS

Women with overweight/obesity (N = 55) completed 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocols with objective measurement of physical activity (i.e., bout-related MVPA time) before and after a three-month internet-based weight loss program.

RESULTS

Three-way interactions emerged predicting overeating and eating tempting foods. When women experienced higher than usual levels of momentary anxiety or stress at end-of-treatment, they were less likely to subsequently overeat or eat tempting foods when they had recently engaged in more MVPA (relative to their usual level). No significant associations were found for ratings of temptation intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest MVPA may exert direct effects on eating regulation. Specifically, MVPA appears to increasingly buffer the effect of negative emotional states on dysregulated eating behavior over the course of a weight loss intervention. Future work is needed to develop ways of communicating to patients how activity can have both indirect and direct effects on body weight, and examine whether such knowledge improves outcomes.

Relationships between self-management strategies and physical activity and diet quality in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationships of self-management strategies and physical activity (PA) and diet quality in women with PCOS.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional study involving women (n = 501), 18-45 years in the general Australian community with a self-reported PCOS diagnosis. The self-management and lifestyle behaviour questionnaires were completed between August 2017 and March 2018.

RESULTS

Implementation of PA related self-management strategies increased the odds of meeting PA recommendations [Odds ratio (OR): 2.929 (95%CI: 2.172, 3.951), p < 0.001] but had no association with body mass index (BMI) [OR: 0.-0.984 (95%CI: -1.010, 0.959), p = 0.217] nor perception of self weight [OR: 1.382 (95% CI: 0.700, 2.725), p = 0.352]. Nutrition related self-management strategies were inversely associated with BMI [OR: - 0.115 (95%CI: -7.159, -0.980), p = 0.010] but had no association with diet quality [OR: 0.183 (95%CI: -2.328, 2.800), p = 0.855], energy intake [OR: - 0.092 (95%CI: -1204.443, 527.496) p = 0.438] or weight [OR: - 0.034 (95%CI: -4.020, 1.930), p = 0.491].

CONCLUSIONS

PA self-management strategies were associated with meeting PA recommendations. Nutrition strategies were associated with lower BMI but not diet quality, energy intake or weight in women with PCOS.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Other behaviour change determinants (e.g. education, skills and self-efficacy) should be considered when designing a PCOS lifestyle programme in conjunction with self-management strategies.

Association of sedentary and physical activity behaviours with body composition: a genome-wide association and Mendelian randomisation study

Objectives

Studies suggest that body composition can be independently improved through physical activity (PA). We performed a Mendelian randomisation (MR) study to test the incremental benefits of sedentary behaviour and various PA exposures on body composition outcomes as assessed by anthropometric indices, lean body mass (kg), body fat (%) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (kg).

Methods

Genetic instruments were identified for both self-reported and accelerometer-measured sedentary behaviour and PA. Outcomes included anthropometric and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measures of adiposity, extracted from the UK Biobank and the largest available consortia. Multivariable MR (MVMR) included educational attainment as a covariate to address potential confounding. Sensitivity analyses were evaluated for weak instrument bias and pleiotropic effects.

Results

We did not identify consistent associations between genetically predicted self-reported and accelerometer-measured sedentary behaviour and body composition outcomes. All analyses for self-reported moderate PA were null for body composition outcomes. Genetically predicted PA at higher intensities was protective against VAT in MR and MVMR analyses of both accelerometer-measured vigorous PA (MVMR β=-0.15, 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.07, p<0.001) and self-reported participation in strenuous sports or other exercises (MVMR β=-0.27, 95% CI: -0.52 to -0.01, p=0.034) was robust across several sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

We did not identify evidence of a causal relationship between genetically predicted PA and body composition, with the exception of a putatively protective effect of higher-intensity PA on VAT. Protective effects of PA against VAT may support prior evidence of biological pathways through which PA decreases risk of downstream cardiometabolic diseases.

Equitability of Individual and Population Interventions to Reduce Obesity: A Modeling Study in Mexico

INTRODUCTION

Modeling studies have estimated the potential impact and cost effectiveness of interventions to reduce obesity; few have focused on their equity across socioeconomic groups. This study aims to compare the equitability of individual- and population-level interventions to reduce obesity in Mexico.

METHODS

Mathematical models were implemented to estimate the expected effect of 2 sugar-sweetened beverage tax scenarios (10% and 20%) and bariatric surgery, pharmacotherapy, and dietary advice as individual interventions to reduce body weight. Individual interventions were modeled using meta-analytical weight change, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the probability of access to healthcare services. For the tax, investigators obtained the baseline consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages from the National Health Survey 2012 and applied the reduction in sales observed in 2016 to estimate the caloric change and weight reduction. Implementation costs and cost per person, per kilogram, and equity were calculated for all interventions over a 1-year timeframe.

RESULTS

The 20% tax produced the largest estimated increase (4.50%) in normal BMI prevalence, was the most cost effective, and had the largest and most equitable decrease in obesity across socioeconomic categories. Pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery produced sizable decreases in obesity prevalence (3.68% and 1.18%), particularly among the middle and high socioeconomic groups, whereas dietary advice had the lowest impact on normal and obese categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual interventions were effective in reducing obesity; yet, they were more expensive and less equitable than population interventions. Obesity in Mexico affects all socioeconomic groups; available interventions need to be carefully analyzed to tailor a national strategy that is both effective and equitable.

Tissue losses and metabolic adaptations both contribute to the reduction in resting metabolic rate following weight loss

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the contributions of the loss of energy-expending tissues and metabolic adaptations to the reduction in resting metabolic rate (RMR) following weight loss.

METHODS

A secondary analysis was conducted on data from the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy study. Changes in RMR, body composition, and metabolic hormones were examined over 12 months of calorie restriction in 109 individuals. The contribution of tissue losses to the decline in RMR was determined by weighing changes in the size of energy-expending tissues and organs (skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, bone, brain, inner organs, residual mass) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with their tissue-specific metabolic rates. Metabolic adaptations were quantified as the remaining reduction in RMR.

RESULTS

RMR was reduced by 101 ± 12 kcal/d as participants lost 7.3 ± 0.2 kg (both p < 0.001). On average, 60% of the total reduction in RMR were explained by energy-expending tissues losses, while 40% were attributed to metabolic adaptations. The loss of skeletal muscle mass (1.0 ± 0.7 kg) was not significantly related to RMR changes (r = 0.14, p = 0.16), whereas adipose tissue losses (7.2 ± 3.0 kg) were positively associated with the reduction in RMR (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) and metabolic adaptations (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). Metabolic adaptations were correlated with declines in leptin (r = 0.27, p < 0.01), triiodothyronine (r = 0.19, p < 0.05), and insulin (r = 0.25, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

During weight loss, tissue loss and metabolic adaptations both contribute to the reduction in RMR, albeit variably. Contrary to popularly belief, it is not skeletal muscle, but rather adipose tissue losses that seem to drive RMR reductions following weight loss. Future research should target personalized strategies addressing the predominant cause of RMR reduction for weight maintenance.

Behavioral Characteristics and Self-Reported Health Status among 2029 Adults Consuming a "Carnivore Diet"

BACKGROUND

The "carnivore diet," based on animal foods and excluding most or all plant foods, has attracted recent popular attention. However, little is known about the health effects and tolerability of this diet, and concerns for nutrient deficiencies and cardiovascular disease risk have been raised.

OBJECTIVES

We obtained descriptive data on the nutritional practices and health status of a large group of carnivore diet consumers.

METHODS

A social media survey was conducted 30 March-24 June, 2020 among adults self-identifying as consuming a carnivore diet for ≥6 mo. Survey questions interrogated motivation, dietary intake patterns, symptoms suggestive of nutritional deficiencies or other adverse effects, satisfaction, prior and current health conditions, anthropometrics, and laboratory data.

RESULTS

A total of 2029 respondents (median age: 44 y, 67% male) reported consuming a carnivore diet for 14 mo (IQR: 9-20 mo), motivated primarily by health reasons (93%). Red meat consumption was reported as daily or more often by 85%. Under 10% reported consuming vegetables, fruits, or grains more often than monthly, and 37% denied vitamin supplement use. Prevalence of adverse symptoms was low (<1% to 5.5%). Symptoms included gastrointestinal (3.1%-5.5%), muscular (0.3%-4.0%), and dermatologic (0.1%-1.9%). Participants reported high levels of satisfaction and improvements in overall health (95%), well-being (66%-91%), various medical conditions (48%-98%), and median [IQR] BMI (in kg/m2) (from 27.2 [23.5-31.9] to 24.3 [22.1-27.0]). Among a subset reporting current lipids, LDL-cholesterol was markedly elevated (172 mg/dL), whereas HDL-cholesterol (68 mg/dL) and triglycerides (68 mg/dL) were optimal. Participants with diabetes reported benefits including reductions in median [IQR] BMI (4.3 [1.4-7.2]), glycated hemoglobin (0.4% [0%-1.7%]), and diabetes medication use (84%-100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to common expectations, adults consuming a carnivore diet experienced few adverse effects and instead reported health benefits and high satisfaction. Cardiovascular disease risk factors were variably affected. The generalizability of these findings and the long-term effects of this dietary pattern require further study.

Dietary patterns associated with obesity outcomes in adults: an umbrella review of systematic reviews

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this umbrella review was to summarise the evidence from existing systematic reviews on the association between different dietary patterns (DP) and overweight or obesity outcomes in adults.

DESIGN

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science for systematic reviews reporting on DP and weight gain or overweight/obesity outcomes.

RESULT

We identified 16 systematic reviews with 143 unique studies published between 2001 and 2019. Overall quality scores ranged from 4 to 10. Six reviews in 2/11 cohort and 6/19 cross-sectional studies reported (statistically significant) decreased OR for obesity (range: 0·53 to 0·73 and 0·35 to 0·88, respectively) associated with the Mediterranean diet. Five reviews in 5/15 cohort and 10/45 cross-sectional studies reported an inverse association between diet quality and weight gain or BMI (β range: -1·3 to -0·09). Two reviews in 1/3 cohort and 1/2 cross-sectional studies reported a decreased risk of obesity (OR = 0·76) and weight gain (OR = 0·26), respectively, with fruit and vegetable intake. Five reviews of mixed DP in 3/40 cross-sectional studies reported an increased prevalence of obesity (OR = 1·19) or abdominal obesity (OR range: 1·07 to 1·27) with the Korean diet pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

Our umbrella review confirms the hypothesis that Mediterranean-type DP reduce the risk of obesity in adults. Although population-specific evidence of effective interventions is needed, characteristics of Mediterranean-type DP are important considerations for national obesity prevention strategies.

Changes in Circulating Metabolites during Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance in Relation to Cardiometabolic Risk

(1) Background: There is a substantial lack of knowledge of the biochemical mechanisms by which weight loss and weight regain exert their beneficial and adverse effects, respectively, on cardiometabolic outcomes. We examined associations between changes in circulating metabolites and changes in cardiometabolic risk factors during diet-induced weight loss and weight loss maintenance. (2) Methods: This prospective analysis of data from the Satiety Innovation (SATIN) study involved adults living with overweight and obesity (mean age=47.5). One hundred sixty-two subjects achieving ≥8% weight loss during an initial 8-week low-calorie diet (LCD) were included in a 12-week weight loss maintenance period. Circulating metabolites (m=123) were profiled using a targeted multiplatform approach. Data were analyzed using multivariate linear regression models. (3) Results: Decreases in the concentrations of several phosphatidylcholines (PCs), sphingomyelins (SMs), and valine were consistently associated with decreases in total (TChol) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels during the LCD. Increases in PCs and SMs were significantly associated with increases in TChol and LDL-C during the weight loss maintenance period. Decreases and increases in PCs during LCD and maintenance period, respectively, were associated with decreases in the levels of triglycerides. (4) Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that decreases in circulating PCs and SMs during weight loss and the subsequent weight loss maintenance period may decrease the cardiovascular risk through impacting TChol and LDL-C.

Improved Quality of Life, Fitness, Mental Health and Cardiovascular Risk Factors with a Publicly Funded Bariatric Lifestyle Intervention for Adults with Severe Obesity: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone of management for patients with severe and complicated obesity, but the effects of structured lifestyle programmes on quality of life, anxiety and depression scores and cardiovascular risk factors are not well-described. We sought to describe changes in self-reported quality of life and mental health-related outcomes as well as cardiovascular risk factors in patients completing a 10-week multidisciplinary lifestyle-modification programme.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of all patients referred from our bariatric service who completed the programme between 2013 and 2019. In addition to weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, HbA1c, lipid profile and functional capacity, we quantified health-related quality of life using the Dartmouth COOP Questionnaire and the European Quality of Life Questionnaire Visual Analogue Scale (EQVAS) and mental health using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

RESULTS

Of 1122 patients who started the programme, 877 (78.2%) completed it and were included in per protocol analyses. Mean age was 47.3 ± 11.9 years, 66.9% were female, 34.8% were in full- or part-time employment and 69.4% were entitled to state-provided medical care. BMI decreased from 47.0 ± 7.8 to 46.2 ± 7.8 kg m^-2 and weight decreased from 131.6 ± 25.5 to 129.5 ± 25.4 kg (both p < 0.001). There were significant reductions in anxiety and depression scores and improvements in all Dartmouth COOP domains. The EQVAS score increased from 52 ± 22 to 63 ± 19 (p < 0.001). Small but statistically significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and HBA1c were also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with severe and complicated obesity completing a specialised bariatric lifestyle-modification programme showed significant improvements in self-reported mental health and quality of life, in addition to reductions in cardiovascular risk factors.

Outcomes of a Presurgical Optimization Program for Elective Hernia Repairs Among High-risk Patients

IMPORTANCE

Preoperative optimization is an important clinical strategy for reducing morbidity; however, nearly 25% of persons undergoing elective abdominal hernia repairs are not optimized with respect to weight or substance use. Although the preoperative period represents a unique opportunity to motivate patient health behavior changes, fear of emergent presentation and financial concerns are often cited as clinician barriers to optimization.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of evidence-based patient optimization before surgery by implementing a low-cost preoperative optimization clinic.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This quality improvement study was conducted 1 year after a preoperative optimization clinic was implemented for high-risk patients seeking elective hernia repair. The median (range) follow-up was 197 (39-378) days. A weekly preoperative optimization clinic was implemented in 2019 at a single academic center. Referral occurred for persons seeking elective hernia repair with a body mass index greater than or equal to 40, age 75 years or older, or active tobacco use. Data analysis was performed from February to July 2020.

EXPOSURES

Enrolled patients were provided health resources and longitudinal multidisciplinary care.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcomes were safety and eligibility for surgery after participating in the optimization clinic. The hypothesis was that the optimization clinic could preoperatively mitigate patient risk factors, without increasing patient risk. Safety was defined as the occurrence of complications during participation in the optimization clinic. The secondary outcome metric centered on the financial impact of implementing the preoperative optimization program.

RESULTS

Of the 165 patients enrolled in the optimization clinic, most were women (90 patients [54.5%]) and White (145 patients [87.9%]). The mean (SD) age was 59.4 (15.8) years. Patients' eligibility for the clinic was distributed across high-risk criteria: 37.0% (61 patients) for weight, 26.1% (43 patients) for tobacco use, and 23.6% (39 patients) for age. Overall, 9.1% of persons (15 patients) were successfully optimized for surgery, and tobacco cessation was achieved in 13.8% of smokers (8 patients). The rate of hernia incarceration requiring emergent surgery was 3.0% (5 patients). Economic evaluation found increased operative yield from surgical clinics, with a 58% increase in hernia-attributed relative value units without altering surgeon workflow.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this quality improvement study, a hernia optimization clinic safely improved management of high-risk patients and increased operative yield for the institution. This represents an opportunity to create sustainable and scalable models that provide longitudinal care and optimize patients to improve outcomes of hernia repair.

Physical activity, diet, and weight loss in patients recruited from primary care settings: An update on obesity management interventions

BACKGROUND

Obesity and related comorbidities are the most common chronic conditions in North America where behavior modification including the adoption of physical activity (PA) and a healthful diet are primary treatment strategies. Patients are more likely to engage in behavior modification if encouraged by their physician; however, behavioral counseling in primary care rarely occurs due to lack of training and resources. A more effective method may be to refer patients from clinical settings to other health professionals.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review examines the effectiveness of behavior-based counseling for obesity management among participants referred from clinical settings.

METHODS

PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE were used to identify randomized clinical trials (2014-2020) for weight loss with the following inclusion criteria: trial duration ≥12 months, included a control or usual care group, recruited adults with overweight or obesity from primary care and/or treated in the primary care setting, and the intervention included counseling on PA and diet.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies, encompassing 21 different intervention groups with 6185 unique participants (56% female) met the inclusion criteria. All participants had overweight or obesity, with a body mass index between 28.2 and 41.0 kg/m2. In 11 (52%) of the intervention groups, significant weight loss in the intervention group was observed compared to usual care (mean weight loss: 4.9[2.1] kg vs. 1.0[0.9] kg). In 13 out of 18 interventions (72%) reporting weight loss at two time points, weight regain was observed by 12 months. Statistically significant weight loss was observed in one intervention (of two total) that was longer than 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Sustained weight loss regardless of the behavior-based, intervention strategy remains a challenge for most adults. Given the established benefits of routine PA and a healthful diet, prioritizing the adoption of healthy behaviors regardless of weight loss may be a more effective strategy for ensuring long-term health benefit.