Transtheoretical model for dietary and physical exercise modification in weight loss management for overweight and obese adults

Maternal Cardiac Function in Pregnancies with Metabolic Disorders

The obesity epidemic is growing and poses significant risks to pregnancy. Metabolic impairment can be associated with short- and long-term maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The cardiovascular implications are known in those with metabolic disorder outside of pregnancy; however, little is known of the cardiac function in pregnancies complicated by obesity. Maternal cardiac adaptation plays a vital role in normal pregnancy and is known to be involved in the pathophysiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Bariatric surgery is the most successful treatment for sustainable weight loss and pre-pregnancy bariatric surgery can drastically change the maternal metabolic profile and pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we discuss the available evidence on maternal cardiac function in pregnancies affected by obesity and its associated consequences of gestational diabetes and hypertension (chronic and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy), as well as pregnancies following bariatric surgery.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale for the Transtheoretical Model: a confirmatory analysis among Chinese children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Self-efficacy has been recognized as a critical component in people's participation and maintenance of physical activity. This study aims to validate the Chinese version of the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESE) among Chinese children and adolescents using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on two primary and two secondary schools in central China. The ESE scale was translated into Chinese (ESE-C) using the standard forward-backward translation method. Data were analyzed using Mplus 8 for the CFA.

RESULTS

The final model showed a satisfactory level of goodness-of-fit (CFI = 0.918; TLI = 0.905; SRMR = 0.043; RMSEA = 0.066), indicating a good construct validity of the ESE-C for children and adolescents in mainland China. Furthermore, the final ESE-C model achieved composite reliability values of 0.963 and average variance extraction values of 0.597, indicating sufficient convergent and discriminant validity. Besides, the Cronbach's alpha value was 0.964, demonstrating excellent internal consistency of the ESE-C scale.

CONCLUSION

The ESE-C scale is a valid instrument for assessing exercise self-efficacy among children and adolescents in mainland China.

Weight Loss and Its Predictors During Participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation

We aimed to assess the prevalence and magnitude of clinically meaningful weight loss among cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants who were overweight or obese and identify its predictors. We analyzed subjects with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 who were enrolled in a 12-week CR outpatient program from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, and had paired pre- and post-CR weight data. Patients who lost 3% or more of their body weight by the end of the program were compared with the remaining participants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of weight loss. Overall, 129 of 485 subjects (27%) with overweight or obesity reduced their weight by at least 3% (average percent weight change: -5.0% ± 1.8% vs -0.02% ± 2.2%, average weight change: -10.9 ± 5.0 vs -0.1 ± 4.4 pounds, and average BMI change: -1.7 ± 0.7 vs -0.02 ± 0.7 kg/m²). Compared with the remaining 356 patients, those who achieved the defined weight loss were younger (p = 0.016) and had higher baseline weight (p = 0.002) and BMI (p <0.001). The weight loss group tended to be enrolled more likely for an acute myocardial infarction or percutaneous coronary intervention (p <0.001) and less likely for coronary artery bypass grafting (p = 0.001) or a heart valve procedure (p = 0.05). By the end of the CR program, the weight loss group demonstrated a greater increase in Rate Your Plate - Heart score (7 [3, 11] vs 4 [1, 8]; p <0.001) and a greater decrease in triglycerides (-20 ± 45 vs -7 ± 55 mg/dL; p = 0.026) and glycated hemoglobin (-0.1 [-0.5, 0.1] vs 0.1 [-0.3, 0.4] %; p = 0.05, among patients with diabetes or prediabetes). In a multivariable logistic regression model, baseline predictors of clinically meaningful weight loss included higher BMI and not being enrolled for a surgical CR indication (p = 0.001). In conclusion, throughout 12 weeks of CR participation, 129 of 485 subjects (27%) with BMI ≥25 had a 3% or more reduction in body weight. Patients with higher baseline BMI and participants without a surgical enrollment diagnosis were more likely to achieve the defined weight loss. Efforts to improve CR referral and enrollment for eligible patients with overweight and obesity should be encouraged, and suitable and efficient weight reduction interventions in CR settings need to be further studied.

Progress in treatment of type 2 diabetes by bariatric surgery

The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Bariatric surgical procedures, such as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, are the most efficient approaches to obtain substantial and durable remission of T2D. The benefits of bariatric surgery are realized through the consequent increased satiety and alterations in gastrointestinal hormones, bile acids, and the intestinal microbiota. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which various bariatric surgical procedures exert their benefits on T2D could contribute to the design of better non-surgical treatments for T2D. In this review, we describe the classification and evolution of bariatric surgery and explore the multiple mechanisms underlying the effect of bariatric surgery on insulin resistance. Based upon our summarization of the current knowledge on the underlying mechanisms, we speculate that the gut might act as a new target for improving T2D. Our ultimate goal with this review is to provide a better understanding of T2D pathophysiology in order to support development of T2D treatments that are less invasive and more scalable.

A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Feasibility Study of a WhatsApp-Delivered Intervention to Promote Healthy Eating Habits in Male Firefighters

This cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT)-designed study aimed to explore the feasibility of a promotion pamphlet and/or WhatsApp as a suitable mode of delivery to promote healthy eating habits with fruit and vegetables (F&V) among firefighters. Convenience and snowball sampling methods were used. Forty-five firefighters from 23 fire stations were recruited and they all received the printed pamphlet, while the intervention group participants (n = 20) received additional teaching material through WhatsApp every two weeks for eight weeks. Feasibility outcomes included retention, practicality, and implementation. The participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. There were significant improvements in the mean numbers of days consuming F&V (p = 0.002; p = 0.031) in the intervention group, and for fruit consumption (p = 0.033) in the control group between the baseline (T₀) and 3 months after completion of intervention (T₁). High levels of participants’ satisfaction with the intervention revealed that a full-scale CRCT of the WhatsApp-delivered intervention promoting healthy eating could be feasible, especially as a means of increasing the numbers of days they consumed F&V and the numbers of servings of these consumed per day.

A feasibility study of a WhatsApp-delivered Transtheoretical Model-based intervention to promote healthy eating habits for firefighters in Hong Kong: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Firefighters' health is often affected by a high prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, which are common risk factors for sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of enhancing healthy eating habits in firefighters through an education programme.

METHODS

This will be a cluster randomized control trial study. The participants will be assigned randomly into either control (health promotion pamphlet) or intervention (health promotion pamphlet and education materials through WhatsApp) groups. Changes in healthy eating habits will be assessed by a self-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements at three different time points.

DISCUSSION

More education is required in order to improve firefighters' eating habits.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN registry identifier: Registered on 8 April 2019 ISRCTN95472464.

Bariatric Surgery in End-Stage Heart Failure: Feasibility in Successful Attainment of a Target Body Mass Index

INTRODUCTION

Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is contraindicated in morbidly obese patients with end-stage heart failure (HF), for whom cardiac allograft is the only means for long-term survival. Bariatric surgery may allow them to achieve target body mass index (BMI) for OHT METHODS: From 4/2014 to 12/2018, 26 morbidly obese HF patients who did not meet BMI eligibility criteria for OHT underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Outcomes of interest were median difference in BMI, number of patients achieving target BMI for OHT, and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Median age was 49 (IQR 14) years, and 13 (50%) were women. HF was mainly systolic (15 patients, 58%). The median LVEF was 27% (IQR 37%). At the time of bariatric surgery, 12 (46%) patients had mechanical circulatory support: 2 (8%) concomitant left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placements, 8 (31%) LVAD already-in-place, and 2 (8%) intra-aortic balloon pumps. There was no 30-day mortality, but one mortality on postoperative day 48. Over a median follow-up of 6 months (range 0-36 months, IQR 17), there was a significant reduction in BMI (p<0.0001). The median postoperative BMI was 36.7 (IQR 8.7), compared to preoperative median BMI of 42.7 (IQR 9.4). Target BMI of < 35 was achieved in 11 (42%) patients. Three patients (12%) have undergone OHT.

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery in end-stage HF is feasible and results in a high number of patients achieving target BMI, increasing their probability of undergoing OHT. The presence of a LVAD should not preclude these patients from undergoing a bariatric intervention.

Factorial validity, measurement and structure invariance of the Malay language decisional balance scale in exercise across gender

Background

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the decisional balance (DB-M) for exercise (i.e. perceived benefits and perceived barriers) using a cross-sectional design. Also, this study assessed the measurement and structural invariance of the DB-M across gender.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 750 students (female: 51.7%, male: 48.3%), with a mean age of 20.2 years (SD = 1.2). Decision balance (DB) scale was assessed with the 10-item DB-M. Standard forward-backward translation was performed to translate the English version of the DB into Malay version (DB-M).

Results

The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results based on the hypothesised measurement model of two factors and ten items demonstrated adequate factor structure after the addition of some correlated item residuals (comparative fit index (CFI) = .979, Tucker and Lewis index (TLI) = .969, standardised root mean square residual (SRMR) = .037, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .047). The construct reliability and average variance extracted values were .850 and .839, and .542 and .538, for perceived benefits and perceived barriers, respectively. Meanwhile, the Cronbach’s alpha was .857 and .859, and the intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was .979 and .960 for perceived benefits and perceived barriers respectively. The findings provided evidence for measurement invariance of DB-M for the male and female samples. The final CFA model fit the data well for both male sample (CFI = .975, TLI = .964, SRMR = .040, RMSEA = .052) and female sample (CFI = .965, TLI = .949, SRMR = .044, RMSEA = .058).

Conclusions

The translated version of the DB-M was valid and reliable for assessing the level of perceived benefits and perceived barriers in exercise among university students in Malaysia.

Metabolic Surgery: Weight Loss, Diabetes, and Beyond

The alarming rise in the worldwide prevalence of obesity is paralleled by an increasing burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolic surgery is the most effective means of obtaining substantial and durable weight loss in individuals with obesity. Randomized trials have recently shown the superiority of surgery over medical treatment alone in achieving improved glycemic control, as well as a reduction in cardiovascular risk factors. The mechanisms seem to extend beyond the magnitude of weight loss alone and include improvements in incretin profiles, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. Moreover, observational data suggest that the reduction in cardiovascular risk factors translates to better patient outcomes. This review describes commonly used metabolic surgical procedures and their current indications and summarizes the evidence related to weight loss and glycemic outcomes. It further examines their potential effects on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality and discusses future perspectives.

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pediatric obesity: consensus position statement of the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology and the Italian Society of Pediatrics

The Italian Consensus Position Statement on Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Obesity in Children and Adolescents integrates and updates the previous guidelines to deliver an evidence based approach to the disease. The following areas were reviewed: (1) obesity definition and causes of secondary obesity; (2) physical and psychosocial comorbidities; (3) treatment and care settings; (4) prevention.The main novelties deriving from the Italian experience lie in the definition, screening of the cardiometabolic and hepatic risk factors and the endorsement of a staged approach to treatment. The evidence based efficacy of behavioral intervention versus pharmacological or surgical treatments is reported. Lastly, the prevention by promoting healthful diet, physical activity, sleep pattern, and environment is strongly recommended since the intrauterine phase.

A Study on the Applicability of the Health Action Process Approach to the Dietary Behavior of University Students in Shanxi, China

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the applicability of the Health Action Process Approach in predicting and explaining the healthy dietary behavior of college students.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey. The data were collected though the self-administrated questionnaires.

SETTING

Eight universities in Shanxi province, China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1,933 undergraduates were randomly selected using random cluster sampling from Shanxi, China (92.0% response; 31.7% males).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Each variable was measured using questionnaires.

ANALYSIS

Data were analyzed by 2-sample t test, linear correlation, and path analysis. Significance was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

Risk perception, self-efficacy, and positive expectancy began functioning during the intention formation stage (P < .01). Outcome expectancy, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions had a predictive role in plan formation (P < .001). Action planning, positive expectancy, and self-efficacy were effective predictors of dietary behavior (P < .001). An action plan was a mediator between behavioral intention and dietary behavior; the mediation effect was 0.086.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

As a first step, application of Health Action Process Approach to the dietary behavior of Chinese college students was confirmed. Future research expanding on this study could consider including additional sociodemographic factors in the model structure using a broader study population.

Effect of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on glycosylated haemoglobin among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes & peripheral neuropathy

Aerobic exercise has been known to improve glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of eight week moderate-intensity aerobic (heart rate reserve 40-60%) exercise on glycaemic control in elderly patients with T2DM and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The participants (n=87) were randomly assigned to an eight-week programme by a computer-generated random number table to the study or control group, respectively. There were 47 participants in the control group and 40 participants in the study group after randomization. There was a significant difference in the mean values of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at baseline and 8th week between the two groups. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise of eight weeks duration helped in achieving enhanced glycaemic control in the T2DM patients with DPN.

Role of Counseling to Promote Adherence in Healthy Lifestyle Medicine: Strategies to Improve Exercise Adherence and Enhance Physical Activity

Although healthy lifestyles (HL) offer a number of health benefits, nonadherence to recommended lifestyle changes remains a frequent and difficult obstacle to realizing these benefits. Behavioral counseling can improve adherence to an HL. However, individuals' motivation for change and resistance to altering unhealthy habits must be considered when developing an effective approach to counseling. In the present article, we review psychological, behavioral, and environmental factors that may promote adherence and contribute to nonadherence. We discuss two established models for counseling, motivational interviewing and the transtheoretical model of behavior change, and provide an example of how these approaches can be used to counsel patients to exercise and increase their levels of physical activity.

Aggressive clinical approach to obesity improves metabolic and clinical outcomes and can prevent bariatric surgery: a single center experience

BACKGROUND

The number of bariatric procedures has exponentially increased in the past decade, as a result of the lack of successful clinical weight-loss interventions. The main reasons for the failure of clinical obesity management are: (1) anti-obesity medications are administered as monotherapies (or pre-combined drugs); (2) lack of combination between pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological modalities; (3) short duration of pharmacotherapy for obesity; (4) lack of weight-loss maintenance strategies; (5) misunderstanding of the complex pathophysiology of obesity; and (6) underprescription of anti-obesity medications. We developed a protocol that can potentially overcome the drawbacks that may lead to the failure of clinical therapy for obesity. The aim of this study is therefore to report the clinical and metabolic effects of our proposed obesity-management protocol over a 2-year period, and to determine whether this more intensive approach to obesity management is feasible and a possible alternative to bariatric surgery in patients with moderate-to-severe obesity.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 43 patients in whom bariatric surgery was indicated. Patients underwent an intensive anti-obesity protocol that included pharmacotherapy with multiple drugs; intense surveillance with monthly body analysis by air-displacement plethysmography, electrical bioimpedance, and 3D body scans; weekly psychotherapy; diet planning with a dietician every 2 months; and exercises at least 3 times a week with exercises prescribed by a personal trainer at least once a month. Body weight (BW), total weight excess (TWE), obesity class, body mass index, fat weight, muscle weight, waist circumference, and visceral fat were analyzed. Markers of lipid and glucose metabolism, liver function, and inflammation were also evaluated. Therapeutic success was defined as >20% BW loss or >50% decrease in TWE after 1 year.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in all clinical and metabolic parameters. Thirty-eight (88.4%) patients achieved 10% BW loss, and 32 (74.4%) achieved 20% BW loss. TWE decreased by >50% in 35 (81.4%) patients. Forty (93.0%) patients were able to avoid bariatric surgery.

CONCLUSION

An intensive clinical approach to obesity management can be an effective alternative to bariatric surgery, although further randomized controlled studies are necessary to validate our findings.

Chiropractic intern attitudes, beliefs, and future practice intentions with regard to health promotion, wellness, and preventive services

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study explored the attitudes, beliefs, and intentions of a group of chiropractic interns concerning health promotion, wellness, and preventive services before and after a series of brief educational interventions.

METHODS

Interns completed a survey before (n = 37) and after (n = 22) the interventions. The survey included 12 Likert scale questions about attitudes and intentions toward wellness and health promotion models. The interventions consisted of classroom lectures, clinical training, and online information pertaining to health promotion and wellness.

RESULTS

The interns initially favored wellness models, perceived a need for them, and felt partially prepared to administer them, with mean Likert scores 4 or greater on a 1 to 5 scale. Afterward, the average scores were higher and the interns reported some benefit from this short course of training.

CONCLUSION

The initial survey demonstrated that interns had some understanding of wellness, health promotion, and preventive services, and favored utilization of these services. The follow-up survey suggested that a short educational intervention could have a positive impact on these attitudes and future utilization of wellness procedures in their practices.

Randomised controlled pilot study to assess the feasibility of a Mediterranean Portfolio dietary intervention for cardiovascular risk reduction in HIV dyslipidaemia: a study protocol

INTRODUCTION

HIV drug treatment has greatly improved life expectancy, but increased risk of cardiovascular disease remains, potentially due to the additional burdens of infection, inflammation and antiretroviral treatment. The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality in the general population, but no evidence exists for this effect in the HIV population. This study will explore the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to examine whether a Mediterranean-style diet that incorporates a portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods, reduces cardiovascular risk in people with HIV dyslipidaemia.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

60 adults with stable HIV infection on antiretroviral treatment and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >3 mmol/L will be recruited from 3 West Midlands HIV services. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to 1 of 2 dietary interventions, with stratification by gender and smoking status. Participants allocated to Diet1 will receive advice to reduce saturated fat intake, and those to Diet2 on how to adopt the Mediterranean Portfolio Diet with additional cholesterol-lowering foods (nuts, stanols, soya, oats, pulses). Measurements of fasting blood lipids, body composition and arterial stiffness will be conducted at baseline, and month 6 and 12 of the intervention. Food intake will be assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Score, 3-day food diaries and metabolomic biomarkers. Questionnaires will be used to assess quality of life and process evaluation. Qualitative interviews will explore barriers and facilitators to making dietary changes, and participant views on the intervention. Qualitative data will be analysed using the Framework Method. Feasibility will be assessed in terms of trial recruitment, retention, compliance to study visits and the intervention. SD of outcomes will inform the power calculation of the definitive RCT.

ETHICS

The West Midlands Ethics Committee has approved this study and informed consent forms. This trial is the first to test cholesterol-lowering foods in adults with HIV.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN32090191; Pre-results.

Acupoint Catgut Embedding for Obesity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) was applied widely to antiweight in China. The aim of this review is to estimate the effectiveness and safety of ACE on obesity. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBASE, CNKI, and so forth, using combination subject terms of obesity (or overweight, weight loss, etc.) and acupoint catgut embedding (or catgut implantation, catgut embedding). Improvement rate, reduction of body weight and body mass index (BMI), and so forth were analyzed. 43 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. Although with poor methodological quality, ACE was superior to manual acupuncture (MA), sham, and cupping in improvement rate and presented a better tendency (OR > 1) compared with drugs and electroacupuncture (EA). Mean values of weight loss by ACE were 1.14 kg, 1.26 kg, 1.79 kg, and 3.01 kg comparing with MA, drugs, EA, and sham, respectively. Mean of BMI reduced to 0.56 kg/m(2), 0.83 kg/m(2), 0.79 kg/m(2), and 1.63 kg/m(2) comparing with MA, drugs, EA, and sham. Less adverse effects were reported. Pooled outcomes presented a tendency of equal or superior effects to other interventions and fewer side effects. Future high quality trials with rigorous design and positive FDA approved drug as control are urgent to assess the effect of ACE for obesity. PROSPERO registration number is as follows: CRD42015016006.

Intervention based on Transtheoretical Model promotes anthropometric and nutritional improvements - a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects of an intervention based on the Transtheoretical Model on anthropometric and dietetic profile among women in the Primary Health Care in Brazil.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Randomized controlled trial. The control group participated in physical activity and open group-education regarding nutrition of usual care. The intervention group participated in 10 workshops based on the Transtheoretical Model.

RESULTS

Seventy-one women completed the study, with a mean age of 57.9±11.7years. Participants in the intervention group showed an improved body perception, reduced weight and body mass index post-intervention, and lower consumption of calories and foods high in fat. Significant weight reduction in the intervention group was associated with higher per capita income, reduced consumption of protein, reduced consumption of lipids, and the removal of visible fat from red meat and skin from chicken.

CONCLUSION

An intervention based on the Transtheoretical Model promoted reduction in consumption of foods high in calories and fat, with positive effects on weight and body perception. These results provide evidence of the applicability and benefit of the Transtheoretical Model within primary care.

Automatic messaging for improving patients engagement in diabetes management: an exploratory study

Mobile health systems aiming to promote adherence may cost-effectively improve the self-management of chronic diseases like diabetes, enhancing the compliance to the medical prescription, encouraging and stimulating patients to adopt healthy life styles and promoting empowerment. This paper presents a strategy for m-health applications in diabetes self-management that is based on automatic generation of feedback messages. A feedback assistant, representing the core of architecture, delivers dynamic and automatically updated text messages set up on clinical guideline and patient's lifestyle. Based on this strategy, an m-health adherence system was designed, developed and tested in a small-scale exploratory study with T1DM and T2DM patients. The results indicate that the system could be feasible and well accepted and that its usage increased along with adherence to prescriptions during the 4 weeks of the study. A more extensive research is pending to corroborate these outcomes and to establish a clear benefit of the proposed solution.

Weighing the Evidence of Common Beliefs in Obesity Research

Obesity is a topic on which many views are strongly held in the absence of scientific evidence to support those views, and some views are strongly held despite evidence to contradict those views. We refer to the former as "presumptions" and the latter as "myths." Here, we present nine myths and 10 presumptions surrounding the effects of rapid weight loss; setting realistic goals in weight loss therapy; stage of change or readiness to lose weight; physical education classes; breastfeeding; daily self-weighing; genetic contribution to obesity; the "Freshman 15"; food deserts; regularly eating (versus skipping) breakfast; eating close to bedtime; eating more fruits and vegetables; weight cycling (i.e., yo-yo dieting); snacking; built environment; reducing screen time in childhood obesity; portion size; participation in family mealtime; and drinking water as a means of weight loss. For each of these, we describe the belief and present evidence that the belief is widely held or stated, reasons to support the conjecture that the belief might be true, evidence to directly support or refute the belief, and findings from randomized controlled trials, if available. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of these determinations, conjecture on why so many myths and presumptions exist, and suggestions for limiting the spread of these and other unsubstantiated beliefs about the obesity domain.

Mobile phone intervention for increasing adherence to treatment for type 2 diabetes in an urban area of Bangladesh: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Mobile phone technologies including SMS (short message service) have been used to improve the delivery of health services in many countries. However, data on the effects of mobile health technology on patient outcomes in resource-limited settings are limited. The aim of this study therefore is to measure the impact of a mobile phone SMS service on treatment success of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in an urban area of Bangladesh.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a single-centred randomized controlled intervention trial (prospective) comparing standard-of-care with standard-of-care plus a mobile phone-based SMS intervention for 6 months. A total of 216 participants with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes will be recruited. Data will be collected at the outpatient department of Bangladesh Institute of Health Science (BIHS) hospital at baseline and after 6 months. The primary outcome measure will be change in HbA1c between baseline and 6 months. The secondary outcome measures are self-reported medication adherence, clinic attendance, self-reported adoption of healthy behaviours, diabetes knowledge, quality of life and cost effectiveness of the SMS intervention. The inclusion criteria will be as follows: diagnosed as patients with type 2 diabetes by the BIHS physician, using oral medication therapy, living in Dhaka city, registered with the BIHS hospital, using a mobile phone, willing to return for follow up after 6 months and providing written informed consent. Participants will be allocated to control and intervention arms after recruitment using a randomization software. Data will be collected on socio-demographic and economic information, mobile phone use and habits, knowledge of prevention, management and complications of diabetes, self-perceived quality of life assessment, self-reported diseases, medical history, family history of diseases, medication history, medication adherence, health seeking behaviour, tobacco use, physical activity, diet, mental health status, life events and disability, anthropometric measurements of weight, height, blood pressure and blood tests for HbA1c.

DISCUSSION

Mobile phone SMS services have the potential to communicate with diabetes patients and to build awareness about the disease, improve self-management and avoid complications also in resource-limited setting. If this intervention proves to be efficient and cost-effective in the current trial, large-scale implementation could be undertaken.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS00005188 .

Obesity: pathophysiology and intervention

Obesity presents a major health hazard of the 21st century. It promotes co-morbid diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Excessive energy intake, physical inactivity, and genetic susceptibility are main causal factors for obesity, while gene mutations, endocrine disorders, medication, or psychiatric illnesses may be underlying causes in some cases. The development and maintenance of obesity may involve central pathophysiological mechanisms such as impaired brain circuit regulation and neuroendocrine hormone dysfunction. Dieting and physical exercise offer the mainstays of obesity treatment, and anti-obesity drugs may be taken in conjunction to reduce appetite or fat absorption. Bariatric surgeries may be performed in overtly obese patients to lessen stomach volume and nutrient absorption, and induce faster satiety. This review provides a summary of literature on the pathophysiological studies of obesity and discusses relevant therapeutic strategies for managing obesity.

A qualitative study of citizens' experience of participating in health counseling

Individual health counseling is a form of intervention designed to minimize the effects of chronic health disease and to offer a path towards good health practices. The aim of the present study was to explore the experiences of those persons who participated in health counseling in order to assess the psychosocial significance of the counseling upon their health behavior. In addition the study was concerned with the factors which underlay peoples' decision to sign up for health counseling. The research involved 11 semi-structured interviews with individuals who had participated in a municipality based health counseling program. Data was analyzed using Malterud's systemic text condensation and a theoretical framework around Bandura's social cognitive theory. Analysis revealed that an approach tailored to each individual with minor short-term goals accompanied by feeling supported by the counselor produced the greatest impact on behavior. Receiving feedback from the counselor and feeling positive about the relationship were seen as essential. These aspects were also crucial in the decision to undertake health counseling. The study indicates that whether individual's sign up on their own initiative or conversely are invited to join the program has no influence upon their motivation to change their behavior. Overall the respondents demonstrated improvement in their behavior and attitudes towards their health. However, the study also indicates that this form of intervention is less or even ineffective without the support of the individual's immediate family.

A metabolic-epidemiological microsimulation model to estimate the changes in energy intake and physical activity necessary to meet the Healthy People 2020 obesity objective

OBJECTIVES

We combined a metabolic and an epidemiological model of obesity to estimate changes in calorie intake and physical activity necessary to achieve the Healthy People 2020 objective of reducing adult obesity prevalence from 33.9% to 30.5%.

METHODS

We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2010) to construct and validate a microsimulation model of the US population aged 10 years and older, for 2010 to 2020.

RESULTS

Obesity prevalence is expected to shift toward older adults, and disparities are expected to widen between White, higher-income groups and minority, lower-income groups if recent calorie consumption and expenditure trends continue into the future. Although a less than 10% reduction in daily calorie intake or increase in physical activity would in theory achieve the Healthy People 2020 objective, no single population-level intervention is likely to achieve the target alone, and individual weight-loss attempts are even more unlikely to achieve the target.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in calorie intake and physical activity portend rising inequalities in obesity prevalence. These changes require multiple simultaneous population interventions.

Effectiveness of a smartphone application for improving healthy lifestyles, a randomized clinical trial (EVIDENT II): study protocol

BACKGROUND

New technologies could facilitate changes in lifestyle and improve public health. However, no large randomized, controlled studies providing scientific evidence of the benefits of their use have been made. The aims of this study are to develop and validate a smartphone application, and to evaluate the effect of adding this tool to a standardized intervention designed to improve adherence to the Mediterranean diet and to physical activity. An evaluation is also made of the effect of modifying habits upon vascular structure and function, and therefore on arterial aging.

METHODS/DESIGN

A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel group clinical trial will be carried out. A total of 1215 subjects under 70 years of age from the EVIDENT trial will be included. Counseling common to both groups (control and intervention) will be provided on adaptation to the Mediterranean diet and on physical activity. The intervention group moreover will receive training on the use of a smartphone application designed to promote a healthy diet and increased physical activity, and will use the application for three months. The main study endpoints will be the changes in physical activity, assessed by accelerometer and the 7-day Physical Activity Recall (PAR) interview, and adaptation to the Mediterranean diet, as evaluated by an adherence questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Evaluation also will be made of vascular structure and function based on central arterial pressure, the radial augmentation index, pulse velocity, the cardio-ankle vascular index, and carotid intima-media thickness.

DISCUSSION

Confirmation that the new technologies are useful for promoting healthier lifestyles and that their effects are beneficial in terms of arterial aging will have important clinical implications, and may contribute to generalize their application in favor of improved population health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT02016014.

Self-directed interventions to promote weight loss: a systematic review of reviews

Background

A wide range of self-directed weight-loss interventions are available, providing users with a variety of tools delivered through various formats to regulate weight-related behavior patterns. However, it is unclear how effective self-directed interventions are and how they promote weight loss and weight maintenance.

Objective

A systematic review of reviews was conducted to examine the effectiveness of such interventions and to identify intervention content associated with effectiveness.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for systematic reviews were searched from 2000-2012 for reviews of the effectiveness of self-directed interventions on weight loss and weight maintenance in adults. Two reviewers used predefined inclusion criteria to select relevant reviews and assess their quality using the Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire (OQAQ). We extracted data on effectiveness and on relationships between intervention characteristics and effectiveness.

Results

Twenty reviews were included and quality assessed. Findings relevant to self-directed interventions, including interactive websites, smartphone applications, and text messaging (short message service, SMS) were summarized. Findings were mixed but promising. For example, one review of Internet-based interventions found that, when used in conjunction with standard weight loss programs, these interventions resulted in a significant average increase in weight loss of 1.5 kg over evaluation periods. Unfortunately, only 7 of 20 reviews were of high methodological quality according to OQAQ scores, and only 4 employed meta-analyses. Few reviews linked intervention content to effectiveness.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests that self-directed interventions can independently promote weight loss and can augment interventions involving personal contact. Particular change techniques and delivery modes including individualized feedback, email counseling, and online social support appear to enhance effectiveness. Further reviews of the content of self-directed weight-loss intervention studies are needed to clarify which change techniques delivered through which delivery formats optimize intervention effectiveness.

Social media interventions for diet and exercise behaviours: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the use of social media to promote healthy diet and exercise in the general population.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ERIC, PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Alt Health Watch, Health Source, Communication and Mass Media Complete, Web of Knowledge and ProQuest Dissertation and Thesis (2000-2013).

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

RCTs of social media interventions promoting healthy diet and exercise behaviours in the general population were eligible. Interventions using social media, alone or as part of a complex intervention, were included.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS

Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. We describe the studies according to the target populations, objectives and nature of interventions, outcomes examined, and results and conclusions. We extracted data on the primary and secondary outcomes examined in each study. Where the same outcome was assessed in at least three studies, we combined data in a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

22 studies were included. Participants were typically middle-aged Caucasian women of mid-to-high socioeconomic status. There were a variety of interventions, comparison groups and outcomes. All studies showed a decrease in programme usage throughout the intervention period. Overall, no significant differences were found for primary outcomes which varied across studies. Meta-analysis showed no significant differences in changes in physical activity (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.13 (95% CI -0.04 to 0.30), 12 studies) and weight (SMD -0.00 (95% CI -0.19 to 0.19), 10 studies); however, pooled results from five studies showed a significant decrease in dietary fat consumption with social media (SMD -0.35 (95% CI -0.68 to -0.02)).

CONCLUSIONS

Social media may provide certain advantages for public health interventions; however, studies of social media interventions to date relating to healthy lifestyles tend to show low levels of participation and do not show significant differences between groups in key outcomes.

Transtheoretical model stages of change for dietary and physical exercise modification in weight loss management for overweight and obese adults

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a global public health threat. The transtheoretical stages of change (TTM SOC) model has long been considered a useful interventional approach in lifestyle modification programmes, but its effectiveness in producing sustainable weight loss in overweight and obese individuals has been found to vary considerably. 

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of dietary intervention or physical activity interventions, or both, and other interventions based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) stages of change (SOC) to produce sustainable (one year and longer) weight loss in overweight and obese adults.

SEARCH METHODS

Studies were obtained from searches of multiple electronic bibliographic databases. We searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO. The date of the last search, for all databases, was 17 December 2013.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Trials were included if they fulfilled the criteria of randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) using the TTM SOC as a model, that is a theoretical framework or guideline in designing lifestyle modification strategies, mainly dietary and physical activity interventions, versus a comparison intervention of usual care; one of the outcome measures of the study was weight loss, measured as change in weight or body mass index (BMI); participants were overweight or obese adults only; and the intervention was delivered by healthcare professionals or trained lay people at the hospital and community level, including at home.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted the data, assessed studies for risk of bias and evaluated overall study quality according to GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). We resolved disagreements by discussion or consultation with a third party. A narrative, descriptive analysis was conducted for the systematic review.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of three studies met the inclusion criteria, allocating 2971 participants to the intervention and control groups. The total number of participants randomised to the intervention groups was 1467, whilst 1504 were randomised to the control groups. The length of intervention was 9, 12 and 24 months in the different trials. The use of TTM SOC in combination with diet or physical activity, or both, and other interventions in the included studies produced inconclusive evidence that TTM SOC interventions led to sustained weight loss (the mean difference between intervention and control groups varied from 2.1 kg to 0.2 kg at 24 months; 2971 participants; 3 trials; low quality evidence). Following application of TTM SOC there were improvements in physical activity and dietary habits, such as increased exercise duration and frequency, reduced dietary fat intake and increased fruit and vegetable consumption (very low quality evidence). Weight gain was reported as an adverse event in one of the included trials. None of the trials reported health-related quality of life, morbidity, or economic costs as outcomes. The small number of studies and their variable methodological quality limit the applicability of the findings to clinical practice. The main limitations include inadequate reporting of outcomes and the methods for allocation, randomisation and blinding; extensive use of self-reported measures to estimate the effects of interventions on a number of outcomes, including weight loss, dietary consumption and physical activity levels; and insufficient assessment of sustainability due to lack of post-intervention assessments.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence to support the use of TTM SOC in weight loss interventions is limited by risk of bias and imprecision, not allowing firm conclusions to be drawn. When combined with diet or physical activity, or both, and other interventions we found very low quality evidence that it might lead to better dietary and physical activity habits. This systematic review highlights the need for well-designed RCTs that apply the principles of the TTM SOC appropriately to produce conclusive evidence about the effect of TTM SOC lifestyle interventions on weight loss and other health outcomes.

Should we target obesity in advanced heart failure?

OPINION STATEMENT

Obesity is a risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF), but has been associated with improved survival in patients with established HF. Weight loss should clearly be recommended and supported for obese individuals without cardiac pathology to prevent cardiomyopathy development. Clinical recommendations at the other end of the obesity heart failure spectrum are also relatively clear. Morbidly obese individuals (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m(2)) aged <50 years with severely depressed systolic function and NYHA class III-IV symptoms should be considered for malabsorptive bariatric surgery at an experienced center. The goal is either improved systolic function and symptoms, or sufficient weight loss for heart transplant eligibility. Recommendations for patients falling between these extremes are more challenging. Overweight and mildly obese HF patients (25-35 kg/m(2)) may be somewhat protected from cardiac cachexia and weight loss is not expected to enhance survival, but may offer symptomatic benefits.

Averting obesity and type 2 diabetes in India through sugar-sweetened beverage taxation: an economic-epidemiologic modeling study

BACKGROUND

Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been proposed in high-income countries to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes. We sought to estimate the potential health effects of such a fiscal strategy in the middle-income country of India, where there is heterogeneity in SSB consumption, patterns of substitution between SSBs and other beverages after tax increases, and vast differences in chronic disease risk within the population.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Using consumption and price variations data from a nationally representative survey of 100,855 Indian households, we first calculated how changes in SSB price alter per capita consumption of SSBs and substitution with other beverages. We then incorporated SSB sales trends, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes incidence data stratified by age, sex, income, and urban/rural residence into a validated microsimulation of caloric consumption, glycemic load, overweight/obesity prevalence, and type 2 diabetes incidence among Indian subpopulations facing a 20% SSB excise tax. The 20% SSB tax was anticipated to reduce overweight and obesity prevalence by 3.0% (95% CI 1.6%-5.9%) and type 2 diabetes incidence by 1.6% (95% CI 1.2%-1.9%) among various Indian subpopulations over the period 2014-2023, if SSB consumption continued to increase linearly in accordance with secular trends. However, acceleration in SSB consumption trends consistent with industry marketing models would be expected to increase the impact efficacy of taxation, averting 4.2% of prevalent overweight/obesity (95% CI 2.5-10.0%) and 2.5% (95% CI 1.0-2.8%) of incident type 2 diabetes from 2014-2023. Given current consumption and BMI distributions, our results suggest the largest relative effect would be expected among young rural men, refuting our a priori hypothesis that urban populations would be isolated beneficiaries of SSB taxation. Key limitations of this estimation approach include the assumption that consumer expenditure behavior from prior years, captured in price elasticities, will reflect future behavior among consumers, and potential underreporting of consumption in dietary recall data used to inform our calculations.

CONCLUSION

Sustained SSB taxation at a high tax rate could mitigate rising obesity and type 2 diabetes in India among both urban and rural subpopulations.

Effectiveness of mobile phone messaging in prevention of type 2 diabetes by lifestyle modification in men in India: a prospective, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented by lifestyle modification; however, successful lifestyle intervention programmes are labour intensive. Mobile phone messaging is an inexpensive alternative way to deliver educational and motivational advice about lifestyle modification. We aimed to assess whether mobile phone messaging that encouraged lifestyle change could reduce incident type 2 diabetes in Indian Asian men with impaired glucose tolerance.

METHODS

We did a prospective, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial between Aug 10, 2009, and Nov 30, 2012, at ten sites in southeast India. Working Indian men (aged 35-55 years) with impaired glucose tolerance were randomly assigned (1:1) with a computer-generated randomisation sequence to a mobile phone messaging intervention or standard care (control group). Participants in the intervention group received frequent mobile phone messages compared with controls who received standard lifestyle modification advice at baseline only. Field staff and participants were, by necessity, not masked to study group assignment, but allocation was concealed from laboratory personnel as well as principal and co-investigators. The primary outcome was incidence of type 2 diabetes, analysed by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00819455.

RESULTS

We assessed 8741 participants for eligibility. 537 patients were randomly assigned to either the mobile phone messaging intervention (n=271) or standard care (n=266). The cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes was lower in those who received mobile phone messages than in controls: 50 (18%) participants in the intervention group developed type 2 diabetes compared with 73 (27%) in the control group (hazard ratio 0·64, 95% CI 0·45-0·92; p=0·015). The number needed to treat to prevent one case of type 2 diabetes was 11 (95% CI 6-55). One patient in the control group died suddenly at the end of the first year. We recorded no other serious adverse events.

INTERPRETATION

Mobile phone messaging is an effective and acceptable method to deliver advice and support towards lifestyle modification to prevent type 2 diabetes in men at high risk.

FUNDING

The UK India Education and Research Initiative, the World Diabetes Foundation.

Barriers and facilitating factors for disease self-management: a qualitative analysis of perceptions of patients receiving care for type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension in San José, Costa Rica and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico

Background

The burden of cardiovascular disease is growing in the Mesoamerican region. Patients’ disease self-management is an important contributor to control of cardiovascular disease. Few studies have explored factors that facilitate and inhibit disease self-management in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension in urban settings in the region. This article presents patients’ perceptions of barriers and facilitating factors to disease self-management, and offers considerations for health care professionals in how to support them.

Methods

In 2011, 12 focus groups were conducted with a total of 70 adults with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension who attended urban public health centers in San José, Costa Rica and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico. Focus group discussions were transcribed and coded using a content analysis approach to identify themes. Themes were organized using the trans-theoretical model, and other themes that transcend the individual level were also considered.

Results

Patients were at different stages in their readiness-to-change, and barriers and facilitating factors are presented for each stage. Barriers to disease self-management included: not accepting the disease, lack of information about symptoms, vertical communication between providers and patients, difficulty negotiating work and health care commitments, perception of healthy food as expensive or not filling, difficulty adhering to treatment and weight loss plans, additional health complications, and health care becoming monotonous. Factors facilitating disease self-management included: a family member’s positive experience, sense of urgency, accessible health care services and guidance from providers, inclusive communication, and family and community support.

Financial difficulty, gender roles, differences by disease type, faith, and implications for families and their support were identified as cross-cutting themes that may add an additional layer of complexity to disease management at any stage. These factors also relate to the broader family and societal context in which patients live.

Conclusions

People living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension present different barriers and facilitating factors for disease self-management, in part based on their readiness-to-change and also due to the broader context in which they live. Primary care providers can work with individuals to support self-management taking into consideration these different factors and the unique situation of each patient.

Applying Psychological Theories to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

Over the past few decades, researchers have been developing and refining psychological theories and models to provide solid behavioral frameworks for evidence-based research. Each year new theories and models are created; however, a select few appear to have withstood the test of time and continue to be frequently utilized in present-day research. The objectives of this review are to highlight these psychological theories and models and describe their application to various public health issues and behaviors. Descriptions and example applications of the following theories and models are described in this review: health belief model, theory of reasoned action/planned behavior, social cognitive theory, transtheoretical model, and socioecological model.

Efficacy and safety of lorcaserin in obese adults: a meta-analysis of 1-year randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and narrative review on short-term RCTs

Lorcaserin is a new anti-obesity drug recently approved by US Food and Drug Administration. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the association of lorcaserin therapy with weight loss and adverse events in obese adults (18-65 years old). Weight loss of 3.23 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.70, 3.75) and body mass index reduction of 1.16 kg m⁻² (95% CI: 0.98, 1.34) was observed compared with placebo in RCTs of 1 year duration. The use of lorcaserin for 8 and 12 weeks reduced weight of 1.60 kg (95% CI: 0.34, 2.86) and 2.9 kg (95% CI: 2.2, 3.5), respectively. In comparison to placebo, lorcaserin decreased waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides, however did not statistically affect heart rate or high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Headache, nausea and dizziness were found to be significantly higher in the patients receiving lorcaserin than patients receiving placebo, whereas diarrhoea is no more likely than in patients receiving placebo. In conclusion, lorcaserin achieves modest weight loss and appears to be well tolerated. Clinical and pharmacovigilance studies with longer study duration are needed to inform of the long-term efficacy and safety of lorcaserin.

The relationship between income and weight control strategies among Canadian adults

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to examine use of weight control strategies in Canadian adults and the role of income as a barrier to using these strategies.

METHODS

Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey cycle 4.1 on health behaviour change was used for this study. Analysis was restricted to adults (18+ years) residing in the 10 provinces of Canada. Respondents were categorized as having used weight control strategies in their lifestyle if they responded that they increased exercise, improved/modified their eating habits, or lost weight in the previous 12 months, as the primary means of health improvement. An adjusted household income ratio divided into deciles was used as a measure of income. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between income and weight control strategies adjusting for known confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 103,990 respondents analyzed, 60% were overweight or obese and 45% reported using weight control strategies in the previous 12 months. Age, sex, ethnicity, having a regular doctor, education, and income were all significantly associated with using weight control strategies in the multivariable model. Results that included all two- and three-way interactions between sex, weight category, and income found that lower income was significantly associated with using fewer weight control strategies--more so for obese men and normal weight women.

CONCLUSION

Efforts must be made to create equal access to services and food products that promote weight reduction or control strategies given the rising prevalence of adult obesity in Canada.

"ASUKI Step" pedometer intervention in university staff: rationale and design

BACKGROUND

We describe the study design and methods used in a 9-month pedometer-based worksite intervention called "ASUKI Step" conducted at the Karolinska Institutet (KI) in Stockholm, Sweden and Arizona State University (ASU) in the greater Phoenix area, Arizona.

METHODS/DESIGN

"ASUKI Step" was based on the theory of social support and a quasi-experimental design was used for evaluation. Participants included 2,118 faculty, staff, and graduate students from ASU (n = 712) and KI (n = 1,406) who participated in teams of 3-4 persons. The intervention required participants to accumulate 10,000 steps each day for six months, with a 3-month follow-up period. Steps were recorded onto a study-specific website. Participants completed a website-delivered questionnaire four times to identify socio-demographic, health, psychosocial and environmental correlates of study participation. One person from each team at each university location was randomly selected to complete physical fitness testing to determine their anthropometric and cardiovascular health and to wear an accelerometer for one week. Study aims were: 1) to have a minimum of 400 employee participants from each university site reach a level of 10,000 steps per day on at least 100 days (3.5 months) during the trial period; 2) to have 70% of the employee participants from each university site maintain two or fewer inactive days per week, defined as a level of less than 3,000 steps per day; 3) to describe the socio-demographic, psychosocial, environmental and health-related determinants of success in the intervention; and 4) to evaluate the effects of a pedometer-based walking intervention in a university setting on changes in self-perceived health and stress level, sleep patterns, anthropometric measures and fitness.Incentives were given for compliance to the study protocol that included weekly raffles for participation prizes and a grand finale trip to Arizona or Sweden for teams with most days over 10,000 steps.

DISCUSSION

"ASUKI Step" is designed to increase the number of days employees walk 10,000 steps and to reduce the number of days employees spend being inactive. The study also evaluates the intra- and interpersonal determinants for success in the intervention and in a sub-sample of the study, changes in physical fitness and body composition during the study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials NCT01537939.

Obesity prevention: the impact of local health departments

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between bodyweight status and provision of population-based prevention services.

DATA SOURCES

The National Association of City and County Health Officials 2005 Profile survey data, linked with two cross-sections of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey in 2004 and 2005.

STUDY DESIGN

Multilevel logistic regressions were used to examine the association between provision of obesity-prevention services and the change in risk of being obese or morbidly obese among BRFSS respondents. The estimation sample was stratified by sex. Low-income samples were also examined. Falsification tests were used to determine whether there is counterevidence.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Provision of population-based obesity-prevention services within the jurisdiction of local health departments and specifically those provided by the local health departments are associated with reduced risks of obesity and morbid obesity from 2004 to 2005. The magnitude of the association appears to be stronger among low-income populations and among women. Results of the falsification tests provide additional support of the main findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Population-based obesity-prevention services may be useful in containing the obesity epidemic.