Homeostatic theory of obesity

Effect of exercise referral schemes upon health and well-being: initial observational insights using individual patient data meta-analysis from the National Referral Database

Objectives

To examine if exercise referral schemes (ERSs) are associated with meaningful changes in health and well-being in a large cohort of individuals throughout England, Scotland, and Wales from the National Referral Database.

Methods

Data were obtained from 23 731 participants from 13 different ERSs lasting 6 weeks to 3 months. Changes from pre- to post-ERS in health and well-being outcomes were examined including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)), resting heart rate (RHR), short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS), WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Exercise Related Quality of Life scale (ERQoL), and Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES). Two-stage individual patient data meta-analysis was used to generate effect estimates.

Results

Estimates (95% CIs) revealed statistically significant changes occurred compared with point nulls for BMI (−0.55 kg.m2 (−0.69 to −0.41)), SBP (−2.95 mmHg (−3.97 to −1.92)), SWEMWBS (2.99 pts (1.61 to 4.36)), WHO-5 (8.78 pts (6.84 to 10.63)), ERQoL (15.26 pts (4.71 to 25.82)), and ESES (2.58 pts (1.76 to 3.40)), but not RHR (0.22 fc (−1.57 to 1.12)) or DBP (−0.93 mmHg (−1.51 to −0.35)). However, comparisons of estimates (95% CIs) against null intervals suggested the majority of outcomes may not improve meaningfully.

Conclusions

We considered whether meaningful health and well-being changes occur in people who are undergoing ERSs. These results demonstrate that, although many health and well-being outcomes improved, the changes did not achieve meaningful levels. This suggests the need to consider the implementation of ERSs more critically to discern how to maximise their effectiveness.

Understanding body image among adults in mid-late life: Considering romantic partners and depressive symptoms in the context of diabetes

Although our bodies change as we age, there is limited research exploring body image among middle-aged and older adults. This study considered 70 adults with diabetes' (M_age = 60.01 years) body image and revealed relatively high levels of body dissatisfaction in this sample. Furthermore, participants' own and perceptions of their partners' dissatisfaction with their bodies were moderately associated, and participants' body dissatisfaction was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the need for further research, exploring the social and psychological correlates of body image among men and women in mid-late adulthood.

Thin-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction in Sri Lankan adolescents

In this study, a survey of Sri Lankan adolescents explored relationships between thin-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction-issues that have received greater research attention in East Asia and the West. Girls scored lower in thin-ideal internalization and awareness and higher in self-esteem compared to boys; however, unlike in previous studies, body dissatisfaction did not differ significantly by gender. Hierarchical linear multiple regression analyses revealed that self-esteem moderated the relationship between thin-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction among girls, but this was not observed for boys. Self-esteem as a protective factor against body dissatisfaction among Sri Lankan female adolescents was confirmed.

Sociocultural pressure, internalization, BMI, exercise, and body dissatisfaction in Korean female college students

This research investigated the differential effects of sociocultural pressures from media, peers, and parents on the thin ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction of 472 Korean female college students using structural equation modeling. Results indicated that after controlling for body mass index and exercise, media pressure exerted the largest effects, followed by peer pressure and parental pressure, on thin ideal internalization, and in turn, body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, parent and media pressures were found to exert direct effects on body dissatisfaction as well as indirect effects through thin ideal internalization. The results and implications of the study are discussed.

Physical and mental health outcomes associated with prior food insecurity among young adults

Following a biopsychosocial model of food insecurity, this study examined differences in physical health and mental health outcomes among young adults ( N = 98) with and without a history of food insecurity. Young adults with a history of food insecurity had higher average levels of body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, depressive symptoms, stress, and disordered eating scores than individuals with no history of food insecurity. No differences were found with symptoms of anxiety. Future research should examine interventions targeted at decreasing negative mental health outcomes and risk for overweight among young adults who have experienced food insecurity.