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Serious games (i.e., digital games designed for educational purposes) can foster positive learning attitudes and are increasingly used as educational tools. Foodbot Factory is a serious game application (app) that helps children learn about healthy eating based on Canada's Food Guide principles and has demonstrated to increase nutrition knowledge among this group. This paper describes the process followed to expand Foodbot Factory's educational content and integrate immersive technologies and innovative features into the app. The revision process, which was guided by the Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials model, included the following phases: first, an interdisciplinary team of nutrition scientists, education experts, and computer scientists analyzed data from the original pilot study, recently published literature, and feedback from stakeholders to define areas to improve Foodbot Factory. The five original Foodbot Factory modules were evaluated by the team during weekly meetings, where the educational content, interactive features, and other elements that required updates (e.g., aesthetics and accessibility) were identified. Second, prototypes were created and refined until a final version of Foodbot Factory was approved. Nineteen children tested the updated Foodbot Factory and found it "easy to use" (89%) and "fun" (95%). The new version of Foodbot Factory contains 19 learning objectives, including 13 original and six new objectives. Interactive engagement features in the updated Foodbot Factory included augmented reality incorporated into two learning modules; new mini-games were created, including a memory game; an overhaul of the aesthetics; (e.g., new food images); and accessibility features were included to support users with cognitive and vision disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in foundational research on energy balance and weight loss shed new light on earlier findings. Emerging evidence and insights around mental illness and client-centred, weight-inclusive approaches have implications for practitioners. This paper provides an overview of opinions from invited experts who presented at the Canadian Nutrition Society Thematic Conference in January 2019. Novelty: Weight loss involves an interplay of multiple factors, not diet alone. There is no "best diet" or treatment approach for weight loss. Future research should involve minimizing weight loss countermeasures and new health system-based approaches aimed at improving health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper briefly reviews the status and trends in physical activity, physical inactivity, and overweight/obesity in Canada; discusses the consequences of these trends; examines evidence that our frame of reference with respect to physical activity and obesity is changing; promotes the importance of getting “back to the basics” as a strategy for enhancing childhood physical activity; and provides suggestions for future research in this area. In addressing these topics, the paper explores and contrasts the lifestyles and characteristics of Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite children with children exposed to contemporary modern living. This exploration is used as a model to learn from traditional lifestyles, which were comparatively active and resistant to obesity. The fitness characteristics and physical activity levels of traditional and contemporary groups are compared and demonstrate significant differences among groups. This evidence may provide important insight for informing future physical activity recommendations. Idiosyncrasies of performing research on these traditional-living groups are also provided. Cet article présente brièvement les niveaux de pratique et les tendances au sujet de l’activité physique, de l’inactivité physique, du surpoids et de l’obésité au Canada. Par la suite, on analyse les conséquences et scrute les faits à l’appui du changement du cadre de référence concernant l’activité physique et l’obésité ; puis on insiste sur l’importance de revenir à la base pour inciter les jeunes à la pratique de l’activité physique et on propose des pistes de recherche dans ce domaine. De plus, cet article analyse et compare sous l’angle de ces thèmes les modes de vie des enfants de la société moderne à ceux des enfants du Vieil Ordre Amish et du Vieil Ordre Mennonite. Cette analyse constitue un modèle d’étude du mode de vie traditionnelle caractérisée par sa plus grande pratique de l’activité physique et par sa résistance à l’obésité. Cet article compare la condition physique et le niveau de pratique de l’activité physique selon ces modes de vie et constate des différences significatives. Ces observations pourraient fournir les arguments nécessaires en faveur de recommandations prochaines en matière d’activité physique. Finalement, cet article présente une approche idiosyncratique de la recherche sur ces modes de vie traditionnelle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper reviews the important issues and challenges facing children and adolescents with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Studies suggest that the MetS and its risk components may be on the rise in children along with rising rates of obesity; however, further study remains warranted. The topics reviewed encompass the definition of the syndrome, its prevalence, clustering and tracking of metabolic risk factors, the role of physical activity and diet in the development of the MetS, criticisms and utility of the MetS definition, and special considerations needed in the pediatric population. Physical activity and diet may play important roles in the MetS; however, research with precise measurements of activity, diet, and metabolic outcomes is needed. The paper concludes by emphasizing that regardless of one’s position in the ongoing debate about the MetS, the long-term risks attributable to each individual risk component are real. The abnormality of one component should automatically prompt the screening of other components. Among children and adolescents, lifestyle modification should always serve as the frontline strategy. Prevention during childhood is key to the largest possible impact on adult health at the population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the worldwide epidemic of obesity affecting men and women of all ages, it is important to understand the mechanisms that control human appetite, particularly those that allow the adjustment of energy intake to energy needs. Satiety is one important psycho-biological mechanism whose function is to inhibit intake following the ingestion of a food or a beverage. According to the classical theories of appetite control, satiety is influenced by macronutrient intake and/or metabolism. Satiety also seems to be modified by micronutrients, non-nutrients, and some bioactive food constituents. Under optimal conditions, satiety should be well connected with hunger and satiation in a way that spontaneously leads to a close match between energy intake and expenditures. However, the current obesity epidemic suggests that dysfunctions often affect satiety and energy intake. In this regard, this paper presents a conceptual integration that hopefully will help health professionals address satiety issues and provide the public with informed advice to facilitate appetite control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) disease (NAFLD) affects 30% of overweight adolescents and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound with potential to reverse NAFL and its associated insulin resistance in adults. The use of resveratrol to reduce risk for T2D through its effect on NAFL has not been examined to date in youth. This paper provides a literature review and protocol for a 30 day proof of principle trial of resveratrol in a population of adolescents at risk for T2D. This randomized double-blind controlled trial is designed with the primary objective of evaluating a twice daily supplementation of 75 mg of resveratrol for safety and tolerability in overweight and obese adolescent subjects (13 to <18 years of age) with NAFL. Secondary objectives are to determine the effect size of the intervention on hepatic steatosis and whole body insulin sensitivity. Adolescents in the intervention arm (n = 10) will receive oral supplementation of resveratrol 75 mg twice daily (with breakfast and dinner) for a total daily dose of 150 mg for the duration of 30 days. The comparison group (n = 10) will receive a placebo twice daily for 30 days. Both cases and controls will receive a standardized lifestyle intervention program. Subjects in both groups will be followed for an additional 30 days post intervention for total study duration of approximately 60 days. Primary outcome measures include a primary side effect profile determined by participant interview, a side effect profile determined by serum biochemistry and vital signs. Secondary outcome measures include an oral glucose tolerance test, liver and cardiac fat content measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, anthropometric measures of overweight/obesity, inflammatory markers, and cardiac function and morphology measured with ultrasonography. Additional outcome measures include serum concentrations of resveratrol, compliance to protocol, physical activity, and nutritional assessment. This study will determine the safety and tolerability of resveratrol in an overweight adolescent population and inform the design of a larger randomized controlled trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity (PA) interventions targeting overweight and obese children and adolescents have shown only modest success, and dropout is an area of concern. Proper design and implementation of a PA intervention is critical for maximizing adherence and thus increasing the overall health benefits from PA participation. We propose practical advice based on our collective clinical trial experience with support from the literature on best practices related to PA interventions in overweight and obese children and adolescents. The top 10 lessons learned are ( i) PA setting-context is important; ( ii) choice of fitness trainer matters; ( iii) physical activities should be varied and fun; ( iv) the role of the parent-guardian should be considered; ( v) individual physical and psychosocial characteristics should be accounted for; ( vi) realistic goals should be set; ( vii) regular reminders should be offered; ( viii) a multidisciplinary approach should be taken; ( ix) barriers should be identified early and a plan to overcome them developed; and ( x) the right message should be communicated: specifically, what's in it for them? The recommendations in this paper can be used in other pediatric PA programs, physical education settings, and public health programs, with the hope of decreasing attrition and increasing the benefits of PA participation to promote health in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedentary behaviour is associated with deleterious health outcomes, which differ from those that can be attributed to a lack of moderate to vigorous physical activity. This has led to the field of 'sedentary physiology', which may be considered as separate and distinct from exercise physiology. This paper gives an overview of this emerging area of research and highlights the ways that it differs from traditional exercise physiology. Definitions of key terms associated with the field of sedentary physiology and a review of the self-report and objective methods for assessing sedentary behaviour are provided. Proposed mechanisms of sedentary physiology are examined, and how they differ from those linking physical activity and health are highlighted. Evidence relating to associations of sedentary behaviours with major health outcomes and the population prevalence and correlates of sedentary behaviours are reviewed. Recommendations for future research are proposed. On associe comportements sédentaires et répercussions nuisibles sur la santé; toutefois ces répercussions sont différentes de celles associées à un manque d'activité physique d'intensité modérée à élevée. Ce constat est à l'origine de la physiologie de la sédentarité qui se distingue clairement de la physiologie de l'activité physique. Cet article présente un aperçu de ce domaine de recherche en émergence et souligne les caractéristiques qui le distinguent de la physiologie de l'activité physique classique. On définit les mots clés de la physiologie de la sédentarité et on présente les méthodes d'auto-évaluation et les méthodes objectives pour évaluer la sédentarité. Les mécanismes de la physiologie de la sédentarité sont analysés ainsi que les modalités qui les distinguent des mécanismes associant l'activité physique à la santé. On présente aussi la synthèse des données probantes concernant la relation entre les comportements sédentaires et les principales répercussions sur la santé et entre la prévalence des troubles dans la population et les comportements sédentaires. On suggère aussi des pistes de recherche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absence of meal-induced insulin sensitization (AMIS) results in a predictable progression of dysfunctions, including postprandial hyperglycemia, compensatory hyperinsulinemia, resultant hyperlipidemia, increased oxidative stress, and obesity, progressing to syndrome X and diabetes. To one year of age, rats show a slow development of AMIS, but this can be potentiated by addition of a low-dose sucrose supplement to the diet. Provision of a synergistic antioxidant cocktail consisting of S-adenosylmethionine, vitamin E, and vitamin C (Samec) attenuates the rate and extent of development of AMIS in both normal aging animals and in aging animals on the sucrose diet. Adiposity, assessed from weighed regional fat masses and from bioelectrical impedance to estimate whole-body adiposity, correlated strongly with AMIS (r2 = 0.7-0.8). Rats given the sucrose supplement had accelerated AMIS and developed fasting hyperinsulinemia and postprandial hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, and adiposity. Samec completely compensated for the negative impact of this sucrose supplement and attenuated development of the associated dysfunctions. AMIS is explained by the HISS (hepatic insulin-sensitizing substance) hypothesis, which is outlined in the paper. L’absence de sensibilisation à l’insuline induite par la nutrition (AMIS) entraîne une évolution prévisible de diverses dysfonctions, notamment une hyperglycémie postprandiale, une hyperinsulinémie compensatoire, l’hyperlipidémie qui en découle, une augmentation de stress oxydatif, et l’obésité, progressant vers le syndrome X et le diabète. Les rats âgés d’un an montrent un développement lent de l’AMIS, qui est potentialisé par l’ajout d’une faible dose de sucrose à la diète. L’apport d’un cocktail d’antioxydants synergiques (Samec), composé de S-adénosylméthionine, de vitamine E et de vitamine C, atténue la vitesse et l’ampleur du développement de l’AMIS tant chez les animaux vieillissants que chez les animaux soumis à la diète à base de sucrose. Il y a une forte corrélation entre l’adiposité, évaluée à partir de la mesure des masses grasses régionales et de l’impédance bioélectrique, pour estimer l’adiposité du corps entier, et l’AMIS (r2 = 0,7-0,8). L’apport de sucrose accélère l’AMIS, ainsi que l’évolution de l’hyperinsulinémie à jeun et de l’hyperglycémie postprandiale, de l’hyperlipidémie, de l’hyperinsulinémie, et de l’adiposité. Le Samec compense totalement l’impact négatif de cet apport de sucrose et atténue l’évolution des dysfonctions associées. L’AMIS est expliquée par l’hypothèse SSIH (substance sensibilisant l’insuline hépatique), qui est décrite dans l’article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The positive energy balance underlying obesity is generally attributed to factors exerting a direct measurable impact on energy intake or expenditure. Thus, sedentariness and (or) excess caloric intake represent the “Big Two” factors on which almost all the attention of health professionals is devoted in preventive and therapeutic programs for obesity. However, recent research reveals that other more discrete factors can also promote a positive energy balance and body fat gain. Accordingly, this paper documents the effects of low micronutrient intake, short sleep duration, knowledge-based work, and organochlorine compounds on components of energy balance and body composition. These effects aid in the understanding as to why modernity accentuates the risk of obesity. Furthermore, they also suggest that body fat gain is not only a problem, but also a solution in maintaining body homeostasis, i.e., a state of optimal body functionality, in the context of modernity and globalization. Il est généralement admis que l’obésité est le résultat d’un bilan énergétique positif attribuable à des facteurs ayant un effet direct mesurable sur l’apport et la dépense d’énergie. Dès lors, la sédentarité et le surplus de calories consommées constituent les deux gros facteurs d’intérêt des professionnels de la santé préoccupés par le développement de programmes préventifs et thérapeutiques pour lutter contre l’obésité. Des études récentes révèlent néanmoins d’autres facteurs plus discrets pouvant susciter un bilan énergétique positif et un gain de poids. Cet article présente donc les effets du faible apport de micronutriments, du sommeil de courte durée, du travail intellectuel et des composés organochlorés sur l’équilibre énergétique et la composition corporelle. Ces effets aident à comprendre pourquoi l’époque moderne accentue le risque d’obésité. De plus, ces facteurs laissent entendre que le gain de masse adipeuse n’est pas seulement un problème, mais aussi une solution au maintien de l’homéostasie de l’organisme. En d’autres mots, il s’agit d’une adaptation fonctionnelle de l’organisme dans le contexte de la modernité et de la mondialisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity promotes metabolic adaptations that improve body functionality and contribute to the prevention of some diseases. With respect to energy and fat balance, physical activity facilitates the equilibrium between energy intake and expenditure as well as between fat intake and fat oxidation. When combined with a healthy diet that favors satiety with a reduced energy intake, exercise can induce a substantial mass loss in obese individuals. However, even the impact of an exemplary lifestyle does not seem to have the potential to decrease body mass in obese individuals down to the mass range of lean people. Up to now, we have not been able to induce mass changes exceeding 12%–15% initial body mass in obese male subjects under tolerable exercise and dietary habits, and this moderate success was accompanied by modifications in appetite and energy expenditure susceptible to compromise subsequent mass stability. As described in this paper, many environmental factors can influence energy balance and the ability to lose body fat in response to a healthy diet and (or) physical activity program. Particular attention is given to preliminary data obtained in our laboratory that suggest that knowledge-based work does not favor the same potential mass reducing effects as physical work. In fact, the acute effects of knowledge-based work suggest that this work modality may be rather susceptible to promote a more pronounced positive energy balance compared with what we may expect from a sedentary relaxing activity. This is problematic for obesity prevention in the future since knowledge-based work now represents the main working modality in a context of modernity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This short introduction includes a brief description of papers that were prepared following the “Symposium on Exercise – Diet and Energy Balance”, which was presented at the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology annual meeting in the autumn of 2005. Briefly, these three papers discuss findings related to (i) the emerging role of exercise in the treatment of obesity and its co-morbidities, (ii) the role of novel proteins secreted by fat, and (iii) the control of appetite and food intake after successful weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedentary lifestyle, excessive food intake, and consequent overweight and obesity markedly increase the risk of developing some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This paper briefly summarizes the beneficial impacts of physical activity in protecting against the development of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]