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Recently spirulina algae have been used for weight reduction. It is known that at least 36 g of this algae provide all the essential amino acids, among other different compounds such as fiber and flavonoids with the possibility of treating obesity or overweight, The objective was to determine if the administration of spirulina helps reduce body weight in Wistar rats as well as determining possible effects on the metabolism of different general biochemical markers such as a lipid profile, urea and creatinine. A double-blind experimental study was applied using 10 Wistar rats, four rats called experimental rats, 5.8 mg of spirulina diluted in 1 mL of water, by orogastric tube for eight weeks, were administered to the control group (6 rats same species and initial weight) He was given only 1 mL of water. The weight of the experimental rats versus the controls had no significant changes. Regarding the biochemical markers, only a significant increase in the values of urea, total cholesterol, and triglycerides of the experimental group in relation to the control was found. The findings suggest the intake of spirulina for weight control and in possible states of malnutrition

Como línea base para diseñar intervenciones efectivas en promoción de salud, se determinó el estado nutricional y las etapas del cambio respecto al consumo de frutas y verduras, la actividad física y el control del peso en 955 estudiantes de ambos sexos en la Universidad del Bio-Bio, Chile. La muestra fue seleccionada aleatoriamente por sede, facultad y carrera, con un nivel de confianza del 95% y un error máximo del 3%. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y se evaluó la asociación entre el estado nutricional y las variables estudiadas aplicando la prueba de Chi2. Para determinar el estado nutricional se usó el índice de masa corporal y los criterios de la OMS para adultos. Para evaluar las etapas del cambio se aplicó un instrumento previamente validado por el INTA. La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad alcanzó al 48,2% en los hombres y al 25,5% en las mujeres, (pIn order to design effective health promotion interventions, nutritional status and the stages of change related to the consumption of fruit and vegetables, physical activity, and weight control were determined in 955 students of both genders at the University of Bio-Bio, Chile. The sample was randomly selected by campus, faculty, and career, with a level of confidence of 95% and a maximum error of 3%. Beside the descriptive analysis, to evaluate the association among nutritional status, fruit and vegetables consumption, physical activity and weight control, Chi2 test was applied. Nutritional status was determined by Body Mass Index and WHO reference standards for adults. A questionnaire previously validated by INTA was applied to evaluate the stages of change. The prevalence of overweight and obesity reached 48.2% in men and 25.5% in women (p

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a growing concern, because the problem affects a high percentage of children and is the source of many diseases in the present and in the future, which can lead to a decrease in life expectancy and quality of life. In order to combat the problem, it is necessary to analyze the factors associated with excess weight in childhood in order to act on them and try to curb the trend observed in recent years. Various socio-demographic aspects, as well as inactivity and sedentary lifestyle in children are factors that are associated with an increased risk of obesity and central adiposity. With great prominence in this issue, we have to highlight that the consumption of food is improvable: decrease the consumption of sugar, fat and sodium, and above all increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, dairy is associated with lower obesity and central obesity in children. There is no single responsible for the problem and the interaction between healthy behaviors increases the chances of success in the fight against childhood obesity, which should be considered when planning nutritional education campaigns. Many aspects of the diet and lifestyle of the child population must be improved, perhaps now more emphasis is being placed on restrictive guidelines. Of course, it is desirable to reduce the consumption of sweets and snacks, but messages aimed at increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal can be prioritized. Constructive guidelines should stand out from restrictive ones.

La obesidad es una enfermedad metabólica caracterizada por un aumento de la grasa del tejido adiposo por encima de ciertos límites, que se manifiesta por alteraciones morfológicas y sobrepeso. Esta enfermedad constituye una de las epidemias más importantes de este siglo, debido a la sobrealimentación y facilidad de acceso a los alimentos. Por otro lado, la relación directa entre la obesidad y el mayor riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes o cáncer, hace que el consumidor demande productos, ya sean alimenticios o fármacos, que le permitan superar esa situación y mejorar tanto su aspecto físico como su estado de salud. El objetivo de este proyecto fue conocer la eficacia y seguridad de un producto dietético, un sustitutivo de una comida, dentro del conjunto de una dieta hipocalórica equilibrada establecida para el control de peso. Para ello, se contó con la participación de 47 voluntarios, hombres y mujeres de 23 a 58 años, todos ellos pertenecientes a la plantilla de la empresa Hero España, S. A. Once de ellos actuaron de "grupo de control" e ingirieron la dieta hipocalórica únicamente, mientras que el resto o "grupo problema" sustituyó una de las comidas del día (mínimo de 500 calorías) por un sustitutivo de unas 200 calorías. Se les realizaron medidas de antropometría, tensión arterial y bioquímica sanguínea antes y tras el período de estudio, así como control de peso semanal. Los individuos de mayor Índice de Masa Corporal mostraron una mayor reducción de peso que los de menor índice. Los voluntarios no apreciaron sensación de hambre hasta tres horas después de consumir el sustitutivo, y los parámetros analizados relativos al estado de salud no mostraron ningún valor anómalo. Se concluye por tanto, que el producto sustitutivo estudiado permite una reducción de peso controlada durante 3 semanas, cuando se acompaña de una dieta hipocalórica equilibrada, y produce, además, sensación de saciedad en el consumidor.Obesity is a metabolic disorder characterized by an increase in the fat in adipose tissue above certain limits, manifested by morphological alterations and excess weight. This condition is one of the most significant epidemics of this century due to over-eating and the ease of access to food. On the other hand, the direct relationship between obesity and the greater risk of suffering cardiovascular disease, diabetes or cancer means that consumers are demanding products, whether medicines or foodstuffs, that will allow them to overcome this situation and improve both their physical appearance and their health. The goal of this project was to identify the efficacy and safety of a dietary product, a meal replacement, within the setting of a balanced hypocaloric diet established for weight loss. To this end, a total of 47 volunteers of both sexes between the ages of 23 and 58, all employees of the Hero España, S.A. company, took part in a test in which eleven of them acted as the "control group" and ate only the low-calorie diet while the rest formed a "problem group" and replaced one meal (with a minimum of 500 calories) with a 200-calorie meal replacement. Participants were subjected to anthropometric measurements, blood pressure testing and a blood chemistry analysis before and after the test period, as well as to weekly weight checks. Those individuals with the highest Body Mass Index showed a greater weight loss than those with a lower index. The volunteers did not note any hunger pangs until three hours after consumption of the meal replacement and the health-status parameters analyzed did not show any anomalous values. Therefore, it is concluded that the replacement product studied allows controlled weight loss over 3 weeks when accompanied by a balanced low-calorie diet and it also produces a sensation of fullness in those consuming it.

The objective was to examine the mediation hypothesis of body dissatisfaction and analyze their association with weight-teasing and body satisfaction. A total of 253 girls who attended 10 schools from São Paulo, Brazil, participated in this study. Data collection was carried out through a validated and self-reported questionnaire. Study variables were weight-teasing (independent), body satisfaction (mediation), and weight control behavior (outcome). Effect mediation analyses showed a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). Prevalence of family and peers weight-teasing were 38.5% and 40.6%, respectively. Body dissatisfaction was associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors when controlled by family and peer weight-teasing. Data indicate that family and peers teasing are important aspects that interfere in body satisfaction and weight control behaviors.

ABSTRACT Objective: to validate the content and appearance of a serial album for children aged from 7 to 10 years addressing the topic of prevention and control of body weight. Method: methodological study with descriptive nature. The validation process was attended by 33 specialists in educational technologies and/or in excess of infantile weight. The agreement index of 80% was the minimum considered to guarantee the validation of the material. Results: most of the specialists had a doctoral degree and a graduate degree in nursing. Regarding content, illustrations, layout and relevance, all items were validated and 69.7% of the experts considered the album as great. The overall agreement validation index for the educational technology was 0.88. Only the script-sheet 3 did not reach the cutoff point of the content validation index. Changes were made to the material, such as title change, inclusion of the school context and insertion of nutritionist and physical educator in the story narrated in the album. Conclusion: the proposed serial album was considered valid by experts regarding content and appearance, suggesting that this technology has the potential to contribute in health education by promoting healthy weight in the age group of 7 to 10 years.

Introduction: Self-perceived weight status among adolescents has been associated with weight-control behaviors. However, this relationship varies across weight status. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of self-perceived weight status on dieting and unhealthy weight-control behaviors among Spanish male adolescents, across weight status. Method: Participants were 597 Spanish male adolescents (M = 13.94 years old, SD = 0.60). Body weight and height were measured in situ. Self-perceived weight status, dieting, and unhealthy weight-control behaviors were evaluated. Results: The adolescents were inaccurate on estimating their weight status. Those who were overweight or obese, or who perceived themselves to be so, were more likely to report dieting and unhealthy weight-control behaviors. Discussion: There is a need to promote healthier eating behaviors among adolescents, and to take into account the fact that self-perceived weight status may hinder the adoption of such behaviors.

Introduction: Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) have shown beneficial effects in weight control therapy however this relation is not clear. Objetive: The aim of the study was to examine the effects and safety of 3 g of a 1:1 mix of c9-t11 and t10-c12 on weight control and body composition in healthy overweight individuals. Methods: A prospective, placebo-controlled, randomised double-blind, parallel clinical trial lasting 24 weeks was carried out in 38 volunteers (29w, 9m) aged 30-55 years and BMI ≥ 27 -

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between weight teasing, body satisfaction and weight control behaviors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on adaptation and validity research of a North American questionnaire for adolescent girls about physical activity, nutrition, body image, perceptions, and behaviors. The variables used to conduct the study were weight control behaviors, body satisfaction and presence of teasing by family members. Descriptive analyses were carried out by chi-square test, being significant p

Objective. To assess gender disparity in body weight perception, Body Mass Index (BMI), eight satisfaction and role of depression among undergraduate Medical and Nursing students. Methods. A descriptive cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in conveniently selected medical (n=241) and nursing (n=213) students of Bangalore, South India. Data was collected using self-administered SCOFF questionnaires. Results. Our findings revealed that men had a significantly higher BMI than women (t=5.403, p

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la calidad de vida (CV), según auto percepción del peso corporal y comportamientos de control de peso, por género, en 2.401 estudiantes de 17 a 19 años de primer ingreso en un centro universitario en México del 2007 al 2009; 61,9% mujeres, 80,6% no trabajaban y 99,2% solteros. Se auto administró en línea un cuestionario genérico de CV (YQOL-R) módulo perceptual, y siete ítems acerca del peso adaptados del YRBS 2007. Se observó que un 52% de mujeres y un 31,7% de hombres trataba de bajar de peso. CV más alta para peso cercano al correcto, quienes trataban de mantenerse en su peso y los que hacían ejercicio; CV más baja para quienes reportaron mucho sobrepeso, mujeres que trataban de bajar de peso, comían menos, dejaban de comer, hacían dieta sin supervisión, vomitaban o tomaban laxantes. En mujeres la CV fue diferente si trataban de mantenerse, subir o bajar de peso; en hombres sólo al tratar de subir. Esta información puede ser de utilidad para procesos educativos, programas de prevención y para evaluar las intervenciones.The aim of this study was to analyze quality of life (QoL) according to self-perceived weight and weight control behaviors, by gender. The sample consisted of 2,401 adolescent students (17-19 years of age) enrolled from 2007 to 2009 at a Mexican university; 61.9% were women, 19.4% worked, and 99.2% were single. An online self-administered questionnaire was used that included the perceptual module of the YQOL-R and seven items on body weight, adapted from YRBS 2007. RESULTS: 52% of women and 31.7% of men were attempting to lose weight. The highest QoL scores were in students who felt they were near the right weight, those who were attempting to maintain the same weight, and those who exercised. Lowest QoL was reported by those who considered themselves overweight, were trying to lose weight, were eating less, were skipping meals, or were using unsupervised dieting, vomiting, or laxatives. In women, QoL differed between those maintaining the same weight, gaining weight, and losing weight, while QoL in men only differed for those attempting to gain weight. The findings could be useful in educational processes, preventive programs, and assessment of interventions.

El control de peso corporal es uno de los objetivos sanitarios prioritarios, por ser la obesidad un factor de riesgo de diversas enfermedades degenerativas, frecuentes en sociedades desarrolladas, y por el incremento constante en el número de personas con sobrepeso/obesidad que deben hacer frente a este problema. Objetivo: Analizar la respuesta ante un programa de pérdida de peso basado en la aproximación de la dieta al ideal teórico (incrementando el consumo de los alimentos para los que se observa mayor alejamiento entre consumo real y aconsejado: cereales y verduras). Sujetos: Se ha estudiado un colectivo de 67 mujeres de 20 a 35 años y con índice de masa corporal (IMC) comprendido entre 24 y 35 kg/m2, que después de realizar un estudio inicial, fueron incluidas al azar en dos grupos encaminados a conseguir un mejor control del peso corporal y a aproximar la dieta al ideal teórico. Intervenciones: En ambos grupos se aconsejó una dieta ligeramente hipocalórica, pero en uno de ellos la pauta principal era el seguimiento de una dieta con mayor contenido en verduras y hortalizas (H), y en el otro grupo se aconsejó un incremento en el consumo de cereales (especialmente cereales de desayuno) (C). En el presente estudio se presentan datos dietéticos (obtenidos por "Registro del consumo de alimentos" durante 3 días, incluyendo un domingo) y antropométricos, obtenidos al comienzo del estudio, y a las 2 y 6 semanas de iniciar la intervención. Resultados: Con ambos tipos de intervención se consiguió una aproximación del perfil calórico de las dietas al ideal aconsejado, con disminución de la cantidad de energía procedente de grasa y aumento de la procedente de hidratos de carbono (tanto en la semana 2, como en la 6), aunque la modificación fue estadísticamente más acusada con la dieta C. Completaron el estudio 57 mujeres que presentaron una reducción media del peso corporal de 2,4 ± 1,4 kg, siendo superior la pérdida de peso en el grupo C (2,8 ± 1,4 kg), respecto al grupo H (2,0 ± 1,3 kg) (p < 0,05). En las mujeres que siguieron dieta C fue mayor el número de pliegues que experimentaron una reducción estadísticamente significativa, tanto en la 2ª como en la 6ª semana, respecto a las mujeres con dieta H. El porcentaje de mujeres que concluyó el estudio también fue más elevado entre las incluidas en el grupo C (93,5% respecto a 77,8% en H). Conclusiones: En mujeres con sobrepeso, u obesidad ligera, la aproximación de la dieta al ideal teórico (por aumento en el consumo de verduras, o de cereales) puede ser de ayuda en el control de peso y en la mejora de la calidad de la dieta (tanto comparando las raciones de alimentos consumidas con las aconsejadas, como el perfil calórico). Teniendo en cuenta los resultados del presente estudio se considera que el aumento en el consumo de cereales de desayuno (por su contenido en fibra y por estar enriquecidos en vitaminas y hierro) puede ser de especial utilidad en estas situaciones.Obesity is a risk factor for a number of degenerative diseases common in industrial societies and the number of overweight/obese people continues to grow. The control of body weight is therefore a priority public health objective. Objective: To analyze the response to a weight loss program based on approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal (by increasing the consumption of recommended foods under-represented in the diet: cereals and vegetables). Subjects: The study involved 67 women aged between 20 and 35 years with a body mass index (BMI) of between 24 and 35 kg/m2. These women were randomly assigned to two groups with the aim of improving weight control and of approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal. Interventions: Both groups were advised to follow a slightly hypocaloric diet, but with one group increasing the intake of greens and vegetables (H) and the other increasing the intake of cereals (especially breakfast cereals) (C). Dietary data were obtained via the keeping of a daily food record over three days, including a Sunday. Anthropometric data were obtained at the start of the study and again 2 and 6 weeks later. Results: Both treatments approximated the energy profile of the diets to the theoretical ideal. The amount of energy gained from lipids fell and that gained from carbohydrates increased (bothat 2 and 6 weeks), significantly more so for group C. Fifty seven women completed the study and showed a mean reduction in body weight of 2.4 ± 1.4 kg. The weight lost by group C was significantly greater than that lost by group H (2.8 ± 1.4 kg compared to 2.0 ± 1.3 kg; p < 0.05). The women who followed diet C showed a greater number of skin folds of significantly reduced size, both at 2 and 6 weeks. More group C women completed the study (93.5% compared to 77.8% of group H women). Conclusion: In overweight or slightly obese women, approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal (by increasing the intake of vegetables of cereals) can help to control body weight and improve the quality of the diet (both in terms of the number and size of food rations, and the overall energy profile). The present results show that increasing the consumption of breakfast cereals may be of particular use owing to their high fiber, vitamin and iron contents.

Over the past 15 years, unhealthy weight-loss behaviors among U.S. adolescents are becoming more widespread. This 5-page fact sheet addresses the consequences and risks associated with risky weight-control practices and discusses the prevalence of eating disorders and the role of body image in weight practices. The publication also provides references that can be used to help practitioners educate youth on the importance of setting realistic goals and enhancing body satisfaction. Written by Emily Johnson and Kate Fogarty, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, September 2014. (AP Photo/University of Florida/IFAS/Josh Wickham)

Portion sizes and overall calorie intake in the United States have significantly increased over the last 50 years. Along with this increase in calories, portion sizes have grown larger over the years. Understanding portion control can help you eat the right amount of food to maintain a healthy weight. Written by Cassie C. Gaisser, Karla P. Shelnutt, Lori Johnson, and Annie Wallau, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised March 2024.

Introduction: empirical research shows that perceived self-efficacy is an important variable in maintaining and reducing weight. There are available instruments to measure perceived self-efficacy and its relation to obesity, but in Mexico it is still insufficient., Objective: the purpose of the current research is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Mexican version of the self-efficacy inventory for weight control (SEI-WC) in university students in the health area., Methods: participants in this study were 872 university students from the School of Health Sciences, aged between 17 and 47 (20.07 ± 2.61) years. Bartlett's sphericity test was performed to evaluate the relevance of the factor analysis. The principal component analysis with Varimax rotation was used to evaluate the adjustment of the scores on each factor., Results: internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) shows adequate psychometric properties for the three final factors: 0.856 for the factor "feeding style and externality", 0.85 for "programmed physical activity" and 0.671 for "daily physical activity"., Conclusion: the findings of this study show that the SEI-WC is a reliable and valid instrument to measure the level of self-efficacy for weight control in Mexican university students in the health area.

Objective: to validate the content and appearance of a serial album for children aged from 7 to 10 years addressing the topic of prevention and control of body weight., Method: methodological study with descriptive nature. The validation process was attended by 33 specialists in educational technologies and/or in excess of infantile weight. The agreement index of 80% was the minimum considered to guarantee the validation of the material., Results: most of the specialists had a doctoral degree and a graduate degree in nursing. Regarding content, illustrations, layout and relevance, all items were validated and 69.7% of the experts considered the album as great. The overall agreement validation index for the educational technology was 0.88. Only the script-sheet 3 did not reach the cutoff point of the content validation index. Changes were made to the material, such as title change, inclusion of the school context and insertion of nutritionist and physical educator in the story narrated in the album., Conclusion: the proposed serial album was considered valid by experts regarding content and appearance, suggesting that this technology has the potential to contribute in health education by promoting healthy weight in the age group of 7 to 10 years.

Introduction: Obsession with thinness and body dissatisfaction can lead adolescents to follow unsupervised diets, which could result in risky weight control behaviors such as fasting, vomiting, use of diuretics and laxatives. The aim of the current study is to examine weight control behaviors in dieting adolescents and relate them to body dissatisfaction (BD) and obsession with thinness (OT)., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 439 adolescents from Valparaiso public schools to investigate risky weight control behaviors due to BD and OT scales from the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2), comparing restrained eaters and non-restrained eaters., Results: A total of 43% adolescents had followed a weight loss diet without medical supervision. The dieters had higher BD and OT values. Moderate to severe food restriction, based on expert judgment, was observed in 29.6%, and differences in the presence and severity of purging behaviors were found between the 2 groups., Conclusions: One third of the adolescents studied followed diets without professional supervision and had higher BD and OT values, as well as risky weight control behaviors. Overweight and obese adolescents followed more restrictive diets and developed riskier weight control behaviors., (Copyright © 2015. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

The aim was to evaluate associations between weight control behaviors and overweight measured by BMI, overweight perception or inaccurate weight perception. 492 undergraduate adolescents from 17 to 19 years old participated in the study. A self-administered questionnaire on line was applied and weight and height were measured. Statistical analysis included weighted kappa and multivariate logistic regression. The concordance between weight perception and that evaluated by BMI was 78.7%, weight kappa = 0.62. Adolescents who perceived overweight tried to lose weight, exercised and ate less food more frequently than those who were overweight evaluated by BMI. A quarter tried to lose weight eventhough they did not perceive or were actually overweight. The odds of trying to lose weight were higher in men and women who perceived overweight (OR = 18.7, CI 95% 6.3-55.3 and OR = 10.4, IC 95% 4.5-24.2, respectively) andwomen who overestimated overweight (OR = 6.0, CI 95% 2.8-12.7). The odds of tying to lose weight when weight was underestimated were less in men (OR = 0.03, CI 95% 0.01-0.12) and women (OR = 0.19, IC 95% 0.05-0.70). In conclusion the behavior of trying to lose weight was better explained among adolescents of both genders who perceived overweight and among girls who overestimated it.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to analyze quality of life (QoL) according to self-perceived weight and weight control behaviors, by gender. The sample consisted of 2,401 adolescent students (17-19 years of age) enrolled from 2007 to 2009 at a Mexican university; 61.9% were women, 19.4% worked, and 99.2% were single. An online self-administered questionnaire was used that included the perceptual module of the YQOL-R and seven items on body weight, adapted from YRBS 2007., Results: 52% of women and 31.7% of men were attempting to lose weight. The highest QoL scores were in students who felt they were near the right weight, those who were attempting to maintain the same weight, and those who exercised. Lowest QoL was reported by those who considered themselves overweight, were trying to lose weight, were eating less, were skipping meals, or were using unsupervised dieting, vomiting, or laxatives. In women, QoL differed between those maintaining the same weight, gaining weight, and losing weight, while QoL in men only differed for those attempting to gain weight. The findings could be useful in educational processes, preventive programs, and assessment of interventions.

Sex differences in body image, weight control and Body Mass Index of Spanish adolescents. This research paper studied the differences among 21,811 adolescents (between the ages of 11 and 18) in key variables in the development of eating disorders, including the Body Mass Index, the perception of and satisfaction with their body image, and the behaviours used to control weight. In spite of the fact that the girls had a better adjusted BMI and a lesser degree of overweight and obesity, we found that they perceived themselves as being fatter, were less satisfied with body image, and the ones who dieted the most to lose weight. On the other hand, we found that the main reason for boys and girls to diet in an effort to lose weight was not their real body weight, but rather their perception of their own bodies, followed by just how satisfied they were with their bodies. Therefore, important differences are revealed between boys and girls in this article, which must be taken into consideration in the design and development of the various programs that are aimed at the prevention of problems with body image and diet behaviour.

In order to design effective health promotion interventions, nutritional status and the stages of change related to the consumption of fruit and vegetables, physical activity, and weight control were determined in 955 students of both genders at the University of Bio-Bio, Chile. The sample was randomly selected by campus, faculty, and career, with a level of confidence of 95% and a maximum error of 3%. Beside the descriptive analysis, to evaluate the association among nutritional status, fruit and vegetables consumption, physical activity and weight control, Chi2 test was applied. Nutritional status was determined by Body Mass Index and WHO reference standards for adults. A questionnaire previously validated by INTA was applied to evaluate the stages of change. The prevalence of overweight and obesity reached 48.2% in men and 25.5% in women (p<0.0001). Only 3.1% of men and 7.3% of women consumed the 5 recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables. The majority consumed 1 or 2 daily servings (69.5% men and 54.3% women), and the rest 3 to 4 servings (18.2% and 34.7%, respectively) (p<0.0001). 58% of men and 43% of women carried out physical activity regularly (p<0.0001). 73.1% of men and 79.3% of women were trying to reduce or not to increase their weight (p<0.0002). It is concluded that students require specific interventions and appropriate conditions to increase their fruit and vegetables consumption, and physical activity.

Unlabelled: Obesity is a risk factor for a number of degenerative diseases common in industrial societies and the number of overweight/obese people continues to grow. The control of body weight is therefore a priority public health objective., Objective: To analyze the response to a weight loss program based on approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal (by increasing the consumption of recommended foods under-represented in the diet: cereals and vegetables)., Subjects: The study involved 67 women aged between 20 and 35 years with a body mass index (BMI) of between 24 and 35 kg/m2. These women were randomly assigned to two groups with the aim of improving weight control and of approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal., Interventions: Both groups were advised to follow a slightly hypocaloric diet, but with one group increasing the intake of greens and vegetables (H) and the other increasing the intake of cereals (especially breakfast cereals) (C). Dietary data were obtained via the keeping of a daily food record over three days, including a Sunday. Anthropometric data were obtained at the start of the study and again 2 and 6 weeks later., Results: Both treatments approximated the energy profile of the diets to the theoretical ideal. The amount of energy gained from lipids fell and that gained from carbohydrates increased (both at 2 and 6 weeks), significantly more so for group C. Fifty seven women completed the study and showed a mean reduction in body weight of 2.4 +/-1.4 kg. The weight lost by group C was significantly greater than that lost by group H (2.8 +/- 1.4 kg compared to 2.0 +/- 1.3 kg; p < 0.05). The women who followed diet C showed a greater number of skin folds of significantly reduced size, both at 2 and 6 weeks. More group C women completed the study (93.5% compared to 77.8% of group H women)., Conclusion: In overweight or slightly obese women, approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal (by increasing the intake of vegetables of cereals) can help to control body weight and improve the quality of the diet (both in terms of the number and size of food rations, and the overall energy profile). The present results show that increasing the consumption of breakfast cereals may be of particular use owing to their high fiber, vitamin and iron contents.

Obesity is a metabolic disorder characterized by an increase in the fat in adipose tissue above certain limits, manifested by morphological alterations and excess weight. This condition is one of the most significant epidemics of this century due to over-eating and the ease of access to food. On the other hand, the direct relationship between obesity and the greater risk of suffering cardiovascular disease, diabetes or cancer means that consumers are demanding products, whether medicines or foodstuffs, that will allow them to overcome this situation and improve both their physical appearance and their health. The goal of this project was to identify the efficacy and safety of a dietary product, a meal replacement, within the setting of a balanced hypocaloric diet established for weight loss. To this end, a total of 47 volunteers of both sexes between the ages of 23 and 58, all employees of the Hero España, S.A. company, took part in a test in which eleven of them acted as the "control group" and ate only the low-calorie diet while the rest formed a "problem group" and replaced one meal (with a minimum of 500 calories) with a 200-calorie meal replacement. Participants were subjected to anthropometric measurements, blood pressure testing and a blood chemistry analysis before and after the test period, as well as to weekly weight checks. Those individuals with the highest Body Mass Index showed a greater weight loss than those with a lower index. The volunteers did not note any hunger pangs until three hours after consumption of the meal replacement and the health-status parameters analyzed did not show any anomalous values. Therefore, it is concluded that the replacement product studied allows controlled weight loss over 3 weeks when accompanied by a balanced low-calorie diet and it also produces a sensation of fullness in those consuming it.

In this paper, we present the basic structure of a psychological program for weight control. It is rooted in a fact that is not usually taken into account in most common commercial programs, which are not effective in maintaining medium and longterm weight loss. That is, sustainable weight loss is only possible when we respect the limits set in each organism. This work involves a readjustment of expectations showing how much weight it is possible to lose, teaching self-control techniques, promoting changes in lifestyle and proposing a different way of relating to one’s own body.

Objective: The aim of the study was to develop a Spanish adaptation of the Irrational Food Beliefs Scale (IFBS). This is important due not only to the scarcity and limitations of existing instruments in Spanish, but also to the potential of the IFBS in terms of studying the difficulties some people face in achieving healthy weight control. Methods: Subjects were 323 secondary-level and highschool students (12-20 years; 152 females, 171 males). In addition to the IFBS, we determined the body mass index and analysed the following variables: influence of the aesthetic body shape model, perceived stress, coping strategies, self-esteem and variables from the Eating Disorders Inventory-2. Results: The factor analysis yielded two factors corresponding to irrational and rational beliefs about food. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient) of the IFBS as a whole and of the irrational and rational subscales was 0.863, 0.881 and 0.779, respectively. The analysis of correlations with the abovementioned variables showed an adequate construct validity. Discussion: The Spanish version of the IFBS fulfils the psychometric requirements for a measure of irrational/rational food beliefs and shows adequate internal consistency and construct validity.Objetivo: El propósito del estudio fue adaptar la Irrational Food Beliefs Scale (IFBS) a la población española. La escasez y limitaciones de instrumentos similares en nuestra lengua y las posibilidades de la IFBS para estudiar las dificultades en el control de peso de manera saludable justifican el trabajo. Métodos: Fueron aceptados 323 estudiantes de educación secundaria y bachillerato (12-20 años; 152 mujeres, 171 hombres). Además de la IFBS, se determinó el índice de masa corporal y se analizaron las siguientes variables: influencia del modelo estético corporal, estrés percibido, estrategias de afrontamiento, autoestima y variables del Eating Disorders Inventory-2. Resultados: El análisis factorial sugirió dos factores que representan las creencias irracionales y racionales sobre los alimentos. La consistencia interna del IFBS y de sus subescalas (coeficiente alpha de Cronbach) fue de 0.881 y 0.779 para la subescala irracional y racional respectivamente. La IFBS presentó un a=0,863. El análisis de correlaciones con las variables mencionadas demostró una adecuada validez de constructo. Discusión: La IFBS, en su versión española, cubre los requisitos psicométricos para medir las creencias racionales-irracionales acerca de los alimentos, con una adecuada consistencia interna y validez de constructo.