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The article compares weight perceptions and weight control behaviours of Huyanese and Trinidadian female adolescents. Topics covered include statistics on childhood obesity in the Caribbean region as reported by the Caribbean Food and Nutritional Institute (CFNI), a discussion on some studies in the Carribean which show persistent gender differences in obesity and an overview of the Carribean standards of healthy bodies and beauty.

Some adolescents report using e-cigarettes (EC) for weight-related reasons, but longitudinal studies are lacking. This study examined associations between tobacco weight control beliefs and body mass index (BMI) with EC use patterns over one year. Data from Waves 1 and 2 (September 2013 to October 2015) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study were used. Questions about tobacco weight control beliefs, EC use patterns (never, ever, never to current, ever to current, current to current), cigarette and other tobacco product use, demographics, and BMI were examined among adolescent respondents across Wave 1 and Wave 2. Most adolescents were never EC users (85.8%). Prevalence of EC use patterns was low across categories of use (0.6%–5.3%). Higher BMI was associated with transition from ever but not current use at Wave 1 to current use at Wave 2. Greater baseline tobacco weight control beliefs and increases in tobacco weight control beliefs were associated with most EC use patterns compared to never use. Greater tobacco weight control beliefs were risk factors for e-cigarette initiation and maintenance among a nationally representative sample of adolescents. BMI was minimally associated with e-cigarette use patterns. Additional studies are needed to replicate and further examine these preliminary prospective associations between weight control beliefs and EC use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Many college women report engaging in weight control strategies, yet little is known about which strategies are used and how often. The current study's goal was to evaluate the factor structure of a comprehensive list of weight control behaviors used in the previous 24-hours. Participants: Undergraduate women (N = 286) were recruited from a southwestern university. Methods: Participants reported their weight control strategies for the previous 24 hours on a checklist compiled from previous studies. Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a 14-item, 2-factor ("Consumption-reduction", "Health-focused" Strategies) structure was a good fit of the data. Tests of longitudinal measurement invariance found support for using the checklist to make meaningful comparisons across time. Conclusions: This study developed a checklist of past 24-hour weight-control strategy usage, thereby providing a step toward developing an instrument that may be used for weight control or early intervention for disordered eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional survey study explored associations between perceived bodyweight norms, psychological need satisfaction and motivation for weight control among 500 adult residents of two countries with different overweight/obesity prevalence: the UK (63% prevalence) and the Netherlands (50%). A hypothesised model of the effects of descriptive norms (i.e. perceptions of what is typical for most people) and injunctive norms (i.e. perceptions of what is typically approved by others) on autonomous motivation, mediated through basic psychological need satisfaction, was analysed using structural equation modelling. Descriptive norms did not differ between countries, yet UK adults reported a lower-weight injunctive norm. Perceiving higher bodyweights to be normal negatively predicted motivation to manage one's bodyweight mediated through an undermining effect on psychological need satisfaction. Perceiving higher bodyweights to be normal may have the potential to reduce individual motivation for weight control, but the sensitivity of people's perceptions to objective differences in overweight prevalence appears limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to determine the effect of an exercise program on functional remission and weight control in schizophrenia. This experimental study was conducted with pre-posttests and a control group at community mental health centers with 32 individuals with schizophrenia. The individuals participating in the program registered a more significant increase on the functional remission levels compared to the control group and a significant difference was found between the pretest/posttest BMI measures of the experimental group. The nurse-led exercise program is an effective plan that can be used in achieving functional remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the effect of a weight control intervention on BMI, physical activity levels, and psychological variables toward physical activity. Thirty-three middle-aged obese women participated in the 16-week weight control intervention. Results indicated that the participants' BMI significantly decreased and physical activity levels significantly increased over the intervention. Moreover, exercise self-efficacy and perceived benefits toward physical activity significantly increased, but perceived barriers of physical activity gradually decreased over the intervention. The study suggests that it is important to consider not only physical activity itself, but also the various psychological variables when planning and implementing the weight control program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated weight control behaviors associated with early menopause among Korean women, utilizing cross-sectional Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data obtained from 2014 to 2018 to analyze 3,591 women aged 20–64 years with complete responses to questions dealing with natural menopause status and age. The data were analyzed using multivariate ordinal logistic regression. After adjusting for confounding variables affecting weight control behaviors and the timing of menopause, not having lost weight (odds ratio [OR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50–0.97, p =.033) and less use of reducing and controlling food for weight control (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.55–0.81, p <.001) were shown to be associated with earlier menopause. In a further analysis, higher fat intake and lower monounsaturated fatty acid intake were associated with earlier menopause (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02–1.11, p =.007; OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89–0.99, p =.014, respectively). This study findings are applicable in policies or interventions aiming to prevent cardiovascular risks among those with different timing of menopause and possibly delay early menopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 17% of young adults currently use tobacco, most commonly cigarettes and/or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), followed by other products (i.e., cigarillos, pipe/hookah, smokeless tobacco). Cigarettes have been historically used to control weight. Little is known about use of non-cigarette products for weight control, particularly among non-college young adults. Tobacco use in the military is higher than civilians, and personnel have increased motivation for weight control due to military fitness standards. This population might be vulnerable to use tobacco for this purpose. Purpose: Exploring prevalence, as well as demographic and behavioral correlates, of using tobacco products for weight control, among a large, diverse sample of military young adults. Methods: U.S. Air Force recruits (N = 24,543) completed a questionnaire about tobacco use. Among users of tobacco products, recruits reported if they had ever used that product to maintain their weight. Results: Smokeless tobacco was most commonly used for weight control (12.2%), followed by cigarettes (7.3%), e-cigarettes (5.5%), cigarillos (3.3%), and hookah/pipe (3.2%). Using tobacco for weight control was associated with fewer harm beliefs and more regular use of that product. Among e-cigarette users, having a higher BMI and a lower educational background was associated with ever using this product for weight control. Conclusions: The belief that a tobacco product helps control one's weight might increase the prevalence, and frequency of use, of that product among military young adults. Tobacco cessation programs should assess for this motivation of use and provide education about tobacco harm and alternative strategies for weight maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research shows the importance of internalized sexual prejudice and participation in health indicators for sexual minority people, yet no research has used prospective measures or differentiated sexual minority groups. Data come from the longitudinal cohort study Growing Up Today Study 1 (N = 6,606), limited to participants who provided information on internalized sexual prejudice in adolescence and health indicators in adulthood. Completely heterosexual women with same-sex partners and mostly heterosexual women who reported high internalized sexual prejudice during their adolescence were more likely to binge drink during adulthood than completely heterosexual women with no same-sex partners. Similar patterns existed for mostly heterosexual and lesbian women when predicting smoking. Sexual orientation-related disparities in binge drinking smoking were largest for women with high internalized sexual prejudice who identify as completely heterosexual women with same-sex partners and mostly heterosexual women–groups that may have lower levels of connectedness to the buffering effects of sexual minority communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Altering body weight can have substantial effects on an athlete’s performance and well-being. Limited information is available describing the weight control practices of Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes. Methods: Weight control practices data from 188 (138 male and 50 female; 18-23 y) Division I NCAA athletes were analyzed as a part of this cross-sectional, retrospective study. Participants completed questionnaires on weight control practices and weight control nutrition knowledge at the end of their season and were classified into weight-sensitive and less weight-sensitive sports. Results: A higher proportion of females attempted to lose weight than males among less weight-sensitive sports (61% vs. 22%, chi-square = 15.8,p< 0.001). However, the prevalence of weight loss attempts was not different between females and males among weight-sensitive sports (50% vs. 60%, chi-square = 0.5,p= 0.479). The prevalence of weight gain attempts differed by gender for less weight-sensitive sports (65% vs. 4% for males and females, chi-square = 33.5,p< 0.001) but not weight-sensitive sports (24% vs. 9% for males and females, chi-square = 2.1,p= 0.146). Weight control knowledge did not differ between participants attempting versus not attempting to lose weight (Mann-Whitney U = 3340, z = -1.37,p= 0.17). Common maladaptive behaviors used to lose weight included skipping meals and exercising more than usual. Conclusion: Weight loss attempts are common among Division I NCAA athletes, and the differences between males and females may be more pronounced among less weight-sensitive sports. Weight gain attempts are more common in select male sports. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Our aim was to develop a framework-based weight control behavior questionnaire (Weight-CuRB) and test its psychometric properties among a non-probability sample of 240 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Appropriate validity, simplicity, functionality and reliability were observed for the Weight-CuRB. The explanatory model fits the data well (χ2 [139] = 245.835, p <.001, CFI = 0.950, NFI = 0.901, IFI = 0.950, RMSEA = 0.057[(0.045–0.068]). To our knowledge, this was the first study to develop and validate a framework-based instrument aiming at cognitive needs assessment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The weight-CuRB may be useful in addressing the core cognitive determinants of weight control among the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral weight loss programs often prescribe physical activity (PA) goals in terms of minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and steps/day. However, the impact of meeting each type of goal prescription on weight loss is unclear, particularly in digitally-based (eHealth/mHealth) programs. This secondary analysis of a randomized trial examined the effects of meeting steps-based and minutes-based goals on weight loss in an eHealth behavioral weight control program. Adults in the control arm received a 6-month online behavioral weight loss intervention with prescribed weekly goals for daily steps and minutes of MVPA. The number of weeks steps-based and minutes-based goals were met (≥100% and ≥75% thresholds) based on self-reported PA were examined as predictors of 6-month weight loss among those providing weight outcomes (n = 172; 81% of control arm) using a systems regression approach. Participants (BMI 35.6 kg/m2; 90.1% female; 48.7 years of age) met weekly goals for MVPA (7.1 ± 6.4 weeks) more often than steps (3.5 ± 5.5 weeks, P <.001). Meeting the steps goals (β =.24, P <.001) and MVPA goals (β =.20, P <.001) were each statistically significant predictors of weight loss at the 100% threshold; their total effects were not statistically different from one another (χ2= 1.12, P =.29). Similarly, at the 75% threshold for steps goals (β =.19, P <.001) and MVPA goals (β =.19, P <.001), each independently predicted weight loss; no differences were detected in their total effects (χ2 =.01, P =.92). The probability of reaching ≥5% weight loss was comparable between meeting the steps goals and MVPA goals at both adherence thresholds. Greater attainment of PA goals prescribed as steps and minutes of MVPA independently contribute to similar weight loss outcomes in a 6-month online behavioral weight loss intervention. Future research should determine whether promoting adherence to combined steps-based and minutes-based goals produces better weight loss than utilizing either goal alone and identify strategies that improve adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Established in 1994, the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) is a repository for the completed questionnaires and medical records of more than 10,000 individuals distinguished by their having intentionally lost thirty of more pounds and maintaining that loss for at least a year. As one means of assessing the impact of the NWCR, the extent to which articles highlighted on its website are cited in the Web of Science Core Collection is reported, along with the journals and author affiliations of those referencing these works. Well over a thousand papers originating from a distinguished roster of universities with dedicated centers for research and treatment in nutrition and obesity, published in the journals most important to experts in these areas, clearly demonstrate both the legacy and ongoing importance of the NWCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We examine weight control behavior used to (a) compensate for caloric content of heavy alcohol use; and (b) enhance the psychoactive effects of alcohol among college students. We evaluate the role of gender orientation and sex. Participants: Participants completed an online survey (N = 651; 59.9% women; 40.1% men). Method: Weight control behavior was assessed via the Compensatory-Eating-and-Behaviors-in Response-to-Alcohol-Consumption-Scale. Control variables included sex, race/ethnicity, age, and depressive symptoms. Gender orientation was measured by the Bem Sex Role Inventory. The prevalence and probability of alcohol-related weight control behavior using ordinal logistic regression are reported. Results: Men and women do not significantly differ in compensatory-weight-control-behavior. However, regression models suggest that recent binge drinking, other substance use, and masculine orientation are positively associated with alcohol-related weight control behavior. Conclusions: Sex was not a robust predictor of weight control behavior. Masculine orientation should be considered a possible risk factor for these behaviors and considered when designing prevention and intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) have been decreasing for most youth over time, yet little is known whether these behaviors have changed for sexual minority (e.g., non-heterosexual) youth. This is important because many studies have found that sexual minorities report some of the highest rates of UWCBs. To determine whether or not these behaviors have changed over time, given the extreme changes in social contexts over the past two decades, we utilised three waves of the Minnesota Student Survey (N = 55,597, Mage = 17). In doing so, we report trends, disparities, and changes in disparities of UWCBs. Overall, the prevalence of UWCBs has declined from 1999 to 2010 for all youth, but there are alarming disparities by sex of sexual partner. We found that both- and same-sex partnered male youth were more likely to fast, use diet pills, and vomit on purpose to lose weight compared to their opposite-sex partnered counterparts in all three survey years; specifically, both-sex partnered boys were up to 5.5× as likely to vomit on purpose compared to their opposite-sex partnered counterparts. Likewise, both-sex partnered girls were more likely to use diet pills and vomit on purpose to lose weight compared to opposite-sex partnered girls in all three survey years. Additionally, the disparity in fasting to lose weight widened for the same-sex partnered females compared to the opposite-sex partnered females from 1998 to 2004. This has implications for UWCB interventions and preventions targeted specifically towards sexual minorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at a study about the long-term effect of a randomized controlled trial of a dairy-rich diet on generalized and abdominal obesity, as well as the components of the metabolic syndrome, among obese prepubescent children. The researchers held a trial of a population-based sample of 120 obese prepubescent children. Results showed a decrease in serum triglycerides and insulin levels while there was an increase in the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.

Background: Understanding body weight status dissatisfaction may be important for understanding weight control behaviours and mental health. Aims: To investigate the relationships between body weight status misperceptions in nulliparous normal-weight young women and weight control-related behaviours and mental health. Subjects and methods: Body weight perceptions, weight control methods, depressive mood and psychological distress were measured in 717 nulliparous normal-weight women, aged 18–40 years, who participated in the 2007–2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES-IV). Results: Among 717 participants, 24 subjects (4.1 ± 1.0%) misperceived themselves to be underweight and 295 subjects (39.2 ± 2.2%) misperceived themselves to be overweight. Those with overweight misperceptions were more likely to fail to maintain their targeted body weights, despite weight control efforts (p < 0.001). Weight control behaviours such as taking diet pills were more common among women with overweight misperception (p < 0.001). Compared to the accurate body weight perception group, age-adjusted ORs for depressive mood and psychological distress were 1.82 (1.06–3.13) and 1.65 (1.10–2.47) in the overweight misperception group. Conclusions: Body weight status misperception may be important for understanding weight control-related behaviours and psychiatric illness among nulliparous normal-weight young women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grounded in confirmation theory, the current research sought to explore the relationship between co-rumination of fat talk and weight control practices (i.e., binging and purging, exercising, and healthy eating behaviors), with a particular interest in whether perceptions of friends’ responses during these interactions exacerbate or mitigate this relationship. Female friendship dyads completed online questionnaires at three time points across 2 weeks. Multilevel modeling analyses revealed that (a) co-rumination was positively associated with binging and purging and exercising, (b) women who perceived their friends as accepting reported less binging and purging, more exercising, and more healthy eating behaviors, (c) acceptance and challenge interacted to predict binging and purging, (d) acceptance moderated the relationships between co-rumination and binging and purging, and (e) challenge moderated the relationship between co-rumination and healthy eating behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ingestion of peanuts may have a beneficial effect on weight control, possibly due to the satietogenic action of trypsin inhibitors. The aim of this study was to isolate a new trypsin inhibitor in a typical Brazilian peanut sweet (paçoca) and evaluate its effect in biochemical parameters, weight gain and food intake in male Wistar rats. The trypsin inhibitor in peanutpaçoca(AHTI) was isolated. Experimental diets were prepared with AIN-93G supplemented with AHTI. Animals had their weight and food intake monitored. Animals were anesthetized, euthanized, and their bloods collected by cardiac puncture for dosage of cholecystokinin (CCK) and other biochemical parameters. Supplementation with AHTI significantly decreased fasting glucose, body weight gain, and food intake. These effects may be attributed to increased satiety, once supplemented animals showed no evidence of impaired nutritional status and also because AHTI increased CCK production. Thus, our results indicate that AHTI, besides reducing fasting glucose, can reduce weight gain via food intake reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: Obesity is a heritable condition with well-established risk-reducing behaviours. Studies have shown that beliefs about the causes of obesity are associated with diet and exercise behaviour. Identifying mechanisms linking causal beliefs and behaviours is important for obesity prevention and control. Design: Cross-sectional multi-level regression analyses of self-efficacy for weight control as a possible mediator of obesity attributions (diet, physical activity, genetic) and preventive behaviours in 487 non-Hispanic White women from South King County, Washington. Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported daily fruit and vegetable intake and weekly leisure-time physical activity. Results: Diet causal beliefs were positively associated with fruit and vegetable intake, with self-efficacy for weight control partially accounting for this association. Self-efficacy for weight control also indirectly linked physical activity attributions and physical activity behaviour. Relationships between genetic causal beliefs, self-efficacy for weight control, and obesity-related behaviours differed by obesity status. Self-efficacy for weight control contributed to negative associations between genetic causal attributions and obesity-related behaviours in non-obese, but not obese, women. Conclusion: Self-efficacy is an important construct to include in studies of genetic causal beliefs and behavioural self-regulation. Theoretical and longitudinal work is needed to clarify the causal nature of these relationships and other mediating and moderating factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study identifies the risk factors for extreme weight-control behaviors among adolescents in public school in Salvador, northeastern Brazil.Methods: A case-control study nested to a cross-sectional study, including 252 adolescents of both sexes, age between 11 to 17 years, with 84 cases and 168 age-matched controls was conducted. The variable outcome is represented by extreme weight-control behaviors, integrated by following the variables: self-induced vomiting and the use of laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills. Covariables included body image dissatisfaction, dieting, prolonged fasting, and self-perception of body weight. The study also investigated the demographic and anthropometric variables and economic conditions of the students' families. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for the adoption of extreme weight-control behaviors among adolescents.Results: Among the adolescents investigated, the conditional logistic regression explained 22% the occurrence of extreme weight-control behaviors and showed that these behaviors were positively associated to overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 3.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42-9.17), body image dissatisfaction (OR = 3.87; 95% CI, 1.75-8.54), and the adoption of a restrictive diet (OR = 2.83; 95% CI, 1.16-6.91).Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that among adolescents, overweight, body image dissatisfaction, and restrictive diet are important risk factors to adoption of extreme weight-control behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate and assess the common dietary and weight management strategies of Tae Kwon Do (TKD) athletes prior to national competitions, as well as to examine the relationships between these strategies and body weight reduction and sensation of physical condition.Methods: Sixty (n = 60) TKD athletes, 23 women (19.4 ± 2.9 years) and 37 men (20.4 ± 3.6 years), with at least 12.1 ± 3.1 years of experience, participated in the present study. The athletes recorded their dietary intake and physical activity for 3 training days and on a competition day. Bioelectrical impedance was used for body composition estimation.Results: Male athletes consumed 1918 ± 685 kcal/24 hours and 1974 ± 669 kcal/24 hours on training and competition days, respectively, and women 1814 ± 446 kcal/24 hours and 1700 ± 439 kcal/24 hours. TKD athletes had significant negative energy balance (48.6% ± 17.8% to 60.3% ± 26.9%; p < 0.05), with the majority of macro- and micronutritional elements being lower than the recommended values, with significant differences between them, as well as within groups, between weekdays and weekend days (p < 0.05). Females lost most of their weight 2 weeks before the games (3.50 ± 1.00 kg), and males lost most of their weight 3 weeks before (3.16 ± 2.48 kg). The majority of TKD athletes were guided by their coaches for weight management strategies. No significant correlations were found between any body composition variable, weight loss, and any nutritional intake at any time point (p > 0.05).Conclusions: These data suggest that the methods of TKD athletes for rapid weight loss are guided by unspecialized professionals, leading to significant malnutrition, because certain deficiencies in both macro- and micronutrient content are present, with no guaranteed specific reduction of their body mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine correlates of compensatory weight control behaviors among women in transition between adolescence and adulthood.Participants: The authors recruited a sample of undergraduate women (N= 759) at a large northwestern university during the 2009–2010 academic year.Methods: Logistic regression was used to assess relations among childhood abuse, psychosocial functioning, adult dating relationship factors, and women's endorsement of compensatory weight control behaviors.Results: The final model reliably distinguished between participants who endorsed versus denied use of compensatory behaviors (χ2[5,N= 747] = 36.37,p< .001), with global psychosocial functioning and relationship avoidance accounting for the most variance.Conclusions: These findings illustrate the importance of considering childhood abuse histories and adult relationships while assessing young women's compensatory weight control behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The authors' aim in this study was to determine, after adjustment for the effects of body mass index and sociodemographic measures, whether sex-specific weight control norms would have significant independent relationships with the weight control behavior of college women and men. Participants: The authors used an anonymous questionnaire to assess a sample of 470 college students, aged 18 to 26 years, attending either a 2- year community college or a 4-year public university. Methods: To calculate body mass index, the authors objectively measured the height and weight of each participant. They conducted separate discriminant function analyses for women and men. Results: The discriminant function analyses clearly indicated that weight control norms of same-sex, close friends were the best discriminators of involvement in weight control. Conclusions: The findings indicate that perceived peer norms may be important but overlooked risk factors for engaging in unhealthy weight control practices. The authors discuss the implications of these findings in the context of student health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The present study evaluated weight loss and compliance outcomes for overweight adolescents assigned to one of two dietary interventions differing in the type of snacks allowed. Methods The study was a 12-week, controlled clinical trial, among otherwise healthy but overweight (body mass index ≥95th percentile) 11-year-old to 15-year-old girls who were randomly assigned to either a 1,500 kcal/day free-snack program or a 1,500 kcal/day restricted-snack program. All subjects were counseled to consume three servings of dairy products per day, and were provided with a 500 mg calcium supplement as well. Subjects in the free-snack group could choose any 150-calorie item as one of their two daily snacks, including regular soda if desired; however, subjects in the restricted-snack group were limited to diet soda. Results Thirty-two adolescent girls completed the 12-week intervention. Both diets were equally effective in achieving a modest amount of weight loss, and were equally acceptable to the subjects. Significant decreases in weight, body mass index, anthropometric measures, total cholesterol and triglycerides were observed. Conclusions A 1,500 kcal/day diet allowing for a free snack of 150 calories was equally as effective as a more restricted snack policy in achieving a modest amount of weight loss among overweight 11-year-old to 15-year-old girls. In addition, results suggest that some soda may be included in a teen weight control diet, as long as caloric intake is maintained at recommended levels, and care is taken to achieve adequate intake of essential nutrients. Calcium intake among subjects was low at baseline, and, although it increased during the study (due to supplementation), further efforts to increase consumption of naturally calcium-rich and calcium-fortified foods and beverages are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals who smoke report higher body dissatisfaction and engage in weight control smoking more than the general population. The effects that stigmatizing weight-related attitudes and body mass index have on smoking remain unclear. Via an online survey, this exploratory study examined whether endorsing anti-fat attitudes is associated with higher smoking frequency with BMI as a moderator. Participants were recruited via posts on a social news and discussion website, as well as a subject pool from a U.S. university. The sample consisted of 118 participants (62.5% female; Mage = 24.19, SD = 6.73). The Anti-Fat Attitudes Test was used to measure anti-fat beliefs. BMI and monthly smoking frequency were also measured. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the relationship between anti-fat attitudes and smoking frequency with BMI as a moderator. Although anti-fat attitudes overall were not associated with smoking frequency, the interaction between anti-fat attitudes specific to weight control and blame and BMI was significantly associated with smoking frequency. Individuals with average or lower BMIs who attribute weight status to a lack of willpower and self-control may smoke at higher rates. Addressing specific forms of anti-fat beliefs in smoking prevention and cessation programs may help mitigate smoking-related risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of disordered eating and pathogenic weight control behaviors in male collegiate athletes. Male collegiate athletes (N = 732) from the across the U.S. completed questionnaires online. Results suggested that (a) most eating disturbances occur at the subclinical level, (b) exercising and dieting were the most commonly used weight control practices, and (c) athletes who participate in weight class sports are more likely to be classified as symptomatic and engage in pathogenic eating and weight control behaviors compared to endurance sport or ball game athletes. Implications for professionals working with athletes and recommendations for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study explored rhythmic gymnasts’ perceptions of the influence of their retirement transition on body satisfaction and weight control behaviors. Eight retired elite female rhythmic gymnasts participated in semi-structured interviews. Findings were interpreted to suggest that these retired gymnasts experienced an increase in body dissatisfaction upon retirement and that they felt guilty about their weight gain, loss of muscle mass, and eating habits. Participants reportedly engaged in food restricting behaviors, calorie counting, the use of laxatives/diet pills, and excessive exercise. Body dissatisfaction and unhealthy weight control behaviors were exacerbated in athletes who remained connected to their sport through coaching. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article examines the effectiveness of group-based weight-control treatment on adolescent social functioning. Eighty-nine adolescents, who were randomized to group-based cognitive behavioral treatment with aerobic exercise or peer-enhanced adventure therapy, completed measures of social functioning at baseline, end of treatment, and at a 12-month follow up. Results demonstrated significant reductions in adolescent perceptions of peer rejection and social anxiety over time, with no significant demonstrated group differences. Improvements in social functioning were related to increases in self-concept dimensions. Findings demonstrate benefits of group-based weight-control treatment for enhancing adolescent self-perceived social functioning across multiple domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether eating disorders and the use of unhealthy weight control methods increased over time in male and female university undergraduate students. Data from three random sample surveys of college students were collected over a 13-year period to investigate trends in disordered eating and unhealthy weight control behaviors. Data were collected in 2008 from 641 male and female randomly sampled undergraduate students were compared to 274 randomly sampled undergraduates surveyed in 2002 and 493 surveyed in 1995. Behaviors falling within the diagnostic category of eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) in both males and females significantly increased over time in accordance with the use of unhealthy weight control methods. Eating disorders should be routinely addressed by college health professionals through both treatment and prevention efforts, especially considering the frequent concurrent psychiatric and physiological comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical obesity treatments are of limited reach. Self-directed weight control attempts are common, but little attention has been given to providing guidance for such efforts in the population. The present research tests a brief intervention approach to weight control. Pilot data were collected from 66 University of Minnesota employees (72.7% women, 81.8% white) randomized to an assessment-only control condition or a single intervention session to teach empirically valid self-directed weight-control methods. Mean baseline weight was 87.1 kilograms (range 64.0-120.3 kilograms). Though statistically nonsignificant, intervention participants averaged greater weight loss by 6 months than controls (-.80 kilograms vs. -.19 kilograms), F(1, 44) = .47, p = .50, Cohen's d = .21. There was a significant group × time interaction for self-weighing frequency, F(2, 41) = 10.84, p < .001. With some enhancement and more attention to dissemination, a brief self-directed program has potential as a useful approach to population weight-gain prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used self-determination theory (Deci, E.L., & Ryan, R.M. (2000). The 'what' and 'why' of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11, 227-268.) to examine predictors of body image concerns and unhealthy weight control behaviours in a sample of 350 Greek adolescent girls. A process model was tested which proposed that perceptions of parental autonomy support and two life goals (health and image) would predict adolescents' degree of satisfaction of their basic psychological needs. In turn, psychological need satisfaction was hypothesised to negatively predict body image concerns (i.e. drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction) and, indirectly, unhealthy weight control behaviours. The predictions of the model were largely supported indicating that parental autonomy support and adaptive life goals can indirectly impact upon the extent to which female adolescents engage in unhealthy weight control behaviours via facilitating the latter's psychological need satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weight concerns and weight control behaviors were evaluated among sixty 8-10 year-old African American girls and their parents/caregivers. Girls completed the McKnight Risk Factor Survey and parents completed a modified version regarding perceptions of their daughters' concerns and behaviors. Significant correlations between girls' and parents' were seen for Overconcern with Weight and Shape (r = .56) and Weight Control Behaviors (r = .33). Parents' correctly identified 72% of girls' responses for Overconcern with Weight and Shape, 60% for Binge, 85% for Purging and 58% for Weight Control Behaviors scales using clinical cutoffs. However, more stringent agreement coefficients indicated generally poor concordance between girls and parents. The modified McKnight may be useful for assessing awareness of these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess grade, race, socioeconomic status and gender differences in perceptions of body size, weight concerns, and weight control practices between 4th and 7th grade students in South Carolina. Design. Two random samples, consisting of a total of 1,597 children (53.1% white, 51.97% female, 44.9% 4th graders) participated in two questionnaire surveys. Both surveys included a series of seven female and seven male body size drawings, body image and weight concern questions, and questions pertaining to weight control practices. Responses to the questionnaire were analyzed using chi-square analysis and the General Linear Model. Results. Using socioeconomic status (SES), race, gender, and grade as independent variables, differences in ideal adult body size, opposite gender ideal adult body size, weight concerns, perceptions of family/peer weight concerns, perceptions of own body size and weight control practices were studied. Analyses revealed that 4th grade males select a larger ideal adult body size and opposite gender ideal adult body size when compared to 7th grade males (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0078, respectively). Fourth grade females indicated less personal concern about their weight than 7th grade females (p = 0.0009). Fourth graders also perceived less family/peer concern about weight than 7th graders (p = 0.0027) and 7th graders described themselves as being more overweight than 4th graders (p = 0.0039). Blacks selected a significantly larger body size than white children for ideal adult (p = 0.0287) and ideal opposite gender adult body size (p < 0.0001 for males, p = 0.0030 for females). Blacks also perceived less personal and family/peer concern about weight when compared to whites (p = 0.0083). More whites reported that they were trying to lose weight, as compared to blacks (p = 0.0010). Males also selected significantly larger body size silhouettes than females for ideal adult body size (p = 0.0012). Males expressed less personal concern about weight (p < 0.0001), perceived less family/peer concern about weight (p < 0.0001), and were less likely than females to be engaged in weight loss (p < 0.0001). Females in the high SES category selected a significantly smaller ideal male adult body size than females in the low SES group (p = 0.0124) and more females in the high SES category were trying to lose weight when compared to females in the low SES group (p = 0.0055).) Conclusion. This study indicates that early in a child’s sociocultural development, grade level, gender, race, and SES are influential in the perception of ideal adult body size and opposite gender ideal adult body size. These factors are also influential in determining concerns about weight and weight control practices. The findings of this study support the need to begin health and wellness education efforts early in childhood while taking into account racial, gender, age, and SES disparities. This knowledge can also be useful in targeting interventions for both obesity and eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the contribution of school environmental factors to individual and school variation in disordered weight control behaviors (DWCB). Analyses were based on self-report data gathered from 18,567 middle-school students in 2005 and publicly available data on school characteristics. We observed large differences across schools in percent of students engaging in DWCB in the past month, ranging from less than 1% of the student body to 12%. School-neighborhood poverty was associated with higher odds of DWCB in boys. Preventive strategies need to account for wide variability across schools and environmental factors that may contribute to DWCB in early adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of drug use for weight control remains largely undocumented. This research addresses young women's accounts concerning instrumental substance use and management of the body. Although instrumental users faced the potential for stigma, the nature of their lines of action was insulating from many negative social consequences, as women remained largely private about their deviant behaviors. Although women were secretive about their deviance, most offered accounts for their unconventional 'lifestyle choices.' Young women hailed drugs for their instrumental utility, and shunned popular conceptions of their behaviors as pathological. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was designed to investigate the link between appearance concerns and smoking in young men and women. Methods: A total of 244, 17–34-year-olds completed the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire Appearance Sub-Scales (MBSRQ-AS). Findings: Smokers scored significantly lower than non-smokers on appearance evaluation and appearance evaluation predicted smoking status in both men and women. Overweight preoccupation, self-classified weight and appearance orientation did not predict smoking status for either gender. Conclusions: It is concluded that smoking cessation interventions need to target general concerns about appearance in addition to concerns over weight control, and that campaigns focused around appearance concerns need to be targeted towards men as well as women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of weight restrictions on physiological function and bone health in a group of horse racing jockeys. Twenty-seven elite male jockeys participated in this study (17 flat jockeys; 10 national hunt jockeys). Participants completed a range of measurements including anthropometry, hydration analysis, bone mineral density assessment, and musculoskeletal screening. Fifty-nine percent of flat and 40% of national hunt jockeys showed osteopenia in one or more of the total body, hip or spine scans. Mean urine-specific gravity (Usg) values revealed moderate dehydration on a non-race day (Usg = 1.022 ± 0.005 and 1.021 ± 0.007 for flat and national hunt jockeys respectively). Analysis of a number of flat jockeys (n = 11) revealed marked dehydration on an official race day (Usg = 1.028 ± 0.005). Sixty-four percent of participants reported a current injury at the time of assessment. Our results reveal some worrying trends within this population. Further research is required to examine the effects of current weight control practices typically used by jockeys on both physiological and cognitive function as well as health and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on whether sports and games are efficient methods in weight control and fitness. It aims to summarize recent research showing that many sport activities and games are likely to be as efficient in expending energy and promoting aerobic fitness as activities like running, cycling, and exercising on elliptical and stair-stepping machines. Relative to this, exercise physiologists have identified that the energy expended while playing sports and games is a combination of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.

Acrylic fiber is commercially produced by free radical polymerization, initiated by a redox system. The fact that the kinetics is a great deal more complicated than that of ordinary polymerization systems makes the problem of controlling molecular weight a difficult one. In this study, dynamics and control of continuous acrylonitrile polymerization are studied based on a previously described kinetics by Peebles (Applied Polymer Science, 1973, 17, 113–128). As the conventional feedback controller was found to be unsuccessful, a model state feedback (MSFB) control strategy was implemented. The performances of linear and nonlinear controllers have been compared via simulation, and it was concluded that the nonlinear form would be effectively employed for set point tracking as well as disturbance rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspects of food self-monitoring related to overweight adolescents' successful weight control remain unexplored. Behaviorally treated adolescents' food records were assessed for self-monitoring frequency, sufficiency, whether amounts and calories were recorded, and whether daily calories were summed. Greater recording sufficiency, operationalized as recording 5 or more different food/beverage items in a day, was the only self-monitoring aspect related to better weight outcomes. More recording and calorie summing were related to lower caloric intake at follow-up, whereas these aspects and sufficiency were related to dietary fat at follow-up. Recording sufficiency may be a critical component of overweight adolescents' food self-monitoring, although the direction of causality and potential spurious effects cannot be fully determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a traditional weight control program and nondiet alternative in improving behavioral (e.g., restrained, emotional, and external eating), psychological (e.g., body preoccupation, physical self-esteem), and biomedical (e.g., body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol) outcomes. There were 2 intervention groups--traditional weight control (TWC) and Diet Free Forever (DFF); a nonvolunteer comparison group; and a control group, all made up of employees of 3M (N = 357). The 2 intervention groups participated in 10-week eating programs. Outcome variables were assessed at baseline, at 10 weeks for the intervention groups only, and again at 1 year. At baseline, the 2 intervention groups had higher restrained, external, and emotional eating scores, greater body preoccupation, and lower physical self-esteem than the comparison and control groups. They also weighed more. At 1 year, both intervention groups had decreased their body preoccupation and increased their physical self-esteem. Participants in the DFF program reduced their restrained eating, whereas those in the TWC program increased their restrained eating. Neither eating program had an impact on the biomedical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we describe diet and lifestyle practices of professional jockeys. Participants completed a 59-item nutrition, lifestyle, and health questionnaire (n = 21) and a 7-day estimated food diary (n = 18). Acute weight loss strategies included the use of saunas (86%), exercising to induce sweating (81%), and restricted energy intake (71%). Of the smokers (38%), 56% used smoking to control weight. Most (86%) jockeys reported attaining a 2-kg weight loss for racing (if required) 24-48 h before or on the designated race-day. Mean daily energy intake (1803 ± 564 kcal) was low and appeared to provide an insufficient availability of energy for sustainment of usual daily and metabolic processes. Carbohydrate intake (3.7 ± 1.3 g · kg-1) was below recommendations for athletes. A substantial proportion of jockeys failed to meet the estimated average requirement and lower threshold intake for a number of micronutrients. Jockeys consumed well below (0-2) the recommended five daily servings of fruit and vegetables set by the World Health Organization. Pressures of the jockey lifestyle and rigid weight limits appear to encourage unhealthy weight management practices in this group and may risk long term-health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thin-ideal is becoming increasingly dominant among women in Eastern Asian countries such as China and South Korea. The internalization of the thin-ideal leads to body image disturbance and unhealthy weight-control behaviors. Based on the social networks and social norms approaches, this study tests the effectiveness of normative messages in reducing women's internationalization of the thin-ideal and weight-control intentions through an experiment among female college students in China. It investigates how the following three factors: content of normative message (psychoeducational or feminist), source of the message (strong ties or weak ties), and characteristics of the recipients (self-weight evaluations) influence women's body image and weight-control intentions. Results of this study suggest that normative messages with a psychoeducational approach delivered through strong ties are more effective in decreasing women's internalization of the thin-ideal than the same message delivered through weak ties. In contrast, normative messages with a feminist approach delivered through weak ties are more effective in reducing women's internalization of the thin-ideal and unhealthy weight-control intentions than the same messages delivered through strong ties. There is an interaction effect between message content and recipients' self-weight evaluation. The theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the comprehensive community prevention of disturbed attitudes to weight control in Israel. Consideration of problems related to eating and body image; Need for preventive intervention programs; Implementation of preventive programs within the educational framework.

The article focuses on a study that investigates the prevalence of clinical and subclinical disorders among 414 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division-I female collegiate gymnasts, swimmers, and divers. It states that the Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnoses and the Bulimia Test-Revised were used in the study. Results show 2 to 5.7% prevalence rate for clinical disorders and 14.5 to 25.5% for subclinical levels.

This study examines the secondary effects of hypocaloric diets. The results show that the positive short-term effects with regards health are not maintained in the long term, as most people eventually return to their original weight. A description is given of how psychological reasons are more important than biological mechanisms when explaining this failure and stress is put on how carrying out successive hypocaloric diets can result in a subgroup of people becoming overweight or obese. Furthermore, an analysis is made of the relationship between diets, eating disorders and the "yo-yo effect", which is in turn associated with a rise in morbimortality due to a wide range of causes. As an alternative to the indiscriminate use of hypocaloric diets, a strategy based on the modification of lifestyle is suggested in order to control weight and improve health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meal replacement products for weight-loss are popular and safe for most unsupervised consumers desiring to lose weight. Previously we reported that the thickness of meal replacement diet shakes had a direct and significant effect on hunger intensity during the first 2 h and that hunger intensity scores for liquid meal replacements were significantly below baseline for 3 h following consumption (Mattes, R.D.; Rothacker, D. Beverage viscosity is inversely related to postprandial hungar in humans. Physiol. Behav. 2000, 74 (4-5), 551-557.). This study uses the same protocol to investigate meal replacement bars designed for overweight consumers. Subjects were prescreened to include only those that normally ate breakfast and liked chocolate. The bar used in this study contained 250 calories (about 30 more than most liquid diet shakes) 4 g of dietary fiber, 14 g protein, and 8 g of fat. Subjects were instructed consume the entire bar with a glass of water following an overnight fast when they would normally consume their first meal of the day and to assess their hunger on a 1 (not hungry at all) to 9 (as hungry as I have ever felt) scale before consumption, immediately after and hourly for 6 h (only on typical weekdays). Similar assessments were made for the perception of stomach fullness (1 = empty, 9 = extremely full), strength of the desire to eat (1 = no desire, 9 = extremely strong) and thirst (1 = not at all thirsty, 9= extremely thirsty). One-hundred and eight subjects (23 males; 85 females) completed the study. No gender satiety differences were found. Hunger ratings and desire to eat remained significantly below baseline for 5 h following consumption. Stomach fullness scores were significantly above baseline for 5 h. Thirst scores were significantly below baseline for 3 h. Although the meal replacement diet bars contained only 30 additional calories than liquids, they provided an additional 2 h of hunger suppression from baseline which may have an impact on overall weight loss success. These results support superior short-term hunger control with solid meal replacements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eating disorders have physical, emotional, social, and cultural aspects, which are manifested in the individual's preoccupation with food, physical build, and weight, and are maladjusted means of dealing with mental and emotional problems. The practice of unhealthy means of weight regulation and eating disorders affects the individual, family, community, and society at large, and affects primarily adolescent girls and young women in Western society. Thus, there exists today an urgent need to develop a comprehensive community prevention program. This preliminary study is an attempt to determine the scope of the problem among adolescent girls (n = 38) and their significant others (n = 42), in a kibbutz in northern Israel. Self-evaluation questionnaires were used to examine attitudes and characteristics related to eating and body image, in addition to a questionnaire for evaluation of knowledgeability and attitudes among the adolescents' significant others. It was found that 85% of adolescent girls were dissatisfied with their figure, 63% were considering a diet, and 60% were afraid of losing control over their weight. Fifty-five percent of significant others did not think that eating disorders were more prevalent in families with fallacious attitudes about physical build and eating, and 50% thought that pubescent girls should be encouraged to diet. In addition, a group at risk for developing eating disorders (n = 12) was found. Significant differences in all the indicators were found between the latter group and the other girls. The findings reinforce those of research studies from other Western countries, and establish the need for a community prevention program at three levels of prevention, targeting the community in general and focusing on adolescents' significant others as agents of change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]