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Background: Socioecological factors are associated with key health behaviors that are critical for weight management, and major life events may disrupt engagement in these behaviors. However, the influence of socioecological factors on health behaviors in the midst of major life events is not clear and is difficult to study due to the random and sporadic nature of their occurrence. The COVID‐19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to study a major life event and its impacts on diet, physical activity, and body weight. Objective: This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate associations between socioecological factors (environmental, interpersonal, and individual) and self‐reported weight change during a major life event using data collected during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and whether the associations were mediated through self‐reported changes in eating and physical activity behaviors. Methods: Participants self‐reported socioecological factors, weight change, and changes in eating behaviors (EB) and physical activity (PA) via online questionnaires between December 2020 and October 2021. Changes in EB and PA were measured using scales with higher scores reflecting more positive changes during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results: Participants (n = 1283) were mostly female (84.9%) with age 52.1 ± 14.1 years (mean ± SD) and BMI of 32.9 ± 8.2 kg/m2. Stronger healthy eater and exercise identities (individual factors) were associated with higher EB scores (EBS) and PA scores (PAS), respectively (p's < 0.00001). Less discouragement for healthy eating by family/friends (interpersonal factor) was associated with higher EBS (p = 0.002). Higher EBS and PAS were associated with weight loss. The indirect effect of healthy eater identity (−0.72; 95% CI: −0.90, −0.55) and discouragement for diet (0.07; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.12) on weight change through EBS were significant, as was the indirect effect of exercise identity (−0.25; 95% CI: −0.35, −0.15) on weight change through PAS. Conclusions: Stronger identities and less discouragement from family/friends may support health promoting behaviors and weight loss during a major life event, as well as identify additional behavioral targets for lifestyle interventions. Clinical Trial Registration: IWCR was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04907396). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent to which early weight loss in behavioral weight control interventions predicts long-term success remains unclear. In this study, we developed an algorithm aimed at classifying weight change trajectories and examined its ability to predict long-term weight loss based on weight early change. We utilized data from 667 de-identified individuals who participated in a commercial weight loss program (Instinct Health Science), comprising 69,363 weight records. Sequential polynomial regression models were employed to classify participants into distinct weight trajectory patterns based on key model parameters. Next, we applied multinomial logistic models to evaluate if early weight loss in the first 14 days and prolonged duration of participation were significantly associated with long-term weight loss patterns. The mean percentage of weight loss was 7.9 ± 5.1% over 133 ± 69 days. Our analysis revealed four main weight loss trajectory patterns: a steady decrease over time (30.6%), a decrease to a plateau with subsequent decline (15.8%), a decrease to a plateau with subsequent increase (46.9%), and no substantial decrease (6.7%). Early weight change rate and total participating duration emerged as significant factors in differentiating long-term weight loss patterns. These findings contribute to support the provision of tailored advice in the early phase of behavioral interventions for weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lifestyle programs that reduce health risks and support weight loss (WL) in older adults face adherence and attendance challenges due to reduced energy requirements, impaired mobility, lack of transportation, and low social support. Tailored lifestyle and weight management programs are needed to better support healthy aging for older adults. Here, we developed and piloted an age-adapted, remotely delivered modification of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). The modification includes age-appropriate goals, visuals, and examples; flexible dietary composition; remote classroom and fitness-monitoring technology; and standardized online classroom materials employing pedagogical and behavior change theory. The modifications were designed to safeguard fidelity and to boost adherence, engagement, and knowledge integration, with the convenience of a fully remote WL program for diverse older adults. Six-month pilot data are presented from older adults (55–85 years, body mass index (BMI) 27–39.9 kg/m2, N = 20) randomly allocated to an online DPP intervention with weight, diet, and activity monitored remotely, or into a waitlisted control. The intervention achieved 100% attendance and adherence to self-monitoring. The intervention group mean (±SD) body weight change was −9.5% (±4.1); 90% lost ≥ 5%. By contrast, the control group gained 2.4% (±1.8). Once thought incompatible with older adults, remote interventions are feasible for older adults and can support fidelity, adherence, engagement, and clinically significant WL. Standardized materials are provided for future implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with physical disabilities (PWD) have an increased risk of obesity and related comorbidities compared with people without physical disabilities (PWoD). Previously identified contributors to weight loss maintenance pose challenges to PWD. However, it is not known if PWD experience less success in weight management. Methods: Six hundred and nine participants in the International Weight Control Registry (IWCR) were eligible for this analysis (PWD, n = 174; PWoD, n = 435). Self‐reported weight history metrics were compared using general linear models. Perceived weight history category was compared using Chi‐squared tests. Importance of diet and physical activity strategies for weight management were compared using Wilcoxon rank‐signed tests. Results: PWD reported higher current body mass index (BMI) (36.1 ± 0.7 vs. 31.0 ± 0.5; p < 0.0001) and more weight loss attempts (9.1 ± 0.7 vs. 7.1 ± 0.4; p = 0.01) than PWoD. Current weight loss percentage (PWD 13.0 ± 1.0; PWoD, 13.0 ± 0.6; p = 0.97) and weight loss category (χ2 [3, N = 609] = 2.9057, p = 0.41) did not differ between the groups. There were no differences in any weight strategy between PWD who were successful and those who regained. Conclusions: PWD and PWoD in the IWCR achieved similar levels of weight maintenance success. However, higher BMI and more weight loss attempts suggest that PWD may face challenges with weight management. More research is needed to identify strategies leading to success for PWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid significant weight fluctuations can indicate severe health conditions such as edema due to congestive heart failure or severe dehydration that could require prompt intervention. Daily body weighing does not accurately represent the patient's body weight fluctuations occurring within a day. The patient's lack of compliance with tracking their weight measurements is also a predominant issue. Using shoe insole sensors embedded into footwear could achieve accurate real-time monitoring systems for estimating continuous body weight changes. Here, the machine learning models' predictive capabilities for continuous real-time weight estimation using the insole data are presented. The lack of availability of public datasets to feed these models is also addressed by introducing two novel datasets. The proposed framework is designed to adapt to the patient, considering several unique factors such as shoe type, posture, foot shape, and gait pattern. The proposed framework estimates the mean absolute percentage error of 0.61% and 0.74% and the MAE of 1.009 lbs. and 1.154 lbs. for the less controlled and more controlled experimental settings, respectively. This will help researchers utilize machine learning techniques for more accurate real-time continuous weight estimation using sensor data and enable more reliable aging-in-place monitoring and telehealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We assessed the preference for two behavioural weight loss programs, Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Healthy Weight for Living (HWL) in adults with obesity. A cross‐sectional survey was fielded on the Amazon Mechanical Turk. Eligibility criteria included reporting BMI ≥30 and at least two chronic health conditions. Participants read about the programs, selected their preferred program, and answered follow‐up questions. The estimated probability of choosing either program was not significantly different from.5 (N = 1005, 50.8% DPP and 49.2% HWL, p =.61). Participants' expectations about adherence, weight loss magnitude, and dropout likelihood were associated with their choice (p <.0001). Non‐White participants (p =.040) and those with monthly income greater than $4999 (p =.002) were less likely to choose DPP. Participants who had postgraduate education (p =.007), did not report high serum cholesterol (p =.028), and reported not having tried losing weight before (p =.025) were more likely to choose DPP. Those who chose HWL were marginally more likely to report that being offered two different programs rather than one would likely affect their decision to enrol in one of the two (p =.052). The enrolment into DPP and HWL was balanced, but race, educational attainment, income, previous attempt to lose weight, and serum cholesterol levels had significant associations with the choice of weight loss program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The burden of obesity and chronic disease is increasing in the older US Hispanic/Latino adult population. There is limited evidence on successful weight management strategies as perceived by this population. Assessing barriers and opportunities for weight management using mixed methods is a robust approach to collect in‐depth information that can be applied to the development of well‐tailored weight management interventions for this population. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess perceived individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors that influence weight management in older Hispanic/Latino adults. Methods: This community‐based cross‐sectional study included 23 Hispanic/Latino older (>50y) adults with obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2). Perceived barriers and opportunities for weight management were assessed through validated questionnaires and focus groups. Prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03978416) on 7 June 2019. Results: In this demographically heterogeneous population, language acculturation was generally low, and the frequency of poor dietary behaviors was high. Participants linked financial strain to lower diet quality, as well as anxiety to uncontrolled eating and food cravings. Social support and trust in healthcare professionals were perceived as priorities for healthy eating. Structural and environmental barriers such as affordability and availability of culturally preferred foods were also identified as influences on food choices and eating behavior. Conclusions: This study revealed opportunities for culturally tailored weight management interventions in older Hispanic/Latino adults with obesity. Clinical Trial Registry Number: NCT03978416 (ClinicalTrials.gov) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is estimated that more than 170 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide (1,2). Clinical trials have demonstrated that, for the first time in human history, [...]

The aim of this study is to determine what factors constitute a quality prosthesis and ascertain which factors affect prosthesis satisfaction. Sixty-four women who received full funding for their prosthesis and 38 women who received their hospital's usual funding were recruited. Women rated the information provided about breast prostheses very highly, with 85% reporting that it was "very good" or "excellent." Satisfaction was significantly associated with how well the prosthesis fit (1 week, p = .001; 3 months, p = .01), level of comfort (3 months, p = .005), and appearance of the prosthesis when worn (6 months, p = .001). Quality was significantly associated with how well it fit (1 week, p = .001; 3months, p = .001), how natural it felt (1 week, p = .001; 6 months, p = .01), the weight of the prosthesis (3 months, p = .003), and appearance when worn (6 months, p = .03). The results will be used to improve women's access to a quality prosthesis.

Objective: Lifestyle interventions have had limited effectiveness in work sites when evaluated in randomized trials. This study assessed the effectiveness of a novel lifestyle intervention for weight loss (Healthy Weight for Living [HWL]) implemented with or without meal replacements (MR) in work sites. HWL used a new behavioral approach emphasizing reducing hunger and building healthy food preferences, and, unlike traditional lifestyle interventions, it did not require calorie counting. Methods: Twelve work sites were randomized to an 18‐month intervention (n = 8; randomization within work sites to HWL, HWL + MR) or 6‐month wait‐listed control (n = 4). Participants were employees with overweight or obesity (N = 335; age = 48 [SD 10] years; BMI = 33 [6] kg/m2; 83% female). HWL was group‐delivered in person or by videoconference. The primary outcome was 6‐month weight change; secondary outcomes included weight and cardiometabolic risk factors measured at 6, 12, and 18 months in intervention groups. Results: Mean 6‐month weight change was −8.8% (95% CI: −11.2% to −6.4%) for enrollees in HWL and −8.0% (−10.4% to −5.5%) for HWL + MR (p < 0.001 for both groups vs. controls), with no difference between interventions (p = 0.40). Clinically meaningful weight loss (≥5%) was maintained at 18 months in both groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A new lifestyle intervention approach, deliverable by videoconference with or without MR, supported clinically impactful weight loss in employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), growth impairment is common; however, the trajectory of growth over the course of the first month has not been well characterised. To describe newborn growth trajectory and predictors of growth impairment, we assessed growth frequently over the first 30 days among infants born ≥2000 g in Guinea‐Bissau, Nepal, Pakistan and Uganda. In this cohort of 741 infants, the mean birth weight was 3036 ± 424 g. For 721 (98%) infants, weight loss occurred for a median of 2 days (interquartile range, 1–4) following birth until weight nadir was reached 5.9 ± 4.3% below birth weight. At 30 days of age, the mean weight was 3934 ± 592 g. The prevalence of being underweight at 30 days ranged from 5% in Uganda to 31% in Pakistan. Of those underweight at 30 days of age, 56 (59%) had not been low birth weight (LBW), and 48 (50%) had reached weight nadir subsequent to 4 days of age. Male sex (relative risk [RR] 2.73 [1.58, 3.57]), LBW (RR 6.41 [4.67, 8.81]), maternal primiparity (1.74 [1.20, 2.51]) and reaching weight nadir subsequent to 4 days of age (RR 5.03 [3.46, 7.31]) were highly predictive of being underweight at 30 days of age. In this LMIC cohort, country of birth, male sex, LBW and maternal primiparity increased the risk of impaired growth, as did the modifiable factor of delayed initiation of growth. Interventions tailored to infants with modifiable risk factors could reduce the burden of growth impairment in LMIC. Key messages: In our study, 98% of infants initially lost weight after birth before beginning weight gain.Although most infants began weight gain by 2 days of age, those with delayed initiation of weight gain were more likely to be underweight at 30 days of age.Male sex, country of birth, low birth weight, maternal primiparity and delayed initiation of weight gain were predictors of being underweight at 30 days of age and of wasting at 30 days of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was conducted of 100 graduates (ages 7-17) of an auditory/oral Australian preschool for children with hearing impairments (92 integrated with hearing peers and 8 segregated). Most children perceived their academic progress to be average or above; nearly all received audiological support; over one-third received speech therapy and integration assistance; two-thirds had mostly normal-hearing friends. (Author/JDD)

A survey was conducted of 100 graduates (ages 7-17) of an auditory/oral preschool in Australia for children with hearing impairments, with 92 being integrated with hearing peers and 8 segregated. The majority of students reported that they used hearing aids consistently; used speech as their major mode of communication; and perceived themselves as better listeners than speakers. (Author/JDD)

In the Men's Lifestyle Validation Study (2011–2013), we examined the validity and relative validity of a physical activity questionnaire (PAQ), a Web-based 24-hour recall (Activities Completed Over Time in 24 Hours (ACT24)), and an accelerometer by multiple comparison methods. Over the course of 1 year, 609 men completed 2 PAQs, two 7-day accelerometer measurements, at least 1 doubly labeled water (DLW) physical activity level (PAL) measurement (n  = 100 with repeat measurements), and 4 ACT24s; they also measured their resting pulse rate. A subset (n  = 197) underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (n  = 99 with repeated measurements). The method of triads was used to estimate correlations with true activity using DLW PAL, accelerometry, and the PAQ or ACT24 as alternative comparison measures. Estimated correlations of the PAQ with true activity were 0.60 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.52, 0.68) for total activity, 0.69 (95% CI: 0.61, 0.79) for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.62, 0.93) for vigorous activity. Corresponding correlations for total activity were 0.53 (95% CI: 0.45, 0.63) for the average of 4 ACT24s and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.61, 0.75) for accelerometry. Total activity and MVPA measured by PAQ, ACT24, and accelerometry were all significantly correlated with body fat percentage and resting pulse rate, which are physiological indicators of physical activity. Using a combination of comparison methods, we found the PAQ and accelerometry to have moderate validity for assessing physical activity, especially MVPA, in epidemiologic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calorie restriction (CR) enhances immune response and prolongs life span in animals. However, information on the applicability of these results to humans is limited. T-cell function declines with age. We examined effects of CR on T-cell function in humans. Forty-six overweight, nonobese participants aged 20-42 years were randomly assigned to 30% or 10% CR group for 6 months. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), T-cell proliferation (TP), and prostaglandin [E.sub.2] ([PGE.sub.2]) productions were determined before and after CR. DTH and TP to T-cell mitogens were increased in both groups over baseline (p [less than or equal to] .019). However, number of positive responses to DTH antigens (p = .016) and TP to anti-CD3 reached statistical significance only alter 30% CR (p = .001). Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated [PGE.sub.2] was reduced in both groups but reached statistical significance after 30% CR (p [less than or equal to] .029). These results, for the first time, show that 6-month CR in humans improves T-cell function. Key Words: Calorie restriction--T cell--Immune response--Aging--Obesity. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glp101

Exercise has well-recognized health benefits, including reduction in risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. However, the extent to which exercise influences energy regulation and facilitates a reduction in body fat is less clear. This review summarizes published studies on the effects of different amounts of exercise on body fatness, energy intake, and food preferences in humans. The results show consistent effects of exercise on body fatness in the absence of prescribed dietary change, with a progressive loss of body fat associated with higher exercise energy expenditures in both men and women. In part, these effects appear to be mediated by a spontaneous reduction in hunger associated with participation in exercise. Insufficient data are available on whether there are changes in food preferences and taste perception that influence energy balance through macronutrient selection, so further studies in this area are needed. doi: 10.1301/nr.2007.jan. 1-19 Key words: body composition, energy intake, exercise, food palatability, macronutrient

There is considerable uncertainty over whether any one dietary pattern broadly facilitates weight loss or maintenance of weight loss, and current dietary guidelines recommend a spectrum of dietary composition for the general population. However, emerging evidence suggests that specific dietary compositions may work better for identifiable groups of overweight/ obese individuals based on their individual metabolic status. In particular, characteristics of insulin dynamics, such as insulin sensitivity or insulin secretion status, may interact with diets that vary in macronutrient composition to influence the weight loss achieved with a hypocaloric diet. Key words: dietary composition, insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, weight loss

Background. The association of psychological eating behavior constructs with overweight and obesity during early adult life and middle age has been documented ill several studies. However, the association of eating behavior with unexplained weight change in old age is relatively unexplored. Methods. Body weight, eating behavior (dietary restraint, disinhibition, and hunger as assessed by the Eating inventory), reported dietary intake, and physical activity level were assessed at baseline in 36 nonobese postmenopausal women aged 61.3 [+ or -] 3.1 years (mean + standard deviation). Measurements were repeated 4.4 [+ or -] 0.9 years later, and changes in body weight were examined in relation to baseline and follow-up eating behavior scores, reported dietary intake, and physical activity level. Results. Participants had no major changes in health or lifestyle characteristics over the study interval. Weight change ranged from -7.5 to + 5.8 kg (mean-0.3 [+ or -] 3.5 kg), and there were no significant changes in reported dietary intake. Mean hunger score (calculated as the mean of baseline and follow-up hunger score) predicted weight change per year over the study period (bivariate r = 0.386, p = .020), even in statistical models adjusted for mean dietary intake variables (partial r = 0.658, p = .003). Restraint, disinhibition, and physical activity level did not predict weight change. Conclusions. Reported hunger assessed by the Eating Inventory was associated with unintentional weight change in healthy postmenopausal women. The Eating Inventory questionnaire may provide a clinically useful tool for identifying older individuals at risk of undesirable weight change, and particularly unintentional weight loss, a factor strongly associated with increased morbidity and premature death in this population.