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Background: The WHO has recently identified obesity as one of the growing health issues worldwide. Additionally, obesity has been linked to lower academic achievement. Many studies have shown that having a healthy weight correlates with improving academic performance. Other studies showed that there is no relationship between obesity and intellectual achievement among students. Objectives: This study aims to determine the association between obesity and GPA among College students in Saudi Arabia. With secondary objectives to look at differences between males and females. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study looking at undergraduate students at different universities from different regions in Saudi Arabia. The data was collected through a self-administered survey which includes questions regarding (BMI, GPA, Age, Gender, Marital Status, Weight in Kg, Height in cm, name of the College, and academic level). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: The study included 424 participants, the majority of respondents fall within the 21-25 age bracket, comprising 62.5% of the sample. As for BMI distribution, with the highest percentage falling within the normal range at 35.8%, closely followed by the obese category at 23.8%. The GPA distribution, both on a scale of 5 and 4, provides a comprehensive understanding of academic performance within the surveyed population. Notably, a significant proportion of respondents achieved a GPA between 4.75 and 5, constituting 26.4% of the sample on the 5-point scale, and 40.8% on the 4-point scale. Conclusion: There was no significant association between BMI and participants’ GPA whether out of 5 or 4. More research is needed to better understand the mechanisms behind this association and to develop effective interventions to support the academic success of all students, regardless of their weight status [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity in the United States has risen to 42 percent of its adult population and is similarly problematic in many other countries. Although the U.S. government has provided education on healthy eating and the need to exercise regularly, behavioral obesity treatments have largely failed to sustain reductions in weight. Self-regulation, and the incorporation of exercise for its psychological impacts on eating, has sometimes been targeted. While there has been sporadic investigation into the carry-over of exercise-related self-regulation to eating-related self-regulation, the present aim is to further inquiry in that area to inform future treatment content for improved effects. Women enrolled in community-based obesity treatments with either a self-regulation (n = 106) or education (n = 54) focus were assessed on changes in exercise- and eating-related self-regulation, negative mood, completed exercise, and weight. Improvements were significantly greater in the self-regulation-focused group. After controlling for initial change in eating-related self-regulation, change in that measure from Month 3 to 6 was significantly predicted by change in exercise-related self-regulation during the initial 3 treatment months. This suggested a carry-over effect. A stronger predictive relationship was associated with the self-regulation-focused treatment. In further analyses, paths from changes in exercise→negative mood→self-regulation of both exercise and eating were significant. Increase in eating-related self-regulation was significantly associated with weight loss over 6, 12, and 24 months. The self-regulation-focused group had stronger relationships, again. Findings suggested utility in targeting exercise-related self-regulation to impact later change in eating-related self-regulation, and the use of exercise-associated mood improvement to bolster participants' self-regulation capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Points: Question: Among people with obesity trying to lose weight, is a wireless system that provides daily feedback on progress in lifestyle change and weight loss noninferior to the same system combined with human coaching? Findings: In an adaptive, noninferiority randomized clinical trial of 400 adults with overweight or obesity, mean 6-month weight change was −2.8 (95% CI, −3.5 to −0.08) kg with the wireless system alone and −4.8 (95% CI, −5.5 to −4.1) kg with the wireless system with coaching (difference in weight change, −2.0 kg [90% CI, −2.9 to –1.1]). The CI around the difference in weight change estimate included the prespecified noninferiority threshold margin of −2.5 kg. Meaning: A wireless system that provided daily feedback on progress in lifestyle change and weight loss was not noninferior to the same system with human coaching. Importance: Lifestyle interventions for weight loss are difficult to implement in clinical practice. Self-managed mobile health implementations without or with added support after unsuccessful weight loss attempts could offer effective population-level obesity management. Objective: To test whether a wireless feedback system (WFS) yields noninferior weight loss vs WFS plus telephone coaching and whether participants who do not respond to initial treatment achieve greater weight loss with more vs less vigorous step-up interventions. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this noninferiority randomized trial, 400 adults aged 18 to 60 years with a body mass index of 27 to 45 were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo 3 months of treatment initially with WFS or WFS plus coaching at a US academic medical center between June 2017 and March 2021. Participants attaining suboptimal weight loss were rerandomized to undergo modest or vigorous step-up intervention. Interventions: The WFS included a Wi-Fi activity tracker and scale transmitting data to a smartphone app to provide daily feedback on progress in lifestyle change and weight loss, and WFS plus coaching added 12 weekly 10- to 15-minute supportive coaching calls delivered by bachelor's degree–level health promotionists viewing participants' self-monitoring data on a dashboard; step-up interventions included supportive messaging via mobile device screen notifications (app-based screen alerts) without or with coaching or powdered meal replacement. Participants and staff were unblinded and outcome assessors were blinded to treatment randomization. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the between-group difference in 6-month weight change, with the noninferiority margin defined as a difference in weight change of −2.5 kg; secondary outcomes included between-group differences for all participants in weight change at 3 and 12 months and between-group 6-month weight change difference among nonresponders exposed to modest vs vigorous step-up interventions. Results: Among 400 participants (mean [SD] age, 40.5 [11.2] years; 305 [76.3%] women; 81 participants were Black and 266 were White; mean [SD] body mass index, 34.4 [4.3]) randomized to undergo WFS (n = 199) vs WFS plus coaching (n = 201), outcome data were available for 342 participants (85.5%) at 6 months. Six-month weight loss was −2.8 kg (95% CI, −3.5 to −2.0) for the WFS group and −4.8 kg (95% CI, −5.5 to −4.1) for participants in the WFS plus coaching group (difference in weight change, −2.0 kg [90% CI, −2.9 to –1.1]; P <.001); the 90% CI included the noninferiority margin of −2.5 kg. Weight change differences were comparable at 3 and 12 months and, among nonresponders, at 6 months, with no difference by step-up therapy. Conclusions and Relevance: A wireless feedback system (Wi-Fi activity tracker and scale with smartphone app to provide daily feedback) was not noninferior to the same system with added coaching. Continued efforts are needed to identify strategies for weight loss management and to accurately select interventions for different individuals to achieve weight loss goals. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02997943 This noninferiority randomized trial compares the effects of a wireless system designed to provide daily feedback on progress in lifestyle change and weight loss vs the same system with additional human coaching on weight change among people with overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a guide for NPs for managing hypertension (HTN) in adults in the setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It outlines evidence-based strategies, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacologic interventions, and patient education measures, that can be used in patients with CKD to optimize BP control. Special considerations, such as comorbid mental health conditions and individualized treatment plans, are also addressed. NPs play a pivotal role in improving outcomes by fostering patient engagement and adherence. By embracing this holistic approach, NPs are poised to enhance the quality of care and well-being of patients with CKD and HTN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present study examined predictors of negative changes in weight control intentions from before to during the COVID‐19 pandemic among adolescents. Methods: Participants were Canadian secondary school students enrolled in the COMPASS study and had completed self‐report surveys before (T1; 2018/2019 and/or 2019/2020 school year) and during (T2; 2020/2021 and/or 2021/2022) the COVID‐19 pandemic (N = 11,869, Mage ± SD = 13.79 years old ± 1.15, 52.89% girls, 45.30% boys, 1.81% gender diverse). Demographic, interpersonal, behavioral, and psychological predictors of weight control intention change from T1 (stay the same weight, not doing anything about weight) to T2 (lose weight, gain weight) were tested using multilevel logistic regressions. Results: Over one‐third (37.0%) of adolescents who reported wanting to stay the same weight at T1 changed their intention to lose or gain weight at T2, as did 28.5% of adolescents who reported not wanting to do anything about their weight at T1. Changing weight control intention from "not doing anything about weight" at T1 to weight gain/loss at T2 was associated with resistance training, emotion dysregulation, bullying, social media use, and gender. Changing weight control intention from "stay the same weight" at T1 to weight gain/loss at T2 was associated with gender, perceived financial comfort, social media use, and flourishing. Conclusions: Results highlight the prevalence of maladaptive weight control intention changes among adolescents, and elucidate related behavioral, interpersonal, demographic, and psychological factors. Findings can inform targeted intervention and prevention strategies to disrupt maladaptive changes in weight control intentions among high‐risk subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise that accurate, reliable and regular weight measurement is an important intervention to prevent and manage malnutrition in people aged over 65 years • To read about a project in an emergency assessment unit that improved the recording of older patients’ actual weight and the completion of Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool scores • To identify the need to involve nursing staff at the outset of quality improvement projects if they are to be meaningful and sustainable. Malnutrition can have significant negative effects on older people’s health, as well as a cost burden for health and social care services. Accurate, reliable and regular measurement of a patient’s weight is important for prompt identification and management of malnutrition. This article discusses a quality improvement project that was undertaken in an emergency assessment unit for patients aged over 74 years in Northern Ireland. The aim of the project was to improve completion of Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) scores for patients attending the unit by nursing staff recording actual weight rather than recalled weight. A simple intervention of relocating weighing scales in the unit’s triage bay resulted in an increase in completed MUST scores from 60% (n=18) to 97% (n=29) in the six months following the intervention. Feedback from members of the multidisciplinary team indicated that the intervention had a positive effect on the care they provided to patients and on their working relationships with colleagues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Body dissatisfaction elevates the risk for disordered eating behaviors. Excessive exercise is prevalent among college women and associated with harm. Risk theory posits a bidirectional relationship between risk factors for disordered eating behaviors and the behaviors themselves. This study investigated the longitudinal, reciprocal relationship between body dissatisfaction and excessive exercise. Participants and methods: College women (n = 302) assessed in August (baseline) and November (follow-up). Results: Baseline body dissatisfaction significantly predicted increases in excessive exercise endorsement at follow-up, controlling for baseline excessive exercise endorsement and body mass index (BMI). Baseline excessive exercise endorsement predicted increases in body dissatisfaction at follow-up, controlling for baseline body dissatisfaction and BMI. Conclusions: Findings support the presence of a positive feedback loop between body dissatisfaction and excessive exercise; both predict increases in risk for the other, regardless of weight status. Future research should test whether this process is ongoing and predicts further distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolphe Quételet, a 19th‐century Belgian sociologist and statistician, pioneered the incorporation of statistics into social sciences. He initiated the development of anthropometry since he was interested in identifying the proportions of the 'ideal man'. He devised a ratio between weight and height, originally termed the Quételet Index, and today widely known and used as the body mass index or BMI. In 1835, he demonstrated that a normal curve accommodates the distribution of human traits articulating his reasoning on human variance around the average. Quételet's long‐lasting legacy of the establishment of a simple measure to classify people's weight relative to an ideal for their height endures today with minor variations having dramatically influenced public health agendas. While being very useful, the limitations of the BMI are well known. Thus, revisiting the beyond BMI paradigm is a necessity in the era of precision medicine with morphofunctional assessment representing the way forward via incorporation of body composition and functionality appraisal. While healthcare systems were originally designed to address acute illnesses, today's demands require a radical rethinking together with an original reappraisal of our diagnosis and treatment approaches from a multidimensional perspective. Embracing new methodologies is the way forward to advance the field, gain a closer look at the underlying pathophysiology of excess weight, keep the spotlight on improving diagnostic performance and demonstrate its clinical validity. In order to provide every patient with the most accurate diagnosis together with the most appropriate management, a high degree of standardization and personalization is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the researchers aimed to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) applied with telerehabilitation on urinary symptoms, quality of life, and subjective perception of improvement and satisfaction in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients having lower urinary tract symptoms. Patients were randomly divided into PFMT (n:21) and control (n:21) groups. The PFMT group received PFMT via telerehabilitation for 8 weeks and lifestyle advice, while the control group received only lifestyle advice. Although lifestyle advice alone was not effective, PFMT applied with telerehabilitation was an effective method in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms in MS patients. PFMT applied with telerehabilitation can be considered as an alternative method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This review synthesized the evidence from randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of meal replacements (MRs) as part of a weight loss intervention with conventional food‐based weight loss diets on cardiometabolic risk in individuals with pre‐diabetes and features of metabolic syndrome. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched through January 16, 2024. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and expressed as mean difference [95% confidence intervals]. The overall certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. Ten trials (n = 1254) met the eligibility criteria. MRs led to greater reductions in body weight (−1.38 kg [−1.81, −0.95]), body mass index (BMI, −0.56 kg/m2 [−0.78, −0.34]), waist circumference (−1.17 cm [−1.93, −0.41]), HbA1c (−0.11% [−0.22, 0.00]), LDL‐c (−0.18 mmol/L [−0.28, −0.08]), non‐HDL‐c (−0.17 mmol/L [−0.33, −0.01]), and systolic blood pressure (−2.22 mmHg [−4.20, −0.23]). The overall certainty of the evidence was low to moderate owing to imprecision and/or inconsistency. The available evidence suggests that incorporating MRs into a weight loss intervention leads to small important reductions in body weight, BMI, LDL‐c, non‐HDL‐c, and systolic blood pressure, and trivial reductions in waist circumference and HbA1c, beyond that seen with conventional food‐based weight loss diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Attentional bias modification (ABM) is a novel cognitive‐based treatment that may help individuals reduce overeating by decreasing food processing bias and food cravings. However, most empirical studies have evaluated the short‐term effects of ABM in populations that have body mass indexes that are within healthy ranges; therefore, the extent to which this training method can influence eating behavior in individuals who are overweight or obese remains unclear. This systematic review explored the efficacy of ABM as a tool to support weight management for individuals who are overweight or obese. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. The findings reveal that although training is effective at manipulating attentional bias to food cues, there is limited evidence that training significantly impacted appetite and eating behaviors or led to maintained weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Disordered eating is common in pregnancy and associated with adverse health outcomes. Weight suppression (WS), the discrepancy between highest lifetime and current weight, is a robust predictor of loss of control (LOC) and binge eating and weight gain trajectories in clinical populations. This study explored the role of preconception WS as a predictor of disordered eating and weight gain in pregnancy. Method: Pregnant individuals (n = 137) reported their highest, preconception, and current weights to calculate preconception WS, actual gestational weight gain (GWG), and deviations from recommended weight gain trajectories in pregnancy. Participants also completed the Prenatal Eating Behaviours Screening (PEBS) tool, a validated measure of disordered eating specifically in pregnancy. Results: Preconception WS was a significant predictor of PEBS total scores [F(5, 122) = 2.70, p = 0.02, R2 = 0.10] and significantly and positively correlated with individual item scores quantifying restrictive eating behaviours. Preconception WS was not predictive of deviations from recommended GWG trajectories or LOC or binge eating frequency and did not interact with pre‐pregnancy body mass index or GWG to predict eating disorder symptom severity. Conclusions: Preconception WS was predictive of disordered eating, and specifically restrictive eating behaviours in pregnancy, and should be assessed as part of screening for eating disorder risk in pregnant individuals. Highlights: Disordered eating is common in pregnancy and associated with adverse health outcomes.Weight suppression (WS) is predictive of loss of control and binge eating in clinical populations.Preconception WS was found to be predictive of restrictive eating behaviours in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism examined the effectiveness of a digital weight-loss service called Juniper in the UK. The study found that although the weight loss outcomes for the patients included in the analysis were significant, there was a high attrition rate, indicating low program adherence. The study also revealed that patients had limited communication with their care teams, and response times to urgent events were longer. The study concluded that improvements in adherence and care continuity are needed for digital weight-loss services to be considered reliable options for obesity care. The document also provides information on the peer review history and data availability for the article. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives Design Methods Results Conclusions Living within a larger body brings unique challenges to exercise participation, which are poorly understood. This qualitative study explored the attitudes towards, and experiences of, exercise participation in adults with class III obesity.Individual semi‐structured qualitative interviews.We recruited 30 adults with class III obesity (body mass index: 45.8 ± 8.6 kg/m2) from a specialist multidisciplinary weight management service. Participants took part in semi‐structured interviews while participating in a 6‐month home‐based aerobic and resistance exercise intervention. Open‐ended questions were used flexibly to explore their views and experiences of exercise, encompassing barriers, motives and perceived benefits. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.Three themes were developed: (1) a web of barriers; (2) tailored exercise facilitates positive experiences; and (3) a desire to live a normal life. People with class III obesity perceived that they were unable to do exercise; a view that was attributed to perceived judgement, low physical function, pain during everyday activities and failed weight loss attempts. These complex physical and psychosocial barriers to exercise were described as contributing to exercise avoidance. High value was placed on tailored exercise that accommodates the unique needs of moving in a larger body. A desire to carry out everyday tasks underpinned motivations for exercise.Our findings suggest that multi‐component obesity interventions should move away from generic exercise prescriptions designed to maximize energy expenditure, and instead move towards addressing the unique physical and psychosocial needs of people who have class III obesity with tailored person‐centred and weight‐neutral exercise prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woodwork is involved in a variety of interactions with humans through physical contact, which may reveal valuable information if the tactile data can be unnoticeably extracted. In this work, an intelligent iontronic wood (iWood) device, along with its seamlessly integrated architecture into the woodwork, enabled by the iontronic sensing principle, is implemented. Notably, the tactile sensing structure is generated at the iontronic interface between ionic and conductive woods. In particular, the ionic wood is established by infusing an ionic liquid into the wood, followed by immobilizing it via chemical bonding, presenting both prominent ionic conductivity and excellent stability under pressure. By formatting the woods into identical strips, the high‐density tactile sensing array can be simply formed by a braiding process for a scalable interwoven structure. As a result, the iWood device has offered a high sensitivity over a broad detection of 0.5 MPa and an array of 40 × 90 units covering an area up to 3600 cm2. The iWood device is showcased as an interactive human interface, demonstrating its potential as a smart desktop capable of gesture and object recognition, a health‐tracking chair for real‐time ballistocardiograph monitoring, and an embedded intelligent floor for weight management and gait analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: ACTION-FRANCE (Awareness, Care, and Treatment In Obesity maNagement in France) aims to identify the perceptions, attitudes, behaviors, and potential barriers to effective obesity management in France and guide collaborative actions. Methods: ACTION-FRANCE is a cross-sectional survey of people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in France. The PwO and HCP survey questionnaire periods ran from 27 September 2022 to 1 February 2023 and from 19 December 2022 to 31 March 2023, respectively. Results: The study, encompassing 1226 PwO and 166 HCPs, reveals a shared recognition of obesity as a chronic condition. However, despite being requested by most PwO, weight-related discussions are surprisingly infrequent, leading to delayed diagnosis and care. PwO and HCPs held different views as to why: HCPs often attributed it to PwO's lack of motivation or disinterest, whereas PwO avoided them because they felt weight management was their own responsibility and were uncomfortable discussing it. When weight was discussed, primarily with general practitioners (GPs), discussions mostly focused on physical activity and diet. However, results identified the strong psychosocial impact of obesity: 42% of respondents reported anxiety/depressive symptoms, and many more hesitated to engage in certain social activities because of their weight. Psychotherapy was only discussed by 55% of HCPs. Pharmaceutical options were also rarely discussed (19.5% of HCPs), though 56.1% of PwO reported they would want to. Conclusions: HCPs' and PwO's perceptions differed significantly and need to converge through enhanced communication. A holistic approach, integrating comprehensive training for GPs and recognizing psychological comorbidities, would help to bridge perceptual gaps effectively and foster more empathetic and effective patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylphenidate (MPH) has been previously shown to increase resting energy expenditure (REE) in individuals of normal weight; however, the effects on individuals living with obesity are currently unknown. Ten individuals living with obesity were randomly assigned to undergo 60 days of MPH administration with a daily dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight or a placebo control. REE was measured before and after the 60‐day intervention. There was a trend toward significance for group × time interaction on REE (p = 0.082) with a large effect size (η2 = 0.331), with MPH administration increasing REE compared to a decrease in placebo control. Preliminary findings from this pilot study show that MPH has the potential to counter the adaptive thermogenic process commonly seen in weight loss. This is a unique finding among pharmacotherapies, as no approved obesity drugs measurably impact REE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Insulin therapies for Type 1 diabetes (T1D) have limitations, such as glucose fluctuations, hypoglycaemia, and weight gain. Only pramlintide is approved with insulin. However, its short half‐life limits efficacy, requiring multiple daily injections and increasing hypoglycaemia risk. New strategies are needed to improve glycaemic control. Dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists are potent insulin sensitizers developed for Type 2 diabetes (T2D) as they improve glucose control, reduce body weight, and attenuate hyperglucagonemia. However, it is uncertain if they could be used to treat T1D. Experimental Approach: Sprague Dawley rats received a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg·kg−1) to induce T1D. Humulin (1 U/200 g·day−1 or 2 U/200 g·day−1) was continuously infused, while half of the rats received additional KBP‐336 (4.5 nmol·kg−1 Q3D) treatment. Bodyweight, food intake, and blood glucose were monitored throughout the study. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed during the study. Key Results: Treatment with Humulin or Humulin + KBP‐336 improved the health of STZ rats. Humulin increased body weight in STZ rats, but KBP‐336 attenuated these increases and maintained a significant weight loss. The combination exhibited greater blood glucose reductions than Humulin‐treated rats alone, reflected by improved HbA1c levels and glucose control. The combination prevented hyperglucagonemia, reduced amylin levels, and increased pancreatic insulin content, indicating improved insulin sensitivity and beta‐cell preservation. Conclusion and Implications: The insulin sensitizer KBP‐336 lowered glucagon secretion while attenuating insulin‐induced weight gain. Additionally, KBP‐336 may prevent hypoglycaemia and improve insulin resistance, which could be a significant advantage for individuals with T1D seeking therapeutic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research involved an evaluation of the Nutrition and Body Mass Index Clinical Link Pathway (NBMI CLiP) implemented in practice across Severe Mental Illness and/or learning disabilities ward in Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), to understand how the NBMI CLiP is used, inpatient staff feedback on the CLiP for supporting service users to manage their weight, and whether using the NBMI CLiP impacted on staffs' own weight management. To account for the uneven distribution of the secondary data, descriptive statistics such as medians and the inter-quartile range were conducted to assess anychanges in recording of Body Mass Index, nutrition screening (SANSI) and intervention planss. Staff survey data investigated barriers and facilitators to using the NBMI CLiP in practice and the impact on their own weight management. Secondary data analysis found most wards improved recording of BMI, SANSI and Intervention Planning. Forensic Learning Disabilities, Adult Learning Disabilities, mixed gender wards and North Yorkshire and York Operational Directorate indicated the greatest improvement. Survey results (n = 55) found three times as many participants (n = 12, 75%) found the NBMI CLiP easy or very easy to use; most fully understood it (n = 13, 81.20%) and were confident or very confident to carry out a SANSI Screen (n = 14, 87.50%) or a recovery focused intervention plan (n = 9, 56.20%). Open-text responses, analysed using content analysis, indicated a need for further training of staff on the NBMI CLiP. It is recommended that to support weight management across these wards, that a nudge or choice architecture approach to weight management is adopted, supported by training delivered by a dietitian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and related comorbidities heighten risks for complications in kidney transplant settings. While pre-transplant patients often have access to nutrition counseling and health support, literature is limited on patients' perceptions of weight and motivation to lose weight prior to transplantation. We conducted a survey among ≥18-year-old patients on the kidney transplant waitlist at a single center. Questions addressed weight perception, motivation for weight loss, available resources, and engagement in physical activity. Medical records provided demographic and clinical data. Statistical tests analyzed quantitative data, while free-text responses were thematically grouped and described. Of 1055 patients, 291 responded and were matched with demographic data. Perceived weight changes correlated with actual changes in body mass index (BMI) (<24.9) were more receptive to weight center resources (<30 kg/m²) are most interested in weight loss resources and demonstrate motivation. Furthermore, pre-transplant nutrition counseling correlates with healthier behaviors. Integrating patients' perspectives enhances pretransplant protocols by encouraging active involvement in health decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a major risk factor for a myriad of diseases, affecting >600 million people worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified hundreds of genetic variants that influence body mass index (BMI), a commonly used metric to assess obesity risk. Most variants are non-coding and likely act through regulating genes nearby. Here, we apply multiple computational methods to prioritize the likely causal gene(s) within each of the 536 previously reported GWAS-identified BMI-associated loci. We performed summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR), FINEMAP, DEPICT, MAGMA, transcriptome-wide association studies (TWASs), mutation significance cutoff (MSC), polygenic priority score (PoPS), and the nearest gene strategy. Results of each method were weighted based on their success in identifying genes known to be implicated in obesity, ranking all prioritized genes according to a confidence score (minimum: 0; max: 28). We identified 292 high-scoring genes (≥11) in 264 loci, including genes known to play a role in body weight regulation (e.g., DGKI , ANKRD26 , MC4R , LEPR , BDNF , GIPR , AKT3 , KAT8 , MTOR) and genes related to comorbidities (e.g., FGFR1 , ISL1 , TFAP2B , PARK2 , TCF7L2 , GSK3B). For most of the high-scoring genes, however, we found limited or no evidence for a role in obesity, including the top-scoring gene BPTF. Many of the top-scoring genes seem to act through a neuronal regulation of body weight, whereas others affect peripheral pathways, including circadian rhythm, insulin secretion, and glucose and carbohydrate homeostasis. The characterization of these likely causal genes can increase our understanding of the underlying biology and offer avenues to develop therapeutics for weight loss. [Display omitted] Hemerich et al. apply multiple computational methods to prioritize the likely causal gene(s) within more than 500 previously reported GWAS-identified BMI-associated loci. They identified 292 high-scoring genes, most of which have not previously been implicated in obesity. Characterization of these likely causal genes can provide insights into obesity biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Launaea angustifolia methanol extract on the reproductive organs of female rats through the use of chemical screening. Methods: A total of twenty-five female rats were separated into five distinct groups to be examined. The group that served as the control did not receive any dose, whereas the group that served as the negative control received DEMSO by oral gavage. Group 10 received 10 mg/kg body weight per day, Group 50 received 50 mg/kg body weight per day and Group 100 received 100 mg/kg body weight per day for a period of two weeks. Result: Despite the fact that the body weights of female rats rose during the course of this investigation, there were no significant variations between the groups after 14 days of dosing occurred. In the case of female rats, the body weights of the control group were found to be considerably greater (P<0.05) in all experimental days, with the exception of day 1 and day 3, when compared to the groups that received 50 and 100 mg. Although there was a discernible rise in the weight of the ovary in the control group in comparison to the group that was exposed to DMSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global prevalence of obesity is a pressing health issue, increasing the medical burden and posing significant health risks to humans. The side effects and complications associated with conventional medication and surgery have spurred the search for anti-obesity drugs from plant resources. Previous studies have suggested that Artemisiae argyi Folium (Aiye) water extracts could inhibit pancreatic lipase activities, control body weight increase, and improve the plasma lipids profile. However, the exact components and mechanisms were not precisely understood. Therefore, this research aims to identify the chemical profile of Aiye and provide a comprehensive prediction of its anti-obesity mechanisms. The water extract of Aiye was subjected to LC-MS analysis, which identified 30 phenolics. The anti-obesity mechanisms of these phenolics were then predicted, employing network pharmacology and molecular docking. Among the 30 phenolics, 21 passed the drug-likeness screening and exhibited 486 anti-obesity targets. The enrichment analysis revealed that these phenolics may combat obesity through PI3K-Akt signaling and MAPK, prolactin, and cAMP signaling pathways. Eight phenolics and seven central targets were selected for molecular docking, and 45 out of 56 docking had a binding affinity of less than −5 kcal/mol. This research has indicated the potential therapy targets and signaling pathways of Aiye in combating obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restrictive dieters are those who expect to achieve body shape and weight control through dieting. However, they often have difficulty suppressing the desire to consume food when confronted with it. It has been shown that when high- and low-calorie foods are presented together, the attention of restrictive eaters is preferentially directed to high-calorie foods. However, whether attentional bias occurs when low-calorie foods are present alone and whether the allocation of attentional resources is consistent with that for high-calorie foods has yet to be explored. The present study focused on the effects of high-/low-calorie foods on attentional bias in restrictive dieters. Seventy-eight participants were recruited to participate in the experiment via the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) scale, which is administered in a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) task. The results revealed that failed restrictive dieters had the lowest percentage of correct answers at the lag2 level, indicating attentional bias. Failed restrictive dieters allocated more attentional resources to high-calorie foods than to low-calorie foods. Restrictive dieters showed no attentional bias when low-calorie foods were presented alone. The results suggest that low-calorie foods do not elicit an attentional bias in restrictive dieters and that the allocation of attentional resources is not consistent when compared to that for high-calorie foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity represents a growing public health concern, affecting more than 15% of the global adult population and involving a multi-billion market that comprises nutritional, surgical, psychological, and multidisciplinary interventions. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and body weight measurements associated with differing levels of physical activity following the use of Allurion's ingestible gastric balloon that was designed to increase feelings of fullness and decrease food consumption, being naturally eliminated after approximately 16 weeks. This study involved 571 individuals who qualified for the intervention for being older than 20 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or more. Utilizing the Scale App Health Tracker and Allurion's smartwatch, this study was able to track vital signs and physical activity in real time. The participants had an average initial BMI of 34.1 kg/m2 and a median age of 41 years. Notable outcomes were observed in both study groups, "Less Active" and "More Active", which were classified by achieving less or more than a median number of 8000 daily steps. Specifically, body fat percentage saw a reduction from 33.1 ± 9.4 to 28.3 ± 10.2 in the less active group and from 32.2 to 27.5 in the more active group, with both groups achieving statistical significance (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in average weight, dropping from 98.2 ± 22.8 kg to 84.6 ± 19.3 kg in the less active group and from 97.7 ± 21.0 kg to 82.1 ± 22.9 kg in the more active group (both p < 0.001). Interestingly, those in the more active group also experienced a significant increase in lean mass compared to their less active counterparts (p = 0.045), although no substantial differences in weight loss, BMI reduction, and total body fat decrease were observed between the two groups. This investigation confirms the hypothesis that Allurion's ingestible gastric balloon significantly reduces weight in the short term and enhances several physical health metrics, demonstrating effectiveness as an autonomous method for challenging weight management, regardless of the level of daily physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) can indicate risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. However, there is little data about the prevalence of elevated ALT in American Indian (AI) children. METHODS: Baseline data from children attending the pediatric weight management clinic were used to describe the prevalence of elevated ALT, stratified by race and ethnicity. RESULTS: The prevalence of elevated ALT was higher among children who were male, were older, had higher body mass index Z scores, and were non-Hispanic and AI. DISCUSSION: In this clinic, AI children with overweight and obesity had a disproportionately high prevalence of elevated ALT; root causes of this disparity should be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial chronic disease. With the development of novel endoscopic techniques and devices for the treatment of obesity, combined with expanding indications for medications, gastroenterologists are more involved in weight management than ever before. Despite themodern definition of obesity as a disease, weight bias and stigma are pervasive in the medical community and beyond. These sentiments contribute to worse outcomes for patients. Furthermore, body mass index (BMI), which is the primary metric to define obesity, does not always approximate visceral adiposity in all populations. A weight-centric model of health, which relies on BMI, misclassifies individuals who may be metabolically healthy at elevated weights. This review will summarize the history of BMI, highlight the problems that arise with aweight-centricmodel of health, and propose alternative weight-inclusive frameworks for assessment and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few nurse practitioner (NP) programs include obesity and weight bias education in their curriculum. However, NPs will likely provide care for people living with obesity, many of whom have been discriminated against based on their weight by previous providers, and many NP students may feel unprepared to navigate weight management competently. This pilot study included a weight bias reduction (WBR) intervention, which included a simulation-based experience (SBE) with a standardized participant (SP) and educational activities embedded within the NP curriculum. Nineteen NP students participated in this pilot study, but only seven students had matching data for preintervention to postintervention scores. There were no statistically significant differences in preintervention and postintervention Attitudes Toward Obese Persons (ATOP) or Beliefs About Obese Persons (BAOP) scores. Despite this small sample size and not achieving statistical significance, SBE-SP holds promise to depict realistic patient encounters to improve NPs' attitudes and beliefs toward persons with obesity and to reduce weight bias. Therefore, incorporating SBE-SP may be a feasible component of the NP curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: UK guidelines recommend liraglutide 3.0 mg in adults treated within specialist weight management services with BMI ≥35 kg/m2, prediabetes and high cardiovascular disease risk. We aimed to clinically evaluate liraglutide 3.0 mg in specialist weight management services. We evaluated liraglutide 3.0 mg in weight management services at Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Objective body weight (BW) was measured at baseline and 4 months, allowing classification as 'responders' (≥5% BW reduction) and 'non‐responders' (<5% BW reduction). One hundred and twenty‐one patients were evaluated. At 4 months, 76.0% attended follow‐up (82.6% responders, 17.4% non‐responders); BW (−8.6 kg, 95%CI:‐9.8, −7.4 kg), BMI (−3.2 kg/m2, 95%CI: −3.6, −2.8) and %‐BW (−6.6%, IQR: −8.8%, −5.2%) significantly reduced. In responders, HbA1c reduced by −5.0 mmol/mol (IQR: −7.0. −4.0 mmol/mol). In responders BW continued to reduce up to 12 months (4 m: −10.2 kg, p <.0001; 6 m: −15.6 kg, p <.0001; 9 m: −16.5 kg, p <.0001; 12 m: −16.7 kg, p <.01). Those of Black African and Caribbean ethnicity experienced less BW loss than those of white ethnicity (4.12 kg, p =.017) and had a greater attrition rate. In adults with obesity and prediabetes who are treated within specialist weight management services, liraglutide 3.0 mg reduces BW and HbA1c. Those of Black African and Caribbean ethnicity experienced less BW reduction and greater attrition at 4 months. Further evaluation of the ethnic differences in response to obesity pharmacotherapy is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Body mass index (BMI) is used to screen for under‐ or overweight. However, it is unknown whether BMI‐screening in school children reduces the incidence of overweight and obesity. We aimed to summarise the knowledge on positive and negative consequences on BMI and weight‐related perceptions and behaviours of BMI‐screening followed by an intervention to prevent and/or address obesity. We performed a systematic literature search, April 2023, using the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases. We included randomised controlled trials and observational studies, including children aged 6 to 18 years and examining BMI‐screening in a school setting. The primary outcome measures were BMI and weight status. Secondary outcome measures were weight‐related perceptions and behaviours. Three studies met the inclusion criteria; two randomised controlled trials and one observational study. All studies used BMI‐screening followed by sending report cards to the parents. None of the studies found a change in BMI z‐scores in school children. Screening could cause transitory body‐dissatisfaction and increase peer weight talk, yet potentially reduce problematic weight behaviours like skipping meals or excessive dieting. Reporting BMI to parents may influence their perception of their children's weight status, but does not change behaviour. The sparse evidence available suggested that BMI screening followed by sending report cards to parents does not change BMI z‐scores among children in primary, middle and high school. Studies using appropriate evidence‐based weight management interventions as a follow‐up are lacking. Such studies may improve future prevention, detection and treatment of weight‐related issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Obesity is prevalent among children and adults. Yet, understanding the relationship between parent and child weight trajectories is limited. Objective: (1) Examine the association between parent/child undesirable body mass index (BMI) category change. (2) Assess whether parental BMI category predicts child modified BMI z‐score (mBMIz) annual change. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional study of weight trajectories of 3821 parent–child dyads between March 2020 and December 2021 within the NYC Health + Hospitals system. Undesirability of child and parental BMI category change and the magnitude of mBMIz change by parental BMI are analysed. Results: Of 3821 children (mean [SD] baseline age, 9.84 [3.51]), 1889 were female. Of the 3220 parents (mean [SD] baseline age, 39.9 [8.51]), 2988 were female. Most children (53.52%) and parents (81.94%) presented with overweight and obesity. Undesirable BMI change in children was associated with concordant change in parents (adjusted OR: 1.7, 95% CI [1.45, 2.01], adjusted p < 0.001). Children of parents with obesity (adjusted coef: 0.076, 95% CI [0.004, 0.147], p < 0.038) and severe obesity (adjusted coef: 0.1317, 95% CI [0.024, 0.239], adjusted p < 0.016) demonstrated greater change in mBMIz than those of parents with normal weight or underweight. Conclusion: Parents and children have concordant weight trajectories, and public health interventions targeting both populations are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increasing number of dietitians use non‐diet approaches, referred to as non‐weight focused practice approaches (NWFAs), in clinical practice when working with higher weight adult clients. However, the factors that impact dietitians' ability to successfully implement these approaches in practice are unknown. Methods: Aiming to examine how implementing NWFAs in clinical practice differs based on the extent to which a dietitian uses NWFAs with their clients, we conducted a cross‐sectional online survey among Canadian registered dietitians who work with higher weight adults (May to July 2021), developed and validated following the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Descriptive statistics were conducted to identify barriers and facilitators with respect to implementing NWFAs. The Kruskal–Wallis was used to test for differences in barriers and facilitators with respect to implementing NWFAs among five different practice approaches. The results showed that, among participants (n = 383; 82% white; 95% women) the most important barriers for implementation of NWFAs were clients' focus on weight as an outcome, when losing weight is a condition to access enhanced services, requiring changes to their practice philosophy, difficulty funding professional development and not having sufficient skills or knowledge to implement NWFAs in practice. Top‐rated facilitators included the use of clinical guidelines, scientific publications and educational materials, which were rated with higher agreement across all implementation stages (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study highlights important factors that may impact the effective implementation of NWFAs in dietetic practice for higher weight adult clients, which is essential to minimise barriers in practice. Highlights: The most common barriers to implementing non‐weight focused practice approaches (NWFAs) were external influences of other health professionals, and practitioner characteristics including lack of knowledge and confidence.Including clinical guidelines in undergraduate/practicum training and access to scientific publications and educational materials were the highest rated facilitators to implement NWFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being overweight or obese is a serious public health problem. Misperception of one's own weight status and inertia are major obstacles to weight control. To overcome these two problems, we conduct a randomized controlled trial in which participants are presented with the correct weight category based on their body mass index to remove any weight misperception, and then given six biweekly reminders about healthy diet and physical activity via SMS/email. We find that our intervention reduces individuals' weight misperception and encourages healthier dietary choices. However, it has little impact on their physical activity. We further show that people who were obese and those who underestimated their weight status in the baseline survey maintain healthier dietary choices for at least six months after the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-carbohydrate diets promote the idea that reducing carbohydrate intake is a key to a healthier life and more natural way to eat. The proponents of these diets form food communities, which share common ideas about food, put forward their own 'alternative' expertise and challenge mainstream dietary advice. This study focuses on the perspectives of self-identified followers of low-carbohydrate diets. We explore their rationales for choosing the diet and how they navigate between different sources of dietary information. The data consists of open-ended responses (n=996) to a food survey published in a leading national Finnish newspaper. The responses have been analyzed using thematic narrative analysis. Our results highlight how uncertainties and disappointments can increase the appeal of 'alternative' diets and expertise. Low-carbohydrate diets are used as a form of self-care, illness prevention, risk management and weight loss by people with chronic conditions and lingering symptoms. They offer a sense of control, an alternative to medications and bring together communities of like minded people. The stories intertwine with health populist discourses, casting doubt on traditional experts. In a world of complex food systems and conflicting information the diets offer clear explanations. Additionally, the results emphasise the credibility and authority of lived experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining a healthy body weight requires balancing energy intake and expenditure. While previous research investigated energy input or food decisions, little is known about energy output or leisure activity decisions. By combining experimental decision-making paradigms and computational approaches, we investigated the psychological mechanisms of self-controlled food and leisure activity decisions through the effects of reward-oriented and health-oriented preferences as well as body weight status, stress, and coping. Based on individual's responses, the self-controlled food and leisure activity choices were indexed as the proportions of "no" unhealthy but tasty (or enjoyable) (inhibitory self-control against short-term pleasure) and "yes" healthy but not tasty (or not enjoyable) responses (initiatory self-control for long-term health benefits). The successful self-control decisions for food and leisure activity were positively correlated with each other, r = 22, p <.01. In beta regression analyses, the successful self-controlled food decisions decreased as the taste-oriented process increased, β = − 0.50, z = -2.99, p <.005, and increased as the health-oriented process increased, β = 1.57, z = 4.68, p <.001. Similarly, the successful self-controlled leisure activity decisions decreased as the enjoyment-oriented process increased, β = − 0.79, z = -5.31, p <.001, and increased as the health-oriented process increased, β = 0.66, z = 2.19, p <.05. The effects of the other factors were not significant. Overall, our findings demonstrated the mutual interrelationship between food and leisure activity decision-making and suggest that encouraging health-oriented processes may benefit both energy input and expenditure domains and improve self-controlled choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-weighing is consistently associated with more effective weight control. However, patterns show that participants disengage from their weight control behaviors following weight gain. Women with BMIs in the overweight/obese range (N = 50) enrolled in a long-term behavioral weight loss program completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys immediately after their daily weigh-ins. Nightly EMA surveys and self-monitoring data through Fitbit measured their weight control behavior that day. On days when participants gained weight (vs. lost or maintained), they reported more negative mood, more guilt/shame, and lower confidence in weight control. Motivation following daily weight gain depended on participants' overall satisfaction with their weight loss so far: more satisfied participants had marginally higher, but less satisfied participants had marginally lower motivation in response to daily weight gain. Greater guilt/shame and lower motivation after the weigh-in predicted less effective weight control behavior that day (e.g., lower likelihood of calorie tracking, fewer minutes of physical activity). Results demonstrate that even small weight gain is distressing and demoralizing for women in BWL programs, which can lead to goal disengagement. These findings have implications for future BWL interventions, including the potential utility of just-in-time adaptive interventions to promote more adaptive responses in the moments after weigh-ins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: That we all weigh something is a fact of life, yet the material reality of weight is refracted through multiple layers of surveillance revealing contradictions in experience and understanding, depending on one's vantage point. We explored the complexities of weight with the specific aim of furthering understanding of this multifaceted surveillance. Methods and Measures: We used hermeneutics, the philosophy and practice of interpretation, as the method of inquiry. Ten experts by experience and seven professional experts participated in interviews, which were audio- recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Interpretations were developed through group discussions among the eight authors and reiterative writing. Results: Using the metaphor of optics, we demonstrate how the interplay of the panopticon (the few watching the many) and synopticon (the many watching the few) help us gain a deeper understanding of weight through "fitting in," being "captured by numbers," "dieting: the tyrannic tower," and "the male gaze." Conclusion: Monitoring and judging body weight have become so normative in Western society that "weight watching" practices are synonymous with good citizenship and moral character. This study offers insight about how weight is conceptualized in personal and professional contexts, with implications for body image, dieting, eating disorders, public health, and weight bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent condition. The change in glucose control and body weight with the use of once-weekly semaglutide was evaluated in individuals with Type 2 diabetes in Colombia. Methods: This was a real-world, multi-centre, single-arm study involving adults in Colombia with Type 2 diabetes treated with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide for approximately 26 weeks. The primary endpoint assessed the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to end of study. Secondary endpoints included changes in body weight from baseline to end of study. The study also explored the proportion of participants achieving predefined HbA1c targets and weight-loss responses at the end of the study. Results: Data from 225 patients across 11 centers were collected. Most patients were women (65%), and the mean age of the population was 57 years with a median HbA1c of 7.6% and a median body weight of 86 kg. After approximately 26 weeks, semaglutide was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c of − 0.88 and a body weight reduction of − 4.04kg. The proportion of patients with HbA1c < 7% increased from 32 to 66% at end of study. Conclusion: Patients treated with once-weekly semaglutide experienced a clinically significant reduction in HbA1c and body weight. These results are in line with previous clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effects of DEAR weight management in overweight patients undergoing fertility-sparing treatment for endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia. Women with endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia who received fertility-sparing treatment and had a body mass index of >25 kg/m2 were randomly allocated to the DEAR (DEAR weight management) and control (self weight management) groups. Body morphology and composition, glycolipid metabolism, and tumor outcomes were assessed in both groups before and at 3 and 6 months after intervention. Overall, 72 subjects were included (36 in each group). Following intervention, the DEAR group showed significantly lower median body weight (69.45 vs. 78.05), body mass index (26.19 vs. 29.15), lipid accumulation index (29.21 vs. 57.86), body fat mass (24.00 vs. 29.30), visceral fat area (112.5 vs. 133.3), and glycolipid metabolic indices (except high density lipoprotein) than the control group (P < 0.05) and showed a decreasing trend. The test group achieved significantly higher complete remission (88.46% vs. 57.14%; P < 0.05); the time to complete remission did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). DEAR weight management can improve the studied parameters and complete remission rates in this population. NCT06169449 • The DEAR weight management model is effective in patients receiving fertility-sparing treatment for endometrial cancer. • The model can also improve complete remission rates in these patients. • The DEAR weight management model can be promoted in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood obesity is linked to both neuroticism and subjective wellbeing (SWB); however, the causal relations between them remain unclear. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was applied to determine the causal effects of childhood BMI (n = 39,620) on neuroticism (n = 366,301) and SWB (n = 298,420) using summary statistics from large scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Inverse-variance weighting (IVW), weighted mode, weighted median, and MR-Egger approaches were used to estimate the causal effects. Sensitivity analyses including the Cochran's Q statistics, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, and the leave-one-out (LOO) analysis were used to assess potential heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Two-step MR mediation analysis was employed to explore the potential mediation effects of neuroticism on the causal relationship between childhood BMI and SWB. Our study revealed that genetically predicted higher childhood BMI was causally associated with increased neuroticism (beta = 0.045, 95%CI = 0.013,0.077, p = 6.066e-03) and reduced SWB (beta = −0.059, 95%CI = -0.093,-0.024, p = 9.585e-04). Sensitivity analyses didn't detect any significant heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy (all p > 0.05). Additionally, the two-step MR mediation analysis indicated that the causal relationship between childhood BMI and SWB was partially mediated by neuroticism (proportion of mediation effects in total effects: 21.3 %, 95%CI: 5.4 % to 37.2, p = 0.0088). Genetically proxy for higher childhood BMI was associated with increased neuroticism and reduced SWB. Further studies were warranted to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms and potential use of weight management for improving personality and SWB. • Mendelian randomization analysis reveals a causal link between childhood obesity and increased neuroticism. • Genetically predicted higher childhood BMI is associated with reduced subjective wellbeing. • Neuroticism partially mediates the relationship between childhood BMI and subjective wellbeing. • No significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy detected in the analysis. • Potential implications for weight management interventions in improving subjective wellbeing in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Changes in lifestyle and dietary habits that hunter‐gatherer populations have undergone in recent decades have often led to rising obesity rates with disastrous consequences for their health. Objectives: The associations between dietary habits and weight status were studied in 238 "Ju/'hoansi" San (93 women and 145 men) aged between 18 and 65 years in northern Namibia in 1987. Weight status was estimated based on the World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) categories, and dietary habits were recorded using food recall methods. Anthropometrics and weight status were compared with those of a sex‐ and age‐matched sample of "Ju/'hoansi" San people collected by Nancy Howell in 1968/69. Results: Body weight had increased significantly among "Ju/'hoansi" San people from 1968/69 to 1987. The number of underweight people decreased from 1968/69 to 1987. In 1987, most participants (60.9%) were of normal weight. Overweight was found in 1.3% of the women, but not among men. No participants were obese. Less than 4% of the women and less than 2% of the men consumed exclusively traditional hunter‐gatherer food. Westernized food products were significantly (p < 0.001) more common among men and younger people. Dietary patterns were significantly associated with weight status. The less traditional the diet, the higher the BMI (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The transition to domestic agricultural and westernized foods was positively associated with increasing BMI. Overweight, however, was still an extremely rare condition in this population in 1987. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy PointsHealth policymakers have insufficiently addressed care for people with obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) in the United States. Current federal policies targeting obesity medications reflect this unfortunate reality.We argue for a novel policy framework to increase access to effective obesity therapeutics and care, recognizing that, though prevention is critical, the epidemic proportions of obesity in the United States warrant immediate interventions to augment care.Reducing barriers to and improving the quality of existing anti‐obesity medications, intensive behavioral therapy, weight management nutrition and dietary counseling, and bariatric surgery are critical. Moreover, to ensure continuity of care and patient–clinician trust, combating physician and broader weight stigma must represent a central component of any viable obesity care agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Collaborative approaches across healthcare to address obesity are needed but intervention in dental settings is not widely implemented. Here we systematically synthesized the views of both the public and dental teams about delivering weight management interventions in dental settings and identified potential barriers to implementation. A systematic review of five databases from inception to April 3, 2023 was completed. Proportional meta‐analyses were performed with quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative data. A total of 7851 studies were screened and 33 included in the review. The prevalence of height and weight screening in dental settings varied (4%–87%) with an average of 29% undertaking screening (p = <0.01; 95% CI: 14%–46%). A significant proportion of the public were supportive of weight screening in dental settings (83%; p = <0.01; 95% CI:76%–88%). Significant barriers to providing weight screening and/or intervention included fear of offending patients (57%; 95% CI: 45%–68%) and a lack of time (48%; 95% CI: 30%–66%). Qualitative data revealed further barriers including stigmatizing views of dental teams toward people living with overweight/obesity. Enablers of weight discussion included associating weight with oral health. Overall, whilst some barriers were identified, there is potential for weight management interventions to be used more routinely in dental settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this meta‐analysis, we aim to evaluate the risk of gallbladder and biliary disease of weight management strategies and investigate the association between weight reduction and risk of gallbladder or biliary disease. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a duration of at least 12 weeks that compare antiobesity medications (AOMs) with placebo or bariatric surgery with less intensive weight management strategy were concluded. Weight management strategy was associated with a significant increased risk of gallbladder or biliary disease (OR 1.361, 95% CI 1.147 to 1.614, P < 0.001, I2 = 3.5%), cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and cholecystectomy compared with placebo or controls. The increased risk of gallbladder or biliary disease was observed both in pharmacotherapies subgroup and bariatric surgery subgroup. With regards of specific pharmacotherapies, an increased risk of gallbladder or biliary disease was observed in trials with glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) treatments. In addition, trials with indication of obesity and overweight treatment and trials with higher doses showed significant higher risk of gallbladder or biliary disease compared with placebo or controls. In conclusion, weight management strategy was associated with an increased risk of gallbladder or biliary disease when compared with placebo or control groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike intake and output documentation, which is often inaccurate and inconsistent, daily weight measurement is a reliable method to assess fluid volume status. Daily weight assessment and monitoring are crucial for preventing volume overload in patients receiving chemotherapy in the inpatient setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols are widely known for their putative antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects and their potential protective role in several diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. They have also attracted significant interest as 'anti‐obesity' agents, although with mechanisms of action that have been exclusively demonstrated in animal and in vitro studies. This umbrella review aims to evaluate current evidence surrounding the role of polyphenols in obesity and weight management and to establish the usefulness of these agents in combatting obesity. A search of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of randomised controlled trials was carried out. Nine systematic reviews (of which eight included a meta‐analysis) were included. Evidence of polyphenols' effects on reducing bodyweight is mixed, and where the effects are significant, they are numerically small and unlikely to be of help in reducing bodyweight or preventing weight gain. Future research should focus on establishing the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects of polyphenols through well‐designed randomised controlled trials. Such research could be more valuable and cost‐effective since it has shown potential to improve human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the interplay between cardiovascular health, diabetes, and obesity. It discusses recent research findings that shed light on the impact of maternal obesity on the cardiovascular health of offspring, the benefits of sustained weight loss in individuals with diabetes, the effectiveness of treatments such as SGLT2 inhibitors, and the development of predictive models for cardiovascular risk. The article emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. [Extracted from the article]

The rising phenomenon of obesity, a major risk factor for the development and progression of type 2 diabetes, is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach to be prevented and managed. Although novel pharmacological measures to combat obesity have achieved unprecedented efficacy, a healthy lifestyle remains essential for the long‐term success of any therapeutic intervention. However, this requires a high level of intrinsic motivation and continued behavioural changes in the face of multiple metabolic, psychological and environmental factors promoting weight gain, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes. This review is intended to provide practical recommendations in the context of a holistic, person‐centred approach to weight management, including evidence‐based and expert recommendations addressing supportive communication, shared decision‐making, as well as nutritional and pharmacological therapeutic approaches to achieve sustained weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is strongly associated with the development of diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (CKD), but there is evidence for a bidirectional relationship wherein the kidney also acts as a key regulator of body weight. In this Review, we highlight the mechanisms implicated in obesity-related CKD, and outline how the kidney might modulate feeding and body weight through a growth differentiation factor 15-dependent kidney–brain axis. The favourable effects of bariatric surgery on kidney function are discussed, and medical therapies designed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus that lower body weight and preserve kidney function independent of glycaemic lowering, including sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, incretin-based therapies and metformin, are also reviewed. In summary, we propose that kidney function and body weight are related in a bidirectional fashion, and that this interrelationship affects human health and disease. The current increasing rates of obesity are paralleled by a rise in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease. This Review outlines the potential mechanisms by which obesity might influence kidney function, but also presents evidence for the regulation of body weight by the kidney. Key points: Obesity alters kidney function through multiple direct and indirect mechanisms. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) both promote weight loss; they also stabilize kidney function through mechanisms that are independent of their effects on weight. SGLT2is induce a metabolic shift towards ketogenesis, which is likely to account for sustained weight loss. The beneficial effects of GLP1RAs on the kidney are not solely explained by weight loss or improvement in glycaemic control. Several GLP1R dual or polyagonist agents are under evaluation with the potential to achieve greater weight loss than GLP1RAs alone. Metformin increases levels of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in the kidney and circulation to activate glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor ɑ-like (GFRAL) in the area postrema to reduce body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]