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This study examined the effects of breakfast eating and eating frequency on objectively assessed BMI and weight loss outcomes among adults enrolled in obesity treatment. Participants completed measures of breakfast eating and eating frequency before and after treatment and had their height and weight measured. Baseline breakfast eating and eating frequency were not associated with baseline BMI (p = .34, p = .45, respectively) and did not predict weight loss during treatment (p = .36, p = .58, respectively). From pre- to post-treatment, there was no significant change in eating frequency (p = .27) and changes in eating frequency had no impact on weight loss (r = -.08, p = .23). However, increases in breakfast eating during treatment were associated with significantly better weight loss outcomes (r = .26, p < .001). Among participants who increased breakfast eating, those who had either no change or a decrease in daily eating frequency were more likely to achieve a 5% weight loss compared to those who had an increase in daily eating frequency (p = .04). These results suggest that increasing breakfast eating, while simultaneously reducing or keeping eating frequency constant, may improve outcomes in obesity treatment. Experimental studies are needed to further elucidate these effects., Author(s): Maureen Megson [sup.1] , Rena Wing [sup.2] , Tricia M. Leahey [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, [...]

Background The potential endocrine-disrupting effects of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been demonstrated in animal studies, but whether PFASs may interfere with body weight regulation in humans is largely unknown. This study aimed to examine the associations of PFAS exposure with changes in body weight and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in a diet-induced weight-loss setting. Methods and findings In the 2-year POUNDS Lost randomized clinical trial based in Boston, Massachusetts, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that examined the effects of energy-restricted diets on weight changes, baseline plasma concentrations of major PFASs were measured among 621 overweight and obese participants aged 30-70 years. Body weight was measured at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. RMR and other metabolic parameters, including glucose, lipids, thyroid hormones, and leptin, were measured at baseline and 6 and 24 months. Participants lost an average of 6.4 kg of body weight during the first 6 months (weight-loss period) and subsequently regained an average of 2.7 kg of body weight during the period of 6-24 months (weight regain period). After multivariate adjustment, baseline PFAS concentrations were not significantly associated with concurrent body weight or weight loss during the first 6 months. In contrast, higher baseline levels of PFASs were significantly associated with a greater weight regain, primarily in women. In women, comparing the highest to the lowest tertiles of PFAS concentrations, the multivariate-adjusted mean weight regain (SE) was 4.0 (0.8) versus 2.1 (0.9) kg for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (P.sub.trend = 0.01); 4.3 (0.9) versus 2.2 (0.8) kg for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (P.sub.trend = 0.007); 4.7 (0.9) versus 2.5 (0.9) kg for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (P.sub.trend = 0.006); 4.9 (0.9) versus 2.7 (0.8) kg for perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) (P.sub.trend = 0.009); and 4.2 (0.8) versus 2.5 (0.9) kg for perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) (P.sub.trend = 0.03). When further adjusted for changes in body weight or thyroid hormones during the first 6 months, results remained similar. Moreover, higher baseline plasma PFAS concentrations, especially for PFOS and PFNA, were significantly associated with greater decline in RMR during the weight-loss period and less increase in RMR during the weight regain period in both men and women. Limitations of the study include the possibility of unmeasured or residual confounding by socioeconomic and psychosocial factors, as well as possible relapse to the usual diet prior to randomization, which could have been rich in foods contaminated by PFASs through food packaging and also dense in energy. Conclusions In this diet-induced weight-loss trial, higher baseline plasma PFAS concentrations were associated with a greater weight regain, especially in women, possibly explained by a slower regression of RMR levels. These data illustrate a potential novel pathway through which PFASs interfere with human body weight regulation and metabolism. The possible impact of environmental chemicals on the obesity epidemic therefore deserves attention. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00072995, Author(s): Gang Liu 1, Klodian Dhana 1, Jeremy D. Furtado 1, Jennifer Rood 2, Geng Zong 1, Liming Liang 3,4, Lu Qi 5, George A. Bray 2, Lilian DeJonge 2, [...]

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of a low-fat plant-based diet program on anthropometric and biochemical measures in a multicenter corporate setting. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Employees from 10 sites of a major US company with body mass index X25kg/[m.sup.2] and/or previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes were randomized to either follow a low-fat vegan diet, with weekly group support and work cafeteria options available, or make no diet changes for 18 weeks. Dietary intake, body weight, plasma lipid concentrations, blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin (Hb[A.sub.1]C) were determined at baseline and 18 weeks. RESULTS: Mean body weight fell 2.9kg and 0.06 kg in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol fell 8.0 and 8.1 mg/dl in the intervention group and 0.01 and 0.9 mg/dl in the control group (P < 0.01). Hb[A.sub.1]C fell 0.6 percentage point and 0.08 percentage point in the intervention and control group, respectively (P < 0.01). Among study completers, mean changes in body weight were -4.3 kg and -0.08 kg in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Total and LDL cholesterol fell 13.7 and 13.0 mg/dl in the intervention group and 1.3 and 1.7 mg/dl in the control group (P < 0.001). Hb[A.sub.1]C levels decreased 0.7 percentage point and 0.1 percentage point in the intervention and control group, respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: An 18-week dietary intervention using a low-fat plant-based diet in a corporate setting improves body weight, plasma lipids, and, in individuals with diabetes, glycemic control. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2013) 67, 718-724; doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2013.92; published online 22 May 2013 Keywords: plant-based; vegan; vegetarian; weight loss; clinical trial, INTRODUCTION Approximately two-thirds of Americans are currently overweight, half of whom are obese. (1) Obesity is associated with increased risk of serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, [...]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2009.12.029 Byline: Tatiana Andreyeva, Michael W. Long, Kathryn E. Henderson, Gabrielle M. Grode Abstract: Health professionals recommend that individuals with overweight and obesity lose weight by reducing energy intake while maintaining a healthful diet. This study was designed to examine trends in weight loss attempts and strategies for adults with overweight or obesity among different sociodemographic groups. Article History: Accepted 2 November 2009

The study attempts to evaluate the impact of different amounts of physical activity and exercise on weight-gain prevention among women on a usual diet. The results indicate that increased physical activity did help reduce weight only among women whose Body Mass Index (BMI) was lower than 25.

Background/objectives: Weight loss in obesity can reduce morbidity and mortality and benefits persist as long as weight loss is maintained. Weight maintenance is difficult in the long term and new strategies need to be developed to achieve this goal. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of substituting a low-calorie diet formula for a meal in a weight loss program during the maintenance phase. Methods: Randomized paralleled clinical trial including 62 adult patients with at least a 5% weight loss with diet alone for 6 months, randomized to two groups: daily replacement of one meal with a low-calorie diet formula, or dieting alone for another 6 months (weight maintenance phase). Results: Weight maintenance or further weight loss occurred in 83.9% of patients in the intervention group, whereas only in 58.1 % in the control group (P=0.025). As a whole, patients in the intervention group lost a further 3.2 [+ or -] 3.7% of initial weight compared with a 1.3 [+ or -] 3.6% in the control group (P=0.030). Body fat mass diminished in both groups, with no differences between them (1.6 [+ or -] 3.5 vs 1.0 [+ or -] 9.3 kg, respectively, P = 0.239), and the same happened with free fat mass (0.9 [+ or -] 3.3 vs 0.4 [+ or -] 6.7kg, respectively, P=0.471). A multivariate logistic regression analysis (R = 0.114, P=0.023) retained only the intervention as a predictor of the achievement of weight maintenance with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 3.756 (1.138-12.391). Conclusions: Substitution of a low-calorie diet formula for a meal is an effective measure for weight loss maintenance compared with dieting alone. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2009.48; published online 17 June 2009 Keywords: weight loss; weight maintenance; low-calorie diet; obesity; meal replacement, Introduction Overweight and obesity are the second leading cause of preventable death, primarily through cardiovascular disease risk factors (Flegal et al., 2005). Weight loss in an overweight or obese individual [...]

Popular weight-loss plans often have conflicting recommendations, which makes it difficult to determine the most healthful approach to weight loss. Our study compares the dietary quality of popular weight-loss plans. Dietary quality, measured by the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), was calculated via sample menus provided in published media for the New Glucose Revolution, Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, Zone, Ornish, and 2005 US Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid (2005 Food Guide Pyramid) plans. The criterion for determining which weight-loss plans were the most popular was their status on the New York Times Bestseller list. Weight Watchers and the 2005 Food Guide Pyramid plan were included because they are the largest commercial weight-loss plan, and the current government recommendation, respectively. Analysis of variance was used to compare nutrient information among the weight-loss plans. The AHEI scores adjusted for energy content were also compared. Of a maximum possible score of 70, the AHEI scores for each weight-loss plan from the highest to the lowest plan were: Ornish (score 64.6), Weight Watchers high-carbohydrate (score 57.4), New Glucose Revolution (score 57.2), South Beach/Phase 2 (score 50.7), Zone (score 49.8), 2005 Food Guide Pyramid (score 48.7), Weight Watchers high-protein (score 47.3), Atkins/100-g carbohydrate (score 46), South Beach/Phase 3 (score 45.6), and Atkins/45-g carbohydrate (score 42.3). Dietary quality varied across popular weight-loss plans. Ornish, Weight Watchers high-carbohydrate, and New Glucose Revolution weight-loss plans have an increased capacity for cardiovascular disease prevention when assessed by the AHEI.

The concept of dieting is explored from the perspective of myth and beauty in Korean society. The resulting transformation of body boosts women to be passive and dependent.

Low-energy-density diets are often recommended for weight control. Such diets have a higher nutrient content than do high-energy-density diets. This study tested the hypothesis that energy-dense diets have a relatively low monetary cost, whereas less energy-dense diets are more expensive. In this cross-sectional study, dietary intakes of 1,474 French adults (672 men, 802 women), aged 15 to 92 years, were assessed using 7-day diet records. Dietary energy density (kcal/g) was calculated by dividing total dietary energy by the edible weight of foods and caloric beverages consumed. Diet cost ($/7 days or $/2,000 kcal) was estimated using mean national food prices for 895 foods. The relationship between dietary energy density and diet cost was examined in a linear regression model. Within each quintile of energy intakes, the more energy-dense diets were associated with lower diet quality and with lower diet costs ([r.sup.2]=0.38 to 0.44). In a regression model, the more energy-dense diets cost less, whereas low-energy-density diets cost substantially more, adjusting for energy intakes, sex, and age. The finding that energy-dense diets cost less per 2,000 kcal may help explain why the highest rates of obesity are observed among groups of limited economic means. The finding that low-energy-density diets are associated with higher diet costs suggests that lasting improvements in diet quality may require economic as well as behavioral interventions.

An A to Z Weight Loss Study was conducted to examine the effects of four weight-loss diets, that is, Atkins, Zone, LEARN and Ornish, and gradations of carbohydrate intake on weight loss and related metabolic variables in overweight and obese premenopausal women. Results of the randomized trial revealed that the Atkins diet with the lowest carbohydrate content was most effective, indicating that a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat diet might be considered effective for weight loss.