The effect of a weight gain prevention intervention on moderate-vigorous physical activity among black women: the Shape Program

Abstract Background Almost one in three Australian adults are now obese, and the rate continues to rise. The causes of obesity are multifaceted and include environmental, cultural and lifestyle factors. Emerging evidence suggests there may be temporal patterns in weight gain related, for example, to season and major festivals such as Christmas, potentially due to changes in diet, daily activity patterns or both. The aim of this study is to track the annual rhythm in body weight, 24 h activity patterns, dietary patterns, and wellbeing in a cohort of Australian adults. In addition, through data linkage with a concurrent children’s cohort study, we aim to examine whether changes in children’s body mass index, activity and diet are related to those of their parents. Methods A community-based sample of 375 parents aged 18 to 65 years old, residing in or near Adelaide, Australia, and who have access to a Bluetooth-enabled mobile device or a computer and home internet, will be recruited. Across a full year, daily activities (minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, light physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) will be measured using wrist-worn accelerometry (Fitbit Charge 3). Body weight will be measured daily using Fitbit wifi scales. Self-reported dietary intake (Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies V3.2), and psychological wellbeing (WHOQOL-BREF and DASS-21) will be assessed eight times throughout the 12-month period. Annual patterns in weight will be examined using Lowess curves. Associations between changes in weight and changes in activity and diet compositions will be examined using repeated measures multi-level models. The associations between parent’s and children’s weight, activity and diet will be investigated using multi-level models. Discussion Temporal factors, such as day type (weekday or weekend day), cultural celebrations and season, may play a key role in weight gain. The aim is to identify critical opportunities for intervention to assist the prevention of weight gain. Family-based interventions may be an important intervention strategy. Trial registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ACTRN12619001430123. Prospectively registered on 16 October 2019.

Download Full-text

Formative work to design a digital learning self-assessment and feedback tool to prevent weight gain among college students

Digital Health ◽

10.1177/2055207620979458 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 205520762097945

Author(s):

Melissa A Napolitano ◽

Sarah Beth Lynch ◽

Meghan N Mavredes ◽

Benjamin D Shambon ◽

Laurie Posey

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

College Students ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Usability Testing ◽

Formative Research ◽

Weight Gain Prevention ◽

Digital Learning ◽

High Fat ◽

Prototype Development ◽

Sugary Beverages

Objective While colleges have implemented brief, tailored interventions for health-risk areas such as alcohol prevention, theoretically-guided digital learning offerings for weight gain prevention have lagged behind in programming and implementation. Thus, the objective was to design and usability test a weight gain prevention digital learning platform for college students with modules targeting key nutrition and physical activity behaviors. Methods Development occurred in iterative phases: formative research, descriptive normative data collection, prototype development, and usability testing. Formative research consisted of background work and survey administration to incoming and current freshmen. Prototype development was guided by theories of behavior change and cognitive processing, and consisted of brief assessment and feedback using written text, graphs, and videos. Iterative usability testing was conducted. Results Current freshmen reported eating more quick order meals per week than incoming freshman, but fewer high-fat snacks and fewer sugary beverages. Current freshmen reported more sedentary time than incoming freshmen. Based on iterative testing results, eight behavioral targets were established: breakfast, high-fat snacks, fried foods, sugary beverages, fruit/vegetables, physical activity, pizza intake, and sedentary behavior. Initial usability testers indicated the modules were easy to understand, held their attention, and were somewhat novel. Analysis of qualitative feedback revealed themes related to content, layout, structure and suggested refinements to the modules. Conclusions A gap exists for evidence-based obesity prevention programs targeted to adolescents as they transition into adulthood. Brief, tailored digital learning interventions show promise towards addressing key behavioral nutrition and physical activity targets among students during the transition to college.

Download Full-text

Feasibility of a Digital Intervention to Promote Healthy Weight Management among Postpartum African American/Black Women

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18042178 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 2178

Author(s):

Melissa A. Napolitano ◽

Cherise B. Harrington ◽

Loral Patchen ◽

Lindsey P. Ellis ◽

Tony Ma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

African American ◽

Black Women ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Future Research ◽

Healthy Weight ◽

Weight Outcomes ◽

Postpartum Weight ◽

American Black

The study aim was to implement and evaluate the feasibility of a culturally informed (“BeFAB”) app for African American/Black women to address postpartum weight. Women (n = 136; mean age = 27.8 ± 5.4; mean BMI = 32.5 ± 4.3) were recruited from postpartum units, and randomly assigned to receive BeFAB (n = 65) or usual care (n = 71) for 12 weeks. App content included didactic lessons delivered via a virtual coach, app-based messages, goal setting and tracking, and edutainment videos. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention and engagement, and self-reported acceptability. Behavioral (i.e., diet, physical activity), psychosocial (i.e., stress, coping, support, self-efficacy) and weight outcomes were also examined. Recruitment goals were met, but attrition was high, with 56% retention at 12 weeks. Approximately half of participants accessed the app and set a goal ≥one time, but <10% reported achieving a nutrition or activity goal. Among study completers, ≥60% found the app content at least somewhat helpful. Within-group changes for BeFAB among completers were found for increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and decreased fruit/vegetable intake and weight. Findings indicate initial feasibility of recruiting postpartum women to participate in a digital healthy body weight program but limited use, reflecting low acceptability and challenges in engagement and retention. Future research is needed on strategies to engage and retain participants in postpartum interventions.

Download Full-text

Physical activity and weight gain prevention in older men

International Journal of Obesity ◽

10.1038/ijo.2011.266 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 36 (9) ◽

pp. 1165-1169 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

E J Shiroma ◽

H D Sesso ◽

I-M Lee

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Older Men ◽

Weight Gain Prevention

Download Full-text

Sustaining e H ealth engagement in a multi‐year weight gain prevention intervention

Obesity Science & Practice ◽

10.1002/osp4.333 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 103-110 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

D. F. Tate ◽

M. M. Crane ◽

M. A. Espeland ◽

A. A. Gorin ◽

J. G. LaRose ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

Weight Gain Prevention ◽

Prevention Intervention

Download Full-text

Weight gain prevention among black women in the rural community health center setting: The Shape Program

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/1471-2458-12-305 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Perry Foley ◽

Erica Levine ◽

Sandy Askew ◽

Elaine Puleo ◽

Jessica Whiteley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

Black Women ◽

Community Health ◽

Health Center ◽

Rural Community ◽

Community Health Center ◽

Weight Gain Prevention ◽

Rural Community Health

Download Full-text

Physical Activity and Weight Gain Prevention in Older Men

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise ◽

10.1249/01.mss.0000402203.09949.b0 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 43 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 792

Author(s):

Eric J. Shiroma ◽

Howard D. Sesso ◽

I-Min Lee

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Older Men ◽

Weight Gain Prevention

Download Full-text

Behaviour Change Techniques in Weight Gain Prevention Interventions in Adults of Reproductive Age: Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu14010209 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 209

Author(s):

Mamaru Ayenew Awoke ◽

Cheryce L. Harrison ◽

Julie Martin ◽

Marie L. Misso ◽

Siew Lim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Energy Intake ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Behaviour Change Techniques ◽

Weight Gain Prevention ◽

Prevention Interventions ◽

Meta Regression

Weight gain prevention interventions are likely to be more effective with the inclusion of behaviour change techniques. However, evidence on which behaviour change techniques (BCT) are most effective for preventing weight gain and improving lifestyle (diet and physical activity) is limited, especially in reproductive-aged adults. This meta-analysis and meta-regression aimed to identify BCT associated with changes in weight, energy intake and physical activity in reproductive-aged adults. BCT were identified using the BCT Taxonomy (v1) from each intervention. Meta-regression analyses were used to identify BCT associated with change in weight, energy intake and physical activity. Thirty-four articles were included with twenty-nine articles for the meta-analysis. Forty-three of the ninety-three possible BCT listed in the taxonomy were identified in the included studies. Feedback on behaviour and Graded tasks were significantly associated with less weight gain, and Review behaviour goals was significantly associated with lower energy intake. No individual BCT were significantly associated with physical activity. Our analysis provides further evidence for which BCT are most effective in weight gain prevention interventions. The findings support that the use of key BCT within interventions can contribute to successful weight gain prevention in adults of reproductive age.

Download Full-text

Randomized pilot study of a weight gain prevention intervention for breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.e11090 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e11090-e11090

Author(s):

Karen Basen-Engquist ◽

James L. Murray ◽

George Baum ◽

Angelica M. Gutierrez-Barrera ◽

Banu Arun

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Weight Gain Prevention ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Prevention Intervention ◽

Igf I ◽

Baseline Weight ◽

Igfbp 3

e11090 Background: Weight gain is a common problem after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly for women who receive chemotherapy. The weight gain has negative effects on quality of life, increases risk for chronic disease, and may increase risk of breast cancer recurrence. This pilot study tested a behavioral weight gain prevention intervention on weight, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3. Methods: Thirty-nine breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were randomized to the weight gain prevention intervention or usual care. The intervention focused on exercise (resistance training, aerobic) and eating a low energy dense diet. Participants received 20 sessions during chemotherapy (14 in person and 6 by telephone) and 9 sessions after surgery (3 in person, 6 by telephone). They completed weight and other assessments at baseline (t0), mid-chemotherapy (T1), post-chemotherapy (t2), post surgical recovery (T3), after the post-surgical intervention (T4) and long term follow-up 6-9 months post surgery (T5). Serum was collected at T0, T2, T3, and T5 and analyzed for IGF-I and IGFBP-3. Results: Controlling for baseline weight, the intervention group weighed less than the control group at T1-T4, a result which approached significance (p=.08) in the intent to treat analysis. There was also a significant obesity x treatment group interaction, indicating that the intervention was most effective for patients who were obese at baseline (p=0.03). The groups did not differ in weight at the post-intervention follow-up (p=0.839). There was no significant difference between the groups in IGF-I or IGFBP-3. Conclusions: A diet and exercise intervention delivered during and after chemotherapy can promote weight loss in breast cancer patients, but the results may not be sustained after the intervention ends. [caption]Participants’ weights in kilograms, adjusted for baseline weight (least squares means).[caption] [Table: see text]

Download Full-text

Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Step Count Compilation for Elementary-Aged Youth Participating in Summer Camp Activities

Journal of Park and Recreation Administration ◽

10.18666/jpra-2021-11092 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Zachary Wahl-Alexander

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Summer Camp ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Excess Weight ◽

Step Count ◽

Summer Camps ◽

Step Counts ◽

Residential Camp

The summer months have recently been identified as a time of the year when children gain excess weight. Despite contrary beliefs, youth are more susceptible to weight gain and fitness losses during this time. Summer camps have been identified as a possible solution to reduce declines in overall health during these months. The purpose of this study was to establish expected step counts and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) values for a variety of activities in one residential camp. Participants included 188 campers (M age = 8.7). Sessions included a variety of invasion, target, net/wall and fitness activities. Step counts and MVPA were tracked across 51 days, incorporating 839 activity sessions using a NL–1000 (New Lifestyle Inc., Lee Summit, MO, USA) accelerometer to track campers’ activity. Means and steps/minute were calculated for each activity. Invasion games represented the greatest opportunity for campers to engage in physical activity. Findings are useful for researchers and practitioners to evaluate physical activity and MVPA at camp settings.

Download Full-text