scholarly journals Comparison of Hospital Consultation and Summer Camp Lifestyle Intervention Programs for Sustained Body Weight Loss in Overweight/Obese Greek Children

Children ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Anna L. Papageorgiou ◽  
Vasiliki Efthymiou ◽  
Aikaterini Giannouli ◽  
Paraskevi Xekouki ◽  
Christina C. Kranioti ◽  
...  

Two lifestyle intervention programs of a health initiative named “Evrostia” were conducted at (a) an outpatient obesity clinic of a children’s hospital and (b) summer camp (SC), respectively. Thirty overweight/obese children were randomly selected to participate in each intervention arm to assess the efficacy of the SC intervention and its possible superiority over usual hospital consultation (HC) practice. There was a statistically significant decrease in body weight (BW), and body mass index (BMI) in both programs. A higher duration of reduced BW was observed in the SC compared to HC intervention. Regarding the nutritional behavior, there was a significant increase in the consumption of breakfast, fruit and vegetables, and a reduction in the consumption of beverages and sweets in the SC group. A significant increase in the hours of weekly physical activity was also observed in children of the SC program. The comparison between the two lifestyle intervention programs showed that the SC program improved nutritional behaviors and physical activity and promoted longer preservation of BW loss than that of the HC program. Thus, the holistic and experiential approach of the SC program was more successful in the treatment of overweight and obesity in children than a conventional HC program.

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Keller ◽  
Anat Yaskolka Meir ◽  
Stephan H. Bernhart ◽  
Yftach Gepner ◽  
Ilan Shelef ◽  
...  

Abstract Background One of the major challenges in obesity treatment is to explain the high variability in the individual’s response to specific dietary and physical activity interventions. With this study, we tested the hypothesis that specific DNA methylation changes reflect individual responsiveness to lifestyle intervention and may serve as epigenetic predictors for a successful weight-loss. Methods We conducted an explorative genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in blood samples from 120 subjects (90% men, mean ± SD age = 49 ± 9 years, body mass-index (BMI) = 30.2 ± 3.3 kg/m2) from the 18-month CENTRAL randomized controlled trial who underwent either Mediterranean/low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet with or without physical activity. Results Analyses comparing male subjects with the most prominent body weight-loss (responders, mean weight change − 16%) vs. non-responders (+ 2.4%) (N = 10 each) revealed significant variation in DNA methylation of several genes including LRRC27, CRISP2, and SLFN12 (all adj. P < 1 × 10−5). Gene ontology analysis indicated that biological processes such as cell adhesion and molecular functions such as calcium ion binding could have an important role in determining the success of interventional therapies in obesity. Epigenome-wide association for relative weight-loss (%) identified 15 CpGs being negatively correlated with weight change after intervention (all combined P < 1 × 10− 4) including new and also known obesity candidates such as NUDT3 and NCOR2. A baseline DNA methylation score better predicted successful weight-loss [area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) = 0.95–1.0] than predictors such as age and BMI (AUC ROC = 0.56). Conclusions Body weight-loss following 18-month lifestyle intervention is associated with specific methylation signatures. Moreover, methylation differences in the identified genes could serve as prognostic biomarkers to predict a successful weight-loss therapy and thus contribute to advances in patient-tailored obesity treatment.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 341
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Varagiannis ◽  
Emmanuella Magriplis ◽  
Grigoris Risvas ◽  
Katerina Vamvouka ◽  
Adamantia Nisianaki ◽  
...  

Childhood overweight and obesity prevalence has risen dramatically in the past decades, and family-based interventions may be an effective method to improve children’s eating behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different family-based interventions: group-based, individual-based, or by website approach. Parents and school aged overweight or obese children, 8–12 years of age, were eligible for the study. A total of 115 children were randomly allocated in one of the three interventions, and 91 completed the study (79% compliance); Group 1 (n = 36) received group-based interventions by various experts; Group 2 (n = 30) had interpersonal family meetings with a dietitian; and Group 3 (n = 25) received training through a specifically developed website. Anthropometric, dietary, physical activity, and screen time outcomes were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Within-group comparisons indicated significant improvement in body weight, body mass index (BMI)-z-score, physical activity, and screen time from baseline in all three study groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, total body fat percentage (%TBF) was also decreased in Groups 2 and 3. Between-group differences varied with body weight and %TBF change, being larger in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2, in contrast to BMI-z-score, screen time, and health behaviors, which were significantly larger in Group 2 than the other two groups. In conclusion, personalized family-based interventions are recommended to successfully improve children’s lifestyle and body weight status.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 286
Author(s):  
Analiza M. Silva ◽  
Catarina L. Nunes ◽  
Catarina N. Matias ◽  
Filipe Jesus ◽  
Rúben Francisco ◽  
...  

Preventive and educational programs directed to former elite athletes in the areas of healthy living are required. This is particularly relevant as obesity and health-related problems are observed in retired athletes, especially in those whose current levels of physical activity are below the recommendations. During their sports career, elite athletes are supported by a multidisciplinary team; upon retirement, no support is provided for the transition to a different lifestyle. So far, no program has been implemented to promote sustained healthy lifestyle behaviors in the post-career transition and evidence is lacking for such an intervention. Firstly, we aim to determine if Champ4life, a 1-year lifestyle intervention targeting inactive former athletes with overweight and obesity, is effective for reducing total and abdominal fat. Secondly, our purpose is to assess the effectiveness of the intervention on the levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior, resting energy expenditure, cardio-metabolic markers, physical fitness, energy balance components, eating self-regulation markers, and quality of life over 12 months. Champ4life is an evidence- and theory-based program using a randomized control trial design (intervention vs. control group) that will be conducted on 94 inactive former elite athletes with overweight and obesity. The first four months of the Champ4Life program include a nutritional appointment and 12 weekly, 90-min sessions. Classroom sessions seek to provide participants with key information and a toolbox of behavior change techniques to initiate and sustain long-term lifestyle changes. Participants will undergo baseline, 4-month, and 12-month measurements of body composition (primary outcomes), resting energy expenditure, physical fitness, metabolic markers, energy balance related-markers, and quality of life (secondary outcome). This trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness of the Champ4life program, a pioneer lifestyle intervention for retired athletes, offering tools for sustained changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior and diet, aiming to improve body composition and overall health-related markers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M Jakicic ◽  
Renee J Rogers ◽  
Kelliann K Davis ◽  
Katherine A Collins

Abstract BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns that are linked to numerous negative health consequences. Physical activity is an important lifestyle behavior that contributes to body weight regulation. CONTENT Physical activity is inversely associated with weight gain and the incidence of obesity. Physical activity also contributes to additional weight loss when coupled with dietary modification, and it can result in modest weight loss when not coupled with dietary modification. Moreover, physical activity is associated with improved long-term weight loss and prevention of weight gain following initial weight loss. Current evidence supports that physical activity should be moderate to vigorous in intensity to influence body weight regulation. There is also a growing body of evidence that physical activity can be accumulated throughout the day in shorter periods of time rather than being performed during a structured and longer period, and that physical activity performed in this manner can be important for body weight regulation. SUMMARY The literature supports the inclusion of physical activity as an important lifestyle behavior for regulating body weight. There are multiple intervention approaches that may be effective for enhancing physical activity engagement within the context of weight control.


1999 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 557-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
MA Martinez-González ◽  
MIS Martín-Almendros ◽  
MJ Gibney ◽  
JM Kearney ◽  
JA Martinez

AbstractObjective:To assess the more prevalent beliefs about body weight and the factors involved in weight changes in the Spanish adult population.Design:A national survey was carried out according to an established protocol on Spanish subjects selected by a multistage procedure following a random route model, which was quota-controlled for several sociodemographic variables. This study was undertaken by the Spanish arm of a pan-European survey and was performed with a validated questionnaire. It contained questions to evaluate some aspects concerning the relationship between obesity, physical activity and health. We also estimated the proportion of self-reported overweight and obesity.Setting:Spain.Subjects:The sample included 1000 subjects aged 15 years or older.Results:Eleven per cent of the sample were obese (body mass index, BMI > 30 kg m-2) and an additional 32% were overweight (BMI > 25 and < 30 kg m-2). Obesity prevalence was higher among older individuals, those with lower education and socioeconomic levels, and among housewives and retired or unemployed people. Most Spanish people believed that fat intake (51%) and the amount of food consumption (44%) were the major factors involved in weight gain, while physical activity was less mentioned (12%). The method most frequently used to lose weight was diet (9%). Individuals from central and southern regions payed more attention to genetics (20–27%) and physical activity (12–20%) as determinants of weight gain than people living in the north or northwest regions (15–17% and 8–9%, respectively). Normal weight people participated more often in some physical activity during their leisure time.Conclusions:The Spanish population is not familiar with factors influencing weight gain. Health promotion strategies should emphasize the role of physical activity, especially among older individuals, retired or unemployed subjects, those from lower educational or socioeconomic levels and among people living in the north or northwest of Spain.


Author(s):  
Surabhi Bhutani ◽  
Jamie A Cooper ◽  
Michelle R Vandellen

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused people to shelter-at-home for an extended period, resulting in a sudden rise in unstructured time. This unexpected disruption in everyday life has raised concerns about weight management, especially in high-risk populations of women and individuals with overweight and obesity. This study aimed to investigate the changes in behaviors that may impact energy intake and/or energy expenditure in U.S. adults during the home confinement.MethodsCross-sectional data from 1,779 adults were collected using an online Qualtrics survey between April 24th and May 4th, 2020. Self-reported data on demographics, eating behaviors, physical activity, sleep, screen time, takeout food intake, and food purchasing behaviors were collected. Chi-Square analyses were conducted to evaluate differences in the percent of participants reporting increasing, decreasing, or staying the same in each health behavior since the COVID-19 outbreak in their area. Each analysis was followed by comparing whether increases or decreases were more likely for each health behavior. Similar comparisons were made between male and female participants and between body mass index (BMI) categories.ResultsWe observed an increase in the intake of both healthy and energy-dense unhealthy foods and snacks during the home confinement. Participants also reported increases in sedentary activities and decrease in physical activity, alcohol intake, and consumption of takeout meals during this time. In women, several behavioral changes support greater energy intake and less energy expenditure than men. No clear difference in patterns was observed across BMI status.ConclusionAcute changes in behaviors underscore the significance of a sudden increase in unstructured time at home on potential weight gain. Our findings support the need to implement and support measures that promote strategies to maintain body weight and establish a methodology to collect body weight data at multiple time points to longitudinally assess the dynamic relationship between behaviors and body weight change.


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