Exercise in Obesity—the Role of Technology in Health Services: Can This Approach Work?

Purpose of Review Physical activity (PA) is an important strategy to prevent and treat obesity. Electronic health (eHealth) interventions, such as wearable activity monitors and smartphone apps, may promote adherence to regular PA and successful weight loss. This review highlights the evidence for eHealth interventions in promoting PA and reducing weight. Recent Findings Wearables can increase PA and are associated with moderate weight loss in middle/older-aged individuals, with less convincing effects long-term (> 1 year) and in younger people. Data for interventions such as mobile phone applications, SMS, and exergaming are less robust. Investigations of all eHealth interventions are often limited by complex, multi-modality study designs, involving concomitant dietary modification, making the independent contribution of each eHealth intervention on body weight challenging to assess. Summary eHealth interventions may promote PA, thereby contributing to weight loss/weight maintenance; however, further evaluation is required for this approach to be adopted into routine clinical practice.

Monitoring your weight-loss process online: prior weight-loss experiences, online social support and subsequent weight-loss success (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Online weight-loss communities (OWCs) have been becoming increasingly popular for weight management, which enable individuals to monitor (i.e. self-monitoring) and discuss (i.e. social interaction) their weight-loss experiences. However, there has been limited understanding of the role of individuals’ prior weight-loss experiences in subsequent weight-loss success, especially in online settings. OBJECTIVE To address the significant literature gap, this study investigates the relationship between prior weight-loss experiences (success or failure), online social support and subsequent weight-loss success in the contexts of OWCs based on self-determination theory. METHODS The data of 1650 users from one popular OWC is collected using a python crawler procedure, including individuals’ characteristics (e.g. gender, age, friends, posts, membership duration) and weight-loss diary information. Two logit regression models are deployed to estimate the effects of prior weight-loss experiences and social support on subsequent weight-loss success, as well as the moderation effect of social support. RESULTS The results reveal that prior successful weight-loss experiences are positively related to subsequent weight-loss success (β=0.376,p<0.01) while the relationship between prior failed weight-loss experiences and subsequent weight-loss success is negative (β=-0.225,p<0.05). Meanwhile, online social support can not only influence positively subsequent weight-loss success directly (β=0.441,p<0.01) but also undermine the negative effect of prior failed weight-loss experiences (β=0.025,p<). Nevertheless, social support has no significant moderating effect on the relationship between prior successful weight-loss experiences and subsequent weight-loss success (β=0.104,p>0.1). CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to literature on prior experiences and online social support in the context of OWCs, and provides valuable insights for OWCs’ designs to improve users’ engagement and their weight-loss success.

Metabolic, Affective and Neurocognitive Characterization of Metabolic Syndrome Patients with and without Food Addiction. Implications for Weight Progression

According to the food addiction (FA) model, the consumption of certain types of food could be potentially addictive and can lead to changes in intake regulation. We aimed to describe metabolic parameters, dietary characteristics, and affective and neurocognitive vulnerabilities of individuals with and without FA, and to explore its influences on weight loss progression. The sample included 448 adults (55–75 years) with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome from the PREDIMED-Plus cognition sub-study. Cognitive and psychopathological assessments, as well as dietary, biochemical, and metabolic measurements, were assessed at baseline. Weight progression was evaluated after a 3-year follow up. The presence of FA was associated with higher depressive symptomatology, neurocognitive decline, low quality of life, high body mass index (BMI), and high waist circumference, but not with metabolic comorbidities. No differences were observed in the dietary characteristics except for the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids consumption. After three years, the presence of FA at baseline resulted in a significantly higher weight regain. FA is associated with worse psychological and neurocognitive state and higher weight regain in adults with metabolic syndrome. This condition could be an indicator of bad prognosis in the search for a successful weight loss process.

Evaluation of Resting Energy Expenditure in Subjects with Severe Obesity and Its Evolution After Bariatric Surgery

Purpose One major determinant of weight loss is resting energy expenditure (REE). However, data regarding REE is scarce in patients with severe obesity (SO)—BMI>50kg/m2. Most studies used equation in order to estimate REE and not indirect calorimetry (IC) (gold standard). Additionally, there is no reliable data on the impact of bariatric surgery (BS) on REE. Objectives (a) To evaluate the REE in patients with SO; (b) to compare REE measured by IC (mREE) to that calculated by Mifflin St-Jeor equation (eREE); (c) to evaluate the impact of BS on REE and the relationship with evolution post-BS. Material and Methods Single-center observational study including consecutive patients with SO between January 2010 and December 2015, candidates for BS. mREE was determined at baseline, and 1 and 12 months post-BS by IC, using a Vmax metabolic monitor. Results Thirty-nine patients were included: mean age 46.5±11.77 years, 64.1%women. Preoperative mREE was 2320.38±750.81 kcal/day. One month post-BS, the mREE significantly decreased (1537.6 ± 117.46 kcal/day, p = 0.023) and remained unchanged at 12 months (1526.00 ± 123.35 kcal/day; p =0.682). Reduction in mREE after the BS was a predictor of reaching successful weight loss (nadir) and weight regain (5 years follow-up) (AUCROC of 0.841 (95%CI [0.655–0.909], p=0.032) and AUCROC of 0.855 (95% CI [0.639–0.901]), p= 0.027, respectively). eREE was not valid to identify these changes. Conclusion In patients with SO, a significant reduction of mREE occurs 1 month post-BS, unchanged at 12 months, representing the major conditioning of successful weight loss and maintenance post-BS. Graphical abstract

A reális és irreális testsúlycélok motivációs szerepe a fogyásban.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Az elhízás korunk egyik legnagyobb kihívása, hiszen a többletsúly számos krónikus betegség kockázati tényezője, és fontos pszichés és szociális következményei vannak. A kezelésben bizonyítottan hatékony a kognitív viselkedésterápiás testsúlycsökkentő program, amelynek során alapvető fontosságú a reális célsúly meghatározása, ugyanis az irreális elvárások megakadályozhatják a hosszú távú sikeres testsúlykontrollt. Célkitűzés: Prospektív kutatásunk kérdése, hogy az elérhető fogyást milyen mértékben befolyásolják a testsúlycélok a kognitív viselkedésterápiás testsúlycsökkentő program során. Feltételeztük, hogy a testsúlycsökkentő csoport résztvevői irreális fogyási elvárásokkal érkeznek, melyek azonban reálisabbá válnak a program végére, és megmaradnak az utánkövetés idejére. Emellett feltételeztük, hogy a testsúlycsökkentő program során az evési magatartás pozitív irányban fog változni. Módszer: A 24 hetes testsúlycsökkentő programban 63, az egyéves utánkövetésben pedig 49 felnőtt vett részt. A résztvevők antropometriai mutatói mellett (testtömeg, testmagasság) az evési magatartást és a testsúlycélokat a Háromfaktoros Evési Kérdőívvel, illetve a Célok és Relatív Testsúlyok Kérdőívvel mértük fel. Eredmények: A résztvevők közel 90%-a elérte a professzionális testsúlycsökkentő módszerek esetében elvárható legalább 5–10%-os fogyást, az evési magatartás pozitív irányban változott, testsúlycéljaik reálisabbak lettek. A fogyás szignifikáns, fordított kapcsolatban volt az aktuális és az álomsúly, az aktuális és a vágyott, valamint az aktuális és az elfogadható testsúly közötti eltéréssel. Következtetés: A kognitív viselkedésterápia széles körben alkalmazható, hatékony testsúlycsökkentő módszer, amelynek sikerében fontos szerepet játszanak a reálisan kitűzött testsúlycélok. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(28): 1119–1128. Summary. Introduction: Obesity has become one of the most challenging issues, as the excess body-weight is a risk factor for numerous chronic diseases and has serious psychological and social consequences. The cognitive behavioral approach to weight loss had been shown an effective treatment, in which realistic weight target setting is essential, because unrealistic expectations can hinder the effort for a successful long-term weight management. Objective: The objective of our prospective study was to investigate as to how weight loss is influenced by realistic and unrealistic weight targets in a cognitive behavioral weight loss program. We hypothesized that the participants come with unrealistic weight loss expectations, which become more realistic by the end of the program and remain realistic for the follow-up. In addition, a positive change was expected in the eating behavior of the participants during the program. Method: The program was completed by 63 people, 49 subjects participated in the 1-year follow-up. Anthropometric data were obtained and the participants were asked to fill in the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire – Revised 21 items and the Goals and Relative Weights Questionnaire. Results: According to the results, the program is effective, since nearly 90% of the participants reached at least 5–10% weight loss as expected by professional weight loss methods. Besides weight loss there were positive changes in the participants’ eating behavior; weight targets became more realistic. Weight loss was inversely related to the difference between actual and dream, actual and desired as well as between actual and acceptable weight. Conclusion: Our results in accordance with previous studies show that cognitive behavioral weight loss programs can be effective; however, setting up realistic weight targets can be crucial in successful weight loss. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(28): 1119–1128.

Rapid Liquid Phase Gastric Emptying May Be The Harbinger Of Sustained Weight Loss After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Study Contextual: 15-20 % Of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients need revisional surgery after LSG, because of inadequate weight loss. Aim: The aim of our study is, primarily to analyze the relationship between liquid-phase gastric emptying rate and weight loss, to find a parameter that may be the harbinger of successful weight loss after LSG. Methods: Patient records who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were examined retrospectively. 44 Patients were included in the study. Preoperative weight and BMI, postoperative weight loss at first, third, and sixth months, surgical operation reports, preoperative and postoperative liquid-phase gastric emptying study values were mainly collected. Results: The male/ female ratio was 18/82. Mean age 38 (19-60), mean body mass index 48,1(40-66) kg/m² and mean (EWL%) 63,17±13,94 were found. Mean pre and post-operative gastric emptying half times were found to be (T½) 41,86 minute(min), T½ 6,82 min (p<0.0001). Significant correlation was found between patients’ post-operative third and sixth month EWL% and post-operative T½ (p=0,020, p=0,032). Patients who have post-op gastric T½ above 10 min had decreased sixth-month EWL% significantly (p=0.03). Conclusion: Post-operative gastric emptying time (T½) may be a harbinger of weight loss after LSG.

Weight-related behaviors and weight loss maintenance: a cross-sectional study in Cyprus

Background This study examined the differences between maintainers and regainers regarding obesity related eating behaviors. A secondary objective was to develop an eating behavior index predicting the likelihood of successful weight loss maintenance. Methods The current cross-sectional evaluation conducted in Cyprus was part of the MedWeight (Greek) study. Eligible for participation were Cypriot (maintainers = 145; regainers = 87) adult men and women who reported being at least overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) and experienced an intentional weight loss of ≥10% of their maximum lifetime weight, at least 1 year before participation. Among other assessments, weight-related behaviors were evaluated through Weight-Related Behaviors Index (WRBI). Results Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed regarding meals per day (P = 0.008), frequency of eating home cooked meals (P = 0.004) and WRBI total score (P = 0.022). Results from logistic regression models indicated that the odds of maintaining weight loss increase at 30% (Model 1: P < 0.05, Odds ratio 1.306, 1.095–1.556 95% C.I., Model 2: P < 0.05, OR 1.308, 1.097–1.560 95% C.I.) and at 38% after adjusting for physical activity (Model 3: P < 0.05, OR 1.377, 1.114–1.701 95% C.I..) for each point scored in WRBI total score. Conclusions Eating more frequently home cooked meals and less eating away from home meals may be beneficially associated with weight loss maintenance. WRBI seems to be a useful tool when dealing with patients who have previously lost significant weight.